Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multilayer data carrier, such as an identity card, bank card or the like. The data carrier has at least one plastic layer, this plastic layer consisting of a thermally nonrecrystallizing polyester.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a method for the catalytic conversion of waste gases such as those which accumulate in the synthesis of vinyl chloride is presented in which the waste gases are successively treated at an elevated temperature with a catalyst for oxidative cracking and with a catalyst for oxidative afterburning.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane from ethylene by reaction with hydrogen chloride and inert gases containing oxygen, and also by reaction with chlorine, is described. The two chlorination reactions are carried out successively at 180.degree. to 360.degree. C. and under a pressure of 0.09 to 1.1 MPa in a common reaction space containing fluidized catalyst particles. A stoichiometric excess of ethylene is employed for the first chlorination reaction. The heat formed in the reaction space is removed by indirect cooling. The process is simple in terms of apparatus and permits a better re-use of the total heat of reaction of the chlorination of ethylene.

Abstract: A process for the purification of 1,2-dichloroethane is described, in which the crude product, containing not more than 3% by weight of high-boilers, is distilled in a first column at 125.degree. to 180.degree. C. in such a way that the bottom product contains not more than 7% by weight of high-boilers. The purified, vaporous 1,2-dichloroethane discharged at the head of this column is used to heat product streams containing 1,2-dichloroethane. The bottom product from the first column is distilled in a second column, advantageously at a pressure of 5 to 40 kPa, together with a feed composed of vaporous 1,2-dichloroethane obtained from the reaction of ethylene with chlorine. The process makes it possible to purify 1,2-dichloroethane with a saving in energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the improvement of metal cords for the reinforcement of elastomeric bodies, in particular of vehicle tires which are provided with retaining helixes on their outsides. The problem was to avoid the disadvantageous properties of the retaining helixes in reinforced elastomeric bodies, namely, the impairment of the inherent elasticity of the metal cord and the fretting of the retaining helixes on the outer layer of the metal cord. The problem particularly resided in the improvement of socalled compact cords, meaning cords consisting of layers of identical twisting sense. For the solution of this problem, it is proposed to provide a core strand of shorter twisting pitch (twisting pitch ratio of preferably 1:2 or less) than the twisting pitch of the adjacent outer layer; this in particular in the case of metals cords having more than two layers.

Abstract: Supported silver catalysts, which should have as high an activity as possible, are employed for the manufacture of ethylene oxide by oxidizing ethylene by means of oxygen or air. A process is described for improving the activity of supported silver catalysts which have already been used, in which the used catalyst is first washed with an inert liquid containing ammonia and/or aliphatic amines and 1 to 1,000 parts, per 1 million parts of catalyst, of cesium, rubidium or a mixture thereof is then deposited on the washed catalyst. The deposition is generally effected with the aid of an impregnating solution containing the cesium and/or rubidium compounds in a suitable quantity. This process makes it possible to improve considerably the activity of supported silver catalysts which have already been in use for the oxidation of ethylene by means of oxygen or air.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane is described, in which 1 mol of ethylene, 0.35 to 0.7 mol of chlorine, 0.7 to 1.4 mol of hydrogen chloride and 0.2 to 0.6 mol of oxygen, optionally together with inert gas, are reacted in a reaction zone containing surfaces capable of being heated and cooled, at 180.degree. to 260.degree. C. and under a pressure of 0.09 to 1.1 MPa, in the presence of a fixed bed catalyst containing copper. The process allows better utilization of the heat generated in the chlorination of ethylene.

Abstract: The description covers a process for the manufacture of vinyl chloride by thermal cracking of 1,2-dichloroethane. The hot gas leaving the reaction furnace is cooled to the inlet temperature of the column in which the hydrogen chloride is separated from the products of thermal cracking of the 1,2-dichloroethane. Within the range of 560.degree. to 480.degree. C. and of 220.degree. to 120.degree. C., one or more cooling stages are applied through which the reaction gas mixture passes at high flow velocity, the cooling device being preferably a single-tube cooler. Starting from about 220.degree. C., a liquid substantially consisting of 1,2-dichloroethane may be added intermittently. The heat transferred to the coolant in the stages of indirect cooling is preferably reused within the vinyl chloride manufacturing process.

Abstract: Vinyl chloride is produced by pyrolytic decomposition of 1,2-dichloroethane in a furnace with coiled up reaction tube having an internal diameter of from 12 to 16 cm. The dichloroethane is vaporized completely in the convection zone of the pyrolytic furnace, different amounts of heat are supplied to the different zones of the reaction tube and, after decomposition in the working up of the reaction products, the low-boiling constitutents are treated with chlorine and separated together with the high-boiling constituents.

Abstract: The activity of supported silver catalysts, which have been used for the direct oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide with molecular oxygen or air and to which from 1 to 1,000 parts, per 1 million parts of catalyst, of cesium and/or rubidium have been applied, is improved by washing the catalyst with an inert liquid prior to the application of cesium and/or rubidium.

Abstract: The activity of supported silver catalysts for the direct oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide with molecular oxygen or air is improved by applying to the catalyst from 1 to 1,000 ppm, preferably 20 to 500 ppm, of cesium and/or rubidium in two or more than two steps and using the catalyst after each impregnation step again for the production of ethylene oxide by direct oxidation of ethylene with molecular oxygen or air.

Abstract: The activity of supported silver catalysts used up in the direct oxidation of ethylene with molecular oxygen or air is improved by impregnating the catalyst arranged in a fixed bed with a solution of a caesium and/or rubidium compound in an inert organic solvent, optionally together with up to 40% by weight of water, calculated on the total liquid, as dissolving intermediary, so as to produce a concentration gradient of from 0.3 to 20 parts of caesium and/or rubidium per 1 million parts of catalyst and per meter of fixed bed, counter to the direction of flow of the gas to be reacted. In this manner the activity of the catalyst is considerably improved which results in an increased selectivity of the oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide.