Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed in which solar heated air is drawn down a hole in the earth by a draft from a solar heated convection column located above the surface of the earth, the hot air being initially drawn downwards to a depth at which damp, moist earth is encountered with the hot air thereby evaporating water from the damp earth and producing water vapor and increasing the moisture content of the heated air and as this damp air is subsequently drawn back to the surface by the draft from the same solar heated convection column, it is allowed to contact cooled plates near the surface, the water vapor thereby condensing on the plates from which it is collected for irrigation or other purposes. In various embodiments either vertical or horizontal porous tubes in the ground contact the moist earth to bring the moisture of the earth into contact with the heated air flowing through the tube.

Abstract: Individually useable wave-powered pumping means, solar distillation means, and cyclonic wind generating means, together with a system which employs each of them for harnessing natural energy sources are disclosed. Wave and solar energy, together with Coriolis acceleration are employed in the system which includes a basin for water situated near an ocean, or othe such body of water, having a surface subject to wave action. A solar energy transmitting cover is provided over the basin for solar heating, and evaporation of water contained therein. Vapor condensing means are located adjacent the bottom of the basin, and an upwardly extending inlet conduit, or passageway, connects the condenser to a source of water vapor above the water surface of the covered basin. Cooled air, and distilled water, are discharged from the condenser to a location outside the covered basin.

Abstract: The invention, which is useful in the chemical industry, relates to an automatic and continuous vaporization and condensation process for the fractionation of mixtures by continuously heating, in a circulation circuit, a clean heat transfer gas which is subsequently injected into a mixture to be fractionated (16), of which at least one liquid fraction, which has separated off by vaporization, is condensed and collected while the heat transfer gas returns to the circulation circuit.The process is preferentially applied to the recovery of solvents from paint, ink and varnish residues.

Abstract: Ethylene oxide is recovered from aqueous solutions by extracting with carbon dioxide in the near-critical or super-critical state, thereby selectively removing the ethylene oxide from water, and thereafter recovering ethylene oxide from the carbon dioxide by distillation or other suitable means.

Abstract: Ethylene oxide is extracted from aqueous solutions by carbon dioxide under (near) super-critical conditions and thereafter recovered by distillation at sub-critical conditions. Improved distillation is obtained by adding to the carbon dixoide a gas (or gases) which adjust the critical temperature of the gas mixture of the top of the distillation column within the range of about 32.degree. C. to about 75.degree. C. Preferred gases are the saturated hydrocarbons, particularly propane, n-butane, isobutane and pentane.

Abstract: Ethylene glycol is prepared by a process in which ethylene oxide is extracted from an aqueous solution with near-critical or super-critical carbon dioxide. Thereafter an ethylene oxide--carbon dioxide--water mixture is contacted with a catalyst to form ethylene carbonate, which is then hydrolyzed to ethylene glycol in the presence of the same catalyst. The ethylene glycol is separated as product and the carbon dioxide and the catalyst are recycled.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for extracting an organic liquid from an organic liquid solute/solvent mixture. The mixture is contacted with a fluid extractant which is at a temperature and pressure to render the extractant a solvent for the solute but not for the solvent. The resulting fluid extract of the solute is then depressurized to give a still feed which is distilled to form still overhead vapors and liquid still bottoms. The enthalpy required to effect this distillation is provided by compressing the still overhead vapors to heat them and indirectly to heat the still feed. The process is particularly suitable for separating mixtures which form azeotropes, e.g., oxygenated hydrocarbon/water mixtures. The energy required in this process is much less than that required to separate such mixtures by conventional distillation techniques.

Abstract: A solar energy desalination process utilizing solar radiation directly for the evaporation of salt water is described. Ambient air takes on water vapor as the air passes through an evaporative medium. It is then directed between a saline water-covered, solar absorbing surface and a solar collecting housing. The resulting heated and moisture-saturated air is cooled in a heat exchange means where condensation of fresh water occurs. Simultaneously, cool salt water is utilized as the cooling water in the heat exchange means, and takes on the heat of condensation given up by the condensing vapor. The heated salt water from the heat exchange means is partially directed over the solar absorbing surface, and at least a portion of it is also directed to wet the evaporative medium. Several optional sub-processes are described for operation of the system during periods of reduced insolation, and an alternative process is described for operation of the process on a floating platform.

