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I n d . Eng. Chern. 48, 386 (19561
Friction Factors for Flow of Non- Newtonian Materials in Pipelines This investigation was initiated to determine the design features of pipeline systems for t h e transfer of non-Newtonian materials a t required flow rates and under available pressures. As in t h e design of pipeline systems for t h e flow of Newtonian fluids, t h e friction factor determines t h e pipeline dimensions. For this reason a generalized friction diagram was constructed, which can be used t o determine t h e friction factor for any material and flow condition, provided t h e flow properties of t h e material and t h e mean flow velocity in the pipeline are known. Experimental data of other investigators had been previously used t o establish t h e validity of the generalized friction diagram. R U T H N. W E L T M A N N NACA Lewis F l i g h t Propulsion Laboratory, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland 11, Ohio
I n d . Eng. Chern. 48, 388 (19561
Game Theory in Development Know-how and development are part of the organized function of any chemical company. But because one set of ground rules works well for one organization, the same series of rules cannot necessarily be expected to work for a n entirely different company, or for even the same company with a n entirely different product. There is a definite relationship between the strategy of such games as chess, bridge, and poker, and the complex situations arising in commercial chemical development. This article explores and explains this relationship. E. L. KROPA Battelle M e m o r i a l I n s t i t u t e , Columbus. Ohio
Ind. Eng. Chern. 48, 393 (19561
Operations Research in Management Research The application of Operations research has become quite extensive since World War 11, and t h e chemical industry is becoming one of its largest users. Three papers published this month illustrate the value of operations research activities t o management research. Following a substantial introduction t o t h e subject by Churchman, an article by Symonds shows how linear programming was used t o solve a problem i n gasoline refining and blending, and another by Stillson gives a step-by-step account t o t h e best pattern of production scheduling and inventory control for a fermentation process.
GENERAL T E C SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES I n d . Eng. C h e m . 48, 408 (1956)
Causticization of Carbonate Solutions The purpose of this work was t o determine the conditions t h a t would permit a partial causticization of mixed sodium hydroxide-sodium carbonate solutions. The results obtained differ somewhat from those obtained by Lunge or Coodwin and extend considerably beyond t h e range of their data. The factor limiting t h e concentration of solutions used in this process is not t h e solubility of sodium carbonate monohydrate in caustic solutions, but t h e appearance of pirssonite (CaCO3.Na?CO3.2H2O)as a stable solid phase a t a concentration considerably below t h a t a t which sodium carbonate crystallizes. A phase diagram for t h e system sodium hydroxidesodium carbonate-calcium hydroxide-water a t 95" C. is given. F. E. L I T T M A N and H . J . GASPARI Basic Reduction Co., Henderson, Nev. ---------------------------,
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OPERATIONS RESEARCH
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March 1956
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I n d . Eng. Chern. 48, 411 (1956)
Mechanism of Autoignition of Benzene Benzene-air mixtures are known to autoignite via a one-stage mechanism, but t h e kinetics and mechanism have been studied primarily by slow oxidation. The rapid autoignition reaction was therefore studied in a rapid compression machine and in a motored engine. Kinetics of the over-all reaction can be described by a bimolecular rate equation with a low apparent activation energy of about 11.6 kcal. Products formed during the early part of t h e reaction were diacetylene, vinylacetylene, acetylene, methanol, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and water. The most difficult step in t h e reaction appears to be the original attack on the aromatic nucleus, which then splits t o form 2- and 4-carbon acetylenes. These intermediates may rapidly react to form carbon dioxide and water as well as small quantities of methanol and formaldehyde. A. BECKERS and W . J. L E V E D A H L Technische Hochschule, Aachen, Germany, and National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.
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INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY number 60 A on Readers' Service Card, page 105 A
61 A
