Abstract: A small system for efficiently producing low flow rates of a nitrogen or nitrogen/hydrogen stream from an initial feed which also contains oxygen, employing a defined catalytic reactor unit producing product at very high space velocities.

Abstract: This invention provides mixed conducting metal oxides particularly useful for the manufacture of catalytic membranes for gas-phase oxygen separation processes. The materials of this invention have the general formula:A.sub.x A'.sub.x A".sub.2-(x+x') B.sub.y B'.sub.y B".sub.2-(y+y') O.sub.5+z ;wherex and x' are greater than 0;y and y' are greater than 0;x+x' is less than or equal to 2;y+y' is less than or equal to 2;z is a number that makes the metal oxide charge neutral;A is an element selected from the f block lanthanide elements; A' is an element selected from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra;A" is an element selected from the f block lanthanides or Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra; B is an element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, In or mixtures thereof; andB' and B" are different elements and are independently selected from the group of elements Mg or the d-block transition elements.

Abstract: A catalytic composition and method of making the same in which a catalytic material has an average pore size distribution sufficiently large to substantially prevent capillary condensation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alloy catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas, and particularly provides an alloy catalyst excellent in nitrogen oxide purification characteristics in the lean region by improving the catalytic activity by coating first catalytic metal particles with a second metal coagulated phase, and a process for producing the same, the alloy catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas having a structure in which metal coagulated phases being applied to and supported by a metal oxide, and comprising first catalytic metal particles having an average particle size of up to 30 nm, and a second metal coagulated phase containing at least one metal, differing from the catalytic metal particles, and applying to the first catalytic metal particles at a coating ratio of at least 45%, and the process for producing an alloy catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas, comprising the steps of allowing first catalytic metal particles having an average particle size of up to 30 nm to adhere onto a metal oxide, and

Abstract: Partial oxidation of hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide is carried out by a fluidized bed process which includes the steps of passing air through a perovskite-type ceramic mixed conductor in an adsorption zone at an elevated temperature, thereby at least partially saturating the mixed conductor with oxygen, and subsequently contacting the hot, at least partially oxygen-saturated mixed conductor with a hydrocarbon in a partial oxidation reaction zone. During the partial oxidation reaction phase of the process, the sorbed oxygen reacts with the hydrocarbon, thereby producing hydrogen, carbon monoxide or mixtures of these. The oxygen-depleted mixed conductor is recycled to the adsorption zone.

Abstract: An oxygen generating apparatus according to the present invention includes a reaction vessel and a cartridge. The cartridge is constructed for insertion into the reaction vessel, and includes a cartridge plate and a plurality of reagent tubes holding oxygen-producing reagents. The reagent tubes, which include at least one short tube and a plurality of standard tubes, each have an upper end coupled to the cartridge plate and a lower end which has an opening or port. When the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel, each of the plurality of standard tubes extends substantially to a floor of the reaction vessel, while the at least one short tube extends to a point remote from the floor of the reaction vessel. The cartridge may include an activation plate which causes the release of the reagents into the reaction vessel by pulling up a retaining sleeve when the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Nitrogen-absorbing and -desorbing compositions, novel ligands and transition metal complexes, and methods of using the same, which are useful for the selective separation of nitrogen from other gases, especially natural gas.

Abstract: Oxygen scavenging materials particularly for use in the food industry, are disclosed. The oxygen scavenging materials comprise at least one compound oxidizable by molecular oxygen, wherein the at least one compound is contained within an oxygen impermeable compartment(s) or microcapsule(s) which may, as required, be broken or otherwise rendered oxygen permeable by application of heat, electromagnetic radiation, mechanical pressure or stress, or by hydration.

Abstract: An argon gas stream containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water vapor, oxygen carbon dioxide, nitrogen and methane is purified by drying the gas stream with a desiccant, oxidizing the hydrogen and carbon dioxide to water vapor and carbon dioxide by contact with oxidizing catalysts in the presence of excess oxygen, removing the water vapor and carbon dioxide from the gas stream by adsorption, removing excess oxygen by chemisorption at elevated temperature and removing the nitrogen and methane by adsorption at cryogenic temperature. Alternatively, excess oxygen is removed from the gas stream by adsorption at a cryogenic temperature.

