World Wide Chemistry
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WITH signing of peace treaties Italy can arrange business relations properly and definitively with foreign countries once more, and the Italian chemical industry can
XJ^iTH signing of peace ** treaties Italy can arrange business relations properly and definitively with foreign countries once more, and the Italian chemical industry can secure sufficient and more continuous supplies of raw materials. The Export-Import Bank has announced its willingness to grant Italy credits to the amount of $100 million. T h e loan will be granted direct to industries according to their needs, not to the government. The Bank of Italy could also purchase gold for $30 million from the Federal Reserve Bank of N e w York a t the official price of $35 per ounce. The U N R R A mission did not cease its assistance with D e c . 31 and was to continue aid until the total import value of $400 million was reached. A noteworthy contribution t o the increase of Italian industrial production was made in distribution of about 70,000 tons of essential raw materials, among which were steel, pig iron, natural rubber, copper, nickel, and tin. Coal and coke were also portioned out among various industries. The approaching end of U N R R A aid caused Italian authorities t o spend some months sounding possibilities of supplies from foreign markets, finding that the greater part of Italian requirements of coal, for at least a few years, will have to come from the U. S. A group for the supply of coal was instituted in December, with a capital of 500 million lire, by the Ministers of Treasury and Industry, its functions being t h e purchase and importation of foreign coal, agglomerated fuel, and coke. Allocation and distribution will be carried out by a special Coal Committee, the Subcommission for Industry and related sections, and wholesale coal associations. T h e search for supplies of the other raw materials will have to be conducted in part by the Italian Government, and in part by private firms. Patent Rulings In the meanwhile attention is being given to the reorganization of scientific and industrial activities in Italy, and there has been proposed the creation of a national body for the examination of inventions. Through the decree of Sept. 13, 1934, any invention of an employee belongs to his firm when it constitutes the solution of a technical problem that the employee was charged to study; he has, however, the right to a just reward if the firm takes a patent. If the employee is not supported in this way and takes a
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patent on this own account, it enters into the field of activity of the firm that has its rights. If the invention is out of the field of the firm, the employee may dispose of it as he thinks best. Italian
Production
In the first nine months of 1946 the production of minerals in Italy was as follows: iron ores, 79,548 tons; iron and manganese, 19,506 tons; manganese ores, 2,247 tons; mercury ores, 114,195 tons; mixed lead and zinc ores, 134,854 tons; lead ores, 17,027 tons; zinc and zinc-iron ores, 38,631 tons; aluminum ores, 25,207 tons; copper ores, 573 tons; tin ore, 132 tons; antimony minerals, 2,374 tons; arsenic minerals, 4,046 tons; anthracite, 75,708 tons; Liburnic and other coal, 776,600 tons; lignite and combustible shale, 277,030 tons; xyloid lignite, 860,641 tons; turf, 126,931 tons; petroleum, 5,850 tons; asphaltic rock, 167,306 tons; oleous shale (through distillation), 3,329 tons; hydrocarbon gas, 39,636 cubic meters; pyrites (also cupric), 285,721 tons; hydrated aluminum silicate, 1,074 tons; magnesite, 70 tons; sulfur minerals, 754,223 tons; raw graphite, 2,311 tons; boric acid, 2477 tons; fluorine mineral, 3,984 tons; barite, 10,681 tons; feldspar, 3,484 tons; asbestos rock, 547,219 tons. Although Italy was very short of mineral resources, sufficient quantities of aluminum, lead, zinc, mercury, pyrites, sulfur, and marble could, however, be relied upon. War damages were not great in this case. In mercury and asphaltic rock, the average monthly production was not far from that of 1939. The production of anthracite and lignite reached even a higher level, but, unfortunately, as compared with foreign coal on the basis of 7,500 calories per kg.; this production only represents about one eighth of the nation's estimated needs for 1947. The index of Italian mining conditions, according t o the general data given by the General Confederation of Italian Industry, equaled during last July 54.22% of the average monthly production of 1939. Good production results are expected in 1947 from lead, zinc, and mercury ores as well as from related industries. With reference to the aluminum industry, the Gargano layers ensure bauxite supplies, though the industry is hampered b y shortage of electric power. The extraction of pyrites from July to March had already reached 5 0 % of the average production in 1939. T h e Sicilian sulfur industry finds itself in difficulties because of American competition, whereas the production of
