; jr* mm mm1 « ÎÏ §11 % ■ U m 1 I 1 1 1j 'It §rIllJ- Ir * ^/.•■''VYY'Vïy

Worthy of Bjetter Hire ...... 91 S. D. K IR K PA T R IC K ...... Editor EDITORIAL *FOREWOIlD JAMES A. LEE Managing Editor THEODORE R. O LIV E. .Associate Editor Synthetic 'foluql From Petroleum ...... 92 HENRY M. B A T T E R S ... .Market Editor •'¿~F1SCHER ”nd A- B- WEI.TY, JR. JOHN R. CALLAIIAM.. .Assistant Editor LESTER B. POPE Assistant Editor Collective Bargaining; Does It Conflict With Engineering Ethics?. ... 96 By ZOLA G. DEUTSCH EDITORIAL REPRESENTATIVES E. S. STATELER...... Chicago Molecular Distillation; A New Palh to Separation of Chemicals...... 100 R. S. M c B R ID E ...... Washington By T. R. OLIVE EARLE MAULDIN ...... Atlanta Velocity of Spheres in Fluids...... 104 TIALWYN R. S M IT H Los Angeles By R. C. BINDER M. A. W ILLIA M SO N ...... Publisher St. Regis Successfully Bleaches Groundwood...... 106 DISTRICT MANAGERS By JAMES A. LEE E. H . B E D E L L ...... New York R. G. FR E D ER IC K ...... Netu York Heat Stability Features New Grouj) of Synthetic Resins...... 109 FRED GRANT ...... Cleveland Soap Makers Overcome Raw Material Shortages...... 110 L. A. CUN NING HAM ...... Chicago W. D. BOYD...... Boston. Chcm. & Mel. Plant Notebook...... 114 J. R. VAN A RSDA LE Philadelphia Chlorine Industry Plans for Markets in Postwar Pentad ...... 115 Published monthly. Price 35 cents per copy. A CHEM. & MET. R E I'O R T Publication office, 99-129 North Broadway, Albany 1, N. Y. Address communications Viscose Staple Fiber...... 128 _ about subscriptions to Director of Circula­ A CHEM. & M ET. PICTURED FLOWSHEET tion, Chem. & Met., 330 West 42nd St., New York 18, N. Y. Subscription rates: United States, Mexico, Central and South W a t c h in c W a s h in g t o n ...... 80 C o n v e n t io n P aper A bstracts.. . 171 American Countries, $3 per year, $4 for two years, $5 for three years. Canada $3.50 F ro m a n E ditorial V ie w p o in t . . . 112 F oreign L itera tu re A bstracts. . 183 per year, $5 for two years, $6 for three P rocess E q u ip m e n t N e w s 124 C h e m . & M et . B o o k s h e l f ...... 187 years (payable in Canadian funds). Great Britain and British Possessions, 30 shillings N e w P roducts and M a t e r ia l s. . ? . 135 G o v e r n m e n t P ublications ___ . 191 per year, 60 shillings for three years. All other countries, $5 per year, $10 for three C h e m ic a l E n g in e e r in g N e w s 145 M anufacturers’ P ublications . . 195 years. Entered as second class matter Sep­ N e w s From Abroad ...... 151 C h e m ic a l E c o n o m ic s ...... 199 tember 3, 1936, at Post Office at Albany', N. Y., U. S. A., under act of March 3, F ro m t h e L og o f E x p e r ie n c e 157 P roduction and C o n s u m p t io n . . 200 1879. Contents copyrighted. 1944 by Mc­ Graw-Hill Publishing Company, Inc. Branch N a m e s in t h e N e w s ...... 163 C u r re n t P rices ...... 205 offices: 520 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago I nd u stria l N otes ...... 168 N ew C onstruction ...... 206 11; 68 Post Street, San Francisco 4; Ald- wych House, Aldwych, London, W. C. 2; Washington 4; Philadelphia 2; Cleveland 15; Detroit 2; St. Louis 8; Boston 16; Los A n in d ex to advertisers w il l be fo u n d o n pace 364. Angeles 14; Atlanta 3; Pittsburgh 22. Return Postage Guaranteed

M cGRAW -HILL PU BLISH IN G CO., INC. JAMES H. McGRAW Founder and Honorary Chairman

Publication Office 99-129 North Broadway, Albany 1, N. Y. Editorial and Executive Offices 330 West 42nd Street, New York 18, N. Y. JAMES H. MoGRAW, Jr ...... President HOWARD EHRLICH Executive Vice-Prcs. for Business Operations JOHN ABBINK Executive Vice-Prcs. for Editorial Operations •CURTIS W. McGRAW Vice-President and Treasurer J. A. GERA'RDI...... Secretary J. E. BLACKBURN, Jr. Director of Circulation Member A.’B.P. Member A.B.C. »Cable Address McGRAW-HILL, New York

Water Supply Pumps

- l-R SERVES Hetkes Butane Products Btaui

■

Eons of liquids must be handled and processed in the huge butadiene plant at Port Neches. Ingersoll-Rand Cam­ eron pumps are doing their share in this plant, as they are in most of the butadiene and aviation gasoline plants now supplying our ever-increasing war needs ... Pumps for process work, for \vater supply, for boiler feeding... Also I-R compressors and air tools. Ingeisoll-Rand ' II BROADWAY, NEW YORK 4, N. Y. 14-459 CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS • CONDENSERS • COMPRESSORS • TURBO-BLOWERS • ROCK DRILLS • AIR TOOLS • OIL AND GAS ENGINES

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1941 m m m wrnmm R. S. McBRIDE, Editorial Consultant • PAUL W00T0N, Chief of McGraw-Hill Washington Bureau * MALCOLM BURTON, Washington Correspondent

Increasing activity in the air demands more and more high-octane ers will arrange to take ammonia, urea, and special solutions uniformly through the gasoline . . . Requirements for fertilizer materials indicate increases year rather than on a low-production basis of as much as 25 percent . . . Specialists recommend use of urea during the first three or four months. as a part of cattle feed ration . . . Phosphate rock producers are FERTILIZER. SETBACK investigated by FTC . . . Production trends in the chemical indus­ C o n g ress has given the Department of tries are continuing up . . . Wartime restrictions on glycerine have Agriculture $300,000,000 to be spent dur­ been removed . . . Donald Nelson issued a series of orders for recon­ ing the fiscal year which begins July 1, for version . . . DPC has offered about 30 establishments for sale as soil improvement and soil conservation pro­ gram. AAA would like to spend about a surplus war property • . . One of the first sales of surplus plant quarter of this sum on fertilizers. Many in facilities was made recently at Binghamton, N. Y. the fertilizer industry object, even though the nominal purpose is to educate farmers in the better and more extensive use of NOT A POLITICAL ISSUE BUTADIENE FROM ALCOHOL fertilizer. Triple-A undertook to encourage use of D u r in g the summer it is estimated that A n t i-t r u s t officials of the Department fertilizer on pastures and for cover crops. about 70 percent of the butadiene will be of Justice insist that “freedom of enter­ It gave away the wrong fertilizer to produce made from alcohol, while the seven petro­ prise is not a political issue.” This was good results. As a consequence farmers leum butadiene plants arc shut down. both the subject and the theme of a in those areas have come to believe that Next year, assuming that the high-octane formal address by Assistant Attorney Gen­ fertilizer does not do them any good. It program goes as expected, the supply of eral Wendell Berge who directs the Anti- remains to be seen whether the industry butadiene will be about 50-50 from the Trust Division. His postwar program of 11 will supply as much fertilizer for soil im­ two sources. The urge to continue the points was announced in this address, but provement work as AAA would like. Cer­ trend from alcohol to petroleum is prin­ cynics note that the address was delivered tainly the two philosophies of industry cipally the lower cost of butadiene from before a New York State gathering of and government are diametrically opposed that source. Affiliated Young Democrats, Inc. They even on the question as to how to teach ask “if this is not a political sub-issue; the farmer to use fertilizer for his own why argue before the purely political AVAILABLE TRAINING profit. gathering?” W h e n veterans return and seek jobs, as many thousands will do every month WHO IS SQUEEZED? OCTANE vs. RUBBER from now on, there are available several P r ic in g phosphate rock in Florida, B ig s h if t s between chemical engineer­ kinds of training at government expense. OPA has authorized a 20-cent-per-ton in­ ing operations of one type and another are Any employer who finds such men not crease in ceiling. This price will require likely to continue for the balance of the quite ready for the more urgent jobs can also adjustment upward of the prices of war period. The most extensive such cooperate to get training classes organized superphosphate at the producer’s level; modification of plans occurred in July through W ar Manpower, Office of Educa­ but “that adjustment will apply only at when the demand for high-octane gasoline tion, or special vocational training units. the wholesale level and will not be reflected gave preference for that product over W here a refresher or specialist course is in higher prices for superphosphate or rubber. This cuts off some of the major needed, this will be organized to suit the mixed fertilizer sold to farmers.” OPA manufacturing activities where butadiefie local requirements. Preference is given to does not explain how the intermediate mer­ was being made from petroleum. Thus a employment for war projects; but almost chandising groups are going to escape the larger part of the synthetic rubber load equal service is available where essential difficulties of this squeeze. had to be borne by alcohol butadiene. civilian needs are served by the training That shift would not have been possible program. PHOSPHATE WORLD MARKET without serious cutback on tire manufac­ ture under most circumstances. But the D u r in g t h e present fertilizer year- MORE FERTILIZER ESTIMATES real limitation on tire output has been Washington asks for production of 10,- for several months the number of workers S in c e the first of June Washington has 000,000 tons of phosphate rock in a pro­ and the equipment which could be made been talking about fertilizer material sup­ gram which calls for 12,767,000 tons in available for large-size, heavy-duty tire ply for the 1944-45 year. Late estimates the fertilizer year 1945-46. The latter making. During the latter half of July of the Department of Agriculture regard­ figure includes some phosphate for export. high officials from Washington took vig­ ing these materials, indicate increases over But the principal European supply is ex­ orous measures to speed up this heavy-duty the preceding fertilizer year of 21 percent pected from North African mines as in tire production and succeeded in bettering for potash, 25 percent for superphosphate, prewar years. Re-establishment of large conditions somewhat. Nevertheless, there and a slight increase in nitrogen supply. production and transport there is still re­ remains prospectively a shortage of such The magnitude of increase in nitrogen use stricted by scarcity of labor, equipment, tires until the peak of military demands for fertilizer will depend principally, the and rail transportation. Present African is passed. industry states, on whether fertilizer mak­ shipments are about 2.5 million tons as

80 AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING lllllllllfH H N m MM W operation offers tremendous advantages on many applications and this is espe­ cially true if you secure your variable speed operation with Master Speedrangers.

The speed varying mechanism is a steel on steel drive which is built into an integral construction with the motor to form an extremely compact, durable, trouble-free unit.

Master Speedrangers are available for every current speci­ fication, every type enclosure, with gearheads, unibrakes . . . and in the whole wide range of types in the Master Line. This wide flexibility makes it easy to select just the right combination of features for each application.

The unit shown below is ideally suited to the job as it provides smooth, stepless operation to as high as 5000 RPM without the use of gears, etc. . . . savos space, saves parts, only one unit to mount, fully enclosed for complete safety . . . equipped for manual remote control operation.

The complete Speedranger is designed, manufactured and guaranteed as a unit in one plant by one manu­ facturer, so there is no division of responsibility ^ for its satisfactory operation.

Investigate how easily you can secure the ‘ many advantages of variable speed operation if you use Master Speedrangers.

THE MASTER ELECTRIC COMPANY DAYTON 1, OHIO

SPEEDRANGERS compared with prewar averages near 4 demands for high octane gasoline to as­ creases the danger of unemployment. At million. The implication is that U. S. tronomical figures. Changes in battlefield least that is the argument of those who, sources will be called on principally during requirements for heavy artillery ammuni­ like Nelson and Hancock, plan prompt the transition period, but export in any tion mean the downward trend of the cutback when military, requirements large amount cannot be expected to go production of TNT, smokeless powder and decline. from the United States when cheap labor phosphorus has been reversed. More sul­ and adequate facilities are again available phuric acid, ammonia and toluol are being GLYCERINE UNLIMITED in Africa. produced but not more than the capacity of available facilities. In late July the W a r t im e restrictions have been re­ moved from glycerine. Stocks at the end of BEVERAGE ALCOHOL LIMITS Gopher Arsenal and some others were being returned to production of explosives. July were approaching a more than com­ B o t h industrial alcohol and distillery Production of fertilizer is expected to fortable 100 million lb. Estimates that the production for beverages during August continue its upward trend. The necessity stock would decline1 from the high level of are limited principally by restriction on raw of growing more food for the liberated January 1 when 81 million lb. were on materials. The use of corn, molasses, or areas is behind the demand. It may be hand have not been fulfilled. The rapid grain sorghum was forbidden; but plenty used in this country or sent abroad. In increase in stocks is directly traceable to of wheat or granular wheat flour was the field of plastics, an expansion of pro­ both the increase in production and to a available. Industrial alcohol units have, duction of alkyd and vinyl resins already decline in requirements, particularly to a of course, been limited in their holiday to is underway. Demand for phenolics is falling off of lend-lease requirements. half the capacity of their plants for bev­ high and is expected to continue into the Recovery standards of the fat splitters erages. The other half has been continued postwar period. and soapers were revoked the last of June. on the alcohol-for-rubber business. This was not expected to make a great change in the glycerine situation. Fat FAT SALVAGE TO CONTINUE UREA FOR FEED splitters who have been having a heyday Salv a g e of household fat is to be main­ at the expense of the small soap makers, To o f f s e t shortage of protein feed, tained in spite of the quantity of glycerine who could not meet the glycerine recovery Bureau of Dairy' Industry specialists are now on hand and the generally easy fat and standards, will now feel the pinch. Small recommending use of urea as a part of oil situation. However, no emphasis will soap makers may now use fats and oils cattle feed ration. Experimental work be put on the program. Washington of­ without regard to glycerine recovery. done by competent animal husbandrymen ficials are keeping it going because they Glycerine is now a free moving commodity' seems to establish convincingly that such know that once the momentum is lost it subject only to the whims of the buyers ruminants as sheep and cows can utilize cannot be regained in case an increase in and sellers. urea for food to make protein. Other fat salvage should be necessary. classes of animals cannot do so. Initial conclusions from BDI experiments are A JOB WELL DONE MACHINES TO REPLACE MEN that 0.3 lb. per day per cow is a suitable A n n o u n c in g accomplishment of its urea ration. Feeding it mixed with silage A w e l c o m e revision of the chemical task to create a synthetic rubber industry is recommended. Chemical manufacturers industry’s repair and maintenance order of sufficient magnitude to make the United may find this a small additional outlet for P-89 provides a general easing of restric­ States independent of foreign rubber im­ synthetic ammonia. tions all along'the line and includes in the ports the Office of the Rubber Director material for maintenance, repair and oper­ became the first wartime agency voluntarily PHOSPHATE INQUIRY STARTS ating supplies “required to avoid losses of to surrender its emergency powers. Col. production below current rated capacity as Bradley Dewey, Rubber Director, submit­ P h o s p h a t e rock producers are being in­ a result of manpower losses by installation ted his resignation to W PB and James F. vestigated by Federal Trade Commission of labor-saving devices.” W hether this Byrnes effective September 1. for alleged illegal agreements regarding provision will be of great importance to the sale of phosphate rock through the Phos­ chemical industry depends entirely upon RECONVERSION BEGINS phate Export Association and Florida Hard the length of the war. Rock Phosphate Export Association. These D e s p it e absence for hospital care and two organizations are set up under the FOR SOCIAL REASONS subsequent convalescence from pneumonia, Webb-Ponrcrene export trade act. Chairman Donald M. Nelson of WPB I nterruption of manufacture of goods was able to put over his program of plan­ HIGH RATINGS HARD TO GET for the government will be ordered at the ning for reconversion by a series of orders earliest possible date if the Donald Nelson effective over the pejiod July 15 to August T r ip l e A ratings are not passed out and John Hancock philosophy prevails. 15. The basic controversy which delayed indiscriminately. The final decision on These two influential Washington execu­ such requests goes before the WPB Special ■this development was one of psychology in tives state categorically that “ there will be employment. Rating Branch after the request has passed no manufacture solely for social reasons.” through the industry division and they are Other Washington leaders are inclined satisfied as to the essentiality and justice to follow the argument of certain labor AID FOR LIMITED RECONVERSION of the request. Only a relatively small per­ groups. These groups insist that the gov­ centage get final approval and that number ernment should not abruptly cut off manu­ D o n a ld N e l s o n ’s plans for the relax­ will be still further reduced as the general facturing because -it throws workers out ation- of controls on civilian production go supply situation deteriorates. Direct war of jobs before they can get employment into effect this month. Four orders were products come first. elsewhere. That philosophy,-was the one written to put the general plans into effect. so conspicuously displayed in the sit-down The orders are: ¡PRODUCTION TRENDS ARE stay-in at Brewster Aircraft some months 1. To relax some of the restrictions on UP AND UP ago. That event spotlighted the argument; the use of aluminum and magnesium. This ~ L a t e in July four general trends in the but has persuaded few, if any, influential has been done by increasing the list of chemical industry were apparent. Increas­ officials. Delay in cancelling government eligible items which can be manufactured ing tempo of air activity in both- Europe contracts beyond the time when it is from the light metals. Substitution of and the Western Pacific have increased known goods "are not needed simply in­ aluminum and magnesium for other metals

82 AVGUST 1944 «.CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING ■dorid ad ¿one, oi ad f/eoc- d /c ad a /tiece o^ dCiinrf — S y t f c t i S T a S in g ---- a ¿ e l / e l fti/iin tf m ediant y f f i , a i l a n d ¿iauidd.

haracterized by a noteworthy and almost all acids and alkalies. It is not and surgical tubing, transmission lines C chemical inertness and a marked affected by oil, soap or perspiration. for beverages, electrical insulation sheath­ resistance to aging, Tygon rubber-like Tygon Tubing is, however, attacked by ing (its dielectric strength is equal to Tubing is formulated to meet a wide some solvents. that of rubber), air lines for automatic machines (Tygon Tubing may be braid range of physical, chemical and electrical Physically, Tygon Tubing may be reinforced for high pressures), channel requirements. made in varying degrees of flexibility, strips, gasketing, bumpers, bushings, Compared to rubber, Tygon Tubing semi-rigid, or rigid. Certain formulations, sight glasses, etc. offers advantages of substantial impor­ for example, retain their flexibility at tance. Unlike rubber, Tygon shows no temperatures as low as 80 °F below zero; Tygon Tubing is now available in diameters up to V/h", in any desired wall tendency to oxidize, to develop cracks or others are so rigid they may be readily thickness, in clear, black, white, gray, fissures, or to become brittle with age. In turned, sawed or cut. Tygon Tubing, and in a wide range of colors. its flexible forms it has s-t-r-e-t-c-h with­ while thermoplastic, functions satisfac­ out snap, shows a flex life ten to twelve torily at temperatures up to 175°F. times that of rubber. It is highly resistant Certain surgical formulations withstand to abrasion. autoclaving at 20 lbs. of steam. Chemically, Tygon Tubing shows Applications for Tygon Tubing include Since 1865 excellent resistance to water, alcohols such widely varying uses as laboratory NEW YORK AKRON, O.

TYGON TANK LININGS AND GASKETING MATERIALS • TYGON SHEETINGS FOR SURGICAL AND HOSPITAL USE • TYGON FLEXIBLE TUBING TYGON MOLDED ITEMS • TYGON LIQUID FORMULATIONS • TYGON DIPPING FORMULATIONS • TYGON TAPE • TYGON MASKING MATERIALS

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • beyond 500 lb. per quarter will be handled the Special House Committee on Post- had been operated by Symington Gould by a deferred allotment under CMP. W ar Economic Policy and Planning, in­ Corp., Rochester, N. Y., for Army 2. To permit the manufacture of ex­ troduced a bill to cover disp.osal of surplus Ordnance and Army Air Corps. perimental models of postwar items. Ex­ government property and plants. In theory 6 . A chrome ore concentrating plant penditures are limited to $5,000 per month the proposed legislation establishes an was operated by Krome Corp. at Marsh­ without specific approval. agency to handle disposal matters with the field, Ore., including complete buildings 3. To permit unrated orders for ma­ new administrator in charge. Practically, and equipment costing $300,000. chine tools for postwar use in the produc­ the organization which would be estab­ 7. A graphite processing plant built for tion of civilian items to be placed. lished by the proposed legislation continues WPB was operated by Benjamin Franklin The fourth order, and the last one to the office of Surplus Property Administra­ Graphite Co., Chester Springs, Pa. It in­ be put into effect, puts responsibility for tor as set up by Executive Order and does cluded about $100,000 of equipment. manufacturers return to civilian produc­ not necessarily mean that there would be 8 . A complete magnesite processing tion in the hands of the WPB regional any change of present personnel. plant was operated by Warner Co., Phila­ directors. Manufacturers who are able The bill, H . R. 5125, has one provision delphia, Pa., for WPB. It included 26,000 to establish to the satisfaction of the di­ which has to do with the declaration of sq.ft. of floor space, over a million dollars rector that' facilities, manpower and ma­ surplus property not contemplated either in buildings, and nearly a million dollars terial are available and that no harm will by Clayton or Hancock in their work of in equipment. be done to the war effort may produce writing it. To be specific, Section 7(a) 9. A small charcoal plant complete civilian items or increase the limit on provides that it is the duty of each agency with about 77,000 sq.ft. of building space quantities of articles whose production of the government to determine what is was built for WPB and operated by Coast previously had been permitted. surplus property and what is not. The duty Carbons, Inc., near Tacoma, Wash. It of making such determinations is to re­ includes about $100,000 of equipment. WPB RECONVERSION POLICY main in the hands of the owning agencies In a number of other plants there were for the “duration of hostilities.. .but small-cost installations of equipment and D u r in g the time the “Nelson” orders thereafter the Administrator shall have machinery for industrial processing, but were being held up in the W ar Produc­ power to Tequire such a determination most of the balance of the offerings were tion Board, rumor had it that the delay upon a finding by him that any property essentially real estate or empty buildings. was caused by the representatives of big is surplus to the needs and responsibilities business trying to prevent small business of an owning agency.” CHEMICAL PLANT SOLD from getting a head start in the race for It is expected that the armed services postwar markets. Washington observers will vigorously resist the passage of Sec­ O n e o f the first sales of surplus plant have looked on this as another part of the tion 7(a) as it was introduced. facilities by DPC has been announced. administration campaign to smear big busi­ Ansco Division of General Aniline and ness. As for the policy of W PB, it has Film Corp. bought for $175,000 a three- SURPLUS EQUIPMENT SALES been stated time and again. On Mar. 9, acre tract and six factory buildings in 1944, Donald Nelson expressed the policy D u r in g t h e latter part of July DPC Binghamton, N. Y. This property was in a letter to Senator Francis Maloney of was offering about 30 establishments for previously used for manufacture of equip­ Connecticut. He expressed his idea even sale as surplus war property. Approxi­ ment for the Navy. The machinery and more clearly in a speech given before the mately a third of these included machin­ facilities in the plant were removed for Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta, Ga., on ery or equipment for industrial processing separate sale. It is expected that Ansco Apr. 11, 1944. or handling of goods. The rest were either will develop one of its divisional activities industrial sites, substantially bare land, or on the property. UNTIL MILITARY OUTLET CLEARS industrial buildings and real estate with­ There were several industrial purchasers out machinery or equipment. The follow­ interested, but preference was given to this O n t h e subject of reconversion to ing items were included in the “for sale civilian production, Nelson said, “ Until the government-owned organization. The or lease” group of DPC in this manner: military outlook is far clearer than it is price paid “represents present-day replace­ 1. A vegetable dehydration plant built today whatever readjustments are made in ment cost of' the property less deprecia­ for the Department of Agriculture and the interests of civilian production must tion.” operated by Compak Foods, Inc., Santa be minor, and of such nature that they do Ana, Calif. Buildings included 41,000 not interfere in any way with war produc­ A SALE IS MADE sq-ft. of floor space; and machinery and tion. equipment involved had cost $128,000. I n t h is transaction to General Aniline “This W PB policy needs to be clearly 2. A petroleum loading facility built the replacement cost—the land and build­ understood. Concerns and individuals ad­ for the Army and ODT was offered at ings less one year’s depreciation, less cost versely affected by cutbacks and continued Jacksonville, Fla. This complete terminal of the special appurtenances the purchaser restrictions must recognize that political included 196 acres and tankage and equip­ did not need, which included a target pressure and criticism of the government ment which cost nearly a million dollars. range, special lights and air conditioning will not cause us to relax that policy.” 3. Continental Ordnance Corp., East equipment—came to approximately $180,- In the same speech, Mr. Nelson dealt Chicago, Ind., has operated for WPB one 000. The final sales figure was $175,000 as with the “question of new competition.” of the largest and most expensive proper­ explained above. “This question touches the roots of na­ ties offered. It included 345,000 sq.ft. of Although the property involved was sold tional policy. If the government were to floor space and machinery which cost to a firm whose stock is in the hands of the attempt to prevent new competition there $242,000. Alien Property’ Custodian, the" transaction would clearly be grave danger of shackling 4. Commodity Credit Corp., Winches­ should not be considered as between two the country with a regimented economy for ter, Ky., was operator of a hemp fiber branches of government. If it had been, a long while to come.” plant including 28,000 sq.ft. and a com­ there would have been no sale. The fact plete outfit of equipment costing $166,000. that the property was offered for sale SURPLUS PROPERTY BILL 5. Another large metal handling plant means that no government agency had use I m m e d ia t e l y preceding Congressional for finished castings included over $2,- for it. This particular transaction had the adjournment for the conventions, Con- 600,000 of building cost and over $4,000,- active support of the local Chamber of Te-ssman William M. Colmer, chairman of 000 of machinery and equipment which Commerce and citizens.

AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING THE GLASS AIRPLANE may well be­ come a reality. Glass, spun into very fine fibers, has been combined with materials such as the Columbia AUymers to pro­ duce an airplane fuselage which has already passed service tests. This rein­ forced glass is so strong that, when forced against a section of a light metal alloy of identical size and form, it remains sound while bending the alloy out of shape. The Allymer-glass combination is not permanently affected, despite the fact that it is lighter in weight than the alloy.

COLUMBIA TANK CARS developed for the transportation of 73% Caustic Soda liquor have been of especial value to wartime railroad traffic. Approximately 60% greater tonnage of Caustic Soda can be delivered per tank car trip than could previously be handled in shipping the 50% strength liquor. Three of these new Columbia cars deliver the same tonnage at 73% concentration as did five cars of the 50% liquor. And in addition to tank car use, there has been a corresponding saving in railroad motive power, and in the handling, switching and spotting of hen much OK 0H& a lesser number of tank cars.

BATTLES have been lost for the lack of pure drinking water . . . and Calcium Even in those first tense moments of locating the enemy, the scout’s keen Hypochlorite is playing an important part in safeguarding our armies’ water eyes are observing every movement, his trained mind interpreting the action supplies. One of the principal methods used at the front is the Lyster bag. Filled for his headquarters. Much depends on him . . . his report is a key piece with locally obtained water, enough hy­ pochlorite capsules are added to produce in the complicated jigsaw of a large-scale military operation. a safe chlorine residual. To the civilian the taste might be repulsive, but to the Much depends on Columbia chemicals, too, in their vital role in so many thirsty, battle-weary soldier it's nectar! manufacturing operations. Uninterrupted, economical production and the characteristics desired in finished products are dependent on chemicals that conform to specifications. SILENE EF is the Columbia pigment which is apparently thenearest approach This is why Columbia has established the highest standards for its products. to a “white carbon black”—for years the dream of rubber compounders and pig­ This is why Columbia can assure the supplying of chemicals which meet the ment experts. Silene EF is at present used chiefly in critical items such as inner precise needs of its customers. tubes . . . colored abrasion goods . . . products requiring high tear-resistance . . . and many molded items. It offers interesting possibilities, too, for products outside the rubber industry. Data on Silene EF and samples are available for CO LU MB I A M H EMI C ALS experimental purposes, free of charge. — PITTSBURGH PL ATE GLASS COMPANY COLUMBIA CHEMICAL DIVISION GRANT BUILDING, PITTSBURGH 19, PENNSYLVANIA COLUMBIA CHEMICALS include Soda Ash, Caustic Soda, Sodium Bicar­ Chicago • ■ • Boston • ' • St. Louis • « • Pittsburgh • • > New York • • • Cincinnati bonate, Liquid Chlorine, Silene EF (Hy­ Cleveland • • • Minneapolis • • * Philadelphia • ■ • Charlotte drated Calcium Silicate) Calcium Chloride, Soda Briquettes, Modified Sodas, Caustic Ash,Phosflake,CalceneT (Precipitated Cal­ cium Carbonate) and Calcium Hypochlorite.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 85 products listed on Schedule A that are to INTERPRETATIONS be used with or incorporated in other products to be sold on civilian orders.

This installment covers orders, rules and Oct. 31. Quota restrictions on the use of OLEYL ALCOHOL regulations issued by the W ar Production rendered pork fat and lard also were re­ H ig h e r aliphatic alcohols are now sub­ moved for the period from July 17 to the Board and the Office of Price Administra­ ject to the provisions of M-300 and oleyl end of the month. tion during July, 1944. Copies of each alcohol has been included. This action Because the present supply position of item interpreted here may be obtained was taken in accordance with an agreement fats and oils is favorable, the order regu­ from the appropriate federal agency. between WPB and WFA as the latter had lating the use and distribution of fish oil been in charge of distribution of sperm oil was revoked as of July 3. The order had from which oleyl alcohol is produced. In required producers to set aside one-third of PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE view of increased demands for sodium their production for specified uses. B e c a u se of critically short supplies, metal, also required for making oleyl alco­ phthalic anhydride used in the production COTTON LINTERS hol, and the easier position of sperm oil, of plasticizers for pyroxylin and vinyl resin allocation of oleyl alcohol was transferred R equirements for smokeless powder to WPB. coated fabrics, was not allocated in full in and high tenacity rayon tire cord have in­ July for military end uses and none was creased and producers of cotton linters, be­ PRICE CEILINGS made available for civilians. The industry ginning Aug. 1, were ordered to set aside committee has asked that a list be prepared 80 percent of their output that is ac­ M anufacturers of waxed, oiled and of plasticizers made from other than ceptable for chemical use, for delivery to petrolatum treated papers may apply for phthalic anhydride and that those in suf­ the Commodity Credit Corp. Until Feb. an adjustment in ceiling prices if unable to maintain production at the prevailing ceil­ ficient supply be used to complete military 1, producers had been required to set aside requirements and partially satisfy civilian 65 percent of their output for CCC but be­ ing and if this production is required to needs. cause of a large stockpile, the order was meet military and essential needs. A nation-wide retail price schedule be­ ALKYD RESINS rescinded on that date. Production of cot­ ton linters for cotton year, Aug. 1, 1943 to came effective Aug. 1 for mixed fertilizers, A m o n t h l y emergency allotment of July 31, 1944, is estimated at 1,200,000 superphosphate, potash and nitrogenous alkyd resins to be used in filling emergency bales. materials. There are 18 tables of maximum orders for the military end uses that have prices each applicable to certain geo­ been approved during the preceding two CARBON BLACK graphical sections. months on Form WPB-2945, now replaces To assure an adequate supply of furnace The average increase of 20c a ton went interim applications for such materials. type carbon black for the rubber industry, into effect July 6 for Florida pebble phos­ The usual interim application will be neces­ Order M-244 has been revoked and the phate rock. At the same time general re­ sary in the case of end uses that have not product transferred to the controls of vision was made in the regulation covering been approved. Single shipments are M-300. This places carbon black under hard phosphate rock and Tennessee brown limited to a maximum of 500 lb. of solid allocation for the first time. Customers rock but this did not involve any change phthalic alkyd resin content. may now order up to 20,000 lb. furnace in maximum prices. At the end of June ceilings were estab­ GLYCOL ETHERS type or rubber grades of channel type by filing an end-use certificate with- the sup­ lished for technical grades of barium salts. M il it a r y demand for glycol ethers has plier who must obtain WPB authorization The price for carbonate is $60 a ton fob declined so the small order exemptions have for such quantities on Form WPB-2947. plant with a high cost producer given a been increased substantially. The increases $70 a ton maximum. Price for chloride are:. monobutyl ether of ethylene glycol CYANAMID FOR FERTILIZER crystals is $73 a ton and anhydrous is un­ from 400 lb. to 4,000 lb.; monomethyl L im it e d amounts of cyanamid have been changed at $105. These prices are for car- ether of ethylene glycol from 430 lb. to made available to farmers east of the lots, in bags.' Effective July 31, the ceiling 2,150 lb.; monoethyl ether of ethylene on barite produced in Missouri was raised glycol from 410 lb. to 4,100 lb.; and mono­ Rockies for direct application to their to $8.50 a ton on basis of 94 percent ethyl ether of diethylene glycol from 460 crops. Small amounts also may be used in barium sulphate content. lb. to 2,300 lb. At the same time, Order 11 States for use in tobacco plant beds, Benzol, toluol, and xylol have been M-336, which formerly governed allocation for pink rot control in Florida, and for placed under price control dt'March 1942 of glycol ethers was revoked and control weed control in New England. Last year levels. Benzol sold by Defense Supplies was transferred to M-300. such use of cyanamid was restricted to Mississippi for cotton and to Louisiana for Corp. is exempt and none of these products sugar. is affected by the order if they are made OILS AND FATS REGULATIONS from petroleum. T h e War Food Administration has de­ PETROLEUM SOLVENTS Tung oil of domestic origin has been termined the quantity of tung oil con­ O r d er M-150 has been amended to in­ placed under a ceiling 38.375c a lb. in sidered to be a safe monthly disappearance crease the list of permitted uses for aro­ tankcars fob New York, Gulf ports, and of current supplies and beginning Aug. 1, matic petroleum solvents. For Class B, Pacific Coast ports. Carlots in drums priority was given to the group of essential three new uses are permitted, for vinyl carry a maximum of 39c a lb. Crude uses previously listed with finishes for coatings on military orders where spray peanut oil produced in newly developed transformers and foul-weather clothing application is required, for specification crushing areas also is under price control added. After filling these requirements the coatings on military orders where the use with carlots fixed at 13c a lb. to 13.775c remainder will be allocated for non-speci-‘ of Class B solvents is required, and for a lb. depending on the section. fied uses. Applications should reach WFA brake lining, clutch facing, and coated Chestnut extract ceilings have been in­ bv the 15th of the month prior to the abrasives. Permitted use of Class B sol­ creased by about 13 percent in order to allocation period. vents in aircraft coatings was broadened maintain maximum production. The new Suspension of inventory limitations on to include all coatings for aircraft including maximums range from $2.41 to $3.25 per tallow and grease which has been in effect instruments and parts. Manufacturers are 100 lb. in tankcars, the range depending since May 13, has been extended through prohibited from using Class A solvents on upon producer.

86 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING INHALATOR

Many years of service have proved, in terms of lives saved and patients protected, the superior advantages of the H-H INHALATOR used in conjunction with the Schaeffer method of artificial respiration. Developed by medical science to meet the need for safe resuscita­ tion of victims of respiratory dis­ tress, this famous instrument supplies oxygen-carbon dioxide according to lung demand—with­ out pressure—without suction— stimulating recovery by effective, natural means.

Write for descriptive Bulletin No. CA-9.

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY SHADDOCK. THOMAS ANH,WlABi,SfRiHS * ■ PITTSMIftGH, PA.. District Repreieritativm in Principal Cities

BRING YOUR OPTICAL PROBLEMS TO HEADQUARTERS Bausch & Lomb offers: 1. America’s largest precision optical facilities. 2. Ninety years of optical engineering. 3. An optical Scien­ tific Bureau. 4. Its own optical glass plant.

Pattern for Postwar Progress

Here are the portraits In that same photograph he also copper and a thousand and more of two of today’s sees a pattern for postwar progress. alloys. But war has brought métal­ metals—brass and steel. From these For the same qualities that have lurgie progress, progress that the and other metals, many of them made fighting steel better, will help metallographer witnesses every day : developed as a result of wartime to make better and longer lasting through his equipment, progress, needs, will come the new alloys of cars, planes, razors and machines to that in the postwar world, will tomorrow. A cross section sample, make other postwar products. create a wider demand for the pre­ ¡'carefully polished, and placed on B&L Metallographic Equipment cision optical instruments of re-, the stage of the Bausch & Lomb was in use throughout the metal in­ search and control, such as this [Metallographic Equipment looks dustries before the war, to help metallographic equipment, which | like this on the viewing screen of check and maintain the qualities Bausch & Lomb manufactures. I the camera. From the photograph American industry insisted upon. [the metallographer can very readily When war came, the job of the BAUSCH & LQMB tell how it will behave in action, metallographer became even more OPTICAL CO.. ROCHESTER, N . Y . ____ [what impurities are present and in important, for armies fight on iron ¡¡what proportion. and steel, brass and aluminum, 18 5 3

Makers 0} Optical Glass and a Complete Line of Optical Instruments for Military Use, Education, Research, Industry and Eyesight Correction and Conservation H. G. M. FISCHER and A. B. WELTY, JR. Standard Oil Development Co., Bayway, N. ]. SYNTHETIC TOLUOL From Petroleum by Hydroforming Process

The story of synthetic toluol* from petroleum has a background of a com­ bination of research, foresight, timing and luck which produced one of the great wartime industrial achievements, enabling our military to strike from the long list of critical materials an important item which had caused grave concern. Fortunately this development had matured to the stage of commer­ cial operation several months before Pearl Harbor. Insofar as is permis­ sible under current military and secrecy restrictions, the authors describe the research and development work which led to this achievement.— Editors

Hyclroforining unit. Principal reaction in the process is the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane with:heat and in presence of catalyst to give toluol

h e -e n t i r e integrated process for mak­ ing synthetic nitration grade toluol T from petroleum had been worked out by 1940. Recognizing the imminence of war, Army Ordnance rushed to comple­ tion a plant at the Baytown Refinery of the Humble Oil and Refining Co. This was the first plpnt ever to produce, on a commercial scale, synthetic nitration grade toluol from petroleum. During the critical year following Pearl Harbor this plant alone supplied well over half of the toluol used in America to make TN T. Toluol production prior to World War I was less than 1,000,000 gal. per yr. (U. S. Bureau of Mines data) since byproduct coking was practiced only to a limited ex­ tent at that time. However, under the stimulus of the war and an increase in price production increased rapidly until in 1918 it amounted to almost 9,000,000 gal. Following W orld W ar I the production of byproduct toluol dropped sharply to about 1,000,000— 2,000,000 gal. per—yr., then increased steadily until in 1940 it amounted to about 30,000,000 gal. The amount of toluol present in crude petroleum varies widely, depending on its origin. In a few exceptional cases there is

* The word toluol is used In the chemical Industry to designate a product high in tolu­ ene content. Nitration grade toluol specified by the government for TNT is virtually pure toluene.

92 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING Supcrfrnctionation towers of the toluol plant at the Texas Ordnance Works, Baytown

1 to 2 percent, but normally less than 4 The compounds present in crude necessary to supply hydrogen to the proc­ percent is found. A rough estimate indi­ naphtha can be classified according to type ess. By recirculating hydrogen-rich product cates that in order to provide all the as paraffins, naphthenes (cyclic paraffins) gas to the catalyst chamber and operating nitration grade toluol needed (over and and aromatics. The naphthenes present at moderate pressure on . selected feed above that obtained from byproduct coke may be of either the five-carbon-ring type stocks, the formation of coke on the oven operations) by extracting the natural or of the six-carbon-ring type. For many catalyst was drastically reduced and the toluol present in crude petroleum would years it has been known that with the aid catalyst remained active for a relatively require special processing of about one- of dehydrogenatio.n catalysts, six-carbon- long period of time. This modification was third of the crude naphtha produced in ring naphthenes and normal paraffins called hvdroforming. It is used today in this country. Obviously such a procedure could be converted to aromatics. But most of the plants making synthetic would be impractical and require a vast processes using these catalysts had never toluol. The principal reaction in the amount of collecting, transportation and become commercial because the catalysts process is the dehydrogenation of methyl- refining equipment, and the synthetic ap­ became rapidly inactivated due to fouling cyclohe,xane (C„HnCH,) with heat and in proach seemed to be the only promising with carbonaceous deposits. the presence of a catalyst to give toluol alternative. Observations led to recognition of the (C„H5CH3) and free hydrogen. fact that the carbonaceous deposits could A flow diagram showing the essential be greatly minimized by carrying out the elements of the hydroforming process is Table I — Toluol and Methylcyclo- operation in an atmosphere of hydrogen. given. Fresh feed is heated to reaction hexanc (MCH) Contents of Repre­ sentative American Crudes, Volume This is not surprising since with suitable temperature, first by heat exchange with Percent catalysts and under suitable conditions the the products from the reactor and then Crude Toluol MCH» hydrogenation process can operate for by a furnace. At the entrance, to the re­ Texas Coastal...... 0.03 1.2 many months without carbon deposition actor the hot oil vapor is joined by hot Conroe...... 2.0 2.5 on tlie catalyst and even carbonaceous ma­ recycle gas, which may contain 40-80 per­ East Texas...... 0.40 1.7 Ivettleman Hills...... 0.70 2.1 terial can be converted to liquid products. cent by volume of hydrogen depending on Midway Light...... 0.02 0.52 Such conditions, however, due to the the feed stock, catalyst and conditions North Sweden Mixture---- . O.SO 3.7 high hydrogen partial pressure maintained, Panhandle...... 0.22 2.3 used. The joined streams pass through Pecos...... 0.03 1.0 fail to give the degree of conversion to one of the two reactors where the catalyst Refugio...... 0.26 2.9 aromatic hydrocarbons considered neces­ is disposed and where the conversion takes Salt Flat-Regan...... 0.19 1.5 Santa Maria...... 0.14 0.79 sary for commercial success. Therefore a place. The product is cooled and con­ Su garland...... Nil 1.0 modification of the hydrogenation process densed and the gas is separated from the Tomball Mixture...... 1.1 2.1 Tinsley...... o.os 0.65 was devised to obtain the benefit of the liquid. Some of this gas is recirculated West Texas...... 0.50 1.3 hydrogen atmosphere without, however, while the remainder is released as neces­ * Includes such othylcyclopentane as ts present. consuming hydrogen, thus making it un­ sary to maintain the desired pressure on

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 93 Sulphur dioxide unit of the toluol plant. Brick splinterwalls serve as protection in case of air raids or explosions

the system. The liquid product is stabilized Table II—Hydroforming “Pure” Compounds by removing the dissolved propane and M ethylcy cloh exane n-Heptone Toluo lighter hydrocarbons. Boiling point, dcg. F. 214 209 231 In spite of the fact that coke formation Feed Product Feed Product Feed Product Yields based on feed, volume percent is quite small it is still necessary to regener­ Dry gas...... 9.8f 26.5f 0.9f ate the catalyst at regular intervals. There­ Liquid paraffins...... 0.0 1.4 39.0 0.0 ) n-Heptane...... 0.0 --- 100 21.0 0.0 \ 1.2 fore, in order to permit continuous oper­ MCH....;...... 97.5 2.7 -- 0.0 2.5 J ation, at least two reactors are provided, Benzol...... 0.0 4.0 --- * 0.0 0.0 Toluol...... 2.5 71.2 --- 11.7 97.5 97.9 one of which is regenerating while another Xylols, ethylbenzol and heavier is converting. Regeneration of the catalyst aromatics...... 0.0 1.6 — * 0.0 « is accomplished by burning off the accu­ Boiling range of liquid product, deg. F. mulated carbon by means of air diluted 10% a t..'...... 224 127 231 with spent regeneration gas. 50% a t...... 231 196 231 90% a t...... 233 234 232 The hydroforming reaction is endother- . mic and the temperature drop from reactor Calculated conversions to aromatics, percent inlet to outlet may be as much as several MCH to total aromatics...... 93 * ------hundred degrees fahrenheit. To narrow MCH to toluol...... 85 ------the range of temperature of reaction, two n-Heptane to toluol...... — ■ 16 reactors in series with reheating between • Not determined, but believed to be less than 1 percent, t Weight percent. may be used in place of each of those shown. At the conditions used, the equilibrium The MCH disappearance amounted to relatively small amount of toluol and, as relationships are such as to promote the over 97 percent by volume of that in the indicated by the gas yield and the boiling dehydrogenation of naphthenes and the feed and 93 percent of it formed aro­ range of the liquid product, was extensively hydrogenation of any aliphatic olefins matics. In the process some side reactions cracked to lighter hydrocarbons and gas. which may already be present in the feed take place resulting in the production of Although 79 percent of the n-heptane dis­ or which may tend to form. The latter benzene and some higher molecular weight appeared in the operation, only 16 percent reaction accounts to a large extent for the aromatics than toluol. About 85 percent was converted to toluol. The superiority lower coke formation in hydroforming as of the MCH was converted to toluol. It of MCH as a feed stock for producing compared to operation without hydrogen will be noted that the volumetric yield was toluol is obvious. W hile other catalysts because olefins, which tend to polymerize only 71 percent, however. This arises and operating conditions can be used in to form coke, cannot be present in high from the facts that in the conversion hy­ laboratory equipment to obtain a more concentration on the catalyst surface. drogen is lost and the toluol has a higher favorable yield from normal heptane, no Dehydrogenation of naphthenes, par­ liquid density than MCH. The theoretical process has come to light to make this ticularly 6-carbon-ring naphthenes accounts volumetric yield from MCH is 83 percent. operation commercially attractive. for most of the aromatics production. In these calculations it has been assumed Toluol was also hydroformed in order However, some toluol is undoubtedly pro­ that the 2.5 percent toluol in the feed to demonstrate its stability. Little, if any, duced from other components of the feed. passed through the operation unconverted. conversion occurred and it has generally Data on hydroforming relatively pure Data on n-heptane are also given in been assumed in evaluating practical charg­ methylcvclohexane (M CH) are given in Table II. Unlike MCH, n-heptane yielded, ing stocks that any toluol in the feed stock Table II. under the conditions employed, only a will appear in the hydroformed product.

94 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING The boiling points of MCH and toluol same range so as to produce the high de­ applying a new technique to an old proc­ are such that both of these compounds gree of purity demanded by nitration grade ess. ' Due to secrecy order restrictions can be conveniently included in a narrow- specifications. Separation by superfraction­ details of the modified extraction process cut naphtha charge stock, and accordingly ation alone was not satisfactory because of cannot be disclosed. the synthetic and natural toluol appear in the closeness of the boiling points of the The hydroforming process has been the hydroformed product together. Many compounds involved and the fact that in shared with other companies and other other compounds are present in the feed. the presence of the other constituents hydroforming units have been built to However, experience with a large number toluol distills over a relatively wide tem­ produce synthetic toluol at various refin­ of different feed stocks has shown that the perature range (from perhaps 215 to 231 eries throughout the country. The entire toluol yield can to a large extent be ac­ deg. F.). program has been coordinated by the counted for on the basis of the toluol and Processes for liquid phase solvent ex­ Army Ordnance Toluene Technical Com­ MCH content, and that, while the cumu­ traction of aromatics from hydrocarbon mittee under the chairmanship of Maj. J. lative contribution of all other compounds mixtures were known, but the highest aro­ H. Matkin, and through this medium present is an important consideration, the matics concentration obtainable was about pertinent technical information has been toluol yield from any one is probably 75-80 percent whereas the specifications made available to operators of the various quite small. An exception is the methyl- for nitration grade toluol require 9 9 + per­ toluol plants. cyclohexenes which occur in cracked stocks cent purity. This problem had not arisen Recognition is due the many members and appear to give high yields of toluol. in making it from coal tar because that of the technical staffs of Standard Oil It will be seen, then, that the methyl- product contains little paraffinic, napli- Development Co., Esso Laboratories of cyclohexane (M CH) content of potential thenic or olefinic material and toluol is Standard Oil Co. of Louisiana, Humble charge stocks can be used to calculate ap­ readily separated from the other aromatics Oil and Refining Co. and the operators proximately their capacity to produce syn­ present by chemical purification and dis­ whose contributions have brought this thetic toluol by the hydroforming process. tillation. The problem was solved by undertaking to a successful conclusion. The MCH concentration in various crudes is shown in Table I. This MCH content is in each case greater than the toluol con­ Hydroforming various narrow boiling virgin naphtha fractions tent and in many cases ten times as gTeat. By converting the MCH much less crude need be processed and much less equip­ ment is required to' supply the nitration "q grade needed than if only the natural toluol were extracted. In analyzing potential feed stocks it 1° was not possible to distinguish between 1 the isomers, mcthylcyclohexane, (b.p. 214 .9 deg. F.) and ethylcyclopentane (b.p. 217 g deg. F-.) because their physical properties T are so nearly the same. Therefore, in the y analyses shown in Table I, the values i3 given in the second column include such c ECP as is present. Indications are that the -o MCH + ECP may be about 15-20 per- cent ECP. By analogy with dimethylcyclo- - pentane, which has been shown to yield 3 only a limited amount of toluol, it is to be expected that the ethylcyclopentane would produce much less toluol than methylcyclohexane, and it is necessary to take this into account when evaluating various feeds on the basis of their MCH + Flow diagram showing essential elements of hydroforming process ECP content. A ir Regeneration gas To determine the extent to which the Vaporized feed T ~ l Recycle gas toluol producing components of the feed Stabilizer could be concentrated in a narrow-boiling C 0- fraction, a typical 200-250 deg. F. virgin naphtha was fractionated into narrow cuts at 9 : 1 reflux ratio in a 24-plate column, S p e n t A and a number of the cuts were hydro­ regenero tion W a ter formed. The highest yield was 44 vol. g a s percent. In this case the feed analyzed JC 57 percent MCH + ECP and 5 percent Flue Gos----- t P ro cess liquid product toluol. The toluol concentration in the Recircuiołor s te a m High -pressure product was 59 percent and on a broader A. N ote: When re a c io r I g a s m ake feed would be considerably lower. is regenerating and re a c to r 2 is on reaction, The success of a commercial operation W atery valves 0 a re o p en *AVv,' » for making synthetic nitration grade did a n d valves C o re f^/WVVW aawav^ I not rest solely on a practical method for clo sed U /w w w - -VWWW* I making the toluol from petroleum but also Fresh required solving the problem of separating NopHtha '’Sfort-i a Recycle Gos Furnace here fee d 'Gas Separa­ Furnace it from other compounds boiling in the to r

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 95 ZOLA G. DEUTSCH Consulting Chemical & Mechanical Engineer, New York, N. Y. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Does it Conflict with Engineering Ethics ?

This paper deals with a contro­ Table I. — Uniled States Laws Relating to Collective Bargaining Date Name of Law Majority Party P re sid e n t versial subject on which most 192G R a ilw a y L a b o r A ct R ep u b lica n Coolidge 1928 Anti-Injunction Act R e p u b lica n Coolidge engineers will probably admit 1933 National Industrial Recovery Act D em o cratic F. D. Roosevelt 1935 National Labor Relations Act D em o cratic F. D. Roosevelt that their thinking is still in a 1931 Bacon-Davis Wage-rate Act R ep u b lica n H oover 193G Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act D em o cratic F. D. Roosevelt formative stage. The two ex­ 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act D em o cratic F. D. Roosevelt treme viewpoints have been argued so intensely tliat the group recognize, give and uphold the right, sist." Thus it is evident that group activity prevailing opinion among pro­ of employees to join together for collec­ in these matters definitely overshadows any tive bargaining. The second group imple­ individual activity. fessional people has been largely ments the first, in setting minimum wages, Today, most agree-that the attitude of obscured, perhaps because the maximum hours, safe working conditions. the public, of Congress, and of the Su­ This progressive “pro-labor" legislation minority has been more artic- preme Court during recent decades has is easily traced back to before World War been pro-labor. W hether or not the pres­ idate than the majority. Here, I. Naturally, the sociological concept un­ ent attitude will in the future continue to fortunately, is a sound objec­ derlying it dates back much further. This be regarded as pro-labor, or whether it concept is simply that the concerted may be offset by a surge in the opposite tive summary and discussion opinion of a representative group is all- direction (such as took place with alcoholic of the issues involved. It is important as compared to an opinion held liquor legislation), is obscure to most by an individual or a small minority. It people. It seems just as likely that there presented in such a way that is important for a clear consideration of will be further legislation favoring labor. even the youngest and least in­ this subject, that the fundamental prin­ Suffice it to say for this part of the dis- formed among us can quickly ciples upon which ideal unions are built, cussion, that labor’s right to form collective be given their proper weight, relative to bargaining groups is clearly established and define and evaluate the problem. the practices of existing trade unions. so fortified by law that it is accepted widely For those who wish to make a The union is intended to crystallize even where the laws do not apply. The and transmit the majority opinion of interpretations of laws by numerous board further study there is an excel­ an appropriate group and to filter out the and court decisions in recent years give a lent bibliography of recent liter­ opinion of malcontent individuals or min­ very broad meaning to “interstate com­ orities. The laws are written to promote merce,” define employee as distinct from ature. —Editors such action, also to prevent interference employer, and have clearly shown that with such action by dominant opposition. many professional people, engaged in pro­ The most important phrase is the oft- fessional work, are in the employee class. ins is not intended as a profound quoted Section 7 of the National Labor The laws and boards also recognize and T analysis of the controversial aspects of Relations (Wagner) Act: define differences between professional and collective bargaining. Rather, it was pre­ “Employees shall have the right to non-professional employees and have, in pared by one who claims no expertism in self organization, to form, join or assist general, upheld well the desire of profes­ the field, but who has often been asked labor organizations, to bargain collec­ sional employees to form units appropri­ to discuss the subject, particularly with tively through representatives of their ately apart from non-professional. However, junior members of the chemical engineer­ own choosing and to engage in con­ a professional employee minority, if it ing profession. The study is therefore con­ certed activities for the purpose . of remains acquiescent, can become domi­ fined to the situation in the United States collective bargaining or for mutual aid nated by a non-professional-majority. and Canada with respect to (1) the laws and protection.” relating to collective bargaining, (2 ) types The act is administered by regional of­ TYPES OF UNIONS and aims of unions, (3) ethical concepts fices of the National Labor Relations 1. The single trade (craft) union as related to collective bargaining, and Board, which when petitioned will hold throughout heterogeneous industry is some­ (4) attitudes of -the national chemical elections to discover worker choice of times called the horizontal union. For ex- and engineering societies. representation within appropriate units. First, let us look to the record of the so- Upon the filing of charges of unfair labor Based largely on a paper entitled “Profes­ sional Ethics and Unionization of Professional called “labor laws” in this country as they practices these regional offices conduct in­ Workers,” presented before the Chemical are listed in Table I. Note that they have vestigations. If charges are substantiated Engineering Division, Society for the Promo­ tion of Engineering Education, Cincinnati, been divided into two groups. The first employers are ordered to “cease and de­ Ohio, June, 1944.