Abstract: A method of desalinating water resides in evaporating water from an aqueous salt solution upon contact of the latter with air, the water vapor being subsequently retrieved by condensing. The evaporation of water from the aqueous salt solution through contact thereof with the air is conducted by using two air flows, that is, primary and secondary flows. The primary air flow is supplied to a cooling zone, while the secondary air flow and the aqueous salt solution are delivered to an evaporation zone wherein the secondary flow is moistened by the water evaporating from the aqueous salt solution by virture of the psychrometric temperature difference until the moisture content in the secondary air flow is increased, as compared with the initial moisture content therein, by from 3.5 to 116 g/kg. During the course of absorbing the moisture, the secondary air flow acts to cool the primary air flow passing through the cooling zone.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for extracting an organic liquid from an organic liquid solute/solvent mixture. The mixture is contacted with a fluid extractant which is at a temperature and pressure to render the extractant a solvent for the solute but not for the solvent. The resulting fluid extract of the solute is then depressurized to give a still feed which is distilled to form still overhead vapors and liquid still bottoms. The enthalpy required to effect this distillation is provided by compressing the still overhead vapors to heat them and indirectly to heat the still feed. The process is particularly suitable for separating mixtures which form azeotropes, e.g., oxygenated hydrocarbon/water mixtures. The energy required in this process is much less than that required to separate such mixtures by conventional distillation techniques.

Abstract: Formaldehyde manufacture by oxidative-dehydrogenation of methanol over a silver or copper catalyst. Aqueous formaldehyde solution is obtained from the reaction and is stripped of methanol and water by a low energy process at relatively low temperature by means of recycled inert gas in a stripping column comprising at least about 1.5 theoretical transfer units for stripping methanol.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for substantially separating the components of mixtures of substances at least one of which is of low volatility while the other is of low or no volatility, the process using a compressed gas under supercritical conditions and an entrainer which increases the concentration of said mixture in the gaseous phase as well as the separation factor between the components to be separated. The process operates in two distillation zones the first of which substantially separates the components of low volatility in a process similar to a rectification process while the second distillation zone separates the top product of the first distillation zone from the gas with the aid of the entrainer which is condensed partially and in this state is passed in countercurrent to the gas carrying the separated component of low volatility.

Abstract: A method for dehydration and/or enrichment of aqueous alcohol mixtures wherein the mixtures in the vapor state are contacted with a dehydration agent which is composed of cellulose, caboxymethylcellulose, cornmeal, cracked corn, corn cobs, wheat straw, bagasse, starch, hemicellulose, wood chips, other grains, other agricultural residues or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a solar still utilizing recirculating air driven by natural convection to evaporate pure water from saline water. The pure water evaporated into the air is removed by a condenser and the condenser also cools the air thereby causing its density to increase. The air density difference within the still, due to temperature differences, causes the air to flow in the desired pattern. This natural convection may be augmented by a fan or fans, if desired, to increase the output of the still. The same air is continuously circulated thereby reducing the thermal losses that occur when moist air is removed from the still. A recirculating pump is the only mechanical device required when the still is in the natural convection mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: A distillation/evaporation/drying apparatus wherein alcohol is removed by a dry, warm carrier gas from an alcohol-containing slurry from a fermenter. Carbon dioxide from the fermenter is used as the carrier gas and is suitably dried, warmed and recycled into contact with the slurry to assist in removing alcohol therefrom. The apparatus includes a reflux section to upgrade the alcohol content of the carrier gas.

