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TECHNOLOGY

A laser device to detect clear air turbulence (CAT) is ready for testing at National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Marshall Space Flight Center, Ala. Using the Doppler effect, the carbon dioxide laser emits light in the infrared ( 10.2μ) and a detector on the aircraft assays wave length changes caused by motions of air molecules. Dr. Robert M. Huffaker, NASA physicist working on the device, says it operates on the same principle as Doppler radar, which, however, cannot detect CAT. Invisible to pilots, CAT can destroy aircraft flying into it.

Noise control technology and products got a boost last week as New York City put out the "first comprehensive and scientifically based study" on noise control to be published in the U.S. Urging business cooperation, the task force report on the study recommends new laws giving city agencies muscle to en­force noise levels for trucks, aircraft, subways, construction equipment, and other noise sources. Noting that truck noise exceeds the top recom­mended noise level of 85 decibels, the report calls truck traffic "the most pervasive source of noise in the city" and worthy of special attention. Task force chairman Neil H. Anderson states, "the findings prove that excessive noise is as serious in its detrimental effect on people as air pol­lution, water pollution, and the accumulation of solid waste."

Commercial feasibility has been shown for FMC's COED coal conversion process. A study by the company finds that processing of 3.5 million tons of Utah coal per year by the COED (char oil energy development) process should bring a 13 to 25% return—before taxes—on total capital investment. The estimate is based on coal prices at $3.00 per ton and prices of products at $4.00 per barrel of synthetic crude oil, 25 cents per thousand cu. ft. of hydrogen, 11.8 cents per million B.t.u. of raw product gas, and fuel char at 90% of coal value. The study concludes that COED processing can be used profitably in western states and in Illinois. More reliable estimates will come from FMC's Princeton, N.J., pilot plant, scheduled to begin operation in May.

ICI has a new multicolor dye process for textiles which cuts machinery costs and gives a con­tinuous roll of dyed fabric. Called polychromatic dyeing, the patented process operates by directing separate streams of dye liquors onto con­tinuously moving open-width fabric prior to passage between squeezing rollers, ICI states. The process requires ''comparatively simple, inexpen­sive specialized equipment used in conjunction with standard units nor­mally found in a dye works/" Use is seen particularly on cellulose fab­rics, such as cotton, linen, and viscose, and on cellulose blends.

The Pulp Manufacturers Research League may merge with the Institute of Paper Chemistry, institute secretary Wendall H. Smith revealed last week. The league would become part of the institute's new industrial and environmental systems division. The league's expertise in disposal and utilization of industry wastes will strengthen the new division to serve a vital role in the environmental field, Mr. Smith says. The new division will develop an organized systems research approach to problems of environmental quality, provide management with alternate abatement methods, pro­vide a central laboratory for environmental studies, and create an organ­ization qualified to undertake extensive research via contracts, grants, or cost-sharing arrangements from governmental bodies, he adds.

JAN. 19, 1970 C&EN 29