Abstract: A catalyst system useful at room temperature for the destruction of ozone (O.sub.3), which is comprised of a washcoat of high surface area support containing Mn/Cu catalyst deposited on a macroporous carrier, such as a honeycomb monolith, optionally with the addition of noble metal (such as Pt) washcoat to remove carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Nitrogen-absorbing and -desorbing compositions, novel ligands and transition metal complexes, and methods of using the same, which are useful for the selective separation of nitrogen from other gases, especially natural gas.

Abstract: A system and method for the reduction of NO.sub.x in a flue gas are disclosed. A P.sub.4 in water liquid/liquid emulsion is injected into a flue gas having a temperature of about 180.degree. C. to about 280.degree. C. to induce phosphorus-accelerated oxidation of the NO in the flue gas. NO.sub.2 and phosphorus oxides are subsequently removed from the flue gas stream at a location sufficiently downstream of the injection site that the oxidation of NO in the flue gas is substantially complete prior to the removal of NO.sub.2. This significantly improves the NO.sub.x recovery rate of the present system and method over those of the prior art. The system can be retrofitted to the waste gas stream of any stationary combustion source regardless of the fuel burned. The system is advantageously used in connection with a wet scrubber for the removal of NO.sub.2 and other water soluble flue gas components.

Abstract: The method for the reagentless removal of nitrogen oxides from oxygen rich exhaust streams which includes impinging the exhaust gases upon a catalyst which includes a Lewis base metal cation, bismuth oxide and a mixture of transition metal cations.

Abstract: A process for recovery of fluorocompound gas from an effluent gas stream containing the fluorocompound gas and other gas components, in which at least one of the other gas components is removed, e.g., by oxidation or contacting of the effluent stream with a dry material such as an adsorbent or scrubber medium, to yield a first effluent gas mixture containing the fluorocompound gas. The fluorocompound gas is removed from the first effluent gas mixture and recovered as a concentrated fluorocompound gas, by a process such as cryogenic processing, membrane separation, and/or adsorption.

Abstract: A metal hydride getter purifier operated at less than 350.degree. C. to remove impurities such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, oxygen and water to levels of the order of one ppb or less from hydrogen without creating greater than 10 ppb methane. A cryogenic stage after the getter stage may be used to ensure removal of methane from hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sheet-form environment purifying material comprising particles of metal and/or metal oxide consisting essentially of at least one member being selected from the group consisting of manganese, copper, zinc, iron, vanadium, nickel, titanium, palladium, platinum, manganese oxide, copper oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, vanadium oxide, nickel oxide, titanium oxide, palladium oxide, and platinum oxide, adsorbent particles consisting essentially of at least one member selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, zeolite, silica gel, sepiolite, activated alumina and activated clay, thermoplastic resin particles being selected from ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate, polysulfone, polystyrene phthalate and polypropylene, and an air-permeable sheet of fibrous.

Abstract: Method of catalytically activating the surface of a heat exchange device while retaining the heat exchange properties of the device and heat exchange devices obtained thereby.

Abstract: A process for removing parts-per-million quantities of unwanted species such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water from a cryogenically produced nitrogen gas stream using an oxygen removal step prior to a nickel-based catalytic adsorption step in order to eliminate the need for hydrogen regeneration in either step. Ultrapure nitrogen heated to less than 500.degree. C. is used to purge and hold the beds used for unwanted species removal, eliminating the need for hydrogen regeneration thus reducing the regeneration cycle time and cost.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenging composition composed of a carrier and an ascorbate based agent impregnated inert, porous particulate material distributed throughout the carrier. The composition is contained within the interior cavity of a container to scavenge oxygen therein. The composition may form at least a part of the interior surface of the container or be present therein in the form of a film, mat, sachet or ceramic.