Abstract: A desalinazation apparatus has the bulk of its piping circuitry composed of black iron pipe, or similar pipe, which is normally subject to corrosion by sea water. Heat transfer to a salt water still includes indirect heat transfer by a thermal oil which is contained in the black iron pipe. A solar collector heat source is used to heat the heat transfer oil. The heat transfer rate from the heat transfer oil is maintained by using turbulence inducing fins in the interior of the heat transfer tubes in the salt water still and by directing high pressure gas at the exterior of the heat transfer tubes in the salt water still. A manifold of jets placed beneath the heat transfer tubes in the salt water still projects the high pressure gas, such as high pressure high temperature steam, onto the exterior of the heat exchange tubes.

Abstract: Reconcentration of moist glycol, which has been used to dry natural gas, by heating the moist glycol with flue gas from a reboiler and by thereafter stripping water from the moist glycol with the dried flue gas or with a hydrocarbon gas by-product of the natural gas being dried.

Abstract: The method of recovering water by vaporizing aqueous solutions employs a heat pump circuit having a compressor, condensor, extention valve and evaporator for a heat transfer medium. The circulation channel for a gas stream which is capable of absorbing water vapor includes a gas washing station into which is sprayed the aqueous solution to be vaporized. The gas stream is guided past the condensor of the heat pump which acts as a heater and the heated gas is delivered into the gas washing station where is absorbs water. The water saturated gas stream is fed past the evaporator which acts as a refrigerating device and the water contents from the gas stream is condensed on the evaporator and returned into a galvanizing bath for example.

Abstract: A distillation device is provided which comprises a vaporization zone, a condensation zone, a vapor permeable barrier between the vaporization zone and the condensation zone comprising a membrane having a plurality of openings, and means for maintaining an air pressure gradiant across the barrier whereby air pressure on the vaporization zone side of the membrane is greater than air pressure on the condensation zone side of the membrane.

Abstract: The oligomeric cyclic ether content of a tetrahydrofuran-, an alkylene oxide- or a tetrahydrofuran/alkylene oxide polymerizate can be reduced by bringing the polymerizate into contact with a gas in the supercritical state.

Abstract: A process for isolating butadiene, with the aid of a selective solvent, from a C.sub.4 -hydrocarbon mixture which contains butadiene and small amounts of styrene and may contain oxygen, hydrocarbons more soluble than butadiene in the selective solvent and hydrocarbons less soluble than butadiene in the selective solvent, in which process the C.sub.4 -hydrocarbon mixture is separated by extractive distillation into a distillate which contains the less soluble hydrocarbons, a stream of butadiene and a stream containing the more soluble hydrocarbons, and in which a mixture of styrene and C.sub.4 -hydrocarbons is removed from the C.sub.4 -hydrocarbon mixture in a distillation zone upstream of the extractive distillation, the top product of the said distillation zone being fed to the extractive distillation.

Abstract: A process for separating toluene diisocyanate and/or higher boiling solvents from distillation residues obtained from the phosgenation of toluene diamine in the presence of solvents wherein the separation takes place in a fluidized bed at temperatures of 140.degree. C. to 280.degree. C.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for effecting mass transfer between two fluid phases, one of which is a liquid. The process comprises charging the fluids to an element which has a large interfacial area and which is permeable to the fluids and rotating the element such that the fluids are subjected to an acceleration of at least 300 m sec.sup.- 1 as they flow through the element.

Abstract: The thermal efficiency of an ammonia still is significantly increased by the use, in conjunction with the usual countercurrent steam stripping medium, of an auxiliary inert gas stripping medium initially heated and humidified by passage through a heat exchanger together with hot still bottoms derived from the still.

Abstract: A distillation system for sea water is provided with a fan to force air under pressure through a heating chamber having a heat exchanger to heat the air, a passageway from the heating chamber for directing the heated and pressurized air to an evaporator in which a reservoir of sea water is maintained at a predetermined level and in which cylindrical horizontally disposed brushes are partially submerged in the sea water and rotated as the heated air from the heating chamber passes over the rotating brushes with the brushes rotated at a sufficiently high speed to keep the brushes wet thereby preventing the formation of scale on the brushes. The moisture laden heated air then flows through a condenser which includes a heat exchanger utilizing sea water as the cooling medium and includes an outlet valve which permits the condensed water to be withdrawn for use.

