World Wide CHEMISTRY T H E present situation of the Brazilian industries has been receiving special attention from the local press during the last months, owing principally to the tendency toward the increase of prices of many manufactured goods. One local newspaper recently made several comments, the most important of which we transcribe as follows: "Brazilians must be on their guard against tendencies toward the perpetuation of the present exceptional situation in the field of economics and production. Some industrial activities were created solely because of the impossibility of importing certain articles from former sources of supply. Shielded by such circumstances, these industrial concerns have prospered by selling as they wish whatever goods they manufacture, thus creating great difficulties for purchasers in need of their articles. Rather than admit that these artificial industries should revert to the old order of things in which they would have to meet competition, efforts are being made to erect new defense measures, the heavy cost of which will always fall on the Brazilian people." Complaining against this abnormal and
prejudicial situation, the paper in question said: "To combat this craze for high prices which disorganizes everything and neglects even technical improvements and their socialeconomic consequences, we must follow the example of the United States: high technical skill, research, standardization and controlled production. Such measures make a strong country even stronger. To produce merely for the sake of producing, without method or efficiency, is not to enrich a country but rather to enslave its people by diminishing the purchasing power of currency. Disguised favors will fatally recoil on industry because of the lack of incentive to improve production and reduce costs." Braril Schedules Chemical Congress Under the sponsorship of the Associacâo Quimica do Bras il, the Fourth Brazilian Chemical Congress will be held in the city of Salvador, State of Baia. Besides the meetings of the scientific divisions on Sugar and Alcohol, Vegetable and Animal Oils, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Analytical and Physical Chemistry. Fuel and Petroleum Products, Biological Chemistry, Education and Standardization, Rubber, Ceramics, and Metallurgy, several visits to the most im-
For Writing o n Glass a n d Porcelain
portant factories and cultural entities will be made by the members of the congress. Among the visits to the industrial field o f the State of Baia will be one to the works developed by the National Petroleum Cotanoil for the production of petroleum from the areas of Lobato, Aratu, Candeias, and Itaparica. From 19 producing wells 463 barrels are being obtained daily in accordance with figures disclosed in November 1944 by a local newspaper. Another important factory to be visited belongs to the Compaahia Frateli Vita, the largest and most modéra, glassware and crystal plant in Brazil. A special trip to Aracaju is scheduled in order that the members of the congress may inaugurate the Institute of Chemistry of the State of Sergipe. Cotton, Cotton Textiles, and Coffee Lead Exports Exports from Brazil during the first seven months of 1944 showed an increase of 1,134,360 thousand cruzeiros ($56,718, U.S.) and 141,270 metric tons over t h e same'period of the preceding year. Coffee, cotton, and cotton textiles represented more than 6 0 ^ of the total value of exports, followed by carnauba wax, rock crystal, pine wood, rut>ber, coconuts, hide, leather, and other products on a minor scale. Imports during the first seven m o n t h s of 1944 represented an increase of 1,193,366 thousand cruzeiros ($59,668, U.S.) and 426,797 metric tone over the same period of 1943. Machinery and tools represent the biggest item in value, followed b y wtie&t, iron and steel products, gasoline, Diesel and fuel oils, pharmaceutical products, dyes, and Indian jute. A favorable balance of roughly $76,10^,750 was verified during the period under discussion. T h e increase in tonnage of imjports shows clearly the improvement in cargo space of the Brazilian ports. Iron, Steel, Cement Production Increased
GOLD SEAL PERMANENT LABORATORY INKS G O L D SEAL Laboratory Inks will find immediate use in C h e m i c a l , Biological, Bacteriological, Hospital a n d Industrial Laboratoriej . . . indeed a n y w h e r e w h e r e glass a n d porcelain a r e used. G O L D SEAL Laboratory Inks a r e r e a d y to u s e with clean steel pen, b r u s h or r u b b e r stamp, a n d will write as finely as p a p e r inks, w h i c h makes t h e m invaluable for labelling of small glass a n d p o r c e l a i n surfaces a s o n microscopic slides and small containers. They a r e non-acid, non-corrosive, non-injurious a n d noninflammable. They a r e resistant to acid, alkali, the u s u a l laboratory solvents a n d high temperatures. The inks a r e available in four colors . . . Red, W h i t e , Blue a n d Black. A-&403 GOLD SEAL Laboratory Ink, box of four 1-ounce bottles, o n e e a c h of red, white, b l u e a n d black $2.00 A-I405 to À»2tf»£ G O L D SEAL Laboratory Ink, r e d (A-1405), white (A-140V • « (A-1407) o r black (A-1408). O n e oui ottles Each $ . 5 0 , dozen $5.40 Eight o u n c e bottles Each $3.00
CLAY-ADAMS CO INC.
