Abstract: The invention relates to a process for bleaching aqueous surfactant solutions using hydrogen peroxide, specific decomposition of the unreacted hydrogen peroxide and/or oxidizing secondary products formed therefrom being performed using enzymes. The reaction proceeds under very mild conditions and leads to extremely pale, low-odor products.

Abstract: The preparation of alkyl oligoglycosides by transglycosidation of C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkyl glycosides using C.sub.8 to C.sub.20 fatty alcohols is improved by the fact that the fatty alcohol is preheated to at least 80.degree. C., it is mixed with the alkyl glycoside, then the reaction is performed and C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alcohol is flashed off under vacuum after the reaction. Products having a good color are obtained. Encrustation and cracking in the equipment do not occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for bleaching aqueous alkyl polyglycoside solutions using hydrogen peroxide, in a first step the actual bleaching being carried out at alkaline pHs in the presence of an inorganic additive (hydrogen peroxide decomposition inhibitor) and in a second step a specific decomposition of the unreacted hydrogen peroxide being performed by contact with transition metals or inorganic compounds thereof.

Abstract: C.sub.8-18 alkylpolyglycosides are prepared by reacting a C.sub.1-6 alkyl glycoside with a C.sub.8-18 alcohol in a reaction column.

Abstract: Fatty alcohol--alkyl polyglycoside solutions initially obtained in the preparation of alkyl polyglycosides are treated with alkali, temperature controlled and subsequently vacuum distilled. In this process, the fatty alcohol--alkyl polyglycoside solutions are first adjusted to a pH of 10 to 14 with alkali, after which their temperature is maintained at 60.degree. to 120.degree. C. for at least 2 hours. The fatty alcohol is then removed by distillation in vacuo at a reduced pH of 7 to 9.

Abstract: A trash container includes a body having a substantially rectangular cross section, a wall and a rim with opposite sides. A hinged lid is supported on one of the opposite sides of the rim. The other of the opposite sides of the rim has a receiving channel with an open bottom and an outer wall formed therein. A guide device is disposed on the receiving channel for engagement by a gripper of a hoisting and dumping apparatus. The guide device is formed of a guide tongue being integral with the outer wall of the receiving channel and pointing downward away from the wall of the body.

Abstract: Alkyl glycosides and alkyl oligoglycosides of low iodine color number can be preparedby acid-catalyzed condensation of saccharides in an aqueous solution with short-chain alcohols at elevated temperature in a counter-current reaction column.

Abstract: Alkyl glycosides and alkyl polyglycosides are prepared by reacting saccharides and alcohols having 12 to 20 C atoms by acid catalysis in the presence of sodium hypophosphite and up to 1.3% by water, relative to the total of saccharides and alcohols, the molar ratio of saccharide to alcohol ranging from 1:5 to 1:10; and, after reaction is complete, neutralizing the reaction medium with an alkali metal hydroxide dissolved in an alcohol having 1 to 4 C atoms.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring temperature in a region of high temperature is disclosed herein. The measuring apparatus includes a sensor made from a fluorescent material, located within the region of high temperature. The fluorescent decay time of the fluorescent material is dependent upon the temperature of the fluorescent material. A first optical waveguide is located within the high temperature region and coupled to the sensor by means of a glass solder. The first optical waveguide is coupled to a second optical waveguide located outside the region of high temperature, and the second optical waveguide is connected to a means for detecting and evaluating the fluorescent radiation, also located outside the region of high temperature. A source of excitation radiation is used to cause the fluorescent material to fluoresce, and by measuring the fluorescence decay time, the temperature within the region can be determined.