Abstract: The waste shipping method using railroad flatcars includes producing or receiving a plurality of plastic wrapped bales of waste for transport. The wrapped bales of waste are loaded onto railway flatcars, preferably center beam flatcars, and secured thereto by ties or cables. The bales may be loaded horizontally or stacked vertically on the flatbed. A right angle corner protector, which may be made from high-density polyethylene or heavy-duty cardboard, prevents the securing cables from tearing the plastic wrap along the outside edges of the bales. The cables may be secured to the center beam and extend through holes formed in the corner protectors, and then secured to the bed or the side of the flatcar. Recyclable waste may be packaged and transported to recycling centers in this manner.

Abstract: There is disclosed a unique substantially non-reactive refractory material suitable for use as a material of construction for various component parts of an electrolytic light metal, particularly magnesium, production cell. The non-reactive refractory material is comprised of a magnesium aluminum spinel. When used in block form the blocks may be joined together by use of a phosphate-spinel mortar.

Abstract: Several methods are set forth for preparing polymetallic spinels by coprecipitating two or more metal compounds in a proportion to provide a total of eight positive valences when combined in the oxide form in the spinel crystal lattice. The methods disclosed require coprecipitation of the metals in the hydroxide form or convertible to the hydroxide-oxide form, calcining the coprecipitate, and finally sintering the calcined material at about one-half its melting point or greater, thereby forming a spinel which has a density of greater than 50 percent of the theoretical density of spinel crystal. Also disclosed are techniques for preparing spinels having more than two metals incorporated into the spinel lattice, as well as a separate oxide phase associated with the spinel crystallites, and slipcasting compositions.

Abstract: A method for preparing spinel (MgAl.sub.2 O.sub.4) surfaces on alumina or alumino silicate articles or shapes by exposure of the article or shape to molten or vaporous magnesium or magnesium alloy for from two to ten hours under nonpyrophoric conditions.