488
CHEMICAL
The Bulletin of the Federal Co unci Ζ for Foreign Trade recently published figures covering t h e production of iron, steel, and cement during the first si* months of £944. I n accordance with these official figures, the production of pig iron amounted t o 129,469 metric tons during the first six m o n t h s of 1944 against 106, 958 metric tons d u r i n g the same period of 1943. T h e production in 1944 represented an increase of 67% over production during similar months in 1939. The output of steel during the first six months of 1944 was 99,379 metric tons against 82,063 and 55,022 metric tone during the same period of 1943 and 1939, respectively. The production of laminated and rolled iron and steel during the first six months of 1939, 1943, and 1944 was, respectively, 4Γ,$03, 69,959, and 78,894 metric tons. The new*' steel plant at Volta Redonda is expeotod to go into production during the current year. Difficulties created by the war affected the cement production from 1942 onwards.
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WORLD WIDE CHEMISTRY but t h e o u t p u t during t h e first six m o n t h s of 1944 s h o w s t h a t normal p r o d u c t i o n will s o o n be reached. T h e production oi c e m e n t during the first six m o n t h s of 1942, 1943, and 1944 w a s as follows: 407,585, 3 4 8 , 2 8 1 , and 3 9 9 , 094 m e t r i c t o n s . T h e r e are 7 c e m e n t p l a n t s working in Brazil b u t o n l y 3 of t h e m are responsible for 8 5 . 5 % of t h e total production during t h e first six m o n t h s of 1^44. Sao Paulo Plans School for Chemical Engineers N e w s recently relevée' discloses that a new chemical engineering colinge is being planned in t h e c i t y of S â o Paulo. Father Saboia d e M e d e i r o s s p e n t several monthp. in t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s s t u d y i n g the organization of the m o s t i m p o r t a n t chemical engineering colleges in order t o found a modern and u p - t o - d a t e educational institution under t h e sponsorship of t h e C a t h o l i c U n i v e r s i t y of Brazil. Industrial organizations in S â o Paulo are s t u d y i n g what help should be e x t e n d e d t o the n e w college, which is considered to be of great n e c e s s i t y t o t h e large industrial field in Brazil.
M
Rosewood O i l Brins* Top Prices R o s e w o o d oil h a s been produced in t h e S t a t e s of A m a z o n a s and P a r a for a long t i m e ; h o w e v e r , t h e local production h a s o n l y rec e n t l y i n t e r e s t e d t h e foreign trade, a n d e x p o r t s h a v e contributed t o t h e e x p a n s i o n of rosewood oil distillation, m a i n l y in t h e S t a t e of A m a z o n a s . D u r i n g t h e period 1 9 3 8 - 4 2 the production of rosewood oil w a s : 1 9 3 8 — 109 t o n s ; 1939—166 tons; 1940—220 t o n s ; 1 9 4 1 — 3 2 4 t o n s ; a n d 1942—267 t o n s . T h e local m a r k e t price for B e l e m w a s raised froxn a b o u t $ 3 4 . 3 0 per metric t o n in 1938 t o $ 1 4 7 . 0 0 per m e t r i c ton in 1942. A l t h o u g h p r o d u c t i o n in 1941 w a s larger t h a n in 1942, t h e m a r k e t price w a s only $75.30 per m e t r i c ton. Postwar M o t o r Industry Discussed Motor m a g a z i n e recently published a paper d e a l i n g w i t h t h e p o s t w a r a u t o m o b i l e trend a n d t h e possibilities for Brazil in t h e future m o t o r i n d u s t r y . I n accordance w i t h t h e s t a t e m e n t s presented in t h e paper t h e N a t i o n a l S t e e l Mill a t Vol ta R e d o n d a , t h e N a t i o n a l M o t o r Factory near R i o d e Janeiro,
NO.