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sulfuric acid is better, since it can find ?tn outlet and greater working possibilities in the home market. The marble indus*.ry i s greatly hampered by exportation difllculties, by small internal demand, and b y large stocks on hand. Through the destruction suffered by the Italian metallurgical plants, their revival was slow in 1946 and was exclusively based on the recovery of scrap iron. A shortage of coal and hydroelectric power hampered furnace operation. The monthly average production of 51,000 tons of steel in the first quarter of 1940 rose t o more than 105,000 tons in September. Average production of cast iron rose from 2,218 t o 28,000 tons in the same period. The opening of plants damaged in war and a larger consignment of fuel have bettered the production of ceme'.t, and it reached 130,000 tons in northern Italy in October 1946. B y November the percentage delivered to private firms was increased to about 40. In 1946 SAFFA completed the production program assumed at the end of tin» war. Exportation of matches in particular has developed, and sales to the domestic market have been encouraging. AN IC Petroleum
Refineries
December 1946 was the first month of activity for A N I C after complete reorganization. More than 25,000 tons of benzene, petroleum, gasoline, and combustible oil were produced. The raw material used was obtained from Arabia and discharged in the port of Bari. U N R R A promised a total supply of 130,000 to 150,000 tons, A t the end of these supplies, Bari will continue work with American raw material, of which they are assured a continuous supply. ANIC possesses a technical scientific organization of first order, developed and perfected during the war, and which promises well for the future exploitation of new and profitable manufacturing operations. I t s Bari works are in good order, as are those at Novara, now enlarged and improved. The Leghorn works are damaged, but everything is ready for their reconstruction with improvements. A new agreement with the state has been asked, to give t h e A N I C a more decided private character, even if the state participates with a certain amount of capital. The Standard Oil Co. has arranged collaboration, from which noteworthy developments technically and financially are expected. ANIC will soon ask new capital for realization of a larger program. The Standard agreement has assured a continuous supply of the raw petroleum needed. Private savings form 8 0 % of the ANIC capital; only 10% is in the hands of the state, while another 10% is held by the Montecatini group. Proposals are being studied for utilizing other refineries, such as that of Porto Marghera.. It had reached considerable
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«'flu'ieiuy in t he lust prewar year, but underwent repeated bombardments. ExI M-lises far the repair of the storage tanks have been sustained b y CIP, and con siderable use has beon made of them by the Allies and by other refiners. Rayon
Industry
The Italian rayon industry was estab lished immediately following the 1914-18 war, after which it developed until Italy occupied one of the most important places in this field. During the years of war production reached 203,000 tons of rayon and floe (1941). In 1936 t h e Italian rayon industry counted 3 0 factories with a total allocation of 127,000 spinning machines and 687,000 .·* pi tidies. "War did η ot affect seriously their productive capacity. Immediately after the war, however, production suffered from lack of raw material, production in 1945 falling to 3,512 tons. Lately, a promising rise is noted, a total of 39,116 tons being recorded for 11 months of 1946. Hefore t h e war, artificial fibers and cloth were one o f Italy's most important exports. In the first nine months of 1946 exports rose to 12,467 tons, of which 3,910 were raw artificial fiber textiles and 1,9S7 various textile manufacturers.