Abstract: It is possible to increase the amount of nitrogen generated per unit of adsorbent, raise the nitrogen yield, and reduce the manufacturing cost for nitrogen by using, as an adsorbent for the separation of nitrogen, molecular sieving carbon obtained by successively conducting a halogenation treatment, a dehalogenation treatment, and a pore adjustment treatment on a carbonized charcoal. By using activated carbon obtained by successively conducting a halogenation treatment, a dehalogenation treatment, and an activation treatment on a carbonized charcoal, as an adsorbent for carbon dioxide and methane, it is possible to improve the amount adsorbed.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the removal of impurity gases such as O.sub.2, CH.sub.4, CO, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 from impure inert gases such as rare gases and N.sub.2. The apparatus comprises an impure inert gas inlet, a housing containing first and second gas sorbing materials and a purified gas outlet. The first gas sorbing material may be a Zr--V--Fe getter alloy if the gas to be purified is a rare gas, whereas it may be a Zr--Fe alloy if the gas to be purified is N.sub.2. The second gas sorbing material is a Zr--Al alloy which ensures that the purified inert gas has an extremely low level of hydrogen. A process for the removal of impurity gases from inert gases and ensuring an extremely low level of hydrogen in the purified gas is also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes an oxygen generator having a ceramic honeycomb body. The honeycomb body includes one or more oxygen collection channels which extend laterally across a plurality of second channels in which oxygen is generated via the conduction of oxygen ions from a source gas residing in or passing through a plurality of first channels. The oxygen collection channels are located either positionally along a face of the generator, on one longitudinal end of the generator or are staggered about the side face such that the oxygen collection channels do not substantially impact the structural integrity of the honeycomb body. In addition, a method in which a honeycomb body having oxygen collection channels at its face includes extruding a ceramic body and forming one or more channels at a face of the extruded body. The method further includes forming electrodes within the body and sealing selected channels for the collection of oxygen.

Abstract: A process is provided for continuously decomposing ozone in the presence of water or water vapor by contacting the ozone containing gas with a zeolite, such as mordenite, dealuminized mordenite, zeolite Y or zeolite 13 X, at a temperature at which water or water vapor is not sorbed by the zeolite, such as 128 to 175.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for air separation using oxygen-selective sorbents with enhanced selectivity, loading capacities and oxygen uptake rates have a transition element complex in solid form supported on a high surface substrate. The transition element complex is substantially uniformly spaced, and includes a transition element ion accessible to an oxygen-containing gas stream during use in the separation of oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas mixture such as air.

Abstract: A method for extending the gas lifetime of an excimer laser by removing CF.sub.4 impurity, which comprises:a) reacting CF.sub.4, an undesirable impurity which forms and is contained in the lasing gases, with an amount of an oxidizing gas additive effective to produce one or more compounds which are condensible with refrigeration means, without reducing laser output below a predetermined acceptable level; andb) condensing said one or more compounds produced in step a) with refrigeration means, substantially without condensing said one or more rare gases therewith, thereby removing said CF.sub.4 impurity from said excimer laser and extending the gas lifetime of the laser.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for regeneration and reuse of He--N.sub.2 --CO.sub.2 mixed gas for carbon dioxide gas laser. The laser gas after use is contacted with a noble metal catalyst (for example, Pt--Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) at a temperature of 200.degree.-300.degree. C. to react CO and O.sub.2 formed by laser discharge so as to form CO.sub.2. A suitable quantity of moisture in the contained laser gas causes steam-reforming reaction of H.sub.2 O and CO, and reaction of H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 following thereto, and continuous operation over a long period is thus possible. Poisoning of the catalyst by NO.sub.x is suppressed at this relatively high temperature of reaction. Activity of the catalyst, when decreased, may be recovered by reactivation by passing a reactivating gas consisting of carbon monoxide, oxygen and helium through the catalyst bed at a temperature of 400.degree. to 500.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for decomposing any of chlorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and SF.sub.6 contained in a gas. This method includes the step of bringing the gas into contact, at a temperature of at least 300.degree. C., with a first mixture consisting essentially of 0.05-40 wt % of potassium hydroxide and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alkali-earth-metal oxides and alkali-earth-metal hydroxides, for decomposing the at least one halide compound. When the halide compound-containing gas further contains oxygen, this gas may be brought into contact, at a temperature of at least 500.degree. C., with at least one first substance selected from the group consisting of active carbon, iron powder and nickel powder, for removing the oxygen from the gas, prior to the halide compound decomposition. When the halide compound-containing gas still further contains a strong oxidizing gas (e.g.