SULFUROUS ACID H^0,
CHEMICAI C O . . MARINETTE. W I S .
BRASS WATCR CONTROL VALVE
WATEA SUPPLV HHC
T h e Brazilian G o v e r n m e n t recently signed a decree establishing the u s e of s y n t h e t i c rubber b y t h e Brazilian industries e n g a g e d in t h e p r o d u c t i o n of t u b e s , tires, a n d rubber g o o d s . T h e s y n t h e t i c product will replace in p a r t or t o t a l l y t h e n a t i v e rubber from t h e Amazon valley. T h e decree w a s signed after t h e visit m a d e to U . S . A . b y s e v e r a l Brazilian t e c h n i c i a n s c o n n e c t e d with local rubber industries. B y using t h e i m p o r t e d product Brazil will b e able t o d i s p e n s e a large a m o u n t of n a t i v e rubber for e x p o r t a t i o n t o U.S.A. w h e r e i t will be u s e d in t h e war program.
S3,
H0SE iU=^ ^x>
= S0, IN SOLUTION SULFUROUS ACID (H.S0.)
Use of Synthetics to Release Native Rubber
V O L U M E
SPECIAL ANSUL SO, AND WATER MIXING VALVE
COI'TINUOUS SULFUROUS ACID MIXING SYSTEM
5
·
.
·
SO, SUPKY LINE FROM SHIPPING CONTAINERS OR STORAGE TANK
I PRESSURE GAUGE
SPECIAL ANSUL SO, CONTROL VALVE
SO
ROTAMETER
φ Pre-mixing of water and liquid S 0 2 . . . accomplished through the use of meters and a single, Ansul-designed valve installed at the juncture of the water and S 0 2 supply l i n e s . . . . permits constant control of the H 2 S 0 3 at any desired concentration. If you have need for an S 0 2 mixing system for a specific application in your business, Ansul technicians will plan one for you.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Chemical formula SO? Molecular weight.. ·· 64.06 Color (sas and liquid) Colorless Odor Characteristic, pungent Melting point - 1 0 3 . 9 ° F. ( - 7 5 . 5 ° C . ) Boiling point 14·Ο β F. ( -1Ο.0 β C . ) Density of liquid at 80° F . . . . ( 8 5 . 0 3 lbs. per cu. ft.) Specific gravity at 80° F · · · · · · •••••••••.1363 Density of gas at O0 C. a n d 760 m m . 2.9267 grams per liter CO. 1827 lb. per cu. ft.) Critical temperature 314.82° F. (157.12° C.) Critical pressure 1141.5 lbs* per sq. in. abs. Solubility Soluble i n water Purity 9 9 . 9 + % (by wt.) S O , (Η2Ο less than O.01%) «REG. U. S. PAT. OFF.
Send for your copy of "Liquid Sulfur Dioxide'*—a treatise on the properties, characteristics, and industrial uses of Liquid Sulfur Dioxide written by the Ansul Technical Stan*.
ANSUL CHEMICAL COMPANY M A R C H
10,
1945
489
WORLD WIDE CHEMISTRY will be in a position to permit the Brazilian production of motor trucks, and tractors, as well as low-priced cars. The author of the paper also discussed the fuel problem, showing that ethyl alcohol will be an ample source of good motor fuel for the Brazilian motor industry, suggesting also measures to increase the production and use of such fuel. The paper stressed the importance of ethyl alcohol in the national economy with consequent reduction in the consumption of imported fuels. N e w Regulations Established by Brazil
In October 1944 the Brazilian Government signed a decree by which all patents, trade marks, utility models, and ;>ther patentable models and designs, granted or registered in the Brazilian Patent Office in name of physical or juridicial persons belonging to count ries with which Brazil has no diplomatic relations, are incorporated as National Property. The Bank of Brazil will administer the patents, trade marks, and other industrial properties now incorporated as national property. The Bank of Brazil may transfer, after the necessary authorization of the Government, patents, trade marks, etc., in actual use by Brazilian firms whose liquidation has been decreed, to other persons or firms interested in same. Regulations governing the pharmaceutical products industry in Brazil were approved by the National Department of Health, in ac-
cordance with a recent publication in the governmental newspaper. The Bank of Brazil drafted regulations concerning the control of local sale and exportation of ipecac, the extract obtained from ipecacuanha root. Brazilian pharmaceutical laboratories will be guaranteed the necessary supply of emetine, the balance to be exported to the United States and Great Britain. A new agreement between Brazil and the United States regarding the purchase of Brazilian mica has been approved by both governments. The present production of mica is estimated at more than 20,000 metric tons. the most valuable deposits being in the States of Minas Gérais, Goiâs, ami Rio de Janeiro. C
Cauassu W a x in Brazil Cauassu wax, said to equal carnauba, is more easily accessible, and is now being extracted in eight different plants instead of by hand. The industry is new and the product is known by several different names: aria, hoja blanca, hoja de sal, and pampano.
