Abstract: A process for producing geometric shaped catalyst bodies K whose active material is a multielement oxide of stoichiometry [BiaZ1bOx]p[BicMo12FedZ2eZ3fZ4gZ5hZ6iOy]1, in which a finely divided oxide BiaZ1bOx and, formed from element sources, a finely divided mixture of stoichiometry BicMo12FedZ2eZ3fZ4gZ5hZ6i are mixed in a ratio of p:1, this mixture is used to form shaped bodies and these are treated thermally, where 0<c?0.8.

Abstract: A desulfurization agent for kerosene is provided that can remove efficiently the sulfurs contained in kerosene under low pressure conditions and thus is excellent in an effect to inhibit carbon deposition. The desulfurization agent contains 45 to 75 percent by mass of nickel oxide, 3 to 40 percent by mass of zinc oxide, 10 to 25 percent by mass of silica, 5 percent by mass or less of alumina and 0.1 percent by mass or less of sodium and has a BET specific surface area of 200 m2/g or greater.

Abstract: A substrate, such as a glass, glass ceramic, ceramic or metal substrate, is provided with a thermocatalytically active coating on at least a part of the substrate surface. The thermocatalytic coating contains an inorganic lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound in an amount that is equivalent to not less than 2 wt. % of lithium ions, based on total coating weight. The thermocatalytic coating has a glass, glass solder or sol-gel matrix in which the lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound is introduced. Optional barrier and IR-reflecting layers are arranged between the substrate surface and the thermocatalytically active coating.

Abstract: A catalyst body including a catalytic material containing an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal, a carrier carrying the catalytic material, and a method of manufacturing the catalyst body are provided. The carrier has a cordierite binder phase and aggregate phases dispersed in the cordierite binder phase.

Abstract: Briefly described, compositions, materials including the compositions, methods of using the compositions, and methods of degrading contaminants, are described herein. The composition can include a polyoxometalate/ cationic silica material. In addition, the compositions can be made of a polyoxometalate/cationic silica material, a copper (II) salt having a weakly bound anion, and a nitrate salts. Further, the compositions can be made of a polyoxometalate/cationic silica material, a copper (II) salt having a weakly bound anion, a compound selected from tetraethylammonium (TEA) nitrate, tetra-n-butylammonium (TBA) nitrate, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal nanocolloidal liquid characterized by containing a dispersion medium and nanocolloidal metal particles, and containing substantially no protective colloid-forming agent; and a method for producing a metal-on-carrier, characterized by including causing nanocolloidal metal particles to be carried on a carrier by use of the metal nanocolloidal liquid. According to the production method, nanocolloidal metal particles can be efficiently caused to be carried on a carrier, and a metal-on-carrier which is useful in a variety of fields can be industrially advantageously produced.

Abstract: Processes for purifying silicon tetrafluoride source gas by subjecting the source gas to one or more purification processes including: contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with an ion exchange resin to remove acidic contaminants, contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with a catalyst to remove carbon monoxide, by removal of carbon dioxide by use of an absorption liquid, and by removal of inert compounds by cryogenic distillation; catalysts suitable for removal of carbon monoxide from silicon tetrafluoride source gas and processes for producing such catalysts.

Abstract: A stationary or fluid bed dehydrogenation catalyst containing an alumina carrier, with chromium and alkali metals consisting of only sodium and potassium, added as promoters. The resultant catalyst demonstrates greater selectivity and olefin yield than prior art dehydrogenation catalysts, especially after aging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing a new type of catalyst for the oxidation of CO in a reactant gas or air. The method provides the preparation of a catalyst having nano-sized metal particles and a capping agent deposited on a solid support. The size and distribution of the metal particles can be easily controlled by adjusting reaction condition and the capping agent used. The catalyst prepared has high activity at low temperature toward selective oxidation of CO and is stable over an extended period of time. The catalyst can be used in air filter devices, hydrogen purification processes, automotive emission control devices (decomposition of NOx, x is the integer 1 or 2), F-T synthesis, preparation of fuel-cell electrode, photocatalysis and sensors.