96 • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING ample, there is a nationwide electrician’s The aims of all four types of unions medical and legal professions, at their own union whose local sections are geographical. briefly described above are classified into instance, have secured explicit exemption Members of a single local may work in three types: from these laws by the National Labor Re­ several factories, in mines and in the build­ 1. To increase pay, shorten hours, grant lations Board. In the engineering profes­ ing trades. This type of union is generally vacations, etc., is the most widespread aim sion, where an almost infinitely greater associated with the American Federation of trade unions. This is properly considered fraction of the practitioners are “em­ of Labor. Of interest to professional men the “greater-share-of-profits” aim. ployees,” the individuality of the profes­ is its affiliate known as “Technical Engi­ 2. To assure safety. Under this head­ sional also is recognized. neers, Architects and Draftsmen's Union.” ing come such aims as eliminating insani­ One of the principles by which boards It is estimated that this union had some tary working surroundings, hazardous work­ and laws have distinguished professional 10,000 members during 1943 and that ing conditions, and also the less sharp workers from non-professional workers is they were mostly sub-professionals. complaints such as methods of avoiding that the work of one cannot be performed 2. The single industry union is often monotony, harrowing noise, etc. by another without a long delay in brcak- referred to as the vertical union. Unions ing-in period. Consequently, the union 3. To assure security, involves those of this type try' to enlist as members all aim which tends toward a strict seniority usual activities which try' to make promo­ employees in a single industry whether rule for promotion seems highly inap­ tions independent of foreman’s favoritism, they be electricians, laborers or draftsmen. plicable to professional people and they try to make all hiring and firing independ­ For example, the United Automobile struggle against its inclusion in any agree­ ent of union activity, lodge, family or Workers of America tries to sign up every ment under the jurisdiction of which they church connection. This aim, which is employee working for a manufacturer of may be working.- more important to trade unions than to automobiles or automobile parts, regardless .Similarly, professional people generally “independent” unions contains more con­ of his craft or the company he works for. engaged in directing their best efforts flict with professional ethics than any The locals are usually geographical. This toward the elimination of waste and reduc­ other, as explained beyond under “level­ type of union is generally, but not in­ tion in the amount of needed monotonous ing.” Under this heading also come aims, variably, affiliated with the Congress of toil, are in direct conflict with union prac­ not so much in conflict wiflr the profes­ Industrial Organizations. Of interest to tices wherein one craft must relinquish sional outlook, such as getting long notice the engineering profession is the affiliate work to another at arbitrarily chosen and before layoff, equitable and favorable pen­ (although not a vertical union) known as obviously wasteful points; or where the sion arrangements, medical care, sick leave. “Federation of Architects, Engineers, output per worker is purposely and arti­ Chemists and Technicians.” This union ficially held below some arbitrarily estab­ LONG-TIME OBJECTIVES claimed 10,000 members during 1943, and lished maximum; or where craftsman and it is estimated that these were mostly in The four types of unions described above helper may never work separately. All such the sub-professional class. all hope to progress along the three aims matters are distasteful to the professional people quite apart from any ethical concept 3. The independent union is usually a by group activity as distinct from indi­ which may be involved. union of all of the employees of a single vidual activity. The laws recognize and corporation or a single plant or factory. accept unions, but collective bargaining is Such unions try to represent all of the done by the “appropriate unit” which is ETHICAL CONCEPTS RELATED employees of a single factory or project, briefly defined as a somewhat homogeneous TO UNIONISM regardless of their craft or position, so long group of employees of a single project or as they are in the employee class. Unions factory. Such units usually get legal, tech­ Although “ethics” is fundamentally the of this character do not become prominent nical an d , financial aid from the unions science of ideal human character, it is now because of their local status and generally with which they are affiliated. The craft more often understood as a set of rules-of- small size. Such unions have difficulty union hopes to benefit its members by the-game. This is probably so because of showing that they are entirely a product bringing to the attention of the manage­ the widespread adoption of codes of ethics of self-organization, free from all inter­ ment and the public the problems and con­ by associations and societies, industrial and ference, ' restraint or coercion by the em­ tributions of the particular trade or craft. mercantile, as well as professional. Even ployer. Among them are two of interest The industrial union hopes to accomplish when confined to professional societies, a to professional people; The Association of the same end, feeling that the more im­ comparative study of ethical concepts re­ Railway Technical Employees in the pelling action can be obtained by the veals a wide gradient of attitude. How­ Southern Pacific Railway Co., and the re­ grouping into the single industry. Tire in­ ever, when confined to the societies of cently recognized “Research and Engineer­ dependent union resists control of organ­ engineering workers, reasonable analogies ing Professional Employees Association” ized labor and is generally less concerned are detectable. In the following, the of the Standard Oil Co. of Indiana. with the conditions of promotion. All statements in several such codes have been 4. The union of governmental em­ try to protect and further the interest of grouped into four categories: ployees is a little more difficult to define. the members by petitioning the employer 1. Integrity, fair dealing and mainte­ The Wagner act does not provide for and by creating and fostering public senti­ nance of confidential relationships are employees of federal, state or municipal ment favorable to proposed reforms and among the aspects of one type of ethical governments, and it has been quite clearly ultimately (with the exception of the gov­ concept pervading the codes of ethics of established in recent history that strikes ernmental unions) by the strike. In order all professional socities, whether in engi­ against any government are unpopular and to make these efforts more effective, some neering or other learned professions. Al­ fail to force recognition of claims. Never­ unions have auxiliary aims, such as the though most individual professional men theless, there are numerous bargaining checkoff and the closed shop. These tend to feel a clear understanding of these con­ groups among employees of federal, state give unions more power and effectiveness. cepts, such understanding covers a con­ and municipal governments, and they have Professional people seem to be averse to siderable range from person to person. The a fairly good record of achievement. Of the “leveling” effect of avoiding favoritism relevant point in this discussion is the interest to professional people in this type in hiring and promotion. The professional one of the confidential relationships be­ of union are the Tennessee Valley Author­ man is generally an individual in his tastes tween the professional man and his client ity Engineers’ Association and the several as much as in his assigned professional or employer. In this respect, his position state employees’ associations having both duties. lie hopes to advance by excelling is quite distinct from that of a non-pro­ sub-professional and professional members. in peculiarly individual contributions. The fessional employee and is recognized as

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 97 such by the boards and courts holding of leadership, together with the combina­ bers. Since the membership of the society jurisdiction in labor relations matters. tion of abilities which can produce virtue embraces both individuals and corporations, The concept of “confidential .relations” in an organization. Thus, many might the society has taken the attitude that it is by many considered to put professional consider true professional attitude in these cannot become a union or a bargaining people in direct conflict with unionization. situations to require participation on a agent in any way. However, it assists its Extremists among professional people (of high ethical plane. members in obtaining and preserving their whom there are many) feel that joining a Another aspect of this subject is the rights by publishing advice in its journals union is incompatible with holding mem­ special aim of trade unions (specifically and giving legal assistance to local groups. bership in a professional society; that sub­ the CIO’s FAECT) to get more remunera­ The society has taken rather definite stands mitting to unionization constitutes sur­ tion (credit) for the inventions of its in the matter. It is not opposed to col­ render in the battle to secure recognition members, than is now common practice lective bargaining for professional people, of engineering as a profession. Many union in most “patent agreements” entered into when such is not controlled by non-pro­ leaders, not necessarily in the extremist at the time of employment of professional fessional groups. W here deemed necessary, class, likewise feel that professional peo­ people. it favors bargaining units composed ex­ ple are not good union material because of 4. Refusal to accept low remuneration clusively of professional people. It is their confidential relationship with their for professional sendee, together with the "unalterably opposed” to forcible inclusion employers. In certain cases, statements refusal to undertake work considered to of any of its members in units dominated have been made indicating that union be unprofitable to a client, is a fourth by non-professional employees, and their leaders would consider professional people general ethical concept common to the affiliation with any organization that con­ as “borers from within.” As pointed out published codes of most professional so­ ditions promotion primarily on the basis beyond, in the discussion of the attitude cieties. It seems analogous to the first aim of seniority. It has established acceptably of professional societies, the majority of most unions, i.e., to get a just and precise definitions of “technician,” “pro­ opinion (probably a narrow majority) re­ reasonable share of the profits of enter­ fessional employee,” “chemical interne.” gards affiliation with a union as not neces­ prises. Professional people consider it un­ The American Society of Civil Engi­ sarily in conflict with professionalism. ethical to accept low remuneration and neers is the oldest and the second largest of America’s major national engineering 2. Conservatism and professional dignity union organizers consider it degrading. societies. Its Board of Direction, in the fall are the principal aspects of a second type For example, the letterhead of the A. F. of of 1943, adopted a report of its Committee of ethical concept. Most codes of ethics L.’s TEADU says, “Your Pay Envelope Is on Employment Conditions, which was the of professional societies admonish the a True Measure of Your Self Respect— result of continuous and intense study since membership to avoid association with Organize/” A member of a collective bar­ 1937. The Committee’s recommendations questionable enterprises, avoid sensational­ gaining unit who has genuine professional were three: ism in advertising, be conservative in the stature, is ethically bound to help his promotion of schemes, and in all other unit achieve a technical rather than • an- •• 1. That each local section amend its ways maintain professional dignity. Collec­ emotional approach to the problem of constitution to make possible the tive bargaining can, and on occasions is determining a proper share-of-the profits. formation, among the membership conducted without conflict with this con­ of employee bargaining groups, to ATTITUDES OF PROFESSIONAL cept, although probably a large majority of be of assistance to legal collective bargaining units of professional en­ professional people consider that the bulk SOCIETIES gineering employees of a specific of the efforts and statements of union or­ The climbing enrollment (up to war­ employer. ganizers violate or at least ignore it. For time) in colleges throughout the country', 2. That funds be allocated to retain this reason, perhaps as much as for any together with the appetite for study en­ legal counsel and employ four na­ other, unions and unionization are dis­ gendered bv widespread war training, is tion-wide field representatives. tasteful to professional people, among expected shortly to result in a greater 3. That a definition of “professional engineering employee” be adopted whom are many who consider the differ­ fraction of our population completing pro­ by the Board of Direction. ence between a profession and a trade to fessional training. At the same time, the be like that between white and black. Col­ growth of individual industry, through re­ This action caused considerable con­ lective bargaining units of professionals, search, and amalgamation with related troversy, an aggressive minority objecting having achieved legal “recognition” might, small industries, will make an ever-in- strenuously. At an afternoon session of according to this concept, vote for a process creasing ratio of this professional timber the annual meeting in January, 1944, at of individual bargaining. into non-professional “employees” or "cap­ which the younger members were poorly 3. The obligation to publish discoveries tive chemists.” Whereas today the union- represented, the subject was discussed and and to interchange technical information eligible professional is typically the young, a motion for reconsideration of the action is a third ethical concept common to most inexperienced and ambitious member of a was defeated by a narrow vote of 120 to published codes of ethics. Herein con­ professional society, that won’t necessarily 97. Of some 60 local sections, as of June sidered a part of this concept is the ad­ be so tomorrow. Even the non-engineer­ 1, 33 have concluded their considerations monition that professional people give ing professional societies face an increase of the matter. Twenty-nine have voted to credit where credit is due. It usually refers in the fraction of their membership in the amend their constitutions in the manner to credit for discovery or invention, but it employee class. It seems that relatively few recommended by the committee and ap­ also refers to credit for painstaking or of America’s important professional so­ proved by the Board of Direction. The valuable work of any kind. The concept cieties are taking full cognizance of the affirmative vote has been large. (about 93 of credit-giving is germane to ethical be­ imminence of this change. percent.) Three sections have voted against havior in connection with collective bar­ The American Chemical Society is the such amendment and three have considered gaining. W hen professional people in the largest single society of professional peo­ amendment unnecessary because of their employee class refrain from participation ple related to engineering workers. Per­ rural character. in collective activity and yet eventually ac­ haps a larger proportion of its member­ The American Institute of Chemical cept tangible benefits from such efforts, ship (than of the engineering societies) is Engineers is the youngest and smallest of they are in immediate danger of being re­ in the employee class. Recent administra­ the major national engineering societies. garded as unethical. Professional people, tions of the ACS have taken an active and Its Committee on Professional Guidance by the very fact of . their professional aggressive interest in the labor legislation has given the subject much less considera­ stature, are expected to possess qualities and litigation affecting its individual mem­ tion than has the Civil’s Committee. Also

98 • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING because the subject is in a category outside The AIME has given guarded editorial ap­ more satisfactory solution than that being the strictly technical to which the Institute proval to the action of the Civils. Recently worked out in the States.” The members confines its publications, substantially authorized is a survey of the “economic are given a choice of three paths: nothing has been published under its spon­ status” of engineers to be sponsored by 1. Throw in their lot with the trade sorship. It is understood that recently there ASME and AIEE. Perhaps it can be said unions. have been suggestions at meetings of the that these societies reflect a gradient in 2. Establish “employees’ organiza­ Council of this Institute for symposia on attitude between that of the Civils and tions” within the meaning of the the subject. Apparently the majority of that of the Chemicals. order, which they would endeavor the present Council feel that the problem The Engineering Institute of Canada is to operate and control themselves. is of less immediate interest because of less interested in these problems. During 3. Have the Board exclude them per­ applicability to its members, than to the April, 1944, the Wartime Labor Relations manently from the order, and then through their own existing organi­ members of the American Society of Civil branch of the Canadian government issued zations, set up some form of pro­ Engineers. At present the subject- is being an order-in-council (1003) which affects cedure which will demonstrate to treated as too controversial and too fraught professional people in an employee capacity recalcitrant employers the ad­ with danger of embroilment. That is, the quite similarly to the laws in the United vantages of paying living wages, members feel that any public statements States. The Engineering Journal of this and at the same time will estab­ they might make would be construed as Institute has recommended to its mem­ lish a means by which pressure can coming from representatives of "manage­ bership careful study of the matter so be applied as it is required. ment.” that the opinion of the members may be A small committee has been appointed The ASME has sponsored the publica­ transmitted to the government before the to study the matter and recommend a tion of numerous articles and has had dis­ end of a six-month reconsideration period. procedure for informing all members of cussions of the subject at its meetings. Editorially, the Journal expresses the hope the situation and getting their judgment to The AIEE has taken much milder interest. that Canadian conditions will permit "a the Council.

61, p. 391, May 1939). Society's Committee on Employment Con­ BIBLIOGRAPHY 20. Boughton, V. T.: Unionization? ditions. (Civil Engineering, 9, p. 233-4, April 39. Engineers protest affiliation with 1939). subprofessionals. (Civil Engineering, IS, 1. 1837—Boughton, V. T .: Engineers and 21. Herron, J. H .: Unionization of p. 337-8, July: discussion, p. 392, Aug.; union movement (Civil Engineering (N. Engineers. (Mechanical Engineering, 61, p. 443, Sept.; p. 601-2, Oct. 1943). Report Y.), 7, p. 653, Sept. 1937). ■p. 788-9, 822, Nov. 1939 ; discussion, 62, and discussion on the case of the engi­ 2. Chevalier, W .: Engineering profes­ p. 67-72, 155-60, 243-6, 328-31, 411-13, neering employees at the Sunflower Ord­ sion's current problems. (National Council 478-81, 562-5, 827-8, Jan.-July, Nov. 1940). nance Works at Eudora, Kansas. of State Boards of Engineering Examin­ 22. Professional status of the chemist 40. Gomberg, W m.: The Relationship ers, Proc., 18th annual convention p. 89- as related to membership in labor unions. Between the Unions and Engineers. (Me­ 100, 1937; abstracted in Engineering (Ind. Eng. Chem., News Edition, 17, p. ch an ical Engineering, 66, p. 425-30, June News-Record, 118, p. 834-6, Nov. 18, 1937). 249-52, April 10, 1939). Correspondence 1943). Includes discussion of union question. between American Chemical Society and 41. Labor unions and the engineer. 3. Engineers aroused by union issue. Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. regarding (Mming and Metallurgy, 24, p. 20-2, Jan. (Engineering News-Record, 118, p. 619, chemists and engineers. 1943). Several brief contributions to the O ct. 14, 1937). 23. Smith, O. S.: Collective bargaining su b je ct. 4. Engineers consider union issue. ( E n ­ and the professional engineer. (Associated 42. Parsons, A. B .: Superorganizlng pro­ gineering News-Record, 118, p. 796, May State Engineering Societies, Bulletin (Il­ fessional engineers. ( American Engineer, 27, 1937). linois) 14, p. 53-63, April 1939). 13, p. 6-9, Nov. 1943). A review of exist­ 5. Engineers’ union has membership 24. Boughton, V. T .: Engineering soci­ ing U. S. agencies reveals need of unified g ain . (Engineering News-Record, 118, p. eties and unions. (Civil Engineering, 9, national leadership for the engineering 618, Oct. 14, 1937). p. 73-4, Feb. 1939). profession. C. Seattle engineers organize. (E ngi­ 25. New engineer union to inspect build­ 43.-Wagner, H. A.: Neither fish nor neering News-Record, 118, p. 796-7, May ings. (Engineering News-Record, 122, p. flesh. (Professional Engineer, 28, p. 5-13, 27, 1937). 58, Ja n . 12, 1939). June 1943). Discusses developments in 7. Unionism discussed at A.A.E. meet­ 26. Steinman, D. B .: The professional the trend of unionization of technologists ing. (Engineering News-Record, 118, p. engineers’ answer to unionization. ( A m e r ­ during the first months of 1943. 737, Nov. 4, 1937). ican Engineer, 9, p. 8-9, May 1939). 44. Whitman, E. B .: Collective bargain­ 8. Diversity of engineering opinion. 27 1940—Harris, H. E .: Analysis of ing and salaries for professional engineer­ ( Professional Engineer, 22, p. 9-14, July question of unionism for engineers. ing employees. (Civil Engineering, 13, p. 1937). Collection of editorial comments. (American Engineer, 10, p. 8-9, 25, April- 513-4, Nov. 1943). 9. Look squarely at unionism. ( P ro fe s­ M ay 1940). 45. Editorial: Unions for Professional sional Engineer, 22, p. 5-8, July 1937). 28. Sorensen, R. W .: Should engineers Engineers. (M in in g & Metallurgy, Dec. Includes various brief items. Join a union? ( Electrical Engineering, 69, 1943, p. 543-4). 10. Mclver, M. E .: Shall we march . . . p. 227-8, June 1940). 46. 1944—Collective bargaining. (Civ« or lock step? ( Professional Engineer, 22, 29. Status quo and status quid. (P r o ­ Engineering, 14, p. 81, F e b .; p. 116-8, p. 3-6, October 1937). Editorial. fessional Engineer, 26, p. 11-21, Dec. 1940). March 1944). Letters to the editor. 11. M clver, M. E .: Unionism'. (Profes- 30. Vettori, F .: Some engineering rela­ 47. Collective bargaining plans actively sional Engineer, 22, p. 3-4, July 1937). tionships to labor organization. (Ameri­ discussed at annual meeting In New York. E d ito ria l. can Society of Civil Engineers, Unpub­ (Civil Engineering, 14, p. 120-4, M arch 12. Sentman, R. M.: Trend toward lished Papers, 24, 1940, lip.). 1944). Abstract of stenographic notes of trade unionism. (Civil Engineering (N. Y.), 31. 1941—Unions and professions. (M e- recessed business meeting of the American 7, p. 714, Oct. 1937). Discusses part of ad­ chanical Engineering, 63, p. 817-8, Nov. Society of Civil Engineers, Jan. 19, 1944. d re ss b y L. C. H ill (A .S .C .F . T rans., 102, 1941). 48. Crosby, W. W .: Collective bargain­ p. 1173-7, 1937 ; also condensed C ivil E n ­ 32. Bato, A. A.: Unionization of engi­ ing. (Civil Engineering, 14, p. 23, Jan. g ineering, 7, p. 603-4, Sept. 1937) and neers. (Mechanical Engineering, 63, p. 1944). article by Boughton (Civil Engineering, 7. 4 75-6. June 1941). Letter to the editor. 49. Fairman. J. F .: The future of engi­ p. 653, Sept. 1937). 33. F re u n d , C. J . : U nionism , a n issu e in neering—shall it remain a profession— 13. Smyth, R. J .: Professional engineer­ engineering. (The Foundation, 6, p. 4-5, does collective bargaining afford Justifica­ ing and the union issue. .( American Engi­ 11, Nov. 1941 ; American E n g in e er, 11, p. tion. (American Engineer, 14, p. 7-9, 24, neer, 7, p. 7-8, N o v .1 9 3 7 ). 4-5. 24, Nov.-Dee. 1941; Personnel Journal, April 1944). 14. U llrich, C. J . : U nionism an d th e e n ­ 20, p. 222-7, Dec. 1941). 50. Gilkey, II. J .: A profession without gineering profession. ( Professional Engi­ 34. Parsons, C. L .: Employer-employee unity—an editorial. (Journal of Engi­ neer, 22, p. 5-12, Dec. 1937). relationships for professional chemists as neering Education, 34, p. 445-7, March 15. U nionism . (Professional Engineer, recommended by the American Chemical 1944). 22, p..37, Dec. 1937). Resolution adopted Societv. (Ind. Eng. Chem., News Edition, 51. Hawkins, L. A .: Collective bargain­ by the Board of Directors, American Asso­ 19, p. 1014-15, Sept. 25, 1941). ing and the engineer. (Illuminating Engi­ ciation of Engineers, Oct. 21, 1937. 35. Professionals classed with manage­ neering, 39, p. 239-44, April 1944). 16. 1938—Boughton, V. T .: Engineering ment by recent NLRB decision. (Ind. 52. Johnson, A. A .: Collective bargain­ societies and unions. (Professional Engi­ Eng. Chem., News Edition, 19, p. 1082, Oct. ing. ( American Engineer, 14, p. 9-12, Feb. neer, 23, p. 13-17, Dec. 1938 ; Civil Engi­ 10, 1941). 1944). Report of the Special Committee neering, (N. Y.), 9, p. 73-4, Feb. 1939). 36. Unionism vs. professionalism. (P r o ­ of the Metropolitan Section.of the Ameri­ 17. Special co m m ittee on u n io n izatio n fessional Engineer, 26, p. 30-32, Sept. can Society of Civil Engineers. rep o rts. (Civil Engineering (N.Y.), 8, p. 1941). 53. Seabury, G. T .: Collective bargain­ 216-7, March 1938). American Society of 37. 1942—Peclcworth, H. F .: Employ­ ing for engineering employees. (H ea tin g , Civil Engineers Committee, abstract of ment conditions among civil engineers, Piping and Air Conditioning, 16, p. 236-9, rep o rt. especially as related to collective bargain­ April 1944). 18. Herron, J. H.: Unity in the engi­ ing. (Civil Engineering, 12, p. 527-S, Sept. 54. Editorial: Collective Bargaining neering profession. (Mechanical Engi­ 1942). Unit Recognized.. (Ind. Eng. Chem., 36, neering. 60, p. 8, J a n . 1938). 38. 1943—American Society of Civil N o. 4, p. 289, A pril 1944 ). 19 1939—Boughton. V. T .: Engineering Engineers. Committee on Employment 55. Wagner. H. A.: Unionism and pro­ schools and unions. (Journal of Engineer­ Conditions. Collective bargaining for pro­ fessionalism in scientific and technological ing Education, v. 29, p. 475-8, March 1939 ; fessional engineers. (Civil Engineering. fields. (Professional Engineer, 29. g. 14- Same condensed Mechanical Engineering, 13, p. 552-3, Nov. 1943). Report of the 25, 28-34, March 1944 ).

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 99 THEODORE R. OLIVE Associate Editor, Chemical & Metallurgical Engineering MOLECULAR DISTILLATION A New Path to Separation of Chemicals

It is not very often that what may larger applications of an industrial scale. the value range of such materials, as is true In the past many organic compounds of of such other possible applications of con­ yet he described as a new unit high molecular weight have been con­ siderable size as purification or separation operation becomes available to sidered undistillable since the temperatures of dimers and intermediate polymers in chemical engineering. Molecular necessary for their treatment by classical rubber and plastic's manufacture, and puri­ distillation methods have resulted in their fication of high molecular weight insecti­ distillation may soon he so de­ thermal destruction, rather than their sepa­ cides, lubricating oils and dye intermedi­ scribed, for it offers a means of ration. This includes the so-called “fixed” ates, as well as crude resins and waxes. fats and oils and the natural waxes, as Even the natural mixed glyceride fats of separating compounds of ex­ well as resins, vitamins and sterols. Mo- ■ marine arid vegetable oil origin, which con­ tremely high molecular weight, lecular distillation offers opportunities for stitute one of the largest classes of available too high for classical distillation, the separation and purification of such ma­ raw materials, may well yield to molecular terials as these, as well as many others. For distillation, despite the impossibility yet differs in almost every way example, among the hitherto undistillable hitherto of handling such compounds by from distillation of the ordinary compounds are numerous synthetic poly­ distillation (Hickman, Chemical Reviews, mers, plastics and plasticizcrs, drugs, highly 34, 84, February 1944). equilibrium type. Until quite re­ oxygenated glycols, sugar derivatives, rubber Past inability to apply distillation to sub­ cently it was solely a laboratory intermediates, synthetic lubricants and stances such as those mentioned has not, of heavy petroleum residues. Application of course, prevented their purification in all tool, developed by laboratory molecular distilling techniques to these and cases. Other separations have been avail­ technicians. Now it has grown to other classes of materials is not only pos­ able for some of the materials, including plant scale and has moved into sible but likely. solvent extraction and fractional crystalliza­ One important probable application is tion. It is pbvious that molecular distilla­ factory production. The next in the purification of the heavy plasticizers tion will not replace all kinds of purification few years will see it go far as a which must be used in compounding if the methods used formerly and it is not being plastic is to be permanently free from advanced as a universal panacea. Only potent new tool of chemical shrinkage. So far as is known, no other economic analysis of the individual situa­ manufacture. —Editors method is capable of yielding a water- tion will show where the best solution to a white product of the desired characteris­ problem may lie. Nevertheless, molecular, tics. The cost of treatment by molecular or “vacuum short-path” distillation, as it is distillation is expected to be well within sometimes called, has definitely arrived as a

1 l t h o u g h it was recently only a labora- Fig. 1—Fish liver oils are stored in this tank farm prior to distillation jljL tor)- technique, used exclusively for research purposes, ultra-low-temperaturc distillation of high molecular-weight or- ganics has now moved into industry for the tonnage production of vitamins A and E from marine and vegetable oils. More than 5,000,000 lb. of such oils as shark liver and pollack were distilled last year in the United States alone, to accomplish the separation of the odorous constituents, the vitamin fractions, and the bulk of the original oil which was then in suitably purified condition for food and industrial use. Surprising as the magnitude of this development is, it has expanded consider­ ably during 1944 and is' evidently only a foreshadowing of much wider use of new molecular distillation methods which will permit employment in other and even

100 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING potent new tool for chemical engineers and chemical industry, which is usable on a large tank-a-day scale, as it has already been applied, in a small way by chemists in the high vacuum laboratories. Simple molecular distillation is not without its disadvantages. It does not make extremely close separations and it is rela­ tively inefficient from a thermal standpoint. For these reasons it is not suggested for use where ordinary distilling methods are satis­ factory. Its significance lies in the fact that it extends the possibilities of distil­ lation to entirely new fields. The present status of molecular distil­ lation has been reached through the efforts of many-workers. The first true molecular still was built by Profs. J. N. Bronsted and G.-’von Hevesy, in Germany in 1922, for the purification of mercury. The first Fig. 2— 32-in. centrifugal disk stills are used for separation of vitamin A application of molecular distillation to or­ Inc., and later, of R. W . Allbright, for­ On this account it is clear that high ganic chemicals; and the first comprehen­ merly president of American Anode, Inc., vacuum in the region of 1 micron (0.001 sive statement of the potcntialties of the B. F. Goodrich subsidiary. Although suc­ mm. Hg) residual gas pressure has become new method, were made by C. R. Burch, cessful stills were soon developed under of great and increasing importance as a in England, who is generally considered Dr. Hickman and his research department, tool in operations requiring the vaporiza­ to be the father of the industry. H. I. their use \yas comparatively expensive in tion of molecules, particularly those of Waterman, at the University of Delft, the earlier models and hence was limited large molecular weight. Molecular distil­ Holland, and E. W . Washburn, of the U. to valuable products. A logical choice for lation, which is distillation in this pressure S. Bureau of Standards, both were respon­ initial commercialization, therefore, was the region, conducted in equipment in which sible for important early contributions, par­ separation of vitamins A and E from the vaporized molecules have but a short ticularly in the improvement of drying oils. marine and vegetable oils. The problem of and unobstructed path to a condensing sur­ The ideas of Burch and of Waterman developing new and cheaper sources for face, is such a tool. were patented and developed by Metro- the oils was handed over to G. C. Mecs In the first of the two references men­ politan-Vickers Electrical Co., Ltd., the and now, as a result of his work, D .P . I. tioned immediately above, it was made Shell-Mcx Corp., Imperial Chemical In­ has become the world’s largest purchaser clear how vaporization takes place from a dustries, Ltd., and The British Drug of vitamin A oils. The complex problems liquid surface and how a definite vapor Houses, Ltd. Apparently, however, none of vitamin chemistry' and testing were al­ pressure exists for every volatile material, of these met with commercial success, ex­ lotted to N. D. Embrec and J. G. Baxter, depending only on the material and its cept perhaps for the rather limited use of while more recently a comprehensive bio­ temperature. It was shown how this pres­ molecular distillation by the last mentioned logical department has been set up under sure exists independent of the presence of concern, in the semi-commercial produc­ P. L. Harris. inert gas molecules above the liquid Sur­ tion of vitamin A by what were essentially Later, as more efficient stills were pro­ face, but also how the inert molecules laboratory' methods. duced, it became evident that molecular obstruct the movement of the vaporizing Following the early developments of the distillation would find application far be­ molecules away from the liquid surface, 1920’s, work continued during the follow­ yond the confines of the vitamin and and so give rise to a definite boiling point ing decade. Much the greatest progress natural oil industries, thus prompting the for each material and inert gas pressure. was made in the laboratory' of K. C. D. decision of D. P. I.’s management to make The boiling point is that temperature Hickman, of Eastman Kodak Co., at the methods and equipment available to which produces a sufficient pressure of the Rochester, N. Y. Dr. Hickman and his other concerns, except in a restricted field.4 vaporizing material to push back the inert associates had initially been interested in On this account it is expected that much atmosphere and permit continuous evolu­ the high vacuum drying of photographic wider use of molecular distillation will be tion of the vaporizing molecules. films. Their work on high vacuum con­ possible than could have been realized by However, it was also pointed out that densation and fractionation pumps, and on D. P. I. alone. as the concentration of inert gas molecules motive fluids for such pumps, led naturally is reduced, progressive decrease in boiling to experiments with molecular distillation MOLECULAR DISTILLATION point takes place, sometimes as much as which by 1934 had indicated a degree of 130 deg. C., or even more, until a pressure success sufficient to interest General Mills, As has frequently bcen'pointed out (see is reached below which there is no further Inc. As a result, Eastman and General for example, the author’s articles, Chcm. & drop in boiling point. The explanation lies Mills pooled their interests, organizing the Met., p. 102, October, and p. 136, Novem­ in the mechanism of interference set up by joint subsidiary', Distillation Products, Inc., ber, 1943), the presence of non-con- the inert molecules. W hen they became for the manufacture of products by mole­ densible gases in process equipment for so few that their mean free paths are of the cular distillation, such as vitamin concen­ evaporation and distillation procedures ex­ order of inches (at about 1 micron pres­ trates, and for the development, construc­ erts a profound influence, usually com­ sure), their collisions with the vaporizing tion and sale of high vacuum equipment. pletely altering the course of the evapora­ molecules become infrequent and for all Development of molecular distillation tion as compared with a high vacuum practical purposes it is as if no inert mole­ by this concern has involved many prob­ operation, or even making it impossible. cules were present. At such a low inert gas lems, both technical and commercial, pressure, therefore, continuous evolution of * Distillation Products, Inc.. has reserved for which have been carried toward solution its field the domestic exploitation of the natural the vaporizing molecules can take place, oils and their products. Licensing arrangements under the general managership first of K. E. for the use of stills and methods developed by provided only that an equivalent number D.P.I. are available for the processing of other Humphrey, treasurer of General Mills, products. are withdrawn from the vapor space by

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 101 some such mechanism as condensation, re­ action, absorption, or by means of a pump. As a matter of fact, all materials, both liquids and solids, are capable of vaporiza­ tion under extreme low pressure conditions, provided that a high enough temperature can be employed. The rate of vaporization may be impractical]}’ low, or the tempera­ ture to produce a practical rate may be so high as to destroy the material, but the principle remains nevertheless. It follows that any material which can be made to vaporize at a practical rate, at a temperature which will not harm the material during its exposure to this tem­ perature, cail be distilled in equipment of suitable design if the inert gas pressure is sufficiently low. Since thermal decompo­ sition is a time-consuming reaction, it also follows that materials can often be safely subject to otherwise harmful temperatures, provided the exposure is sufficiently short. As a third criterion of molecular distilla­ tion, it is evident that the net rate of vaporization, depending as it does on the rate at which the vaporized molecules can be withdrawn from the vapor space, can be improved by any means which facilitates their withdrawal. Most effective of these means is a short, direct and unobstructed path to the condenser, bearing in mind that Fig. 3— Centrifugal stills of 14 in. diameter separate vitamin E the vaporizing molecules may leave the surface in any direction whatsoever, and own random motion (Chem. & Met., p. turc for long periods of time until, by that therefore the condenser must, so far 102, 103, October, 1943), they would sheer chance, each reached the surface as possible, encompass even' path a vapor-' -have realized that the shortest and largest where possibly it evaporated and escaped, but more probably, moved again into the izing molecule may take. possible diameter connection to a seem­ ingly oversized vacuum producer was es­ body of the liquid. Particularly in the case sential if speed in evacuation to pressures of long-chain molecules, which may readily MOLECULAR STILL EVOLUTION such as 1 micron was to be achieved. Not be broken by thermal reactions, this tended only were they forced to allow enormously to degrade the material before it could In retrospect, these criteria of molecu­ long periods for the essential initial de­ distill and the advantage of the lowest lar distillation seem simple and obvious. gassing, but in some cases they found it possible evaporation temperature which is Nevertheless, many of the early investigat­ impossible ever to reach the desired low inherent in the molecular still was at least ors failed to appreciate their implications. pressure in the distilling vessel itself, al­ partially offset by too long exposure. The W hile some grasped the need for a short, though such pressure could readily be at­ obvious solution, of course, is to eliminate unobstructed path to the condenser, still tained at the pump inlet. so far as possible all of the material from they generally failed to apply the same Other still builders attempted to adapt the still proper, except for the active sur­ reasoning to the path which the inert the construction of the ordinary laboratory face and a minimum under-layer, main­ molecules, initially present or evolved dur­ still, employing a remote condenser, as in taining the bulk of the material at a safe low temperature until ready for treatment. ing distillation, must take to escape by Fig. 4 (b), and thus greatly decreasing The first important improvement over way of the vacuum pump from the system. the possibility of vaporized molecules reaching the condenser. the stills used elsewhere came in the falling Thus we find in early laboratory equip­ Another anomaly evident in all the early film type developed in the earlier work at ment such anomalies as a distilling vessel designs (Figs. 4a and b) was the provision Rochester, which remains a satisfactory with closely disposed condenser, as in Fig. for storage of all, or at least a considerable device for analytical distillations. In this 4(a), nevertheless equipped with a long, part, of the material to be treated within type as thin a film of liquid as possible small-diameter connection to an under­ the still proper, where it was necessarily flows downward over a central heated evap­ sized vacuum producer. Had these investi­ subject to the evaporation temperature orating cylinder, concentrically placed gators understood that the inert molecules until vaporized. Since only the surface is within a cylindrical jacketed or air-cooled are not "sucked” to the vacuum pump, but active in vaporization, many billions of condensing surface as in Fig. 4(c). This rather must diffuse to it solely by their molecules were thus held at this tempera- type might seem to fulfill all of the neces­ sary conditions—continuous operation, ready evacuation, a short, unobstructed Estimated Relative Thermal Exposures With Various Kinds of Stills path from evaporator to condenser, and a BsBed on boiling points of dibenzylphtbalste and assumption that hazard doubles for each 10 deg. C. rise.) small amount of material exposed to evap­ Relative Relative orator temperature for a short period of Thermal Decomposition time. In fact, built to large size and of Pressure Temperature Coeff. Time Hazard Kind of Still engineering materials, it has been employed Mm. Hg Deg. C. with considerable success in semi-industrial- 760 (1 atm.) .., 360 2» 1 hr. 1.5 trillion Simple flask scale production. However, it has definite 10 mm ...... 270 2H 1 hr. 3 billion Claisen flask 1 mm ...... 220 2« 1 hr. 92 million Wide-necked pot still limitations in control over the exposure of 1 mm...... 220 2» 1 min. 1.5 million Petroleum flash still the material. Depending on gravity flow .001 mm...... 130 1 1 hr. 180,000 Molecular pot still of liquid Which is usually highly viscous, .001 mm ...... 130 1 1 min. 3,000 Molecular falling-film still » 001-mm ; . -a-.-. 130 1 1 sec. 50 Molecular centrifugal still even at evaporator temperature, it inher­ .001 mm ...... 130 1 0.02 sec. 1 Molecular centrifugal still ently employs thicker films than necessary,

102 • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING thus increasing the thermal exposure. De­ spite every effort to secure uniform liquid distribution on the evaporator surface, it inevitably produces rivulets and ripples so that part of the material, in the thinner portions of the film, is always overheated. Efforts at development of a rotary dis­ tributor for the falling film type led Dr. Hickman several years ago to a new idea, namely, that a centrifugal disk of shallow conical shape, as in Figs. 4(d) and 4(e), fed at the center, of the concave side and discharging the residue around the periph­ ery, would be ideal for the evaporating surface of a molecular still. Heating units could easily be located behind the disk, while control of the film thickness and time of passage from center to periphery could readily be achieved by choice of disk Fig. 5—Two of the new 5-ft. molecular stills during a two-month test run, size, feed rate and rotational speed. Tre­ before application of external insulation and painting mendous decrease in exposure could thus be attained, even at the higher tempera­ tures which might be used to increase dis­ machines are mounted vertically, as in types employ an over-sized diffusion pump tillation rate. The accompanying table Fig. 4 (d ), and the larger horizontally, or of the multi-stage condensation type, (after Hickman), based on the assumption substantially so, as in Fig. 4(e), with just directly connected to the still backing plate that the thermal decomposition doubles enough departure from rectilinear mount­ behind the rotor. with each 10 deg. C. rise in temperature, ing to secure good condenser drainage. In gives an idea of the decrease in decomposi­ each type the still consists of a dome in­ NEW 5-FT. STILL tion hazard that is possible by lowering the closing the rotor, condenser, feed and dis­ boiling point and decreasing the exposure charge connections. An air-cooled glass Similar but more advanced principles, time with progressively better stills. The bell serves for the smaller type, and a metal which cannot as yet be disclosed in detail, possible decrease in exposure compared dome with sight glasses and welded-on are incorporated in a newly completed with prevailing vacuum stills is thus seen water cooling pipes for the larger. The design of 5-ft. still shown in Fig. 5. This to be in the range from 100,000 to 1,000,- glass condenser of the smaller is generally still uses a truncated conical evaporating 000 times. supplemented by a water-cooled pipe coil surface and a special type of condenser, The first unit built to employ the cen­ of beehive shape placed opposite the rotor together- with a new design of multi-stage trifugal principle had a 7-in. diameter rotor face and within the glass bell. In both condensation pump of enormous capacity. while later models were built with 32-in. types the residue discharged from the rotor Throughput of the new stills ranges from (Fig. 2) and 14-in. (Fig. 3) diameter is collected in a gutter spun on the edge 500 to 1,000 lb. per hour per unit, de­ rotors, designed to operate at speeds up to of the disk, from which it discharges pending on the type of service. Such stills 5,000 r.p.m. In the later types, the smaller through a velocity-head pick-up tube. Both are able to take off six or more separate fractions, using two or three units in series. For stripping they can remove up to 20 Fig. 4 Steps in evolution of the molecular still: (a) early glass pot still; percent as distillate in a single pass through (b) glass still with outside condenser; (c) falling film still, used successfully one still. Costs of power, water, steam in analytical distillation; (d) vertical centrifugal disk still used in smaller and other services are said to be well sizes; (e) horizontal centrifugal disk still in larger sizes within the limits of commercial economy. An even larger still, reportedly designed CsncJenser-... for a capacity of a tank car per day per plate, is now on the drafting board and is expected to be available within the pres­ ent year. Distillate The 14-in. stills at present are being used in the production of vitamin E and the 32-in. stills, vitamin A. Fish, liver oils *Distillate from the tank farm shown in Fig. 1 are processed without prior saponification, first Coo/ina being passed through a succession of the 32-in. stills (of which 21 are at present in Cootino operation) arranged to process the residue coi! from each preceding still at a progressively

Metc>! higher temperature. In these stills the fol­ s h e ll lowing cuts are made: ( 1 ) a de-gassing pass; (2 ) the protein and rancidity odors; (3) the free fatty acids, sterols, vitamin D (which cannot be recovered economi­ cally in competition with the synthetic product), glyceride ethers and esters, the preservatives, tocopherols (vitamin E) and '—’Distillate out their esters; (4) vitamin A and its esters;

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 103 and (5) the residue of glyceride fat. The giving two fractions from a single vaporiza­ same token, new materials will become odor fraction (2) is rejected; the vitamin E tion. Perhaps combination of these available and new properties discovered in fraction (3) is refractionated in the small methods will also prove attractive, resulting old materials as a result of separations that stills; the vitamin A fraction (4) is run to in better separations than are now possible. can now be made for the first time. A large storage and blending tanks prior to It is evident from this discussion that at potent new tool promises development of sale; and the residual fraction (5 ), either present competition does not exist between important and hitherto unsuspected fields separately, or combined with the residue the classical equilibrium still and the for chemical industry. from the re-run of the vitamin E fraction molecular still. Each has its own territory', In the preparation of this article the (3), is sold for food or industrial purposes. the former, materials of high volatility and author has drawn heavily on the advice After its discharge from the large stills, low molecular weight; the latter, sub­ and the writings of K. C. D. Hickman, the vitamin E fraction {3) is redistilled in stances undistillable by earlier methods, in vice president and director of research of a succession of the smaller stills for separa­ the range between, say, 250 and 1,200 Distillation Products, Inc. To Dr. Hick­ tion of the more volatile fatty acids, sterols, molecular weight. W hether or not the man and to his company, grateful acknowl­ glyceride compounds, etc., from the toco- two methods ever become competitive, it edgment is due also for the privilege of in­ pherols (vitamin E). Market conditions is clear that the possibilities for distillation specting this first factory scale installation determine the disposition of the non- have been enormously enhanced. By the of molecular distillation equipment. tocopherols.

DISTILLATION PRINCIPLES

Since every material in a mixture sub­ Determining Fall or Rise Velocity of jected to molecular distillation will have some distilling tendency at any temperature which may be used, so long as there is a SPHERES IN FLUIDS temperature difference between the evap­ orator and the condenser, no equilibrium R. C. BINDER Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering between liquid and vapor can exist. Ilcnce, Purdue University, I.afayctte, Ind. differing from normal-pressurc equilibrium distillation, anything approaching a com­ plete separation of the components is obvi­ where V is the relative velocity between ously impossible with a single pass through Stoke’s law is commonly' used in the sphere and the fluid, D is the diam­ a molecular still. determining the settling rates of eter of the sphere, Wj is the specific weight Thus the distillate represents simply a fine particles in a liquid or gas, of the sphere, w is the specific weight mixture of the original components in of the fluid, and a is the dynamic vis­ which the more volatile materials appear but is inadequate in many im- cosity of the fluid. This relation is con­ in higher proportions than in the, original portant industrial processes venient and simple. It is limited, how­ feed stock, while the residue favors the where the flow' of fluid relative ever, to laminar flow. There is the gen­ less volatile components. By several redis­ to the particle is turbulent. For eral problem, then, as to possible direct tillations the separation can be carried velocity calculations for both laminar and farther toward completion and as near so example, calculations for the rise turbulent flow. as desired, although absolute separation is or fall of “fluidized” solids in a Many experimental data have been col­ theoretically impossible. gas stream require a technique Nothing at present on the horizon sug­ lected on the resistance of spheres for gests that the molecular still will be able to for handling extreme turbu­ steady flow. The results have been or­ duplicate fully in its own sphere the pre­ lence. In this article, Prof. ganized by expressing a resistance coeffi­ cient as a function of the Reynolds num­ cise separations of the equilibrium still. Binder reviews the theory ap­ Certain important improvements over the ber. The following form is customary: plying to a sphere rising or fall­ simple, single-rotor still are possible, how­ R = C Ç A (2) ever; for example, employment of a series ing in a fluid. At the same time of rotors and condensers for successive he presents a type of plot of data where R is the resistance to relative motion distillations within a single inclosure, or (as pounds), C is a dimensionless resist­ perhaps a series of temperature zones in which permits velocity calcula­ ance coefficient, p is the mass density the same rotor, capable of producing sev­ tions to be made readily for a of the fluid (p = w/g, where g is the eral fractions, each of which emphasizes wide variety of problems involv­ gravitational acceleration), and A is the a material distilling at peak rate at suc­ projected area of the sphere (as square cessively higher temperature. Decidedly ing different fluids and different feet). The resistance coefficient C is encouraging results are said to have been velocities. Editors a function of the Reynolds number attained in multiple molecular distillation N = pVD/p. Since C and N each is a by J. R. Bowman, working at Mellon Insti­ dimensionless ratio, any set of consistent tute under a grant from Gulf Oil Corp. units can be employed. Another possibility suggested by Dr. Hick­ N n u m e r o u s phenomena and industrial A plot of C against N is a sound, effi­ man (Chemical Reviews, loc. cit., p. 78) I processes an important factor is the cient, and common arrangement of data. is the use of selective partial condensation, velocity of fall or rise of a body in a fluid. A plot of C against N alone, however, employing a warm condenser which will Frequently the body is a sphere, or may does not permit a direct calculation of condense the less volatile molecules and ■be considered as equivalent to a sphere. velocity. It is sometimes suggested that reject the more volatile. A condenser of One relation, called Stoke’s law, is com­ a trial and error method of calculation perforated construction might, for example, monly used for velocity calculations. This is necessary. A direct calculation of ve­ be used, which would allow the more relation can be written in the form locity is possible if certain lines are added volatile materials to pass through, later to to the C-N diagram. be condensed on a still colder surface, thus For steady vertical motion the resist-

104 AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING Fig. 1—Skeleton diagram of Fig. 2, illustrating the procedure for making the calculation O ance to relative motion R equals the dif­ ference between the buoyant force and the weight of the sphere. Consider down­ ward motion of the sphere through sta­ tionary fluid as an example of this type. Then _ 7T D3 (ioi - to) ■ 6 w Equation (2) can be written as I I I PA p2 D 2 _____ I______whence Reynolds Number, N

211 pD ' = WC (4) p.2 A 200 In practical problems it is convenient ioo to take the square root of each side of Equation (4), to give o

«- where the left side will be designated as a B number. Note that B is a dimension- less ratio and can be written as O „ _ f 4D3w (wi — w)~lH m ~ L 3ffu2 J | In a particular problem B is known, but N and C are not known \ r and C how - ever, are coordinates of the cstablislicd a: plot of N versus C. If the plot employs logarithmic scales, then a constant B line is a straight line, and requires only two points for plotting because log B = log N + 1 log C Figure 2 shows an established plot of Fig. 2—Plot of B numbers against Reynolds numbers for spheres, data for resistance coefficient C against with additional B coordinates the Reynolds number* to which constant B lines have been added. The adapted data for Fig. 2 correlate the work of several Fig. 3— Plot of B numbers against Reynolds numbers for spheres, different investigators. Ill making a velocity' calculation, the procedure is to calculate B, follow along a B line to the curve, determine the Rey­ nolds number, and then compute the velocity. The procedure is illustrated in Fig. 1. Note that Fig. 2 covers a large range of Reynolds numbers, for both laminar and turbulent flow. Figure 2 can be used for a wide variety of prob­ lems involving different fluids and different velocities. The foregoing discussion outlines a pro­ cedure which has general application. B lines can be easily constructed on other plots of resistance coefficients versus the Reynolds number, for example, on plots giving data for bodies of shapes other than spherical, or bubbles, in a fluid. The data from a plot such as that shown in Fig. 2 can be arranged to give a plot of the B number against the Reynolds number. Such a plot for spheres is shown in Fig. 3. 500 IjOOO * I>nta adapted from "Das Widerstandsprott- lcm.” hv F. Eisner. Proc. Third Int. Con?. App. Mech., Stockholm. 1931.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 105 JAMES A. LEE Managing Editor, Chemical & Metallurgical Engineering St. Regis Successfully Bleaches GROUNDWOOD

Indications are that the so­ dium peroxide bleaching proc­ ess for groundwood will enable the small newsprint mills to re­ cover their once strong com­ petitive position. It should make possible the production of spe­ cialty products at very favorable costs. The process also offers an opportunity for conserving the forests of the country, for a cord of wood will make twice as much mechanical pulp as sul­ phate, or any other type, and the bleached groundwood can re­ place these other papers for many uses.— Editors Chemical make-up tank at left, next is supply tank, and near operator is box in which groundwood and bleaching solution are mixed

o m e y e a r s ago Northern New York were made in the mill system which made pumped to a supply tank, a 650-gal. cypress S was the location of a thriving pulp and deckers, tanks, pumps, and other equip­ tank with a float valve on the inlet pipe. paper industry. Much of the output was ment available to the groundwood bleach­ Sodium peroxide is the active bleaching shipped to the metropolitan areas where it ing process with only minor rearrange­ agent in the process. Since sodium peroxide was used for newspapers and other pur­ ment. and sodium silicate together supply more poses. Then came the larger, more mod­ The method consists of mixing the than the amount of alkali required for the ern newsprint mills of Canada with their peroxide bleaching solution with the pulp process, the value of the latter lies in its lower operating costs. The competition slurry in controlled proportions, storing Si02 content rather than in its N a,0 resulted in the closing of many of the long enough to permit bleaching action to content. Sodium silicate has the proper­ New York mills and the forcing of others go to completion, and then neutralization ties of a detergent and a penetrant. It into the field of specialties. if there is excess peroxide present. buffers the bleaching solution and aids in Among the small New York State mills This mill has found it necessary to make maintaining the pH in the desired range. which continued to make groundwood and pulps of several brightnesses, therefore, on It forms a protective coating on the surface sulphite pulp, and newsprint paper is that occasion has used bleach solutions of 1,1.5 of metals and inhibits corrosion of equip­ of the St. Regis Paper Co. at Norfolk, not or 2 percent sodium peroxide (1,1.5 or 21b. ment. It also has a stabilizing action on far from the St. Lawrence River. In June, of peroxide per 100 lb. of moisture-free peroxide solutions under the conditions 1941, the management became interested pulp.) The bleaching solution is prepared which prevail in the bleaching process. in a process for bleaching groundwood in a 1,200 gal. cypress tank equipped with For good bleaching results~the total pulp, which had been developed in the a vertical mixer, stainless steel outlet nipple alkali content of the bleach liquor must ■ laboratory of the E. I. duPont de Nemours and valve. 1.000 gal. of clean, cold water be controlled within rather close limits. & Co. Bleached groundwood might be are pumped into the tank and 400 lb. of Sodium peroxide is basically a combination considered a new product, a low-cost sodium silicate is added with stirring. of anhydrous caustic soda and active bleached paper possessing certain favor­ Slowly the 160 lb. of sodium peroxide are oxygen. Part of the alkali introduced into able characteristics. Therefore, it was de­ added with vigorous agitation. Then 92 the bleach liquor as sodium peroxide must cided to make an attempt to adopt the lb. of 66 deg. Be sulphuric acid are added be neutralized with sulphuric acid. sodium peroxide bleaching process to the and the agitation continued for several Magnesium sulphate has a remarkable operations in the Norfolk mill. Changes minutes. This bleaching solution is stabilizing effect on alkaline peroxide so­

106 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING are circulated and rcturnd to the same tank by use of the bleach groundwood system pump. This circulation aids in ex­ hausting any residual peroxide and brings the bleached pulp slurry to a uniform consistency prior to pumping it over to the fourth or holding tank. Stratification of the pulp and liquor takes place only in the bleaching tanks and the circulation just described breaks this up. Circulation through the beater feed line, with constant return to the holding tank is interrupted while the pulp is cir­ culating. The continuous circulation through the beater feed line with return to the holding tank is done to make the pulp available to the beaters at any time. In the storage of the pulp between bleaching and beater rooms no special problems have been encountered. In the beater from 1 to 2 lb. of sodium thiosulphate (hypo) in crystalline form is added to 1,800 lb. of stock (on dry basis). The hypo reduces any oxygen that might remain. The possibility of oxygen at this stage is due to operating inefficiencies, which it is hoped will be eliminated soon. The pH of the slurry is reduced by the addition of alum to 4.4 to 4.6. When- Changes in mill system made deckers, tanks, pumps, and other equipment practical sulphite cooking liquor will be available to the bleaching process with only minor rearrangement substituted for the hypo. The cooking, liquor will be more efficient for it will serve not only to reduce the peroxide but lutions under the conditions which prevail pulp. Much of the bleaching action occurs also to neutralize the alkali thus making in the bleaching process. It performs this immediately on contact. The pH of the possible the addition of a smaller quantity function by inhibiting the catalytic effects stock on leaving the screw mixer is from of alum. of the traces of metals, particularly iron, 10.6 to 11. The stock must be acidified to remove copper and manganese, which are com­ From the mixer the stock and bleach the yellow tint which forms when coming monly present in pulp wood and in mill solution mixture pass by gravity to any in contact with the bleaching solution in waters. The stabilizing effect is obtained one of four bleach tanks. Two are tile- the screw mixer. After 72 hr. the color with a very small amount of sulphate. lined rectangular and two are cylindrical becomes increasingly more permanent. It At the present time the mill is using concrete tanks. Three of these tanks are has been found advisable to acidify within wood brought in last season. It is com­ used in rotation with the fourth used as a that time so as to insure complete disap­ posed of about 5 percent poplar, 65 per­ pump-over tank to speed up the rotation pearance of color. cent spruce, and 30 percent balsam. The rather than use to the machines from each Sodium peroxide bleached groundwood unbleached pulp has a brightness of 56-59 individual tank. is an interesting pulp. It shows many G.E. units. About an hour and a half are required qualities and characteristics that make it a The unbleached groundwood from the to fill a tank with 12,500 lb. (on air dried useful material for the production of a deckers passes to conventional type con­ basis) of stock. Present plans call for the wide range of papers. The desirable char­ crete chests with the bottom designed for installation of a mixing pump to replace acteristics of groundwood for producing complete drainage of stock at 3 percent the screw type mixer, and with the pro­ papers of good bulk, high opacity, good consistency. This stock is pumped to the posed increase in consistency to 5 percent, printing properties, and low costs are unim­ mixer by an Allis-Chalmers pump. the filling time will probably be reduced paired by the bleaching and to them are At the present time a Trembly regulator to about 20 minutes. added good brightness, improved color, operating in the line between the beaters After standing for 7 to 8 hours in the and somewhat better permanence. and the decker chest controls the consist­ bleaching tanks the pi I of the stock is re­ On the paper machine this pulp handles ency to the bleaching plant and beaters at duced to approximately 9.5. About 70 easily combining rapid drainage with good 3.3 percent, but nearly completed con­ percent of the bleaching action occurs in forming and “laying" capacity to make struction plans call for a Dezurik regulator the first three hours. This plant is oper­ possible high machine speeds, according to be located between the deckers and ating the bleaching system at 85 to 90 to Lyman A. Beeman, operating manager, the unbleached groundwood storage chest deg. F. although it is believed that the and his associates. Bulkiness as measured controlling the consistency to the above optimum temperature is 100 to 110 deg. either in the pulp itself or in paper can be chest at 5 percent with subsequent use in F. Above that temperature the efficiency said to be identical with the unbleached the bleachers and beaters at this higher decreases as the peroxide is decomposed. pulp. Although it might be argued there consistency. An increase in temperature shortens the would be some slight changes, these are The peroxide bleaching solution (250 time required for bleaching. The pulp is entirely minor. The strength character­ gal. per ton of dry weight pulp) meets the allowed to remain in the bleach tank for istics, as measured in the pulp, seem to be groundwood in the mixer, an oblong from 6 to 8 hours or until the peroxide has identical but due to more uniform sheet cypress box with a heavy-duty iron mixing been exhausted. formation on the paper machine, it seems screw, which rapidly and thoroughly About an hour before the bleaching to be true that there is a tendency toward mixes the peroxide bleach liquor and the action in a tank is completed, the contents a slightly stronger finished paper. The

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 107 Peroxide blepching solution and pulp Pulp is allowed to remain in the bleach tanks for from 6 to 8 hours. slurry meet in screw mixer Circulation aids in exhausting any residual peroxide

opacity might be expected to be lower be­ provement of slightly over 6 points. In for other purposes, but was available at cause of the brightness of the bleached the opinion of the operators better rela­ the time. paper but this follows only to a very slight tionship of pulp to bleach such as would W hen a pulp mill is in a position to extent. be obtained by the use of a rotameter and start from scratch and installs all* new Improvement in color is of course the stainless steel mixing pump should increase equipment it is almost certain that even most important change and brings the brightness another 2 points. Also better more favorable results will be obtainable. pulp into competitive range in brightness results are expected when a higher stock In such case it would be possible to use a with the bleached chemical pulps of a consistency is used. , single bleaching tower system, a continu­ G.E. brightness reading of 70 and over The cost of treating a stock of 3.3 per­ ous method, and other operating condi­ depending on amount of peroxide used, cent consistency and 56 to 59 points tions believed to be more favorable by color of the raw pulp, and other factors. brightness with 1.5 percent peroxide result­ the engineers of the du Pont company. On experimental batches brightness values ing in a brightness of 64 to 65 points Operation of this system is similar to the as high as 80 have been obtained but they averaged during the past year $7.04 per batch process previously described. The are probably not economical. The U. S. ton. That a steady improvement was made bleaching tower is a tiled-lined concrete Bureau of Standards has stated that the is indicated by the cost of a recent month or wooden structure designed to provide results of their tests indicate that while which was $6.20 per ton. for passage of pulp through the tower this bleached groundwood pulp can not be The breakdown of costs for bleaching from the bottom to top or top to bottom regarded as being very stable to light, it is 634 tons in a recent month is as follows: in a wad without channeling. Other fea­ more stable than the unbleached pulp. tures have been described in paper read Based on a 1.5 percent peroxide bleach Cleanliness of the bleached pulp is ex­ Steam ...... $290 before T.A.P.P.I. cellent. Many of the fiber bundles and H y p o ...... 245 The most convenient and economic some of the wood dirt spots are softened Power ...... 120 material for use in neutralizing and reduc­ so that they break up and disappear. Slime, Labor for bleaching ...... 415 ing treatment in the final stage of the Sodium peroxide . , ...... 2,155 once formed, is still present even after Sulphuric acid ...... 215 process is sulphite cooking acid. This is bleaching. The bleach liquor, however, Sodium silicate ...... 470 particularly true in mills which produce seems to be toxic to slime formation and Supplies and maintenance (includes both groundwood and sulphite pulp. The so it is eliminated as a source of trouble M & SO J ...... 15 present stage of development would seem in the system. This bleaching method is to indicate that a consistency of 5 percent Total ...... $3,925 simpler to operate and requires less equip­ Cost per to n ...... $ 6.20 will prove most economical, both from the ment than chlorine bleaching and there­ handling and bleach results standpoints. . fore is adaptable to small plants. It is expected that certain improvements A short time ago a batch of 50 percent in operation and equipment will result in REFERENCES a cost of about $5.00 per ton broken down groundwood and 50 percent sulphite was Eeeroan. L. A., Goodwill. F . C. and bleached using this same peroxide process, as follows: Shearer, It., Properties of Sodium Peroxide Bleached Mechanical Pulp and Its Applica­ except that more sodium silicate was used tion in Paper Manufacture, presented at T o n n a g e ...... 634 the m eeting of T. A. I*. P. I.. Feb. 10. 19-14. to increase the pH and buffer action. The Steam $ 50 Reichert. J. S., Sodium Peroxide Bleach­ results were said to have been entirely sat­ Hypo ...... 50 ing of Mechanical Pulps—General Descrip­ tion of the Process, presented at the meet­ isfactory', however, in the case of higher P o w e r ...... 150 ing of T. A. P. P. I., February 14-17. 1944. percentage of sulphite pulp the bleaching Labor for bleaching ...... 300 Iteichert, J. S., Campbell. D. J. and Sodium peroxide ...... 1,785 Secord, It. A., Sodium Peroxide Bleaching results have not been good. of the Mechanical Pulps—-Effect of Varying Acid ...... 215 tile Bleaching Conditions, presented at the In April, 775 tons of groundwood pulp Silicate ...... 470 meeting of T. A. P. P. I., February, 1944. Supplies and m aintenance ...... '.. . 15 Reichter. J. S.. Campbell, D. .1.. and Mills, were produced of which 485 tons were R. T„ Sodium Peroxide Bleaching of Me­ bleached. A 1.8 percent sodium peroxide chanical pulps—Control of Metal Catalysts Total ...... $3,035 in the Bleaching Operation, presented at bleach ( 1.8 lb. of peroxide per 100 lb. of the meeting of T. A. P. I’. I., February. moisture-free pulp) results in an improve­ Results in this will have been largely 1944. Rhodes, Kent. Printing Characteristics of ment-of-7,8 G.E. units of brightness while accomplished with equipment that had Bleached Groundwood Paper, presented at the meeting of T. A. P. P. I., February, a 1 percent peroxide solution gives an im­ been designed and in use for many years 1944.