Textile Institute in Sweden Full operation of the new Spanish Institute for Textile Research is expected t o begin in Goteberg by July of this year for examination of shrinkage in textiles by varying degrees of moisture, pressure, and temperature.
E. NABICO DE A R \ U J Q , JR.
Glasgow's Gasworks
Sào Paulo
British Ex port Statistics British exports of the group classified as "rhemicals. drugs, dyes, and colors" during 1943 had an aggregate value of £27,531,109, compared with £23,754,997 in 1942 and £22.060,178 in 1938, according to Department of Commerce statistics. While the values show an increase, actual quantities exported in many instances have been less. Included in the totals are exports to the United States under reciprocal aid. The figures relate only to the so-called chemical group and do not cover coal tar, coal-tar pitch, perfumery, gums and resins.
The chemical plants associated with Glasgow's four gasworks treat more than 50,000 tons of crude tar and 35,000,000 gallons of crude ammoniacal liquor annually. About 500,000 gallons of crude benzol extracted from the gas are also treated each year, reports the Department of Commerce.
M e x i c a n Crude O i l Production of crude petroleum in Mexico for 1944 is estimated at approximately 38,000,000 barrels, based upon production for the first 8 months of the year, according to the Department of Commerce. If t h e estimate is fulfilled the output will be about 10% higher than in 1943. Exports during 1944 will amount to about 5,000,000 barrels, slightly less than during 1943.
Chemicals in Spain Chemicals Favored in Spain
Although the Spanish Cabinet increased railway rates 2 5 % , staple goods freights 20°%, and other goods traffic rates 30%, coal, cement, and fertilizer rates are not raised. Mercury Stock Uncovered
Cathode-Ray OSCILLOSCOPE The new C e n c o Oscilloscope No. 71551 is now i n stock i n limited quantity a n d is available to laboratories without filing applications u n d e r W. P. B. O r d e r M-293. This oscilloscope is of improved design and excellent manufacture. The sweep circuit has greatly improved linearity over the entire range of frequencies. Direct connections may b e m a d e to the deflecting plates by means of binding posts placed on t h e back of the instrument. Also, terminals a r e provided on the front panel for a current output of about H ampere at 6 volts for external use. The 3-inch screen is covered by a plastic graph which may b e easily removed or adjusted to the position of the cathode-ray tube. N o . 71S51 C e n c o C a t h o d e - R a y © e c i i l o s c o p e , for operation o n 110-120 volt, 50-60 cycle alternating current. B a c h , $78.00.
CENTRAL SCIENTIFIC COMPANY
490
CHEMICAL·
Excavations under the old Seville custom house revealed a deposit of 6,000 tons of mercury, stocked there in the sixteenth century for export to America·. Superphosphate industry
Sociedad Anonima CROS has made application for the establishment of a superphosphate plant in the province of Tarragona, Spain, with expected production of 20,000 metric tons per annum. About 11,000 tone of calcium phosphate, valued at approximately 2,000,000 pesetas, will be imported yearly. This company, capitalized at 200,000,000 pesetas, is the largest. Spanish producer and distributor of superphosphate and has 13 plants in operation, with total capacity estimated at 1,000,000 tons annually, but it is not believed that this figure has been reached. There are 17 superphosphate-producing companies in Spain, with an annual capacity of approximately 1,750,000 tons. However, production is limited at the present time because of the shortage of raw material.
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