Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, the material is a non-linear optical compound with a general chemical formula (&Sgr;iM&agr;i1)(&Sgr;jM&bgr;j2)(&Sgr;kM&ggr;k3)Be2O5  Formula 1 wherein M1, M2, and M3 are mono-, di-, or tri-valent metal ions respectively; wherein (&Sgr;i&bgr;i)=X and ranges from 0 to 6, (&Sgr;j&bgr;j)=Y and ranges from 0 to 3, and (&Sgr;k&ggr;k)=Z and ranges from 0 to 2, (hereinafter referred to as “MBE2O5” compounds).

Abstract: A method of removing mercury from a mercury-containing flue gas, especially flue gas from a refuse incinerator, is provided. The mercury-containing flue gas may also contain dust, further heavy metals, and further gaseous noxious gas components. The mercury, using an alkali sulfide solution, especially sodium sulfide solution, and in particular sodium tetrasulfide solution, is converted to mercury sulfide and the mercury sulfide is precipitated out via a dust separator. The alkali sulfide solution is introduced into the flue gas accompanied by the simultaneous addition of heat.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for recovering metal beryllium from waste beryllium that has become radioactive in the reaction with neutrons, by converting the radioactive beryllium to halogenated beryllium with a halogen gas such as chlorine, bromine or iodine, and subsequently submitting the halogenated beryllium to thermal decomposition. In this way, the invention allows effective recovery of metal beryllium from waste, radioactive beryllium, thereby reducing production of radioactive wastes and ensuring an economical use of natural resources.

Abstract: A method of eliminating the foam above a slurry of a corrosive liquid and solid matter where the foam is caused by a gas evolved by the reaction between the heated corrosive liquid and the solid matter comprising providing the heating energy by microwaves. This method has been found to be particularly useful in the sulphuric acid leaching of an ore concentrate in the production of beryllium hydroxide.

Abstract: A process for producing a ceramic material which is electrically conductive by reacting titanium dioxide with intercalated graphite under conditions which effect the reduction of the titanium dioxide, said product comprising an electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant, substoichiometric titanium dioxide combined chemically with an intercalant or residue thereof, for example, a metal such as copper or nickel, and the use thereof in thermal, electrical and electro-chemical applications.