Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the strength and impermeability of soils or engineering structures, which comprises the steps of:(a) applying to the site of the soil or of the engineering structure, an alkaline water glass solution comprising water glass in an amount of 15 to 40% by weight, calculated as dry substance;(b) allowing a time period to pass sufficient to permit the alkali present in the water glass solution to move by diffusion;(c) applying to the same site as in step (a), a silicic acid sol comprising SiO.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for the production of liquid carbon compounds from coal. According to the invention coal is oxidized at 80.degree. to 300.degree. C. in the presence of the vapors of a C.sub.1-5 aliphatic alcohol, optionally under the introduction of steam, and then the liquid carbon compounds are separated from the resulting product mixture.The process according to the invention can also be performed under atmospheric pressure, 50-80% of the carbon content of the coal converted appear in the liquid product. The liquid product contains the more valuable fraction, boiling below 300.degree. C., as major component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for utilizing silicon tetrachloride formed as a by-product of the chlorination of aluminium- and silicon-containing minerals. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for the preparation of aluminium trichloride and silicon dioxide by chlorination of alumina with silicon tetrachloride. According to the invention alumina or a material essentially consisting of alumina is reacted with silicon tetrachloride as a single chlorinating agent at a temperature exceeding 400.degree. C., unreacted silicon tetrachloride is separated from the aluminium trichloride formed and is recycled into the chlorination step, silicon dioxide is isolated from the solid residue essentially consisting of the unreacted alumina and silicon dioxide, unreacted alumina is recycled into the chlorination step and aluminium trichlorine obtained is continuously eliminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for the liquid phase oxidation of coal performed with oxygen optionally in the presence of water. According to the invention oxidation is performed in the presence of a cooxidation partner selected from the group of liquid hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing liquid hydrocarbons, and if water is also present, the pH of the homogeneous solution formed from the cooxidation partner and water is maintained at a slightly acidic value.By the method of the invention the formation of carbon dioxide can be suppressed significantly.

Abstract: The instant invention is particularly useful for using low-grade carbonaceous material to form aluminum-trichloride. Aluminous material and the carbonaceous material are comminuted either separately or together, and then the aluminous and carbonaceous materials are either compacted or mixed with a binder to form a doughlike paste. The compacting or mixing with the binder to form the dough-like paste is to insure that the particulate aluminous and carbonaceous materials have extremely close and intimate contact. The mixture is then calcined and chlorinated at an elevated temperature to form aluminum trichloride.

Abstract: A process for the production of aluminum chloride from raw materials such as coal slate or bituminous shale is disclosed. The raw material should preferably have an ash content of at least 30% by weight, and with the aluminum content of the ash being at least 20%, calculated as Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. The raw material is first calcined and then chlorinated with a gaseous stream containing chlorine and carbon monoxide to form the aluminum chloride product.

Abstract: A process for the production of aluminum chloride from raw materials such as coal slate or bituminous shale is disclosed. The raw material should preferably have an ash content of at least 30% by weight, and with the aluminum content of the ash being at least 20%, calculated as Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. The raw material is first calcined and then chlorinated with a gaseous stream containing chlorine and carbon monoxide to form the aluminum chloride product.