Abstract: An argon recovery and purification process in which the consumption of energy is small because of simple steps, is provided. This process comprises: a first step of reacting impure argon gas with hydrogen gas (H2) so that oxygen (O2) contained in the impure argon gas is converted to water (H2O), thereby substantially removing oxygen (O2) from the impure argon gas; a second step of introducing the impure argon gas into an adsorption unit for adsorbing water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in the impure argon gas, thereby substantially removing the water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from the impure argon gas; and a third step of subjecting the impure argon gas to a low temperature liquefaction and introducing the liquefied argon into a rectification unit for removing low boiling point impurity components and high boiling point impurity components contained in the impure argon gas by purification and separation, thereby obtaining substantially pure argon gas.

Abstract: A method for removing oxygen from ammonia at low temperature is described. In one embodiment, oxygen contaminated ammonia is contacted with a getter material that includes iron and manganese that sorbs oxygen to yield ammonia that is substantially oxygen free. In one embodiment, the process of contacting ammonia with the getter material takes place at about 25.degree. C. In another embodiment the weight ratio between iron and manganese is about 7:1. In another embodiment, the getter material is dispersed on an inert support of specific surface greater than 100 m.sup.2/ g. In one embodiment, impure ammonia is contacted with getter material including iron and manganese that sorbs oxygen and with a drying agent that absorbs water to yield deoxygenated anhydrous ammonia. In yet another embodiment, an apparatus consisting of a gas inlet, gas purification chamber and gas outlet that deoxygenates ammonia when charged with getter material that includes iron and manganese is described.

Abstract: An ozone filter comprising a paper carrier made of inorganic fiber and having a high porosity is disclosed. Supported by the carrier is a zeolite powder having an SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 molar ratio of not smaller than 15 and fine powder-like activated manganese dioxide having ozone decomposing capability. A process for producing the ozone filter is also disclosed. The ozone filter does not give off a foul smell even when used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A method for reprocessing an ozone-containing gas present in a pulp bleaching plant comprising the steps of supplying the ozone-containing gas to a scrubber and reducing the ozone concentration of the gas as the gas flows through the scrubber. The step of reducing comprises the steps of supplying an alkaline medium to the scrubber and flowing the ozone-containing gas in countercurrent relationship with the alkaline medium within the scrubber so as to provide intimate contact between the ozone-containing gas and the alkaline medium, thereby converting the ozone-containing gas into a substantially ozone-free gas. The alkaline medium may comprise one of the following: a sodium hydroxide solution; white liquor; post oxygen stage filtrate; weak black liquor; or filtrate from an Eo stage of the pulp bleaching plant. The method further comprises the step of separately discharging the ozone-containing gas and the alkaline medium from the scrubber.

Abstract: A vehicle, preferably a public transport vehicle, transports an apparatus providing for intake of polluted air, which is purified of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur oxides, unburned matter and particulate, the impurities being collected and disposed of after a working cycle of around 10 hours. The energy consumption is negligible when compared with the volume of air treated. (FIG. 2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a production process and apparatus of high-purity air and various air material gases for semiconductor production factories that, together with enabling the production of high-purity air, also enables the production high-purity nitrogen simultaneous to the production of oxygen-rich air as the finished product. This is accomplished by compressing feed air to a pressure of 3 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2 G, introducing this compressed air into a catalyst tower (8) to convert the carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and hydrogen contained in the feed air into carbon dioxide and water, and introducing the purified air into an adsorption tower (12a) or (12b) after cooling the heated air following catalytic reaction to remove carbon dioxide, water and other minute amounts of impurities by adsorption. A portion of the resulting purified air is removed as product high-purity air, while the remainder is introduced into a main heat exchanger (18) where it is cooled to substantially the liquefaction temperature.

Abstract: A reactive membrane for removing impurities, such as water, oxygen and organic compounds, from a gas is provided. The reactive membrane includes a porous inorganic substrate having exposed surfaces and at least one carbon layer, which is modified to present active sites, deposited on the exposed surfaces. The active sites include metal species which are at least partially deoxygenated and are chemically bonded to the carbon layer. Methods of forming the reactive membrane and of removing impurities from a gas with the membrane are also provided.

