Abstract: Disclosed are metal cleaning formulations and methods of use. A formulation of the present teachings comprises one or more furoate esters such as ethyl 5-methyl-2-furoate and methyl 5-methyl-2-furoate. The formulations further comprise a base oil, which can be, for example, a naphthenic oil, a synthetic oil or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a formulation can further comprise a metal protection additive and a lubrication additive. A variety of base oils, metal protection additives, and lubrication additives are suitable for use in the present teachings. Formulations of the present teachings are especially useful for the cleaning of metal products such as firearms. The cleaning power of a formulation of the instant teachings can exceed that required for US Military Specifications.

Abstract: Designs for electrically heated reactors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cylindrical reactor design to provide high temperature heat for an endothermic steam methane reformer without combustion includes: a cylindrical shell, one or more parallel internal cylindrical return tubes, baffles perpendicular to the axis of the shell, electrical heating elements disposed parallel to the shell axis and arranged in one or more rings extending through one or more baffles, and fitted with annular gas entrance and cylindrical gas outlet plena attached to one end of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed are metal cleaning formulations and methods of use. A formulation of the present teachings comprises one or more furoate esters such as ethyl 5-methyl-2-furoate and methyl 5-methyl-2-furoate. The formulations further comprise a base oil, which can be, for example, a naphthenic oil, a synthetic oil or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a formulation can further comprise a metal protection additive and a lubrication additive. A variety of base oils, metal protection additives, and lubrication additives are suitable for use in the present teachings. Formulations of the present teachings are especially useful for the cleaning of metal products such as firearms. The cleaning power of a formulation of the instant teachings can exceed that required for US Military Specifications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of chromatographically separating a material comprising a mixture of sugars, primarily xylose and glucose, into separate streams, one enriched in glucose and another enriched in xylose. In one preferred embodiment, the sugar mixture is obtained from the strong acid hydrolysis of cellulosic and hemicellulosic materials.