Abstract: A powdered cellulose, containing essentially 3-8% of ammonium sulfate forms a biologically active media which preferentially adsorbs hydrocarbons in the presence of water and supports the growth of naturally occurring hydrocarbon reducing bacterial forms resulting in rapid decomposition of the adsorbed hydrocarbons into water, carbon dioxide and other benign waste products.

Abstract: A process for producing a relatively coarse, highly structured carbon black having a large surface area. The method comprises mixing a hydrocarbon feedstock with hot combustion gases at a high temperature in a reaction chamber wherein turbulence and stream velocity are relatively low in order to produce a preliminary coarse carbon black and effluent gases. The produced coarse carbon black is subsequently separated from the effluent gases. The separated produced carbon black is thereafter fed into a reaction chamber wherein turbulence and residence time are specifically controlled. Subsequently, the separated and produced carbon black is oxidized under controlled conditions within the reaction chamber with hot combustion gases in order to produce a coarse, large surface area, highly structured carbon black product and effluent gases. The effluent gases are thereafter separated from the coarse, high surface area, highly structured carbon black product.

Abstract: Copperas is calcined, ground, washed, dried, and milled to give a roasted copperas red, suitable as a paint pigment. The flow characteristics of the oxide, during processing, and the dispersibility of the pigment in paint are improved by the addition of 0.5-10 wt. % SiO.sub.2 to the iron oxide after the washing step.

Abstract: An alkali metal silicate solution is added to a slurried mixture of yellow iron oxide monohydrate and zinc oxide (or magnesium oxide). After thorough mixing, and the mixture is filtered, dried, and calcined, giving a ferrite tan pigment.

Abstract: Copperas solution is purified and mixed with a silica-containing material, such as fumed silica. The mixture is then dried to give a monohydrate (FeSO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O)/silica material. Calcination of this substance results in a copperas red oxide having improved color characteristics and lower losses due to uncalcined sulfate. The amount of silica added is 0.25-10 wt. %, based on the finished oxide product.