Abstract: Reconcentration of moist glycol, which has been used to dry natural gas, by heating the moist glycol with flue gas from a reboiler and by thereafter stripping water from the moist glycol with the dried flue gas or with a hydrocarbon gas by-product of the natural gas being dried.

Abstract: Method of removing organic contaminants from aqueous hydrochloric acid comprising countercurrently contacting the aqueous acid containing the contaminants and steam at superatmospheric pressures, and recovering said aqueous acid substantially free from organic contaminants. The invention is particularly adapted for the removal of chloral from aqueous hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: The presence of solid polymer in distillation columns and their associated reboilers used for the recovery of methacrylic and acetic acids produced by the oxidation of methacrolein may be minimized by the use of inhibitors and introduction of molecular oxygen at a rate above a predetermined threshold value, which is a function of the operating temperature of the equipment. For a given temperature, the amount of solids has been found to be greatly increased below the threshold value of oxygen, while above the threshold value, the rate of appearance of solids has been found to be minimized and further increases in oxygen rate have only a minimal effect. At a typical operation temperature of 120.degree. C., the threshold value of about 0.1 SLH O.sub.2 /100 gm of liquid. A gas containing a relatively high concentration of oxygen is preferred.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for converting sensitive organic compounds such as acrolein, methacrolein, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid from liquid to vapor in admixture with a gas stream at super-atmospheric pressures with minimum decomposition and substantially without polymer formation. The acrolein and methacrolein partial pressures being up to super-atmospheric and those of acrylic and methacrylic acids up to about an atmosphere.An apparatus and a process are also disclosed for transferring a sensitive organic material in an energy-efficient manner from a low-pressure, high-temperature gas-vapor stream to a solvent for the sensitive material, and then to another gas stream at increased pressure.

Abstract: A process for purifying liquids comprises the steps of feeding the liquid to be purified into a sealed chamber and to guide the liquid in such a relation to a stream of air which is guided to circulate in a cycle in said chamber and is heated during part of its cycle, that the liquid will come into contact with the stream of air in a location where said stream of air has a raised temperature, bringing the damped air thus generated to condensate and discharging the resulting condensate from said chamber such as through a first line whereas the rest of the liquid is discharged separately through a second line.The invention also refers to a plant or device, designed to carry out the process.

Abstract: Organic material having a normal boiling point in excess of 200.degree. C. and a relative volatility with respect to water of at least one is removed from water contaminated therewith. The process comprises passing a current of vapor, sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the organic material, through a moving stream of the contaminated water. In a preferred embodiment, the process comprises adjusting the pH of the contaminated water to a level sufficient to prevent substantial dissociation of the organic material. The contaminated water is then countercurrently contacted with a sufficient vapor flow to vaporize at least a portion of the organic material. The resulting organic material-containing vapor can be recovered, and the organic material removed. Illustrative of the process is the removal by air stripping of pentachlorophenol from waste water contaminated with about 250 parts per billion thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for the separation and isolation of coffee aroma constituents from roasted coffee, combining the aroma constituents with an edible substance and subsequently incorporating the aromatized substance in a food product.The process involves improving the condensation of vapors generated from the distillation of coffee oil by condensing the distilled aroma constituents onto a sleeve cooled by and snugly surrounding a container filled with coolant. The sleeve is removed and the aroma constituents condensed thereon are then preferably combined with an edible substance by manipulating the condensed constituents quickly and efficiently thus minimizing aroma loss and degradation caused by undesirable prolonged contact with air.