Abstract: A catalyst composition contains a catalytic material having having an undercoat layer containing a mixture of a fine particulate undercoat refractory metal oxide and a sol such as a silica sol, the undercoat providing good adherence to substrates, such as metal substrates, on which the catalytic material is disposed. An overlayer is coated over the underlayer and contains an overlayer refractory metal oxide, which may be the same as or different from the undercoat refractory metal oxide, and on which is dispersed one or more catalytic metal components, such as palladium and manganese components. The metal substrate may be made of, e.g., aluminum or titanium or alloys thereof, and provides a low pressure drop and lightweight catalyst, making the catalyst especially well adapted for use in aircraft to abate ozone in cabin air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oxygen from a crude inert gas containing oxygen as a contaminant is disclosed. The inert gas is passed through a reactor containing an oxidizable material. The reactor is then regenerated via a gaseous reducing agent such as hydrogen. The hydrogen can be generated on site via water or steam hydrolysis.

Abstract: Scavenger compositions useful for purifying process gas streams, such as process gas streams, such as hydrogen, nitrogen, noble gases, diborane, and hydride gases from Groups IVA-VIA of the Periodic Table, such as arsine, phosphine, silane, germane, hydrogen selenide, and hydrogen telluride, and mixtures thereof, to remove water, oxygen, and other oxidant and Lewis acid impurities therefrom, such scavenger comprising a porous, high surface area inert support having thereon an active scavenging species, formed by the deposition on the support of a Group IA metal and pyrolysis thereof at a selected elevated temperature on said support.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for the removal of gaseous impurities from an impure gas stream of hydrogen contaminated with carbon monoxide, and with one or more additional impurities such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, water, methane.The impure gas stream is first contacted with elemental nickel in a first reaction zone under nickel-carbonyl forming conditions thereby converting substantially all the carbon monoxide to nickel carbonyl, thereby producing a partially purified gas stream.The partially purified gas stream is then contacted with Ti.sub.2 Ni or certain manganese-containing alloys in a second reaction zone to produce a fully purified gas stream.

Abstract: A sorbent capable of removing trace amounts of oxygen (ppt) from a gas stream at a high temperature above 200.degree. C. comprising a porous alumina silicate support such as zeolite containing from 1 to 10 percent by weight of ion exchanged transition metal such as copper or cobalt ions and 0.05 to 1.0 percent by weight of an activator selected from a platinum group metal such as platinum. The activation temperature, oxygen sorption and reducibility are all improved by the presence of the platinum activator.

Abstract: A gas containing malodorous components is deodorized by passing the gas over a MnO.sub.2 based catalyst while the catalyst is heated by directly applying an electric current thereto, thereby catalytically oxidizing the malodorous components in the gas and effecting their removal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for purification a gaseous organometallic compound containing impurities by bringing the compound into contact with a catalyst comprising a copper or nickel component as the essential ingredient to remove oxygen contained in the compound. The above-mentioned process is capable removal of oxygen in an organometallic compound as low as 0.1 ppm and further to a ultralow concentration of 0.01 ppm, which removal has heretofore been impossible, and thereby the production of a ultrapure organometallic compound has been made possible.

Abstract: An oxygen selective adsorbent and a method for making an oxygen selective adsorbent wherein a porous carbon substrate such as a carbon molecular sieve, activated carbon, carbon black, coal, or petroleum coke, is impregnated with a solution of an acidic species and the impregnated substrate is dried. The oxygen selective adsorbent can be used in a pressure swing adsorption process for the separation of oxygen from nitrogen, for example, in air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for removing oxygen from hydrogen, hydrocarbon, or halogenated hydrocarbon gas which contains about 0.01 to about 10 mole % oxygen. The oxygen removal is accomplished by contacting the gas with a Hopcalite catalyst at a temperature of about 100.degree. to about 300.degree. C. The invention can be part of a process for making 1,2-dichloroethane where, in a first reaction, ethane and chlorine are reacted to make ethylene and hydrogen chloride and, in a second reaction, the ethylene and hydrogen chloride are reacted with excess oxygen to make the 1,2-dichloroethane. The unreacted ethane can be recycled to the first step after the method of the invention is applied to remove the oxygen.