108 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING i EDITORIAL STAFF HEAT STABILITY Features New Group of Synthetic Resins

Success lias been achieved in equipment where high-temperature opera­ silanechlorides of the types RSiCls, ICSiCL incorporating silicon oxide into tion is desired, and lubricating greases for and R3SiCl. These are decomposed by uses involving high temperatures, low tem­ hydrolysis to give either silanols, silanediols the molecular structure of a peratures and chemical resistance. All of or silanetriols, depending upon propor­ plastic thus combining the ad­ the group of silicones are characterized by tions of silicon tetrachloride used and con­ their temperature stability, inertness, water­ dition in the Grignard reaction. Typical vantages of organic and inor­ proofness and excellent dielectric prop­ silanetriols, for instance, include C0H6Si ganic compounds. The silicone erties. (OH)„, C„H6C IL Si(O II) 3 and C10H,Si resins exhibit splendid heat sta­ (O H )j. The silanatriols when heated lose COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT water to give their anhydrides, known as bility and in addition inertness, siloxanes. These siloxanes polymerize under water proofness and excellent Research on the silicones was instigated a variety of conditions to give a wide range many years ago by Dr. E. C. Sullivan, of silicone resins. dielectric strength. They are pro­ director of research at Corning Glass Many different types of silicones are duced in the form of fluids, Works when he decided to investigate the being made commercially at the present field of polymer chemistry lying between time. They include 12 viscosity grades of varnishes, greases, and solids. that of glass on the one hand and of or­ Dow Corning Fluid.s, Type 500, for use Many chemical plants will find ganic plastics on the other. Here the fun­ as low as —70 deg. F., eight viscosity the plug cock lubricating greases damental work on the structure of these grades of Type 200 for use from —40 deg. materials and the development of electrical F. to 400 deg. F., and five grades of Type of particular interest— Editors insulation was done. Later it was decided 700 for high temperature lubrication. to use the services of a fellowship at Mellon The resins for high temperature elec­ Institute to investigate another phase of trical insulation include four impregnating the development. varnishes, 992, 993, 994 and 2,052. These eat-stable, organo-silicon oxide W hen it became obvious that substan­ are for various services. A thermosetting H polymeric materials, known as tial amounts of the materials would be re­ resin, 2101, is for laminating glass or silicones, have been produced on a semi­ quired in order to prove their value, the asbestos cloth to produce non-carbonizing commercial scale for some time by the assistance of the Dow Chemical Co. was board. Dow Corning Corp., Midland, Mich., enlisted to produce semi-commercial quan­ (Chem. & Met. Vol. 50, pp. 149-150, tities. This choice was influenced by the HIGH-TEMPERATURE LUBRICANT Mar. 1943) but due to tbe necessity for availability of practically all of the required military secrecy little information has raw materials at Midland. The work there Greases for special purpose? include No. been available heretofore about this inter­ was conducted by a group under the direc­ 31 for use in bearings that must function esting group of products. Recently, per­ tion of Dr. E. C. Britton, director of .at very low temperature, No. 41 is for use formance data on the silicones were an­ Dow’s organic research laboratory. After at temperatures up to 500 deg. F., No. 7 nounced by executives of the parent com­ considerable cooperative work bad been for oxygen equipment, stop cock and plug panies Corning Glass Works and Dow done it was decided by Dr. Willard H. cock grease for use in the chemical proc­ Chemical Co. The entire output has been Dow and Glen W. Cole that a company ess industries. It is useful in plug cocks used for war purposes, but a plant of much should be formed for the manufacture of which must operate at elevated tempera­ larger capacity is now under construction the products. Accordingly, in February, tures or in corrosives. in Midland, and will be completed early 1943, Dow Corning Corp. was organized. While little information has been made in the fall. Although details of the method for man­ public about silicone plastics they have ufacture of silicone resins have not yet been been produced. The plastics are colorless SEVERAL FORMS disclosed, it is probable that the general and transparent. Like the other members procedure follows the synthesis investi­ of the group they possess the same out­ Silicone products include water-like fluids gated a number of years ago by Russian standing characteristics, and like the fluids, that remain as fluid as water at the tem­ scientists. Principal raw materials are sili­ varnishes and greases should have many perature of dry ice. Other fluids are avail­ con tetrachloride, magnesium halide , and peacetime applications. able that retain the consistency of.honey any one of a number of aromatic halides, For characteristics and other information over a wide temperature range. Also, there such as chlorobenzene. These are reacted about each of these silicone materials, see are varnishes and resins for use in electrical by the Grignard mechanism to yield mono- pp. 135 and 136 of this issue.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 109 SOAP INDUSTRY Overcomes Raw Material Shortages

Manufacturers of soap have long be maintained at recent levels, this would year, the industry might come close to not benefit individual consuming indus­ duplicating its efforts of 1941. been noted for the flexibility tries unless current allotments were re­ An interesting account of the difficulties of their production formulas vised. The rosin' situation also has been which beset the soap industry last year has been issued by the Bureau of Agricul­ which, under ordinary condi­ reversed. Formerly, supplies were ample and prices were relatively low. More re­ tural Economics. This report stated that tions, permits them to select cently offerings have been light and prices utilization of primary fats and oils in the their raw materials from a climbed so rapidly that it was found neces­ manufacture of soap in 1943 together with sary to establish ceilings for the respective estimated use of foots or refining residues varied list of oils and fats. With grades. In view of this reversal, the distri­ totaled 1,853 million pounds, 7 percent imports of oils and oil-bearing bution order which prescribed the use of less than in the preceding year and 18 percent less than in the record year of materials greatly curtailed, with rosin in soap has been rescinded and this undoubtedly will curtail consumption. 1941. W ith consumer income and indus-. raw-material quotas established trial activity at new high levels, demand for for the industry, and with gov­ SCARCITY OF OILS soap was active both for household use and for use by workers in industrial plants. ernment directives prescribing W hen it is considered that in 1941 the Requirements of the armed forces increased the use of fillers, soapers have soap trade consumed approximately 695 and lcnd-lease exports of soap rose to 17 million pounds of vegetable oils as com­ million pounds compared with 4 million1 shown a versatility which, so far pared with less than 230 million pounds in pounds a 1 year earlier. this year, has resulted in an out­ 1943, it becomes clear how great a share The reduction in 1943 in consumption turn of soap at a rate but little proportionately must be borne by tallow of fats in soap was largely due to the and greases if the output of soap is to be shortage of hard fats and the restrictions below that reached in the peak maintained at anything like a normal of W ar Food Order 42. These restrictions place a limit on manufacturers’ total use year of 1941—Editors level. Formerly this country imported about two billion pounds of inedible fats of fats and oils in the manufacture of with coconut and palm oils accounting for products for civilians. Although there had a good part of the total. For some time been close control throughout 1942 over n THE FINAL quarter of last year, soap utilization of imported coconut, palm, and makers were directed to speed up pro­ such imports have been reduced to almost I babassu oils, no restriction was placed on duction and to make this possible, they negligible quantities and while production total use until late in 1942.* were given higher quotas of oils and fats of domestic oils has been increased in the Quotas established for soap manufac­ and at the same time were requested to last two yCars, the greater part of this pro­ turers for the first and second quarters of use larger amounts of rosin and water duction has been channeled into edible 1943 were based on 84 percent of average softening builders. Under this stimulus lines. Government agencies have estimated utilization in the corresponding quarters of the outturn of soap moved up appreciably that for the present year, total requirements 1940 and 1941. In the third quarter a and continued to expand throughout the of inedible tallow and greases will be about revision was made reducing this average to first quarter of this year when the rate of two billion pounds. The bulk of this is 80 percent. W ith supplies more ample in production was not far below the record scheduled for the soap kettle with the the final quarter a second revision was level reached in 1941. This was the first allotment for civilian soap 1,289 million made which increased the quotas for the full quarter of operations under the order pounds and that for military and export manufacture of package and bar soap to prescribing the use of rosin and fillers and soap, 264 million pounds. If edible fats 90 percent of base period use, for bulk the importance of this directive may be in the form of lard and rendered pork fat package soap to 110 percent, and for seen from the fact that consumption of are made available for soap making to the mechanics soap to 150 percent. Under rosin in the quarter was approximately 66 same extent as in the first half of the million pounds or about four times as much as was used in the corresponding Soap Consumption of Oils, Fats, Foots, and Rosin, by Quarters 1943 1944 period of 1943. 1943 Jan.-M ar. Jan.-M ar. Apr.-June July-Sept. Oct.-Dec. 1944 Domestic production of inedible tallow Item 1,000 lb. 1,000 lb. 1,000 lb. 1.000 lh. 1,000 lb. and greases was unusually high in the first Inedible tallow and greases...... 378,147 335,376 304,330 330,820 385,068 Coconut, palm-kernel, and babassu oils. .. 18,688 29,125 71,982 50,205 51,363 half of this year and stocks of most oils Lard, including rendered pork fat...... • 18,085 55,954 44.136 and fats were liberal at the end of June. Whale and fish oils...... *?'2Z2 * i 7 *, 07 i 7,137 10,088 11,388 Palm oil...... 4,777 3,565 12,459 11,820 3,119 This might be interpreted as favorable for Other fats and oils, hard...... 24 24 901 3,978 4,194 Other fats and oils, soft...... 3,331 3,384 16,450 5,387 8,303 a continuance of near-record activities at Foots (estimated)...... 41,900 42,200 28,600 30,300 32,200 soap plants but production of fats is ex­ Total fats, oils, and foots...... 457,543 430,745 459,944 504,552 539,771 pected to drop rather sharply in the second Rosin...... 16,693 23,889 33,012 44,723 65,994 half of the year and even though it could Total fats, oils, foots, and rosin 474,236 454,634 492,956 549,275 605,765

110 • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING these quotas total consumption of fats in Primary Fats and Oils, Foots and Rosin Used in Manufacture of Soap civilian soap was estimated to be equivalent to 92 percent of base period use. Use of 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 „ , 1,000 1b. 1,000 lb. 1,000 lb. 1,000 lb. 1,000 lb. foots from domestic vegetable oils, or Hard oils (tallow class): Slow lathering — fatty acids derived from these foots, was Tallow, inedible...... 785,041 786,456 1,057,303 1,188,923 884,862 Whale and fish oils...... 166,483 107,911 76,312 72,401 44,972 limited in the first quarter to 150 percent Greases...... 120,856 256,886 310,487 338,974 463,811 of the base period. In the second quarter Palm oil...... 102,146 84,934 129,871 55,865 32,621 Tallow, edible...... 418 657 4,826 634 4,652 such use was cut to 100 percent and further Oleostearine...... 278 549 70 483 275 reduced in the third quarter to 80 percent. Lard...... 50 645 89 96 74,039 T otal...... 1,175,272 1,238.038 1,578,958 1,657,376 1,505,232 In the final quarter the allowable per­ Quick lathering — centages were the same as those for fats Coconut oil...... 388,912 396,857 484,124 140,487 142,346 Palm-kernel oil...... 3,657 197 1,113 1,353 1,840 and oils, depending on the type of soap Babassu oil * ...... 37,633 41,221 29,753 19,105 25,814 produced. T otal...... 430,202 438,275 514,990 160,946 170.000 Even at the restricted rate of soap out­ Soft oils: Cottonseed-oil foots and other foots. 119,000 99,000 126,000 116,000 149.000 put for civilian use, supplies of soap fats Olive oil, sulphured and inedible. . . 20,507 16,585 10,584 5,188 5,486 threatened in mid-1943 to become inade­ Soybean oil...... 11,177 17,612 24,737 31,510 15,428 Cottonseed oil...... 1,061 2,971 3,010 2,863 991 quate to fill manufacturers’ quotas. Im­ Com oil...... 4,441 3,638 4,948 4,102 831 Castor oil...... 946 1,225 1,976 1,599 878 ports and available supplies of the quick- Linseed oil...... 1,780 1,489 2,278 4,019 1,697 lathering fats, chiefly coconut, babassu, Peanut oil...... 80S 387 597 485 258 Sesame oil...... 14 38 304 189 70 and palm oils, were much smaller than in Oleo oil...... 67 127 189 205 2,160 Rape oil...... 2 49 5 1 prewar years. The immediate cause for the Olive o il...... 54 130 84 ...... 27 11 . Neat’s-foot oil...... 11 19 . 35 19 68 tightness in soap fat supplies was a decline Perilla oil...... 1 in output of inedible tallow and greases in Other vegetable oiis...... 7,364 2,051 i', 162 2,162 875 late 1942 and early 1943 when an increase T otal...... 167,230 145,321 175,909 168,368 177,552 had been expected. This scarcity of tallow Total fats, oils, and foots...... 1,772,704 1,821,634 2,269,857 1,986,689 1,852,784 and greases was accentuated by the need Rosin. 96.356 78,4,19 103,061 97,850 118,317 Total fats, oils, foots and rosin. 1,869,060 for certain derivatives such as lard oil and 1.900,053 2,372,918 2,084,539 1,971,101 red oil or oleic acid in the manufacture of rosin in soap. It describes rosin as a of munitions and other war-vital mate­ special products for use in war industries. materia] that can be used interchangeably rials. The production of soap and other Miscellaneous uses for inedible tallow and with foots and soft oils to soften a soap materials adequate for the military, indus­ greases increased 76 million pounds in which would otherwise be too hard. Rosin trial, and civilian needs also was made 1943 despite a decrease of 104 million and tallow mixed in correct proportion possible by this cooperation of the public pounds in total use. make a good soap. Rosin prices in most in salvaging fats. To make the best of available supplies years are only a fraction of those which The higher grades of household fats are of inedible tallow and greases stocks in the prevail for fats and oils. As recently as used for soap making. Others are split to hands of producers, distributors, and users 1935 and 1936, rosin constituted over 7 produce glycerine and fatty acids, from wgre limited by War Food Order 86, percent of the total-saponifiable materials which come stearic and oleic acids, vital effective Aug. 1, 1943. The order also used in soap but by the early 1940’s its components of war materials. For every required producers of these products to use had declined to between 4 and 5 100 pounds of soap produced, there is a reserve 30 percent of their production percent of the total. yield of about eight pounds of glycerine each month to fill orders from consumers needed in hundreds of war and civilian other than soap makers. USE OF ROSIN items. Chilling and pressing the fats pro­ In June and July, supplies were supple­ duces lard oil, a metal processing medium. mented by the release of coconut, and Last year rosin was in plentiful supply Every lathe, drill press and grinding wheel palm oils from government stocks and in and prices for K grade at New York varied running in the country’s war plants re­ July and August, allocations of soybean oil between 4c and 5c a pound compared quires lard oil to cut steel shaft surfaces, were made to soapers. Edible fats, banned with more than 13c for once-refined cotton­ grind the gears and drill the holes into the from use in soap making after Jan. 1, 1943 seed oil, slightly less than 1 3c for the com­ toughest of materials. were again made available after July 10 parable grades of soybean oil, and 7 .4 c for At the time the fat salvage program was and in the last half of the year 74 million acidulated cottonseed oil foots, basis 95 inaugurated in July, 1942, the production pounds of lard went into soap. percent, these prices for oils and foots of glycerine, required for many war prod­ The tightness in supplies of soap was being for tank cars at New York. The ucts and medicines, was comparatively low. relieved in early 1944 by a substantial in­ relatively low price of rosin, the scarcity Glycerine stocks stood at 70,000,000 crease in supply of inedible tallow and of soap fats, and the fact that the use of pounds on Jan. 1, 1944'and production greases, together with the availability of rosin was not subject to quotas, led to a this year is expected to range between unusually large quantities of lard for soap steady increase in its use during 1943. 192,000,000 and 204,000,000 pounds, making. Apparent production of inedible After October, soap makers were required close to the estimated maximum demand. tallow and greases in the first three months by War Food Order 86 to increase the Any substantial change in the fat supply of 1944, at 353 million pounds, was the rosin content of their soap for civilians. picture will adversely affect the glycerine highest for any quarter on record. It was It was the tight situation in oils and supply, and might necessitate restoring the 124 million pounds greater than in the pre­ fats that gave emphasis to the intensive restrictions of 1943. ceding quarter and 151 million pounds drives which have been made in fat salvage Glycerine has scores of war uses. Ap­ above that for the comparable quarter of campaigns to supplement supplies from proximately 20 percent of the 1944 supply- 1943. Although consumption expanded household collections. In 1943, less than wili go into explosives and another 5 per­ as a result of the larger supplies, inventories 100 million pounds of hoasehold fats cent into medicines and pharmaceuticals— also rose, recovering to approximately were collected whereas the 1944 total is including smallpox vaccines, sulfa drugs, the prewar level. set at 230 million pounds. The amount ointments, antiseptics, opiates, heart stimu­ Because rosin came into more promi­ made available last year, while relatively lants. Glycerine is also used in the manu­ nence in the soap industry last year, the small, relieved a critical shortage of glycer­ facture of cellophane, grease-proof paper, report includes a reference to the use of ine which was needed in the manufacture synthetic rubber, and lacquers.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 111 FROM THE Tlm um ' ÍF THE EH1MS

S. D. KIRKPATRICK, Editor * JAMES A. LEE, Managing Editor • THEODORE R. OLIVE, Associate Editor • HENRY M. BATTERS, Market Editor J. R. CALLAHAM, Assistant Editor • L. B. POPE, Assistant Editor * R. S. McBRIDE, Consulting Editor

SELLING SURPLUS GOODS have made careful studies of this problem and, for once, their recommendations are in close agreement. Both As t h e more active war production period approaches an would set up an independent autonomous agency or com­ end, Administrator Will Clayton is organizing what mission composed of a number of full time, fully exper­ seems to be a very sound program for the sale of plants, ienced industrial executives to whom they would give full equipment and industrial goods which Uncle Sam finds to authority over all property acquired for war use and no be surplus property. “W e arc impressed and pleased by longer needed for the national defense. Both would es­ some of the principles which Mr. Clayton has set forth tablish advisory committees representing the industries as his governing plan. Let us note a few here: most directly affected—having in mind the protection of No speculators! No dumping to break the market. Use private enterprise from unfair competition at the same of regular channels of trade. Testing of the market before time serving the primary objectives of providing the maxi­ large sales begin. No preference to anybody. No boost­ mum of employment compatible with military security. ing of monopolies. Tire realization for the Treasury These are considerations for the Congress when it fin­ of the maximum return only when some other considera­ ally gets back to the job of drafting the necessary legisla­ tion of long-term benefit is not more important. tion. Meanwhile it is encouraging to find that the sort Much more difficult will be the application of these of engineering advice recommended in the comprehensive rules. However, they are feasible of application if there report on this subject in Chcm. & Met■ in April 1944 is sincere and active cooperation of industry. (pp. 117-24) is already beginning to bring in concrete Particularly important at the outset will be assistance recommendations and to point tow'ard workable solu­ from normal producers and distributors of chemicals to tions for many of these problems. Well qualified chem­ see that surpluses are moved promptly when so identi­ ical engineering consultants and representatives of con­ fied by the Government. Any firm regularly engaged struction and equipment companies have been called in in the marketing of chemicals should keep in touch to fill the gaps iff the knowledge and experience of the with those who will offer surplus stocks so that they may governmental employees. Their studies will be of real promptly supply them to industries hungry for these value when the time comes for opening up actual nego­ materials. If regular sales agencies do not do so, we tiations for these properties. may expect speculators and inexperienced newcomers to enter the markets. This merely invites diversion of REVERSE DRAFT goods from a destination of greatest need into channels of. less service to industry and the public. Even when So m a n y critical things have been said about General such stocks of goods seem large, they must be moved Hcrshey and the Selective Service organization that it is promptly or the rebuilding of postwar programs will be time someone should back away and take a look at the delayed to the detriment of all. record. When hd started his job in September 1939 there were only 635,000 on the army and navy rolls and of these only 325,000 were on active duty. Now' there SELLING SURPLUS PLANTS arc about 11,300,000, and all are active. Most of that M u c h m o r e serious than the disposal of surplus goods huge number were inducted into the service during 30 will be the government’s eventual disposal of some $33 months, at a time when the monthly quotas were aver­ billions now invested in plants and facilities. The Com­ aging about 300,000. From here on in the need will mittee for Economic Development has estimated that the probably be only for replacements and the bulk of these merchantable war goods which must be sold in this coun­ will come from the 100,000 boys who reach their try will not amount to more than the equivalent of two eighteenth birthday each month. months of normal retail sales. Plant and equipment, on These mobilization figures take on new interest, the other hand, even after writing off half the total for however, when we recall that Section 8 of the original military installations and another $10 billion for ship­ Selective Service Act attempts to provide for the orderly yards and other large and nQn-marketable properties, will demobilization of these same soldiers and sailors. Con­ still leave the equivalent of at least two years of normal gress was very generous in ordering General Hershey and investment in plant expansion. Properly to handle this his organization to help these men recover their original problem, says the C.E.D., will call for “daring business jobs with no loss in rate of pay, status or seniority. statesmanship,” as well as “great ingenuity” in recon­ Other laws have since added even more complications so version and the “bold dismantling” of many plants it is no v'onder that the general is a bit concerned about which cannot be converted. holding his great volunteer organization together long Committees from both the National Association of enough to do the back haul job. It won't be short nor Manufacturers and the U. S. Chamber of Commerce easy of accomplishment. At the rate of a half million a

112 AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING month, which is perhaps more than we have physical This organization of the whole industry will be able to facilities to demobilize (let alone jobs and “economic plan a coordinated program, eliminate duplication of status”), it would take a couple of years for complete effort, and solve many of the waste disposal problems that demobilization. W e should not be very much surprised have plagued the mills. It will be able to develop means if it took twice that long. Presumably length of sendee for the recovery and utilization of materials now wasted. and number of dependents will determine the order in These and many other reasons indicate the soundness of which the men are released—but again there are these the cooperative approach to research in connection with economic and social considerations that will have to be the industry’s waste disposal and utilization problems. clarified by new regulations, if not legislation. As the draft machinery is shifted into reverse, there are going to be many problems that will try the CARTEL BEFORE THE HORSE? patience and resourcefulness of us all. Tim country Announcement from the State Department on July 18 is fortunate in having such a level-headed citizen as Major that the United States would shortly participate with General Lewis B. Ilcrshey “in the driver’s seat.” Great Britain and The Netherlands in a conference on postwar problems of crude and synthetic rubber has brought forth some surprising and conflicting reactions. “WELL DONE . . . THANKS” At a time when the Anti-Trust Division of the Depart­ A l l in the chemical engineering profession will echo ment of Justice is gunning for export combinations of these words of Bernard Baruch, spoken as he was told American chemical manufacturers, it seems strange to that Col. Bradley Dewey had resigned as Rubber Di­ find that another governmental department has organized rector and had recommended that his Office should an advisory committee of the leading executives of the voluntarily surrender its emergency powers. Dewey and rubber companies and discussed with them the “desirabil­ his predecessor, Jeffers, have reason to be proud of the ity of establishing a committee to keep the crude and accomplishments of those American industries that so synthetic rubber situation under control with a view to ably met the challenge of the Japanese aggressor. Today eventual consideration of postwar problems affecting our synthetic rubber plants are producing at the rate of rubber.” This quotation is from a statement attributed 836,000 long ions per year, which is half again as much to B. F. Haley, chief of the State Department’s Com­ as our prewar imports of national rubber. More impor­ modities Division, who is to head the American dele­ tant, the continued progress in reducing costs has gation. definitely assured our future independence, if necessary, Subsequently seven representatives of petroleum com­ from any foreign source. panies interested in the production of butadiene were in­ vited to m eet with the State D epartm ent officials and to JOINT ACTION ON STREAM IMPROVEMENT help them in preparing for the forthcoming “tri-power rubber discussions.” A l m o s t from the beginning the pulp and paper industry Meanwhile the word is passed to the press that all has been concerned with the effluents and wastes dis­ this is preliminary and exploratory. W e are assured that charged into the surface waters of the country. In an ef­ nothing will be done as long as the war is on—or at least fort to improve this situation, millions of dollars have not until the Far Eastern plantations have been recap­ been spent. Unfortunately, this effort has been largely tured from Japan. W e would feel better if we were on an individual mill or local group basis; the programs assured that nothing would be done until the owners of have been developed primarily to meet local conditions the American synthetic rubber industry were given ade­ and in most cases the results have not been made avail­ quate information about any and all proposals that will able to the industry as a whole. Meanwhile, the enormous affect the long-time future of their large investments growth of the industry and the more stringent stream as taxpayers. pollution regulations that are constantly being enacted into laws have only aggravated the situation. Faced with the problem that was continually growing worse and FRANK JEROME TONE, 1868-1944 showed evidence of shortly becoming critical, several of D r . F r a n k J. T o n e ’s long and brilliant career as electron the industry’s leaders met and made plans for the formal chemist, engineer and executive spanned practically the organization of the National Council for Stream Im­ whole history of the electrochemical industrv in America. provement (of the Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Indus­ His first association with Edward Goodrich Acheson al­ tries), Inc. Already its membership includes many of most co-incided with the opening of the great hydro­ the companies in the industry and it is hoped that all electric! plants at Niagara Falls. His company was the organizations engaged in the production of pulp of any first to apply a thousand horsepower to an electrothermic kind or character soon will give it their support. process and at one time it was thus utilizing about half of The Council was set up as a non-profit making corpora­ the entire output of Niagara Falls power. His personal tion. Its research program provides for a number of contributions included the invention and development projects at selected universities and other institutions. As of many valuable products and processes in the field of the plan encompasses both basic and applied research and synthetic abrasives and refractories. His great sendees development, institutions of proximity to the industries to his profession and his fellow workers in the Carborun­ involved will be selected in most cases. Already arrange­ dum Company have been recognized by numerous honors ments have been completed with Mellon Institute for —local, national and international citations. Withal he extensive research concerning waste treatment, recovery was a friendly, personable man whose inspiration and and utilization. guidance will be sorely missed by all of us.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 113 mm. & MET PLM T NOTEBOOK THEODORE R. OLIVE, Associate Editor

$50 WAR BOND FOR A GOOD IDEA! JULY WINNER! many entries for this contest as he wishes. Until further notice the editors of Chem. A $50 Series E War Bond & Met. will award a 850 Series E War Bond Acceptable material must be previously un­ will be issued in the name of each month to the author of the best short published and should be short, preferably article received during the preceding not over 300 words, but illustrated if pos­ J. A. MAY month and accepted for publication in the sible. Neither finished drawings nor polished Styrene Division "Chem. & Met. Plant Notebook.” Articles writings are necessary, since only appropri­ The Dow Chemical Co. Lake Jackson, Texas will be judged during the month following ateness, novelty and usefulness of the ideas receipt, and the award announced in the presented are criteria of the judging. For an article dealing with a issue of that month. The judges will be Articles may deal with any sort of plant “slide rule” nomograph easily the editors of Chem. & Met. Non-winning or production “kink” or shortcut that will used by non-trained personnel, articles submitted for this contest may be be of interest to chemical engineers in the which has been adjudged the published if acceptable, and if published process industries. In addition, novel means winner of our July contest. will be paid for at space rates applying to of presenting useful data, as well as new this department. cost-cutting ideas, are acceptable. Address This article will appear in our Any reader of Chem. & Met., other than entries to Plant Notebook Editor, Chem & September issue. Watch for it! a McGraw-Hill employee, may submit as Met., 330 West 42nd St., New York 18, N. Y.

June Contest Prize Winner tial of the cracked gasoline meter enables the plant operator to determine quickly and accurately the required flow rate of NEW CHART PERMITS READY PROPORTIONING Stream A, the solution of inhibitor, which OF TWO LIQUID OR GAS STREAMS in this case is seen to be 5.5. Flow rates are represented by the dif­ J. W. RUSSELL ferential of the square-root chart to sim­ Chemical Engineer plify the application of the proportioning The Ohio Oil Co., Robinson, III. chart and reduce the possibility of an arithmetic error when calculating the flow U o k application to petroleum refinery a line is extended vertically from 5 on the using a square-root chart multiplier. operation particularly, where orifice type right hand scale to cut the diagonal repre­ meters recording on a square-root chart senting the concentration of inhibitor in are widely employed, this inexpensive and Stream A (for example, 24 percent). From MINIATURE CHEMICAL PLANT simple method for proportioning two the intersection of the vertical and diag­ OF TRANSPARENT PLASTIC liquid or gas streams is presented. For onal lines, a horizontal line is extended to H. F. REICHARD example, a chart similar to the one pre­ the left to cut the curve representing the Chemical Ençineer sented could be developed for injecting a rate of flow (for example, 6 , the differential New Brunswick, N. J. solution of inhibitor into a line carrying on the square-root chart) of cracked gaso­ cracked stabilized gasoline. line (Stream B). A second vertical line TY) present ideas for equipment modifi- For a ratio of inhibitor (key component dropped from the intersection of the hori­ -*• cations' or new manufacturing units to of Stream A ) to cracked gasoline of 1 : 5, zontal line and the curve for the differen- management, or to the public at exhibi­ tions, attractive models are very helpful. Herein is presented a simple method by which practically any piece of chemical plant equipment may be constructed in small scale of plastic sheeting and the pieces connected together with plastic tubing for pipe, and supported on a plastic rod framework, to form a complete minia­ ture plant. The equipment pieces are made up by cutting pieces from plastic sheeting and welding them together with a hot pointed tool. The most suitable resins for the sheeting are polyvinyl compounds or cellu­ lose esters. The implements required are scissors, a knife, and a welding tool consist­ ing of a needle in the end of a pen holder. Details of the method may be illustrated by following the making up of a basic equipment type, a reaction kettle. The steps are shown in the sketch on p. 123. To make up the cylindrical body of the I 2 3456789 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 kettle the proper sized piece is cut from Stream A Rate (Differential on Sq.-Root Chart) Stream Ratio B/K (Continued on page 123)

114 AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING CHLORINE INDUSTRY Plans for Markets in Postwar Pentad

Plenty has happened during the war pentad to keep the chlorine-caustic industry on its toes: government restrictions on normal peacetime outlets and distribution, the mushrooming of innumerable direct and indirect military uses with insatiable demands, a doubling of production facilities for electrolytic caustic and chlorine, government participation to such an extent that government-owned plants can pro­ duce a quarter of the nation’s chlorine, technical advances in methods of processing and handling. The industry knows that many problems will come with peace to haunt the postwar pentad, yet it looks forward with confident optimism. The reasons are sound, for all signs indicate chlorine will continue toward the goal of becoming queen of the chemicals and that caustic soda will remain the heavy-duty worker for industry. Wherever there is a vigorous synthetic organic chemical industry there will be healthy demands for chlorine; heavy industry always needs cheap caustic.

odern civilization as w e would like materials, delicate dyes, medicines, fine said that the production of caustic is an M to know it, with all its vices and chemicals— such products are typical of indication of the stability of the heavy- virtues and debatable 6ne points, would those fathered by chlorine. If it can be industry civilization of any nation, then soon collapse if the alkali-chlorine and the production and consumption of chlo­ associated industry were suddenly anni­ Production of caustic soda and rine is a gauge of the refinements of that hilated. Caustic, for instance, enters di­ chlorine climbs, the gap narrows civilization. rectly or indirectly in some way into all In what ways and in what degrees does of the staples of life: clothing, food, the chemical and mechanical civilization shelter, transportation. Such commodities of this country differ from those of Poland, as soap, petroleum products, rayon and MBiiiiBBil Italy, Germany, France and even England other textiles, rubber, oils and fats, pulp IIIIBBMl and Russia? To a large extent, the differ­ and paper, all are highly dependent upon ences arise from the fact that this nation caustic soda, commoner among chemicals, m m m m ' . has a more highly developed and specia­ m m m m for their present state of development. lized synthetic organic chemical industry. U- i Just as riiany of the products of heavy ° " 7 - i A high standard of living calls for diversi­ A ( industry are dependent upon caustic soda, -T3 400 / fied synthetic organic chemicals; these in E so many of the refinements of our age <3 turn demand chlorine and still more S 300 7X7 O depend upon chlorine and chlorine de­ X . V chlorine, versatile tool of synthesis. These rivatives. White paper instead of dingy three factors, in fact, create a cycle of c\J U Á pulp, sanitary water, tailor-made plastics, cause and effect and each is a reflection !____ j j Chforine selective solvents, non-toxic refrigerants, 150 x of the state of the others. Thus the -■ i special synthetic rubbers, vitamins and sulfa ! . future of chlorine is hitched to the star inn drugs, poisonous warfare gases, high-test lUu J of the organics. Since 1921 this country \iÎ00 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 gasoline, water-proofing and fire-proofing has increased its volume production of

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 115 Location of Caustic Soda and Chlorine Plants in the United States this accelerated demand for chlorine extend Alkali Producers into the postwar pentad and beyond or Belle Alkali Co...... Belle, W. Va...... Moore-Vorce cell will excess chlorine capacity become a Columbia Chemical Div. of Pittsburgh Plate Glass C o...... Barberton, Ohio...... Lime-soda process problem child of our postwar chemical Barberton, Ohio...... Vorce & Hooker cells economy? Will electrolytic chlorine event­ Natrium, W. Va. (D.P.C.) Hooker-Columbia cells ually become the tail that wags the entire Diamond Alkali Co...... Painesville, Ohio...... Lime-soda process Painesville, Ohio...... Tucker-Windecker cell caustic soda industry? Hooker Electrochemical Co.. Niagara Falls, N. Y Hooker S cell Present indications lead one to believe Tacoma, Wash...... Hooker S & Hooker E cells Isco Chemical Co...... Niagara Falls, N. Y Nelson cell that the demand for chlorine will continue Mathieson Alkali Works, Inc Saltville, V a...... Lime-soda process to be healthy (with the possible exception Lake Charles, La...... Lime-soda process Niagara Falls, N. Y Castner cell of the initial postwar readjustment phase) Michigan Alkali Div. of Wyandotte for years to come and that the supply- Chemicals Corp...... '...... Wyandotte, Mich...... Lime-soda process Wyandotte, Mich...... Imperial Chemical Ind.

116 AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING Chlorine has remained tight throughout the war and shows promise of staying so, although new plants and expansions have helped to relieve the situation. Demand for chlorine is expected to increase gradu­ ally for at least another year of war. Meanwhile, demands for caustic soda increased at a more temperate pace. The chemical industry took increasing quanti­ ties of caustic soda until in 1943 it became the largest single consumer, with the rayon industry a close second. Even though caustic soda is not "tight” in the un­ pleasant sense of the word, there is nothing like a surplus of this alkali even now. In this respect the lime-soda producers have helped the situation by curtailing produc­ tion to a certain extent, thereby also re­ leasing additional soda ash to industry.

PLANT EXPANSIONS

As soon as it became evident that there This assembly of Ilooker-Coluinbia cells at the DPC plant operated by Pitts­ would be a shortage of chlorine, alkali burgh Plate Glass Co. has one of the largest chlorine capacities in the country producers set about the job of eliminating production bottlenecks, enlarging plant mills is relatively small and stabilized) able. In general, however, it is known that facilities and, in a number of cases, and the trend for producers to become government-financed plants account for ap­ erecting entirely new plants. The govern­ their own best customers. proximately a quarter of the nation’s chlor­ ment took an active part in this expansion ine capacity. Consequently, of the approxi­ program by financing new plants through THE PEOPLE’S PLANTS mate 1,600,000-1,800,000 tons of chlorine DPC. The Chemical Warfare Service produced in 1943, government plants ac­ began producing chlorine at four of its Since 1941, the government has found it counted for approximately 400,000-600,- arsenals, and some of the magnesium necessary to enter into the production of 000 tons. These figures may cause night­ producers installed electrolytic caustic- electrolytic caustic soda and chlorine in mares to some persons making plans for chlorine facilities. No new lime-soda a big way. This it has done through the postwar pentad. On further analysis, plants have been erected, nor any major ex­ Chemical Warfare arsenals, through DPC- however, they are not so formidable. pansions made in present facilities. In­ financed plants operated by private indus­ Of this total government capacity, about stead, these caustic producers have been try, and through government-financed elec­ 100,000 tons are supplied by the four able to increase their output almost 30 trolytic magnesium plants. Chemical Warfare Service arsenals at percent over that for 1939 by eliminating Details on capacities of certain of these Huntsville, Rocky Mt., Edgewood and production bottlenecks and through fuller government plants as well as distribution Pine Bluff. Two of these arsenals have utilization of existing facilities. breakdown figures are not generally avail­ capacities of 100 tons of chlorine a day Plant capacities of commercial producers of electrolytic caustic soda have been in­ Next to Hooker cells, the Vorce cells of Westvaco Chlorine Products Co., creased from over 700,000 tons annually in shown here in a large installation, are most important capacity-wise 1941 to some 1,200,000 tons annually at the present. During the same period, capacities of privately-ownêd chlorine plants have been increased from 800,000 tons to almost 1,300,000 tons annually. New private plants erected since 1942 include those of the B. F. Goodrich Co. in Louisville, and of General Electric Co. in Pittsfield, Mass. It is significant to note that of the 1.036.000 tons of electrolytic caustic soda produced in 1943 by private plants, some 245.000 tons or 24 percent, was consumed in the producing plants. On the other hand, of the 1,212,000 tons of chlorine produced by private firms in the same year, some 700,000 tons or 58 percent was con­ sumed by producing plants. The compar­ able figure in 1939 was only 34 percent. These figures, which do not include pro­ ducer consumption involving inter-plant transfer, indicate the rapidly growing rate at which chlorine is being used in the pro­ duction of other chemicals (the percent­ age made and consumed by pulp and paper

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • . 117 U. S. Production of Caustic Soda tons of chlorine. Only a relatively small Production and Consumption of (Short Tons of 100 Percent NaOH) * portion of this production is needed for Chlorine by Private Plants1 make-up purposes in the magnesium opera­ Consumption Lime- Electro- at Producing Soda lytio Total tions; the remainder is for sale. The fate Production Plants 1821...... 163,044 75,547 238,591 of these magnesium and chlorine units 1937...... 446,261 160,301 1923...... 314,195 122,424 436,619 after the war is debatable. If magnesium 1939...... 514,401 175,126 1925...... 355,783 141,478 497,261 1941...... 797,976 396.079 1927 ...... 387,235 186,182 573,417- operations cease, it is entirely possible 1942...... 987,784 557,796 1929 524,985 236,807 761,792 that the chlorine units will continue oper­ 1943...... 1,211,720 698,767 1931...... 455,832 203,057 658,8S7 1944 (5 mo.)*. . . . 532,323 314,888 1933...... 439,363 247,620 686,983 ations, although it is more likely that they 1935...... 436,980 322,401 759,381 may be dismantled for use elsewhere, * As short tons. Data from. Bureau of the Census. 1937 ...... 488,807 479,919 968,726 possibly abroad. * Preliminary. 1939 ...... 532,914 512,492 1,045,406 1940 (eat) 505,000 595,000 1,100,000 Chlorine capacity of the Dow Mag­ 194 1...... 685,999 743,316 1,429,310 nesium Corp. (DPC) plant at Velasco, welded construction and methods of in­ 1942 634,291 939,878 1,514,169 194 3 ...... 673,495 1,036,564 1,710,059 Texas, is unknown. There is a good possi­ sulating these, such as with the Columbia 1944 (4,ioo.)...-?; 266,367 395,106 061,473 bility that this plant will continue mag­ tank lining, to permit shipment of 73 per­ nesium operations after the war, in which cent caustic without metallic contamina­ • Fiiurw for 1121-1943, except 1940, are from the U. 8. Bureau of the Census. Electrolytic caustic case the chlorine production will continue tion (described in a later paragraph). soda fleure* up to 1941 do not include that made and oonsumed at wood-pulp mills, estimated at about 30,- to be used for make-up in the magnesium (7) Extensive use in new plants of rub­ 110 tons in 192T and 1929, 24,000 tons in 1931. 21.000 tons in 1923. 20,000 tons in 1934, 17,000 plants at Velasco or at Freeport. Excess ber-lined steel for handling wet chlorine, tons In 1935, 19,000 tons in 1936 and 1937, 18.000 tons in 1938, 25.000 tons in 1939 and 30,000 tons capacity can be fed into the nearby Dow although chemical stoneware is still in in 19 40. Figures for 1941-1944 include production at pulp mills. Does not include production at srorern- chlorinated hydrocarbons plant or Ethyl predominant use throughout the industry. Bwnt-owaied plants, all of which are electrolytic. Dow units. (8 ) Use of 55-ton single-unit chlorine Largest of the DPC-financed alkali- tank cars and fusion welded construction chlorine plants not associated with CWS (although one is operating at only 50 tons instead of hammer welded for single-unit or magnesium producers is the unit at a day) and two have capacities of 50 tons tank cars of 30 tons or smaller. Natrium, W. Va., operated by the Colum­ of chlorine a day. For the good" of the (9) Development by Pennsylvania Salt bia Chemical Division of Pittsburgh Plate German people, it is high time that some­ Mfg. Co. of a process for producing liquid Glass Co. This plant uses Hooker-Colum- one inform Hitler that these arsenal chlorine relatively free of non-volatile bia cells and is one of the largest installa­ chlorine plants operate only to sell caustic material. tions ever built as a unit. Its capacity is soda and chlorine. For some time our (10) Improvement in the Vorce cell presumably in the neighborhood of 250— Chemical Warfare Sendee has had enough (Westvaco Chlorine Products, Inc.) by 300 tons of chlorine a day. stocks of chemical gases of all types to the addition of an extra cathode inside the pickle ever)' Nazi and every Jap several row of anodes, thus increasing the power TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS times over. Comfort to the enemy? efficiency and capacity of the cell (see ac- It is extremely doubtful if these chlorine -companying sketch). At the same time these plant expansions plants will be operated by CWS after the (11) Improved method of handling 73 were taking place, a number of technical war. Some tentative efforts are probably percent high-quality caustic soda at cus­ improvements in the processing, purifica­ now being made to dispose of the units. tomers’ plants to accomplish dilution and tion and handling of caustic soda and However, it is very likely that at least quick cooling in order to minimize metallic chlorine were being made by the more pro­ some of them will be kept in stand-by contamination during unloading. gressive members of the industry. condition or that the government will The more important technical develop­ allow them to be operated by private indus­ IMPROVED HOOKER CELL ments during the past five years in both try if the demand for chlorine or caustic chlorine and caustic soda manufacture and soda should warrant such operation. The improved Hooker type S cell is a handling include the following: A goodly portion of the remaining gov­ 7,500-ampere unit which produces about ernment-financed chlorine capacity is ac­ ( 1 ) A general trend toward the use of one quarter of a ton of chlorine per cell counted for by the producers of electro­ mercury arc rectifiers in place of motor per day. Its large capacity per unit volume lytic magnesium. Of the eight electrolytic generator sets for large installations with and high power efficiency have given it and carbothermic magnesium plants that high circuit voltages,- resulting in high preference in the expansion of the chlorine require or produce chlorine in their mag­ efficiency of power conversion. industry during recent years, particularly nesium operations, two have separate in­ (2) Rapid increase in use of cells of in the war period. Hooker type S cells stallations for producing caustic-chlorine, larger capacity and higher power efficiency, have been installed in 18 plants during both of which use the Hooker S type of especially those of the Hooker S type, and the past four years, including several of cell. W ith the exception of the Dow of a larger number of cells per circuit, thus the largest installations in the country. The operations and possibly one or two other reducing investment and operating costs large capacity of the cell makes it well producers, it is safe to say that the mag­ per ton of product (see accompanying suited for large installations, because of nesium producers shown in the accompany­ sketch; described in a later paragraph). the reduction in investment and operating ing table will cease operations in the imme­ (3) Development of the Pittsburgh costs not onlv for the cells and cell build­ diate postwar. One electrolytic DPC- Plate Glass liquid ammonia process for ing but also for the electrical conversion financcd plant has never been able to pro­ purification of diaphragm cell caustic soda equipment. *>__ _ duce commercially; some of the others are to render it suitable for ravon and other This cell was designed originally for still relatively high-cost producers and all high-quality uses (see accompanying operation at 6,000 amperes with a permis­ are now operating at curtailed capacity. sketch; described in a later paragraph). sible range of 5,000-7,000 amperes. Sev­ Of the two magnesium producers with (4) Development of treated graphite eral years of operating experience have separate chlorine plants, Basic Magnesium, for anodes that have considerably longer shown that the cell can be economically Inc., has the larger capacity. This Nevada life than those formerly used. operated over a range of 4.000-8,000 am­ giant has a chlorine unit housed in two (5) Installation of facilities for continu­ peres and that the optimum operating load buildings, each of which has 450 Hooker ous settling of treated brine in most of the is about 7,500 amperes. Improvement in S cells of 7,500 amp. capacity. These 900 new plants. the electrical connections and increase in cells thus have a daily capacity of 200—225 (6 ) Improved design of tank cars of the weight of copper used at certain points

118 AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING were the only changes necessary for opera­ tion at higher loads. Certain other minor details in this cell have also been changed in recent years. The heat exchanger between caustic liquor and feed brine and the insulation of the cell cathode have both been eliminated for simplification of operation. Copper conductors are welded to the cathode frame, improving the durability of this connection as compared with the riveted construction previously used. Improved insulators have been developed for the hydrogen connection to the cell and for the cell liquor outlet to reduce current leakage in circuits with high operating voltages, such as 500-750 volts. The ac­ companying diagram shows the principal features of the construction of the cell, in­ cluding these improvements. Operating characteristics have been im­ proved with increased experience and im­ proved operating conditions so that at the rated load of 7,500 amperes, an average of This purification process of Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. makes a rayon-grade 96 percent current efficiency is obtained caustic by removing chlorides and chlorates from impure diaphragm liquors with 138 grams per liter caustic soda in chlorate because its oxidizing properties Ammonia liquor from the top of the the effluent liquor. Average graphite life greatly increase the tendency of the caustic diffusion tower is redistilled to recover the has been increased from 350 days, which to pick up metal impurities from storage ammonia. A very small fraction (3 per­ corresponded to operation at only 7,000 tanks and pipe lines. In some cases it cent or less) of the original caustic is re­ amperes in 1938, to over 450 days corres­ also causes objectionable side reactions. covered from the still bottoms and can ponding to 7,500 amperes in 1944. Various methods of purfication of usually be disposed of at no loss. The caustic soda have been practiced on a purified caustic contains some ammonia, NEW PURIFICATION PROCESS commercial scale, such as the Hooker pro­ which is rather easy to remove because of cess for crystallizing out hydrates, dialysis, its low solubility. It can be removed For economic reasons, the rapid expan­ etc. However, the process evidently re­ either by blowing air through the liquor or sion in chlorine capacity has been essen­ ceiving the -widest acceptance at the pres­ by evaporating a small amount of water tially all in the form of diaphragm electro­ ent time was developed and patented by from the solution. The accompanying lytic cells which produce a relatively im­ the Columbia Chemical Division of Pitts­ flow sheet will serve to illustrate the gen­ pure caustic soda as a co-product. Approx­ burgh Plate Glass Co. Four separate com­ eral plan of operation. imately 1.1 tons of caustic are produced mercial installations are now in operation for each ton of chlorine, and the effect of in different parts of the country'. CAUSTIC TRANSPORTATION this output has been no small item in the In commercial practice, a liquid-liquid caustic field. At the same time, due to the diffusion tower is used to separate out the Originally the only concentration of expansion of the rayon industry and other sodium chloride and sodium chlorate con­ liquor shipped in tank cars was approxi­ uses, there has been a growing demand for stituents from the dilute caustic. Ammonia mately 50 percent sodium hydroxide. Later very high-grade caustic. The alkali in­ of 70-90 percent strength is pumped into more concentrated material containing up dustry has thus been faced with the the bottom of this tower and 50-70 per­ to 73 percent sodium hydroxide was ship­ dilemma of producing more and more low- cent caustic liquor into the top. Being ped. The temperatures at which these grade caustic with a demand for more and immiscible and of different specific gravi­ two concentrations freeze are approximately more high-grade material. ties, these travel in opposite directions. 55 deg. F. for the 50 percent and 150 Most objectionable impurities identified By regulating the relative volumes of the deg. F. for the 73 percent concentration. with electrolytic caustic are sodium chlor­ two, any desired sodium chloride and This means that during cold weather the ide (about 2 percent, dry basis) and sodium chlorate anaylsis can be secured in 50 percent material will crystallize in the sodium chlorate (about 0 .1- 0.5 percent, the finished product. It is common prac­ ordinary’ type of tank car, and that the dry' basis). Sodium chloride is objection­ tice to reduce the chlorate to zero and the higher strength material will do so the able because of the large amount, and the chloride to 0 .1- 0.2 percent, dry basis. vear around. This resulted in the use of

Estimated Distribution of Caustic Soda Consumed in the United States (Short Tons)

Consuming Industries 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 Soap...... 104,000 94,000 95,000 100.000 103,000 125,000 120,000 105,000 Chemicals...... 130,000 173,000 138,000 187,000 212,000 260,000 300,000 360,000 ___ 81,000 88,000 82,000 80,000 99,000 105,000 116,000 100,000 130,000 Rayon, staple fiber & cellulose film...... 163,000 170,000 186,000 . 156,000 196,000 230,000 270,000 300,000 320,000 Lye and oleansers...... ____ 38,000 46,000 48,000 40,000 44,000 48,000 52,000 70,000 100,000 Textiles...... 34,000 43,000 45,000 36,000 44,000 48,000 63,000 110,000 120,000 Rubber reclaiming...... 14,000 17,000 11,000 18,000 15,000 18,000 20,000 24,000 Vegetable oils...... 14,000 14,500 20,000 21,000 17,000 16,000 20,000 19,000 19,000 Pulp and paper...... 43,000 48,000 37,000 47,000 78,000 100,000 85,000 95,000 Exports...... 77,000 102,000 101,000 130,000 105,000 120,000 • • Miscellaneous...... 63,500 173,000 150,000 143,000 158,000 230,000 340,000 510,000

T otal...... 793,000 988,000 865,000 1,025,000 1,118,000 1,374,000 1,464.000 1,783,000 ’ Included in miscellaneous

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 119 Typical Operating Performance of Improved Hooker S Cells that there will be no radical changes over Current, ampere3...... 5,000 6,000 7,000 7,500 prewar demands for chlorine in such uses Volts...... 3.28 3.35 3.45 3.48 as pulp and paper production, water and Temperature of effluent, deg. C.1...... 85 90 92 03 NaOH in effluent, gm. per liter...... 135 135 138 138 sewage treatment and textile bleaching. NaClOa per 1,000 parts NaOH...... 2.5 2.0 1.8 1.0 All these uses will tend to increase, of Current efficiency, percent...... 94 95 95.5 96 course, but in accordance with the growth Voltage efficiency, percent2...... 70 69 67 60 Power efficiency, percent...... 66 65 64 63.5 and. progressiveness of the respective in­ Anode life, days...... 660 555 480 450 dustries. Pulp treatment, for instance, Diaphragm life, days...... 220 185 160 150 NaOH per cell per day, lb ...... 373 452 530 567 will probably consume some 190,000- NaOH per cell per day per sq. ft. of floor space, lb.3. .. 5.3 6.4 7.5 8.0 200,000 tons of chlorine yearly; consump­ Chlorine per cell per day, lb ...... 330 400 470 500 Chlorine per cell per day per sq. ft. of floor space, lb.3. . 4.7 5.7 6.7 7.1 tion in this industry for 1937 was estimated at 117,000 tons and for 1940 at 170,000 1 When supplied with heated brine. 2 Assuming a theotretlcal decomposition voltage of 2.3 volts. tons. Sewage and water treatment will be 3 Including all aisles but not including cell renewal space. at about 50,000 tons annually, since by 1941 some 85 percent of the public water of improved design at a temperature up steam coils for tliawing in order to empty supplies in the United States were already to 220 dcg. F. Insulation was sufficient to the contents of the car. using chlorine for sterilization. During the keep the contents in a liquid condition for Since the shipment of caustic liquor in war Army camps, both at home and normal unloading upon arrival at the the range of 70—73 percent sodium hydrox­ abroad, have used considerable chlorine for customer’s plant, with the steaming of cars ide concentration is considerably more water sterilization. The textile industries through coils only occasionally necessary economical than 50 percent material, the will probably not require over 30,000 tons where the car was unduly delayed or in problem was posed: W hy not develop a of chlorine annually as compared to the tank car lining that would stand the extremely cold weather. Cars usually estimated 22,000 tons so used in 1937. temperatures involved in the higher test arrived at consumers’ plants with the con­ This leaves the chemical uses of chlorine tents at a temperature of approximately liquor and use a tank car of welded con­ as the most promising and worthy of post­ 180-190 deg. F., sufficiently above the struction for better adherence of the lining war cultivation. Production of bleaching to the interior of the tank car? After a crystallizing point to enable the unloading powder of 35-37 percent available chlorine considerable amount of research and de­ to proceed in a normal manner. has almost doubled since the 1939 figure velopment work, a tank car lining known of about 17,000 tons; this will drop sharply as Columbia No. 5 was evolved and NEW HORIZONS after peace. Instead, true calcium hypo­ patented by Columbia Chemical Division chlorite, containing 70 percent available of Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. A welded Most important war-time development chlorine, will largely replace the older steel tank car of improved design and in­ in the chlorine-caustic field has been the bleaching powder. The two principal proc­ remarkable expansion in the uses of sulation lined with this material made esses in this country producing calcium available for the first tirrte shipment of chlorine. These represent both new and hypochlorite are those developed by high-purity 73 percent caustic soda solu­ expanded present uses, but almost with­ Matliieson Alkali Works, Inc. (H.T.H.) tion to such exacting quality consumers as out exception the most important advance­ and more recently by the Columbia Chem­ the rayon industry. The lining in use is ments have occurred in the use of chlorine ical Division of Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. a modified ethyl cellulose material. for the synthesis of other chemicals, espe­ Sodium hypochlorite will probably con­ Caustic liquor of 73 percent concentra­ cially organic materials. tinue in favor as a bleach, particularly for tion was loaded into these lined tank cars Postwar-wise, it is fairly safe to assume domestic and laundry purposes. Two of the most recent developments This sketch shows details of latest improvements in the Hooker S cell in bleaching compounds are the processes advanced by Mathicson Alkali Works, Inc., for producing sodium chlorite (1940) and chlorine dioxide (1943). The first of these, containing about 125 percent avail­ able chlorine, has been adopted commer­ cially for certain purposes in the pulp and textile industry; chlorine dioxide shows promise as an oxidizing and bleaching agent to be generated at the point of use under carefully controlled conditions. Quantitatively, the most important war- stimulated uses of chlorine that hold prom­ ise of postwar applications on a large scale include the chlorinated hydrocarbons, chlorinated paraffins, glycols and deriva­ tives, silicone resins, synthetic rubbers, Freons, polychlorostyrene -resms, benzene derivatives, acrylate resins, vinyl and poly­ vinyl and miscellaneous compounds.

CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS

Chemically, the term chlorinated sol­ vents usually includes carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene, perchlorethylcne and sometimes tctrachlorethane and pentachlor- ethane. In 1940 the principal compound

120 AUGUST 1944 • CHEÉICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING of this group was carbon tetrachloride. In that year the 50,400 tons of carbon tetra­ chloride produced required some 47,000 Chlorine outlet tons of chlorine. iCopper-on'ode ring Since that time trichlorcthylene has moved up to first place in the chlorohydro- carbon family. This important degreasing Asbestos agent probably required in the neighbor­ hood of 90,000-100,000 tons of chlorine 3 ^ --Cathode cla m p for 1943. Before the war, trichlorethylene was being used on a large scale for degreas­ A node ing automobile motor parts and it had to some extent displaced carbon tetrachloride In n e r as a dry cleaning agent. It is now the cathode principal degreasing agent for machine parts going into tanks, airplanes and other 'Cathode military weapons. Perclilorcthylene, to a d a m p lesser extent, is used in metal degreasing. Postwar prospects for chlorinated hydro­ -O uter carbons as dry cleaning and metal degreas­ ing agents are very promising. Output has lo tto m , increased several times since 1939; unit çla m p production costs have been lowered. Sol­ Caustic outlet vent degreasing is usually about four times as fast as other cleaning processes and requires only about a quarter of the Latest improvement in the Vorce cell is the addition of an extra cathode factory space. In spite of the fact that alka­ line cleaners may stage a minor comeback, addition of hydrogen chloride to acetylene, rubber is in the vicinity of 52,000 tons. especially in the small metal cleaning estab­ but the hydrogen chloride is made from Of considerable interest and promise at lishments, the chlorinated organics will electrolytic chlorine. Approximately 0.62 this time is a recently developed rubber- continue to be the most important degreas­ lb. of hydrogen chloride goes into each like material, as yet unproved commercially, ing agents. They may well remain the pound of vinyl chloride. Goodrich’s new that may become one of the major single largest single consumers of chlorine in the chlorine plant at Louisville was built to consumers of chlorine, since it is said to organic field. Because of their non- supply this concern’s expanded Koroseal contain 35-40 percent chlorine. flammability, recoverability' and freedom operations. Before the war, chlorinated rubber was from residual odors these compounds Also important derivatives of vinyl widely used in many paints, varnishes and will soon become the principal agents used chloride are the Carbide & Carbon plastic plastics. Of more importance at this time in the dry cleaning field, especially in the Vinylite and synthetic fiber Vinyon. In are the chlorinated paraffins, which have larger establishments. fact, vinyl and vinylidine resins are some been widely adopted by the military forces Consumption of chlorine by the chlor­ of the most rapidly advancing in the entire as the base for impregnated compositions inated hydrocarbon family is now probably plastics industry. Even though relatively for treating canvas duck and other textile in the vicinity of 250,000-275,000 tons an­ unknown only a few years ago, production materials to make them flame resistant, nually. In all likelihood postwar con­ of polyvinyl chloride (92 percent vinyl waterproof and mildew-proof. Production sumption, after an initial period of re­ chloride) resins alone now probably reach capacity of these chlorinated paraffins has adjustment, will be approximately of the 35.000 tons annually; production of all expanded greatly since the beginning of same general order. vinyl resins (including vinylidine chloride, the war; there are reasons to believe that introduced in 1940) has been estimated this expanded use will extend into the PLASTICS AND RUBBERS at over 50,000 tons. It is difficult to esti­ postwar pentad, chiefly for fabric impreg­ mate the chlorine annually going into this nation, plasticizers, lubricating oil addi­ The last few years have seen a large in­ class of resins, but it is almost certain to tives (such as Standard’s Paraflow), and crease in the use of chlorine in certain exceed 30,000 tons. In fact, the entire to a certain extent even as a lining for symthetic rubbers and synthetic rubber- production of one of the country's largest food containers (substitute for tin) and plastics materials. One of the most im­ single chlorine plants goes almost entirely as a corrosion-resistant paint for chemical portant of these is Koroseal, a vinyl into production of vinyl compound and processing equipment. Chlorinated para­ chloride derivative. Production of Koro­ ethylene glycol. Yet these resin materials ffins usually contain 43-70 percent com­ seal has been increased to more than six have actually just begun to make their bined chlorine. times its 1940 capacity, and very recently way into the industrial world. Most single propitious wartime develop­ the B. F. Goodrich Co. announced still Ethylene dichloride, made by reacting ment in the entire resins and plastics field another expansion program. More than chlorine with ethylene or with ethane, is is the recent commercialization of the sili­ 90 percent of this material is being al­ an important fumigant, solvent and cone series of resins by Dow Corning Corp, located to direct military' uses, chiefly for intermediate for ethylenediamine. Its most sheathing marine wire and cable and for important reaction, however, is with waterproofing military' clothing. It is cer­ sodium polysulphide to form the synthetic Performance of ihe Double-Cathode tain that the present Koroseal capacity will rubber Thiokol, of which probably some Yorce Cell not be in excess of that required to furnish 60.000 tons are produced annually. P ercentage of caustic so d a ...... 8.607 Percentage of salt ...... 15.79 postwar consumer demands. Even before Neoprene is indirectly a chlorine deriva­ Percentage, of sodium carbonate.. 0.115 military demands took up most of the tive, since it is made from chloroprene Percentage of sodium chlorate... 0.026 Percentage of chlorine in g as.... 98.95 outlet, new uses for the plastic were de­ which, in turn, is a product of the reaction Percentage of carbon dioxide.... 0.7 veloping faster than production could be of hydrogen chloride on vinyl acetylene. Amperes per cell...... 1.600 Average volts per cell...... 3.3 boosted. Chloroprene contains almost 40 percent Current efficiency, percent...... 94—97 Power efficiency, percent...... 65.5-68 Goodrich produces vinyl chloride by chlorine; annuSl production of Neoprene Kwh. per lb. caustic soda ...... 1.059

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 121 Developed over a period of several years, excitement among entomologists and the the manufacture of Neoprene. Freons 13, these resins show tremendous and versa­ industry as a whole. Most recent reports 14 and 22 are used in the quick freezing tile postwar applications. At least one confirm the earlier hopes that this agent processes for food (hence have potential large plant, covering approximately 20 will probably prove to have a tremendous postwar possibilities) and in the dehydra­ acres, is now being constructed to produce influence on the postwar insecticide field. tion of blood plasma. certain of the silicone resins for military D D T requires the use of chlorine in Most of the excitement, however, has and other essential needs. Other plants two of its principal raw materials, chloral been caused by recent developments in the will probably follow in the near future. or chloral hydrate and chlorobenzene. use of F-12. Latest estimates place civilian One of the primary raw materials in the Present Army demands for DDT, prin­ requirements of this chemical for refrigera­ synthesis of the entire silicone series is cipally as a delousing agent, are expanding tion and for air conditioning- purposes at silicon tetrachloride, prepared by the inter­ so rapidly that it is difficult to keep up approximately 8,000- 10,000 tons annually. action of chlorine, silicon alloy and silicon with events. However, production prob­ Present production has been placed at carbide at high temperatures. Incidentally, ably now approaches 6,000 tons per year, about 28,000-30,000 tons annually, equiv­ silicon tetrachloride is also a raw material will soon reach 12,000 tons. Early post­ alent to roughly 15,000 tons of chlorine. in the preparation of ethyl silicate, of war demands can easily rise to 15,000- One of the largest demands for Freon growing importance in adhesives and pro­ 20,000 tons per year to consume roughly at the present is in the aerosol insecticide tective coatings. Silicon tetrachloride as 10,000-14,000 tons of chlorine annually. bomb, containing 90 percent Freon, being- an organic intermediate may well bear Very' recently Shell Chemical Co. an­ used in the fight against malaria by the watching in the postwar pentad. nounced plans to construct a plant in armed forces. This principle of aerosol dis­ Houston, Texas, to manufacture allyl persion of insecticides is promising post­ ETHYLENE GLYCOL chloride, alcohol and allyl resins. For the war-wise in spite of most arguments to the time being the entire resin production will contrary;'if Freon continues to be used as Ethylene glycol is a byproduct of the probably be allocated to military aircraft the dispersing agent this will mean an production of ethylene chlorohydrin from and other essential uses. These allyl chemi­ appreciable indirect use of chlorine. the interaction of ethylene and chlorine cals are derived from the direct chlorina­ water, probably the most prolific reaction tion of propylene. Incidentally, the allyls MISCELLANEA in all industrial organic chemistry since are intermediates in the preparation of the it serves as the basis'of a line of well over monochlorohydrin, from which synthetic Some of the other relatively new uses fifty commercial organic products. The glycerine can be produced by hydrolysis. of chlorine in industrial organic syntheses firm of Carbide & Carbon Chemicals Propylene glycol is another potentiality. include those that are themselves minor yet Corp., second largest chemical firm in this Propylene chloride derivatives may well help to make this chemical so important in country in respect to capitalization, is to bear a long-range postwar watching. an overall picture. Synthetic vitamins, for a large extent based upon this fundamental DD, Shell’s new soil fumigant that has instance, are very small in tonnage; yet it reaction of chlorine water with ethylene certain advantages over other fumigants has been estimated that these chemicals re­ gas. Some of the more important end and shows promising postwar possibilities, quire over 2,500 tons of chlorine and 4,000 products include ethylene glycol (Carbide's is a mixture of 1,3-dichlorpropylene and tons of caustic soda annually. Because of Prestone), ethylene oxide, dichlorodiethyl 1,2-dichlorpropane. It is obtained as a the generally low yields, these raw materials ether (by 1938 used in the Chlorex process byproduct in the manufacture of allyl are considerably in excess of the finished as the solvent in 13 percent of the solvent- chloride. products. Certain sulfa drugs require con­ refined lubricating oils in this country), Recently, dichlorostyrene and polychlo- siderable chlorine in the form of chloro- Carbitols, malonic acid, ethylene diamine rostyrene, new materials developed for sulplionic acid. and other amines, indigo, cellulose solvents. high frequency electrical insulation and W ith the increasing emphasis on organic Most important of these, tonnage-wise, other uses, have been placed under alloca­ compounds, such chlorine-introducing is the antifreeze and coolant ethylene tion. None of these materials are now chemicals as sulphuryl chloride, thionyl glycol, production of which has more than allowed for civilian use. Their commercial­ chloride, sulphur dichloride and sulphur doubled since 1940 by the entrance of new ization is too recent to allow postwar evalu- ' monochloride have been receiving atten­ producers into the field. During the war, ation, yet the concensus of opinion seems tion. demand for ethylene glycol has been par­ to agree that these resinous materials have Not to be overlooked, of course, are the ticularly heavy as a coolant in certain promising possibilities. possibilities of foreign markets, particularly liquid-cooled airplane engines and in re­ In the same category of postwar un­ for chlorine. Latin American demands, it coils of anti-aircraft guns. After the war it knowns is the status of magnesium chloride, is believed by many, will be of a magnitude will probably retain a considerable use in recently being discussed in favorable terms. to encourage cultivation. China is another civilian aviation as well as resume its im­ Certainly there is plenty of opportunity, possibility, and the rehabilitation of Europe portance as an antifreeze for automobiles, insofar as productive capacity is concerned, may even require American chlorine for a the use of which has been largely curtailed for this chemical to prove its mettle and time. There are also interesting possibilities during recent years although as much as merits. in the dismantling of surplus productive 20 million gallons may be so used this year. DuPont Freons, particularly Freon-12 or capacity and shipping this abroad for re­ The manufacture of ethylene glycol re­ dichlorodifluoromethane. have been caus­ assembly. Russia, it is reported, has already quires a considerable tonnage of chlorine. ing some speculation in serious chlorine contracted for a 200-ton chlorine plant to One large plant alone furnishes about 100,- circles. Freons are made from carbon tetra­ be delivered under Lend-Lease after the 000 tons of chlorine annually to be used chloride, chloroform or hexachlorethane. war. Other similar moves may follow. almost exclusively for ethylene glycol and Freon 114 is used to produce the low Postwar-wise, the caustic-chlorine indus­ vinyl compounds. Recently', propylene temperature of —112 deg. F. required in try can remain in a healthy state of pro­ glycol has shown promise of breaking duction and competition provided that into postwar markets in a substantial way. government-owned facilities cease opera­ tions immediately and with finality just MORE NEWCOMERS Reprints of this report are available as soon as private plants are in a position at 25 cents per copy. Address the to supply all demands. Competition for Of all the insecticidal developments dur- Editorial Department, C h e m . & Met., markets will certainly be keen, maintaining; ing the past half century, dichlordipheny- 330 West 42nd St., New York 18, N. Y. prices at low levels, stimulating new uses- trichlorethane (DDT) has caused most and keeping the industry on its toes.