Abstract: A process for producing monochloroacetic acid from hydroxyacetic acid which comprises feeding hydroxyacetic acid and aqueous hydrogen chloride to a reaction zone and contacting the hydroxyacetic acid with the aqueous hydrogen chloride in the presence of hydrogen iodide catalyst at a temperature between 100.degree. and 250.degree. C. and a pressure sufficient to maintain the aqueous hydrogen chloride in liquid phase. Preferably the reaction is carried out at a temperature between about 130.degree. and 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A solar desalination system comprising a tank having a transparent cover. Salt water to be distilled is introduced into the tank at an inlet spaced from the cover while brackish or waste water is withdrawn from the tank through an outlet at substantially the same level as the inlet. A closed circuit air loop includes a tubular sparger of porous material which extends along the tank bottom in slightly spaced relation thereto. Air under pressure is delivered to the sparger at one end by a conduit passing through the end wall of the tank and a pump. Moisture-free air is introduced into the pump by a tube extending from a condenser. Vapor-saturated air is exhausted from the tank at a level between the water surface and the cover and is conveyed to the condenser through a pipe. Distilled water is taken from the bottom of the condenser. In a modified embodiment, the compressor is bypassed by a duct extending from the tube to the conduit and includes an adjustable valve.

Abstract: A sparged air distilled water recovery system comprising a closed tank having spaced end walls. Passing through one end wall is a conduit that is connected at one end to a source of supply of water under pressure and terminating in a jet nozzle. An overflow drain is mounted in the opposite end wall and maintains substantially constant the level of water in the tank. A closed vapor and air circulating system extends from the end wall having the overflow drain to the end wall in which the jet nozzle is mounted. This system comprises a tube having one end mounted in the end wall with the overflow and which end is open at a level above the water in the tank. Included in this tube is a blower for circulating the mixture of water vapor and air. The other end of this tube then enters a condenser at one end while a second tube extends from the other end of the condenser to the end wall in which the jet nozzle is mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: A process for purifying crude acrylic acid characterized in that high-purity purified acrylic acid containing little or no low boiling aldehydes is obtained by rectifying a crude acrylic acid consisting essentially of acrylic acid and containing low boiling substances such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, water and acetic acid and/or high boiling substances such as maleic acid, phenol, benzaldehyde and acrylic acid dimer, thereby removing said low boiling substances and then high boiling ones, and then stripping trace amounts of remaining low boiling aldehydes with an inert gas such as nitrogen or air at a liquid to gas molar ratio of 2 to 20.

Abstract: A process and a plant for the recovery of water from humid air are disclosed. Humid ambient air flows through an adsorber in which an adsorbing agent removes moisture from the air by adsorption. Subsequently, air heated by an air heater and delivered by a fan flows through the adsorber in order to recover by desorption the moisture from the moistened adsorbing agent. Thereafter, the water vapor-containing air is precooled in a counterflow heat exchanger and subsequently conducted into a condenser in which heat is extracted from it by means of a heat pump so that the water vapor condenses and is available in the form of liquid water. The air cooled and dried in the condenser is utilized in the counterflow heat exchanger for precooling the air fed into the condenser. The heat given off by the heat pump is supplied to the air heater in order to be utilized therein for heating the air flowing through the air heater.

Abstract: Liquid purifying apparatus in which an infeed chamber, an evaporator chamber and a condenser chamber are arranged in that order along a flow path. A first inflatable bag is interposed across the flow path between the infeed chamber and the evaporator chamber, and a second inflatable bag is interposed across the flow path between the evaporator chamber and the condenser chamber. These bags are respectively located substantially entirely in the evaporator and condenser chambers, and the bags each comprise a flexible layer of highly absorbent fibrous material including a plurality of plies. The liquid to be purified is introduced into the infeed chamber, and it flows into the evaporator chamber to a level such that a portion of the first bag is immersed in the liquid. The liquid spreads by immersion and capillary action over substantially all of the fibers in the first bag to form thin liquid films along the individual fibers.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermal control in dual temperature systems in which both liquid and gas are present together at different temperatures in different locations in the system. Hot humidified gases rather than being cooled with water are circulated in a cyclic treatment reclaiming their heat which is then used for heating and humidification of gases entering a hot tower.

Abstract: Water-containing glycol is heated first at atmospheric or superatmospheric pressure to partially remove water and concentrate the glycol and is then heated at subatmospheric pressure to further concentrate the glycol.