Abstract: Processes for purifying silicon tetrafluoride source gas by subjecting the source gas to one or more purification processes including: contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with an ion exchange resin to remove acidic contaminants, contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with a catalyst to remove carbon monoxide, by removal of carbon dioxide by use of an absorption liquid, and by removal of inert compounds by cryogenic distillation; catalysts suitable for removal of carbon monoxide from silicon tetrafluoride source gas and processes for producing such catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a Ni-based catalyst useful in selective hydrogenation, comprising the following components supported on an alumina support: (a) 5.0 to 40.0 wt. % of metallic nickel or oxide(s) thereof; (b) 0.01 to 20.0 wt. % of at least one of molybdenum and tungsten, or oxide(s) thereof; (c) 0.01 to 10.0 wt. % of at least one rare earth element or oxide(s) thereof; (d) 0.01 to 2.0 wt. % of at least one metal from Group IA or Group IIA of the Periodic Table or oxide(s) thereof; (e) 0 to 15.0 wt. % of at least one selected from the group consisting of silicon, phosphorus, boron and fluorine, or oxide(s) thereof; and (f) 0 to 10.0 wt. % of at least one metal from Group IVB of the Periodic Table or oxide(s) thereof; with the percentages being based on the total weight of the catalyst. The catalyst is useful in the selective hydrogenation of a pyrolysis gasoline.

Abstract: Composite combustion catalyst particles are described and disclosed. A metal core of a combustible metal can be coated with a metal oxide coating. Additionally, a catalyst coating can at least partially surround the metal oxide coating to form a composite catalyst particle. The composite catalyst particles can be dispersed in a variety of fuels such as propulsion fuels and the like to form an enhanced fuel. During initial stages of combustion, the catalyst coating acts to increase combustion of the fuel. As combustion proceeds, the metal core heats sufficiently to disturb the metal oxide coating. The metal core then combusts in highly exothermic reactions with an oxidizer and the catalyst coating to provide improved energy densities to the enhanced fuel.

Abstract: A catalyst for partial oxidation of olefin, which comprises silver or silver oxide and an alkali metal or a compound thereof supported on an ?-alumina carrier containing silicon or a compound thereof, wherein the silicon or the compound thereof exists at a position substantially identical to that of a particle of the alkali metal or the compound thereof, a preparation method thereof, and a process for preparing olefin oxide which comprises subjecting olefin to vapor-phase oxidation with a molecular oxygen-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method of producing stable ferrous nitrate solution by dissolving iron in nitric acid to form a ferrous nitrate solution and maintaining the solution at a first temperature for a first time period, whereby the Fe(II) content of the ferrous nitrate solution changes by less than about 2% over a second time period. A method of producing stable Fe(II)/Fe(III) nitrate solution comprising ferrous nitrate and ferric nitrate and having a desired ratio of ferrous iron to ferric iron, including obtaining a stable ferrous nitrate solution; dissolving iron in nitric acid to form a ferric nitrate solution; maintaining the ferric nitrate solution at a second temperature for a third time period; and combining amounts of stable ferrous nitrate solution and ferric nitrate solution to produce the stable Fe(II)/Fe(III) nitrate solution. A method of preparing an iron catalyst is also described.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an exhaust gas purifying catalyst is provided. The catalyst comprises a porous silica support comprising silica having a pore structure, and a perovskite-type composite metal oxide particle supported in the pore structure of the porous silica support. Further, the peak attributable to the space between silica primary particles is in the range of 3 to 100 nm in the pore distribution of the porous silica support.

