Abstract: A high octane non-leaded gasoline meeting ASTM D910 LL standard is provided that includes a base gasoline fuel having a minimum MON of 96.5 and meeting the ASTM D910 standard. An octane-boosting component is mixed with the base gasoline fuel that raises the MON above 99.6 and the blended fuel complies with ASTM D910. The octane-boosting component is selected from a group including an additive, TEL only and a TEL containing gasoline.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hydrogenation processes wherein heat is efficiently managed so that catalyst productivity is optimized. More particularly, in the processes of the present invention, a nonaqueous solvent is added to a reactant to provide a nonaqueous solvent/reactant mixture that can act as a heat sink and absorb at least a portion of the heat generated within the reactor. Desirably, a reaction product, or a solvent with a minimal number of hydroxyl groups, is utilized so that the formation of unwanted byproducts can be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hydrogenation processes wherein heat is efficiently managed so that catalyst productivity is optimized. More particularly, in the processes of the present invention, a nonaqueous solvent is added to a reactant to provide a nonaqueous solvent/reactant mixture that can act as a heat sink and absorb at least a portion of the heat generated within the reactor. Desirably, a reaction product, or a solvent with a minimal number of hydroxyl groups, is utilized so that the formation of unwanted byproducts can be minimized.

Abstract: Methods for purifying glycerin contaminated with one or more lower boiling alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, straight, branched or cyclic C3-C6 alcohols, and the like. The methods are particularly useful for purifying crude glycerin phases recovered from the synthesis of biofuels. The present invention uses distillation techniques to strip alcohol contaminants from glycerin. In contrast to conventional methods that carry out distillation either under substantially anhydrous or very wet conditions, the present invention carries out distillation in the presence of a limited amount of water, e.g., from about 0.8 to about 5 parts by weight of water per 100 parts by weight of contaminated glycerin to be purified.

Abstract: Methods for purifying glycerin contaminated with one or more lower boiling alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, straight, branched or cyclic C3-C6 alcohols, and the like. The methods are particularly useful for purifying crude glycerin phases recovered from the synthesis of biofuels. The present invention uses distillation techniques to strip alcohol contaminants from glycerin. In contrast to conventional methods that carry out distillation either under substantially anhydrous or very wet conditions, the present invention carries out distillation in the presence of a limited amount of water, e.g., from about 0.8 to about 5 parts by weight of water per 100 parts by weight of contaminated glycerin to be purified.

Abstract: A method of producing sodium dithionite comprising electrolyzing a catholyte solution of sulfur dioxide in an electrolytic cell at a pH of at least about 3, the electrolytic cell having a carbonaceous cathode, is disclosed. Particularly high current efficiencies can be attained using a high surface area carbon material for the cathode. The use of a stabilizer to inhibit decomposition of the sodium dithionite to form sodium thiosulfate is also disclosed. The stabilizer is added to the catholyte and is selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, sodium tripolyphosphate, acid phosphates and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having improved current efficiency and a method for electrochemically reacting a liquid electrolyte with a gas in an electrochemical cell. The cell has at least two electrodes separated by a cell separator wherein at least one of said electrodes is a porous, self-draining, gas diffusion electrode. In one embodiment of the invention, an electrolyte is flowed through said cell separator into a porous, self-draining electrode and simultaneously the electrode is fed with a mixture of a reactive gas and water or an electrolyte. In another embodiment of the invention in which the cell separator is an ion exchange permselective membrane, a mixture of a reactive gas and an electrolyte are fed to the porous, self-draining electrode. Preferably said porous, self-draining electrode is a cathode.

Abstract: A bipolar, filter press type cell is disclosed having a liquid permeable diaphragm which is particularly suited for the electrolysis of a brine solution to produce chlorine and caustic or the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide to produce an aqueous alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution. The cell can include a multiplicity of cell units extending generally in a vertical as well as a horizontal direction. A porous, self-draining electrode assembly includes a current distributor in contact with a side of the electrode opposite the electrolyte active side of the electrode.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel electrocatalyst coated electrodes and to a method for the preparation thereof for use in electrochemical cells, particularly those employing alkaline electrolytes in the anolyte compartment of the cell. The electrodes disclosed are coated with the oxides of cobalt and tungsten and are particularly suitable as anodes since the electrocatalyst coatings resist destruction by oxygen.

Abstract: Method of supporting a preformed membrane in an electrolytic cell, and apparatus therefor, which comprises casting in situ support plates about the open edges of the membrane.

Abstract: A process for selectively removing sodium sulfate and sodium hydroxide from an aqueous slurry containing sodium chloride, sodium sulfate and sodium hydroxide, which comprises contacting the slurry in a countercurrent wash step with cool water to remove sodium sulfate and sodium hydroxide therefrom.