Abstract: A solid body having extremely narrow passages formed therein for the separation and conveyance of gases by surface diffusion. Because of the relatively high flow resistance resulting from the extremely small cross sections of the passages, the gas conveyance through the solid body can be performed substantially exclusively by surface diffusion. Only those gas particles which are adsorbed on the solid body or on the wall of the passages will be conveyed through the solid body. The surface diffusion can be controlled by suitable selection of the gas/solid body combination. The diffusion is influenced particularly by the temperature of the solid body. When, in the case of a two-gas mixture, the solid body is heated to a temperature above the desorption temperature of one of the gases and below the desorption temperature of the other gas, only the gas particles of the adsorbed gas are conveyed on the passage walls by surface diffusion.

Abstract: A process for producing low-cost atmospheres suitable for decarburize annealing carbon steels from non-cryogenically generated nitrogen containing up to 1.54 residual oxygen by catalytically deoxygenating a non-cryogenically generated nitrogen stream at low temperatures with a hydrocarbon gas and mixing the deoxygenated stream with an economical amount of hydrogen prior to introduction into the furnace for annealing. The process includes the use of 1) hydrocarbon gas to convert residual oxygen to a mixture of carbon dioxide and moisture at low temperatures and 2) mixing the deoxygenated stream with a sufficient amount of hydrogen to maintain a pH.sub.2 /pH.sub.2 O ratio of at least 2 in the furnace.

Abstract: A method of purifying multi-component gas streams, comprising the steps of stabilizing an absorbent solution which comprises a Group I-B metal halide amine, contacting said absorbent solution with said multi-component gas stream, complexing ligands and reactable components in said gas stream with said Group I-B metal halide amine, decomplexing and recovering said ligands and reactable components either separately or in mixture, and recycling said absorbent solution for contact with said multi-component gas stream.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing residual amounts of oxygen and water vapor from the controlled atmosphere of an enclosed chamber. A small volume of high-purity silicon is heated in a crucible placed inside the chamber. The silicon is typically heated with a power source separate from that used for heating the chamber and its primary contents. The heated silicon functions as an effective oxygen getter for removing residual oxygen and water vapor from the controlled atmosphere before and/or during a process conducted in the chamber. Heating the silicon to a molten state can induce beneficial convective stirring that keeps the silicon surface fresh for effective, efficient, and continuous capturing of oxygen.

Abstract: A macroreticulate polymer is provided for removing water vapor and oxidants from a gas having the formula: ##STR1## wherein Ar is a heteroaromatic moiety, M is bonded to the heteroaromatic moiety and is selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, alkyl magnesium, alkyl zinc, and dialkylaluminum, R is an organic moiety and R.sub.1 is a polymerized moiety forming the molecular backbone of said polymer.

Abstract: The process of the present invention provides for the sorption of unwanted gas in a vessel by means of a non-evaporated barium getter. It comprises the steps of reducing an alloy of Ba.sub.1-x A.sub.x Li.sub.4-y B.sub.y to a particle size of less than 5 mm, under vacuum or an inert gas atmosphere and then placing the reduced alloy in the vessel. Upon exposing the reduced alloy to the residual gas in the vessel at a temperature of less than 150.degree. C., the gas is sorbed. The metal A is a metal chosen from the group consisting of elements of Group IIa of the periodic table of elements, excluding barium. The metal B is chosen from the group consisting of elements of Group IIIa of the periodic table of elements. Preferably 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.5 and 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.3.5.

Abstract: The process of the present invention provides for the sorption of residual gas in a vessel by means of a non-activated, non-evaporated barium getter. It comprises the steps of reducing an alloy of Ba.sub.z +(Ba.sub.1-x A.sub.x).sub.n B.sub.m to a particle size of less than 5 mm, under vacuum or an inert gas atmosphere and then placing the particulate alloy in the vessel. Upon exposing the particulate alloy to the residual gas in the vessel at room temperature the gas is sorbed. The metal A is a metal selected from the group consisting of elements of Group IIa of the periodic table of elements, excluding barium. The metal B is selected from the group consisting of elements of Group Ib, IIb, IIIa, IVa and Va of the periodic table of elements. Furthermore n=1, 2, 3 or 4 and m=1, 2 or 5, whereas o.ltoreq..times..ltoreq.0.5 and z is a value from zero to such a value that the total barium in the alloy is less than 95% by weight of the alloy.