Abstract: A fluidized bed catalyst for producing acrylonitrile capable of maintaining a high yield of acrylonitrile over a long time, and a process for producing acrylonitrile using the catalyst are provided. A fluidized bed catalyst for producing acrylonitrile having a composition represented by a following general formula: MoaBibFecWdNieMgfAgBhCiDjEkFlGmOn(SiO2)p In the formula, A represents Ce and La, B represents Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn and Cd, C represents Y, Pr, Nd, Sm, Al, Cr, Ga and In, D represents Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Ge, Sn, Pb and Sb, E represents Ru, Rh, Pd, Re, Os, Ir, Pt and Ag, F represents P, B and Te, G represents Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and Tl, SiO2 represents silica, when a=10, b=0.1 to 1.5, c=0.5 to 3, d=0.1 to 1.5, e=0.1 to 8, f=0.1 to 5, g=0.1 to 1.5, h=0 to 8, i=0 to 3, j=0 to 3, k=0 to 3, l=0 to 3, m=0.01 to 2, p=10 to 200 and n is the atomic ratio of oxygen required to satisfy the valence of each of the elements excluding silicon, and (a×2+d×2)/(b×3+c×3+e×2+f×2+g×3+h×2+i×3+m×1)=0.90 to 1.00).

Abstract: A catalyst for producing alkylene oxide including fine metal silver particles dispersed and supported on a carrier, wherein not less than 90% of the fine metal silver particles have silver particle diameters of 2 to 100 nm, is disclosed. The catalyst can be produced by impregnating a carrier with a liquid containing a silver compound or a silver ion; drying the carrier; and then irradiating the carrier with microwave to form fine metal silver particles in dispersed state on the carrier. This catalyst is used for producing olefin oxide by contact gas-phase oxidation of olefin by a molecular-oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: Process for production of styrene by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in a reactor system comprising a dehydrogenation reactor and a fast riser catalyst regenerator.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes at least one honeycomb member including inorganic fibers and having walls extending along a longitudinal direction to define cells. A catalyst is provided on the wall in an amount of at least about 100 g and at most about 400 g per liter of volume of the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb member has a pore distribution measured using mercury porosimetry in which a pore distribution curve has a first peak in a range from about 0.005 ?m to about 0.03 ?m of a pore diameter, a second peak in a range from about 1 ?m to about 15 ?m of the pore diameter, and a third peak in a range from about 15 ?m to about 50 ?m of the pore diameter, where the curve is drawn by plotting the pore diameter (?m) on an X-axis and a log differential pore volume (mL/g) on a Y-axis.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes a plurality of honeycomb fired bodies. Each of the plurality of honeycomb fired bodies has a longitudinal direction and cell walls extending along the longitudinal direction to define cells. An adhesive layer is provided between the plurality of honeycomb fired bodies to connect the plurality of honeycomb fired bodies so that each longitudinal direction is substantially in parallel with each other. The plurality of honeycomb fired bodies include at least one center-portion honeycomb fired body located at a center portion of the honeycomb structure and at least one periphery honeycomb fired body surrounding the center-portion honeycomb fired body to form a peripheral face of the honeycomb structure. The periphery honeycomb fired body includes contact faces contacting the adhesive layer. At least one of the contact faces has irregularities.

Abstract: The invention relates to supported catalysts and a process for the production of these catalysts. These supported catalysts may be used in various reactions such as reforming reactions (e.g. steam methane reforming (SMR) reactions and autothermal reforming (ATR) reactions). In one aspect of the invention, the supported catalyst comprises a transition metal oxide; optionally a rare-earth metal oxide; and a transition metal aluminate.

Abstract: A geometrically shaped solid carrier is provided that improves the performance and effectiveness of an olefin epoxidation catalyst for epoxidizing an olefin to an olefin oxide. In particular, improved performance and effectiveness of an olefin epoxidation catalyst is achieved by utilizing a geometrically shaped refractory solid carrier in which at least one wall thickness of said carrier is less than 2.5 mm.