122 AVGUST 1944 * CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING The type of feed desired was a uniform, „• [~3a (0/ — Ob)^ PLANT NOTEBOOK continuous flow. Adjustment of the piston U L s, (5/(3/ •- 5a) J stroke length did not give a satisfactorily (Continued from page 114) where is = specific gravity of liquid A smooth flow, and in order to secure this 5 a = specific gravity of liquid B the device shown in the accompanying 5/ = specific gravity of the float. sketch was resorted to. the resin sheeting, holding it as a cylinder This consists of an air chamber made The nomograph, which permits rapid between thumb and forefinger with slight up of pipe fittings, and an orifice fitting and accurate solution of the equation for the case of stainless steel floats for which overlap of the ends, and welding in spots Air chamber along the overlap with the heated point 8r = 7.92, was constructed by methods - — o f /"p ip e previously described1. The index line shows of the welding tool, as in sketch (a). Ex­ f illin g s perience has shown that the tool tempera­ that indicated weight rates of liquid A ture is quite critical. Heating the needle having a specific gravity of 0.90 should be point to red heat in a bunsen burner or multiplied by 1.09 when the rotameter is kitchen gas flame and allowing it to cool used, for liquid B having a specific gravity just below redness before using gives the of 1.10. Continuous best results with thin sheeting. REFERENCES The flat top is put on the kettle by spot- '/a"pipe-.' flo w — Ö = 0 = = = 1. Davis, D. S., “Empirical Equations welding a slightly oversize piece on top of and Nomography,” p. 104, 1st ed. the cylinder and trimming off the overhang McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., New York, P u ls a tin g T h re a d e d N. Y., 1943. as in (b). f e e d e r o r if ic e 2. ‘‘Theory of the Rotameter,” Sec. 80-A, The conical bottom is made up by cut­ p u m p f illin g Fischer & Porter Co., Hatboro, Pa. 3. For a nomograph for correcting vol­ ting out a piece of sheeting as sketched and ume rates of flow, see D. S. Davis, Rota­ spotwelding the seam, as in (c). The meter Conversion Nomograph for Liquid slightly oversize cone is then fastened to V olum es, C hem . <£ M et., 139, Nov. 1943. the cylindrical portion in a manner similar to the flat top and the overage trimmed off Air chamber and orifice installed on (sketch d). A manhole with flange is pulsating feeder pump made up and welded on the kettle top as shown in (e) and (f). W ith practice other, more complex in the line from the pump discharge head. pieces of equipment may readily be built The air in the chamber is compressed on up from simple geometric shapes. If it is the compression stroke of the pump, and desired to connect pieces to form a com­ its expansion during the return stroke plete plant, thin plastic rod may be welded keeps the liquid flowing. The function of the orifice is to restrict the liquid flow and hence make the air chamber effective.

ROTAMETER CONVERSION CHART FOR LIQUID WEIGHTS

D. S. DAVIS Wyandotte Chemicals Corp.. Wyandotte, Mich.

Y V / h e n a rotameter is used to measure Air-pressure cleaning tank the weight rate of flow* of a liquid for oil filters other than that for which it was calibrated, a conversion factor must be employed. In SIMPLE CLEANER FOR 2.0- —06 c-1.6 OIL FILTERS 1.8- Trim o f f S P. H. LAWRENCE over hono , ï ■1.4 3 1.6- B. F. Goodrich Co.. Louisville, Ky < (d) ' ( e ) -03 u »1.4-1 |~ k U R p r o b l e m was to simplify and im- -1.2“ Manhole details prove the cleaning of oil pressure unit Purolator filters. Kerosene blown through Steps in fabricating a miniature the filters backwards seemed to be the best reaction kettle from plastic sheeting > way to do the job, but it was messy and 5 H.0<2 inefficient when done with only a bucket o r: oC together to form a supporting framework. of kerosene and an air line. Plastic tubing may be used to simulate •12 £ 1-0.91 Consequently, a small tank was built & piping connecting the pieces of equipment, IS) : <3 and fitted out as illustrated in the accom­ In addition to its value for display pur­ r-0.8 j panying drawing. An ejector in the air poses such an unit may be used for work- : **> line picks up kerosene and feeds a spray simplification studies. 1.6 of air and liquid continuously through the -0.7 filter unit when the latter is pushed up DEVICE FOR SMOOTHING FLOW 1-3 against the quick-opening valve shown over the right-hand tank. This effects a FROM A FEEDER PUMP 2D 0.6—1 thorough cleaning job in a matter of GEORGE TAUTH Rotameter conversion nomograph moments. Chemical Engineer for liquid weights The ejector is simply constructed of pipe ohnson & Johnson ÎTew Brunswick, N. J. fittings. It consists merely of a ¿-in. tee the case of Stabl-Vis and Ultra Stabl-Vis through which an ¿-in. nipple extends, Tn the metering of small quantities of rotameters the factor, C», for multiplying being brazed to the inside of the nipple at liquid from a chemical feeder pump, indicated weight rates of flow of liquid A the up-stream side. The air line is of ¿-in. the discharge was found to occur in pulsa­ to obtain weight rates of flow of liquid B pipe, and the kerosene suction line, of tions corresponding to the piston strokes. is given by the expression2, i-in. pipe.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 123 m m m i f w i f m m THEODORE R. OLIVE, Associate Editor

ACETATE SAFETY GOGGLES high or lower temperature. Other optional Pulley Co., 4200 Wissahickon Ave., Phila­ equipment includes a special high ef­ delphia 29, Pa. As is shown in the ac­ Two n e w acetate safety goggles, said to ficiency. air filter for processing pharmaceu­ companying illustration, the remote con­ be extremely light in weight without sacri­ trol is accomplished through a flexible fice of strength, have been announced by ticals, food products, etc., and sealed glass sight ports for inspection purposes. The shaft, making it possible to mount the unit the American Optical Co., Southbridge, dryer is rated at 25 lb. per hr. evaporation anywhere in or on the machine and place Mass. These goggles were developed for of water at an overall temperature drop of the control in a safe, handy location. The general industrial use after extensive ex­ 300 deg. F. transmission, which is known as the Speed- perimentation. They are designed for ac­ Jack, is of the double-cone-pulley type. The curate fit and arc said to be suitable INDUSTRIAL X-RAY movement of the flanges forming the pul­ both for workers wearing non-prescription leys is controlled mechanically and not by safety glasses and for those with defective D e v e l o p e d primarily for industrial use belt pull so that the Spccd-Jack may be eyesight who must wear protective lenses is the new Searchray Model 150 recently mounted vertically, horizontally or in any ground to their own prescription. Being announced by North American Philips other position best suited to the equip­ made without metal, the frames are par­ Co., 100 East 42nd St., New York 17, ment. The unit utilizes V-belts to pro­ ticularly suitable for workers having skins N. Y. This unit, which is of integrated vide stepless controlled speed through a 3 sensitive to metal. The frames are spark- construction, may be employed either in to 1 ratio. The flanges themselves are of proof and hence are suitable for use in the laboratory or as part of a production plastic, steel faced for wear and lightness. explosive atmospheres. As shown in the line for the examination of formed metal accompanying illustration, the goggles are or molded plastic parts and for the detec­ available both with and without ventilated tion of foreign materials in packaged PULLEY SEPARATOR side shields. products. The unit gives the benefit of W h a t is said to be the largest magnetic X-ray analysis without the expense of lead pulley ever incorporated into a magnetic SMALL CAPACITY DRYER lined rooms. All .that is necessary to put. separator has recently been shipped by the it into operation is to connect it to a 220- Dings Magnetic Separator Co., Milwaukee, D e m a n d for an inexpensive small- volt, 60-cycle, single-phase power line. It Wis. The separator makes use of a 36-in. capacity spray dryer for the commercial is claimed that inexperienced operators diameter air-cooled magnetic pulley, having drying of valuable products, for use in can employ it successfully within a short a 63-in. face. The entire machine weighs laboratory research, and for pilot plant time. The unit is ray-proof, shock-proof, 17,000 lb. and is powered by a 10-hp. operations on specific materials, is met by and self-contained, with all adjustments motor. It has a capacity' of 450 tons per the new type N Turbulairc spray dryer re­ and operations made from one position. hour of mine-run coal, from which it cently announced by Western Precipita­ For non-destructive internal examination removes tramp iron. tion Corp., 1016 W est 9th St., Los the object is placed in a specimen com­ Angeles 15, Calif. The dryer can be sup­ partment. Tire specimen can then be Industrial X-ray unit plied in black iron, stainless steel, or other positioned by means of a built-in fluoro­ alloys and includes as standard equipment scopic screen before making the radio­ an electric heater, a 4-ft. desiccator with graph. W ith the object in desired position, cone bottom and hand-operated mechanism the proper voltage is selected from a direct for sweeping surface accumulations from reading scale, the film inserted, the timer the conical section, a Multiclone collector, set and the exposure made. fan, bag house’and control instruments, all mounted on a single frame for maximum capacity and ease of installation. Only VARIABLE TRANSMISSION electrical, compressed air and feed line S im p l if ie d remote control and universal connections .need be made. The entire as­ mounting are featured in a new variable- sembly occupies a floor space of 5 x 9}.ft., speed transmission for drives up to 1 lip., with a height of 10i ft. which has been developed by the American In order to gain maximum operating flexibility, optional direct or indirect type heaters are available while the remaining equipment can be designed to meet special needs. In addition, the desiccating cham­ ber is provided with a secondary inlet for introducing tempering air at any desired

New types of Remote controlled variable-speed transmission

• AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING RESPIRATOR FACELET* The unit is small and light in weight, con­ of the lamp or one of the electronic tubes

P r o t e c t io n against certain dust, fume sisting of a standard type electronic tube, closes the control valve and sounds an and gas hazards is facilitated, according to a supply transformer and an electromag­ alarm. The design is such that the float American Optical Co., Southbridge, Mass., netic relay, all mounted in a weather-resist­ will be brought back to the normal posi­ by use of the knitted cotton facclets which ant inclosure suitable for wall or machine tion even if some wide fluctuation throws are now available for its R-1000 respirator mounting. In operation, the electro­ it outside the light beam. Adjustment is and most other standard respirators. These magnetic relay is kept energized as long secured by moving the Lucite bars up or facelets are said to make any respirator as the controls connected to the input grid down in slots in the panel. more comfortable to wear because they are circuit of the electronic tube remain open. soft against the skin, absorb perspiration The instant these contacts close, the relay DRY EXTINGUISHER and give the face a certain measure of pro­ is de-energized. A built-in time delay E xtinguishment of fires in flammable tection against dust and dirt. Since they device is provided to prevent chattering on momentary contact closure. The relay cir­ liquids as well as fires of electrical origin thus help to prevent skin irritation they are is the function of the new “All-Out” said to eliminate need for protective creams cuit can be used cither to make or break a load circuit when the actuating contacts fire extinguisher which is being manufac­ to avoid face chapping. Since they are tured by the National Powder Extin­ designed to make industrial operations are closed. guisher Corp., 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New more comfortable, they are claimed to be York, N. Y. The extinguisher, which especially valuable for workmen handling ELECTRONIC FLOW CONTROL weighs 37 lb. fully charged and is said to products such as cement, lime, gypsum L ic h t -c a r r y in c properties of Lucite be easily handled by both men and women and other chemicals, as well as for those plastic are employed in an interesting way spraying paint. The new facelets can be workers, ejects a stream of dry chemical in a new electronic flow controller re­ ordered separate from the respirators, being extinguishing agent which, when activated cently announced by the Brooke Engineer­ packed 50 in a box. They can be washed by heat forms a fire-smothering cloud ing Co., 4517 Wayne Avc., Philadelphia, and used over and over again. over the flaming area at distances up to Pa. The instrument, two of which are 18 ft. The cloud is said to have insulat­ shown on a single panel in the accom­ ing qualities which help guard against re­ ELECTRONIC RELAY panying illustration, consists of a rota­ flash and also serve to deflect heat from A mplification of the very limited cur­ meter, two photocells, the necessary elec­ the operator, permitting close range attack rents transmitted by delicate control con­ tronic amplifying equipment and a re­ with greater safety and without heat dis­ tacts is possible with a new electronic relay versing motor-operated valve controlling comfort. The chemical, a non-conductor recently announced by the Industrial Con­ flow through the rotameter. Light is of electricity, is said to be harmless to trol Division of General Electric Co., transmitted from an incandescent lamp people as well as to delicate parts of Schenectady, N. Y. The relay is also through two curved strips of Lucite and machinery. The extinguisher and its ex­ suitable for detecting currents in high projected through the rotameter tube into tinguishing agent have been tested and resistant circuits and can be operated by two corresponding Lucite strips which con­ approved by the Associated Factory any material having a resistance of from duct the respective light beams to the Mutual Laboratories for use on burning zero to 500,000 ohms or even higher. two photocells. As long as the rotameter oil, alcohol and gasoline fires. Hence, it is suitable for controlling liquid float is between the two light beams, the levels in tanks and boilers, sorting metallic system is in balance and the valve posi­ PROTECTIVE CREAM parts by size, detecting broken threads in tion remains unchanged. If the flow textile machinery and as a limit switch re­ changes and the float moves upward or C lad is the name given to the new line quiring extreme light pressure to operate. downward by as little as 0.01 in., suffi­ of protective skin creams developed in the cient light is cut off from one phototube laboratories of the B. F. Goodrich Co., R-1000 respirator equipped w ith facelet to cause the control to correct the flow Akron, Ohio, and now available from this in the proper direction. The control is concern. The creams are made in two compensated to prevent hunting or over- types, for dry and for wet working con­ travel and the motor speed is proportional ditions. The dry cream is as nearly neutral to the distance the float moves away to the skin as possible, eliminating skin from the control point. drying or any tendency to cause burning or This system of using two light beams, irritation under prolonged use. It can be one above and the other below the float, used to protect expostd portions of the compensates for changes in color of the body against dirt, grease, grime and other fluid metered. Line voltage changes as similar substances. The cream for wet use great as plus or minus 10 percent are is made for protection where water and said not to affect the control. Failure other dilute aqueous and mild chemical solutions are present. Although the use Electronic contrpl applied of protective creams is said not to be as to rotameter effective as rubber gloves, it is claimed

New dry-powder fire extinguisher

New electronic relay

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • nevertheless to assist workers greatly in Size has been reduced to floor space re­ can be made large enough in diameter to reducing the hazards from dermatitis and quirements of Si x 3 ft. The unit can be prevent bridging. A cone extends up into in reducing "wash-up” time. It is sug­ suspended from the wall if desired and can the material and induces it to flow freely gested that such creams are particularly burn either gas or oil, these fuels being into all parts of the round trough below. useful for workers drafted from the home readily interchangeable with substitution of The cone is fastened to a circular disk and from white collar groups into indus­ suitable burners. which is slowly rotated by a drive mechan­ trial plants who find it more necessary to ism. Redler U-type flights are fastened at secure protection than experienced workers. WIND-ACTUATED EXHAUSTER spaced intervals to the edge of this disk and travel in the inclosed trough, convey­ P o s it iv e ventilation , regardless of ing material around the trough to a desired of wind direction or velocity, is claimed for ELECTRONIC HEATER discharge point. The discharge opening the new Agitair wind-actuated exhauster, D e s ig n ed primarily for the preheating is sheltered by a small roof above the made without moving parts, and recently of plastic preforms prior to molding, a flights which prevents uncontrolled out- new electronic power generator designated offered by Air Devices, Inc., 17 East 42nd rush of material. According to the manu­ as RCA Model 2-B has been announced St., New York 17, N. Y. The unit, facturer, this construction insures a con­ by the RCA Victor Division of Radio made in many standard sizes and in stant even-controlled discharge from any special types required by particular appli­ Corp. of America, Camden, N. J. This type of bin. new unit, which is compact and self-con­ cations, is weather-proof and light-proof. tained as appears in the accompanying It is said to provide positive elimination illustration, is said to be as automatic as a of down-draft. If desired, special finishes DUST SUPPRESSOR are available for corrosive use. "pop-up” breakfast table toaster, and al­ T y p e GA-Hydro-Clone is the designa most as simple to operate. Modifications BIN DISCHARGER tion of a new and simple dust suppressor are available for heating of other materials which is now being offered to industrial than plastic preforms, such as assemblies of To f a c il it a t e the discharge from bins plants by W hiting Corp., Harvey, 111. The wood veneer. Slightly smaller than a small and storage hoppers of non-free-flowing unit uses no filters, exhaust fans or other electric refrigerator, the unit is stream­ materials, Stephens-Adamson Mfg. Co., moving parts but employs compressed air, lined and provided with a built-in heating Aurora, 111., has introduced the circular generally available in the plant, to create electrode assembly in a chamber at the Redler bin discharger which is made with a powerful suction on hoods surrounding top. A wire-mesh screen which is closed a circular top bolted directly to the round the dusty operations. The dust so col­ over the heating chamber when in use in­ opening of a circular bin or to a short lected is then mixed with water. The dust sures safety for the operator without shield­ adapter attached to a rectangular bin. Fine is knocked out of the air stream and ing the work from view. The cover auto­ bulk materials handled in bins generally settles in the bottom of the unit as a sludge matically pops open and shuts off the give trouble due to bridging and many which is easily removed through a clean­ power at the expiration of a predetermined methods have been resorted to, including out opening. W hen compressed air is not heating interval, which is adjustable for pounding and poking to insure discharge. available, a centrifugal pump is furnished each .type of heating job. This heater is A different principle is employed ■ in the to circulate the water which is maintained of the high-frequency dielectric type in new discharger in that the bin opening at a constant level by means of a float which heat is generated within the material, valve. rapidly and without heat transfer from an Small capacity industrial space heater external source. Circular Redler bin discharger

SPACE HEATER

H e a t in g of small structures and pro­ viding additional heat for limited areas is the function of a new small model of the Dravo direct-fired heater which has been announced by the Dravo Corp., Ma­ chinery Division, Heater Department, 300 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh. Pa. .. Capacities range from 300,000 to 830,000 B.t.u. per hour. Developed primarily for use by the armed forces at ad wince bases, the heater is now available for industrial use. It operates similarly to the company’s other direct-fired heaters but is scaled down in size in keeping with its smaller output.

High-frequency heater for plastic preforms New wind-actuated exhauster Wet-type dust suppressor

• AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING

I > Profit by GIRDLER’S Gas Processing Experience!

Many industrial concerns, con­ and development facilities at their fronted with production or purifica­ command—have proved their abil­ tion problems of gaseous mixtures ity to furnish practical, speedy and or liquid hydrocarbons, have pro­ economical answers to even the fited by "taking a straight line" to toughest gas processing problems. Girdler — the shortest distance to We will be glad to receive an solution of your probleml inquiry from you on your problem For years, the Girdler staff oi — no matter how urgent or seem­ chemical and structural engineers ingly difficult it may be, it will with the most modem research receive prompt attention.

CHEMICAL Ih e GIRDLER CORPORATION EH«EBS {rr* í> A A ß A £ ) LV-lsLC/rX~ * If ^^/^CONSTRUCTORS,

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 127 3 Soft, damp sheets of alkali cellulose are placed in this 5 In a revolving churn crumbs are mixed with 7 Before leaving the aging cellar for the spinning 9 The tow is made by drawing the filaments from 11 The short lengths are washed, de­ machine and torn and beaten into fine crumbs liquid carbon bisulphide to form xanthate rooms, viscose is filtered several times many spinnerets together without twisting sulphurized and bleached before drying

Caustic Soda PULP STORAGE Sulphuric Acid O ils Caustic Soda Water Zinc Sulpha!« Caustic Soda Carbon Bisulphide MEASURING CRUMBING AGEING TANK Filaments MACHINES CANS Washing Desulphurizing Bleaching Finish Bath CARRIERS BALE PRESS MIXERS DRYER AND OPENER XANTHATING WVV CHURNS SPINNING BATH CUTTERS PUMPS CONVEYOR

STORAGE TANKS STORAGE TANKS TANKS VISCOSE Chem & Met STORAGE VISCOSE VISCOSE VISCOSE TANKS TANKS TANKS TANKS now FILTER FILTER PRESSES SHEET PRESSES "J8* To Process

Spun rayon’s versatility has proved im­ portant factor in broadening textile field 4 Crumbs are aged for about 48 hr. in large cans placed iS Xanthate is dumped into a mixer containing a weak .argej sheets ot puip are placed on edge in 0 Aging tanks in a cellar of one of the American Viscose 10 Tow of untwisted filaments is cut 12 Finishing operations are carried in the aging cellar. Time and temperature are controlled solution of caustic soda to form liquid viscose Corp.’s plants making staple fiber 14 Staple fiber is shipped in bales to be ped for 2 hr. in caustic siaula to form alkali into short lengths of rayon staple fiber in the covered tanks shown here converted into spun rayon yarn

â Ml 1 .U l i m .VAlX lUiMU’AL & MKTA1.LVlUitCST K îcgixkeiunc . 1. ON THE DRAWING BOARD — No Shop-Fabricated matter how complex your piping assembly design may be, all parts—valves, fit­ tings, and pipe—are supplied by Crane. Assemblies •. A Complete One source of supply—one order covers everything. Service from CRANE THAN a decade of experience and 15,000 installations are behind %Propertioneers % standardized metering pumps for automatic treating, feeding, diluting, blending, proportioning and sampling in process S HOP-FABRICATION typifies Crane complete service in operations. Proportioneers are widely used in the manufacture of such vital the highest degree. Your blueprint in Crane Pipe Shops products as Synthetic Rubber, Aviation Gasoline, Plastics, Penicillin, insecti­ means delivery to your installation of a unit meeting every cides, etc., and also for sterilizing and conditioning water intent of design. For at Crane, no job is too small—none for drinking, power and process use. too large or complex—and absolute adherence to specifica­ tions is a matter of pride. WORLD’S LARGEST* As the world’s leading supplier of valves, fittings, and Cargo Planes fabricated piping, Crane Co. produces all types of header in .. • assemblies of valves and fittings. Completely shop-welded, 7 stress-relieved and tested, and conforming fully to code re­ CONSTANT RATE quirements, such Crane-built units—whether for power or processing systems, high or low pressure—stand out as the %Proportionoors% motor driven finest combinations of materials and workmanship. Adjust-O-Feeders are built in Sim­ The same rigid control applied in making Crane valves in Pulverizing .. it’s the plex, Duplex, or Multiplex designs. and fittings marks every pipe shop operation. From raw Micrometer stroke adjustment as­ materials to finished assemblies, one high standard of qual­ sures proportioning accuracy o( from 2. IN THE FABRICATING SHOP - All designs are completely fabricated by Crane. Proper selection of all ity is maintained by the most elaborate facilities in the indus­ RAYMOND ± 0.3% to l'/2% oi volume set. Ex­ clusive Fluid Sealed Plungers and parts is assured by the complete Crane line. One respon­ try. Your complete satisfaction with every job is assured Stuffing Glands protect pumps from sibility covers all materials and workmanship. by Crane Co.’s 89-year leadership in the SUPER MILL corrosive fluids. Capacities from piping equipment field. 0.002 to 40 GPM. Crane Co., General Offices: 836 S. Michi­ RAYMOND builds a full line of grinding mills for American industry . . . from a small labora­ Ask for Bulletin 1100, gan Ave., Chicago 5, 111- Branches and tory Unit to a huge Super-Roller Mill, capable Wholesalers Serving A ll Industrial Areas. of producing up to a carload per hour of fine, Model 1XSB Midget Series uniform finished material. Simplex up to 7,5 GP 500 p.s.i.g. Products can be dried, ground, classified and con­ 3. ON THE JOB—With Crane materials and veyed to storage . . . in one continuous, dustless, Crane craftsmanship in every part, one standard automatic operation. Desired fineness can be of quality guards the entire assembly. Shown is obtained from 50-mesh to 400-mesh. the completed 12x8x4 hi- header assembly of Chemical plants that are doing important war 600-pound cast steel motor-operated gate valves jobs can utilize the wide range of Raymond units and fittings, installed in a central station. to secure the special type of pulverizer or sepa­ rator needed for anv production problem. %Proportioneers% Treet - O - Control r x n IVrite ¡or information... Main Line Meters for flows from f fi 2 GPM to 1500 GPM are used to con­ half a century of experi­ ence at your service. trol Treet-O-Units or Vol-U-Meters, or both, for automatically feeding chemicals or blending fluids in pro­ portion to flow. Ask for B ulletin TOU-6.

SINCE l £87 m&méMêgmIpifÈfcSi a =■ 8 M B » C - î- H i

RAYMOND PULVERIZER DIVISION Combustion Engineering Company, Inc. VALVES • FITTINGS • PIPE 1311 North Branch Street Chicago 22, Sales Offices in Principal Cities PLUMBING • HEATING • PUMPS Canada: Combustion Engineering Corp., Ltd., Montreal WRITE TO %PROPORTIONEERS, INC.% 29 CODDING ST., PROVIDENCE 1, RHODE ISLAND

• AVGUST 1941 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1941 • • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEER!*0 M PRODUCTS MD MATERIALS JAMES A. LEE, Managing Editor

CONTENTS

Non-Skid Coating ...... 135 Absorbent Paper F e lt ...... 133 Alcohol-Soluble Resins ...... 135 Iligh-Teniperatnre Varnishes ...... 135 Plug Cock Grease ...... 136 Silicone Fluids ...... 136 Polyethylene Plastics...... 136 Caulking Compound ...... 138 Chain Modifier or Regulator 138 Flameproof Rubber C loth ...... 140 C le a n e r ...... 140 Alkali Cleaner for Porcelain ...... 140 Soda Briquettes ...... 140 Steel Purifier ...... 141 Glass Fiber Insulation ...... 141 Phosphorescent Pigments ...... 141 Cottonlcathcr...... 141 Concrete Coating ...... 142 Non-Critieal R esin ...... 1 Fluorophosphoric Acids ...... Rust Preventatives...... Synthetic Detergents......

NON-SKID COATING

F r o m t h e Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co. conies announcement of a non-skid airplane walkway coating that is less than one-fifth the weight of rubber matting Light weight and with extremely low heat conductivity, a foam plastic has been adheres to metal, plywood and painted sur­ developed by General Electric Co., Pittsfield, Mass. A cubic foot of this phenolic faces, remains flexible at temperatures plastic weighs only V/2 to 2 lb. ranging from —20 deg. F. to plus 160 dcg. F. and is resistant to fire, gasoline, aro­ matic fuel, salt water, oils and hydraulic means of leveling out the humidity melt or solvent application. They are- fluid and oxidation. Made of Thiokol and changes. It also acts as a resilient cushion finding application in protective coatings ground cork, this surfacing material is to prevent damage to the face of the plas­ for wood and metal, binders, gaskets and applied at room temperature with an open tic, and acts as a shock absorber as well. can sealing compounds where their alcohol nozzle paint spray gun. It can also be The unusual high absorbent capacity of the solubility, fusibility, thermal stability and applied with a knife or brush and patches fabric makes it an excellent impregnating grease and alkali resistance can be used to so constructed blend well with the original medium; both thermoplastic and thermo­ advantage. The ED series resins are avail­ coating. setting types of plastic in fluid form can able in three forms, hot melt compounded, be impregnated into the sheet, providing hot melt uncompounded, and solvent type good impact strength. The material is uncompounded. The Series DET are ABSORBENT PAPER FELT available in sheets or rolls of any size de­ thick, viscous adhesives available in a range sired, from 0.012 to 0.040. of viscosities. The polyamide resins were I n t r o d u c e d recently, Fleecemat is a highly absorbent felt made of a blend of first produced by the Northern Regional fibers which is said to give the sheet excel­ Research Laboratories, Peoria, 111., under lent resiliency. It is a product of William ALCOHOL-SOLUBLE RESINS the name of NORELAC. A. Hermanson & Co., Boston 16, Mass. A c r o u p of alcohol-soluble resins, known Fleecemat is used to pack between sheets as polyamide resins Series ED and DET, of plastic, the dimensional stability of are in commercial production of General HIGH TEMPERATURE VARNISHES which is affected by atmospheric changes Mills, Minneapolis. The ED series, made Two t y p e s of silicone impregnating in temperature and humidity. It acts not by reaction of the dimerized and trimer- varnishes made by Dow Corning Corp., only as an insulator, to prevent rapid ized linoleic and linolenic acids of soybean Midland, Mich., are useful in the manu­ changes in temperature affecting the oil with ethylene diamine, are hard, dark facture of high temperature stable electrical sheets, but also provides an absorptive amber colored products capable of hot equipment. One should provide a highly

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 135 flexible coating which retains flexibility un­ der adverse operating conditions. The other should be convertible by heat to form a hard solid throughout relatively deep sec­ tions. On conversion, it can be reasonably brittle but it should not soften with heat or tend to flow under the centrifugal forces operating in rotating parts. Since this com­ bination of properties is often difficult and impractical to handle in a single material. Dow Corning offers two resins to cover the use rcquiremefitSi These resins, designated as Dow Corning 993 and Dow Corning 2052, are now in commercial production. No. 993 is a heat curing, high temperature stable silicone varnish recommended for (1) impregnating motor stators, trans­ former coils and other non-rotating coils; (2) varnishing Fiberglas or asbestos served magnet wire; (3) varnishing Fiberglas, mica and asbestos electrical insulating cloths, tapes, sheets and sleeving. No. 2052 is a silicone electrical insulating var­ nish which requires much lower curing temperatures than previously available sili­ cone varnishes. It can be set with heat to form a solid structure which will not liquefy or soften even at a temperature of- 200 deg. C. It was specifically developed for impregnating rotating equipment which operates at high temperatures.

PLUG COCK GREASE O n e ()!■• tTuP~new silicone products is known as Dow Corning plug cock grease, whoseunnisual physical properties make if alr~~ideal~ gfMSc~foF lubricated valves and phitLCQcks. I t is particularly useful in'plug cocks which" must operate at elevated tem­ peratures or be subjected to corrosive Polyethylene plastics are available in q great variety of forms and shapes chemicals. This grease reduces the mainte­ nance and replacement costs of plug cocks in chemical service. It also provides a nearly universal plug cock lubricant, thus rate of viscosity change with temperature, tures but higher viscosity fluids in this removing the need for keeping in .stock a compared to petroleum oils of equivalent series are non-volatile and useful up to grease for every type of chemical service viscosity. They also have higher flash and 200 deg. C. condition. It is made by Dow Coining lire points and a complete freedom from There are five grades of Type 700 for Corp.. Midland, Mich. It has a con­ solvent or swelling effect on synthetic or high temperature lubrication. sistency of vaseline at normal tempera­ natural rubber and on many kinds of tures. remains a soft grease and will not plastics. They are not affected by oxygen harden or melt over a temperature range _ under pressure at ordinary ranges of tem­ POLYETHYLENE PLASTICS from —40 deg. F. to more than 500 deg. perature. Since they are resistant to oxidiz­ P olyethylene plastics are inherently F. It is highly resistant to attack by acids, ing solution, mineral acids, salts and alkalis, flexible, translucent materials that possess alkalis and oxidizing agents, minimizes the they have proved to be highly useful as unusual properties. They are entirely new corrosion of metal plug cocks by keep­ an impregnant for asbestos packing and materials, unique in the plastics field as ing the corrosive liquid from contacting gaskets in chemical pumps. well as in the industrial field. These plas­ the metal surface, thereby promoting the - Three series of fluids made by Dow tics have excellent insulating properties. continued free operation of the valve. The Corning Corp.. Midland, Mich., are avail­ They are tough and resistant to shock. vapor pressure is so low as to be negligible able depending upon the temperature and The amount of water they will absorb is even up to 400 deg. F. This- contributes viscosity range to be covered. Type 200 inappreciable, while films of the material to the retention of its vaseline-like con­ fluids are useful down to —40 deg. C. or will not permit the passage of appreciable sistency at elevated temperatures. It also up to 300 deg. C. and include medium amounts of water vapor. In addition, poly- insures that volatile material from the through very high viscosity liquid sili­ ethylenes soften at the unusually high tem­ lubricant will not contaminate the product cones. They are non-volatile and possess perature for thermoplastic materials of being transported in the line. It has no flash points in excess of 600 deg. F. They 230 deg. F., and remain virtually un­ corrosive action on metals and does not are not miscible with alcohol, glycol, affected by temperatures 90 deg. below swell or deteriorate rubber, synthetic rub­ glycerin or lubricating oil, but will blend zero fahrenheit. A little over two years ber or plastics, readily with most of the common organic ago, the U. S. Navy learned that Carbide Dow Corning 31 grease -is for use in solvents including light naphthas. & Carbon Chemicals Corp., New York, bearings that must function at very low For extremely low temperature uses. N. Y., in collaboration with an associate temperatures and Dow Corning 41 is for Dow Corning type 500 fluids include company. Linde Air Products Co.. had de­ use at temperatures up to 500 deg. F. liquids ranging in viscosit}' from that of veloped a high-pressure synthesis for a new water to medium viscosity fluids. They material, polyethylene, and it was found are all useful at temperatures down to that this material was suited to meet the SILICONE FLUIDS —70 deg. C. and below. The very low Navy’s requirements of an insulation for Dow Coming fluids are water white viscosit}' fluids are distillable and have ap­ coaxial cable used in radar equipment. At and are characterized by an extremely low preciable vapor pressures at room tempera­ the Navy’s request, these two companies,

AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING LiueMiojtà ove ate ofteti aáke

are encountered in this service. New glass-lined flanges were de­ veloped to withstand this pres­ sure. (Pfaudler also makes glass- lined pipe on special order for pressures up to and including 300 PSI.) The heater sections, shown at the left of the photograph, are made up of steam jacketed 10 ft. lengths of glass-lined pipe, two lengths being joined end to end in 20 ft. passes. The cooler sec­ tions, at the right, are made up of similar unjacketed lengths of glass- lined pipe with cooling obtained by means of water cascading down' the outside of the pipe banks. For smaller installations, it is often desirable to circulate water through the jackets in true WHERE CORROSIVE CONDITIONS EXIST due to counter - current flow. The sections of the three strong acids, which may be at elevated temperatures parallel banks are connected in series by means and pressures, glass-lined heat exchangers, as de­ of glass-lined 180° return bends bolted to the pipe, veloped by Pfaudler, provide the practical and effi­ utilizing lead shrouded asbestos gaskets. cient answer to a troublesome problem in heat transfer. Standard heat exchanger calculation methods are For example, at the Neches 'Butane Products Co. utilized in arriving at the proper sizes of units, taking . and at the Sinclair Refining Co. plant in Houston, into consideration the resistance offered by the glass Polymer heaters and coolers built of Pfaudler Glass- lining. The flexibility of the double pipe or "hairpin” Lined Steel are in continuous service for the produc­ design enables us to offer units in a wide range of tion of butadiene. Over 8500 feet of jacketed and un- heat transfer surfaces and with various series or par­ jac^eted glass-lined steel pipe together with return allel series arrangements for heaters, coolers, con­ bends carry a continuous stream of sulphuric acid and densers, etc. Sections may be added, removed, or hydrocarbons without contamination, corrosion or rearranged as process conditions change. undesired catalytic effect, at temperatures as high as Where you have a problem involving corrosive 250°?, with demonstrated overload capacity. products, in heat transfer or in any other production Temperature and acid conditions are only two process, let Pfaudler engineers bring their many of the factors present, since pressures of 150 PSI years experience in these matters to work for you. working together, designed <1 plant to pro­ duce the material. By changing the condi­ tions of manufacture the properties of the Pipe, Tubing base resin can be varied to satisfy the needs of particular applications. At the present PLASTIC and Fittings time only one grade of resin is being pro­ duced. Among the properties which can be varied arc tensile strength, elongation N ow Available from G R IN N ELL at break, tear resistance, and brittleness temperature. The resin can he produced Keeping abreast of new developments in the piping field, as clear translucent articles or can be formulated in ,1 wide color range offering Grinnell now offers Plastic Pipe, Tubing and Fittings for the exceptionally higher luster. The plastics various applications where its special advantages provide im- are so light that they will float 011 water. .proved performance and economy. They may be extruded, molded, fabricated into sheets and film, or coated 011 to cloth.

Properties of Eleetrienl Grade Polyethylene Compound SARAN PIPE Fppçifu* g m v itv ...... 0.9 2 Ih fra-’tivp index...... >/,"to 4" I,P.S. S iw ifie Lent (18-20 di*«. C .)...... 0 53 ¡*of(»*ning tem pérature, deg. C. (Trm.-quimnry jm nt) ...... 105 M 'itaun» difTiHum coiednnt (nur lir.-' Pin.“2 mil- * at 30 deg. C.) ...... 0.023 W ater absorption Permit weight gain, 100 hr. at 2 5 deg. C ...... 0 03 SARAN Thenna: conductivity Strewed FITTINGS cal cm .-1 K>r.*' (deg. C .)“1 i (Molded) Range 0-15.leg. C...... 0 <*1 t 10"» 25-40 «tar. O ...... 0 f,2 x 10« Vi" to 2" I.P.T. Linear coefficient of expansion j ; d; cm ./cm ./d eg . C...... 25 x 10-« (above 115 Welding FITTINGS »leg. C.) Variea below (Fobrlcated) 115 dog 0 . Tensile st reneth, lb. per sq. in 1800 Vi" to 4" Elongation, perm it...... GCV.l Im part stren«*th, ft.-lb. in.“1 notch > 3 Hr.ttleness trmp., deg. C ...... lb I »w minus 70 deg. C. L ¡electric constant, 50 inc.. 2 29 Power farto r x 10 «...... 30 Volume r*KHtivit.v, M egohras-Cm. >10* SARAN TUBING Avg. in-’lecular weight ...... I'* 0*10 20.000 Heat of rombu«! ion. rai. gm.”1... II 100 ±. 15 Vi" to Vi" O.D. Thermal di'fusivity, cm.2 see.“1. .. I.IWx 10"* (0.15deg. C.) Value is ehnngtng CELLULOSE (15-25 deg. C.) ACETATE TUBING 1 37 x 10 » (25-40 dog. C.). to 2" O.D. j ' ' j CAUI.KINC COMPOUND T o m f . e t naval ship construction and repair demands for a mixture resistant to salt air and water, acid and alkaline cor­ rosion. Cordo Chemical Corp. of Nor­ ! SARAN walk, Conn., has produced Co Res-Co acid S.A.E. Flared proof caulking compound. It is primarily FITTINGS (Molded) a semi-solid form of the plastic coating V»" to O.D. Co-Rcs-Co. One of its applications is for Tube Size, pre-painting caulking jobs where chemical conditions of any kind are encountered.

CHAIN MODIFIER OR REGULATOR W rite or call the Grinnell office nearest you. Sin c e it is no longer of value to the enemy, one of the secrets of success of the synthetic rubber program can be told. It is OI'iL, and called the “one essential in­ gredient.” This chemical, extracted from a natural oil, acts as a regulator to control GRINNELL the growth and structure of the giant molecules which, in turn, determine the W HENEVER P IP IN G IS INVOLVED properties of the finished synthetic rubber. OEL, the chain modifier, or regulator, GRINNELL COMPANY, INC. which governs the properties of the fin­ Executive Offices, Providence 1, Rhode Island ished products, was produced by United SALES OFFICES States Rubber Co., New York, N. Y., Atlanta, 2, Ga. Cleveland, 14, Ohio Philadelphia, 34, Pa. long before Pearl Harbor. Proper control Charlotte, 1, N . C Houston, 1, Texas St. Louis, 10, Mo. of the modifier governs the mixture to a Chicago, 9 ,I1L New York, 17, N. Y. St. Paul, Minn. point where polymerization is accomplished Minneapolis, 15, Minn. with chains of molecules of desired lengths. This consistency of production assures a

• AVCUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING Your order for MONSANTO DICYCLOHEXYLAMINE will be filled immediately, whether you’re in a war industry or not. Currently, supplies are ample and indications point to continued availability of this inter­ mediate to all industries. Why not check into th'e possible applications of Monsanto Dicyclohexylamine to your present products, or think of it in connection with your long-range planning? Samples and prices sent promptly upon request on your company letter­ head. The coupon below is for the convenience of those wishing a copy of our new booklet on the properties and uses of Monsanto Dicyclohexylamine. M o n s a n t o C h e m i c a l C o m p a n y , Organic Chemicals Division,» 1700 South Second Street, St. Louis 4, Missouri. District Offices: New York, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Char­ lotte, Birmingham, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Montreal, Toronto.

N — H

MONSANTO DICYCLOHEXYLAMINE MONSANTO DICYCLOHEXYLAMINE ' HAS THESE CHARACTERISTICS OFFERS FUTURE; POSSIBILITIES Color: Clear colorless liquid. While Monsanto Dicyclohexylamine is a thor­ Purity: 99 % approx. oughly proved intermediate in various indus­ Crystallizing Point: 0.1°C. tries, its possibilities are by no means exhausted. Boiling Point: 255.8°C. Specific Gravity: 0.916— 0.920 at 15 5°/15.5°C. New applications, new processes, new products plash Point: 100°C. may be revealed by research conducted around Fire Point: (Sustained Combustion): 160°C. Dicyclohexylamine and its uses. Our technical Solubility: Slightly soluble in water. Soluble in service men will be glad to work with you on all common organic solvents. such projects. Dicyclohexylamine is a strong base, being strong­ er than ammonia. It forms salts with all acids and forms soaps with fatty acids.

MONSANTO DICYCLOHEXYLAMINE SERVES IN THESE APPLICATIONS Starting Point or Component in: 1. Manufacture of Insecticides а. Corrosion Inhibitors 3. Oil Additives 4. Emulsifying or Demulsifying Agents 3. Manufacturing Dyestuffs б. Organic Syntheses These suggested uses are for illustration and are not to be construed as recommending violation of any patent.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 139 standardized mixture at all times and per­ mits the manufacture of completed tires, tubes and other finished articles of war to meet stringent usage tests. Since this rub­ ber program for GR-S has been initiated, other modifiers have been found but to date OEL is still being used in practically / / ¿ ¡¡o r n é all manufacture of Buna S synthetics, ac­ cording to the company. FLAMEPROOF RUBBER CLOTH

D e s ig n e d to solve several major prob­ lems which have faced the aircraft indus­ try, a glass, flameproof, synthetic rubber WELDED coated cloth has been developed by the United States Rubber Co., New York, N. Y. Tensile strength at abnormally high temperatures, extreme lightness in weight and high tear resistance are its main features. In addition, it is fire, gasoline, oil, grease, water, mildew, and insect proof, and not affected by acids of alkalis. PRODUCTS Double-coated, this same glass cloth is being used for gun bore aligning targets, FROM OPEN HEARTH AND ALLOY STEELS because it retains its shape without stretch­ ing or distortion of the gun sighting pat­ tern. The finished weight of the double­ An Intricate Fabrication coated glass cloth is only 7.6 oz. per sq.yd. and a singlc-coated cloth used for the metallic hot-air duct weights only 5 oz. per sq.yd. Made in a variety "of gages from 0.006 to 0.040 and in tensile strengths from 165 to 800 lb. per inch, it will prob­ ably have postwar uses. CLEANER

A f t e r requests from jobbers for an ef­ fective remover for rubber heel marks and dirt, Gymn cleaner was developed by Twi- Laq Chemical Co., Brooklyn 1, N. Y. For wood floors, it can be used full strength. For linoleum and painted con­ crete floors,, the cleaner is diluted for use. ALKALI CLEANER FOR PORCELAIN MEET THE MOST EXACTING AND UNUSUAL D ir t , sootj carbon, etc., that gather on electrical insulators on the power lines SPECIFICATIONS OF EVERY INDUSTRY throughout the country may be removed by Nielco 1931-T, developed by Nielco Laboratories, Detroit 19, Mich. It is said The entire manufacturing cycle is carried on to be an alkali cleaner of low sodium oxide content, free flowing and readily soluble within "National’s” own plant—forming, in tepid water. W hen used at boiling temperatures, it gives off no harmful caus­ welding, stress relieving and machining, pro­ tic vapors and is not as harmful to the hands as the strong alkali cleaners. To tected by constant X-ray and manual inspec­ use this cleaner, most any kind of a tank can be employed, if-steel is not available, tions. Our engineers are always available wood, such as cypress, can be used. The tank should be provided with a heating for confidential consultation, to discuss your coil and if fast action is required, ample— heat should be provided so as to keep the present or post-war fabrication problems. solution at boiling temperature. SODA BRIQUETTES B r iq u e t t e s of soda ash compressed into pellets approximately 11 in. in length, 1 in. wide and jj in. thick, are offered by Colum­ bia Chemical Division, Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., Pittsburgh 19, Pa. They are extensively used by the steel industry' and foundries in the reduction of sulphur in BOX COMPANY iron. Columbia soda briquettes are said API ASME U-68 U-69 Codes • Stress Relieving • X-ray to provide an efficient, inexpensive mate­ Pledged to Quality Since 1895 rial for the reduction of sulphur and the physical cleaning of iron. They make pos­ WASHINGTON, PENNA. sible the reduction of sulphur contents of from 30 to 70 percent. Dusting loss en­ countered principally with the use of or-

140 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING dinary forms of light or dense soda ash is reduced to a minimum. This adds to the efficiency of the briquettes and improves general working conditions.

STEEL PURIFIER HnNNrc purifier, offered by Columbia Chemical Division, Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., Pittsburgh 19, Pa., has a soda ash base to which is added other materials for the treatment of steel. It is compressed into pellets of the same size and form as soda briquettes. Hennig purifier assists in the production of denser, cleaner, stronger steels, having a minimum of non-metallic inclusions and oxides. GLASS FIBER INSULATION

F i b r o u s glass sheets, known ax_Fibcr- glas Type XM-PF. have bcen_developed by ~~the Uwens-Corning Fiberglas Corp.. To­ ledo, Ohio. Glass fibers with a diameter ■measured in 'ten-thousandths of an inch and weighing only 0.004 lb. per sq.ft. when bound with a thermosetting resin and formed into i in. thick sheets, are being lisecTin cabins and flight decks of certain types of U. S. war planes. The fibrous sheets provide insulation against the ex­ treme cold of the stratosphere and aid in deadening fatigue-causing sound. This in­ sulation reduces the burden 011 heating equipment and as a consequence permits lighter apparatus to be employed. The sheets are incombustible and are ( M O R R I S 1 the lightest inorganic material commer­ cially available for sound-proofing and in­ for higher over-all efficiency, sulation of planes. They gain less than one percent of their own weight from moisture and lower over-all power, in the air when subjected to temperatures labor and maintenance costs of 125 deg. F. and 90 percent relative humidity. Naturally, you expect a rugged, long-wearing Morris pump PHOSPHORESCENT PIGMENTS to cost more than a lighter pump. But it pays out in the end. That’s because a Morris Slurry Pump gives you higher main­ A phosphorescent pigment, which tained efficiency over longer periods of continuous operation— emits a brighter phosphorescent afterglow for a longer period of time than similar with jewer shutdowns Jor maintenance. And it cuts power, labor long-afterglow pigments, was recently an­ and maintenance cost to a definitely lower figure on a year-in­ nounced by the New Jersey Zinc Sales year-out basis. Co.. New York, N. Y. This pigment, BUILT TO LAST designated CaS-SrS-2470, is specifically in­ Morris Slurry Pumps—with 75 years of hard, practical experience behind tended for use in sucli wartime applications them—have more metal where metal counts most. And their exclusive patented as phosphorescent paints, marking tapes features reduce speed, vibration and abrasive wear. and decalcomanias. T a k e the hydraulically-balanced pressure design of the Morris impeller as just one example. That impeller builds up a counter pressure at the suction side, COTTONLEATHER holds down eddy losses, and restricts the circulation of abrasive matter between the suction shroud and the suction disc— greatly increasing the effective life of A n a b r a s i o n resistant plasticized cotton the pum p. fabric, has been developed by Southern Friction Materials Co., Charlotte, N. C. Other wear-reducing features explain why Morris Pumps are turning in such Called Cottonleather Fabric, the new prod­ amazing records in paper mills, chemical plants, aluminum mills, glass works, uct is not only abrasion resistant, but fluid- cement mills, coal washing and prepara­ Extra Months proof, and heat resistant, and lias numer­ tion plants. They're handling abrasive ous industrial applications including cov­ and caustic slurries, milk of lime, soda of High Efficiency ering for rollers, pulleys and conveyor ash. foaming cryolites, residues from system treads; safety stair treads; safety , filters and classifiers, grinding sand, cut­ For run-of-mill pumping, Mor­ flooring: safety shoes; chute lining; and ting sand and cement. ris nickel semi-steel wearing parts bearing wicking. Write today. Find out how Morris give extra months of high effi­ The normal abrasion resistance rates for Pumps will give you greater values ciency operation. But for excep­ Cottonleather Fabric are 12,000 rev. per for your pumping, dollars. mm. Its resistance increases with the tionally severe conditions, Morris hardening that accompanies' aging. It is MORRIS MACHINE WORKS FJintmetal — with a Brinell hard­ Baldwinsville, N. Y. adequately flexible and offers about the ness around 650 — outlasts every­ Branch Offices in Principal Cities same tensile strength as cotton fabric. It thing now known. can resist 250 deg. F. for four hours and also withstand boiling in machine oil for 15 min. without softening. W hile Cottonleather Fabric is waterproof, there CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS is a porosity approaching eight percent,

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 • 141 which can be employed to hold oil or water. Shrinkage is less than 1/10 of one percent. It has a medium coefficient of friction of three to three and a half when dry and retains most of this percentage when wet with water or with oil. While the fabric is adequate as a low voltage and low frequency insulator, its dielectric prop­ erties are low and vary with humidity. It takes and holds paint, varnish, shellac and wax well, and can be impregnated with water, alcohol, petroleum solvents, coal tar solvent, castor oil or machine oil with­ out materially weakening the structure.

CONCRETE COATING

C o n c r e t e , stucco and brick can be protected against weathering by W ateri' foil, a new coating developed by A. Ć. Horn Co., Long Island City, N. Y. The inorganic gels in Waterfoil perform the valuable weatherproofing functions of re­ tarding penetration of moisture from the outside and permitting escape of excess moisture when expanded by higher tem­ perature. It is applied with a rough brush and is said'to “weld” itself into the"spaces of the masonry surface as it hardens into a heavy, microscopically sponge-like coat­ ing. One coat is claimed to be in effect equivalent to several coats of paint.

NON-CRITICAL RESIN

M ade entirely from ncn-critical raw materials, U. S. Industrial Chemicals, Inc., New York, N. Y., has a synthetic resin which combines a high melting point (ob­ tained without the use of metals, phenol formaldehyde or dibasic acids) with the ability to aid in the bodying of “soft” oils. With this combination the product, S&W BELT CONVEYORS may be the Answer Arochem 3.48, facilitates the production of varnishes superior to ester gum varnishes, . . . Ask STANDARD CONVEYOR! and approaching the quality of modified M ANUAL handling is costly in We suggest you look into all the phenolic or maleic varnishes. time, manpower and space — things belt conveyors can do — the Varnishes compounded with S&W Aro­ the less of it you have the lower your . many ways they can earn money for you. chem 348 are faster drying and have costs in manufacturing, processing or Standard Conveyor makes power greater film hardness than comparable ester storage handling. and gravity conveyors in belt, roller, gum varnishes. W hen processed with de­ investigate conveyors — belt con­ chain, and slat types; spiral chutes, in­ hydrated castor or similar oils, varnishes veyors for example. Belt conveyors clined elevators, tiering machines, port­ of much higher viscosity can be obtained. are amazingly versatile. They handle able pilers, pneumatic tube systems. Equivalent viscosities can be attained with small packages as easily as bulky crates Write for Standard’s valuable refer­ less processing, meaning savings in time — articles need not have a smooth bot­ ence book CM-84 on- conveyors and and varnishes produced of a paler color. tom or surface as they do not "roll” conveying methods. Arochem 348 is completely soluble even but ride the belt. The belt itself may be stitched canvas, rubber, white STANDARD CONVEYOR CO. in very high-viscosity drying oils. woven, wire mesh or steel. General Offices: North St. Paul 9, Minn. Specifications Speed cf travel can be controlled Sales and Service in Principal Cities to a few feet or a hundred per minute. Acid value...... 15-25 Conveyors can be inclined, declined, Color (G.H. 1933—50% solution horizontal or a combination of all three in toluol)...... 10-12 and equipped with transfer and elevat­ Melting point (mercury method). 115-130 deg. C. Specific gravity...... 1.1 ing arrangements. A single unit of Viscosity (G.H.—60% solution in belt conveyor can be made longer than toluol)...... Approx. C, any other type of power conveyor. The range of application is practically FLUOROPHOSPHORIC ACIDS limitless. F o r t h e first time, the strong mineral acids, the mono- and the difluorophos- phoric acids in anhydrous form, are avail­ able and are being offered by the Ozark Chemical Cd., Tulsa, Okla. The new fluorophosphoric acids offer promise of combining in a very convenient form for a number of reactions, the reactivities of both concentrated orthophosphoric acid and of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, and in addi­ tion they possess properties peculiar to TIERING AND PORTABLE o r I EUMATIC LIFTING MACHINES PILERS CHUTES TUBE SYSTEMS themselves.

142 AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING The monofluorophosphoric acid has a molecular weight of 100.04. It is an oily liquid, practically odorless. In appearance and viscosity it is very similar to concen­ trated sulphuric acid. It cannot be dis­ tilled; it is relatively stable thermally with only moderate decomposition on heating at 185 deg. C. under reduced pressure. It decomposes at higher temperatures. This acid becomes viscous on cooling, can scarcely be poured at —30 deg. C. and is a solid glass at the temperature of dry ice. On long storage of the acid in glass bottles with glass stoppers, the stoppers "freeze” and cannot be removed. It displays to a large extent the analytical reactions of sulphuric acid. The difluorophosphoric acid has a molec­ ular weight of 102.4. It is a thin, color­ less, fuming liquid, with very irritating vapors. Its appearance is similar to that of concentrated perchloric acid. It has a boiling point of 115.9 deg. C.; distillation at atmospheric pressure results in slight decomposition. Its heat of vaporization is 7.925 calorics, per mole. It has a melting point of —96.5 deg. plus or minus 1 deg. C. There is much more pronounced re­ activity and more corrosive action than possessed by monofluorophosphoric acid. It displays to a large extent the analytical reactions perchloric acid.

RUST PREVENTATIVES

R u s t preventative oils and fingerprint removers have been developed by Shell Oil Co., New York 20, N. Y., and will be marketed as the Ensis line. In four . . . (jets Mo Tine different types of products, the Shell Ensis line will be made available in fourteen grades covering a wide range of applica­ tions. These products were designed chiefly with Metal Surfaces for packaging as they combat humidity and salt atmosphere. The protective coatings A special rust-inhibitor used in B-H No. 1 Cement formed by Ensis rust preventatives graduate from thin, transparent, oily films that need prevents corrosion. Whether applied on a hot sur­ not be removed before use, to heavy coat­ face where it dries immediately or is allowed to ings able to withstand the damaging effects of moisture for extended periods of time. air-dry over a long period of time, it will not attack One of the most important of the new metal surfaces. This means a permanent bond— an products will dissolve finger prints, dis­ place water, and afford long range pro­ installation that stays put. tection against high humidity conditions during storage. Another, a heavier, ex­ No. 1 Cement is sufficiently elastic to absorb ordinary expansion tremely powerful preservative, is designed and contraction without peeling or cracking. Made of high- for use on packaged precision parts or for unpacked equipment. All of the new pre­ temperature-resisting, nodulated B-H black rockwool, long fibred servatives are said to be much easier of asbestos, and colloidal clay, it does not form a homogeneous macc application and removal than the old style semi-solid compounds used for years in The rockwool retains its physical characteristics and the countless the packaging of rifles and arms parts. number of dead-air cells provide maximum insulating efficiency up .SYNTHETIC DETERGENT to 1800° F. Send for sample and complete data. Baldwin-Hill Co.,

N e w casein fibers blended with rayon 532 Klagg Ave., "Trenton 2. New Jersey. Slants in Trenton, New make possible many interesting new Jersey; Kulamazoo, Michigan; and Huntington, Indiana. fabrics, but their sensitivity to alkalinity and high processing temperatures create special problems of scouring and finishing to yield clear, even shades and attractive "hand.” Harshness and boardiness often have proved difficult to eliminate, using conventional types of processing com­ Baldw inrH ill pounds. To help overcome these problems, Quaker Chemical Products Corp., Con- sKohocken, Pa., now offers Quaker Dianol AG, a new synthetic detergent, especially suited to the processing and finishing of casein fiber fabrics. HEAT & COLD INSULATIONS

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 143 FUTURES

Totally Enclosed Cowl-Cooled type minimizes fire hazard, re­ sists corrosion. Proteas against acid or alkali fumes, splashing or dripping corrosive liquids, air-borne moisture, steam, cor­ rosive gases, conducting dusts, metallic chips, lint, etc.

2m Fin Type single shell con­ struction, with all surfaces ex­ SEAIEDPOW ER (Cowl-Cooled) Motor posed and a readily removable ...for all polyphase alternating current fan shroud, gives non-clog ven­ circuits, 2 to 15 h.p. NEMA Dimensioned. tilation. Easy to clean...foreign matter passes over the surfaces of and not through the motor.