CHEMISTRY The Montecatini
Group
The new administration was presented during a special general assembly of the Montecatini group. T h e institution of a levy of 2 5 % on all increases of capital by the Ministry in Rome in September caused immediate suspension of deliberations on increase of capital and revaluation of plant. Increase of capital from 2 billion to 4 billion lire was proposed t o cover reconstruction and higher salaries for em ployees and operatives. The assembly de cided on maintaining this rise, leaving until later a successive increase t o 8 billion through 'raising the nominal value of the shares from 100 t o 200 lire. At the Milan Industrial Fair, Monteca tini had some interesting and important exhibits, from which could be seen the organization and development continued despite war and postwar difficulties. The firm had exhibits in every branch of trade, often with the most recently introduced and significant products. T h e aluminum stand of the firm was covered with corru gated sheets of an average thickness of 0.8 mm., supplied by the associated firm of Aluminium S.A. An aluminum alloy in various colors obtained through the anodic oxidation process was shown. Aluminum Venetian blinds presented advantages in
comparison with those of wood. Special attention was given t o an electric kitchen executed entirely in oxidized aluminum. The Rhodiaceta booth in t h e clothing pavilion and the Rhodoid (from acetyl cellulose) exhibit in the furniture group showed t h e extent of application of these two Montecatini materials. There was also shown furniture constructed with amino plastics and Vipla, another impor tant application for surfacing floors which was receiving much use. The Albene fab rics of acetyl cellulose, a specialty of Società Rhodioseta Italiana were shown in large number and in the most varied colors. The Duco varnish production of M o n tecatini h a s been reinitiated in full. The equipment of the Avigliana Works was fortunately preserved from war damage and has been augmented with modern anil perfectly equipped laboratories. Montecatini, besides producing copper sulfate, bone phosphates, and other fertilizers, also furnishes mercury-organic compounds for treating seeds which also stimulate germination. Among its insecticides are lead, lime, copper (Cuprarsan), and aluminum (Arsall) arsenates, fluosilicate of barium, Anticoocico, Aficida A.L.M., and Novol for winter treatments. Of t h e 139 units of the Montecatini company, only 56 were active i n April 1945 with a much-reduced production. Today they are operating a t full or partial efficiency—106 units'have a production average of 5 0 % with respect to that of prewar times. There are now 47,000 employees and operatives, as compared t o t h e 57,000 of 1939. However, a good number of these are utilized only with difficulty. Plastics
32 Pages of Helpful on Dust Recovery If you are now using dust or fly ash recovery equipment in your plant—or are p l a n n i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n o f s u c h equipment n o w or l a t e r —you w i l l f i n d this new Multiclone booklet full of helpful information. Illustrations and diagrams outline basic principles of dust recovery a n d how to utilize them for maximum e f f i c i e n c y . . . how to s i m p l i f y y o u r
Information Systems
installations . . . how to conserve valuable plant space . . . how to get high recovery over a wide range of particle sizes, etc. A copy of this booklet should be in your files for reference and assist a n ce in dust recovery applications. A free copy w/7J gladly be sent you on request. Write today while supplies are adequate.
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CHEMICAL
Industry
There are about 800 Italian firms occupied a t present in working and transforming plastics materials (celluloid, gallatite, Bakélite, urea, cellulose acetate, Vipla, and others), nearly double t h e number in 1939. Since the wrar began, plastics have been employed increasingly for electrical, mechanical, transportation, and other important purposes. T h e plastics molding industry alone has 350 firms. A brilliant future is foreseen, although very serious difficulties have y e t to be overcome, the most important of which is that of securing raw materials. T h e current unfavorable situation concerning coal affects plastics production directly. Negotiations initiated with foreign countries for importation of phenol, benzene, and other materials have s o far had only limited results. As regards exports, which in normal times absorbed 2 0 % of production, there are considerable possibilities since Germany cannot for t h e time being supply international markets. T h i s possibility, however, requires adequate preparation, and special efforts are being made for raising quality
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NEWS
and reniodernizijig production and plants. Negotiations are under way with certain American firms for purchase of necessary patents and machinery. All producers have been asked t o assise in this program. Metliane
© EASTERN ENGINEERING • A U T O M A T I C SIGNAL e MclNTYRE
l o w joined to serve the needs of industry
Production
The demand for methane, and the limited quantities offered for consumption, especially in northern Italy, brought about a meeting in which government functionaries participated. A pipe line is to be constructed to assure Milan a sufficient quantity from t h e Polesine zone where supply is adequate. The Socictà Idrocarburi Xazionali of Florence has placed in operation three new sources of methane in Tuscany. Their daily production is about 1,600 cubic meters. T w o other wells are being drilled. In 1945 the firm reached a total production of 5,271,348 cubic meters, of which 8 2 % was obtained at Pietramala and 18% at Consandolo and Gallare. I t s petroleum production was 741 tons, 1 4 % over the preceding year. However, all develoj)ments were continually hindered by the Methane National Body, which claimed contributions on methane production reaching 2 1 % of the selling price a t Pietramala, and 4 0 % of that a t Consandolo. T h e suppression of these obligatory contributions would permit a reduction in the price of methane and improvement of industrial equipment. In a n extraordinary assembly it was decided t o increase capital from 5 million t o 25 million lire.
