I you on

A R T I C L E S I N T H I S I S S U E

ENGINEERING, DESIGN, AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ARTICLES

Ind. Eng. Chem. 48, 350 (1956)

Coal-Chemical and Other Process Uses The nonfuel uses of coal are those in which coal or

coke (a) is converted into other products by such proc- esses as carbonization, gasification, and hydrogena- tion; (b) is used to furnish carbon for reduction of ores to free metals, for reduction of nonmetals, and for con- version of oxides to carbides or to chlorides; and (c) is used for some particular physical property. These uses are discussed according to types of reactions involved, the unit requirements of raw materials, the yields of primary products, and the present and future consump- tion of coal, coke, and electric power. Uses for the re- sidual products from combustion of coal and the ma- terials associated with coal in the ground are discussed briefly. H. J . ROSE and R. A. GLENN BituminouaCoal Research, Inc., 121 Meyran Ave., Pittsburgh 13, Pa.

_____----------------------- Ind. Eng. Chem. 48, 360 (1956)

Conservation Problems of Phosphate Industry The increased demand for fertilizers and the develop-

ment of new and improved uses for phosphoric acid and its products have brought about a phenomenal ex- pansion of the phosphate rock industry. Although there have been notable developments in the mining, beneficiation, and processing of phosphate rock that have greatly extended the life of phosphate fields, the industry still faces conservation and economic prob- lems tha t require careful study and long range planning to ensure better utilization of this essential mineral.

I t is highly desirable, if not essential, that mining operations (particularly underground mining) be so conducted that these lower grade phosphates be avail- able when the need arises.

Processes tha t eliminate or reduce sulfuric acid re- quirements, utilize some of the heat energy now wasted, and yield salable by-products, not only offer means for conserving substantial quantities of essential raw materials but also provide opportunities to reduce over-all manufacturing costs. W. H. WAGGAMAN and E. R. RUHLMAN U. 5. Bureau of Mines, Washington 25, D. C. ____----------______________

MARCH 1955

Ind. Eng. Chem. 48, 370 (1956)

Propylene Polymerization in Packed Reactor Olefin conversions of up to 9970 were obtained when a

CS fraction containing 58 mole 7~ propylene was poly- merized continuously in the presence of liquid phos- phoric acid in a concurrent downflow packed reactor.

Reaction rate constants of 3, 10, 19, and 30 reciprocal hours were indicated for 92, 98, 103, and 109% acids. The reaction has a relatively low temperature coeffi- cient, as illustrated by an average indicated activation energy of 5000 cal. per gram-mole for 98 and 10970 catalysts. Polymer molecular weight increased and the research octane number of the gasoline fraction de- creased with increasing catalyst strength. Copper re- sists strong phosphoric acids up to 400’ F., if oxygen is absent and the surface is protected from velocity effects. 5. R . BETHEA and J. H. KARCHMER Humble Oil and Refining Co., Baytown, Tex.

Ind. Eng. Chem. 48, 378 (1956)

Asphalt Oxidation with Agitation In a series of laboratory oxidations on asphalt, using

agitation, the effect of impeller speed, temperature, and air rate was evaluated, and the optimum temper- ature, impeller speed, and air rate were indicated. The results were compared with oxidation without agi- tation in the same equipment. Data on Venezuelan and Mexican asphalts were compared with those ob- tained in a conventional refinery still.

With agitation a considerable saving in time can be realized in the oxidation process for a given melting point.

The commercial advantages of such a process suggest tha t the laboratory results be confirmed on a pilot plant unit. A. R. RESCORLA, W. E. FORNEY, A. R. BLAKEY, and M. J . FRlNO Cities Service Research and Development Co., Hillside, N. J .

Ind. Ens. Chem. 48, 381 (1956)

Separators for Silver Peroxide-Zinc-Alkaline Battery The silver peroxide-zinc-alkaline battery has a high

ratio of capacity to weight, constant discharge voltage, and high discharge rate. In an effort to develop a reachargeable-type battery, one approach has been development of a better separator than the cellulosic used in the primary “one-shot” cell.

Synthetic amine-type resin membranes were chemi- cally resistant to the 31 cc potassium hydroxide battery electrolyte and to oxidation by silver peroxide. They presumably act as specific absorbents for the silver ion and thus decrease migration of silver.

Experimental batteries incorporating new amine resin films have a life of over 100 cycles, compared to 20 in control batteries with cellulosic separators. R. C. SHAIR, P. F. BRUINS, and H. P. GREGOR Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Clip these Briefs for ready reference and easy filing on a 3 X 5 or other suitable card

March 1956 I N D U S T R I A L A N D E N G I N E E R I N G C H E M I S T R Y 59 A