Abstract: Oxychlorination catalyst compositions which include a catalytically effective amount of an oxychlorination catalyst and a diluent having certain chemical composition and/or physical properties are disclosed. Processes using such oxychlorination catalyst compositions are also described. Some oxychlorination catalyst compositions and processes disclosed herein can increase the optimal operating temperature, and thereby increase the production capacity of an existing reactor, such as a fluid-bed reactor, compared to other oxychlorination catalyst compositions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing an olefin oxide, which is characterized by reacting an olefin with oxygen in the presence of a silver catalyst and 0.2 mole or more of water per mol of the olefin.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing supported gold catalysts from a porous metal oxide support and a chloroauric acid precursor, wherein the support is placed in contact with the aqueous solution of the chloroauric acid precursor. The invention also relates to a metal oxide supported gold catalyst and its use in the oxidation of alcohols, aldehydes, polyhydroxy compounds and carbohydrates.

Abstract: In a method of forming a shaped body, a mixture is formed comprising a particulate silica-rich material, water and a potassium base or basic salt, wherein the total solids content of the mixture is from about 20 to about 90 weight percent. The mixture is extruded into extrudates and the extrudates are dried and heated to a temperature of from about 300° C. to about 800° C. to form the shaped body.

Abstract: A modified catalyst support exhibiting attrition resistance and/or deaggregation resistance is provided. A catalyst composition including the modified catalyst support is also provided. A process to produce a modified catalyst support including treatment of a support slurry with a solution of monosilicic acid is provided. A process to use a catalyst including the modified catalyst support in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a steam reforming catalyst characterized by improved resistance to attrition loss when used for cracking, reforming, water gas shift and gasification reactions on feedstock in a fluidized bed reactor, comprising: fabricating the ceramic support particle, coating a ceramic support by adding an aqueous solution of a precursor salt of a metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Cr, Co, Mn, Mg, K, La and Fe and mixtures thereof to the ceramic support and calcining the coated ceramic in air to convert the metal salts to metal oxides.

Abstract: A catalyst body comprising a carrier and a catalyst layer containing an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal, loaded on the carrier, which catalyst further contains a substance capable of reacting with the alkali metal and/or the alkaline earth metal, dominating over the reaction between the main components of the carrier and the alkali metal and/or the alkaline earth metal. With this catalyst body, the deterioration of the carrier by the alkali metal and/or the alkaline earth metal is prevented; therefore, the catalyst body can be used over a long period of time.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a catalyst for the epoxidation of an olefin to an olefin oxide, the catalyst comprising a support having at least two pore size distributions, each pore size distribution possessing a different mean pore size and a different pore size of maximum concentration, the catalyst further comprising a catalytically effective amount of silver, a promoting amount of rhenium, and a promoting amount of one or more alkali metals, wherein the at least two pore size distributions are within a pore size range of about 0.01 ?m to about 50 ?m. The invention is also directed to a process for the oxidation of an olefin to an olefin oxide using the above-described catalyst.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making a small crystal SSZ-32 zeolite, known as SSZ-32X. The catalyst is suitable for use in a process whereby a feed including straight chain and slightly branched paraffins having 10 or more carbon atoms is dewaxed to produce an isomerized product, with increased yield of isomerized material and decreased production of light ends.

Abstract: The invention concerns a crystalline solid designated IZM-1, which has the X ray diffraction diagram given below. Said solid has a chemical composition, expressed as the anhydrous base in terms of moles of oxides by the formula XO2: aY2O3; bM2/O where X represents at least one tetravalent element, Y represents at least one trivalent element and M is an alkali metal and/or an alkaline-earth metal with valency n, a and b respectively representing the number of moles of Y2O3 and M2/nO; a is in the range 0 to 0.02 and b is in the range 0 to 1. FIG. 1 to be published.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for sorbing organosulfur compounds from fluids are provided. Generally, compounds according to the present invention comprise mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxides. Preferred metal oxide compounds either exhibit soft Lewis acid properties or are impregnated with a material exhibiting soft Lewis acid properties. Methods according to the invention comprise contacting a fluid containing organosulfur contaminants with a mesoporous, nanocrystalline metal oxide. In a preferred embodiment, nanocrystalline metal oxide particles are formed into pellets (14) and placed inside a fuel filter housing (12) for removing organosulfur contaminants from a hydrocarbon fuel stream.