Eastern Industries, inc. has purchased the buildings, machinery and product production rights of t h e M c l n t y r e Co., N e w t o n , M a s s . The Mclntyre Division, E a s t e r n Industries, Inc., will continue to m a n u f a c t u r e t h e same line of precision p u m p s t h a t it has in t h e p a s t — h y d r a u l i c , fuel, alcohol, water, air, a n d metering p u m p s a s well as fluid motors.
T h e N e w t o n plant, with its noted pre cision m e t h o d s and machinery, will also be used by E a s t e r n I n d u s Eastern - D-11 tries to p r o d u c e t h e Centrifugal Pump extensive line of E a s t e r n p u m p s m a d e famous by the corporation's Eastern Engineering Division. The mixing equipment, laboratory ^ s t i r r e r s , h e a t d i s s i p a t i n g u n i t s for ψ electronic applications, a n d precision temper ature r e g u l a t o r s d e v e l o p e d by Eastern Engineering will be manufactured a t t h e corporation's p l a n t in E a s t Norwalk, C o n n .
R A P P A E L E SANSONE
Via Caffaro ISA, Int. 10 Genoa, Italy
Penicillin
Abroad
~^fte» A u t o m a t i c Signal Division w i l l c o n t i n u e to m a k e electronic e q u i p m e n t , traffic control systems, relays a n d E l e c t r o - M a tic Speed M e t e r s , as it has in t h e past, a t t h e Automatic Signal - Norwalk plant shown below.
Production of penicillin has begun or will shortly be under w a y in several foreign countries, the Office of International Trade, Department of Commerce, reports. A German company in the British Zone began production Dec. 1, 1946, and is noanufacturing about 50 million Oxford units monthly, or enough for about 500 treatments. Manufacture of the drug in Spain will b e undertaken soon by t h e Union Quimica Farmaceutica, of Barcelona- A Swedish plant in Stockholm is expected to product.· 50 billion units per month by the middle of 1947. Equipment for a Russian plant, in Kharkov, i s reportedly being supplied from Canada, and construction of a plant in Rome l i a s been authorized by. the Italian Council of Ministers.
Mexican
Model AC2 Relay
EASTERN INDOSTeiES, Iff®.
Fertiliser
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IP Eastern Mixer VG-9D
The engineering skill and greatly increased production facilities now united in Eastern Industries, Inc. can give you more comprehensive as well as specialized and individual service in the pumping, hydraulic, mixing, electronic and laboratory equipment fields. Write us concerning your requirements in these fields.
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A fertilizer plant under construction by Fuanos y Fertilizantes de Mexico, S. Α., at San Luis Potosi,Mexico, was scheduled for completion in February. Output is to be 50 metric tons of superphosphate a day.
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Mclntyre - Series 1 0 0 Precision Gear-Type Pump
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EASTERN E N G I N E E R I N G D I V I S I O N 41 Fox Street, N e w H a v e n , 6 , Conn. © A U T O M A T I C SIGNAL DIVISION i y. 140 Regent Street, East Norwalk, Conn. • McINTYRE D I V I S I O N 17 Riverdale A v e n u e , Newton 5 8 , Mass,
1947
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