3 . Patented GROOVSEAL anti­ s e m m p o m R . . .Industry's friction bearings — no greasing needed for at least a year—mini­ mizes maintenance. Seal permits Most Trouble-Free M otor...because use of softer grease, for better T h e c h e m i c a l i n d u s t r y has many lubrication and longer bearing Crocker-Wheeler, one of the lead­ life. Water-tight —Dust-tight— processes where the conventional ing manufacturers in the field, spe­ Air-tight. open type motor drives are unsuit­ cializes solely in the design, manufac­ able. Crocker-Wheeler’s new totally- ture and application of electric power 4 . Vacuum Impregnation with enclosed SEALEVPOWER motor equipment. high grade insulating varnish largely eliminates difficulties encoun­ As power specialists, Crocker- seals out foreign matter and tered in chemical plants. The design Wheeler field engineers know the moisture from each individual of the motor protects it against steam, power needs for your industry— coil...makes windings a homog­ moisture, acid, alkali, splash, drip, enous mass ... reduces hot-spot of your particular production proc­ temperature and lengthens insu­ fumes, and corrosion found in all esses. lation life. Adherence of varnish phases of chemical processing. Call in one of our experienced en­ prevents vibration of wires in­ Therefore, this SEALEDPOWER gineers for specific advice on motors, side or outside of slot. Motor is a must for all plants where generators, couplings and control... corrosive conditions exist. no obligation.

J o s h u a H e n d y I r o n W o r k s CROCKER-WHEELER DIVISION

AMPERE. NEW JERSEY

Branch O fffe«? BOSTON • BUFFALO • CHICAGO • CLEVELAND . DETROIT • NEW YORK • PHILADELPHIA • PITTSBURGH « SAN FRANCISCO • WASHINGTON • LOS ANGELES

SQUIRREL CAGE MOTORS WOUND ROTOR MOTORS DIRECT CURRENT MOTORS GENERATORS FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS

• AVGUST 1944 • CIIEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING CHEMICAL EM IM E M E M M .

PROGRAM COMPLETED FOR Moultrop, consulting engineer, continues investigation even at this late stage in the ELECTROCHEMISTS as chairman with John H. Lawrence, vice war period. OPRD continues to be, in chairman. effect, the research department of the W ar A rrangements have been completed Production Board. It still has the authority for the fall meeting of The Electro­ DONALD B. KEYES HEADS to reject research and development projects chemical Society, Inc., which will be held requested by any of the commodity or in the Hotel Statler, Buffalo, Oct. 12-14. REORGANIZED OPRD operating divisions of WPB. On the opening day there will be a D o n a l d B. K e y e s has succeeded Harvey luncheon with Dr. Paul S. Brailer in N. Davis as director of the Office of Pro­ charge. The luncheon address will be de­ duction Research and Development in FURTHER CUTBACKS ORDERED livered by Rob Roy MacLeod, vice presi­ WPB as was announced last month AT MAGNESIUM PLANTS dent, Buffalo-Niagara & Eastern Power Co. under “Names in the News.” (See Chem. , In the afternoon a scientific-technical ses­ <5r Met., July 1944, page 162.) A n o t h e r reduction in production sion will be held with production, of caustic Dr. Keyes came into WPB first as the schedules for plants producing magnesium soda and chlorine as the topic. The dinner chairman of the Referee Board of the was announced by The War Production in the evening will be informal. Chemicals Division. That board and its re­ Board on July 29. The new schedule calls On Oct. 13, the morning session will be search review functions were transferred for termination of production at the plant a continuation of the caustic-chlorine dis­ operated by the Dow Magnesium Corp., cussion. The different divisions of the at Marysville, Mich, and reductions in the Society will meet a.t luncheon. The after­ output schedules of four other producing noon gathering will be divided into two plants. The plants affected and the reduc­ parts, one dealing with induction heating tions prescribed are at the Dow plant in and the other with new developments in Velasco, Texas, cut from 6,600,000 lb. a dry cells. The Acheson Medal dinner will month to 6,000,000 lb.; Magnesium Re­ be held in the evening with the speakers duction Co., Lucky, Ohio, cut from 1,- including President S. D. Kirkpatrick, Dr. 050.000 lb. a month to 833,000 lb.; Elec­ Hiram S. Lukens, and Thomas F. Slattery. tro Metallurgical Co., Spokane, Wash., cut Prior to the dinner there will be a reception from 2,300,000 lb. a month to 1,200,000 in honor of Dr. W m. Blum, Acheson lb.; and Basic Magnesium, Inc.. Las Vegas, medallist and Dr. Blum also will address Nev., cut from 6,500,000 lb. a month to the dinner gathering. 4.500.000 lb. The final day will open with a session All these plants are government-owned in charge of the Electrodeposition Di­ and the drop in production rates was ex­ vision. This will be followed by a luncheon plained on the grounds that it would bring with Ralph M. Hunter as the speaker. He surplus supplies of magnesium more into will discuss the electrochemistry of mag­ line with the nation’s stockpile objectives. nesium. Three round table discussions are Considerations of manpower were given as scheduled for afternoon. One on teaching the reasons for the selection of the plants electrochemical engineering, one on bright made subject to cutbacks. plating, and the third on the color in Dr. Donald B. Keyes, director OPRD electrolytic caustic soda. into OPRD when the latter agency was HERCULES TO EXPAND ETHYL POWER SHOW SCHEDULED founded a year ago. Many of OPRD pol­ CELLULOSE PLANT icies were in effect a continuance and ex­ FOR NEW YORK P l a n s for expansion of its ethyl cellu­ pansion of the Referee Board precedents. lose plant at Hopewell, Va., were an­ T h e 16th National Exposition of Power Assisting Dr. Keyes in general adminis­ nounced last month by the Hercules and Mechanical Engineering will be held tration will be Dr. Maurice Nelles, who is Powder Co. The ethyl cellulose require- in Madison Square Garden, New York, chief of the industrial processes work, serv­ •ments of the Army and Navy have lately Nov. 27 to Dec. 2. Tire event will be ing as deputy director; and, Dr. W . L. been revised upwards by the sharp increases keyed to the effective solution of continu­ Faith of the Chemical Industries Branch, in ammunition production ordered by the ing war production problems, particularly serving as assistant director. Dr. Faith W ar Department and this explains the those caused by sudden shifts in military will be responsible for all of the project need for more capacity. Construction was needs. It will also provide informational reviews, which include handling relations to start at once according to the statement sources for the advancement of postwar with sponsor agencies of the government of Mahlon G. Milliken, general manager planning. and with contracting groups from the out­ of the cellulose products department and Held biennially, the National Power side. the expansion will add more than 60 per­ Show, as it is commonly known, is widely Operations of the office will be con­ cent to the present capacity. recognized as an effective institution for the ducted through five branches. Four of development of more effective utilization these are a continuation of earlier work on of the nation’s power resources. It is an­ metals and minerals, chemical industries, CHEMICAL INDUSTRY MEDAL ticipated that this year’s Exposition will production economy, and industrial proc­ TO COL. BRADLEY DEWEY attract large number of engineers, execu­ esses such as metal working, welding, cast­ tives and operating personnel concerned ing, forging, etc. A new branch is to be T h e Chemical Industry Medal for 1944 with current production problems as well created to handle industrial consumer is to be given to Col. Bradley Dewey. This as preparations for civilian pursuits. products with emphasis on such commodi­ award is made annually by the American More space has been provided than at ties as do not logically fall either in the Section of the Society of Chemical Indus­ the last Exposition, the number of booths metal, mineral or chemical groups. try. Colonel Dewey has been selected as has been increased and advance bookings OPRD will undertake relatively few this year’s medalist for his work in colloid ensure a greater number of individual dis­ projects that are new. W hen such projects chemistry, especially as it pertains to rub­ plays than in 1942. on research and development are presented, ber latex, and his accpmplishment in ad­ The show is under the sponsorship of it will carefully consider those wherein the ministering the synthetic rubber program an advisory committee, of which I. F,. value of the results is believed to warrant during the critical war period.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 145 ELECTRONICS CONFERENCE New Jersey. Mr. Rathbone who was re­ RUBBER DIVISION OF ACS PLANNED FOR CHICAGO cently elected to head the New Jersey CANCELS ANNUAL MEETING company, formerly was president of Stand­ A comprehensive program covering ard of Louisiana and will head the con­ B e c a u se of wartime conditions, the television, ultra-high frequency and radio solidation of the two companies. Rubber Division of the American Chemical developments in the communications field No material change will be made in the Society has cancelled its 1944 annual and industrial measurements, electronic organization of Standard of Louisiana meeting, scheduled for New York City in controls, induction heating, and power and which has its main offices in Baton Rouge. mid-September, Harold Gray, chairman of medical applications of electronics is an­ M. W . Boyer executive vice president of the division, announced last month. Gray nounced by thd'executive committee of the the Louisiana company will become a is technical superintendent of the B. F. National Electronics Conference to be vice president of the consolidated company Goodrich tire division at Akron, Ohio. held at the Medinah Club, Chicago, Oct. and will maintain his headquarters in The division has held annual meetings 5-7. Baton Rouge. for more than a quarter of a century, at­ Dr. J. E. Hobson, director of the School tracting some 2,000 leading technical men, of Engineering of the Illinois Institute of but cancelled this year’s meeting because Technology is chairman of the executive HYCAR LOWERS PRICES FOR of overtaxed condition of travel facilities, committee and in referring to the forth­ SYNTHETIC RUBBER especially those along the Eastern Seaboard, coming gathering, lie said that in addition needed for wounded service men returning to providing a permanent record of tech­ A f u r t h e r reduction in the price for from war zones, and the still critical rub­ nical and application papers for reference synthetic crude rubber made by llycar ber situation which, Gray said, makes it and study, it should serve to help integrate Chemical Co. and announced last month, unwise for so many top flight rubber tech­ and correlate work being done in fields lowers the cost by approximately 10 per­ nicians to be away from their jobs at the rather divergent in their applications of cent and represents the fourth drop in same time.- electronic devices and principles. Empha­ price since August 1941. The substantial sis will be placed on applications in indus­ reductions in the price of synthetic rubber try, processing operations, power conver­ have been made despite the fact that de­ SHELL TO BUILD NEW ALLYL sion. and measurements. mand has greatly exceeded supply and ALCOHOL PLANT cost has been a matter of little considera­ tion, Frank M. Andrews, general sales A n announcement by J. Oostermeyer, INDUSTRIAL FERMENTATION manager of llycar Chemical Co., pointed executive vice president of Shell Chemical COURSE AT BROOKLYN POLY out. Division of Shell Union Oil Corp., states The new prices for llycar, a special- that the W ar Production Board has author­ A n e w graduate course on industrial purpose synthetic crude rubber are: I lycar ized construction of an ally! chloride and fermentation will be held at the Poly­ OR-15, 50c a lb.; OR-24, 45c and OS-10, allyl alcohol plant at Houston, Texas, con­ technic Institute of Brooklyn on Thursday 45c. The price reduction coincides with struction to begin at once. The new type evenings starting Oct. 4. Important proc­ rubber order R-l released July 1, making plant is the result of many years of re­ esses, methods and equipment used in rubbers of the butadiene-acrylonitrile type search and development work on the part industry for the production of organic available on a more liberal basis. of Shell Development Co. While allyl chemicals by the action of yeasts, bacteria chloride and allyl alcohol will have many and molds will be presented under the uses in the synthetic chemical industry, it direction of James F. Loughlin. Among ALLOWABLE CONCENTRATIONS is expected that immediate application of the processes which will be covered are FOR FORMALDEHYDE the output of-the new plant will be in the bakers’ yeast, glycerol, industrial ethyl field of plastics for aircraft and war mate­ alcohol and alcoholic beverages by yeast, T h e American Standards Association rial construction. butanol, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, butyl­ has approved a new standard, setting a ene glycol, acetic, butyric and lactic acids safe limit for allowable concentrations of by bacteria, and citric and gluconic acids, formaldehyde. This is the sixteenth in a CLUTAMIC ACID PLANT series of standards developed through the as well as penicillin, by molds. ON PACIFIC COAST Association to set safe limits for the pres­ ence of toxic dusts and gases in the air of To produce glutamic acid, needed by PITTSBURGH PLATE GLASS IN work places. The standard describes the the government for the war, Spreckles CANADIAN FIELD general, physical-chemical, and toxic prop­ Sugar Co. is constructing a $200,000 unit erties of formaldehyde, sets a maximum at its Woodland, Calif., factory, according A nnouncement has been made by allowable concentration of 10 parts per to C. J. Moroney, general manager of the H. B. Iliggins, president of the Pittsburgh million parts of air by volume, and de­ company. International Minerals and Plate Glass Co., that his company has scribes the sampling procedure and analyti­ Chemical Co., Chicago, will join in pro­ broadened the scope of its activities in the cal methods. A bibliographical list of ref­ ducing the acid from beet molasses residue paint field through the acquisition of a erences to the text is included. at Woodland. substantial interest in The Murphy Paint Co., Ltd. of Canada. Established more than 20 years ago by Harr)' W . Thorp and Louis Ilambrock, The Murphy Paint Co. operates factories at Montreal and Windsor CONVENTION CALENDAR and has numerous branch warehouses and offices throughout Canada. Harry W. Thorp will continue as president of the American Chemical Society, 108th meeting, Pennsylvania Hotel. New York, N. Y., Canadian company. Sept. 11-15. American Association for Advancement of Science, Cleveland. Ohio, Sept. 11 16. STANDARD OIL COMPANIES WILL CONSOLIDATE American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, annual meeting, Claridge Hotel, Atlantic City, N. J., Oct. 12-14. A c c o r d in c to an announcement by M. J. Rathbone, president of the Standard Electrochemical Society, Inc., fall meeting, Hotel Statler, Buffalo. N. Y.. Oct. 13 -14. Oil Co. of New Jersey, an agreement has been reached between his company and the Third National Chemical Exposition, Chicago Coliseum, Chicago. 111., Nov. 15-19. Standard Oil Co. of Louisiana whereby the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, fall meeting, St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 19-21. companies will consolidate at the end of this year. Standard of Louisiana is a Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, annual meeting, New York, wholly owned subsidiary' of Standard of N. Y., Feb. 1945. Regular fall meeting will not be held this year.

146 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING GUAYUT.E EXTRACTION PLANT FOR CALIFORNIA

A c o n t r a c t for the design of a guayule extraction plant for the Emergency Rub­ ber Project, a division of the Forestry Service of the U. S. Department of Agri­ culture, has been awarded to Southwestern Engineering Co. of Los Angeles, Calif. The plant, to be erected in the Bakers­ field area of California, will process guayule shrub planted in that section two years ago. It has been announced that consider­ able additional acreage will be planted there this fall. In a statement at Washington on July 13, Ccorge R. Salmoud. head of the gov­ ernment’s emergency guayule rubber pro­ gram, indicated that an existing plant at Salinas, Calif., with the newly launched Bakersfield undertaking, is expected to yield five to six tons of rubber daily. The guayule is raised on government- owned plantations which are the scene of Ventilation intensive cultivation due to success at­ tained in extracting rubber from wild and assured ■with cultivated plants shipped from Texas for nact design California planting.

ANODES RY AIR FOR CHINA’S CHLORINE PLANTS

G r a p h i t e anodes are now being flown over the Himalayas to Chungking from railheads in India to keep China’s chlorine and caustic soda industry operating at full capacity. Supplied by National Carbon Co., Inc., the anodes are shipped to rail­ heads in India and are then flown to Chungking. China’s first chlorine and caustic soda plant, and until recently its only one, was set up in Shanghai in 1929. As it was the only unit in China, prodigious efforts were required to keep it from falling into the hands of the Japanese when they took Shanghai. It was dismantled and the most irreplaceable units transported by river sampan and coolie-back to Chungking, where it was re assembled. Shipments of anodes from this country have enabled the plant to remain in continuous operation since it was rebuilt at Chungking.

SAVE WASTE TAPER

T h i s magazine weighs over a pound. One pound of paper, salvaged, will malce: 1 fin-locknut protector for a bomb ''•¿ürisä* . 11 cartons, each containing 15 .50- cal. shells 21 cartons, each containing 15 .45- cal. bullets • 2 containers for blood plasma 2 containers for field rations aD' 15 boxes for emergency . lifeboat / acteristics / -.iMX/M rations 21 cartons,. each for a life-preserver light REE BOOK! Shows Bifurcator sizes 29 cartons, each containing 10 car­ capacities. Send for your copy. tridges for inflating lifeboats 7 cartons for U. S. Army K rations 11 cartons, each containing 120 boxes of yellow-fever vaccine There is no such thing as “waste” paper today—saVe every scrap for the big scrap we’ve got to win. Paper saved today will fight for you tomorrow! DE BOTHEZAT FAN DIVISION, AMERICAN MACHINE AND M ETALS, INC., EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 147 DIVISION OF HIGH POLYMER PHYSICS ORGANIZED

T h e division of high polymer physics of the American Physical Society has been in the process of organization for several months. The inaugural meeting was held in connection with the recent meeting of UNION the American Physical Society at the Uni­ versity of Rochester. An executive com­ mittee for the division was fippointed by the Society and this committee elected as officers, J. II. Dillon, Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., chairman; P. Debye, Cornell University, vice chairman; W . James Lyons, Southern Regional Research ■ Lab­ oratory of the Department of Agriculture, secretary; and L. A. Woods, National Bureau of Standards, treasurer. Other members of the executive committee in­ clude W . F. Busse, General Aniline & Film Corp., R. Bowling Barnes, American Cyanamid Co., and J. P. Elting. Kendall Mills.

GENERAL ANILINE ACQUIRES DEFENSE PLANT PROPERTY

It w as announced last month that the Defense Plant Corp. had sold surplus real estate consisting of 3.34 acres at Bingham­ ton, N. Y. together with improvements consisting of six buildings to the Ansco Division of General Aniline & Film Corp., New York, for $175,000. The property had been owned by the Defense Plant Corp. since July 1942 and had been oper­ ated by Kollsman Instrument Division, Scjuare D Co., Flushing, L. I., for the manufacture of products for the Navy Department. Only the land and buildings were sold. The machinery and equipment will be disposed of separately. The property was recently declared sur­ plus to the war effort and the .purchaser was one of several interested prospects. The sales price was -described as repre­ senting present day replacement cost less depreciation. £OUNT UNION as a reliable source for pressure vessels and fab­ ricated steel built to your specifications. Illustrated above is READERS’ VIEWS & one method of inspection— the X-Ray. Magnaflux inspection is COMMENTS regularly used complementing X-Ray or Gamma Ray inspection as “BIG” AND “SMALL” a further check on either of these methods.. Union is prepared to To the Editor of Chem. & Met.: meet any specified inspection routine that your service demands. Sir:— I have just read your editorial Write for Booklet 117 to get better acquainted with Union’s en­ “Big Questions About Little Business.” I like your thoughts on the matter. larged facilities. Send us your inquiry. I am one of those who have been identi­ fied as “small business,” and I do not know of a single thing that I would want the government to do for our business ex­ cepting to leave all business alone to work out their own problems. If “small busi­ ness” needs to borrow money, they can borrow it from the banks if the history of their business is sound. “Small business” has a rightful aud use­ ful place and frequently furnishes a prod­ uct or a service that cannot be supplied R fE by “big business.” Some “small business” concerns grow into “large business” and such healthful growth is evolutionary and mavbe slower ELS but sounder than by some revolutionary' external process. There is some "small I N G EQUIPMENT business” that cannot ever evolve into "large business,” and it is a part of the

148 • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING responsibility of management to recognize this fact. W hen management does not know that they are in the category of “small business,”- they are.likely to run into difficulties. “Small business” is sometimes mis­ managed and is blown up like a rubber toy balloon. There is no more rubber in the balloon when it is inflated ten times its diameter than when it is uninflated. Eventually the business, like the balloon, bursts. Costs YoiT Nothing. . . “Small business” is frequently very much more profitable than “large busi­ At Your Disposal Always ness,” and the returns per dollar invested Your plant roofs may be in good condition are greater. A peanut vendor, who makes ... or they may need a minimum of work a profit day after day from the selling of that will prevent big, costly repair hills his wares is, in accordance with the profits, later. In any case, the safe thing is to have larger than “big business” that never pays a CAREY APPROVED ROOFER or service the stockholders a dividend. representative make an inspection now and give you the fa c ts —entirely without I cannot imagine why “small business” cost or obligation on your part. is entitled to a service from the govern­ ment to which “large business” is not en­ If your roofs are in good shape, titled. If a “small business” cannot afford the inspector’s report will in­ to engage technical skill and research, they form you. If on the other hand, have no right to expect it for nothing from repairs or reroofing are neces­ sary, have the work done with others. Carey Built-Up My company is in the pump business. W e come in the category of “small busi­ ness.” If we would try' to imitate the large pump manufacturers with whom we have absolutely no quarrel, we would not be in business. The reason that we have been in business so many years, have a profitable record, have no indebtedness and, therefore, are financially sound, is be­ cause we evidently have been able to render a service that is in demand, and "big business” are our best customers. Almost everyone knows that there are infinite numbers and types of pumps re­ quired, ranging from little i-in. size to the mammoth water work pumps, and no one concern even in “big business” covers the entire field. "Small business,” which has no useful or legitimate service to render, cannot maintain itself no matter how much they may be bolstered from the outside. They ultimately are doomed to extinction. “Small business,” which has a service or a product for which there is a market, has nothing to fear from “big business.” I am in full agreement that “coddling of the little fellow may seem like good politics,” but such "good politics” ulti­ mately results in bad government. I do not want ta be . taxed to support somebody else’s bilsniess. and I cfo -not want anyone else taxed to support my • business. ■ - Long-lasting ruggedness and’durability . . . correct elasticity to W m . F . T r a u d t withstand temperature changes . . .finest weatherproofing pro­ Taber Pump Go:- tection . . . these are some of the qualities that have made Carey Buffalo, N. Y. • * t ■? ; Built-lip Roofs a preferred choice for thousands of industrial structures the nation over. CORRECTION To the Editor of Chem. & Met.: For literature and name of the CAREY APPROVED ROOFER Sir:—May.I call your attention to a typo­ nearest you, write Dept. 15. graphical error in the article “The Coming Search for Synthetic Motor Fuels”? The heat of reaction in the Fischer-Tropsch THE PHILIP CAREY MFG. COMPANY synthesis is about 7,000 B.t.u. per lb. of Dependable Producís Since 1873 product, instead of 17,000 as indicated in the last paragraph on p. 110 of the LOCKLAND, CINCINNATI, OHIO June 1944 issue of Chew. & Met. In C a n a d a : The Philip Carey Co., Ltd. Office and Factory. Lennoxville, P. Q. R. D. G l e n n Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corp. South Charleston, W. Va.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 149 SERVING INDUSTRIES’ NEEDS FROM A TRIPLE SOURCE

Dow, with plants strategically located in three states—Michigan, Texas, and California — produces Caustic Soda and other industrial chemicals of traditional Dow quality— conveniently near you. Technical service available.

CAUSTIC SODA DOW THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN CHEMICALS INDISPENSABLE N ew York . Boitoo . Philadelphia . Wo,hingt«, . Cleveland • Detroit • Chicago • St. lool. Hoo.ton • San Franclico • Lot Angelet . Seattle TO INDUSTRY AND VICTORY T h e N a t i o n a l D e b t -

and Your Postw ar Job

Coming upon the heels of a ruinous ten- the problem created by our frightening pub­ year depression, this war has once more made lic debt. it clear to us that the strength of our country This is a two hundred billion dollar war. depends upon our ability and willingness to It affects the lives of every one of us. At the produce. Until the world conflict eclipsed end of this war, the public debt of the the depression, we saw what failure to use United States will be at least ten times the our productive capacity can do — even to a twenty-five billion dollars that it was at the country potentially as rich as ours. end of the first World War. It will be almost The stark reality of war finally shocked us twice the present annual national income of out of our economic lethargy. The necessity the country. The interest charge alone will of supplying our Armed Forces with almost be about 4 per cent of the national income. unlimited quantities of goods unleashed our If the burden were spread evenly, interest inventive genius and revealed to us our real alone would take at least $80.00 of every capacity to produce. It indicated what our worker’s income per year, or approximately standard of living might be if, in time of $1.60 out of each and every weekly pay peace, we used our full productive capacity. check. Today we are producing more than all Some people fear that the heavy taxes re­ the other nations combined, half again as quired by the debt will keep the country much as in 1940. Today our production is poor by obstructing employment and limit­ insuring victory to our fighting men. ing the output of goods. But what of the future? Others believe that the size of the debt Already our national debt has reached does not matter because we owe it to our­ astronomical proportions, and it is going selves. They reason that if A is taxed $100 higher. The depression years’ fear of insecur­ to pay $100 interest to B, A has $100 less ity that all but paralyzed our spirit of enter­ to spend and B has $100 more, but both prise, our inventive genius, and our natural together have the same amount. They, there­ instinct for expansion, appears likely to re­ fore, hold that the demand for goods and the turn promptly if industrial activity again is volume of employment remain unchanged. curtailed for long because of unwise public W hich view is correct? policies. Is our huge debt bound to be a crushing This war is being fought to make men burden which limits employment and low­ free. But our economy cannot be kept free ers the nation’s standard of living, or will through military conquest alone. There is it simply redistribute income? May the pub­ another responsibility which we on the lic debt under certain conditions even be home front cannot avoid any more than we used to help increase employment and raise can build walls around our future. That is our living standards? prospects for profit seem certain and the prospects for Most people, rich and poor alike, find it loss are slim. Hence tire jobs that might be created to difficult to believe that the national debt take advantage of long chances will not come into exist­ “just doesn’t matter”. They know that the ence, and the country as a whole will be poorer. , 2. If the expenses of th e government are m et largely, by stiff interest alone on this huge debt will be surtaxes upon the incomes of persons who do a consider­ almost equal to the total amount of taxes ever able amount of saving, and the debt is, in the main, owned by millions of small investors, then the net effect raised before by the government for all pur­ of the debt upon the volume of employment and output poses in any peacetime year. They find it will be fairly neutral. The stiff surtaxes, while reducing the savings of the well-to-do, will cause them to avoid difficult to follow the kind of reasoning that risky investments and to hold part of the savings of each suggests increasing the already mammoth year in the form of cash. This will limit the demand for goods and the volume of employment. But this effect debt year by year in order to maintain full will be partially offset if millions of small holders of the production and employment. They fail to debt are led by their savings in government bonds to spend a larger part of their current income. see how this “debt raising” can go on indefi­ 3. If the expenses of the government are met largely by nitely. sales taxes or other taxes on small incomes, and if the debt is held largely by the well-to-do or by business cor­ On the other hand, the records show that porations, then the effect of the debt will be unfavorable other nations have more than once success­ to employment and production. The limitation to the spending power of the small-incomc group will reduce fully managed even greater debt burdens the volume of investment opportunities, and the transfer than will confront the United States after of income to the well-to-do will increase the volume of investment-seeking funds. the present war. The interest on the British 4. If the debt is widely distributed among millions of small debt after the Napoleonic Wars was nearly holders, and the expenses of the government are met largely by taxes on individuals, if substantial exemptions 8 per cent of the national income, and after from surtaxes are given for all income invested in new the first World War was over 7 per cent. But plant or equipment, and if there arc liberal offsets for losses, then the debt will help increase employment and despite heavy taxes and some unfortunate raise the standard of living. The millions of small holders mistakes in economic policy (such as restor­ will gain a sense of security from their accumulated sav­ ings and hence be encouraged to spend a larger portion ing the prewar pound), per capita real in­ of their current incomes. Tire stiff surtaxes will reduce come in Great Britain rose about 31 per the savings of the well-to-do; liberal exemptions for in­ come put into new plant and equipment, and generous cent between 1920 and 1929. In fact, it rose treatment of losses, will cause the well-to-do to invest as rapidly as it did in the United States. The their savings in job-giving enterprise rather than to hold world depression was far less severe in them in idle cash. Britain than it was in the United States; and, But what is the situation today? by 1936, when industrial production still was Today, non-banking corporations own 6 per cent below 1929 in the United States, it nearly half of the Federal debt, commercial was nearly 16 per cent above 1929 in Britain. banks about one-fourth, and individuals less Britain’s heavy debt burden proved less of a than one-fourth. Not more, and probably handicap to her during the depression than less, than one-tenth of the debt is held by our weak banking system did to us. persons earning less than $5,000—although Whether the debt becomes a crushing these persons receive three-fourths of all burden or whether we use it to further our income. progress depends upon who holds the debt Today, about half of the revenues of the and how the money is raised to pay the in­ Federal government come largely from taxes terest. which must be regarded as taxes upon Here are the important possibilities: the creation of new jobs. If these con­ 1. If the expenses of the government, including the inter­ ditions continue, we may be sure that the est on the debt, are met largely by heavy taxes upon busi­ ness profits—i.e., by taxes upon job-giving —then they debt will be a disastrous obstacle to a rising will reduce employment, output, and our standard of standard of living after the war. living, regardless of who holds the debt. Heavy taxes on profits prevent enterprise from expanding current opera­ W hat can be done to change this situa­ tions or enlarging the capacity of its plants, unless the tion? To begin with, vigorous steps should be of industry. Hence, the sale of bonds by; the taken to get much more of the debt into the government will make for economic stability. hands of individuals, particularly of those in The huge expenses, including interest on the small-income group. During the last the debt, which the government must meet three years, the incomes of individuals, after after the war, require that the tax system be taxes, have exceeded the supply of consumer drastically reformed. Today, taxes fall most goods by $74.2 billion. In other words, in­ heavily upon those incomes which are the dividuals have been compelled, by the sheer reward for increasing production and em­ scarcity of goods, to save over $74 billion. ployment, because profits are taxed first as Of this amount, only $27.4 billion, or 37 corporate profits, and taxed again as divi­ cents out of every dollar, has gone into gov­ dends to owners of the corporation. Surtaxes ernment bonds. Indeed, individuals have are so stiff and offsets for losses so meager saved more in the form of cash and bank that the well-to-do capitalists cannot afford deposits than in the form of government to encourage and help promising young busi­ bonds. The sale of war bonds to individuals nessmen to start new enterprises. was most disappointing in the recent drive. A nation whose expenses are as large as It was so disappointing, in fact, that I would those of the United States will be after the favor a special drive fo r individuals only, war must be sure that its tax system provides to be scheduled before the next general incentives, not penalties, for increasing pro­ drive. During 1944, when the supplies of duction and employment. civilian goods are severely restricted and Should the debt be repaid? Some people when the fighting is at its climax, the Treasury fear that any reduction of the debt would will have its best opportunity to persuade in­ have a deflationary effect and cause unem­ dividuals to buy more bonds. This opportun­ ployment. An opposite view was expressed ity, should not be lost. An increase of at least by Mr. Morgenthau recently: “We have a twenty-five billion should be the goal for the big public debt that must he paid off, and next year. Every citizen should be made to the quicker we do that the better.” Both of understand that by buying war bonds now, these views are extreme. Repayment of part he is not only helping to win the war; he is of the debt during a period of depression helping to make possible a more prosperous would increase unemployment. Every period and stable America after the war. of high prosperity, however, would give the The efforts to sell bonds to individuals government an opportunity to pay off part should be vigorously continued throughout of the debt without limiting employment. the shift from war production to civilian pro­ During these periods of prosperity, business duction. During this period, corporations corporations will sell government bonds in which, up to now, have been the largest order to buy equipment; and many individu­ buyers of government bonds, will need all als will redeem war savings bonds in order their depreciation allowances and undistrib­ to purchase houses, automobiles, and other uted profits to pay for new equipment, and goods. If the government budget runs a sur­ to restore their own dealers’ inventories. The plus during periods of high prosperity, and government, however, will still have large if this surplus is used to retire some of the bills to settle and will need to sell as many bonds sold by corporations or redeemed by bonds as it can for some months after the individuals, the country will be protected end of hostilities. During this period, the against a disorderly and speculative rise in demand for most types of goods is likely to prices. Thus, reduction of the debt can be exceed the immediate productive capacity made a device for stabilizing our economy. There are two other reasons why reduc­ be reduced by nearly half, even if not a cent tion of the debt will be desirable. of it were repaid! In the first place, it will help prepare the A huge public debt is a test of the char­ country financially for a possible third acter, the common sense, the foresight, and World War. Determined as we are that this the equally important technical and engi­ war shall be the last one, common sense neering skill of a nation. It requires that tells us not to count on this. At any rate, we tens of m illions of sm all incom e must be prepared for any eventuality. earners be w illing to becom e sub­ In the second place, gradual reduction of stantial holders of the debt. It re­ the debt would stimulate employment by quires that the nation be w illing to creating the expectation of lower taxes. It is tax itself heavily, but in w ays w hich not generally appreciated how much the increase the attractiveness of job- willingness of individuals and business con­ g iving or self-em ploym ent relative to cerns to spend money is affected by the pros­ job-holding; it requires that the na­ pects of higher or lower taxes. One of the tion be w illin g to pursue policies of best ways to make individuals and enter­ expansion and to put a rising incom e prises spend more freely is to convince them for the nation ahead of the pleas of that taxes will become a little lower, year by self-seeking groups in labor, agri­ year. culture, and industry. Many people have difficulty in visualizing A huge debt may so draw out the hidden the day when there will be a substantial re­ powers of a people that it makes the nation duction in the burden of the national debt. wealthier rather than poorer, stronger rather And yet, if the country pursues wise eco­ than weaker. nomic policies, there is no reason why the Up to now, Americans have not met the debt burden should not be cut in half dur­ test of a big public debt too well. Individuals ing the next generation. have saved more in cash than in government The days of technological progress and bonds, and the country has shown little in­ economic expansion are not over. They are, terest in avoiding the kind of taxes that re­ in fact, only well begun. During the Twen­ duce the demand for labor. These short­ ties, the national income in dollars of con­ comings, I am sure, stem largely from the stant purchasing power increased by well fact that the American people never have over 50 per cent. Between 1929 and 1939, had the problems of debt and taxation hon­ it increased by less than 6 per cent. Perhaps estly and adequately explained to them. the rate of the Twenties cannot be main­ I have confidence in the American people. tained indefinite^; but scientific research I believe that Americans have the intelli­ and development work in industry are laying gence to understand this problem of the the foundation for very large advances in public debt, the character to face their re­ national income. Suppose that the national sponsibility regarding it, and the common income increases 33 per cent in the first dec­ sense to accept the challenge and make the ade after fighting stops (say, hopefully, 1945), most of it. 25 per cent in the next decade, and there­ after at the rate of 20 per cent a decade. In 1955, the national income (at present prices) would be about $173 billion; in 1965, about $216 billion; and in 1975, about $257 bil­ lion. By 1970, the burden of the debt would NEWS FROM ABROAD SCRUBBING BRITISH GOVERNMENT PLANS GRADUAL REDUCTION OF INDUSTRY CONTROLS IN POSTWAR PERIOD Special Correspondence GASES

'T’ i i e British Government has been sub- position where they would find it difficult jecked to a great deal of criticism for its to compete with foreign producers; such failure to formulate its economic policy for an antidote is needed even if cooperation postwar days, but the last few months by international agreement takes the have brought a number of important pro­ place of untrammelled competition. nouncements on such essential questions as A few figures may be quoted to illus­ employment policy, monetary plans, liqui­ trate the position of the British chemical dation of controls, encouragement of re­ industry. Although they relate to one firm, search, health services, relations with the I.C.I., the leading combine, they are in Dominions, technical education, and some respects characteristic. The company colonial development, so the next step lies which now employs 100,000 people in the with industry and labor. Not all these British Isles reported gross manufacturing proposed policies are yet sufficiently clearly and trading proceeds of £105,000,000 for defined in their practical application to 1942. Of this amount, £56,000,000 was allow of .definite comment. For the most spent on raw materials and purchases for part they represent able expositions of the resale; maintenance of plants; freight current trend of economic thought, charges; factory, sales and administration adapted to the obvious effects of wartime expenses (excluding personnel); and Fig. 445 developments, but- still requiring adjust­ £3,500,000 was set aside for obsolescence ment to external conditions and policies and depreciation of plants. (For compari­ A re your scrubbing nozzles of other countries. son it may be stated that the company in as efficient as you think they Fortunately, the government economic the sixteen years from 1927 to 1942 spent could be? Do they resist the policy has met with general approval. It £62,000,000 on capital expenditure at corrosion or wear conditions proposes a gradual reduction of control works in the British Isles, on land, plants, with its restrictions on individual liberties buildings, machinery, and equipment.) satisfactorily? Produce the and initiative for such time after the war Another £30,500,000 were needed for breakup and distribution you as is required to effect the transition from wages, salaries, pensions and contributions would like? wartime to peace time conditions, but it to pensions funds; and £12,500,000 be­ proposed a gradual reduction of control came due to the British and Overseas Gov­ Right now thousands of in agreement with the leading organiza­ ernments as Excess Profit Tax, National Monarch Fig. 645 nozzles tions of industry and labor and accepts Defense Contribution and income tax. In­ are scrubbing all kinds of the principle of government responsibility cluding £1,500,000, representing the com­ gases all over the world. . . . for maintaining a high level of employ­ pany’s investment, property and miscel­ Perhaps they can do a better ment when the immediate postwar boom laneous income, the net profit stood at job for you! resulting from the release of pent-up de­ £4,000,000 of which £3,000,000 was dis­ mand has come to an end. On the other tributed as net dividends and £1,000,000 Outline your spray problem hand, it is not proposed that the govern­ retained for addition to reserves. for us— If your liquid can be ment should try to replace private enter­ sprayed with direct pressure prise. HIGH TAXATION at ail— Monarch can furnish The chemical industries do not belong the nozzles. to those which, like the building trades, The most striking features in this will profit directly and immediately from enumeration are the low amount for de­ government reconstruction plans. On the preciation and obsolescence and the large other hand, chemical manufacturers are sum taken up by taxation. The 1943 fig­ NOZZLES FOR: keenly interested in government proposals ures are not yet available in this compre­ because they are typical of those British hensive form, but it is known that the • OIL ATOMIZING manufacturing industries on which the total gross income shown in the consoli­ • HUMIDIFYING prosperity of the country depends but- dated income statement was £18,705,000 which will certainly require a helpful gov­ against £22,253,000 in 1942, a decrease by • AIR WASHING ernment attitude if they arc to master the one-sixth, which was mainly due to rising • DESUPERHEATING transition problems. The fundamental fact costs not matched by increases in prices. • SPRAY PONDS is that the British chemical industry is less The decline, it is true, was offset by a cor­ favorably placed with regard to certain responding fall in taxation, since the ex­ • MILK POWDERING conditions of production than chemical cess profit tax absorbs all wartime income • ACID CHAMBERS producers abroad. It lacks certain im­ gains and declines if and as net profits de­ • CONCRETE CURING portant raw materials and cheap sources of cline. But the upward trend of costs is power and energy; coal there is in abund­ one of the most ominous wartime features ance, but it is not particularly cheap and in the British chemical industries. Leading its cost has lately been rising. Secondly, firms in the industry do not believe that WRITE— While you fhink productivity is not as high as in the United it can be fully counteracted, but try to of it. States; in the words of Lord McGowan, meet the rising trend of costs by econo­ chairman of Imperial Chemical Industries mies and increased efficiency and to keep Ltd., English workers must be armed with selling prices low. more capital instruments per head, of a In his last budget the Chancellor of the MONARCH MFG. WKS, INC. technical standard equal to that to be Exchequer announced tax concessions for 2730 E. WESTMORELAND ST. found elsewhere. Thirdly, an antidote must expenditure on research which previously PHILADELPHIA 34. PA. be found to the apparently irresistible in­ had often been regarded as a kind of crease in costs which threatens to leave luxury. This, in conjunction with govern­ British chemical manufacturers in a ment support of cooperative research in-

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 1S1 stitutes and private realization of the need for constant research, is likely to bring about greatly improved methods of pro­ duction and, if investigations are extended in that direction, of marketing and utiliza­ tion. In any case, chemical firms are look ing forward to a period after the war when exceptionally large capital invest­ ments will be carried out. All the big firms have shown great interest in young indus­ tries and laid the foundations for expansion in their direction by forming new sub­ sidiaries, etc. Capital expenditure, how­ ever, has been held up by government P f control of new plant construction and financial issues. Nevertheless extensive plans have been prepared. Tire leading combine intends to "spend many more PACKING millions on new works and extensions,” and smaller firms have made similar arrange­ value ments, but necessarily they will work on a more modest scale. .'. . manufacturing skill and care these are all important standards by which COOPERATIVE METHODS to but in the last analysis, actual service Cooperation within certain industries records are the final test. may lead some such producers as the coal mines and gasworks to enter the chemical Here are some records of G-T Packing field. These industries realize that efficient service, taken at random from our files. production methods include utilization of Space does not permit more than a few, byproducts, and while the existing chem­ ical firms are quite willing to undertake but we shall be glad to give additional such work, it seems that those large firms details on services similar to your par­ in industries bordering on the chemical field which are directly interested in the ticular conditions: profitable utilization of byproducts will "We find that PALMETTO (for steam, hot themselves engage in chemical produc­ water, gases) is lasting longer and holding tion. At this early stage it cannot be tighter with less friction than any of the said how the established chemical firms numerous packings we have ever tried." will be affected, but repercussions arising • from this side are likely to be considerable. tt R E A S O N S "With packings previously used, pump shaft Problems created by such developments lor the Superiority sleeves had to be replaced every three have a close bearing on another important of G-T Packing» months. Do not notice any wear since chang­ question, that of cooperation. The British ing to PALCO (for cold water) four years ago." chemical industry is generally very much 1. SIMPLE LINE . . . makes correct selection easy • in favor of cooperative methods, within “PELRO (for solvents, oils) has exceeded the industry as well as with government 2. COMPLETE LINE . . . an exactly suitable type for our wildest hopes in preventing leakage agencies, labor arid foreign competitors. every service. without increasing shalt temperature, and The relations with the latter in particular 3. SELF LUBRICATING . . . are likely to receive a great deal of critical each individual strand shows the greatest dependability we have saturated with lubricant ever found in any packing." attention. 4. SPECIAL LUBRICANTS • . The case for other than competitive . . . lubricant for each "SUPER-CUTNO (for acids) is giving us methods in export markets is largely based service specially com­ on the evils necessarily attached to per­ pounded in our ow n plant double the service of other packings formerly fectly free competition in a market which 5. SELECTED YARNS . . . used." provide tensile strength does not provide sufficient outlets for the and resist high tempera­ Performance records like these PROVE entire supply. In addition, it is pointed out ture that you. like thousands of other Engi­ that “technological developments founded 6. CONSTRUCTION . . . as­ on expanding research, progress in organi­ sures maximum endur­ neers all over the world, will find that ance. longest life, lowest zation, speed in communications, spread friction G-T Packings can materially reduce of knowledge and every other world factor, 7. EXPERIENCE . . . 80 years your operating costs. make for ever more intricate economic in­ of manufacturing experi­ ence terdependence,” while “mass production 8. PERFORMANCE . . . in response to mass demand promotes the provon in thousands of GREENE, TWEED & CO. growth of large-scale organization.” At plants of every type Bronx Blvd. at 238 St., New York 66, N.Y. the same time, it is being realized that PI ANTC- Now Yftrl, N Y nnrl Nor,I. W .I ., Do “the concern of the State in industrial organization will tend to increase,” and a far-reaching measure of government con­ PALMETTO ior steam, hot water, air. PALCO trol will probably have to be accepted by tor water. PELRO tor oils. CUTNO tor alkalis. industry. Leading British chemical firms SUPERCUTNO tor acids. KLERO for foods, seem to accept this prospect as inevitable etc. PALMETTO SUPERSHEAT PACKINGS and indeed helpful, but the details of such cooperation and- control will require con­ sideration and discussion. At present it can only be said that there is a great deal of agreement on the requirements of British industry and the need for cooperation, if possible, not only in the home market but also in the export field.

AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING HIGH YIELD OF BLACKSTRAP FROM CUBAN SUGAR

C u b a ’s current sugar crop, estimated at 5,500,000 short tons, will be the largest since 1929 and the third largest on record. The yields of blackstrap molasseses have been running high. The first 53 mills to complete operations averaged 48 gal. of blackstrap per ton of sugar. Allowing a maximum of 1,000,000 tons from the 1944 crop to be produced in the form of invert would leave 4,500,000 tons for raw sugar ***2^ DUST with blackstrap as a byproduct. At an PROBLEM average yield of 48 gal. per ton this would give approximately 215.000,000 gal. of blackstrap but present calculations are Dust even in small amounts should be based on a production of 200,000,000 controlled because it is destructive gal. Of which at least 65,000,000 gal. are to be delivered to the United States under in so many ways. No matter how ser­ an existing contract at 13.6c. a gal. ious your dust hazard may be DRAC­ BRAZIL INCREASES OUTPUT C O has the right equipment to control OF-CITRIC ACID dust from an individual machine to an entire plant. Why not consult DRACCO A c c o r d in g to reports to the Depart­ ment of Commerce, Brazil has stepped up Engineers, they have over 30 years production of citric acid to a point where DRACCO experience. domestic requirements are taken care of PNEUMATIC CONVEYORS with a surplus for export. Production is now under way at the Fazenda Amalia plant of I. R. F. Matarazzo. Daily output The cost of moving chemicals, grains of 400 kg. is expected soon with an event­ and granular materials can be greatly ual capacity of 1.000 kg. Consumption in Brazil is about 15,000 kg. a month. reduced in plants using obsolete meth­ Industria Brasileira de Prodntos Quimi- ods. It might pay to check into your cos Ltda, Sao Paulo, has a monthly pro­ handling problems. W hy not let DRAC­ duction of 71 tons of liquid citric acid, equivalent to about 2 metric tons of CO Engineers do it for. you — they crystals. have reduced handling costs to the CUBA SPEEDS MINING OF MINIMUM for many. Write for fur­ REFRACTORY CHROMITE ther details.

M e t a ij .u r g ic a l chromite mining in Cuba was. more active in recent months than at any time in several years with three mines working in April. Refractory chromite output increased at Punta Gorda at both the Cayoguan. and Narciso mines. At Camaguey, the only other active re­ I r “ d r a c c ° fractive chomite area in Cuba, production and shipments continued at the same rate The DRACCO Metal Fabricat­ as in previous months. ing Division is helping many SHORTAGE OF VEGETABLE in solving intricate fabricat­ OILS IN VENEZUELA ing problems. We can handle B e c a u s e the sesame crop failed and copra and babassu oil from Brazil have the work from light gauge up not been available, a severe shortage of t° K " plate and are now vegetable oils has been felt in Venezuela. Manufacturers of soap, candles, vegetable producing gear guards, ma­ shortenings, and edible oils have been chine stands and bases, cabi­ forced at times to close their plants. nets of all types and many MATCH FACTORY PLANNED other products. Our Engineers FOR VENEZUELA are exceptionally well quali­ I nvestigations have been made in fied to help you. Venezuela by the Swedish Match Co. with a view to establishing a match factory there. An appropriation of $25,000 was For Further Information Write made for the purpose and the Swedish company sent a technician to Venezuela to carry on investigations. It is stated DRACCO CORPORATION that a supply of suitable wood has been found and that a company may be formed 4035 E. 116th St., Cleveland 5, Ohio New York Office: 130 W. 42nd St. with a capital of 3,000,000 bolivars, one- half of which would be furnished by I . DUST CONTROL EQUIPMENT | Venezuelans. Valencia is regarded as the PNEUMATIC CONVEYORS • METAL FABRICATION possible site for the plant.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 153 TURKEY NOW PRODUCING WINDOW CLASS

T h e only window glass plant in Turkey was completed in the early part of this year and is now reported to be turning out glass in sufficient amounts to furnish the major part of that country’s require­ ments. The new plant is an annex to the glass and bottle factory at Pasabahce on the Bosphorus near Istanbul. Training in the manufacture of window glass was obtained from German engineers. TURKEY BUILDS CAUSTIC AND CHLORINE PLANT

P r o d u c t io n of chemicals in Turkey is broadening out to include a wider variety of finished products. The first chemical plant, scheduled to go into operation last April, was for the manufacture of sulphuric acid and superphosphate. It is now re­ ported that a new plant at Izmit is near­ T HOUSANDS of plants, like your own, need wire clotb and ing completion. It will make caustic soda and chlorine. Equipment for this plant fabricated wire products for botb production and main­ was imported from Germany in 1939 but tenance. Like most of them, you arc searching for infor­ its installation was delayed because of mation to simplify and assure correct choice of materials. conditions due to the war. It is further reported that plans are being made to You can obtain such helpful information promptly from "Buffalo establish production of chrome chemicals Wire”, by requesting the following free service bulletins. for the domestic tanning industry. INDIA OFFERS BONUS FOR RUBBER PRODUCTION

I n a n attempt to stimulate production of crude rubber, the Government of India has introduced a production bonus scheme which is to operate from April 10, 1944 to June 30, 1945. Its further continuance will be dependent on the results attained. Under the plan, a basic annual production figure is fixed and divided into appropriate quarterly quotas. Bonus payments are to be based on the extent by which produc­

GUARDS for P lant Protection tion exceeds the base figure. HOW TO SELECT and specify and Safety. BASKETS for Annealing, Dipping, Industrial Wire Cloth. Bulletin 392 Conveying, Handling, etc. Bulletin 60) Bulletin 393 REFRIGERATION USED AS AID IN SERICULTURE

T h e Department of Commerce has a n i " ‘••'Z.: interesting report from Brazil to the effect that experiments conducted in one of Brazil’s new experimental stations indicate that through the. process of refrigeration, 10 crops of cocoons can be produced in a year. Refrigeration to furnish the low tem­ peratures necessary in the life cycle of the silk worm is said to1 be feasible in Brazil which has a climate suitable for growing mulberry trees during the entire year. According to the report, these experi­ DIAMOND MESH Fabric for Plant AGGREGATE SCREENS— “ Bufl. ments have led to an installation of exten­ WIRE CLOTH Finishing and Prod- Maintenance and Protection. Aioy” W ire Cloth for Stone, Sand, uct Fabricating Service». Bulletin 607 Gravel Industrie». sive refrigerating rooms in one of the Bulletin 394 Bulletin 601 buildings of the station. Other buildings are being equipped with processing, test­ ing, and weaving equipment. Nearby are some 300,000 mulbeny trees which are HAND RIDDLES for Sifdng Fouiv STOCK UST mailed m onthly or bi­ dry Sand and Small Batch­ monthly. lisa wire cloth stocked being tested for the most satisfactory ing of Chemical». for immediate shipment. Bulletin 391 strains. SCOTLAND WILL MAKE IODINE FROM KELP

MANUFACTURER OF ALL KINDS K e l p o n t h e OF WIRE CLOTH FOR 73 YEARS is now being collected coast of western Scotland to furnish raw material for the production of iodine a n d transparent wrappings. Two factories h a v e been built for this purpose and a force of 60 men has been recruited for gathering 482 TERRACE BUFFAL0 2 ,N .Y . the kelp.

154 • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING Diesel-Electric Locomotives Most modern design and equipment throughout. Many standard types and sizes ranging from 25 to 80 'tons. De­ tails of design and equipment modified to meet operating conditions and re­ quirements.

Diesel Geared Locomotives Distinctive Vulcan features include constant-mesh, 4-speed. spur-geared HE 35-ton Vulcan Diesel Geared Locomotive shown transmission with direct drive in high gear, and separate final-drive gear above switching, cars in the yard of a busy defense assembly with side-rod connection to driving wheels. Standard sizes range plant "Has Everything" to assure dependable from' 6 to 35 tons. Gasoline locomo­ operation, including a distinctive type of tives in same range of types and sizes. Heavy-Duty, CONSTANT-MESH, SPUR-GEARED, TRANS­ Steam Locomotives MISSION, with four speeds forward and reverse. All industrial types in a wide range of sizes up to 100 tons. Fuel can be Gear-Stripping is absolutely eliminated and its stepped- either oil, coal or wood. type clutch jaws engage so easily that gear changes can Electric Locomotives be made smoothly at much higher speeds than with the Trolley, cable-reel, battery and com­ bination types for underground service from 6 to 30 tons. Load-carrying lor­ usual system of sliding and clashing gears. Another im­ ries and electric haulage units for in­ dustrial service designed and built to portant and exclusive advantage is DIRECT DRIVE IN meet any specific requirement. HIGH GEAR, which still further reduces gear wear and noise. Other Vulcan Products: include continuous Rotary Kilns, Cool­ ers and Dryers, Crushing Rolls, Pulver­ Write us regarding any industrial haulage or switching izers, Grinding Mills, Briquetting Ma­ chines, Electric Hoists, Allcasteel requirement. And remember that a Vulcan locomotive is Sheaves, Shaking-Chute Conveyors and other modern equipment for the min­ always a quality product—with an extra margin of dura­ ing, rock products and chemical- bility and trouble-free operating capacity that assures im­ processing industries. portant savings over any prolonged period of operation.

IRON WORK:

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CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 • 155 VYAICK IINLCI

HIGH VACUUM EJECTOR , i o w V a c u u m e j e c t o r

INTER-CONDENSER

CONDENSER IS S M îM !

Counter-Current Barometric Condenser and Two-Stage Steam Jet Ejector with VAPOR Inter-Condenser.* INLET

ACME COUNTER-CURRENT BAROMETRIC CONDENSERS Developed after years of experience and field application, Acme Counter-Current Barometric Condensers offer many advantages over other types of condensers: © Vacua exceeding 28" Hg. achieved © No pump required; condensate removed through dry operation. by gravity © Mimimum pressure drop is guaranteed © Minimum water consumption results in through scientific proportioning. greatest operating economy. ©Counter-Current flow insures ideal Q Less installation space required because performance even under varying loads. of Acme compact design. © Low initial and maintenance costs. © Simple construction; all parts accessible. ACME STEAM JET EJECTORS In their many applications for removing water vapors, air, or other incondensible gases from a vacuum chamber, Acme Ejectors consistently offer superior performance at lowest cost: © Simple in construction; no moving parts; © More efficient in design; higher vacua at built for long life. lower costs. © Stable operation even under varying o Lower initial cost; negligible mainten- loads. ance cost. W here vacua not exceeding 27" to 28" Hg. are desired, we offer the Acme Patented Multi-Jet Barometric Condenser, fully described in our Bulletin MJ-44, sent upon request. . .'The complete Acme line embraces every important type of condenser and ejector. Our engineers are prepared to study the requirements of any process, and to moke suitable recommendations for the most efficient operation. *Can be furnished with One-Stage Steam Jet Ejector instead of as shown, depending on vacuum desired and cooling water temperature . . . For vacua of 29" Hg. and higher a Steam Jet Booster is furnished in conjunction with the unit illustroted.

BAROMETRIC LEGS

HOTWEIL

ACME COPPERSMITHING AND MACHINE COMPANY, ORELAND, PENNSYLVANIA FROM THE lOE OF EXPERIENCE DAN GUTLEBEN, Engineer

OLD MAN NEW HALL, the famous now practiced by the Revere and Cali­ builder of sugar refineries (McCahan, fornia and Hawaiian Refinery. Camden, Pennsylvania, Edgewatcr, Ar- E ditor’s Note.— Dan said the ' other buckle, Yonkers, Ilcrshcy Chocolate day he felt a bit selfish about making THE RAW SUGAR UNLOADING Works and several Cuban plants) fitted the “Log” a One-Man Show. “There FACILITIES arc illustrated. A 60-in. the mclter house with a substantial steel must be a lot of Chem. & Met. read­ feeder belt receives the one-ton drafts of skeleton in 1902 but for reasons of finance, ers, old and young, who at one time bags from the trucks and, under manual the floors were made of yellow pine. On or another have jotted down notes speed control, the bags are fed to the the sixth floor he built a wall around four on interesting experiences that they main belt. En route to the cutting-in sta­ bays and called it the raw sugar bin. The might be willing to share with the tion, the sewn ends of the bags arc sugar was discharged through holes in the rest of us. How about asking these opened. The belt conveyor inclines down­ floor and when the angle of repose was fellows to dust ’em off and send ’em ward at the discharge end and above this reached, unless sliovclers got into vigorous in to you or me?” Maybe Dan’s got there is arranged a horizontal trolley con­ action, the flow to the minglcrs stopped. a pretty good idea here. Suppose we veyor which the boys dubbed “carrousel.” Frantic signals were then sent to the dock give it a try? Send in your notes and The carrousel is provided with multiple to speed up. W hen the flow from the if we can use ’em, we’ll help you buy hooks like garden rakes suspended on dock came too fast, the signal was re­ that next war bond.— S.D.K. chains which roll into spring-loaded reels versed. Discharging bags (“cutting in”) when not in use. (For drawing and photo­ was a 24-hr. operation. Frequent produc­ graphs see Chem. and Met., Feb., 1931, tion delays occurred. W hen the sugar p. 109). As the bags arrive under the car­ came slower than Henry could melt, he rousel, workmen insert hooks into the bot­ blamed Dock Superintendent Ed Hag­ to destination, special effort, both manual tom end and then, as travel continues, gerty and when Henry was melting slower and mental, is required to get it started the bag lowers, is up-ended and dis­ than Ed was delivering, then Ed blamed again. The human machine is equipped charged. The bulk sugar then rises in the Henry. “After many days” the awkward­ with mental supervisory apparatus but it elevators to fill the 1,000 ton live-storage ness of the situation became sufficiently does not preponderate as a power plant. bin above the mclter house which con­ impressive to demand a change. The current minimum operating price is tinuously supplies the process. W hen the The economical procedure in discharg­ 75c. for a maximum of 1/15 hp.-hr. plus bin is filled, the surplus sugar returns to ing the bags of raw sugar from the ship’s social security tax and a complicated sys­ the bulk storage space on the dock from hold is to deliver them in one continuous, tem of accounting, not to mention an which it is recovered as required by means streamlined movement by way of the occasional hospitalization for hernia. A of conveyors as shown. The dock opera­ cutting-in station to the process or to mechanical horse-powcr-hour as generated tion is now an eight-hour shift. In case bulk storage. The expense of making up in the sugar house power plant costs a the bin should run low during the night, drafts (i.e. seven 325-lb. bags in a sling) third of a cent including overhead. The a single operator can start the conveyors in the ship cannot be avoided. Piling the bags should therefore be immediately under the dock floor and deliver addi­ bags in the warehouse requires duplication converted into bulk storage from which tional sugar. of this expense although if the bags are recovery is a mechanical job. This argu­ left in the original slings to be picked up ment is still applicable but before many FOR TH E CONSTRUCTORS, the task later by the crane, the re-piling cost is years raw sugar will be shipped in bulk, of making the installation was a "12- reduced. In the short haul transport, the as is done with grain or crude oil, and Sunday” job with now and then a Sat­ heaviest expense occurs at the terminals. thereby effect a great saving in labor and urday pinched off for good measure. It Every time a bag stops in its journey bags. This method of shipment is even included the unpleasantness of driving

Raw sugar unloading facilities. A 60-in. feeder belt receives the one-ton drafts of bags from the trucks and under manual speed control, the bags are fed to the main belt 170 piles under the cellar and reinforc­ ing the columns to carry the new loads. The conception of the plan demanded some few sleepless nights of cogitation followed by the suggestions and criti­ cisms of the gang. The basis of turning the gang loose is William Wrigley’s famous pronounce­ ment to wit, "W hen two men in an organization always agree, one of them is unnecessary.” The construction proceeds like a game of chess, with the operating superintendent sitting in, jealously guard­ ing his prerogative to avoid production delays. Sugar refining is a 24-hr. process. A hiatus in the orderly schedule affects the efficiency of extraction through both mechanical and chemical losses. More­ over, there is joy in the game even under the accompaniment of the kibitzers and sidewalk superintendents who keep their eyes at the knotholes or razz from the bleachers.

THE FIRST ATTACK AGAINST THE JOB was erection of part of the bin that projected above the roof where no obsta­ cles interfered. When this was completed and decked over, steel hanger rods were dropped down to the sixth floor and there arranged to carry the old wooden bin so as to permit sawing off of the floor joists at the perimeter and thereby allowing the steel walls of the new bin to be com­ pleted, leaving the old wooden box sus­ pended within.

