Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for determining surface tension of a liquid or interfacial tension between two dissimilar liquids by using a rigidly suspended probe with small sample sizes and by measuring probe force using a top-loading balance used for supporting the container of liquids under test. When a small sample size in a small container is used, capillary action between a probe and the container walls enhances the measured force, and an adjustment factor for the capillary action must be applied. A probe rigidly suspended to overcome capillary action between the probe and walls permits such measurements. For any sized sample, in accordance with Isaac Newton's third law of equal and opposite forces acting between objects, the force required for lifting a probe vertically from a liquid is equivalent to the reduction in weight of the liquid and container.

Abstract: A method for removing anions from water is provided. A complexing agent, such as a cationic polyelectrolyte, is added to untreated water. The cationic polyelectrolyte complexes with anions, such as chromate, and the complex if filtered out of the water. The complex is then treated with a regeneration agent, such as barium chloride or lead chloride to precipitate ions and to regenerate the complexing agent. The regenerated complexing agent can be reused for water treatment.

Abstract: A method for removing toxic anions from water is provided. A complexing agent, such as a cationic polyelectrolyte, is added to untreated water. The cationic polyelectrolyte complexes with anions, such as chromate, and the complex is filtered out of the water. The complex is then treated with barium chloride, lead chloride, aluminum, iron, or zinc to precipitate chromium ions and to regenerate the complexing agent. The regenerated complexing agent can be reused for water treatment.

Abstract: A method for reducing the concentration of target co-ions in a liquid feed mixture comprising target co-ions and counter-ions by adding a colloid such as a polyelectrolyte or surfactant comprising a colloidal ion and colloidal counter-ions to the feed mixture wherein the colloidal ion has the same type of charge as the target co-ion. The feed mixture containing the colloid is filtered through an ultrafiltration membrane having pores small enough to block the passage of the colloidal ion.

Abstract: A method of regenerating spent hydrophobic materials, and recovering material sorbed thereon whereby sorbed materials are removed by contacting same with a surfactant solution. The surfactant solution, is of sufficient concentration to form micelles which are aggregates of surfactant molecules with a hydrocarbon-like interior which solubilize a portion of the sorbed material. The resulting solution is removed from the hydrophobic material and the material contained therein separated from the solution. Any residual surfactant on the hydrophobic material may be flushed from the hydrophobic material, if necessary.

Abstract: A method for selectively plugging the more permeable regions of an underground formation having non-uniform permeability wherein a first surfactant solution is injected into the formation in an amount effective to contact a substantial portion of the surface area of the highly permeable regions of the formation, which first surfactant solution is characterized as having a selected chromatographic velocity and as being capable of reversibly adsorbing onto the surface of the pores of the formation.After injecting the first surfactant solution, a water-soluble spacer fluid is injected in an amount sufficient to place the first surfactant solution a selected distant into the formation, the spacer fluid being characterized as having a pre-injection viscosity about equal to the first surfactant solution.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of dichlorohydrin by the reaction of allyl chloride, water and chlorine having substantially lower energy requirements than conventional processes, wherein the reaction mixture is subjected to reverse osmosis to concentrate the dichlorohydrin and to provide a permeate stream substantially free of dichlorohydrin, which permeate stream is recycled to the reaction.

Abstract: A method for increasing the pore volume of alumina powder produced by spray drying alumina slurries by heating the slurry to a temperature near the boiling point of water and a pressure up to the critical point of water then introducing the slurry to a spray drying chamber through a small orifice, thereby creating a backpressure in excess of slurry vapor pressure and up to the critical point of water.

Abstract: An improved method for increasing alumina pore volumes said alumina being produced by the hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxides, the improvement comprising diluting the aluminum alkoxide, prior to entering the hydrolysis reactor, with an alkanol containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and injecting the dilute solution into the reactor at high velocities.

Abstract: High macro-pore content spheres (>1000A) are produced by use of a rotating wheel, wherein dry alumina is dropped onto the wheel under a peptizing spray misted onto the wheel through an atomizing device. Compressive stresses normally encountered in procedures such as pelletizing are avoided, thereby preserving macro-pores. Size of spheres can be adjusted by altering, for example, the angle at which the wheel rotates.

Abstract: An improvement in the method of preparing alumina by water hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxides is disclosed. Briefly, the improvement comprising admixing the water and aluminum alkoxide under high velocity conditions prior to passing the resulting admixture to the reactor. The improved process results in a product having improved physical properties, particularly pore volume and bulk density.

Abstract: A method for adsorbing VCM from vapors through the use of incompletely dried activated carbon under essentially adiabatic conditions allowing most of the VCM to adsorb on carbon having water previously adsorbed, the heat of adsorption of VCM desorbing the water instead of heating the carbon bed. The VCM adsorption is greater than that found on a dry bed when an adiabatic temperature rise is allowed to occur on the dry bed. A portion of the carbon bed can be kept dry if necessary to reach desired VCM levels. The advantage of the invention resides in adsorbing greater amounts of VCM per pound of carbon used, less drying necessary after regeneration, and less likelihood of high temperature deleterious reactions occurring.

Abstract: High pressure methylation of 2,6-xylenol to produce 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is accomplished by maintaining the methanol/2,6-xylenol feed at temperature and pressures sufficient to keep the feed liquid in a reactor head then forcing the feed through orifices, expanding the feed into a mixed vapor liquid phase, the feed after expansion being in the range of reaction conditions of pressure and temperature while in the presence of the catalyst where the reaction takes place. The process avoids the current problems of uneven feed mixtures and catalyst tube plugging.

Abstract: Aluminum alkoxides are hydrolyzed at low temperatures using high injection velocities and are then vacuum stripped at or below 80.degree. C to produce .beta.-alumina trihydrates in large proportion. The .beta.-alumina trihydrate can then be converted to eta alumina.

Abstract: A method of reducing discoloration of alumina which is caused by exposure of said alumina to high temperatures is disclosed. The method comprises adding an effective amount of an inorganic oxidizing agent (e.g. H.sub.2 O.sub.2 or NaOCl) to the alumina prior to exposing it to the high temperature.

Abstract: A method for reducing the vinyl halide content of polyvinyl halide, in particle form, containing vinyl halide, to a preselected level is disclosed. Briefly, the method comprises: (a) determining the threshold temperature corresponding to said preselected level of vinyl halide, and (b) purging the polyvinyl halide containing vinyl halide with an inert gas heated to a temperature of at least the determined threshold temperature until the vinyl halide content of the polyvinyl halide reaches said preselected level.

Abstract: A method for improving carbon bed loadings by diluting the vapor feed in order to produce optimum VCM concentrations for the adiabatic adsorption of VCM on dry activated carbon beds. The optimum concentrations are determined for each concentration and temperature of vapor gas.

Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated organic compounds which comprises: (a) preheating the halogenated organic compound to a temperature above about 300.degree. C. and (b) contacting the preheated organic compound with a catalytic amount of ruthenium in the presence of an oxidizing agent at a temperature of at least about 350.degree. C.