Abstract: A catalyst which comprises a carrier and silver deposited on the carrier, which carrier has a surface area of at least 1 m2/g, and a pore size distribution such that pores with diameters in the range of from 0.2 to 10 ?m represent at least 70% of the total pore volume and such pores together provide a pore volume of at least 0.

Abstract: A catalyst suitable for the gas-phase oxidation of organic compounds to ?,?-unsaturated aldehydes and/or carboxylic acids and having an active phase comprising a multimetal oxide material is prepared by a process in which a particulate catalyst precursor which contains oxides and/or compounds of the elements other than oxygen which constitute the multimetal oxide material, which compounds can be converted into oxides, is prepared and said catalyst precursor is converted by calcination into a catalytically active form, wherein a stream of the particulate catalyst precursor is passed at substantially constant speed through at least one calcination zone at constant temperature for calcination.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an inorganic sintered material that excels in photocatalytic activity as compared with that exhibited in the use of a photocatalyst of titanium oxide only. It is provided an inorganic sintered material comprising a photocatalyst, wherein the photocatalyst comprising a base having photocatalytic activity; and a silicon oxide film covering the base, wherein the film is substantially pore-free, and wherein the photocatalyst has a alkali metal content of not less than 1 ppm but not more than 1,000 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention features a catalytic material which includes a metal catalyst anchored to a nano-sized crystal containing a metal oxide. Furthermore, the present invention features a method of producing the catalytic material described herein. Finally, the present invention features using the catalytic material for removing contaminants and for getting the desired products.

Abstract: After newly attaching an interior-finishing vinyl wall covering onto at least one of a wall, floor and ceiling of a building, or after completion of washing/renovation of the vinyl wall covering, a liquid or slurry coating material containing a titanium oxide, a layered silicate mineral, and a silver ion and/or a copper ion, is sprayed or applied onto a surface of the vinyl wall covering. Subsequently the coating material is naturally dried to form a thin transparent coating layer. In a process of renovating the vinyl wall covering, the coating layer is removed by washing with water or wiping with water to completely remove various stains. The present invention makes it possible to allow any worker, i.e., even an unskilled worker, to fully renovate an interior-finishing material, such as a vinyl wall covering, without difficulty and at low cost.

Abstract: A catalyst which comprises a carrier and silver deposited on the carrier, which carrier has a surface area of at least 1.3 m2/g, a median pore diameter of more than 0.8 ?m, and a pore size distribution wherein at least 80% of the total pore volume is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 ?m and at least 80% of the pore volume contained in the pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 ?m is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.

Abstract: A water gas shift catalyst comprising a precious metal deposited on a support, wherein the support is prepared from a mixture comprising a low surface area material, such as an aluminate, particularly a hexaaluminate, and a high surface area material, such as a mixed metal oxide, particularly a mixture of zirconia and ceria, to which may be added one or more of a high surface area transitional alumina, an alkali or alkaline earth metal dopant and an additional dopant selected from Ga, Nd, Pr, W, Ge, Au, Ag, Fe, oxides thereof and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Processes for purifying silicon tetrafluoride source gas by subjecting the source gas to one or more purification processes including: contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with an ion exchange resin to remove acidic contaminants, contacting the silicon tetrafluoride source gas with a catalyst to remove carbon monoxide, by removal of carbon dioxide by use of an absorption liquid, and by removal of inert compounds by cryogenic distillation; catalysts suitable for removal of carbon monoxide from silicon tetrafluoride source gas and processes for producing such catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for synthesizing gold metal oxide catalysts and gold metal oxide catalysts synthesized according to the processes described herein. Methods of using the gold metal catalysts are also provided.

Abstract: A reduction catalyst having a first metal component comprising one of Co, Os, Fe, Re, Rh and Ru. The first metal component is present in the catalyst at from 0.5 percent to 20 percent, by weight. A second metal component differing from the first metal component present in the catalyst with the second metal component being selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ag, Au, Zn, Co, Re, Cu, Pb, Cr, W, Mo, Sn, Nb, Cd, Te, V, Bi, Ga and Na. A hydrogenation catalyst comprising one or both of Ni and Co and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Ag, Au, Mo and Rh.

