Records of the Burman-Rennerfelt acid aluminia process

Collection

Identifier: 2000-039

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

For a more detailed inventory, please view this record in our library catalog: https://othmerlib.sciencehistory.org/record=b1073890~S6

The collection includes patents, original plans and schematics and correspondence between Axel Sigurd Burman, the inventor, his brother Birger, an engineer, Ivor Rennerfelt, his partner, and Svea Sauer, his niece who later became the U.S. agent for the patent.

Dates

Creation: 1932-1954
Creation: Majority of material found within 1932-1937

Creator

Burman, Birger F. (creator., Person)
Burman, Axel Sigurd (Person)
Rennerfelt, Ivor (Person)

Language of Materials

Text in English and Swedish.

Biographical sketch

Axel Sigurd Burman was a Swedish chemist. His brother Birger F. Burman who resided in U.S., was an engineer. The brothers, in conjunction with businessman Ivor Rennerfelt controlled a patented method for refining alumina from clay. Although the process proved effective, and U.S. patents were secured, the brothers were unable to sell the patent in the U.S. owing to the relatively low cost of bauxite ore, the more common refining method. Upon the death of Birger Burman in 1944, his daughter Svea, Mrs. David Sauer, assumed responsibility for the marketing of the Burman patent rights in the U.S. Despite the assistance of Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson and others, she was unsuccessful in her endeavors.

Extent

.44 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

This is a collection and primary and secondary source materials concerning a new method for refining alumina from clays. The method was patented and proved successful but failed to catch on due to cost factors. Collection includes Correspondence, technical data and schematics relating to the refining of alumina.