BEFORE THE WOODEN FLOORS, bins and chutes had been replaced with steel and concrete throughout the plant, acetylene burning had to be preceded by careful preparations. The log records ex­ IBC 1 R.IL S A D D L E S periences in the procedure. Helper Tom­ my was stationed in the old bin on the Provide— sixth floor surrounded by fire buckets and a fire hose. Twenty feet above, Burner Larger usable surface . . . from 20% to 60% more Bruno was all set to buffi off an old steel usable surface per unit volume than rings of beam. The chronicler made a final in­ similar size. spection of the fire-fighting arrangements and, finding them in order and in charge Less resistance to flow . . . as much as 50% less of a competent mechanic, went aloft and resistance saves power. stood by while Bruno began to spit fire. Presently a black cloud of smoke issued Better distribution . . . nearly 100% greater average from below. The chronicler beat it down angle of distribution within the packing. and applied the hose. In a few minutes volunteers came from all directions. Higher loading capacity . . . can handle more vapors W hen the excitement was over, Tommy and liquid.s simultaneously without flooding. This was found lying beside the buckets, soused to the ears! Beside him lay an provides greater capacity for your liquid-vapor empty unlabelcd flask. Whatever may reaction towers. have been the contents of the flask, it had Berl Saddles are available in acid-proof chemical terrific potency. stoneware, white porcelain or special porous cera­ ON ANOTHER OCCASION a 11-in. mics. Prompt delivery on Vz", 1" and IV2" sizes. steel pipe had to be cut out for the new bin. Neither the master fitter nor any of the others recognized the pipe. It was, MAURICE A. KNIGHT therefore, adjudged dead and accordingly 108 Kelly Ave., Akron 9, Ohio Bruno directed his flame against it. A sud- dent blast from the "dead” pipe snuffed out Bruno’s torch. It was found that the pipe contained illuminating gas and provi­ dentially its force cheated the fire depart­ ment out of a nasty job. The signal of completion of the bag dumping device was the erection of a sign “Patent applied for Feb. 26, 1927” which was carried out for the "Old Man” (W . H. Hoodless) in a spirit of facetious-

158 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING ness. Later the sign was changed by legal authority to “Patent, June 17, 1930.” Many a friendly competitor has taken pat­ tern from our simple device with the Old Man’s blessings. After some floundering, operation got underway and a large sav­ ing obtained. In the beginning there was the usual resistance to change. Ed, who had unloaded some thousands of ships condemned the design. His assist­ ant, noting the hump-backed alignment of the 60-in. belt conveyor and the car­ rousel at the discharge end, announced that he was going to apply for the hot dog concession. Nevertheless, when the Old Man threatened to become tough, cooperation was forthcoming and the installation turned out to be a huge suc­ cess. Ed then broadcast that he him­ self had proposed the very same device not less than ten years ago! Everybody adopted it and extracted satisfaction from the thought that he was the first to think Double Helical Pumping and Timing Gears: of it. Timing Gears Located at Outboard End:___ THE OPERATION OF THE APPARA­ Improved Supporting Feet Ribbed to Nozzles: TUS disclosed no unusual behavior. The bin on the roof, though 65 ft. deep, dis­ Heavy Duty Anti-Friction Bearings: charged freely and has never required cleaning since it was built in 1926. The Accessible and bulk storage bin on the dock, having a Interchangeable Parts: y flat bottom, is 40 ft. deep. W hen the dock crew goes home at 5 o’clock, the bin above the mcltcr house is filled but its QUIMBY PUMP Division capacity is not equal to 16 hours of re­ finery operation. To make up the de­ ficiency, Joe Disvk starts the conveyors under the dock bulk storage, opens the trap doors in the floor and lets the sugar feed through to the belt. Sugar flow con­ tinues till the angle drops to 40 dcg. with the horizontal.' Sometimes, however, es­ pecially in cold weather, the sugar stands vertically like a cliff. Joe then undercuts YI ou lift a 2,000 lb. load from the floor the bank with the aid of the clamshell quickly and without strain by a pull of only bucket suspended from the traveling 63 lbs. on the hand chain of a multiple gear crane left over from the former handling Reading Chain Hoist. Even for hoists with apparatus. Then he watches the cliff the maximum capacity of 20 tons, a pull of topple over and deliver an avalanche to only 170 lbs. on the chain is needed. the conveyor, the while lie enjoys the The high efficiency and speedy operation of the comfort of a soft seat in the cab. Reading Multiple Gear Chain Hoist are due to One night he stood at the toe of the its spur gear design—in which a balanced train bank and took a poke at the wall with a of gears operates in a bath of oil. Adequate bar. Suddenly there was a slide that en­ lubrication of moving parts is also assured by gulfed Joe just clear of his Adam’s apple. the use of sealed ball bearings. Safe, easy- The helper could not get near him for hoisting is also assured by the self-adjusting brake that automatically takes up its own wear. fear of another slide that would cover The positive braking action simplifies hoisting Joe without trace. So he speeded up the and holds the load stationary at any point. conveyor. W hen the level of the sugar For help on hoisting problems either by use dropped to Joe’s armpits, the helper of chain hoists Or electric hoists, swung the hoisting rope from the over­ write for "Modem Materials Han­ head crane, lassoed Joe around the waist dling Magic.” and heaved. Joe responded perfectly but just as his legs were about to dangle free, READING CHAIN & BLOCK CORPORATION the rope unhooked and he sank back. The 2105 ADAMS ST., READING, PA. second lift proved successful. Joe made no effort to assist his helper to extricate him. Inasmuch as the embarrassment be­ fell him in the line of duty, getting him out was the responsibility of the House. The hospital attendant examined him and found no injury—not even imaginary. •

A FAITHFUL M ECHANIC of foreign CHAIN HOISTS • ELECTRIC HOISTS • OVERHEAD TRAVELING CRANES extraction failed to appear on the job one- day last week. This was so unusual that a messenger was sent to his house to ascer­ tain the cause. His wife stated that Frank RERDinG HOISTS

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 had disagreed with a traffic, cop’s decision and started an argument. He was there­ fore detained for the night in the hoose- LININGS and TANKS that fit gow. The next day Frank was back on the job and lie swore that no policeman could do that to him! Frank had missed the advantages of the great American into rehabilitation plans sandlot where the kids razz each other but they learn to accept the decision of the umps, nauseating though it may be.

Evaporator BARNACLE BILL, skipper of the steam dredge "Pacific,” periodically brings his craft to Pier 47 to remove the black ooze that settles- out of the big city sewers along the water front. Last week he is­ sued a special invitation to the chronicler and the steam-plant foreman to share corned beef and cabbage at high 12 aboard his ship. Externally a barge that wallows in the muddy water has no ap­ peal except to a craftsman who perceives in its function a useful service. However, within the galley there is the usual regard for human sensibilities. The steam plant foreman, accustomed to the need for pro­ Sulfonator Autoclave tection against coal dust, omitted to re­ move his hat. The Skipper announced, “I want every man to feel at home. If he wears his hat at dinner at home, it’s all right to wear it here!”

HADES, ACCORDING TO VIRGIL, was inhabited by ethereal entities—the souls of departed men. They could think, wish, will and suffer but could not accomplish. Their bodies had been taken away and the souls were awaiting assign­ ment to another body, classified as to quality and esteem according to the des­ serts of their late earthly performance. The refining and improvement of the soul was achieved during sojourn on earth. Promotion came about according to merit Semtile Tank and a cross section of the-famous Semtile block by way of reincarnation. The basis of the construction which permits the use of both horizontal and stimulation to exemplary mundane behav­ ior was the prospect of improvement dur­ vertical reinforcing. The cores are sqlidly filled with concrete ing the next cycle. Virgilius must have forming a reinforced concrete wall faced on both sides with been a chemist! Stebbins glazed tile. A RESTAURATEUR IN LINCOLN, If your tanks and chests are showing wear due to war­ Neb., during the chronicler’s sojourn there, conceived the idea of saving the time strain...let Stebbins handle your relining problems. time of his waiters and at the same time For sixty years, we have successfully lined practically apply flattery as a drawing card for cus­ every known type of process reaction vessel or treating tomers. He discarded the conventional meal checks and by a sign on the wall tank. Process plants of many types have utilized our requested the guests to add up their own experience again and again—a fitting testimony to the bills and pay the cashier accordingly. This quality and durability of our linings. resulted in a certain increase in customers We can furnish linings of brick, tile, porcelain and but the chef found that the customers grew careless about their arithmetic. carbon materials for both acid and alkali conditions. For certain specific requirements, our resin membranes, THE LOWLY “HEWER OF WOOD” resistant coatings and rubber films, in combination with has learned that simulating stupidity brickwork, are most effective. keeps him out of trouble but he fre­ Reline the “Stebbins Way” and take advantage of quently applies ingenuity' of high order. Before the wooden floors with which the our complete service: Every job is covered by a lump refinery was infested were replaced with ------sum contract. We supply all labor and material and turn concrete, drops from leaky pipes were the completed lining over to you ready for use. caught in a bucket until a week-end op­ portunity’ came for repair. The “Polander” despaired o f' the frequent necessity of dumping the bucket and besides he had done it long enough. Accordingly he punched a hole in the bottom of the bucket at a point that coincided with a knot-hole in the floor.

• AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING 0 ALARM ALARM alarm ALARM / T v x V

TANK TANK TANK TANK ■ z =© o \ o ©

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MOTORIZED VALVE MOTORIZED VALVE MOTORIZEDVALVEMOTORIZEDVALVE

T O S E W E R C3 Fig. 1 PHOTOSWITCH CONCENTRATE CONTROLS d e e £ LIQUID MIXTURE CHANGES

Photoswijch Concentrate Controls — electronic teammates of ch Level Controls — check liquid mixtures, detect changes t£ id contamination, and act in sta n tly to sound alarms, operate s gnal lights, start pumps, open or close valves . . . as required.

The installation pictured here is used in a large smelting How Photoswitch Detects plant for automatic detection and control of contamina­ tion in hot condensate, used to heat coils through which Contaminated Condensate an acid electrolyte flows. Coil leaks perm it the acids to mix with the condensate, rendering it unfit for use in the Fig. 1. This tank contains hot condensate water, used boilers. Electronic detection and automatic control pro­ to heat coils through which flows an electrolyte con­ vide the surest, simplest and most economical solution taining acids. Photoswitch Concentrate Control P25N, of the problem. with horizontal probe fitting permanently installed in the This is another example of the electronic versatility tank wall, guards against contamination of the conden­ sate by the acid, should a leak develop in the coils. and economy of Photoswitch Level Controls for liquids and powders. Their magic fingers are also handling single Fig. 2. A leak develops in the electrolyte coils. level indication and control, on and off pump control at two levels, or boiler feedwater control in thousands of Fig. 3. Concentration of acid leaking into the conden­ plants and industries throughout the country. They are sate has reached the critical low solution point at which floatless, efficient, maintenance-free, and have no the highly sensitive Photoswitch Electronic Control is de­ moving parts to wear out. signed to operate. A microcurrent passes through the liquid at the probe, and is amplified by the Photoswitch Control to operate a signal and a three-way, motorized W rite today for B ulletin 1100. valve which cuts off flow of condensate from the tank to the boilers, and dumps the contaminated water into the sewer. Pholoswftch Incorporated also manufactures photoelectric and Fig. 4 . Exhaust valve empties tank so that coil leak electronic equipment for Turbidity Control, Smoke Density In­ can be repaired. dication, Counting, Automatic Inspection, Conveyor Control, Machinery Safeguards, Property Protection, and similar indus­ trial applications.

LEVEL CONTROLS

PHOTOELECTRIC AND ELECTRONIC CONTROLS FOR EVERY INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE CAMBRIDGE 42, MASSACHUSETTS District Offices in All Principal Cities

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 161 ^ roxylamli^^i5 Chloride proxylami^æ ; Acid Süli^l6 r^oxylamnion>1 ' S ulfate

3 STABLE FORMS OF HYDROXYLAMINE

Properties of Hydroxylammonium Salts A Powerful

Hydfoxylimmoniunt Kydrpaylammonlum Hydroiylammonium NAME add sullatt sulfate chloride Reducing A gent

FORMULA NH20H-H2S04 (NH20H)2-H2S04 KH20H-HCL HYDROXYLAMINE in stable form ... manufactured from the Nitroparaf- fins... is now available at reasonable Molecular Weight 131.11 184.14 69.50 prices. It is useful in removal and puri­ Approximate Specific Gravity 1.83 0.91 0.62 fication of aldehydes and ketones. . . as an analytical reagent . .. as a resin Melting Point, °C Indefinite 162 d. 152 d. catalyst, rubber accelerator, flotation pH of 0.1 M Aqueous Solution at 25°C 1.8 3.5 3.4 agent... in the preparation of nitriles, acid amides, isoxazoles, metal com­ •Solubility— e / 1002 a f 25°C plexes, barbituric acid derivatives, and In Water 390 Approx. 63.9 94.7 other compounds used in pharmaceu­ In Methanol 20.2 0.1 17.5 ticals, dyestuffs, photographic chemi­ cals, insecticides, and antiseptics. In Ethanol, 95% 4.3 0.2 10.5 Larger postwar production and lower In Ethanol, Absolute B.3 0.1 6.6 prices warrant re-examination of the In Butanol 2.2 0.03 0.6 possibilities of Hydroxylamine. Write our Technical Service Division for

•Thes« Hydroiylammonium salts art only vary slightly soluble samples. In ethers, «stars, and aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons.

(T 3 MMERCIAL S OLVENTS

17 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y.

m & Sœ

162 AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING I ms / I TEWS

II. C. Parm elee William Blum R. C. Wickersham

H. C. Parmelee has retired as editor of William Blum, chief of the Section of R. C. Wickersham has been appointed Engineering and Mining Journal and has Electrochemistry, U. S. Bureau of Stand­ assistant general manager of the Tar and just been succeeded in that position by ards, has been elected to receive the eighth Chemical Division of Koppers Co. He Evan Just, assistant editor and former sec­ Edward Goodrich Acheson medal and joined Koppers in 1916 after graduation retary of Tri-State Zinc and Lead Ore thousand dollar prize of the Electro­ the previous year from Lehigh University Producers Assn. Dr. Parmelee joined the chemical Society. The formal presentation with a degree in engineering. After suc­ McGraw-Ilill Publishing Co. in 1910 as of the award will take place at the fall cessive promotions, he was manager of western editor of Chem. & Met. and was convention of the society at Buffalo on Koppers Co.'s W hite Tar Division, its editor from 1918 to 1928. He continues October 13. Kearny, N. J., at the time of his recent ap­ his 34 years association with the McGraw- pointment. Hill companies as editor emeritus of A. N. McFarlanc of the research de­ E.&M.J. and chairman of the advisory partment of Corn Products Refining Co., Jesse J. Baum, until recently process en­ committee on chemical engineering texts Argo, 111., has been appointed associate gineer and metallurgist with the Allison and reference books. director of research. Dr. S. M. Cantor is Engineering Division, General Motors the newly appointed assistant director. Corp., has joined the Duraloy Co., Scott- Gerald J. Cox, who recently joined dale, Pa., as plant superintendent. Corn Products Refining Co.’s research Lawrence A. Appley has been appointed staff, left Mellon Institute in 1941 to join a member of the War Manpower Commis­ S. A. Berryann, assistant export man­ the W ar Production Board and then served sion’s National Management-Labor Com­ ager for the Brown Instrument Co., Phila­ as a consultant for the National Research mittee. Mr. Appley will serve as a member delphia precision industrial instrument Council. at large. For the last year and a half he division of Minneapolis-IIoneywell Regu­ has been associated with W M C as director lator Co., has been awarded honor medal W. F. Leicester has been appointed of the Bureau of Placement and then be­ for the highest average attained in chemical president of the Casein Co. of America, a came its deputy chairman. He resigned engineering, junior year, at .the Drexel division of Borden Co. Formerly vice July 1 because of ill health. -After a period Evening School of Drexel Institute, Phila­ president, Mr. Leicester succeeds William of rest and recuperation, he will return delphia. Callan, who continues as a vice president to his post with the Vick Chemical Co. of the Borden Co. and a member of the which he joined in 1941 as vice president Clarence L, Wanamaker has been directing board of the Casein Co. of in charge of personnel planning and named general manager of the Munitions America. He has been in charge of the research. Division "of United States Rubber Co. to glue division of the Casein company since succeed Ernest G. Brown, recently chosen 1923. Orlan McGrew Arnold has been selected general manager of mechanical goods, gen­ by Chrysler Corp. as head of its division eral products, Lastex yarn and rubber John W . Boyer, chief of the alcohol of physical chemical research at Detroit, thread divisions. Mr. Wanamaker, a native and solvents branch of the Chemicals Mich. Born in York, Neb., Dr. Arnold of Melrose, Mass., graduated from Dart­ Bureau, W PB, has resigned to establish was graduated at Grinnell College, Iowa, in mouth College where he attended the Tnek himself in Washington as a consultant to 1928, and earned his doctor’s degree at the School of Business Administration and the chemical industry. He will be suc­ University of Wisconsin. Finance. ceeded by Frank E. Bennett, chief of the industrial alcohol ur.it of the Chemicals Edward U. Condon, associate director W ard W . Pigman, specialist in carbo­ Bureau. Mr. Boyer joined W PB in May, of the Research Laboratories for the West- hydrate chemistry and enzyme systems at 1942, as a business specialist, having been inghouse Electric & Mfg. Co., has been the Bureau of Standards, Washington, called from his farm near Charlottesville, elected to membership in the National D. C., has joined the research staff of Corn Va., where he had retired after 20 yr. in Academy of Sciences, membership in Products Refining Co., Argo, 111. the chemical business. He was formerly which is based upon outstanding contribu­ connected with the American Cyanamid tion to the field of science. Harold W. Heine has been awarded Co., Mathieson Alkali Co., Monsanto the William F. Meredith Fellowship for Chemical Works, Calco Chemicals Co., L. W . Eastwood, formerly vice presi­ graduate study in chemistry at Rutgers and the Solvay Process Co. Mr. Bennett, dent of the Maryland Sanitary Mfg. Co., University. He graduated from the uni­ who comes from Orange, N. J., joined has been named to the staff of Battelle In­ versity in July with a bachelor of science W PB in February, 1942, after 23 yr. of stitute, Columbus, Ohio, where he is en­ degree in chemistry. The fellowship was experience in the chemicals industry. gaged in metallurgical research. created by the Titanium Alloy Mfg. Co.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 163 as a memorial to the firm’s founder and CATALYST RECOVERY late president. O. T. Manning of the control laboratory at Wood River Refinery of Shell Oil Co., has been awarded both the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit medal for gallantry in action. Lt. Col. Manning is serving with the armed forces in Europe.

Albert Hershberger, for a number of years attached to the Pioneering Research sec­ tion of the Du Pont Rayon Department, has been appointed supervisor of new films research in the Cellophane Research section at Buffalo, N. Y. Typical Buell (van TotiKcren) Fluid Catalyst Collector

Frederick W. Adams

Frederick W . Adams lias been appointed Fluid catalyst cracking plant for 100-octane gasoline in one oj America's largest oil refineries. director of research of the Clark Thread Co., Newark, N. J., and associated com­ panies and will make his headquarters Saving the Catalyst in at the New York offices of the company, lie will be responsible for the development High Octane Gasoline Production of plans for the coordination and expan­ sion of research within this organization. Mr. Adams was formerly associated with • T he above illu stratio n shows the plant of a large oil company, the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. in their which is typical of the catalytic cracking plants used in the making of product development department. 100-octane gas. In this plant the fluid cracking process is employed. An important part of the process is the Buell (van Tongeren) Cata­ A. P. Frame, vice president and chief lyst Collector. Both the plant and the collector are representative of engineer of the Cities Service Refining the type which have been installed by a number of oiT companies, mak­ Corp., has been appointed director of the ing possible the production of tremendous quantities of gasoline re­ Refining Division of the Petroleum Ad­ quired by the war. program. Catalytic cracking is but one of the ministration for W ar. He succeeds E. D. Cumming who has returned to New York developments which point up the ingenuity and scientific progress of City to resume his duties as vice president the American oil industry'and by which high production of 100- of the Shell Oil Co. octane gas has been possible. Further, here is the strongest of indications of Buell's high efficiency Peter F. Warfield has been appointed to and wide application. In designing and building over two-thirds of the research and development laboratories the nation's fluid cat-cracking capacity ... The M. W. Kellogg Com­ of the Bakelite Corp. in Bloomfield, N. J. pany has installed Buell catalyst recovery systems throughout. Dr. Warfield was recently graduated from the University of Illinois. Again, Buell has demonstrated its ability to solve difficult dust recovery problems. Joseph H. Hart, formerly chief chemist, has been promoted to laboratory director Write for a copy of the illustrated book—"The van Tongeren System of for Kelite Products, Inc., Los Angeles. Industrial Dust Recovery,” containing facts about this patented system, L. M. Pidgeon, head of the Department interesting alike to engineer and executive. of Metallurgical Engineering of the Uni­ versity of Toronto, has been awarded the BUELL ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC. McCharles prize in recognition of his IS Cedar Street, New York 5, N, Y. development of a process for the produc­ Sales Representatives in Principal Cities tion of magnesium from Canadian dolo­ mite.

H. O. Teeple, chemical engineer, has DESIGNED TO DO A JOB, NOT JUST TO MEET A "SPEC" joined the technical sendee group of the

164 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING Development and Research Division of the International Nickel Co. at New York.

P. E. Fluor, executive vice president and general manager of Fluor Corp., Ltd., Los Angeles, was elected president to succeed J. S. Fluor, Sr., while J. S. Fluor, Jr., suc­ ceeds P. E. Fluor.

Raymond B. Prouty has been elected vice president in charge of production of the Whitlock Mfg. Co., Hartford, Conn. Mr. Prouty joined the Whitlock organization in 1925.

P h o to at right shows one of the autoclaves, or drying ovens, used in processing p en icillin a n d a lso b lo o d plasma in two separate plants of the Ben Venue Laboratories, Inc., at Bedford, Ohio. Bottles of the frozen penicillin are placed in the drying oven and the Deming Pump circu­ lates cold alcohol until all moisture is condensed. Then the pump circulates hot alco­ hol until the rapid evaporation dehydrates the penicillin. A similar m ethod is used in th e dehydration of blood plasma, excepting that water is used instead of alcohol. William J. Priestley

William J. Priestley has been elected president of Electro Metallurgical Co., Electro Metallurgical Co. of Canada, Ltd., Michigan Northern Power Co. and Union Carbide Co. of Canada, Ltd., subsidi­ Photo at left shows a aries of Union Carbide & Carbon Corp. Figure 3910 Deming Mr. Priestley succeeds the late Francis P. Side Suction Centrifugal Gormely. Pump used in each auto­ clave for dehydrating penicillin and blood Charles A. Powel, manager of headquar­ plasma. ters engineering of the Wcstinghousc Electric & Manufacturing Co., has been elected president of the American Insti­ tute of Electrical Engineers for the year Deming Pumps play an important part in the processing of the beginning August 1944. "wonder drug” p en icillin and equally vital blood plasma at Ben Venue Laboratories, Inc., at Bedford, Ohio. William W . Watkins has been appointed research manager to head the organic In the process of dehydrating both penicillin and blood plasma, chemistry activities in the pioneering re­ preparatory to packaging, the materials are placed in autoclaves or search laboratory of the Du Pont Rayon drying ovens, each unit equipped with a Figure 3910 Deming Side Department at Buffalo, N. Y. Suction Centrifugal Pump. Another type of Deming Pump — a Figure 4700 Deep Well Turbine I. A. Oeliler has been named chief process — is used at Ben Venue Laboratories for water supply. This pump engineer of the American Welding '& reduces water costs approximately 33*/3% under the municipal rates Manufacturing Co., Warren, Ohio. on the volume of water obtained from the well. W hen YOU have a pumping problem— either in connection with Edward M. Cliace, director of the labora­ using pumps as component parts of other equipment— or as separate tory of fruit and vegetable chemistry for units— or for water supply, Deming and the Deming Distributor in the Department of Agriculture in Los your vicinity will help you to the correct applications of Deming Angeles, has retired from that position. Pumps. Write THE DEMING COMPANY, SALEM, OHIO. Arthur S. Shoffstall has retired from his position as general manager of the Hunt­ ington Works of International Nickel Co. Mr. Shoffstall will continue in the capac­ ity of a consultant to the head office of the company. 1ÏÏËC 0 M P L E T E U Ñ É Harold C. Haskell, an executive of E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.r received an honorary Master of Arts degree from PUMPS AND WATER SYSTEMS Tufts College June 18. The Deming Company • Salem, Ohio

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 „• £luQ W. E. Drinker, Jr.

William E. Brinlcer, Jr., chairman of the chemical engineering department, Northwstem Technological Institute, has joined the staff of Corn Products Refining Co., Argo, 111., as director of engineering, Chemical Division. In the past Dr. Brinker has served as thermal engineer with the American Dressier Tunnel Kilns, Inc., industrial fellow at the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, and • professor of chemical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. More recently he has been re­ sponsible for planning and developing the chemical engineering department and laboratories at the newly established North­ western Technological Institute.

OBITUARIES

Frank J. Tone, chairman of the board of the Carborundum Co., Niagara Falls, N. Y., died July 26 at his home after a long illness. Dr. Tone retired as president of the company in April 1942 when he became chairman of the board, and acted in an advisory capacity. Associated with the concern nearly 50 years, Dr. Tone was original batching to final packaging as shown the originator of the first commercial process for the production of silicon here, Toledo Scales are helping to speed this much- metal. He received the Perkins medal in needed product to its destination. Another one of 1938 and was a former president of the Electrochemical Society, recipient of the countless ways in which Toledos are meeting in­ the Edward Goodrich Acheson Medal con­ dustry’s wartime needs. ferred by that society in 1935. lie was also Whether it’s weighing, balancing, force-measuring the recipient of the Jacob Schoellkopf Medal, granted by the western New York or counting...for today or the future...get unbeatable branch of the American Chemical Society accuracy, speed and dependability with Toledos! Write in 1931. for latest information. Sales and Service in 181 cities. George E. Cox, general manager of the Toledo Scale Company, Toledo, Ohio. North American Cyanamid Co., Niagara Falls, Ont., since 1930, died July 19 at the age of 73. Bom in Baltimore, Mr. Cox was graduated from Johns Hopkins Uni­ versity. Before joining Cyanamid in 1912, he was employed by the General Electric Co. and Union Carbide & Carbon Co. During the first World War, he assisted in constructing the plant at Muscle Shoals.

Francis P. Gonnley, recently elected DO president of Electro Metallurgical Co., of HEADQUARTERS FOR ALL TYPES OF Canada, Ltd., Haynes Stellite Co., Michi­ gan Northern Power Co., and Union Car­ bide Co. of Canada, Ltd., subsidiaries of SCALES Union Carbide & Carbon Corp., passed away July 14.

166 AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING Compartment Mills

Traylor Compartment Mills have add up to the efficiency that Traylor WE BUILD built into them the characteristics Mills are noted for, which makes Rotary Kilns Rotary Coolers Rotary Dryers that operators demand: (1) capabil­ them preferred by many. Rotary Slakers Scrubbers ity of delivering the required Evaporators Many details of construction con­ Jaw Crushers amount of product of the desired Gyratory Crushers Reduction Crushers tribute to this result, not the least of Crushing Rolls fineness hour after hour; (2) doing Compartment Mills which is the welded shell which Ball Mills this job at the least possible expen­ Rod Mills provides the strength and stiffness Tube Mills diture for power and wearing Pug Mills W ash Mills necessary for maintaining align­ Feeders metal; (3) facility of operation, thus Rotary Screens ment and true running permanently. Elevators requiring minimum attention from the attendant; (4) sturdiness of con- Investigate this mill. Our repre- i struction to withstand severe and sensative is available at any time continuous service. All of these that you find it convenient. Write! SEND FOR OUR BULLETIN 2103

ENGINEERING ^ MANUFACTURING CO. MAIN OFFICE AND WORKS ALLENTOWN. PENNA.,U.SA.

NEW YORK CITY CHICAGO SALT LAKE CITY LOS ANGELES SPOKANE 3416 E m pire S tate Bldg. 2051 One L a Salle St. Bldg. 101 W est Second South St. 919 C hester W illiam s Bldg. S. 2707 R hyolite Rd. B. C. EQUIPMENT CO.. LTD. 551 Howe St., Vancouver, B. C. Export Department—104 Pearl St., New York City. Foreign Sales Agencies: London, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Antofagasta, Oruro, La Paz, Montevideo.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 167 The National Radiator Co., Johnstown, ness of the electrical division of Colt’s Pa., has placed Paul B. Holmes in charge Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co. at Hartford, of sales of the heating division to succeed Conn. and will operate it under the super­ the late Charles L. Crouse. vision of Thomas M. Cole, executive vice president of Federal. Allis-Chalmers, Milwaukee, has appointed John Avery manager of the blower and Electric Machinery Mfg. Co., Minne­ compressor department to succeed G. L. apolis, has appointed R. H. Olson vice Kollberg. Mr. Kollberg has retired after 47 president in charge of sales with head­ years with the company but will continue quarters at the main office. He had been as consultant and adviser on engineering serving as manager of New York district matters. office. McAlear Mfg. Co., Chicago, and Climax Westinghouse Electric and Mfg. Co., Engineering Co., Clinton, Iowa, have ac­ East Pittsburgh, has promoted L. E. Os­ quired Hanlon-Waters, manufacturer of borne, manager of the steam division at control instruments. Philadelphia, to assistant to the vice presi­ dent where he will serve as engineering Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., has consultant. C. B. Campbell succeeds Mr. extended the technical and distribution Osborne as manager of the steam division. facilities of its fumigant division to cover the eastern territory and has appointed American Machine and Metals, Inc., East George F. Kerbey to head up this branch Moline, 111., has placed Winfred L. Foss with headquarters in the Philadelphia in charge of its district sales office in the office. Park Square Bldg., Boston. Mt. Vernon Car Mfg. Co., Mt Vernon, The B. F. Goodrich Co., Akron, has 111., has appointed Richard T. Coyne named Jay E. Miller advertising manager manager of sales to succeed T . M. Evans, of the.industrial products and sundries di­ vice president, who has resigned. vision of which he is also sales promotion manager. American Cyanamid Co., Calco Chem­ ical Division, Bound Brook, N. J., has Allis-Chalmers, Milwaukee, has elected formed a pigment department under the to its board of directors, Ernest Mahler, management of John Allegaert with Leo a chemical engineer and executive vice Sklarz as manager of sales. Dr. R. A. president of the Kimberly-Clark Corp., of Shive has been appointed director of tech­ Neenah, Wis. nical services of the department. The J. B. Beaird Co., Shreveport, has The Midvale Co., Nicetown, Philadelphia, opened a branch office in the Citizens has selected Thomas Rutherford as man­ State Bank Bldg., Houston, Texas, under Explosive and flammable liquids, gases, the management of Hubert B. Wilder. fumes, or dust — hazardous situations ager of railroad and casting sales and has where one spark means danger! That’s appointed Truxton R. Broadhead Phila­ Thermoid Co., Trenton, )N. J., an­ delphia district sales manager. the place to safeguard men at work and nounces the appointment of A. C. Teetsel as manager of friction materials manufac­ your investment in plant equipment, with John C. Dolph Co., Newark, N. J., has turing. Ampco Non-Sparking Safety Tools. added David M. Kelly to its engineering Widely used in petroleum refineries, ord­ staff. Mr. Kelly is in charge of the in­ The Pennsylvania Salt Mfg. Co., Phila­ nance plants, chemical industries — in dustrial service division. delphia, has 'Opened an office in the mines and on ships. Approved by insur­ Carew Bldg., Cincinnati. In charge is ance authorities. Play safe — equip with Aluminum Co. of America, Pittsburgh, Louis M. Kuilema formerly with the Ampco Non-Sparking Safety Tools now. has appointed three assistant sales general Paper Makers chemical department of AM ECO M ETAL IN C ., D ept. CM-8, sales managers. R. V. Davies will have Hercules Powder Co. Milwaukee 4, I Vis. charge of sales engineering and sales de­ velopment activities. R. B. McKee will Shell Oil Co., Inc., New York, has trans­ have charge of district sales offices and all ferred E. E. Williams, former division direct selling. Donovan W ilmot will direct supervisor of the company’s marketing di­ product manager activities and warehouse vision at Detroit, to the New York office distribution. where he will be field assistant to F. B. Boice in LP gas activities. Mixing Equipment Co., Inc., Rochester, N. Y., is now represented in Georgia, Ala­ The Osborn Mfg. Co., Cleveland, has data on Ampco bama, and the greater part of Tennessee promoted F. T. Turner to assistant sales by Edgar A. Rogers who is making his manager of the brush division. He had Metal for headquarters in the Chattanooga Bank been working on special assignments in the corrosion- Bldg., Chattanooga, Tenn. home office. Elgin Softener Corp., Elgin, 111., has ap­ Warren Steam Pump Co., Inc., Warren, pointed B. M. Thompson, 8 East 66th Mass., has placed Parkman A. Collins in St., New York, as district engineer in charge of its office in Boston. He suc­ lower New York and upper New Jersey ceeds Howard C. Fiske who has retired and Orra F. Hawn, 7 Academy Road, Al­ after 45 years service with the company. bany, as district engineer in upper New York. Fisher Governor Co., Marshalltown, Iowa, is now represented in the Tennessee dis­ Federal Electric Products Co., Newark, trict by Johnson and Scott with head­ NON-SPARKING SAFETY TOOLS N. J., has acquired the property and busi­ quarters in the Dermon Bldg., Memphis.

168 AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING STORAGE PLANS INCLUDE THESE LIQUIDS OR GASES ?

GASOLINE— OIL— AND VARIOUS TYPES OF OTHER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, INCLUDING:

PROPALENE ACRYLONITRILE BUTENE 1 STYRENE BUTENE 2 ISOBUTANE BUTENE X 2 PROPANE ' 1:3 BUTADIENE N. BUTANE ISOBUTYLENE L‘£i tivnt

PITTSBURGH*DES MOINES

GIVE YOU THE FACTS YOU NEED QPPRATlNG MECHANISM- WOODEN EXPLOSON R£L£F CUPOLA ^ /GRANULAR cork insulation Efficient, more economical storage of liquids or gases is s S C t 3 TO 5 FEET THICK essential in the refining industry—today, and more than % NICKEL N ^ S ü Z E C ever tomorrow. Keeping pace with changing conditions \ \ J Q M b _SPH&R1CAL_^£LL STIFFENING] \ -TI.-Stp carbon steel and requirements, Pittsburgh-Des Moines Research is develop­ RING i , — -cylindrical shell ing continually new facts on better.container types, materials ¡¡I 3-—30' balco n y INNER SHELL ] and fabrication—aided by our Chemical Storage Fellowship 3*1/2% NICKEl| NORMAUZED J GRANULAR CORK INSULA TON -ISLEEE [3 FEET THICK at Mellon Institute for Industrial Research. May we consult OUTER SHELL] STD CARBON1. on your storage problems? STEEL j fSlRLUS: yji

rrtiärt nio.wmm »tut/ vjm¿| sacitusuo]

flOM BDCfl Of MUIX

-£2uaaâiûuttLU PITTSBURGH « DES MOINES STEEL GO. PITTSBURGH, PA. 3417 NEVILLE ISLAND—DES MOINES, IOWA, 916 TUTTLE STREET NEW YORK, ROOM 990, 270 BROADWAY • CHICAGO, 1207 FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING DALLAS, 1216 PRAETORIAN BUILDING • SAN FRANCISCO, 606 RIALTO BUILDING Have you tried Columbia Activated Carbon for Purifying Industrial Gases? . •. you can economically remove traces of—

ORGANIC ODORS, VAPORS, AND GASES SULFUR COMPOUNDS NITROGEN OXIDES CHLORINE AND ITS COMPOUNDS and other contaminants

from industrial gases such as

AIR ACETYLENE HYDROGEN AMMONIA NITROGEN NATURAL GAS CARBON DIOXIDE MANUFACTURED GAS and others

We supply Columbia Activated Carbon in a Columbia Activated Carbon are highly effi­ number of sizes and grades suitable for gas cient and have low operating costs. purification. Our engineers can recommend If you have a gas purification problem, tbe proper carbon and help you design gas write for further information. purification equipment, or we can supply BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS AND STAMPS complete gas purification plants designed C a r b id e a n d C a r b o n C h e m ic a l s C o r p o r a t io n so that tbe carbon can be reactivated and Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation BH3 reused many times. These plants using 30 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y. mH i COLUMBIA : i I 'e w e r C t r f o n

SOLVENT RECOVERY CATALYSIS GAS AND AIR PURIFICATION

170 • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING CONVENTION PAPER ABSTRACTS

BUTANE DEHYDROGENATION The product leaving the catalyst tubes B u t a n e dehydrogenation has been in is composed of butylene, hydrogen, un­ operation since 1940. Numerous interest­ reacted butane, and small percentages of ing engineering problems were encountered other light hydrocarbon gases resulting in developing the process through the pilot from side reactions. It passes through the plant stage. The catalyst used has the outlet switch valves and the charge heat essential characteristics of high activity, exchanger into a gas scrubber where it is good selectivity, thermal and mechanical further cooled by a circulating oil stream. stability, and low cost. The process tem­ The product is then sent to other processes. perature and pressure arc determined by Usually, it is compressed and sent to an consideration . of thermodynamic equi­ absorber for separation of the butane-buty- librium and the ratio of thermal to catalytic lene fraction from lighter gases. The reaction rates. The plant design is con­ butanc-butyl*ne fraction may be used as trolled by the high endothermic heat of feed for polymerization or alkylation. In reaction, the exothermic heat of regenera­ this case the unconverted butane would tion, and the necessity of low-pressure drop. be separated by fractional distillation and These considerations lead to a heat ex­ returned to the debydrogenation process. changer type of reactor, with the catalyst In other circumstances, the butane-butylenc in tubes heated and cooled by circulating fraction might be directly resolved into flue gas. butylene and recycle butane by solvent A simplified flow chart for the process or azotropic operations. This would be is shown in the accompanying illustration. done, for example, in order to obtain con The charge butane is pumped through a centratcd butylene for charge to a buta­ heat exchanger and heater, where it is diene plant. vaporized and heated to approximately the Regeneration involves passing of air required reaction temperature, and ’then diluted with inert gas through the catalyst is directed by means of switch valves to bed. Since the oxygen is removed from the processing reactor where it flows down­ this mixture in the reactor, the exit re­ ward through catalyst tubes. Reaction generation gas is recycled as the diluent. occurs rapidly near the entrance as the Thus, the regeneration system consists of charge enters the tubes; tben, owing to a closed loop through which gas is circu­ the retarding effect of reaction products, lated by a compressor. Air is admitted to decreases as it proceeds through the tubes. this gas before it enters the reactor and a corresponding amount of gas is vented Because the reaction is endothermic, after it leaves the reactor. The regenera­ heat is supplied by hot flue gas circulated tion system operates under pressure and All across the industry chemical outside tubes. Flue gas flow is parallel to, uses a cold compressor. and in the same direction as, the process workers have put their O. K. on gas flow inside the tubes; thus the greatest C. C. Watson et al., Universal Oil Prod­ Willson’s Over-All Rubber Mask temperature difference and greatest heat ucts Co., Riverside, III., before American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Cleve­ flow occur at the top of the tubes, and lan d , M ay 16, 1844. Type Goggles. as the flue gas is cooled, the temperature Their eyes (and prescription glasses) difference and heat flow become less. SYNTHETIC RUBBER get sure protection. X31 design in­ IN THE FUTURE The butane temperatures in the inlet sures comfortable fit; clear Super- portion of the tube can be raised or lowered L ast month (May) we reached an all- by adjusting the inlet temperatures of the time peak in rubber production. Before Tough lenses take care of impact flue gas and/or the butane itself. The 1941 consumption was at the rate of hazards; 5 guarded screen ventilating butane temperatures in the outlet portion 54,000 tons a month. And, in the feverish ports let in air, but protect against can be varied almost independently by rearmament year of 1941, consumption splashing. Another style, X34, with adjusting the flue gas flow rate, thus averaged 63,000 tons. But last month we changing its temperature in this zone. made, in the United States and Canada, no ventilators, provides maximum The heating flue gas is recirculated almost 70,000 tons of synthetic rubbers. protection from severe splashing. through ducts by a fan; its temperature is In these days, production and consumption raised by the addition of hot combustion are almost synonymous. products from fuel gas burned in a heater, W ith the increasing tempo of the war, and it is then directed by dampers to the we must do more and in the next six AWAY processing reactor where its temperature months we will step up production an­ is lowered by heat transferred to the re­ other 15,000 tons per month; about 20 ' W s action. percent. Some of this increase will be in Willson throws tons of lens glass away flowsheet for butane debydrogenation process every year. Any worker looking at it would call it perfect glass; but delicate instruments jr—-S w itc h v a /v es detect the hidden flaws—and rule it out. f e This ruthless inspection may "waste” a lot Process gas Reactor. R e a c to r of glass; it’s sure to save a lot of eyes. scrubber\ (processing) (regenerating ) Cooling There’s a Willson Safety Service Dis­ 'w afer tributor in every mo/or industrial area. I Venir Charge Washer- p u m p j GOGGIES • RESPIRATORS • GAS MASKS • HEIMETS

S c r u b b e r Water- • Compress' >/'/ p u m p 1 eci a ir WILLSON Circulating PRODUCTS INCORPORATED P ro d u ct com pressor READING, PA., U.S.A. isioklishcd 1870

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 ♦ the form of butyl rubber which will then take its place for many of the innertubcs. Despite the fact that buna-S is now being made at rated capacity (735,000 tons per year for the United States and Canada), it will be made at even greater rate. But wc still face problems. The first of these is the tremendous shortage of heavy- duty tires, most of which are needed by the military. The second problem is in­ “HELIX-SEAL” timately tied to the first. Though it has been possible, to replace all crude rubber with synthetic in smaller tires and many thousands of other articles, it. is impossible PULVERIZERS to make some heavy-duty tires of synthetic until we have more rayon tire cord. Even then the technical problems incident to these heavy-duty tires are such that some crude rubber must be used. All of this means that even with our tremendous pres­ ent production of Synthetics, we are still forced to use crude rubber at a greater rate than we are obtaining it. Our stockpile of crude is dwindling and it is only because we know we will have the continued team­ work of planners, executives, technicians, test fleets, and workers that we dare prophesy that we will "squeak by.” “Squeak by,” we will, but it will be a close call. The limitations which will control how fast the foregoing problems can be solved • Williams "Helix-Seal" stem from manpower shortages and the Mill viewed from above. difficulties of running factories at full Note how the cover can speed, while installing and starting up new be raised providing ac­ cess to the interior for equipment and making changes in for­ repairs and adjustments. mulae. These problems are accentuated by the almost innumerable changes of plans that are inevitable in modem war. Above all, we must remember that in this synthetic program we are putting into • • GRIND WET OR STICKY MATERIALS effect in one year technological changes that would normally require 10 to 15 " FINE GRIND— 100 TO 325 MESH years. Such difficulties call for tolerance, understanding, cooperation and all out effort by everyone— by everyone in gov­ • • NO OUTSIDE SEPARATION NECESSARY ernment, management, laboratories, and factories. The manufacture of synthetics has now ••INEXPENSIVE TO INSTALL reached the point where—short of unex­ pected catastrophes—there will be enough • The Helix-Seal Mill grinds extremely fine with­ rubber available to meet any now foreseen demand. So you can see the problems of out the aid of outside separation. This is largely converting synthetic rubber into the sinews of war arc still with us. It is futile to make due to the long grinding surface, adjustable a truck without tires. It is equally futile grinding parts and high speed of the hammers. to make synthetic rubber and fail to make good tires. Due to the screw feeder which acts both as a No one should conclude that the quality feeder and seal, sealing the intake opening of products made from synthetics cannot be improved. The last year has seen great against the in-rush of air, no air is sucked into improvement and the horizon of quality is the machine and consequently there is no result­ still far away. Some of these improvements will come from better compounding, some ing dust carrying draft expelled from the dis­ from the blending of synthetics and plas­ tics. From what we have seen of these charge. Built in nine standard sizes, capacities experimental synthetics that have already 200 pounds per hour and up. been made, I feel confident that new formulations using new monomers will re­ sult in special synthetics that will equal or better crude rubber for some of the jobs for which crude rubber is now neces­ sary. From the specialty synthetic rub­ THE WILLIAMS PATENT CRUSHER & PULVERIZER CO. bers, buna-N, Neoprene, and butyl, we are 2706 North Ninth St. St. Louis 6, Mo. making some products which are vastly Sales Agencies Include ' superior to those once made with crude CHICAGO NEW YORK PHILADELPHIA rubber. We are already making them at 37 W. Van Buren St. 15 Park Row 11 N. Fourth St. the rate of close to 100,000 tons per year. This was approximately the amount of

172 AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING rubber that the country was consuming just before World W ar I. The future of special synthetic rubbers is still before UNEXCELLED DESIGN them. Though during the war the average cost Proved by must (because of the call of other pro­ grams for certain of the cheaper raw ma­ terials) remain much higher, nevertheless cJiiaA. ßeAsfa>inui*ice. we have already made some buna-S at a cost, before depreciation and profit, of less than 13c. It requires only the simplest Roots-Connersville Centrifugal Units reasoning to show us that the rubber in­ dustry is free to develop new products have that built-in "extra" which is without fear of having to discard them, as reflected in their consistent record it was forced to do in the past, because of run away rubber prices. To me it is equally for more than meeting the perform­ obvious that the inevitable industrialization of South America, Russia, China, India ance promises, plus long-lived, and parts of North Africa, and the East smooth operation. They clearly show Indies that will follow this war, will mean a world demand for rubber far beyond the the characteristics of expert design capacity of the plantations that existed backed up by 90 years of manufac­ before the war. W ith the chemists forg­ ing ahead as they now are, I cannot en­ turing experience, plus modern facili« vision capitalists risking much new money ties and skilled workmanship. to clear jungles, plant rubber trees, graft and cross-fertilize them, and then wait seven years for a crop which must be har­ Where high efficiency, dependabil­ vested by men who surely after the war ity, and long life are major consid­ will not be willing to work for a few pen­ nies a day. The synthetic rubber industry erations, the performance of "R - C" will live. units is winning leadership in the W e all look forward to the day when industry will be released from Govern­ centrifugal field. ment control and when competition will once again drive the imagination of men and make far greater and greater progress. Before the war, every year marked some progress but much effort went into sales ROOTS-CONNERSVILLE appeals based upon price rather than the selling of differences of quality. Synthetic BLOWER CORP. rubber is going to mean not a year or two, but decades of opportunity for men 408 Illinois Avenue to make better synthetics. Connersville, Indiana Bradley Dewey, Rubber Director, before Convocation of the University of Akron. Akron, Ohio, June 4, 1944. Write for your copy ELECTROCHEMISTRY IN THE POSTWAR WORLD of Bulletin 120-B-12

I n d u st r ia l electrochemistry has been indispensable in the mechanization of war and it will be essential in the ex­ panding economy necessary to postwar prosperity. Alloy steels, aluminum, mag­ "R-C" nesium, abrasives, alkali, chlorine, syn­ gal Gas thetic organic chemicals derived from cal­ 19,000 cium carbide, chromium plating, and r.p.m., pressure hundreds of other products of electro- thermic and electrolytic processes are the raw materials of war machines as they are ths source of much of the equipment of every-day life. In the postwar world elec­ trochemistry should create new products and new industries, and by process im­ provement and increased efficiency should reduce the cost of existing products and insure their wider distribution. These developments should mean high produc­ tion, wide employment, a large national income, and thus a higher standard of living. Electrochemistry is uniquely qualified to lead in the industrial expansion which should follow the war. Its processes are direct, closely controllable and adapted to the mass production of things which are basic to industry at large. Its products it Add YOUR Punch to the Attack — Buy an EXTRA War Bond! i t can be had pure in quality, low in price,

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • and in enormous quantities. Electro­ chemical technology is labor-saving and is of such nature as to provide agreeable working conditions for labor. Electrolytic and electrothermal processes aid in the conservation of national resources by their economy in the use of raw materials and their ability to utilize lower-grade minerals in ore-reduction and similar operations. Looking into the future it seems prob­ able that there will be some recession im­ mediately after the war in the power re­ quirements of the electro-process indus­ tries, but it is reasonable to expect that the present level of activity will be reached again on an ascending curve within three to five years afterward. It has been pre­ dicted that the automobile industry alone will require three-fourths of the present production of aluminum within three years after victory. Magnesium will find ex­ tensive use in heliocopters, planes, engrav­ ing plates, household appliances, primary batteries, etc. Streamlining of railroad equipment may well utilize alloy steels at the present rate of production. Plastics and synthetic organic chemicals will re­ quire an ever-increasing production of PANGBORN DUST-CONTROL calcium carbide. A wider variety of organic compounds will be produced by electro­ lytic reactions. Rapid electroplating of SYSTEMS DESIGNED FOR steel strip with tin, zinc and other metals which has proved so successful will be more widely extended. Electrowinning processes will find increasing application in ECONOMY the reduction of ores. Electronic devices long used in communications and radio fields will be developed for wide indus­ CONVENIENCE trial applications. The conspicuous use of the electron in the technology of the pres­ ent war will lead to an enormous expan­ SERVICE sion in the use of electronic equipment for peace purposes just as the war ex­ pansion of chemical industry in the United When Pangborn engineers tackle your dust prob­ States twenty-five years ago led to a revo­ lutionary increase in the quantity and lems—they have three goals in mind. First your variety of peacetime chemical production. R. M. Burns, Bell Telephone Labora­ needs must be answered as economically as good tories, New York, before The Electro­ chemical Society, Milwaukee, Wis., April engineering dictates. Next, the job must be ar­ 14, 1944.

ranged for maximum convenience, both in placing WPB PHILOSOPHY of collector and arranging for easy unloading of T h e g o v e r n m e n t that does not take vigorous economic action to check an in­ collected dusts. Finally, the installation must be flationary boom that is going too far, or to prevent an economic depression, fails in its designed to give most efficient operating service duty to the people. W e need occasional adjustments of the economy by the Gov­ possible—overcoming all dust hazards and prob­ ernment if our system is to work. W e need wise and discreet government action taken lems—freeing your mind of in good time to prevent economic break­ downs and abuses of power, and to bring all dust worries. about necessary developments that would not otherwise be forthcoming. The im­ portant thing is to be sure that such action is taken only when necessary, that it is not ^ carried too far, and that it is in the interest, not of any one group in the society, but of the people as a whole. The War Production Board has no in­ tention of trying to effect permanent changes in the basic American economy. Our mandate from the Congress is limited to action in the interests of war produc­ PHI1GB0RI1WORLO’S LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF DUST COLLECTING AND BLAST CLEANING EQUIPMENT tion. The restrictions which we have had to place on the economy are purely and j PANGBORN CORPORATION • HAGERSTOWN, MD. simply for the purpose of furthering war production. When those restrictions are 174 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING no longer necessary for war production, then they will be removed. Some major restrictions are in fact already being re­ moved. By the progressive removal of restrictions at appropriate times, we feel that we are acting to further the healthy reconversion of American wartime industry, when and as war production eventually begins to taper off. This policy will aid the country to return gradually to civilian production. If large reductions in overall war output were made before industry was prepared to expand civilian output, unemployment and depression might result. By permitting ad­ vance preparations for civilian production, we greatly reduce these dangers. W e are still engaged in an all-out war production effort. In the months ahead, that effort must be sustained and even in­ tensified. The time will come, however, when the now tight supply of manpower will be eased, and when the emphasis of OPERATING COSTS production effort. In the months,ahead, goods. Many problems and many difficul­ ties will confront us when that time comes. But I am convinced that we can overcome all obstacles if we keep the goal of demo­ REDUCED cratic freedom always in view, while realizing that the road to freedom, like any road, needs to be kept in good condition WITH EVAPORATIVE COOLING and occasionally repaired by the govern­ ment. T HIS installation of two Young Evaporative Coolers in an Charles E. Wilson, WPB, before Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, N. J., Iowa Co-op electric plant, efficiently maintains proper en­ June 27, 1944. gine jacket water temperatures for a battery of Diesel-gener­ CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES ating units serving 2700 miles of lines. On a variety of special O u r industry is a basic industry, in fact, applications Young Evaporative Coolers have proved they th e basic industry of all industries. Our products are used in every line of manu­ are most economical closed system cooling units to operate facture and production. The country could not successfully carry on modern when atmospheric temperatures are too high. Designed to warfare without a completely integrated chemical industry. cut water consumption to a minimum, they are extensively The demands of modern warfare re­ used to cool engine and compressor jacket water; to maintain quire ability to expand existing facilities quickly, to build new plants, to supply new temperatures below the ambient dry bulb in chemical pro­ products resulting from research and tech­ cessing and for gas cooling. Let Young Heat Transfer Engi­ nological improvement. Supremacy in this field may be the determining factor in the neering help you to lower operating and maintenance costs. outcome of the war. At the outset of this war we occupied no inferior position with respect to our enemies in either capacity or technical knowledge and experience. Private enterprise without the aid of Gov­ Young also makes "STREAM AIRE” factory and office ernment subsidy had achieved the position Air Conditioning Units which incorporate all the recog­ of being able to furnish our Nation and nized features in engineering and design plus Young its Allies with vast quantities of chemicals quality. . . . Available in 8 floor models (illustrated ) and other materials necessary to the war and 8 ceiling suspension models. Capacities range from effort. 400 to 16,625 cfm. . . . W rite fo r Catalog No. 7541. In the period between 1939 and 1944 over $1,200 million were spent in the chemical war plant program. Approxi­ mately $400 million of this total was provided by private investment. The chemical output increased 233 percent over that of 1939, and a further increase is possible if required. W hile there may have been some over-expansion, especially in the planning of government-owned plants, it should be recognized that time is HEAT TRANSFER ENGINEERS of the essence in production for war, and Manufacturers of Oil Coolers • Gas, Gasoline, Diesel Engine Radiators • Intercoolers • Heat Exchangers the total requirements cannot be accurately • Engine Jacket Water Coolers • Unit Heaters • Convectors • Condensers • Evaporators • Air Conditioning Units • Healing and Cooling Coils • Complete Line of Aircraft Heat Transfer Equipment. gaged at the time of planning. W e should not lose sight of the fact that we are Y«IW € HAIHATOIt COMPANY, Dept. 451-H, Racine, W is., U.S.A. waging technological warfare against an Distributors: The Happy C oT ulsa, Oklahoma— A. R. Flournoy, Bell (Los Angeles), California— Wrightson- Camplon, New York, N. Y. — W. P. Nevins Ce., Chicago, III. — Calmes Engineering Co., Now Orleans, La. enemy who is also technologically expert. — Export: Ameresco, Inc., New York, N. Y. W hen the war ends, as it inevitably

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 175 Jk must, and vve turn to peacetime produc­ tion, the chemical industry faces new problems and new opportunities. While our industry is one that has no serious problem of reconversion as such, neverthe­ less there will be a tremendous amount of repairs and replacement necessary in our factories. The reduced labor supply and scarcity of materials has made it impossible for plants to be kept in normal repair, and large sums of money must be spent in the postwar period to rehabilitate these facili­ ties. A huge sum has been invested by the industry in its war plants. Much of this in­ vestment will be valueless after the war, and must be written off. As to the future, we will see opportuni­ ties for expansions in our industry not dreamed of in the past. The substitution of synthetic chemical compounds for many natural products is inevitable. The march of scientific progress in the chemical pro­ fession will go on. If unhampered by un­ reasonable restrictions and hindrances from government sources our industry will continue to produce new and improved products, thereby offering enlarged oppor­ tunities for other industries which will use them. Our future contribution to the standard of living of our people, the im­ provement in their health, and the length­ ening of the life span can become the great accomplishments of the next decade. The fundamental character and universal use of our products makes our responsibil­ ity the greater. Our aim has been and must continue to be to furnish better and more useful products at the lowest pos­ sible cost. Harry L. Derby, president, Manufactur­ ing Chemists’ Association, before 72n(l a n n u a l m eeting, Xew 1’ork, Ju n e 1, 19-44.

SPECTROMETRIC GAS ANALYSIS Demands upon the petroleum and chemical industries for large amounts of aviation gasoline, synthetic rubber and other vital materials have led these fields to adopt newer, faster methods of analysis. In particular, infra-red and ultra-violet spectroscopic procedures have proved to be exceptionally useful, owing in large part to the speed of analysis, the fact that "on stream” determinations can be made, and the ready adaptation of spectroscopic ap­ pliances to automatic control of reaction McGowan Centrifugal and Reciprocat­ and processing equipment. ing Pumps are constructed for depend­ Both ultra-violet and infra-red spectros­ ability and economy of operation. Long copy are based on the well-known phe­ a leader in the manufacture of pumps nomena that the absorption spectrum of a molecule is unique, and that with few ex­ for the Chemical Industries, McGowan ceptions admixture with other compounds engineers welcome your inquiries rela­ does not affect this property. As a result, tive to your specific problems. tire concentration of any component in a mixture can be determined spectroscopi­ Ptjaenctable iince / 8 5 2 cally, provided it has at least one absorption band at a wave-length where the other components are relatively transparent. BOSTON...... HANcock 3995 NEW CHILEANS . . . C A ..I 4151 NEW TO UK . . MUrryftll 2-07*4 PORTLAND...... SU«Mf I4J2 Absorption spectrometry in the ultra­ PHILADELPHIA . LOmborA f7f7 SAN FRANCISCO . EXLr~k 1102 HOUSTON .... PAlHmt tO #f SEATTLE...... CApHal 7470 violet is being used as a rapid, versatile LOS ANGELES . . . YA*4k 1359 TULSA...... 5-2151 CLEVELAND . . . Liberty 2142 method for the identification and quanti­ tative determination of substances having one or more conjugated double bonds. Paraffins and mono-olefins do not exhibit characteristic absorption much above 200 ïïT:TiTT| mu; consequently, they cannot be studied with routine ultra-violet spectrometers. This property makes it possible to de­ termine the concentration of di-olefins and

• AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING aromatics in gases containing, in addition to those materials, paraffinic and mono- olefinic constituents. The concentration of each aromatic and di-olefin present in gases containing relatively few of such con­ stituents can also be ascertained in many cases. W ith infra-red spectrometers, dry gases having as many as seven components can be analyzed with an accuracy of from 1 to 2 percent of the total. Minor impurities cannot usually be determined in concen­ trations below 0.1 percent with any ac­ curacy. The instruments arc not fool­ proof, but operators who have had one or CENTRiFUGAL CASTINGS two years of technical training can be taught in a relatively short time to operate them and to evaluate the data. Servicing should never be attempted by routine operators. The ultra-violet spectrometer does not lend itself readily to the analysis of multi­ component mixtures containing more than three components, but under favorable conditions very low concentrations of im­ purities can be determined, either in the anhydrous state or associated with water. The precision of ultra-violet analysis is somewhat better than that associated with infra-red analysis, amounting to about 0.5 percent. Routine work requires persons who have had one or two years’ technical training, and the instrument can be serviced by routine operators.

L. .T. Brady, Industrial Fellow, Mellon I n s titu te !>eforc A m erican G as A ssociation. New York, June 7, 1944.

PRODUCTION OF CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM

Sin c e the beginning of World War II, the Electro Metallurgical Co. has devel­ oped and brought into commercial pro­ duction, processes for two of the light metals, calcium and magnesium. Calcium had been imported from France where it was produced by the electrolysis of fused calcium chloride and this method was Closely Approach the chosen for development in this country. In pilot plant operation of cells for this purpose, it was found necessary to dehy­ drate the commercial calcium chloride to STRENGTH OF FORGED STEEL prevent hydrolysis which had deleterious effects on cell performance. The metallic Besides closely approaching the strength of a hot-forged or rolled steel, calcium was collected by moving a contact DURASPUN Centrifugal Castings of chrome-iron or chrome-nickel, have cathode up as the metal deposited on it other superior qualities in contrast with static castings. The metal is more thus forming a calcium "carrot.” Satis­ uniform, denser and stronger—the structure is very fine grain, with fewer factory automatic control was developed gas pockets and blowholes. so that the cells needed only periodic atten­ tion. The calcium “carrots” are 85 per­ DURASPUN Centrifugal Castings may be produced in almost any shape cent pure and for some uses must be . . . tubular or odd shapes are equally practical . . . the only “m u st’’ being a purified by melting and casting in an argon atmosphere or even by high vacuum distil­ straight hole running through the center. In tubes, you get true concentricity; lation. The metallic calcium is used in of diameters; uniform wall thicknesses; exceptional straightness. ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy and for Consult our metallurgists on the profitable advantages you will gain by pharmaceutical purposes. In 1940, the Electro Metallurgical Com­ shifting from static to centrifugal castings. pany, which had been interested in the production of magnesium for many years, began an active program of the develop­ THE DURALOY COMPANY ment of a process based on the reduction Office and Plant: Scottdale, Pa. of magnesium oxide by silicon. On study­ ing this reduction, it was found that Eastern Office: 12 East 41st St., New York 17, N. Y. burned dolomite (a mixture of calcium and Los Angeles & San Francisco: Scranton, Pa.: magnesium oxides) could be used as a Kilsbv & Graham Coffin & Smith source of magnesium oxide and ferrosilicon Chicago & Detroit: as a source of silicon. On the basis of ex­ F. B. Cornell & Associates perimental work a cold shell furnace was METAL GOODS CORP.: St. Louis, Houston, Dallas, Tulsa, New Orleans, Kansas City developed the inside of which was heated 7-DU -5

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 * 177 electrically to 1150 deg. C. and .could be evacuated to low pressures. A plant was designed to contain 432 of these furnaces along with a ferrosilicon plant and a How your fabricator dolomite kiln. In order to product the high vacuum necessary, steam jet pumps can help you get better were designed which were larger than had ever been used previously and have per­ formed very satisfactorily. The successful development of these two processes is a STAINLESS STEEL result of cooperation of the departments of the Electro Metallurgical Company and EQUIPMENT many engineering, construction and manu­ facturing companies. Glen D. Bngley, Union Carbide & Carbon Research Division, Jacob F. Schocllkopf Medal Recipient before Western New York Section of American Chemical Society.

