U.S.I. CHEMICAL NEWS
January— February
A Series of Advertisements for the Chemical Process Industries
New Method Determines Permeability of Solvents Through Polyethylene An article in American Perfumer and Cosmetics (Sept., 1966) shows how a nomograph can be used to determine permeability of various solvents through polyethylene. Permeability is expressed by this equation: log P 16.55-3700/T-0.227T In the above, P is permeability,
1967
New Unit Detects Organic Contaminants in Containers Designed Originally for Dairies, Electronic 'Snifter' Has Potential Use in Cosmetic, Drug, CPI Industries A new electronic system detects volatile organic materials at levels below 10 parts per million in atmosphere. The sensitivity of the detection system at production speeds suggests its use in checking containers for any product that could be affected by contamination. Examples: high-purity
had to be a sensitive and reliable detector of gasoline solvents and other volatile organics. How it Works Typically, a dairy installs the detector on the filling line just after the point where the Polytrip polyethylene botde leaves the washing station.
Permeability is factor in PE packaging.
Operator watches detector "sniff" bottles in test for significant organic contamination.
grams solvent/(day)(mil)(100 sq. in.); T is absolute temperature, degrees Kelvin; and ic is permachor value, dependent on the structure of the solvent. Data on permeability through PE are useful to formulators of cosmetics, toiletries and other products. For a reprint of the article (with sample nomograph), write to U.S.I., specifying No. 2360. U.S.I, supplies Petrothene® polyethylene resins for a variety of packaging applications.
cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and foods (e.g., dairy products). Capable of making over 50 checks per minute, the patented detector was originally developed for use with trie first returnable plastic milk bottle— U. S. I.'s Polytrip™ system. The system is already in use at over 30 U. S. dairies. The importance of the "snifter" unit is emphasized because there's no telling what someone may put in a milk bottle before it's returned to the dairy. Therefore, the heart of the system
As each container passes under the detector, a probe withdraws a sample of atmosphere. The sample is heated so that any foreign materials ionize at a predetermined level. Ionization varies electrical potential across two detection elements and causes a ramming device to puncture the bottle so that the filling unit cannot draw a vacuum. For containers other than the Polytrip bottle, the ramming unit could be replaced by an audible or visual signal. (Continued on next page)
January—February
U.S.I.CHEMICALNEWS
1967
D e t e c t o r (continued) If you would like general information on the Polytrip system, write to U. S. L, specifying No. 2361. If you would like to explore possible adaptation of the detector to your packaging requirements, write to Mr. R. L. Orsage, U. S. I., 99 Park Ave., New York, N. Y. 10016.
Lunar Vehicle Rides on Titanium Wheels An experimental lunar vehicle sports giant-size semi-elastic wheels made of titanium alloy.
its high strength-to-weight ratio, ductility, and resistance to deformation and corrosion. The metal is supplied by Reactive Metals, Inc., a jointlyowned affiliate of National Distillers and Chemical Corporation and U.S. Steel Corporation.
Utilities Group Studies Radioactive Sodium A new research laboratory, jointly owned by 43 utilities and power systems, is investigating the behavior of radioactive sodium as used in the so-
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS TBPO and TOPO (tributylphosphine oxide and trioctylphosphine oxide) are offered in semi-commercial quantities. Products are suggested as catalysts, also as complexing agents in solvent extractions of metals. No. 2362 Dispersing pigments with the aid of microfine polyethylene powder is described in new technical bulletin. Mixing techniques, effects on processing and coating properties are included. No. 2363 Ultrasonic cleaning reportedly can now be accomplished in large capacity console that features units for immersion and spray rinsing. No. 2364
Lunar vehicle has 211-inch wheel base, individual drive for each wheel.
Console cleans parts with ultrasonic energy.
The unusual wheel design will enable the vehicle to negotiate hard, soft and uneven lunar surfaces during exploration missions. As the above photo shows, each 80-inch diameter wheel consists of a series of small-spring titanium rings, positioned between a larger titanium inner ring and an outer titanium tread ring. The spring characteristics of the metal allow the tread ring maximum contact with uneven surfaces. The result: better traction. Titanium was specified because of
Determining chlorinated hydrocarbons in 1, 2-dichloroethane via gas chromatography is described in research paper. No. 2365
dium-cooled fast-breeder type of atomic reactor. Sodium used in these reactors must be of exceptional purity. The new research facility—actually, an addition to an existing installation studying non-radioactive sodium —is looking into instrumentation methods of determining changes in impurity concentrations. U. S. I. supplies sodium in various forms (bricks, drums, bulk), and assists customers in developing uses for the metal.
Rotational molders, designers, suppliers are listed by state in new 12-page directory. Booklet was prepared to assist design engineers in evaluations. No. 2366 For more information on the U.S.I, products or other items in this issue, write: U.S.I., 99 Park Ave., New York, N. Y. 10016. Please use the identifying number when writing.
U.S. I. Chemicals National Distillers & Chemical Corp.