Abstract: A reboiler for dehydrating di- or tri- ethylene glycol comprises a cylindrical, horizontal axis tank having a ceramic packed still column rising from its top near one end and a single U shaped fire tube extending longitudinally from the front end of the tank interiorly thereof toward its back end. Wet glycol is admitted to the base of the still column above a half tray and overflows into a catch pipe which drains into the front end of the tank. Dry glycol is taken off through an outlet at the bottom rear of the tank. Dry gas is admitted to the reboiler through a sparging pipe extending longitudinally of the tank from near the back end of the fire tube and then over the outlet to near the back end of the tank. A box shaped trough extending under and about the pipe separates the glycol adjacent the sparging pipe from an in-tank reservoir located below the pipe formed by a divider plate located near the front end of the pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the distillation of readily polymerizable vinyl aromatic compounds with polymerization inhibitors of low volatility, particularly a phenothiazine (PZ)-tertiarybutylcatechol (TBC) polymerization inhibitor combination. The method comprises introducing a feed of impure vinyl aromatic compound into a typical distillation train comprising a first fractionation column, a recycle column, and a finishing column; introducing as a separate stream into the upper portion of said recycle column and into said first fractionation column an effective amount of the PZ-TBC inhibitor in a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon diluent; and then distilling the vinyl aromatic compound in the presence of oxygen to recover an overhead product of high purity vinyl aromatic compound and a bottoms fraction.

Abstract: An integral water purification system including a tank for containing unclean water located at the source with continual replenishment of said water in the tank, a cover for the tank to accumulate natural heat by the elimination of any disturbances by the elements and to aid such accumulation by the rays of the sun in order to vaporize the unclean water, a blower for moving the vapor to a pipe leading from an area of one temperature to an area of another and lower temperature such as from the crest to the depth of the sea, whereby the vapor is condensed into droplets and accumulated in a condensing unit as pure water and a pump to force the water from the final condenser to a fresh water storage tank for later use whereby potable water is obtained from unclean water with the use of natural forces and with a minimum of expenditure of artificial energy sources.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering isobutylene contained in a mixture of hydrocarbons having four carbon atoms by selective extraction with an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid of a concentration of about 50 wt. % followed by separating the isobutylene-rich sulfuric acid extract by a first flash distillation of the extract and by a second physical separation of the isobutylene-enriched extract from said flashing step (which the latter physical separation is preferaby a second flash distillation at a temperature which is higher than the first and is at 75.degree. C. or less, and wherein said first flash distillation is between 10.degree. and 60.degree. C. and both distillations are preferably at a pressure between 0.5 and 1.5 bars absolute to give an isobutylene purity greater than 99.5%).

Abstract: An apparatus for the solar distillation of contaminated water which includes a substantially airtight enclosure having an evaporation chamber and condensation chamber. The evaporation chamber has a lower reservoir and an upper inclined surface which is transparent to solar radiation. The condensation chamber includes a thermally conductive condensation wall and a collecting reservoir for collecting the condensed water. A thermal insulative partition is located intermediate the evaporation chamber and the condensation chamber, and includes an upper port and a lower port. At least one thermally conductive conduit may be located within the condensation chamber and externally vented at the upper and lower portions thereof.

Abstract: Crude phenol is recovered from CHP reaction products by continuously feeding to a main column separating in its uppermost section phenol from crude acetone, this fraction being removed overhead, and in the lower section crude phenol from higher boilers, including acetophenone and carbinol, the crude phenol being removed as a sidestream fraction from the main column at a point in the column above the feed-point wherein the total concentration of acetophenone plus carbinol is less than 1,000 ppm and the higher boiling compounds being removed as a base fraction.

Abstract: Ethylene glycol or 1,2-propylene glycol contained in mixtures with lower carboxylate esters of glycol, e.g. as produced by hydrolysis of the esters, is recovered by distillation of the mixtures with a hydrocarbon forming a minimum boiling azeotrope with the ethylene dlycol or 1,2-propylene glycol, the hydrocarbon being maintained in an inert atmosphere in the system.

Abstract: The thermal efficiency of an ammonia still is significantly increased by the use, in conjunction with the usual countercurrent steam stripping medium, of an auxiliary inert gas stripping medium initially heated and humidified by heat exchange with hot still bottoms derived from the still.