FREEDOM OF ENTERPRISE

W h a t will happen when we face the staggering postwar increase in the national debt and in national taxation? What is going to happen to the vast industrial em­ pire when our Government will no longer be in the market for billions of dollars worth of war goods annually? W hat is going to happen to thousands of plants now working on war contracts which do not have sufficiently large cash reserves to carry them over an extended reconversion period? W hat is going to happen when 10 million ex-servicemen come home looking for jobs, and 20 million ex-war workers One of the engineering moms at S. Blickman, Inc. seek continued employment in our busi­ nesses, factories, farms and service trades? I N THE purchase of processing equipment today, you must Let us remember: There are no jobs consider your post-war production problem. High output, without employers— no employers without low maintenance and long service life can be built into your risk capital—no risk capital without incen­ equipment if the conditions of present and probable future tive—no incentive without Freedom—and operation are better known to your fabricator. Often, your no Freedom without fighting for it. fabricator may suggest improvements that will effect a Businessmen arc the shock troops on higher yield throughout the life of the equipment. the economic home front. They have a For that reason, select a fabricator whose engineers have great responsibility—and a great oppor­ specialized experience in the application of stainless steel to tunity. If they succeed in reviving indus­ a wide variety of processing problems — who are familiar try and employment after the war, they with all the factors which safeguard the properties of stain­ will do four things: Lighten the burden of less steel during its fabrication. When you have chosen such taxation; reduce the threat of inflation; a fabricator, take advantage of his engineers’ "know-how”. raise the general standard of living for us Cooperate with them in the planning of your equipment, all; and maintain freedom of enterprise— right at the drawing board. Democracy itself. Our experience shows that pooling the knowledge and What is this freedom of enterprise experience of Blickman engineers with that of our custom­ ers’ engineers often results in more durable equipment, more which we stand in danger of losing? In quickly fabricated at lower cost. We invite your inquiries. the past, we have taken it so much for granted that most of us would find it hard All Orders Subject to to define. Recently, a Gallup Poll indi­ Government Priority Regulations cated that only three out of ten people could give any kind of a clear definition. "W hat to look for Let’s look at this incentive idea from When You Specify the angle of a South Sea Islander. This Stainless Steel for Your Processing fellow is ambitious. W hile others lie in Equipm ent" — a the shade, he works and builds himself a valuable guide for boat. His first fishing expedition is very engineers — sent on request to those successful. He catches more fish than his who write us on family can eat. their company sta­ tio n e r y . This give him another idea. W hy not take back a boatload of fish and trade some to his neighbors for coconuts and berries instead of picking them himself? Mr. Fisherman comes in and begins to S. BLICKM AN , i n c unload his boat. The Governor of the 607 GREGORY AVE., WEEHAWKEN, N. J. island happens by and sees all the fish. TANKS • KETTLES • CONDENSERS • AGITATORS • EVAPORATORS “‘Mr. Fisherman,” he says, "you are un­ PANS . VATS • CYLINDERS • PIPING usually fortunate to have so many fish. We have some people here who are old and ill, and it would be awfully nice if you would give them part of your catch.” The Fisherman, being a generous man, gave the aged and the ill all the fish they could eat.

178 AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING Tlicre weren’t many of these people and the contribution made only a small dent in his boatload of fish. Each time Mr. Fisherman came back with a boatload of fish, he sent a part of his catch around to the aged and infirm. Then others, who had been too lazy to work as hard as Mr. Fisherman, began to complain that they did not have fisli every day. “W hy should Mr. Fisherman be per­ mitted to have a whole boatload of fish when we have none? Let’s make him di­ vide up his catch with all of us. W e out­ number him. Wc can make him do it.” One day, Mr. Fisherman came back and a great crowd of islanders met him at the beach. They shouted insults at him and they divided or destroyed all that Mr. Fisherman had produced. What did Mr. Fisherman do? He did just what you or 1 would do, he quit. W hy should he exert himself if the islanders would not permit him to enjoy the benefits of his own pro­ ductive efforts? Mr. Fisherman had lost his incentive. His family, thereafter, lived on the same low plane that all of the other islanders did. The.sick and the aged were deprived of the surplus of Mr. Fisherman’s catch. The islanders no longer had the daily load of fish for which to trade berries and coconuts. Everyone was worse off be­ cause too high a tax had been levied on the productive efforts of Mr. Fisherman— Wherever instant, positive valve action is imperative a tax so high that it destroyed Mr. Fisher­ man’s incentive. in chemical process plants of every type, the depend­ W e, in America, have lived under what ability of Everlasting Valves has become traditional. we call the incentive system. W e have had Operators know they can rely implicitly on these an incentive to work and create, just as Mr. Fisherman had an incentive to fish. valves to open promptly to full-pipe size, straight- W e now are threatened with the loss of through flow, or close to a drop-tight seal—with one that incentive by progressively increasing quick, 70-degree push on the wrench lever. taxation. As a result, expansion of an in­ dustry can come neither from plowed back Self-compensating, self-grinding action keeps earnings nor from sale of stock equities. Everlasting Valves free from sticking, binding or wedg­ Small industries are prevented from grow­ ing into big industries. Big industries ing. The straight-through flow averts clogging. The stagnate. It is estimated that small in­ heavy construction and selected metals used insure dustries were liquidated at the rate of 100,- extra long service. 000 per year over the last several years. It has become very obvious during the past Process apparatus outlets and control lines; blow-offs; generation that progressively increasing pipe line drains; storage and measuring tanks; fire taxation brings chronic unemployment. protection lines; water column shut-off and drains; C. D. Dallas, Revere Copper and Brass, before Northeastern Roofing, Siding, and these and innumerable other services call for the in- Insulating Contractors Association, New iTork, M arch 6, 1944. stant-action, full-opening, drop-tight operation pro­ vided by Everlasting Valves. ZINC SMELTING AND REFINING Z in c s m e l t in g in the United States has undergone important wartime changes. Write for free descriptive Bulletin. At the outbreak of war in Europe, due to depressed zinc prices caused by threat of EVERLASTING VALVE COMPANY foreign importations, the zinc smelting in­ dustry was still in a period of depression. 49 Fisk St., Jersey City 5, N. J. Output was on a limited basis and profits were very meager or non-existent. With the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, the domestic zinc smelting industry was among the first of all American industries to enter into an extensive - expansion pro­ gram and at no time during the entire astinr war period has production of war goods been hampered by any scarcity of zinc. The present outlook for the war period is that our production is more than ample to take care of any and all war-time re­ quirements and the zinc smelting industry Valves can well be proud of its very enviable record during this great national emergency. The most outstanding changes in zinc

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 smelting during the war period nave been, thermic process; however, to date this (1) the increased proportion of total process has not been placed on a com­ metal produced by electrolytic process; mercial basis. C o n t i n u o u s (2) the very significant change in total The immediate postwar outlook for the output from ores of foreign origin; (3) the zinc smelting industry is not too disturb­ radical changes in grades of metal pro­ ing unless present large stocks of zinc L o w C o s t duced as brought about by war-time re­ metal are not intelligently handled. The quirements. consensus of opinion seems to be that On the technological side of the pic­ large quantities of zinc which probably P r o d u c t i o n ture, unlike a great many other war indus­ will be required by a large civilian goods tries, the zinc smelting industry has been and construction program in the United changed very little by technological de­ States will result in a good rate of produc­ in the reduction of velopments during the war period. All tion. In addition to this, Europe, which basic methods now used for zinc produc­ has always been a large consumer of zinc WET and STICKY tion were known and in commercial opera­ in the building trades, will have to be tion many years prior to the outbreak of rehabilitated. American smelters will be war, and even minor technological changes called upon to furnish a sizeable portion MATERIALS have been insignificant. The one possible of the metal required in this world rehabili­ exception to this has been the develop­ tation program. ment of a method to distill zinc directly R. A. Young, before American Zinc In­ from lead blast furnace slag by an electro- stitute, St. Louis, April 17-18, 1944. • The DIXIE Non-Clog Moveable Annual Production of Slab Zinc In the United States Breaker Plate handles wet and (S h o rt T ons) sticky materials without clogging Estimated Estimated Increase in the feed. This means continu­ Present 1940 to u îy-iu 1942 1943 Kate Present ous, time saving production. The ^ 5 Method Primary distillation...... 488,235 638,885 612.000 650.000 33% DIXIE has enormous crushing Electrolytic...... 187,040 252.987 329,900 350.000 87% Secondary distillation...... 48,917 53,195 47,800 60,000 2% power and is dependable under T otal...... 724,192 945.067 989,700 1,050,000 45% the most unfavorable conditions. By Source of Oro Domestic ore...... 589.988 629,957 588.000 670.000 13% Its parts withstand hard and con­ l'oreign ore...... 85.287 261,916 353.900 330.000 Secondary materials...... 48,917 53,195 47,800 50,000 28! t tinuous wear. T otal...... 724,192 945,007 989,700 1,050,000 45% By Grades of Metal Special high-grade and high-grade... 294.059 481,923 603,700 555.000 89% The size of the finished product Intermediate...... 62,900 77,529 54,100 40,000 -3 6 % All other grades...... 367,233 385,615 331,900 455.000 24% may be changed within a few , T otal...... 724,192 945,067 989,700 1,050,000 45% minutes by simply changing the screen bars. An inexperienced operator can make the few neces­ sary adjustments.

W e will furnish you with details and installation combinations to meet your particular needs.

DIXIE M ACH IN ERY M FG. CO . 4172 Goodfellow Ave., St. Louis, Mo.

FLAT SPRAY

HOLLOW CONE FULL CONE

DIXIE HAMMERMILLS for Write for NOZZLE CATALOG to CRUSHING . . PULVERIZING SPRAY ENGINEERING CO. ERIN PIN 6 . . SHREDDING 115 CENTRAL STREET • SOMERVILLE 45, MASS

180 AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING RUBBER PROBLEMS PUMPED BY WHEATLEY'S W e a r e s t il l rolling on rubber, and essential transportation will continue to roll because of the stupendous job done by "Syn-Rub-Seal" Americans in the engineering and con­ struction of 48 plants to produce the buta­ PEERLESS diene, styrene and other materials and to manufacture synthetic rubber, and in the development, production processing and utilization of synthetic rubber by the rub­ daily- ber industry. Invaluable contributions have been made by military and civilian users in the con­ servation of rubber. Synthetic rubber of all types is now being produced at the rate of nearly 700,000 tons a year, and during the last quarter of this year may reach the rate of 900,000 tons annually. This total far exceeds the all time record consumption Pat. Applied for of rubber in the United States in 1941 of 865,000 tons. SYNTHETIC RUBBER SEAL Currently it takes more time, both man- hours and machine hours, to make products FULL OPENING, SWING CHECK out of synthetic rubber than it does for natural: first, because synthetic rubber must be worked or processed or milled VALVE longer before it reaches a proper state of Equipped with Wheatley Synthetic Seal plasticity; second, because in many cases — a synthetic rubber ring dovetailed the extra operation of applying rubber 3 0 0 and fitted into a removable bronze seat cement between plies or layers of tires and also dovetailed to accept this rubber other products is necessary, an operation ring. When the bronze clapper falls not required at all with natural rubber gallons of water against this rubber a perfect seal is because it is tacky or sticky while syn­ formed regardless of what irregularities thetic, now being used, is not; third, be­ for every person in America have deposited on the seat or in the cause of longer training and instruction fluid, such as sand, scale and cuttings periods in coping with the behavior of which under pressure ordinarily would The combined daily productive ca­ completely cut out a hard-surfaced synthetic rubber. One of the most pressing current prob­ seat. pacity of the thousands of Peerless lems with which we are now confronted is Preferred by the United States Engi­ the depletion of high-skilled and ex­ neers on projects handling high octane Deep W ell Pumps is in excess of gasoline. perienced manpower not only in rubber products manufacture but in the chemical, 36,000,000,000 gallons. This, figura­ petroleum, rubber-making and textile Sizes 2" to 24" tively speaking, is enough water to branches as well. Pressures It is now time that we, the people, supply every person in America with 125 lbs. to 2000 lbs. should be thinking seriously about the Series 15-30-40-60 long-range political and economic prob­ 300 gallons per day. The colossal pro­ and Ludlow lems that the existence of America’s rub­ duction of water, pumped by Peerless, FBE - SBE - SOE & FOE ber-making capacity raises. Steel-Iron-Bronze Is there one basic factor upon which is distributed among countless fields— America’s long-range rubber policy can be founded? In my opinion, there is. This for city water services, on farms and • The rubber ring conforms to all de­ factoi is national security! W e have ranches for irrigation and livestock, posits and obstacles and makes it learned through bitter experience that we possible for this valve to seal under cannot afford to face the future without and in factories and plants for critical the worst conditions. an adequate "insurance policy” in rubber. • Seals regardless of viscosity. When peace comes, our synthetic rub­ war uses,—w herevera dependable • Operates equally well on kerosene ber plants will be just as vital to the water supply is needed. Engineers and or crude. security of the American people as they • Absolutely silent in operation. Ideal are today in the midst of war. experienced pump users made exhaus­ for refineries and pumping stations The next consideration would be how where the slapping of metal check much synthetic rubber production should tive study before selecting these thou­ valve clappers is annoying. be continued after the war. That question sands of Peerless Pumps. Their judg­ • No lapping or grinding of seats has a two-part answer. First, regardless of necessary. economic factors, as much rubber as the ment is your protection. 0 Renewable bronze seat ring, into long-range planning of our armed forces which the rubber ring is inserted, might specify. That may be as much as PEERLESS PUMP DIV., Food Machinery Corp. Gan be replaced by the standard 200,000 or more tons a year of general- metal to metal seat, if desired. 301 W . Ave. 26, Los Angeles 31, California purpose synthetic rubber. Second, as much Write for Bulletin No. CM-1 additional production as can be justified 1250 Camden Ave., S. W. Canton 6, Ohio through the free play of economic forces Other Factories: San Jose 5, Fresno 16, Calif. in meeting our postwar rubber needs which WHEATLEY we estimate may total 900,000 tons a year, or nearly 50 percent greater than con­ PUMP and VALVE MFR. sumption in 1940. PEERLESS Hale Station, Sand Springs Road . John L. Collyer, president, The B. F. Goodrich Co., before 10th Annual Cher- TURBINE HYDRO-FOIL TULSA, OKLAHOMA murgic Conference, St. Louis, March 29, 1944. HI-LIFT pum ps HYDRO-JET CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 • 181 For tonnage production of wet-solid or the drying cycle, loaded to a uniform plastic materials we recommend the Proctor depth on a constantly moving conveyor. Aero-Form Continuous Drying System. The On completion of the cycle the material continuous operation of this system over­ is discharged at the delivery end— ready comes all of the costly disadvantages of for subsequent processing. This system batch drying. It brings many benefits from makes the ideal link between preliminary the standpoint of the ultimate quality of and subsequent processing. It takes uni­ the product being dried. Last, but far from form quantities, dries the material thor­ least, this system makes tonnage produc­ oughly and quickly, to the desired mois­ tion a reality . . . at new low costs. Coming ture content, and automatically passes on in the form of a filter cake, from a plate uniform quantities to subsequent process­ and frame filter, coming from a continuous ing equipment. If you have a product centrifugal filter or from a continuous which requires tonnage production— it rotary filter— the product is first pre­ will pay you to carefully investigate the formed into the most ideal shape for con­ advantages of this Proctor Aero-Form tinuous drying. It is then carried through Drying System.

EHEmiCRL lilDUSTRIES

manuka dated ¿y PROCTOR & SCHWARTZ • INC * P hiladelphia • P a

182 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING FOREIGN LITERATURE ABSTRACTS

SUGAR DECOLORATION absorbent materials of a different com­ position from that of animal charcoal, such I n s t u d y i n g the adsorption of electro­ as bauxite and vegetable charcoals. lytes by animal charcoal (from bones) Digest from “Resume o£ the Works Pre­ in sugar solutions, it was observed that sented at the 3rd Congress o£ the Chemical changes in pH had considerable effect on Association of Brazil : The adsorption of the decoloration of syrups which contained Electrolytes by Animal Charcoal and its Influence on the Decoloration o£ Sugar well-adsorbed anions and cations. Ad­ Solutions” by Kurt Lowy, ltcvista Brasi- sorption of anions with a special affinity Icira de Quimica, XVII, No. 98, 120-120, 1944. (Published in Brazil.) for calcium, such as sulphate, phosphate and oxalate, predominates. These react CHLORINATED OLEFINS with the components of the mineral skele­ ton of the carbon and cause an increase A c a t a l y s t was sought by means of in the pIL of the syrups depending on the which chlorine addition products could adsorption and the “buffer” qualities of be prepared from olefins in the gaseous the respective electrolyte. The alkaline state at readily attainable temperatures ■earths predominate in the adsorption of with a minimum formation or higher the cations, the former being partly ab­ chlorination products. Catalysts investi­ sorbed after the hydrolytic dissociation of gated included pumice; titanium oxide pre­ the lime, causing a decrease in the pH cipitated upon pumice; bauxite containing ■of the syrups. Considerable effect of iron in powdered form on pumice; and the co-adsorption of the electrolytes is bauxite in grains of about the size of a pea. noted in the case of adsorption of coloring W ith pumice at 12 deg. C., the yield :agents. Tire coloring agents of the syrups of dichloroethane obtained was 66 percent, are electronegative in character and behave the remainder being higher chlorination like anions with little affinity for the car­ products. W ith a rise in temperature, bon. The presence of anions such as chlorine substitution increased and 1,1,2- T H E SKILL sulphate, phosphate, etc., is unfavorable trichloroethane was formed up to about to or inhibits the adsorption of the color­ 46 percent. Thus higher chlorination ing agents by imparting a negative charge products were more abundant than at OF THE BUILDER to the carbon or by suppression of the the lower temperature. Results with ■weaker adsorption of the anion. The titanium dioxide-pumice were about the Needs No Praise presence of bivalent cations favors the same. The other catalysts gave considerable adsorption of the coloring agents appar­ amounts of higher chlorination products at No one had to proclaim fhe merits of the ently by emphasizing the positive character low temperatures. However, between 55 man who built the incredibly beautiful Ta¡ and 65 deg., dichloroethane was obtained Mahal of India. The building itself is a mon­ of the carbon. The electric nature of ument to his incomparable skill. the adsorption is also apparent in other with a yield of 90-95 percent. Nor need any one in the Layne Organiza­ tion preach the superior merits of Layne Water Systems or of Layne High Efficiency Unsurpassed Hand Model Pumps. They need only to point to any of and many thousands now in operation and say— Sensitivity "go and see for yourself." This long used Bayonet Model policy places all responsibility directly upon the product itself. Each Layne Water System is a "tailored to fit" job. The size of motor, casing, shaft­ ing, bearings, pump bowls and screen mesh are determined by the actual physical and operating conditions of each installation. The finished product is delivered— "in operation"— producing the stipulated quan­ tity of water. Layne Companies are located FOR throughout the territory served. This insures prompt and efficient attention when adjust­ W r ite ments, servicing or repairs are required. MEASURING MOISTURE For literature, catalogs, etc., address Layne fo r & Bowler, Inc., General Offices, Memphis 8, Tenn. C a ta lo g Cambridge Moisture Indicators are accu­ rate, rugged instruments built for continu­ f ? COMPANIES: Layne-Arkansas Co., ous shop service . . . to indicate moisture Stuttgart, Ark. * Layne-Atlantlc Co., Norfolk, Va. * Laync-Central Co., Memphis, Tenn. * content of various hygroscopic materials Layne-Northem Co., Mishawaka. Ind. ★ Layne- t e 8»«na Co., Lake Charles. La. * Louisiana 52 such as PAPER, TEXTILES, GRAIN, etc. Well Co.. Monroe. La. a Laync-New York Co., New York City ★ Layne-Northwest Co., Mil­ waukee. \Vls. * Layne-Ohlo Co., Columbus. Ohio The Bayonet Model has the measuring ele­ ★ Layne-Texas Co.. Houston, Texas * Layne- S ment enclosed in a blade for insertion Western Co., Kansas City. Mo. * Layne-Westcrn rxSI,/lne5ota^ Mín'}eaeol,8' Minn. * Interna­ tional Water Supply Ltd., London. Ontario, Canada • Readily removed orifice cartridges eliminates into stacked materials. An adjustable in­ necessity for stocking several sizes for low ton­ dex pointer is provided for fixing refer­ nage installations. ence points. Hand Model has the element mounted on underside for surface con­ • Carefully lapped hard faced ball insures posi­ tact. tive tight shut-off. f o r use in HAT, TEXTILE, FOOD, PRINT­ • Thoroughly field tested. ING, LITHOGRAPHY and any industries processing ¡TOOL, COTTON, RAYON, FVR, • Handles freon, methyl chloride, sulphur dioxide. PAPER, CEREALS, etc. WELL WATER SYSTEMS Send for descriptive literature, GENERAL g f CONTROLS DEEP WELL PUMPS •01 ALLEN AVENUE • GLENDALE 1, CALIF. CAMBRIDGE INSTRUMENT CO., INC. MANCHES: lotion. Now York, Pfiitadotphta, Clovolond, D.troit, BUILDERS OF WELL WATER SYSTEMS Donvor, Chicago, Ballot and Son Franclico 3732 Grand Central Terminal New York, N. Y. FOR INDUSTRIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 183 Experiments were conducted on the ad­ dition of chlorine to propylene, since possi­ For BOILING and bilities of substitution were greater. In addition, higher temperatures would lead to formation of unsaturated products such VOLATILE FLUIDS as allyl and propenyl chloride. By using bauxite granules at 100-115 deg., dichloro- propane was formed in yields of 85-90 per­ This service is a severe test for any pump—and par­ cent. Addition of chlorine to a mixture ticularly when the liquid handled has corrosive or abrasive of ethylene and propylene gases was in­ qualities. Throughout the chemical and process industries, vestigated, giving good yields of dichloro- LAWRENCE CENTRIFUGALS in both horizontal and ver­ ethane and propane at 95-105 deg. Only tical types are successfully handling hot alkalies and acids small amounts of unsaturated and more (including sulphuric acid), hot liquids carrying abrasive and highly chlorinated compounds were fibrous matter, hot sludges, slurries, etc. Their performance formed. Yields were good when 1,2- and 2,3-dichloro- were made at 110-115 deg. everywhere is marked by economy, low maintenance, freedom from alpha- and beta-butylgne. from shutdowns, and long life. Let us help you solve your Reaction tubes in these experiments pumping problems. Write for the Bulletins, stating charac­ were 880 mm. long and had an I.D. of teristics of the fluid to be pumped. 12 mm. In order to equalize the tempera­ ture in the tube, avoid igniting the reac­ R ig h t: — a Lawrence Ver­ tion products and prevent local overheat- tical for han­ ’ ing, water was used in the cooling jacket dling volatile liquids. when the temperature was below 100 deg. Oil, however, was used if the temperature was over 100 deg. Gases were introduced "Lett: — a through separate tube to prevent reaction Lawrence Hor­ izontal, steam- before contact with the catalyst. jacketed for The catalyst was first heated for 1.5 handling vis­ cous m ate­ hours at 400-450 deg. in order to free it rials. of water. Activity of the bauxite was lowered in the first run, after which it LAWRENCE MACHINE & PUMP CORP. was maintained for up to 120 hours. Five percent excess of ethylene and propylene 369 Market Street LAWRENCE, MASS. over chlorine was used. A mixture of alpha- and beta-butylene, prepared by passing n-butyl alcohol over phosphoric IAWRENCE r ENTRIFU'GALC acid deposited on alumina, was chlorinated Ł- FOR EVERYV* PUMPING DUTY w— mmmmmmmmm W by passing over bauxite granules at 105- 115 deg. Distillation of the raw product gave nine percent, 2,2-dichlorobutane and 70 percent 1,2- and 2,3-dichlorobutane. Digest from Addition and Substitution of Chlorine In Olefins," by Ion Gavat, Berichte der deutsehen chemischen Oes- e llsc h a ft 76, 1115-18, 1943.

UNSATURATED SILICO-ORGANIC ROLLING RING CRUSH ERSs COMPOUNDS It has recently been demonstrated that silicon-containing organic compounds Big economies in grinding all ’f with a triple bond in the side chain can exist, and hexa-acetylene siloxane, tri- ethoxysilyl phenyl acetylene and diethoxy- kinds of Chemical Raw Materials diphenyl acetylenyl monosilane have been More tonnage per hour—more uniform product—no slivers prepared experimentally. or chips—minimum of fines . . . that's why leading process It has been found that rupture of the bond between silicon and carbon atoms industry plants rely on AMERICAN Rolling Ring Crushers can occur during hydrolysis when there is for grinding, reducing, and pulverizing. Wide operating a triple bond in close proximity. A study range, very flexible, all parts tested for quality, wear, and on the silicon-containing derivatives of endurance. Avail yourself of AMERICAN engineering acetylene showed that the position of the service — tell us what you want to grind and we willN triple carbon bond next to the silicon atom recommend the proper method. • „ weakens the Si-C bond to a great extent. W hen triethoxylylphenyl acetylene is hydrolyzed with cold water, the Si-C bond is ruptured with formation of phenyl aeety- Patented reversible manganese steel SHREDDER lene, which is contrary to general opinion RINGS are the secret of AMERICAN Rolling Ring as to the stability of the Si-C bond. On Crushers' success. Rings have 20 cutting edges the other hand, the triple bond in the or teeth—designed to maintain outward position by centrifugal force at specific speeds. In contact other acetylene substance studied was with solid metal, rings are momentarily deflected found to be fairly unreactive to a certain from usual course because they are free to swing degree and the addition of bromine, for back out of position. No shear pins or other example, took place incompletely and safety devices that require attention. rather slowly. Digest from “Unsaturated Silico-Or- ganic Compounds, Preparation o f H ex a- acetylene Siloxane and Triethoxysilyl 1119 MACKLIND AVE. phenyl Acetylene,” by U. Vollnov and A. R e u tt, Zhurnal Obschei Khim ii X , No. 17, AMERICAN PULVERIZER CO. ST. LOUIS, 10, MO. 1600-1604, 1940. (Published In Russia.)

184 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING INSULATION for the Stratospher

Solution of technical problems in construction of altitude test rooms is proof of Armstrong's leader­ ship in low-tem perature work

TEMPERATURE: -70°F PRESSURE: LESS THAN 3ps!

w m a m a u m

,\\ tion at "Insulation Headquarters.” Armstrong offers three things of great value to anyone using insu­ lation in the maintenance or con­ trol of low temperatures: first, a B Y building test facilities that grams, Armstrong conducted re­ complete line of efficient materials reproduce on the ground the search to determine the physical —including Corkboard, Mineral extreme conditions of high altitude, properties of all materials involved, Wool Board, Foamglas*, Cork Cov­ the aircraft industry today is prob­ and to establish methods of appli­ ering, and complete sundry items; ing the secrets of the stratosphere cation to meet severe conditions. second, practical engineering aid —where the temperature is -70° F. Because of its more than 40 in designing the insulated structure; and pressure is less than 3 psi. years’ experience in the manufac­ and third, proper installation—for Building of these test rooms is a ture and application of low-tem- all Armstrong offices and distribu­ complex task calling for the devel­ perature insulation, Armstrong is tors maintain erection crews. opment of construction techniques able to develop the techniques re­ For complete information write beyond those of standard practice. quired for such specialized work. today to Armstrong Cork Company, In solving the insulation problems No matter what your problem may Building Materials Division, 3308 for a large share of such test pro­ be, you can expect to get the solu­ Concord Street, Lancaster, Penna.

*Reg. U. S. I*at. Off. Product Mfg. by Pittsburgh Corning Corp.

Corkboard Mineral Wool Board Foamglas* Cork Covering

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 15>g BIG, NEW REFINERY HARNESSES HEAT With Johns-Manville Insulations

8 ^iti 11 ii

B i l l i e ...... :.. 1

O F im m e n s e importance to the war effort is the F u r n a c e s —J-M Sil-O-Cel C-22 Insulating Brick and Union Oil Company’s huge new refinery in J-M-26 Insulating Firebrick

southern California. This refinery, covering 371 acres, S t a c k s a n d f u r n a c e d o o r s — J-M Sil-O-Cel C-3 is the last word in the making of aviation super-fuel. P i p e l i n e s a n d v e s s e l s f o r h e a t e d l i q u i d s —J-M Designed for manufacture of the last possible prod­ Superex and J-M 85% Magnesia uct from a barrel of crude, it combines catalytic P i p e s a n d v e s s e l s f o r c o l d l i q u i d s — J-M Rock Cork cracking, isomerization, and alkylation. This combi­ I n s u l a t io n w e a t h e r p r o o f i n g — J-M Insulkote nation will allow the maximum production of all Besides supplying practically all insulating ma­ types of gasoline from the crude oil. In operation, terials, J-M also supplied other products such as as­ the new units will consume enough beat to warm a bestos rope and listing tape for packing the trays in city of a million. the columns; J-M #60 Cut Service Gaskets for flanges; The refinery required a vast amount of insulating J-M Spirotallic for high-temperature flanges; Transite and refractory materials to harness and conserve the Pressure Pipe for fresh and salt water lines. heat. The engineers selected Johns-Manville to supply For facts on these and other J-M materials useful these materials almost 100%. Follows a summary ol in refineries, write Johns-Manville, 22 East 40th St., the J-M materials supplied.

• AUGUST 7944 • CHTF.MICAT Hr MPTillllDrir'iT rvnvrrD Tvr CHEMICAL EACUEEICS BOOKSHELF

LESTER B. POPE, Assistant Editor

REFERENCE 1 cals, and plastics. These and less obvious wrote "Fighting Oil” a year ago. The H a c k h ’s C h e m ic a l D ic t io n a r y . Third additions and changes add value to a highly personalized style, which he sud­ edition. Edited by Julius Grant. Pub­ reliable time-saver. denly developed with the help of George lished by The Blakiston Co., Philadel­ Briggs and Chandler Ide, stands him in phia 5, Pa. 925 pages. $12. FIGHTING BOOKS good stead in tackling the almost impos­ sible job of telling the war story of petro­ P u b l ic a t io n of a new edition of a T h e C h e m ic a l F r o n t . By Williams chemical dictionary is an event well worth leum in a dozen chapters and 165 pages. Haynes. Published by Alfred A. Knopf, But he does it and manages to work in as notice—particularly a new edition of a New York, N . Y. 264 pages. Price $3. volume as well-known and as good as well a lot of amusing sidelines to remind F ig h t in c O i l . By Harold L. Ickes. Pub­ you that as a political leader he also has Hackh’s. It is disappointing, therefore, to lished by Alfred A. Knopf, New York, views on other subjects. have to report that the 1944 offering is N. Y. 174 pages. Price $1.75. That so much has happened on both practically the same as that of 1937. The the chemical and petroleum fronts since main difference is size. The new third Reviewed by S. D. Kirkpatrick these books first appeared is merely a re­ edition has nearly 10 percent fewer pages L o n g e r ago than we like to admit, Mr. minder of how tremendous has been tech­ because Dr. Grant and the publishers have Knopf sent for review these two of his nical progress in the past six months. The eliminated pronunciation from all words famous Borzoi books whose announced next will see even more interesting devel­ and the pronunciation key which appeared purpose is to help people understand the opments and more need for Borzoi books on every page of the second edition. An­ world at war. They are worthy of that like these. other space-saver was the omission of many important task, and in the interim since illustrations such as blowpipe, clamp, con­ they were published, thousands of laymen denser, desiccator and the like. This ex­ have undoubtedly been given a clearer in­ NOMOGRAPHS cision could and should have been carried sight into the methods and materials of further to include most of the portraits this highly technological struggle. C h e m ic a l E n g in e e r in g N o m o g r a p h s . which still take up space but add little Both books are interesting, fast-reading Bv Dale S. Davis. Published by McGraiv- value. and individualistic in the way the authors .Hill Book Co., New York, N. Y. 308 Some newcomers, with definitions, in have handled subjects of such vast magni­ pages. Price $3.50. the third edition are: D.A.; dehydrated tude and complexity. Our old friend Billie Reviewed by T. H. Chilton Haynes always spins a good yam and has food; elastomer; polystyrene; rayolander; T h o se who have wished for a collec­ sulfa drugs; and nylon (with an erroneous the rare faculty of making many of his old tion of the "Davis Nomographs” will be definition and with the coal-air-water deri­ ones seem new and strange to even his glad to know that the suggestion of Dr. vation tale). A few abbreviations and veteran readers such as the present re­ Harrison E. Howe and others that these terms which might have been included viewer. Technical accuracy, perhaps for charts be collected and published has be­ arc: DDT, the new insecticide; GR-S and reasons of military security, is sometimes come a reality, and that 200 charts can be the other GR elastomers; carbothermic stretched almost to the breaking point. found in one handy volume. They will be and ferrosilicon processes for Mg produc­ For example, the dramatic story of RDX anxious to know whether the charts arc tion; cellulose acetate butyrate; chlorinated is dulled a little for chemical engineering readily usable in a standard book-size page, rubber; nitroparaffins; Alnico; PETN and readers when we find it confused with our and whether the book lies flat enough to RDX. W e are already looking forward to old friend penthrite—penta-erythritol tetra- accommodate a straight-edge. The answer a fourth edition which will include defini­ nitrate. But these little slips are offset to both questions is in general affirmative, < tions of these and other new products many times over by such superlative stories as surprising as it may seem. The narrow and which will correct errors which exist as the one on the job Cyanamid did at margins- of wartime books work against and which seem to be the result of haste in Welland for the Canadian Government. these requirements and a few of the scales preparation of the volume. More power to the pen of our premier do come too close to the "valley” of the storyteller and chemical historian! book, but the thin paper used keeps the The "Old Curmudgeon” was just begin­ REFERENCE 2 thickness down and helps the book lie flat. ning to hit his pace as an author when he The book will be most appreciated by H a n d bo o k o f C h e m is t r y . Fifth edition. those who come to rely upon it for refer­ Edited by N. A. Lange and G. M. ence to a particular chart or series of Fother with R. S. Burmgton. Published R E C E N T b o o k s r e c e i v e d charts that they know it contains. Over by Handbook Publishers, Inc., San­ Automatic Control Ensrineerinsr. By E. S. half of the charts present physical property dusky, Ohio. 2,074 pages. Price $6. Smith. McGraw-Hill. $4. values, and while the collection of charts Chemical Machinery. By E. R. Rie*rel. Rein-' is comprehensive, it is not encyclopedic, I n t h e brief span of 10 years that hold. 55. and will not supplant a handbook of data. Lange’s Handbook has been available, it Colloid Chemistry. Vol. V. Ed. by Jerome has earned for itself a well-deserved place A lexander. Reinhold. 520. Likewise, while the collection of charts for on many a bookshelf of technical refer­ Electronics Today and Tomorrow. By J. performing mathematical operations'(such ences. The fourth revision makes it even Mills. Van N ostrand. 52.25. as calculation of minimum number of The Extrusion of Metals. By C. E. Pearson. more valuable for chemists and chemical W iley. 53.75. plates at total reflux) or the calculation of engineers. Most conspicuous of the Organic Chemistry. By L. F. Fieser & M. heat transfer coefficients in natural convec­ Fieser. Heath. 56 (college edition). $8 tion (with one of the three or four charts changes made for the new edition are (trad e). those in the long table of constants of PhotomicrojrraDhy. Theory and Practice. By combining the advantages of line-coordi­ organic compounds. This whole table has C. P. Shillaber. Wiley. $10. nate with alignment charts), it makes no been reset and there are now 6,507 entries Soil and Plant Analysis. By C. S. Piper. pretense to take the place of a handbook —2,055 more than in the fourth edition. Interscience. $4.50. of engineering. Theoretical Chemistry. By Samuel Glasstone. Other new material includes a periodic Van Nostrand. $5. The vapor pressure charts of Killeffer chart, a short article on industrial waters, Tarnish Constituents. By H. W. Chatfleld. are reproduced, as also those of Germann and tables giving data on flammable liquids, L eonard Hill. L td.. (London). 35s. and Knight, and of others, and also (in flame temperatures, fluorescence of chemi­ another chapter) charts for correction of

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 187 boiling points to 760 mm. Partial pres­ sures out of solutions of industrial chemi­ cals are given; and data on gas solubility (seven charts on solubility of SOs in water). Viscosity data are given for 110 liquids in one chart (due to Genereaux), and for many solutions; and data on specific heat, thermal conductivity, and Prandtl number. Data are presented on density of solutions; and the Berl charts on density corrections at various temperatures are re­ No. 618. Sp.ecial produced (on about one-lialf the size of heavy-duty welded the original). steel body unit with "H” metal The coverage of the charts for solving vane. Heavy-duty equations is wide. They relate to distilla­ hand wheel control tion. flow of fluids, heat transfer, fuel for operation at analysis, milk and cream, the paper indus­ .150 psi. try, pH, and tank volumes. As stated be­ fore, these will have to be known indi­ vidually and used habitually to be ap­ preciated. Most of the charts are of the simple three-scale type read by means of a straight-edge. Some require a reference line, and the usefulness of the book would be increased if all of these were provided with an arbitrary scale (the reader may add one) so that the user will not have to make pencil marks on the paper. The index is fairly complete, though more cross-indexing would help; and a simple list of figures would be useful for reference. No attempt has been made by the re­ viewer to check the accuracy of construc­ tion of the charts, which will have to be taken for granted; it was noted, as is in­ evitable, that the range of the charts is limited. Whether the author’s choice of range is that useful for the problems one encounters will have to be determined by trial. The book is on the whole remarkably free from typographical errors. This re­ lfyOUfrmÍthodofconi viewer wishes to commend the author on the consistency with which he employs in f,ue0A * fo 'Ca“ '0EN the text a set of abbreviations conforming closely to that adopted for the “Transac­ tions of the American Institute of Chemi­ cal Engineers” (and spelling: e.g., of the word “mole”); unfortunately, the drafts­ men who lettered the charts used their fancy in this particular (or perhaps followed the original authors of the separate charts). One instance which departs from ■ the recommended practice, where (B.t.u.) (ft.)/(hr.) (sq.ft.) (°F.) is used instead of the preferred B.t.u./(hr.) (sq.ft.) (°F ./ft.), may have caused the careful proofreaders to overlook the erroneous position of the slant bar in the units of h, 15 to 500 psi. on p. 81, which should read B.t.u./(hr.) Control and shut-off of (sq.ft.) (°F.). The use of symbols is un­ volume and pressure for air, gas, steam, liquids avoidably inconsistent in a work covering and semi-solids. such a diversity of fields, and taken from so many different publications; the sym­ bols are, however, clearly defined. The No. 617. Electric motor control directions for use are not always on the VALVE DIVISION for extremely slow acting valve. same page as the charts themselves, but Hand wheel for manual operation this is inevitable if the charts are to occupy R-S PRODUCTS CORPORATION on gear reduction drive. Extended lever for operation of sister valve the largest possible portion of a page. 4523 Germantown Ave. • Philadelphia 44, Pa. in parallel line. “Crcosole” is misspelled on Fig. 161; “Phthalicanhydride” looks funny as one word on p. 224. It is difficult to determine that the figures on the curves in Fig. 10 are all preceded by a minus sign. There appears to be a superfluous scale in Fig. 148; perhaps it was intended 4o supplant the pressure scale in Fig. 158, which does

188 AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING not show a value for 760 mm. There is a discrepancy between the text and the chart with respect to Fig. 123; the strength of the alkali used for titration is N /5, as stated on the chart, and not 0.5 N. These, however, are minor criticisms in a work which will undoubtedly find a useful place on many a chemist’s and en­ gineer’s bookshelf.

SOLUTION CHEMISTRY The Physical Chemistry of E lectro­ lytic Solutions. By Herbert S. Harned and Benton B. Owen. American Chem­ ical Society Monograph No. 95. Pub­ lished by Reinhold Publishing Corp., New York, N. Y. 611 pages. Price $10. Reviewed by F. C. Nachod As t h e authors state in their preface: “The science of solutions is very com­ plex.” A great amount of data has been amassed in the past four decades and it has been certainly no easy task to organize such a vast field in such an exemplary and concise manner as Professors Hamed and Owen have done. The text is divided into three main parts, each of which comprises five chap­ ters. The first part is the theoretical sec­ tion, the second part contains a discussion of experimental methods without detailed descriptions of techniques, and the last part emphasizes properties of electrolytes rather than the methods by which they were measured. A great deal of factual data is collected and condensed in tables in the appendix, and in chapter 5, entitled “Numerical Compilations of Physical Constants, Char­ acteristic Slopes, and Mathematical Func­ tions.” Any worker in the field of solution chemistry will rejoice to have the material available in such handy and elegant form. The audience addressed comprises that Controls Your Controls chemists rather than chemical engineers, which is self-evident from the title and the subject matter. Parts of the book are no A precisely engineered catalyst that functions effi­ easy reading, as for example, chapter 2 on interionic attraction and ion distribution. ciently through many regenerations is the key to The thermodynamic notation used is hydrocarbon conversion control. There is a Filtrol that of Lewis and Randall which will be pleasant to most readers. All in all, your Catalyst for every cracking process, chemically reviewer feels that this is truly a stream­ prepared from a natural crystalline montmorillon- lined text, written in clear language (and good English) by critical scientists. Every­ ite structure of proven uniform characteristics and body who works in this field should have stability. The high porosity of Filtrol Catalysts pro­ this text on his bookshelf for ready reference. vides acres of adsorptive surface in every pound — a feature that permits ready access to oil vapor NATURAL PIGMENTS penetration, ease of regeneration and optimum The Chemistry of N atural Coloring M a t t e r s . The Constitution, Properties product conversion. and Biological Relations of the Impor­ This operating efficiency is another reason tant Natural Pigments. By Fritz Mayer, translated and revised by A. H. Cook. why more cracking units have used Filtrol Catalysts Published by Reinhold Publishing Corp. in actual commercial operation than all others 354 pages. Price $10. Reviewed by J. E. Copenhavet combined. T h e American Chemical Society is to be complimented in selecting this valuable treatise as one of its Monograph Series, No. 89. In so doing, the Society has snatched from the jaws of W ar a contribu­ FI LTROL CATALYSTS tion of inestimable value and has made it more readily available to future inves­ PRODUCTS OF FILTROL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT tigators. It was fortunate that Dr. Cook was able to carry to completion, with ex­ FILTROL CORPORATION, General Offices : 634 S. Spring Si., Los Angeles, tensions, this, the third German edition of 14, Calif. Plants: Vernon, California and Jackson, Mississippi

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 189 “Chemie der organischen Farbstoff” by Dr. Mayer, whose tragic death in 1940 was, in the words of Dr. Cook, “as sad as any imaginable.” Natural coloring pigments covers sub­ I NVESTIGATE stances of widely varying chemical consti­ tution as can be seen from the headings of c— s before you the five chapters: Carotenoids (Polyene Pigments), Diaroylmethane Compounds, Carbocyclic Compounds, Heterocyclic Compounds, and Compounds Containing Heterocyclic Nitrogen Atoms. Drs. Mayer NVESTPurchase of a CEN TRIFU G AL is a and Cook have presented these varied sufficiently important investment to war­ classes of compounds systematically and rant a thorough investigation of what molded it into a unified whole. The text the market offers and what advantages is well illustrated with graphical formulas and pertinent references are given as foot­ are obtainable în individual designs. notes. The book is recommended as a text or a reference to both chemist and biologist specialists in this particular field. It is The record of economical performance which FLETCHER felt that this work will be an inspiration CEN TRIFUGALS have established marks them worthy of and guide to future investigators in un­ serious consideration by processors who want to reduce raveling the complex nature of many of cost and speed up output. the natural pigments.

For Inform ation MATHEMATICS worth having — from the standpoint of ef­ B a sic M a t h e m a t ic s f o r W a r a n d I n ­ ficiency and return on your investment— d u st r y . By P. H. Daus, J. M . Gleason send for FLETCHER MBM CATALOG. and W . M. Whyburn. Published by The Macmillan Co., New York, N. Y. 277 pages. Price $2. .B a sic M a t h e m a t ic s f o r E n g in e e r s . By n i H P. G. Andies, H. J. Miser and H. Rein- gold. Published by John Wiley & Sons, New York, N . Y. 726 pages. • Price $4. Glenwood Ave. & Second St., Philadelphia, Pa. FLETCHER WORKS C a l c u l u s R e f r e s h e r f o r T e c h n ic a l M e n . By A. A. Klaf. Published by Whittlesey House, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, N. Y. 431 pages. Recover Valuable Price $3. As is apparent from the titles, these Materials By Burning Off three math books are for as many different audiences. The first meets the require­ Impurities in the ments of those courses wherein civilian and military technicians are quickly Bethlehem Wedge Roaster trained. Its five chapters cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry', trigonometry, and solid Filter aids revivified — Calcium geometry and spherical trigonometry. Examples and problems have been made as Oxides recovered from w aste “practical” as possible to stimulate and lime muds— Sludges treated for sustain student interest. uniform recovery of by-product The second book is a more complete values — pigments continuously text which presupposes two years of liigh- school work. Its range is from a review of produced. arithmetic through integral calculus. Treat­ Those suggest some of the materials ment throughout stresses engineering appli­ regeneration and by-product recovery cations. There are numerous problems for operations the Bethlehem engineers have student solution, many of which have been worked out successfully. given an engineering flavor by the use of formulas of electrical, mechanical arid If valuable materials in your waste dis­ other branches of engineering. posals await some economical method of Mr. Klaf uses the question and answer recovery, talk your problem over with a method to help us review our calculus. Bethlehem engineer. Let him apply to 7-hearth Roaster with . central shaft permit­ ting hearth-hy-bearth adjustment of arms There are 756 questions and problems with your problem, the know-how gained from and controls for cooling and oxidizing air. completely worked-out solutions, each of years of experience with chemical calcin­ which emphasizes some point. In addition, ing applications. Let him demonstrate the author gives some problems without how and where the following features of You will find more information about solutions (but with answers) so that the the Bethlehem Wedge Roaster are work­ applications and features of Bethlehem reader may practice. ing profitably:—continuous operation, Roasters in Catalog CM-74, which also complete control of temperature and time describes Bethlehem thermocoil equip­ factors, control of gaseous and solid prod­ ment for evaporating, distilling and dry­ RECENT BOOKS ucts of reaction, ease of operation, low ing; nitrators, reducers, sulphonators, maintenance costs, and other desirable vacuum stills, autoclaves. Send now for & operating factors. a copy of Catalog CM-74. PAMPHLETS BETHLEHEM FOUNDRY & MACHÍNE COMPANY Temperature Drop in Ducts for Forced-Air Heating Systcans. By A. B. Kratz, F. Konzo Bethlehem, Fa. and R. B. EngdahL Bulletin Series No. 351, 190 AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING published by the University of Illinois, Urbana, Application of Overfire Jets. By R. B. 111. _ 60 pages. Price 65 cents. A report of Engdahl, Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King an investigation conducted by the Illinois En­ Ave., Columbus 1, Ohio. 14 pages. Techni­ gineering Experiment Station in cooperation cal Report No. 7, reprinted from Trans. ASME. PRATER with the National Warm-Air Heating and Air Construction, selection, installation, and ap­ Conditioning Association. plication of overfire jets for the elimination of smoke and reduction of fuel waste. Symposium on the Identification of Water- Formed Deposits, Scales, and Corrosion Prod­ Guide to Weldability of Steel. Published by SERVICE ucts by Physico-Chemical Methods. Published Welding Research Council, 29 West 39th St., by American Society for Testing Materials, 260 New York 18, N. Y. 81 pages. Price $1. A S. Broad St., Philadelphia 2, Pa. 44 pages. guide intended to present and to facilitate prompt to the Price 65 cents. Three technical papers, general and thorough testing of a proposed system of discussion, and an extensive introduction. ductility pre-determination. GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS PROCESS The following recently issued documents are available at prices indicated from Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, INDUSTRIES D. C. In ordering any publications noted in this list always give the complete title and the issuing office. Remittances should be made by postal money order, coupons, or check. Do not send postage stamps. All publications are in paper covers unless otherwise specified. W hen no price is indicated, the pamphlet is free and should be ordered from the Bureau responsible for its issue. Vegetable and Fruit Dehydration. .U. S. De- Index of United States Army and Federal partmcntrtment of Agriculture. Miscellaneous Publi- Specifications Used by the War Department. cation No, 540. Price 30 cents. This manual with monthly _ supplements is available at a yearly subscription rate of $1.50. Protecting Plant Manpower Through the Control of Air Contaminants. By Philip Treatment of Casualties from Chemical Drinker. Division of Labor Standards, Special Agents. War Department, Technical Manual Bulletin No. 14. Price 10 cents. TM 8-285. Price 15 cents. Extent of Collective Bargaining and Union Survey of the Nation’s Critical and Strategic Status, January 1944. Bureau of Labor Sta­ Minerals and Metals Program. S. Res. 66, tistics, Bulletin 776. Price 5 cents. Senate Subcommittee Print No. 6. 78th Con­ gress, 2nd Session. Subcommittee on Mining Changes in Im port Duties Since 1930. A and Minerals Industry. supplement to the earlier summary of the same title. The revised edition contains changes Animal and Vegetable Fats and Oils. Pro­ which took effect between February 1, 1943, duction, Consumption, and Stocks, Quarterly and July 1, 1944. U . S. Tariff Commission. for Calendar Year 1939 to 1943, Inclusive; and Imports and Exports for Calendar Years 1939 Renegotiation Regulations. A loose-leaf through 1940, and the First Three Quarters manual issued by War Contracts Price Adjust­ of 1941. Prepared under, supervision of Zell- ment Board. The manual initially contains mer R. Pettet. Bureau of the Census. Price approximately 275 pages, and will be supple­ 10 cents. mented from time to time as the Regulations Textiles—Testing and Reporting (4th Edi­ themselves are supplemented. It is available Gradual Reduction Grinder at a prepaid subscription price of $2.00, in­ tion). National Bureau of Standards. Com­ cluding monthly supplements. mercial Standard CS59-44. Price 10 cents. 12 Prater Processing Equipment consists of pulverizers and mix­ ers for a wide field of products ASBESTOS CORD of the process industries. VITREOSIL

IRON PROTECTOR TUBES ViTREOS/L TUBE Protect your Gas Sampling against errors ★ Unsuitable, unprotected iron tubes may nullify your gas sampling, introduce seri­ ous errors. Vitreosil (Vitreous Silica) tubes avoid all danger of contamination. They' cannot rust. They are indifferent to ther­ mal shock; chemically inert, non-porous. Dual Screen Grinder . . . When properly protected, Vitreosil tubes Prater Service to the Process give long life. May be water-cooled. Industries consists of the appli­ cation of Prater Products in a ★ The use of Vitreosil for Gas Sampling basis of test grind to specifica­ is fully covered in Vitreosil Bulletin No. 3. tion and guaranteed Tesults per We will be glad to send you a copy; also horse power hour. to answer and specific questions you may care to ask us. Write for Bulletin 3. PRATER PULVERIZER COMPANY 1825 So. 55th Avenue. The THERMAL SYNDICATE, Ltd. Chicago, Illinois 12 East 46th Street New York 17, N. Y. Eastern Representative BROWN & SITES CO., INC. 50 Church Street New York City

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 191 Lactic Acid. By M. T. Sheehan. Unnum­ bered “Synopsis of Information“ document, issued by Bureau of Foreign and Domestic When Commerce. Mimeographed. Calcium Arsenate. By L. N. Markwood and Laura G. Arrington. Unnumbered “Synop­ sis of' Information” document, issued by Bureau you of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. Mimeo­ graphed. Lead Arsenate. By L. N. Markwood and Laura G. Arrington. Unnumbered “Synopsis think of Information” document, issued by Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. Mimeo­ graphed. Cresols and Cresylic Acid. By S. M. Phil­ of lips. Unnumbered “Synopsis of Information” document, issued by Bureau of Foreign and Heat Domestic Commerce. Mimeographed. United States Stock-Pile Wools. Their urganic vapor condenser Relation to the Present Wool Situation and to Post-War Supplies. U. S. Tarif! Commission. Exchangers . . . Separating Type Lower Head" War Changes in Industry Series Report No. 3. Mimeographed.

Construction, Care, and Use of Permissible THINK OF DOWNINGTOWN Flame Safety Lamps. By A. B. Hooker. Bu­ reau of Mines, Miners* Circular 44. Price 10 Recall the fact of Downingtown's specialized knowledge of design and cents. fabrication . . . reflect upon Downingtown's ability to specify the Dilution of Stack Effluents. By G. E. Mc- correct materials . . . and to select the proper methods of procedure Elroy and others. Bureau of Mines, Technical for handling them. Paper 657. Price 10 cents. Electrical Devices Applied to Metallurgical Wide experience in the manufacture of Heat Exchangers . . com- Research. By E. V. Potter. Bureau of Mines, plete, modern, plant facilities . . . assure you of good service and Technical Paper 661. Price 10 cents. guarantee a safe and enduring finished job, delivering reliable per­ Procedure for Applying for Tests Made on All Explosives and Blasting Devices by the Ex­ formance over a long period of time. plosives Division of the Bureau of Mines. Bu­ Our engineering consultation is at your disposal. reau of Mines, Schedule 1C. Price 5 cents. Apparatus for Determining Minimum Ener­ gies for Electric-Spark Ignition of Flammable Gases and Vapors. By P. G. Guest. Bureau Over 70% o f of Mines, Report of Investigations R. I. 3753. DOWNIMGTOWN IRON WORKS Mimeographed. Downingtown's OOWNINGTOWN, PA. Explosions in Medium-Pressure Acetylene 1942-43 Business Generators. By G. W. Jones and others. Bu­ HEAT EXCHANGERS reau of Mines, Report of Investigations R. I. 3755. Mimeographed. was Repeat Orders National Motor-Gasoline Survey, Winter 1943-44. By O. C. Blade. Bureau of Mines, Report of Investigations R. I. 3758. Mimeo­ graphed. The Burning Rate of Fuse. By D. Harring­ ton and R. G. Wamcke. Bureau of Mines, In­ formation Circular I. C. 7281. Mimeographed. Hazards from Common Gases and Vapors Encountered at Surface Disasters. By G. W. Tones. Bureau of Mines. Information Circular I. C. 7287. Mimeographed. Minerals Yearbook Preprints. Printing of the separate chapters of Minerals Yearbook of the Bureau of Mines for industry operations in 1943 has begun. These printed pamphlets supersede^ the mimeographed preliminary re­ ports which were issued a few months earlier under the Bureau’s MMS series. The new Tractor Cranes—Pneumatic or pamphlets are available generally at 5 cents Solid Tires. Trailer Trucks, All each for each of the commodities reported on Types, AH Sizes. Fork Lift Trucks. in the Minerals Yearbook. Pamphlets now Elevators, Platform and Stacking. issued are : Slate. By Oliver Bowles and M. S. Conveyors. Hoists. Engineered and Jensen; Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, and Zinc built to requirements. ^ in Texas. By Chas. W. Henderson and R. H. Mote. Mineral Statistics. Preliminary figures for 1943 production of metals, minerals, and min­ eral products have recently been released in the Mineral^ Market Reports of the U. S. Bu­ reau of Mines as one- or two-page mimeo­ graphed press releases of the “MMS” series. The following subjects have been reported on : Secondary Magnesium; Sand and Gravel; Mag­ nesite and Other Magnesium Compounds ; Blast Furnace Slag; Abrasive Materials; Lique­ fied Petroleum Gases ; Peat ; Ferrous Scrap and Pig Iron. Federal Specification for Aprons; Surgeons’ (Synthetic Rubber and Resin Coated). ZZ-A- 611a. Price 5 cents. Pigment Specifications. The revised edi­ tions of numerous paint pigment specifications have been prepared for Federal Standard Stock Catalog recently. These should be ordered at Equipment for processing, liquid PROCESSING 5 cents each from the Superintendent of Docu­ and dry materials, foods, chem­ ments by title and number as follows: Alumi- icals, reclaimants. Individual mix­ num-pigment; powder and paste (for) paint— ers. sifters, separators, crushers, TT-A-468. Bone-black; dry — TT-B-600. cutters, mills. Combination units. Chjome-yellowme-yelloT and ’ chrome-orange; * dry~TT-C- “ Complete systems. Standard and 290.««« Chnhrome-green; mm m pure, dry—XX-C-235. ' ~ ‘ engineered installations. Chromium-oxide-greenn-oxide-gr< ; dry—XX-C-306. Iron- blue; djry—XX-I-677. Lampblack: dry—XX- L-70. Ocher; yellow, dry—XX-O-121. Ultra- marine blue; dry—XX-U-450. Titanium-Di- oxide; dry—XT-T-425.

AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS

Bureau of the Census has announced the release of new statistical reports and new statistical services giving data regard­ ing imports and exports of commodities. In general these are available as described below, and releases will be made at inter­ vals of six months or one year following the end of the month to which the data IN STOCK relate. More prompt release is forbidden for security reasons. The following docu­ ments may be ordered from Bureau of the Census, Washington 25, D. C.: s Report No. F T 100. Total imports of in­ Principal Product dividual commodities showing no country de­ $ r £ * L tail, available 12 months after the period cov­ Include: ered. Calendar Year 1942—total for year, individual calendar months not shown sep­ arately. Price 50 cents. First six months of Call Ryerson for any kind, shape Bor* • shape» • structural» 1943—total for six months, individual calendar months shown separately. Price $1.25. Month­ or size of steel you need. Steel for man- Plates • sheet» • Floor Plate» ly, starting with figures for July 1943. Price per issue 30 cents. Yearly subscription, includ­ ing calendar year annual, $3.00. ufacturing, maintenance or construction Alloy s,ecli ' To°' Slecl1 „ , .. Stainless Steel • Screw Slock Report No. FT 400. Total exports of in­ ... all products are available for im m ediate dividual commodities showing no country de­ Wire • Mechanical Tubing tail, available 12 months after the period cov­ shipment from any one of the ten con- „ . . . ,, , ..... ered, exports of foreign and domestic mer­ * J Reinforcing Steels • Shafting chandise shown separately. Calendar Year 1942—total for year, individual calendar months venient Ryerson Steel-Service Plants. Ask Babbitt • Nut» • B olt» now shown separately. Price 50 cents. First six months of 1943—total for six months, in­ dividual calendar months shown separately. for a Stock list.. .your guide to Steel. Rivet» • Welding Rod • Etc. Price $1.25. Monthly, starting with figures for July 1943'—Price per issue 30 cents. Yearly subscription, including calendar year annual, $3.00. JOSEPH T. RYERSON & SON, INC. Report No. FT 110. Im ports from the Latin American countries in commodity-by-country STEEL-SERVICE PLANTS AT: CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, ST. LOUIS, DETROIT, arrangement showing for each commodity the total imported from all the Latin American CLEVELAND, CINCINNATI, BUFFALO, BOSTON, PHILADELPHIA, JERSEY CITY countries and the amount imported from each, available 12 months after the period covered. F irst;six months of 1943—total for six months, individual calendar months not shown sep­ arately. Price 50 cents. Monthly, starting with figures for July 1943.— Price per issue 30 cents. Yearly subscription, including calendar year annual, $3.00. Report No. FT 410. Exports to the Latin American countries in commodity-by-country arrangement showing for each commodity the total exported to all the Latin American coun­ 0?on@o«tce*ttMite«L Sulphuric Reid tries and the amount exported from each, available 12 months after the period covered. First^ six months of 1943—total for six months, individual calendar months not shown sep­ arately. Price $1.85. Monthly, starting with For handling liquids IHixed Reids figures for July. 1943. Price per issue $1.50. \ early subscription, including calendar year an­ nual $18.00 . (Prices for parts of F T 410 will here enumerated, be quoted upon request.) Oleum, etc., Report No. FT 120. Imports from the Latin Taber Vertical American countries in country-by-commodity arrangement showing for each country the total value of all imports including strategic, critical Pumps are built for Difficult to Seal and military commodities and the amount of each commodity imported except strategic, criti­ higher practical cal and military, available 12 months after the by Stuffing Ban period covered. F irst six months of 1943—total for six months, individual calendar months not performance, to shown separately. Price 50 cents. Monthly, starting with figures for July 1943. Price per Packing... issue 30 cents. Yearly subscription, including operate in a vessel calendar year annual $3.00. Report No. F T 420. Exports to the Latin sealed against American countries in country-by-commodity arrangement showing for each country the total fumes or gases. value of all exports including strategic, critical and military commodities and the amount of each commodity exported except strategic, criti­ W rite on Your Letterhead for cal and military, available 12 months after the period covered. First six months of 1943- total for six months, individual calendar months not shown separately. Price $1.85. Monthly, CONCISE starting with figures for July 1943. Price per issue $1.50. Yearly subscription, including i?le^ ar.Z car.i}nnual $18.00. (Prices for parts BULLETIN °i r I 420 will be quoted upon request.) Report No. FT 800. Shipments of mer- chandise from continental United States to Alaska, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and V - 8 3 7 shipments of merchandise from each to con­ IS THE nnSUJER tinental United States showing commodity de­ ON REQUEST tail, available 12 months after the period cov- Calendar year 1942-—total for year, in­ dividual calendar months not shown separately. Price $1.00. First six months of 1943—total [■..I. m m« m yni /TTT1 PlTTffh Lestablished JIU U H JU C U 1859IÜ V 7 lor six months, individual calendar months not 294 ELM STREET shown separately. Price $1.00. Monthly, starting with figures for July 1943. Price per issue 50 cents. Yearly subscription, including TIIBER Pump (o BUFFALO, N. Y. calendar year annual, $5.00.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AVGUST 1944 • 193 "W o rn , leaky, faulty valves—that’s one worry we don’t have!” say plant operators who installed Darling Double Disc Gate Valves—many as far back as 30 years before this war. Today valve wear can be a real worry because it means new valves, and they’re mighty hard to get. PARTS But regardless of how severe the operating condi­ Two discs and two wedges—the entire working part assembly of a Darling Double Disc Gate Valve. There is no tions, or the materials involved, Darling Double Disc other valve with this design. The seats are parallel. The discs are fully revolv­ Gate Valves go right on, year after year, delivering ing, seating in a different position each time the valve is operated. This means tighter seating, better performance, less wear, more tighter seating, less wear, longer oper­ ation and lower maintenance costs efficient operation, at lowest possible maintenance cost. with Darling Gate Valves. If, after long and severe service, the parts should be­ come worn, you don’t remove the valve from the line. You simply replace 4 inexpensive parts and your Darling Double Disc Gate Valve is again ready for service. It may be difficult to get Darling Gate Valves today. Much of Darling’s output has been enlisted to help float Uncle Sam’s ships to victory. But replacement parts are S#) available and new valves will

be also as soon as war needs You don’t have to take a Darling Double Disc Gate Valve out of the are met. line to replace the parts. Simply insert new, inexpensive pans; replace Stem and Bonnet. Valve is again ready for long, hard service. TRADE DARLING )VALVE 8c MANUFACTURING CO. MARK WILLIAMSPORT, PA.

AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING MANUFACTURERS’ LATEST PUBLICATIONS NOW Publications listed here are available from the manufacturers themselves, with­ out cost unless a price is specifically mentioned. To limit the circulation of their CONTROL ENGINEERING literature to responsible engineers, production men and industrial executives, manufacturers usually specify that requests be made on business letterhead. fundamentals and methods for Chain Belts. Chain Belt Co., Milwaukee, Electronic Tubes. Electronics Dept., The Wis.— 8-page illustrated bulletin covering Rex General Electric Co., Schenectady, N. Y.—4- selection and Z-Metal chain belts. Lists properties of Z-Metal page folder with a quick-selection chart of and types of Z Metal chain belts. Bulletin 437. electronic tubes for industry, giving prices, types, shipping weight and technical data. application of Compressors. Clark Bros., Olean, N. Y.— Bulletin No. ETI-12B. 12-page brochure describing compressors for process controls repressuring, pressure maintenance and oil con­ Gaskets. United States Gasket Co., 1544 servation, containing flowsheets of operation Pierce Avenue, Camden, N. J.—20-page, spiral- and servomechanisms and illustrated descriptions of various types of bound catalog describing the specifications and compressors. prices for gaskets for pressures from 10 psi to given thorough treat­ 3500 psi, including gaskets for power, munici­ Compressors and Pneumatic Tools. Sales pal, chemical and industrial installations. Lists ment in this book Technical Service Dept., Standard Oil Co. the metal covered types, the “SR” for raised (Indiana), Chicago, 111.—40-page bulletin, de­ face, smooth face crane cap or Van Stone joints, signed for notebook insertion, giving detailed Style II gaskets with a guide for positive posi­ JUST OUT. data on axial, centrifugal, rotary and recipro­ tioning, and a wide variety of gaskets for boiler cating compressors, illustrated with cross sec­ handholes and tubecaps, boiler manholes, large tions, cutaway sketches. Also includes infor­ and small tongue and groove fittings, large and mation on pneumatic tools, both reciprocating small male and female joints. Catalog No. AUTOMATIC and rotary. Bulletin No. C-202. 202. Drying. Blaw-Knox Division of Blaw-Knox Heating. Selas Corp. of America, Eric Ave. Co., P. O. Box No. 1198, Pittsburgh, Pa.— and D St., Philadelphia 34, Pa.—6-page booklet CONTROL 60-page, illustrated, well-designed booklet deal­ giving six case histories, each describing heat­ ing with equipment and plants designed for ing processes which have been improved, and drying purposes, including data on revolving which dealt with high-speed printing, oil refining ENGINEERING shell dryers, calciners, kilns, coolers, rotary assembly-by-brazing, the heat treatment of vacuum dryers, carbonators, vacuum drum dry­ massive castings, aircraft heating and mechan­ By ers, flakcrs, chamber dryers, blenders, and ized flame hardening. allied equipment. Includes scale drawings, a ED SINCLAIR SMITH flow diagram and cross sections. Bulletin No. Heavy Duty Heaters. B. F. Sturtevant Co., 1598. Hyde Park, Boston, Mass.—36-page, well- Registered Patent Agent, formerly Engineer In planned booklet presenting this concern's line Charge of Patents, C. J. Tagliabue Mfg. Co., of heavy duty heaters, describing their struc­ formerly Hydraulic Engineer, Builders Iron tural features, and giving cross section and Foundry construction details, and temperature rise con­ scribing this concern s electron microscope for stants. Includes dimensions, face areas and 367 pages, 5% x i % , 121 illustrations, S4.00 research analysis production, giving details on pressures, and numerous data tables for heater its nature, uses{ operation, and its structural selection when operating conditions fall within OW a recognized authority has gath­ features. Contains photographs used as exam­ the range of velocities, entering air tempera­ N ples of the work of this instrument and tells tures and steam pressures shown in the tables. ered into a convenient volume the its various applications in the fields of medi­ In addition offers temperature difference charts, fundamentals, technique, and data for a cine, bateriology and industry. Bulletin No. piping diagrams and weights and applications complete guide to this specialized field. The 1J-8771. of the heaters. Catalog No. 462. book gives both a qualitative and quantita­ tive approach to meters and controllers and their plant applications, and includes the mathematical, physical, mechanical, hydrau­ e&e lic, acoustic, and electrical material neces­ ADVANTAGES sary to give engineers from any field an extensively useful understanding of control relations. Here is a valuable guide for FILTER PRESSES instrument men and engineers concerned QUIVER with control engineering, applied both in process control and in servomechanisms for j f O automatic steering, regulation of airplane power plants and accessories, combat de­ vices, etc. IN 1—Lowest investment and overall operating cost per square foot of filtering area. Presents these widely-needed tools: FILTRATION —table of plants, their regulators, and the per- CLARIFICATION 2—Construction of any metal, rubber, wood or formance of controlled systems formed by dif­ coated metal to resist corrosion or abrasion. ferent combinations. Covers many cases ordinarily met with in control engineering, THICKENING giving th£. reader a perspective that he only WASHING 3—Operation at any required temperature or pres­ could get otherwise in years of experience sure. —the most efficient methods of handling sec­ EXTRACTION ond and third order differential equations, and cu b ics 4—Perfect clarification, complete cake recovery, —full development of the use of differential washing of cake, drying of cake, extraction, equations as symptoms with determinant tests for stability thickening, catalytic contacting. —a flexible method of attack, showing what must be done to the plant Itself for it to be 5—Built in any size for any capacity, with any num­ controllable, how to design regulators for specified but yet-unbuilt plants, how to fit ber of filter chambers, subject to enlargement or regulators to existing plants working back from reduction of capacity; stationary or portable; response curves. easy to assemble, clean, dismantle and move. 70 Days Examination 6—Can be used with any kind of filter cloth, filter Send This McGRAW-HILL Coupon paper or filter aids. McGraw-Hill Book Co.. 330 W. 42nd St., N.Y.C. 18 These and many other design and performance Send me Smith's Automatic Control Engineering for 10 days examination on approval. In 10 days I will send features make Shriver Filter Presses the equipment $4.00 plus few cents postage, or return book postpaid. Typical large side feed closed you should consider in your present or post-war (Postage paid on cash orders.) production program. Write for catalog. delivery filter press of cor­ Name rosion resistant alloy for filter alkaline slurry. A ddress

City & State, T. SHRIVER & COMPANY, Inc. P o sition Company ...... M-S-44 802 Hamilton St. * Harrison, N. J. (Books sent on approval in U. S. and Canada only.)

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING « AUGUST 1944 • 195 Idea Exchange. Morton Mfg. Co., Nation- Wide Bureau of Ideas, 341 North Leamington Ave., Chicago 44, 111.—Bulletin No. 1 of a new subscription service listing ideas in many fields available for development. Ideas are gathered from general public in response to national advertising and may be taken up direct with suggestors by the subscribers to bulletin. Plant Efficiency. Lamson Corp., Syracuse 1, N. Y.—24-page pamphlet entitled “Case Histories to Aid You in Blueprinting Con­ version to Peace.” Gives problems and solu­ tions involved in materials-handling operations, which have arisen and been met in war plants and are applicable in conversion to peacetime production. Pulverizers and Separators. Raymond Pul­ verizer Div., Combustion Engineering Co., Inc., 1324 North Branch St., Chicago 22, 111.— 12- page booklet featuring; the laboratory mill, giving its construction, and showing an assem­ bly view and detail parts; the 8 in. screen mill Conveying lines and diverting valves over storage silo for either commercial or laboratory usage; and Upper right: Central control panel board. the laboratory separator, complete with operat­ ing instructions. Also includes data on the 30 in. mechanical air separator. Bulletin No. 53. Pumps. Hydro-Power Systems, Inc., Mount Gilead, Ohio—16-page bulletin detailing the modern line of hydro-powcr gear pumps for medium pressure hydraulic application. In­ cludes data on construction, dimensions, and operating characteristics of models G and LG hydro-power gear pumps, with sectional views, dimensional drawings and tables. Bulletin No 440. Resin. Research and Development Labora­ tories, U. S. Stoneware Co., Akron, Ohio— 6- page preliminary bulletin describing the type, history, use, physical, chemical and electrical properties, and application of Duralon, a furan derivative resin. Bulletin No. R-3. ^ Robot Oil Reclaimer. Youngstown Miller Co., Sandusky, Ohio.—4-page folder covering a robot oil reclaimer, based on batch oil re­ claimers with the new feature of automatic and continuous operation. Gives applications and capacities. Bulletin No. YM-700. Rotary Pumps. Blackmer Pump Co.. Grand Rapids 9, Mich.— 6-page illustrated folder de­ scribing this concern’s line of rotary pumps Fuller-Kinyon Type H Portable Pump. and how they work. Design data included. Bulletin 304. Spring Suspension. Genspring Inc., 500 Fifth Ave., New York 18, N. Y.—28-pagc booklet CLEAN, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTING presenting data on a spring suspension for pipe lines, discussing the problem of pipe line suspension, the principle of the new NR OF DRY PULVERIZED MATERIALS hanger, details of construction^ and installa­ tion, and adjustment information. Includes tables on types of support hangers, ball couplers assemblies, pipe clamps, hanger rods and rod couplings, and strongbacks. Gives Fuller-Kinyon Portable Pumps are commonly used for applications, information on low headroom non­ resonant variable support hanger, with tables, withdrawing dry pulverized materials from silos and and data for determining over-all height of assembly and rod sizes. Bulletin No. 101. transferring such materials to packers, cars and ships Transformers. General Electric Co., Sche­ nectady^ N. Y.—16-page illustrated booklet and, if desired, to process bins throughout the plant. summarizing the safety and savings claimed through the use of the all-purpose Pyranol trans­ former. _ Installation is described and general These systems, under automatic and remote control information given. Bulletin GEA-4193. of branch line valves, require minimum attention, even Trucks. Revolvator Co., Tonnele Ave. at 86th St., North Bergen, N. J.—4-page illus­ though distribution is complicated by scattered receiv­ trated ^pamphlet describing the double-stroke Red Giant liftruck. Tables of dimensions and • ing points. A central control panel board is employed general information are included. Bulletin No. 140. for the operation of branch line valves of one or more Valves. Reading-Pratt & Cady Division, system s. American Chain & Cable Co., Inc., Bridgeport, Conn., 11x17 in. illustrated chart giving eleven tips on the handling and care of valves, and showing common mishandlings that reduce valve Further advantages are—one unit to convey, elevate life. Designed for new workers, or as refreshers and distribute to all points; blending of materials by for old hands. Bulletin No. 61444. Valves. Stock Engineering Co., West 98th simultaneous withdrawals from several silos; freedom St. and Theodore Ave., Cleveland 2, Ohio—4- page folder describing a new bulk material from mechanical danger to workmen; cleanliness, and alve, giving a labelled cutaway drawing, a page of specifications and six accessory sketches. convenience. Bulletin No. 25. Welding. General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y.—28-page reprint collection, designed for notebook insertion, detailing information on resistance welding, methods and equipment, se­ lection of equipment, welding electrodes and their maintenance, and preparation of material for welding. Includes explanatory charts, illus­ FULLER COMPANY trations and photographs. Bulletin GET-1189. CATASAUQU A— PENNSYLVANIA Welding. Victor Equipment Co.; 844-54 Fol­ som St., San Francisco, Calif.—16-page bro­ CHICAGO, 3 WASHINGTON, 5, D. C. SAN FRANCISCO, 4 chure with color illustrations describing this concern’s line of welding; and cutting apparatus. Marquette Bldg.______Colorado Bldg. Chancery Bldg. Includes price information. Form 20.

» AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING WET SEPARATOR

The improved Dings De-Ironer for removing mag­ netic particles from liquids has been perfected v p s .P to a degree where it provides separating ability I t * * » * ! and operating advantages not previously avail­ gh capaci y able. Built in both open and fully enclosed models with bronze bowl, corrosion-proof sW ' tic sai utomatlC + f grids, powerful coil, hundreds of lineal feet of of =U Iie n iron-catching edges, the De-Ironer is the answer to purifying ceramic slips and o^S°v a lv e - ‘ glazes, oils, inks and hundreds of other Coil wouIld liquids. If you want iron-free liquids it atioi1- will pay you to investigate this equip­ H igh est S i ment. For more complete informa­ m a t e n 01 tion, write and ask for literature. Dm MAGNETIC SEPARATION

DINGS MAGNETIC SEPARATOR CO 505 E. Smith St., Milwaukee 7, Wis. World's Largest Exclusire Builder of Magnetic Equipment. Est. 1899

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 197 Hen you decide on your new plant or process!

MIXERS, AGITATORS When your engineers or consultants have planned that ideal new AND AERATORS— * VACUUM OR PRESSURE FILTERS plant or process you want— then have one thoroughly competent equipment manufacturer assume full responsibility for delivering "the complete package”.

It can be done. General American Process Equipment is set up to TANKS AND PRESSURE VESSELS give you just that kind of service. This organization embraces five outstanding manufacturers in the process equipment field, supplemented by an engineering and research staff of international reputation, and backed by the General American Transportation ROTARY DRYERS, COOLERS, KILNS Corporation. It offers you a combination o f technical and economic advantages which we believe is unique in industry.

"One organization, one responsibility, one highest standard of DRUM DRYERS OR FLAKERS VACUUM performance.” Let us tell you exactly what that means in the de­ EVAPORATORS sign, manufacture and installation of process equipment. Address: GENERAL AMERICAN PROCESS EQUIPMENT A Division of -25 GENERAL AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION AMERICAN PROCESS EQUIPMENT Composed of: LOUISVILLE DRYING MACHINERY CO. • THE TURBO-MIXER CORP. • ^ O I VISION^ CONKEY FILTER COMPANY • AMERICAN MACHINE COMPANY Associated with PLATE AND WELDING DIVISION

427 BAXTER AVENUE, LOUISVILLE 4, KENTUCKY 420 LEXINGTON AVENUE, NEW YORK. 17, N. Y.

198 * AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING CHEMICAL ECONOMICS H. M. BATTERS, Marke» Editor

CHEMICAL CONSUMPTION AT FAIRLY STEADY RATE WITH materials for that industry. For instance, PRODUCTION STILL ADVANCING nitric acid, and ammonia began to slow up somewhat after last November but more recently they have been turned out in full volume and for May nitric acid output | e s p it e the cutbacks in some branches large consumption of chemicals is in pros­ D1of the military program, increased de­ pect in that direction. was reported at 38,958 tons of 100 percent mand has been met for smokeless powder The index for war production has been while synthetic ammonia was produced to and heavy explosives and this has increased revised by the W ar Production Board. In the amount of 42,308 tons, these figures consumption of various kinds of chemicals addition to the total munitions index, in both cases representing outputs of pri­ in recent months. The Federal Reserve there is available for the first time a sep­ vate plants. A study of the other chemicals Board index for production of industrial arate index for each of the seven major for which monthly production data are chemicals has been mounting in the face categories of munitions production. One available shows that in almost all cases they of a decline in the general industry index. of the main divisions is ammunition and are surpassing by a substantial margin the Recent reports about new high octane re­ established at 25 for January 1942, it records made in the corresponding months fineries coming into operation and more climbed steadily through the year with of last year but the monthly gains will de­ recently the announcement that the syn­ December reported at 84. In 1943, Janu­ crease in coming months because produc­ thetic rubber program had been completed ary brought an index of 90 and by Novem­ tion totals in the latter part of 1943 were offer some explanation for rising trend in ber this had increased to 120 which was at a rate fairly comparable with those of the present. chemical production and consumption. the highest thus far recorded. In the It is evident that some of the production present year the index dropped to 101 in Latest reports regarding the supply of lines which have been curtailed have not January but rose to 113 in April. From alcohol are favorable although the stock­ been large consumers of chemicals and current reports, the number will continue pile will be lowered as a result of the con­ those industries which have been expand­ to rise and may go back to the 120 level. version of some plants in August to turn­ ing draw heavily upon chemicals as raw The pushing up of explosives outputs ing out distilled liquor. Current estimates materials. Hence the chemical index runs has had a corresponding effect on produc­ for production of industrial alcohol this counter to the general trend. tion of chemicals which are important raw year place the total at 586,200,000 gal. The last month has brought but little with requirements estimated at 614,300,- change in the manufacturing lines catering 000 gal. Chem. & Met. Index for Industrial The packaging situation still gives con­ to civilian needs. Government orders for Consumption of Chemicals certain types of cotton goods have cut cern but has been relieved somewhat by 1935-100 the unusually high rate at which glass con­ down the amounts going into regular con­ M ay suming outlets. Mills are still handicapped R ev ised Ju n e tainer plants are working and also by the and are consuming cotton far below the Fertilizers ...... 43.10 42.60 fact that stocks of aluminum have in­ level of two years ago. Petroleum refineries Petroleum refined ...... 18.04 IS .28 creased to a point where it has been shifted Pulp and paper ...... 19.10 18.85 to the list of materials which are currently hit new high daily rates in June but July G lass ...... 2 1.11 21.40 operations have been on a smaller scale. Paint and varnish ...... 18.56 17.80 in balance between demand and supply. The urgent call for glass containers has Iron and steel...... 13.45 13.16 About 7,000,000 lb. of aluminum will be R a y o n ...... spurred glass plants to work at capacity 17.61 16.82 made available in the third quarter of this T ex tiles ...... 10.19 10.00 year for experimental use in the manufac­ and a new record for output was reached in Coal products ...... 10.18 9.98 June with July rates also reported to be L e a t h e r ...... 4.10 4.05 ture of cans. The improved position of keeping up well. Steel mills have dropped industrial explosives . . 5.58 5.62 glass containers is explained by the fact R u b b e r ...... 3.00 3.00 that whereas production in 1943 was about from the peak rates of recent months but P la s tic s ...... 5.40 5.20 are expected to reverse this trend later in 93,000,000 gross the 1944 production is the year. A very high percentage of paint 189.42 186.76 expected to reach 106,000,000 gross. production is going for military purposes but demand for civilian use has been fairly active and total sales in May were the highest for any month on record. The Chem. & Met. index for industrial consumption for June stands at 186.44 with that for May revised to 189.42. For the same months last year, the indexes were 177.35 and 179.58 respectively. For the first half of the year the index is 185.04 against 174.28 for the first half of 1943. For this year to date the index each month has been about 10 points higher than in the corresponding months of last year. The most prominent factor in pushing the index up in the current year has been the high rate of output of superphosphate plants and the consequent broadening in the market for sulphuric acid. Production of fertilizers is in accordance with a definite schedule which calls for still higher out­ puts between now and -the close of the fertilizer year, hence a long term period of

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 199 RODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION TRENDS

20 W f h i l e t h e position of important con­ PAPER COTTON CONSUMED suming industries may change con­ ^ ]Q A 7> 00 Jt. —- siderably in the latter part of the year, — especially if war developments bring about H944 a shifting in demand for certain types of 80 heavy chemicals, the output of large ton­ nage chemicals seems to have gone ahead 60 n. Feb. Mar. Apr. Hay June J ujy Auq.5rpi.0ef. Nov. Dec. Jan.Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Auq.5epl.0cl. Nov. Dec. at a fairly steady rate which, barring this shift, makes it possible to estimate for the 20 second half of the year. Sulphuric acid WOODPULP plants are working at a rate which would bring the total for 1944 to approximately 00 l V J 8,500,000 tons of 100 percent acid. In

"" 1943 the output was 8,036,000 tons, in 80 each case the figures refer to commercial plants, excluding government owned and 60 operated plants. Chlorine production at commercial plants may be projected to a 4 0 total of 1,280,000 tons for the year as PiiTROLEUM REFI NED compared with 1,212,00 tons in 1943. The 20 1943 urgent demand for chromate and bi­ > 4 / / — --- -19 --- chromate of soda has brought out plans 100 i . for increasing plant capacities but so far x x this year this has not made much change in the monthly outputs but it is probable 80 that the present indication of a 1944 pro­ 60 duction of 85,000 tons will be increased GLASS CONTAINERS through higher operating rates later in ! 4 0 the year. Production of crude vegetable oils gen­ X I 944 I 20 t V .. erally has been lower than in the cor­ responding period of last year. Linseed oil offers an exception as considerable gains I 00 have been shown in the monthly outputs so far this year but the outlook is not too 80 promising as the seed supply promises to I 80 be sharply under that of last year and SULPHURIC ACID difficulties may be found in negotiating shipments from the Argentine. 160 In the leather trade, the most important “ 1944 1943 feature of the month was the order from 120 — 45 1944 / x sx WPB which directed tanners to produce t during August, approximately 5,500,000 100 ft. of leather suitable for top and toe of combat shoes. This figure represents an increase of 22 percent in production of this 80 type of leather over the July production. I 60 This directive did not result in a general increase of 22 percent throughout the tan­ 140 ning industry but rather that more leather 194 4 went into special production. I 20 / Industrial production in general did not change much in the last three months. A — N / 't l — The Federal Reserve Board unadjusted in­ I 00 \ f dex is 236 for June as against 237 for 1 April and May. Tire index for chemicals • 80 dropped to 321 in June as against 324 in I 60 May but industrial chemicals were reported at 410 for both those months. Stone, clay and glass products were reported at 165 140 for June, unchanged from May. Leather and products moved up one point to 113. 1 20 ■ The paint trade has been encouraged to lookffor a large demand for paint products 100 in the postwar period as a result of ex­ tensive building operations and now the planning committee of that industry points 80 to the possibility' for production of 18,- 140 i 000,000 cars and trucks in the first three - AMMONIA ANHYDROUS SYNTHET C- years after the war which would open up 1 . 1 2C 1^ 1 a greatly expanded market for industrial 1943 finishes." This increase of 70 percent over Nj _____ 1 00 y - the three years prior to 1941 was esti­ v / ... ./• mated as a result of a careful study made by the paint committee into the prospects h m i i an. Feb Mar. Apr May June July Aug Sell Od. Not. Dec. Jan.inn Feb.r h Mar. Apr, i Moy June i July Aug,* Sept c.u Od. Nov. w Dec. n of the automotive industry.

• AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING HERCULOY in synthetic rubber processes

P o s s e s s i n g the strength of mild steel with the corrosion resistance of copper, Herculoy fre­ quently makes it possible to combine in a single part both structural and process functions, with resulting economies in time and cost of erection, and in maintenance. It is a pleasure to note the use of Herculoy in speeding up the synthetic rub­ ber program. Herculoy — a copper-silicon alloy — can be welded readily by gas or electricity, which makes it especially attractive for the construction of Welding 30" pipe from Herculoy Sheet—for pressure vessels, stills and similar chemical plant use in famous company's synthetic rubber plant. apparatus. Heat treatment after working relieves internal stresses without sacrificing strength, hardness, or resistance to abrasion. W rite for new Manual, "Revere Copper and Copper Alloys—Technical Information for Product Designers." Contains data on Herculoy chemical and physical char­ acteristics, as well as on other Revere products. TYPICAL APPLICATIONS of Revere Copper and Copper-Base Alloys:

M anifold, 20" with 12" brunches, fabricated from Herculoy Sheet Heat Exchangers and Condensers Mixers by Gerstein & Cooper, South Boston, Mass. Evaporators Storage Tanks Pressure Vessels Reactor Vessels Receivers Fractionating Columns Catalyst Tubes and the like

We supply copper and copper-base alloys in: SHEET, STRIP, PLATE, ROD, BAR and SHAPES,TUBE and PIPE, WELDING ROD

COPPER AND BRASS INCORPORATED gj Founded by Paul Revere in 1801 Executive Offices: 230 Park Avenue, New York 17, N. Y.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 201 Lectrodryer b r e a t h e r s w il l HANDLE THAT JOB FOR YOU... Materials in storage— DRY when placed there— restored by a Lectrodryer Reactivator, (see right often pick up moisture from air pulled in as the above) and it’s held in readiness for its next job. tanks are emptied or as the tanks “breathe”. Lectrodryer Breathers can handle complex This means that drying operations must he re­ assignments. One type, for example, automati­ peated before the materials can he used, a loss cally and forcibly feeds dry air to storage tanks of time and effort which can he avoided by as they are being emptied. Another type, de­ installing Lectrodryer Breathers. signed for use with groups of tanks, dries all of These breathers may include drying columns the inhaled air. Then, when the tanks exhale, it charged with activated alumina, inlet and out­ automatically operates hy-pass valves to prevent let valves to prevent wastage of adsorptive mixing of exhaust vapors. capacity, color indicators and other accessories. Whatever your DRYing problem, on-stream Air breathed into a tank is dried as it passes or in storage, Lectrodryer engineers are available through the alumina. When the color indicator to help solve it. Write Pittsburgh Lectrodryer on a breather shows that it has picked up its share Corporation, 303 32nd Street, Pittsburgh 30, Pa. of water, a standby unit is put in its place. The In England:Birmingham Electric Furnaces, Ltd., Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham. original breather then has its drying efficiency In Australia: Birmingham Electric Furnaces, Ltd., 51 Parramatta Road, Blehe, Sidney.

LECTRODRYERS DRY WITH ACTIVATED ALUMINAS

202 • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING United States Production, Consumption and Stocks of Chemicals, May 1944 (Data from ü. S. Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census and WPB Chemicals Bureau) , May 1944 (Preliminary) »------April 1944------» Made and Made and Chemical and Basis Units* Production Consumed Stocks Production Consumed Stock» Acetylene: for use in chemical synthesis...... M cu. ft. 1 \ 1 1 1 \ 1 For commercial purposes...... M cu. ft. 1 J J 0 qo. Synthetic anhydrous ammonia (ÍÓÓ% ÑH 3) Tons 42.308 32,107 ^’^22 2’íno 7'?q7 Bleaching powder (35%-37% avail. 6l*)...... M lb. 5,747 1,301 1,138 o,343 1,498 1.487 Calcium acetate (80% Ca (CsHaOah)...... M lb. 1,083 3 , 11« s Q ?«« Calcium arsenate (100% Cm (AsO^s)...... M lb. 4,890 3 7,709 4,099 8,530 Calcium carbide (100% CaC*) Tons 1 * 1 „ . Calcium hypochlorite (true) (70% available CI2) ...... M lb. 1,261 3 424 1,241 0O0 Calcium phosphate — monobasic (100% CaH< (POO*)...... M lb. 4,270 3 o,669 3,882 5,o58 Carbon dioxide: liquid and gas (100% CO2) ...... M lb. 1 ] \ J *

Ch1orine(dry ÍCC) (10°% CO í)...... T om ' 100,327 61,484 9,053 106,704 72,385 7,942 • £2t 3iji°8 ».£ UR » J f t i > . ' £ l : H Hydrogen Millions of cu. ft. * J 4 i l l Lead arsenate (acid and basic)...... M lb. ^ 1 1 _ . n.n Lead oxide — red (100% PbsOt)...... M lb. 9,390 266 Methanol: natural (80% CH,OH) Gal. 364-4'n1 r ’vrh R’uon 8 ?’l2R Svntlietio H00% OPLOH1 Meal. 6,694 3 6,768 6,320 3 7,128 Molybdate orange(CP) ...... Lb. 10-1,933 5.400 165.013 114,147 . 11,561- *157,500 N i? ra íaoo%HNo,)::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: to“s s s . m 33,996 7,047 3a , m *83.»w »g.sst («& :::::::::::: : :::::::: “ A * 59,147 52,087 13,910 * 57,807 *54.563 12.458 Potassium bichromate and chromate (100%) M lb. 733 399 638 410 Potassium chloride (100% KCl) Tons « ” “ 103,709 * 30.895 Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) (100% KÓH) Tons 3,736 704 1,949 3,494 700 1,720 Soda ash — ammonia soda process: _ ooc Total wet and dry’ (98%-100% NaaCOs)...... Tons 2 '«r'ñóó óó'iói onaaon aq ' Finished light (98%-100% NaaCOs)* Tons 2’2-24° 4H?? “Ha- o'uoa ?9 'r r o Finished dense (98%-100% MarCOr)...... Tons 120-®42 3’214 Natural 7 Tons lo,221 3,341 13,778 1,/Z4 Sodium bicarbonate (refined) (ÍÓÓ% ÑftHCÓs) Tons 13,077 3 f'fnl 1A,ooi I Sodium bichromate and chromate (100%) Tons *«Z’9?2 0.1 n-r 1 « H S S n a n g o oo *í«;7?a Sooiuir hydroxide, liquid: electrolytic process (100% ÑaÓH)... Tons 100,553 -4,971 3-,875 2-,480 35,736 Lime-soda process (100% NaOH) Tons 57,733- 3 13,967 58,037 3 14,741 Sodium phosphate: monobasic (100% NalLiPOi)...... M lb...... Dibasic (100% NasHPOO Tons J Tribasic (100% NajPCb) Tons 1 rQ. 0 . . lft Sodium silicate (water glass): liquid (40 Baumé) Tons ?n’2Io 9 r^Q r’ioi fn’sno 9 7Qf> « ’455 Solid (all forms combined) Tons 10,548 2,639 8,191 10,809 2,796 8.455 Sodium sulphate: glauber salt and crude salt cake 7...... Tons 11 , . Anhydrous (refined) (100% NasSOO ...... Tons ] . . . Sulphur dioxide (100% SO*)...... M lb. 1 . }9M Sulphuric acid:7 chamber process (100% H*SO<)...... Tons 272,1281 266,448 ica «7« r ...... 5 287,962 Contact process3 (100% H*SOd Tons 491,179 / 480,675 J W h ite le ^ i>ntaCtPr0CeS3l> (100% H !S0<)...... T om 7 ’, 113 " 2 ', Í 9 8 " " 8 ’,85Ó " 6*,206 " 2',480...... ¿',694 zí¿¿ y ¿ISi*

BERYLLIUM, ¿/-lake. a*tci Qcui ßa/i BERYLLIUM OXIDE, M eial Qn*de BERYLLIUM OXIDE, QI*tox&iGe*d BERYLLIUM ALLOYS

M anu^aciu/iecL Ltf. Chemical process plants all over the country are finding in Bump Pumps tho answer to their wartime pump problems. CLIFTON PRODUCTS, INC. Positive displacement type, Bump Pumps deliver a con­ stant volume per revolution PAIN ESVI LLE OHIO that Is not affected by speed or pressures. Easy to main­ tain with minimum of atten­ tion. and easy to install any service. Consult our engineers Calciners on your wartime pumping ■ problems. Details upon re­ quest. Coo/ers

movim

nowe* "i«r a»» MATwm TAKE CARE obtain the specialized experience and designs, plus manufacturing facilities of OF THE PUMPS YOU NOW 17 E. 42nd St., HAVE... LR.CHRISTIE CO. New Y ork 17. N. Y. Send us your problems— we would enjoy solving them 7&.BHMP PUMP CO 's^sssm sssssB sm

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 203 A. L,'.'K :

St STEEL r***AUBU HIADS CONTAINERS eOMVWKHT O P E H IH 6 S NO? HTa”"'*rIONo . . . fill every requirement for the safe packaging €o **t b n t s of liquids, semi-liquids, powders or granulated materials. Resealable openings that can be closed as tight as the original package make steel con­ tainers very acceptable to users. This is one of many reasons why buyers often show preference for products packed in Inland Steel Containers.

INLAND STEEL CONTAINER CO. | Foimerly Wilson & Bennett Mfg. Co. t 6532 South M e n a rd Avenue, Chicago 38, Illinois PLANTS AT: CHICAGO • JERSEY CITY • NEW ORLEANS • RICHMOND. CALIF.W

AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING Chlorate, kegs, lb ...... 06 }- .06} Cyanide cases, dom., lb ...... ■ 14Í- .15 Fluoride, bb., lb ...... 07 - .08 CHEM. & MET. Hyposulphite, bbl., 100 lb...... 2.40 - 2.50 Metasilicate, bbl., 100 lb ...... 2.50 - 2.65 Weighted Index of Prices for Nitrate, bulk, 100 lb ...... 1.35 ,,,,,, Nitrite, casks, lb ...... 06}- .07 CHEMICALS Phosphate, tribasic, bags, lb... 2.70 - . Prussiate, yel. bags, lb ...... 091- .10 Silicate (40° dr.), wks., 100 lb.. .80 - .85 Base = 100 for 1937 Sulphide, bbl., lb ...... 02}-, Sulphite, crys, bbl., lb ...... 02}-. 02} Sulphur, crude at mine, long ton. 16.00 PULSAFEEDERS This m onth...... 109.48 Last m onth...... 109.50 Dioxide, cyl., lb ...... 07 - .08 AS THEY NOW SERVE IN August, 1943...... 109.03 Tin crystals, bbl., lb ...... 39}-. PROCESSING INDUSTRIES August, 1942...... 109.11 Zinc chloride, gran, bbl., lb...... 05}- .06 ( ) Oxide, lead free, bag, lb ...... 07}-. 5% leaded, bags, lb ...... 07}-. Sylphate, bbl., cwt...... 3.85 - 4.00 CURRENT PRICES OILS AND FATS Castor oil, No. 3 bbl., lb ...... $0.132- $0.14} The accompanying prices refer to round lota, Chinawood oil, tanks, lb ...... 38}-...... 80,000.000 PEOPLE Where it is trade custom to sell fob works, Coconut oil, ceylon, tank, N. Y., quotations are so designated. Prices are cor­ lb ...... rected to August Corn oil crude, tanks (f.o.b. mill), 8 lb ...... 12}-...... IN THE NEAR EAST Cottonseed oil, crude (f.o.b. mill), INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS tanks, lb ...... 12!-...... SO.07 -, Linseed oil, raw, car lots, bbl., lb. .151-...... Acid, acetic, 28%, bbl., 100 lb . 3.38 - $3.63 Palm casks, lb ...... 09 - ...... 109.00 -113.00 Peanut oil, crude, tanks (mill), lb. .13 - ...... Citric, kegs, lb ...... 20 - .23 Rapeseed oil, refined, bbl., lb .... nom Formic, cbys, lb ...... t .. . 10}- .11 8oy bean, tank, lb...... 1 11...... Hydrofluoric, 30%, drums, lb .. .08 - .085 Menhaden, light pressed, dr., lb .. .1305-...... Lactic, 44%, tech.. light, bbl., lb . .073- .075 Crude, tanks (f.o.b. factory) lb. .08}-...... Muriatic, 18°, tanks, 100 lb ---- 1.05 -. Grease, yellow, loose, lb...... 081-...... Nitrio, 30°, carboys, lb ...... 05 - .05} Oleo stéarine, lb ...... 0 9 } - ./...... Oleum, tanks, wks., ton...... 18.50 - 20.00 Oleo oil, No. 1, lb ...... 11}"...... UA U 11U J OVUliJ, ...... • H i . 12} Red oil, distilled, dp.p. bbl., lb ... .121-...... Phosphoric tech., tanks, lb... . .04 Tallow extra, loose, lb ...... 08J Sulphuric, 60°, tanks, to n ...... 13.00 -, Tartaric, powd., bbl., lb ...... 70}-, COAL-TAR PRODUCTS Alcohol, am yl...... Alpha-napthol,Aipua*ua{Jiiiut| wuUC|crude, bbl., uui., lb.*“•••. •• • - $0.55 .131-...... Alpha-naphthylamine, bbl., lb---- .34 Alcohol, butyl, tanks, lb ...... 10! - .181 Aniline oil, drums, extra, lb .:---- !l - .16 Alcohol, ethyl, denatured, 190 Aniline salts, bbl., lb ...... 22 - .24 Benzaldehyde, U.S.P., dr., lb.... .85 - .95 No. 1 special, tanks, gal. wks.. .50 - ...... Benzidine base, bbl., lb ...... 70 - .75 Alum, ammonia, lump, bbl., lb... .04}-...... Benzoic acid, U. S. P., kgs., l b . .. .54 - .56 Aluminum, sulphate, com. bags, Benzol, 90%, tanks, works, gal... .15 - . W i l s o n Pulsafeeders will be key units 1 0 0 1 b ..;...... 1.15- 1.40 Benzyl chloride, tech., dr., lb.... .23 - .25’ Ammonia, anhydrous, cyl., lb ...... 16 - ...... Beta-naphthol, tech., drums, lb... .23 - .24 in water supply and sanitation sys­ tanks, lb.. .04}-...... Cresol, U. S. P., dr.. lb ...... 11 - . Ammonium carbonate, powd. Cresylic acid, dr., wks., gal...... 81 - .83 tems in Near East re-location centers tech., casks, lb ...... 09}- .12 Diphenyl, bbl., lb ...... 15 - . Sulphate, wks, ton...... 2 8.20-...... Diethyianiline, dr., lb ...... 40 - .45 for 80,000,000 people. Also, they will Amylacetate, tech., from pontane, Dinitrophenol...... 23 - .25 tanks, lb ...... 145-...... Dinitrotoluol bbl., lb...... 18 - .19 be important units in flow-control Aqua ammonia, 26®, drums, l b ... .02};- .03 Dip oil, 15%, dr., gal...... • ... .23 - .25 tanks, ton... 65.00 -. Diphenylamine, dr. f.o.b. wks., lb. .60 - . lines in certain processing industries. Arsenic, white, powd., bbl., lb.... .04 - ’ *.04} H-acid, bbl., lb ...... 45 - .50 Barium carbonate, bbl., ton 65.00 75.00 Hydroquinone, bbl., lb ...... 90 - . Chloride, bbl. ton ...... 75.00 - 78.00 Naphthalene, flake, bbl., lb...... 07 - .07} These planned communities will set Nitrate, casks, lb ...... 09}- .11 Nitrobenzene, dr., lb...... 08 - .09 Blanc fix, dry, bags, ton...... 60.00 70.00 Paracresol, bbl., lb ...... 41 - . new, regional standards for cleanli­ Bleaching powder, f.o.b., wks., Para-nitraniline, bbl., lb ...... 47 - .49 drums, 1001b...... 2.50 - 3.00 Phenol, U. S. P., drums, lb ...... 10}- .11 ness, opportunity, health mainte­ Borax, gran., bags, ton...... 45.00 - ...... Picric acid, bbl., lb ...... 35 - .40 Calcium acetate, bags...... 3.00 - ...... Pyridine, dr., gal ...... 1.70 - 1.80 nance and living. W i l s o n Pulsa- Arsenate, dr. lb ...... 0 7 - .08 Resorcinol, tech, kegs, l b ...... 75 - .80 Carbide, drums, ton ...... 50.00 - ...... Salicylic acid, tech., bbl., lb . .33 - .40 feeder accuracy, efficiency, depend­ Chloride, flake, bags, del., ton.. 18.50 - 25.00 Solvent naphtha, w.w., tanks, gal. .27 - . Carbon'T'~*__ bisulphide,U1_*J_ J ______drums, 1lb ...... 05 *TO - .05} gQ Tolidine, bbl., lb ...... 86 - .88 ability and economy arc world known. Tetrachloride drums, gal...... 73 - Toluol, drums, works, gal...... 33 - . Chlorine,. liquid,„ tanks, Jwks., 100 HU lb. 1.75 - 2^00 Xylol, com., tanks, gal...... 26 - . Copperas,.bgs, f. o. b., wks, ton. 17.00 - 18.00 They are the world-wide choice of Copper carbonate, bbl., lb ...... 19}- .20 MISCELLANEOUS experts. Sulphate, bbl., 100 lb ...... 5.00- 5.50 $0.24 Cream of tartar, bbl., lb...... 57 - ...... Casein, tech., bbl., lb ...... Î 0 .19 - Diethlylene glycol, dr., lb...... 14}- . 16} Pulsafeeders, thousands of them, in water Epsom salt, dom., tech., bbl., Dl?arbon gas, black (wks.), lb . . . .0335- .30 Prussian blue, bbl., lb ...... 36 - .37 and sanitation plants ... in medical, food, 1001b...... 1.90- 2.00 .26 Ethyl acetate, tanks, lb ...... 11}-...... Ultramarine blue, bbL, lb ...... 11 - Chrome green, bbl., lb ...... 2 1}- .30 chemical and oil laboratories ... in big Formaldehyde, 40%, tanks, lb ... .036-...... 4.60 - 4.75 Furfural, tanks, lb ...... 09 - ...... Carmine, red, tins, lb ...... capacity plants contributing to speed and Para toner, lb...... ----- .75 - .80 Glaubers salt, bags, 100 lb 1.05- 1.10 2.75 - 2.80 accuracy . . . through flow-control of Glycerine, c.p., drums,* extra, lb .. .1 8 !-...... Vermilion, English, bbl., lb.... Lead: Chrome, yellow, C. P.t bbl., lb. .14}- .15} Gum Copal*Congo, bags, lb ...... 09 - .30 liquids of any kind, in any volume, in White, basic carbonate, dry .09 - .15 casks, lb ...... 08}-. Manila, bags, lb...... mono- or multi-feedings. Demar, Batavia, cases, lb ...... 10.- .22 r Red, dry. sck. lb ...... 09}-. .18 - .60 Lead acetate, white crys., bbl., lb. .12}- .13 Kauri, cases, lb ...... Magnesite, calc., ton...... 64.00 - . W R IT E ...for in­ Lead arsenate, powd., bag, lb ___ .11}- .12 .05 - '".0 7 Lithopone, bags, lb ...... 04! Pumice stone, lump, bbl., lb ...... formation about .04}- Rosin, H., 100 lb ...... 6.45 - Magnesium carb., tech., bags, lb .. .061- .06} .89 - Methanol, 95%, tanks, gal...... 58 - . Turpentine, gal ...... measured-flow han­ Shellac, orange, fine, bags, lb . . . . .39 - ' Synthetic, tanks, gal...... 24 - . .39 - dling of liquids and Phosphorus, yellow, cases, lb ...... 23 - .25 Bleached, bonedry, bags, lb.... Potassium bichromate, casks, lb.. .09f— .10 T. N. bags, lb ...... 31 - automatic filling Chlorate, powd., lb ...... 09J- .12 Hydroxide (o’sticpotash) dr., lb. .07 .0} machines. Muriate, 60 % bags, unit...... 53}-. Nitrate, bbl., lb ...... 05}-.. .06 CHEM. & MET. Permanganate, drums, lb.. 1 ’. ’. . 19 }- .20 Prussiate, yellow, casks, lb...... 17 - .18 Weighted Index of Prices for SaFammoniac, white, casks, lb... .0515- .06 Salsoda, bbL, 100 lb ...... 1 .0 0 - 1.05 Salt cake, bulk, ton...... is!00 -. OILS & FATS Soda ash, light, 58%, bags, con­ tract, 100 lb ...... 1.05 - . Dense, bags, 100 lb ...... 1 .1 5 - ., Base = 100 for 1937 3oda, caustic, 76%, solid, drums, CHEMICAL FEEDERS, INC. 100 lb...... 2.30 - 3.00 This month...... Jlr'iH Acetatedel., bbl., lb ...... 05 - .06 Last m onth...... }|5.24 Bicarbonate, bbl., 100 lb 1 .7 0 - 2.00 August, 1943...... 145^55 214 Clinton St. (p. o. box9?8) Buffalo 4, N.Y. Bichromate, casks, lb ...... 071- .08 August, 1942...... 141.53 Bisulphate, bulk, ton...... 16.00-17.00 Est. 1 9 2 3 ...with Experience in Allied Lines Since 1914 Bisulphite, bbL, lb ...... 0 3 - .04

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 205 m msmmidt

PROPOSED WORK ,------Current Projects------. -Cumulative 1911— Proposed Proposed Work Contracts Work Contracts Conn., Stamford—American Cyanamid No\v Emdnnd...... $40, 000 ...... $810.000 $1.677,000 Co., 1937 W est Main St., is receiving Middle Atlantic...... 295,000 $8,585,000 7.102.000 9.988.000 South...... 122,000 4,230,000 12.207.000 19.831.000 bids for the construction of Warehouse Middle West...... 291,000 65,000 770,000 27.347.000 No. 3. West of Mississippi...... 8,510,000 1,750,000 26.515.000 17.102.000 Far W est...... 5,000,000 7.299.000 12.506.000 Ga., Griffin—Knox Glass Bottle Co., Fan­ C anada...... 110,000 550,000 7.947.000 6.227.000 nin Rd., Jackson, Miss., is having plans T otal...... $9,431,000 $20,180,000 562,659,000 $94,678,000 prepared by H. L/ Robinson, Archt., c/o owner, for the construction of a Tex., Pasadena—Southern Acid & Sulphur O., Mansfield—Mansfield Tire & Rubber 100x800 ft. factory. Co., Wallisville Rd., Houston, plans to Co., has awarded the contract for the Kan., Topeka—Defense Plant Corp., 811 construct nine reinforccd-concrete and construction of a 4 story, 35 x60 ft. Vermont Ave., N. W ., Washington, steel silos here. Dorr & Co., Inc., 570 factory addition to Simon Small & Sons D. C., plans to construct a synthetic Lexington Ave., New York, N. Y., Co., 13 Park Ave., Mansfield. Esti­ rubber manufacturing plant here to be Engrs. mated cost $65,000. operated by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Ont., Sault Stc Marie—Windsor Metal­ Pa., Aliquippa—Jones & Laughlin Steel Co. of Kansas, Inc., Topeka. Estimated lurgical Processes, Ltd., Sault Ste Marie, Corp., 3rd and Ross Sts., Pittsburgh, cost $6,500,000. plans to construct a metallurgical proc­ has a\varded the contract for the con­ Ky., Louisville-National Distillers Prod­ essing plant. Estimated cost $50,000. struction of 106 by-product coke ovens ucts Corp., 120 Bway., New York, N. Ont., Toronto—Fyron Ceramics, Ltd., c/o to Koppcrs Co., ¿Coppers Bldg., Pitts­ Y., plans to construct an evaporator G. Ruel, 51 West King St., Toronto, burgh. Estimated cost $7,500,000. building and dryer house. Estimated plans to construct a plant for the manu­ Pa., Philadelphia—International Chemical cost $42,250. facture and processing of ceramics, etc. Co., 2642-48 North Mascher St., has La., Monroe—Interstate Natural Gas Co., Estimated cost $50,000. awarded the contract for a storage build­ Inc., Monroe, plans to construct two Que., Kcnogami—Price Bros. Co., Ltd., 65 ing to S. H. Lccin, 1717 Sansom St.. 1000 lip. gas compressors, housing and St. Anne St., Quebec City, plans to re­ Philadelphia. Estimated cost $50,000. auxiliary equipment in Ouchita Parish. model its paper mill. Estimated cost Pa., Punxsutawncy—Defense Plant Corp., Estimated cost will exceed $40,000. $40,000. 811 Vermont Ave., N. W ., Wash., D. Neb., Ralston—'The Rcfinite Corp., 11th C., has awarded the contract for the and Harney Sts., Omaha, is having plans CONTRACTS AWARDED construction of a manufacturing plant prepared by Henningson Engineering to consist of two 2 story, 120x 230 ft. Co., Standard Oil Bldg., Omaha, for Calif., Torrance — General Petroleum buildings to Wigton-Abbott Corp., the construction of a processing plant Corp., 108 W est Second St., Los An­ 1225 South Ave., Plainfield, N. J. Esti­ here. Estimated cost $250,000. geles, has awarded the contract for the mated cost $900,000. design and construction of a stoker unit N. J., 'Arlington—E. I. du Pont dc Ne­ for twin cracking plant to M. W . Kel­ Tenn., Memphis—Southern Acid & Sul­ mours & Co., Inc., 1007 Market St., logg Co., 190th and Figueroa Sts., Gar­ phur Co., Warford Ave., has awarded Wilmington, Del., will soon award the dena. Estimated cost $5,000,000. the contract for the construction of ad­ contract for the construction of a 1 and ditions to its chemical plant to H. K. Ky., Louisville—B. F. Goodrich Co., Main 2 story nylon storage building. Ferguson, Hanna Bldg., Cleveland, O. St., Akron, O., has awarded the contract Project will be financed by Defense N. J., Princeton—Heyden Chemical Co., for the construction of a chemical plant Plant Corp., Washington, D. C. Esti­ 50 Union Sq., New York, N. Y., plans here to Austin Co., 16110 Euclid Ave., mated cost $330,000. to construct additional facilities at its Cleveland, O. Estimated cost $1,200,- plant here. Project will be financed by 000. Tex., Columbus—Shell Oil Co., Inc., P. Defense Plant Corp., Washington, La., Baton Rouge—Consolidated Chemi­ O. Box 2099, Houston, Zone 1, has D. C. Estimated cost $215,000. cal, Inc., North Baton Rouge, will con­ awarded the contract for the design and O., Cleveland—Standard Oil Co., Harold struct an addition to its chemical plant. construction of a cycling plant to have West, Engr. in charge, Midland Bldg., W ork will be done by force account and a daily capacity of 100,000,000 cu. ft. plans to construct additional facilities subcontracts. Estimated cost $500,000. gas, to Petroleum Engineering Co., Inc., for its refinery here. Estimated cost Commerce Bldg., Houston. Estimated $ 100,0 00. La., Haynesvillc—Ohio Co., Midstates Oil cost $1,750,000. Corp., Gulf Refining Co. & Associ­ O., Toledo — Owens-Coming Fiberglas ates, City Bank Bldg., Shreveport, have Va., Bentonville—Stauffer Chemical Co., Corp., Nicholas Sq., plans alterations awarded the contract for the design and 420 Lexington Ave., New York, N. Y., and addition to its factory here. Esti­ construction of a gasoline and cycling has awarded the contract for plant here, mated cost $193,817. plant to Jones & Laughlin Supply Co., main building to be 40 x 200 ft., to Pa., Jeanette—Pennsylvania Rubber Co., Petroleum Bldg., Tulsa, Okla. Esti­ Brown & Matthews, 122 East 42nd St., P. C. Mathewson, Mgr., plans to alter mated cost $1,700,000. New York, N. Y. Estimated cost $500,- 000. and construct additional facilities at its N. J., Passaic—Raybcstos-Manhattan, Inc., plant. W illett St., has awarded the contract Que., Hull—Canada Cement Co., Ltd., Tex., Bowie—Continental Oil Co., Ponca for the construction of a factory build­ Montreal, has awarded the contract for City, Okla., plans to construct a gas re­ ing to Lamworth-Hughes Co., 177 Van No. 3 plant addition to E. Brunet &- pressing plant to include 600 hp. com­ Houten St., Paterson. Estimated cost Son, 3> Aylmer St., Hull. Estimated pressor capable of handling 4,000,000 $45,000. cost $50,000. CU, ft. gas daily. Estimated cost $750,- N. J., Piscataway (Bound Brook P. O.)— Que., Montreal—Canadian Copper Refin- 000. . ■ Bakclitc Corp., 30 East 42nd St., New . eries, Ltd., Durocher Ave., has awarded Tex., Houston—Shell Union Oil Corp., York, N. Y., has awarded the contract the contract for the construction of a Chemical Div., Shell Bldg., plans to con­ for alterations to its plant to W. L. copper sulphate plant to Foundation struct a chemical plant in this area. Blanchard, 45 Poinicr St., Newark. Es­ Co., Ltd., 1538 Sherbrooke St., W„ Estimated cost $1,000,000. timated cost $90,000. Montreal, estimated cost $500,000.

206 • AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING KO M-B l-NATO R HOMOGENIZER

LATEX IIÇOLLOJÎ'D, O S & Ź K S r' P j f S P J É l& S c tÆ M ^ Y R U ífe ltddä iP E R S Íi

HOCOLATĘ BEAN RAM EU |CANDYj ■¿S-lfl-hiO/? !

Structurally different the FLO W-MASTER has introduced Homogenization to Industry heretofore thought impossible resulting in new products — and improvements of standard items. Your products can be continuously handled in large volumes for hydraulic grinding to micron size and homogenizing by an entirely new method that doesn’t depend on pres­ sure alone. FIOW-MASmastertV c pUmp Products that no homogenizer was ever able your product needs tn k to process are now handled on the FLOW- ferred — metered o rrans' MASTER and the volume is constant re­ gardless of reduction size. N o scorching or off-flavoring occurs because the product must keep steadily moving ag^ast normal wear. efficien9' from entrance to exit, and there are no Attention E?uip threads, pockets or corners in which it might become lodged. Sanitary: easily and quickly cleaned when of ^ human body so rh ^ heart of eqUm « changing from one product to another. ^ovementJit i? ;emf0rprodu« Quality, Appearance, Taste, Texture and vestigate 4 , FLOWj ^ “ Sales Appeal are all improved and the manufacturing cost is lowered.

MARCO CO. Inc., 511 Monroe Street, Wilmington 7, Del.

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 207 208 . AUGUST 19 U • CHEMICAL & METALLURGIOM. ENGINEERING . »n , in de*'90 *in bp¿d o T • • • ‘,n î ï i ł° bed i 3 -

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S-5IT CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST 1944 • 209 Bristol Continuous pH Controllers Help Speed Production .. . Guarantee Uniform Quality in the Manufacture of —

BRISTOL CONTINUOUS •pH CONTROLLER BRISTOL CONTINUOUS pH CONTROLLER r— - 1 |----- IS«A IR SUPPLY

POWER 1 5 tt AIR SUPPLY .SUPPLY CONTINUOUS pH CONTROL OF .POWER COAGULATION AND SOAP CON­ ICONNECTOR ■SUPPLY BRINE BOX VERSION IN THE MANUFACTURE CONNECTOR BRISTOL BOX OF GR-S RUBBER. ■SYNCHRO VALVE BRISTOL SYNCHRO VALVE

CREAMING TANK

•UNIT COAGULATION TANK SOAP CONVERSION — i. TANK

WASH WATER AUTOMATIC-WEIGHING MACHINE ANTIOXIDANT

VACUUM FILTER

LATEX-BLENDING TANK DRIERDISINTEGRATOR BALER GR S RUBBER

In every synthetic rubber plant built under government auspices, those vital steps are guided A glance at the schematic drawing above reveals by Bristol pH Controllers. Operation is fully auto­ how Bristol Continuous pH Controllers are applied matic and the instruments hold the pH value of the to the coagulation and soap conversion tanks in the solutions to a degree of constancy obtainable in no manufacture of synthetic rubber. other way.

E BRISTOL COMPANY, Waterbury 91, Connecticut Bristol Company of Canada, Ltd., Bristol’s Instrument Co., Ltd., Toronto, Ont. London N.W. 10, England

• AVGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING AIDS THE GROWTH” OF A TROPICA! PRODUCT IN AMERICAN PLANTS

A typical method of automatically controlling the pH value BRISTOL CONTINUOUS of a solution is shown at the right. The pH Controller can pH CONTROLLER BRISTO L AUTOMATIC LIQUID LEV EL maintain any predetermined pH value in the tank as the T 15 LB. AIR SUPPLY CONTROLLER I5LB.AIR solution passes through it. The Bristol Automatic Liquid I V I ^SUPPLY •

Level Controller shown in the sketch automatically controls liOWER SUPPLY the liquid in tank a t exact level required by the prodfcss.

POWER^ SUPPLY Bristol pH Recorders and Continuous Controllers combine ruggedness and sensitive accuracy. Two types of assemblies arc available. Enclosed BRISTOL CONTROL /SYNCHRO-VALVE Flow T ype — In this assembly, the electrodes and VALVE temperature bulb are mounted within an acid- resisting enameled iron flow chamber through which a sample of the solution under measurement flows SOLUTION TO BE LIM E SOLUTION or is pumped. Immersion Type — This assembly, TREATED IN r designed for immersion in tanks or vats, is mounted TANK

on a stainless steel plate and protected by a stainless LEVEL IN TANK steel cage. AUTOMATICALLY Electrodes for both types are made for use at MAINTAINED temperatures up to 100° C. Write for Bulletin 103 on Automatic Control of Synthetic Rubber Processes.

>H ELECTRODE -UNIT

TANK

SCHEMATIC DRAWING OF HOW pH CONTROL SYSTEM IS INSTALLED ON CONTINUOUS PROCESS

BRISTOL PROCESS CONTROL IS WORTH INVESTIGATING

Bristol’s leadership in automatic process control ing leadership can be translated into benefit for you. . . must have been the deciding factor in the exclusive for your processes. A Bristol engineer will be glad to choice of Bristol pH Controllers in government- talk things over with you. No obligation, of course. The sponsored synthetic rubber plants. This same engineer­ Bristol Company,109 Bristol Road, Waterbury91, Conn,

BRISTOL

AUTOMATIC C.ONTROLUNG AND RECORDING INSTRUMENTS

CHEMICAL & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING • AUGUST '1944 ALL DRINKING

Among the first items of equipment to be put ashore in amphibian operations, is the "seagoing waterworks.” Through such distillation units, raw sea water or bac­ teria laden swamp water is quickly converted to chem- ically pure water for drinking, cooking and hospital use.

And Anaconda Copper and Copper alloys have con­ tributed materially to the Cleaver-Brooks Company, Milwaukee, units shown here. Condenser tubes are of Anaconda Admiralty Metal, tube sheets are of Ana­ conda Muntz Metal. Admiralty tubes are also used in preheater and cooler, Anaconda Copper Sheet for evaporator baffles (to prevent drops of sea water from

212 • AUGUST 1944 • CHEMICAL &- METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING