Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for synthesizing nitroalkanes by reaction of a hydrocarbon feedstock with aqueous nitric acid. The apparatus may be designed such that it can synthesize more than one nitroalkane using the same equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for monitoring and/or adjusting a dispersion polymerization of an olefin-based polymer, the process comprising monitoring the concentration of the carbon-carbon unsaturations in the dispersion using Raman Spectroscopy. The invention also provides a process for polymerizing an olefin-based polymer, the process comprising polymerizing one or more monomer types, in the presence of at least one catalyst and at least one solvent, to form the polymer as a dispersed phase in the solvent; and monitoring the concentration of the carbon-carbon unsaturations in the dispersion using Raman Spectroscopy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus or process for devolatilization of flowable materials (such as molten polymers with entrained or dissolved solvent or unreacted monomers or comonomers) using a plate heater having heating channels, the design or operation of which heating channels maintains the flowable material above its bubble point pressure during passage through a larger first zone and then induces flashing in, or downstream of, a smaller second zone of the heating channel. The apparatus enables a higher throughput per heating channel while achieving equivalent or better devolatilization, as compared to current devolatilization apparatus.

Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing organometallic compounds is provided where two or more reactants are conveyed to a reactor having a laminar flow contacting zone, a heat transfer zone, and a mixing zone having a turbulence-promoting device; and causing the reactants to form the organometallic compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyethylene composition with a bimodal molecular weight distribution and articles made therefrom, such as high topload blow moldings and transmission and distribution pipes. The composition comprises a low-molecular-weight (LMW) ethylene homopolymer component and a homogeneous, high-molecular-weight (HMW) ethylene interpolymer component, wherein the LMW component is characterized as having a molecular weight distribution, MWDL, of less than about 8. The composition is characterized as having a bimodal molecular weight distribution, and a ductile-brittle transition temperature, Tdb, of less than ?20° C. In some embodiments, the HMW component is characterized by a reverse comonomer distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for synthesizing nitroalkanes by reaction of a hydrocarbon feedstock with aqueous nitric acid. The apparatus may be designed such that it can synthesize more than one nitroalkane using the same equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus or process for devolatilization of flowable materials (such as molten polymers with entrained or dissolved solvent or unreacted monomers or comonomers) using a plate heater having heating channels, the design or operation of which heating channels maintains the flowable material above its bubble point pressure during passage through a larger first zone and then induces flashing in, or downstream of, a smaller second zone of the heating channel. The apparatus enables a higher throughput per heating channel while achieving equivalent or better devolatilization, as compared to current devolatilization apparatus.