Abstract: A catalyst support solution for improving the attrition resistance of a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, the solution comprising: crystalline silica and at least one chemical promoter selected from alkali metal bases, wherein the support solution has a pH of greater than or equal to about 7. A structurally promoted catalyst comprising: crystalline silica; at least one basic chemical promoter; and iron; wherein the catalyst comprises SiO2:Fe in a ratio of from about 2:100 to about 24:100. A method of producing a structurally promoted precipitated iron catalyst, the method comprising: forming the structural support solution described above; stirring the support solution for a time to dissolve the silica in the solution; adding the support solution to a precipitated iron catalyst slurry to form an attrition resistant catalyst slurry; and drying the attrition resistant catalyst slurry to yield the structurally promoted precipitated iron catalyst.

Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided that can include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition. The reactant composition can include a multihydric alcohol compound and the product composition can include a carbonyl compound. The catalyst composition can include a metal effective to facilitate catalyst activation. Processes disclosed also include supplementing a dehydration catalyst with a promoter, and activating the supplemented catalyst in the presence of oxygen. Processes also include providing a supplemented dehydration catalyst to within a reactor, and exposing a multihydric alcohol compound to the dehydration catalyst, with the exposing forming coke within the reactor. Oxygen can be provided to the reactor to remove at least a portion of the coke.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixed oxide catalysts for the catalytic gas-phase oxidation of olefins and methylated aromatics, processes for producing the catalysts and the reaction with air or oxygen in the presence of inert gases in various ratios at elevated temperatures and pressure to form aldehydes and carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A catalytically active glass-ceramic and method for producing a catalytically active multi-phase glass-ceramic in which at least one catalyst precursor is mixed with a glass-ceramic precursor formulation to form a catalyst precursor/glass-ceramic precursor mixture. The catalyst precursor/glass-ceramic precursor mixture is then melted to form an amorphous glass material which, in turn, is devitrified to form a polycrystalline ceramic. The polycrystalline ceramic is then activated, forming a catalytically active multi-phase glass-ceramic.

Abstract: A particulate porous ammoxidation catalyst for use in producing acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile by reacting propylene, isobutene or tert-butyl alcohol with molecular oxygen and ammonia in a fluidized-bed reactor, the catalyst comprising a metal oxide and a silica carrier having supported thereon the metal oxide, wherein the metal oxide contains at least two elements selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, bismuth, iron, vanadium, antimony, tellurium and niobium, and the catalyst having a particle diameter distribution wherein the amount of catalyst particles having a particle diameter of from 5 to 200 ?m is from 90 to 100% by weight, based on the weight of the catalyst, and having a pore distribution wherein the cumulative pore volume of pores having a pore diameter of 80 ? or less is not more than 20%, based on the total pore volume of the catalyst and wherein the cumulative pore volume of pores having a pore diameter of 1,000 ? or more is not more than 20%, based on the total pore volume of the

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition comprising an alloy represented by the following generic formula Aa)n(Bb)n(Cc)n(Dd)n(ee)n( . . . )n; wherein A is an oxygen storage agent; B is an anti-sintering agent; C is an oxidation catalyst; D is a reduction catalyst; and E is a NOx absorbing agent; wherein each subscript letter represents compositional stoichiometry; wherein n is greater than or equal to zero; wherein the sum of the n's is equal to or greater than 2, and wherein the alloy comprises at least two different metals. There is also disclosed a washcoat composition; a catalyst support; methods of making the alloy, the washcoat composition, and the catalyst support.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making a small crystal SSZ-32 zeolite, known as SSZ-32X. The catalyst is suitable for use in a process whereby a feed including straight chain and slightly branched paraffins having 10 or more carbon atoms is dewaxed to produce an isomerized product, with increased yield of isomerized material and decreased production of light ends.