Abstract: Aqueous co-product, produced by distillation of reaction filtrate from a batch reaction for manufacturing sodium dithionite by reacting sodium formate, sodium hydroxide, and sulfur dioxide in aqueous methanol solution, is rapidly evaporated to remove about 80% of its water content, so that only the determined quantity of water remains with its determined contents of alkali metal compounds, and is utilized as an admixed component of a succeeding batch.

Abstract: Guar and xanthan gums are used as additives to sodium dithionite aqueous solutions for enhancing the stability of such solutions when in contact with air and used for vat dyeing of textiles and bleaching. The gums are added at levels of 0.1-0.2% by wt. and preferably at 0.15% by wt. of the solution. The stability of these polymeric-containing bleaching solutions is enhanced by more than 100-200%.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for recovery of sodium formate from an aqueous waste stream which is a byproduct mother liquor derived from a reaction system in which pentaerythritol is produced by the reaction of formaldehyde with acetaldehyde in the presence of sodium hydroxide catalyst.As one of its important features, the invention process involves contacting the mother liquor with a monoalkylamine solvent which is highly selective for extraction of organic materials to the exclusion of sodium formate.

Abstract: A field test kit which uses a single vial is useful in testing acidity in refrigeration oils contaminated with a colored leak detector. This vial contains a pre-measured indicator solution and has sufficient additional volume that the test oil can be added directly to the indicator solution and accurately measured within the vial. After shaking, the mixture quickly separates into two phases. The color of the bottom phase indicates whether or not the acidity of the refrigeration oil exceeds 0.05 acid number.

Abstract: Substantially stable slurries containing 30-35% by weight of sodium dithionite are manufactured by evaporating sodium dithionite solutions while maintaining the heating medium at 220.degree.-250.degree. F. and the solution and slurry at 110.degree.-155.degree. F. under a vacuum of at least 25 inches Hg and by promptly cooling the resultant slurry while agitating it. The vacuum is preferably 26.5-27.5 in. Hg. At 4-5% by weight of the sodium dithionite and preferably at 4.3% by weight, NaOH is preferably added to the solution or alternatively to the slurry, immediately after evaporation. A chelator is preferably added to the solution to prevent metal contamination thereof. Zinc-derived sodiation liquor is the preferred sodium dithionite solution.

Abstract: Sodium dithionite bleaching solutions for groundwood pulps which require no additional chemicals for pH adjustment prior to direct application to the pulps, based on zinc-derived or formate-derived sodium dithionite and containing small percentages of at least four additives selected from the following: a chelating agent, zinc dithionite, zinc sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium phosphate, and sodium metaborate. Tested chelating agents are nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) trisodium salt and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tetrasodium salt. The solutions are cool-stable (50.degree.F. or 10.degree.C) for at least 5 days with less than 5% decomposition of the sodium dithionite, and several exhibit similar stability at storage temperatures of 70.degree.-75.degree.F. (21.degree.-24.degree.C.) A method of preparation of the solutions is also provided.