Call Number:

039

Repository:

Science History Institute Archives

Extent:

.44 linear feet (2 boxes)

Preferred Citation:

Records of the Burman Rennenfelt Acid Alumina Process, Othmer LIbrary Archives, Science History Institute Archives, Philadelphia Pennsylvania..

Date:

1932-1954 (inclusive) and 1932-1937 (bulk)

Creator:

Burman, Birger F., Burman, Axel Sigurd, and Rennerfelt, Ivor

Form:

Archival materials

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.

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.

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.