Abstract: A removable annular hearth member, shaped to fit over the slag outlet member of a slagging gasifier, comprises a cast body of high thermal conductivity having integral liquid coolant passageways, the central openings of the annular hearth member and slag outlet member being arranged in vertical alignment for the discharge of slag, and the lower portion of the hearth member opening having a lip or beak extending downwardly so as to form a sealed joint with the slag outlet opening whereby in operation of the gasifier to prevent preparation of molten slag therebetween.

Abstract: Steam reforming catalysts which are suitable for the gasification of hydrocarbons, particularly heavier hydrocarbons such as kerosene and gas oils, consist of calcined and reduced forms of a basic mixed carbonate of nickel, aluminium and chromium produced by coprecipitation. The catalysts are further characterized in that they have a pore size distribution such that at least 55% by volume of the pores of the calcined but unreduced catalyst which have a pore radius of 12-120A is in the range 12-30A. The catalysts are produced by coprecipitation, preferably at temperatures of not more than 60.degree. C., by using an alkali carbonate as the precipitant and by adding the precipitant to a mixed solution of alumium, nickel and chromium III compounds. The catalysts which have good sinter and polymer resistance may be used for the production of methane-containing gases, e.g., for the production of substitute natural gas.

Abstract: A device for arresting the propagation of a crack, split or fracture in a pipeline comprises a cylindrical sleeve of greater diameter than the pipeline and having an annular and end plate fixed at each end thereof, the assembly thus formed being arranged to be positioned around the pipeline so as to define an annular space therebetween which may be filled with grout material of high compressive strength.

Abstract: A removable annular hearth member, shaped to fit over the slag outlet of a slagging gasifier, comprises a cast body of high thermal conductivity having integral coolant passageways, said passageways being formed by shaping a metal tube into a coil having an inlet and an outlet, and casting metal to the desired shape around the coil such that the inlet and outlet communicate exteriorly of the cast body.

Abstract: This invention relates to portable gas detectors having means for aspirating a sample of the atmosphere to be tested into the vicinity of two sensor devices, and including a water-trap comprising valve means arranged, in response to a drop in pressure in the flow line when water is accidentally sucked in with an aspirated sample, to temporarily close the sample flow path or to open a by-pass for detecting the presence of both natural gas and manufactured gas in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection vehicle for inspecting the internal wall of a pipeline wherein the vehicle is provided with a speed control system energized by hydraulic and turbine power obtained from pumps driven by wheels which are in engagement with the pipeline wall.

Abstract: Synthesis gases containing carbon monoxide, eg above 40% volume, and hydrogen are methanated to produce substitute natural gas, after CO.sub.2 removal, wherein the synthesis gas is simultaneously saturated with water, further heated and divided into first and second feed gas streams. The first feed gas stream is catalytically methanated at a temperature of from 250 to 550.degree. C, and the reaction product mixed with said second feed gas stream. The mixture is methanated over a second catalyst at a temperature of from 250 to 550.degree. C and the product is divided into a second product gas stream and a recycle gas stream and the recycle gas stream is admixed with the first feed gas stream, prior to the first catalytic methanation. The second product gas stream is subjected to a carbon dioxide removal process to produce SNG.

Abstract: A removable annular hearth member, shaped to fit over the slag outlet of a slagging gasifier, comprises a cast body of high thermal conductivity having integral coolant passageways, said passageways being formed by shaping a metal tube into a coil having an inlet and an outlet, and casting metal to the desired shape around the coil such that the inlet and outlet communicate exteriorly of the cast body.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process are provided whereby constituents of liquid mixtures eg non-distillate oils are vaporized under non-decomposing conditions in the presence of gases. Liquid components form a stream comprising the gas, vaporized and liquid constituents of the mixture are removed from the stream. Process may be employed to provide a vaporized feedstock for the non-catalytic thermal hydrogenation of hydrocarbon-based materials in the production of methane containing gases wherein the gas used for vaporization is the same as that used for the subsequent hydrogenation steps.

Abstract: A slagging gasifier incorporating a main burner ignition system which is mounted remote from the main burner thus avoiding damage to the system from over heating and slag dribble. The system comprises a stainless steel tube and a surface ignition ignitor and, in use, neat gas under high pressure is fed into the tube for ignition within the slagging gasifier.

Abstract: An easily removable unit connecting a pressurized gasifier vessel with a slag quenching chamber, wherein the unit consists of a flanged cylindrical tube arranged to carry the slag tap, burner and all services, supplies, electrical cables to and from the gasifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting into and stopping the flow of fluid in a plastic pipe including a cutting blade that is forced downwardly into a pipe by a hydraulic force. The blade is slightly larger than the internal diameter of the pipe and thus when located within the pipe stops the flow of fluid in the pipe. The apparatus is constructed so that the cutting, flow stopping and the consequential withdrawal of the blade operation is carried out without loss of fluid from the pipe. Part of the apparatus is left on the pipe and encapsulated to complete the operation.

Abstract: An `in-line` unit for use in compressor station piping, arranged to reduce the level of noise generated when the blowdown valves of the station piping are opened in an emergency to vent the high pressure gas therein to atmosphere, the unit comprising a pipe section having a plurality of orifice plates the number and hole area of which is designed to ensure sub-sonic flow through each plate. The unit is preferably used in combination with a modified form of silencer element connected `in-line` downstream thereof.

Abstract: A forced convection oven heated by burners in a combustion chamber beneath the oven. Hot gases pass via an outlet port into the restricted part of a pressure-reducing throat forming the central lower portion of a U-shaped passageway whose vertical limbs provide inlet and outlet manifolds to the oven cooking space. The shape of the throat ensures good mixing of these gases with gases circulated by a tangential or centrifugal type fan positioned upstream of the throat. The gas mixture from the inlet manifold enters the cooking space via a perforated side panel and travels across the oven and leaves through perforations in the side panel opposite and thence into the outlet manifold for re-circulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the non-destructive testing of pipelines and is particularly concerned with the use of alternating eddy currents to investigate anomalies in the walls of pipelines of ferromagnetic material. A probe includes sensing coils which are connected in a bridge circuit. By employing spiral coils, placed with their axes normal to the surface of the pipeline wall, the apparatus is made less sensitive to variations in the spacing of the probe and sample. Use of biassing magnetic fields permits the detection of anomalies in pipeline walls of thickness substantially greater than the normal eddy current penetration depth.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection vehicle for detecting defects in the pipeline wall provided with a detector support system comprising a freely supported ring encircling the body of the vehicle and on which are mounted a plurality of spring-loaded pivotally connected link plates, the outermost plates of which carry flux-sensing devices and are urged by spring means resiliently to engage the inner surface of the pipeline wall.

Abstract: A catalyst suitable for the high pressure gasification of heavy hydrocarbons to produce methane-containing gases is a calcined coprecipitated-alumina containing from 50- 65% Ni on a calcined unreduced basis. The catalyst contains (1) from 0 to not more than 0.43% K and from 0 to not more than 0.1% Na, (2) the combined weights of Na+ K does not exceed 0.011 gm atoms/100 gm of catalyst, (3) the ratio of Na:K falls within the area defined by ABCDEO in FIG. 1 of the drawings and (3) at combined Na+ K weights of from 0 to 0.05% the water loss is not more than 11.2%.The catalysts are prepared with the aid of a filtering aid selected from (NH.sub.4).sub.2 CO.sub.3, Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3, K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, Na NO.sub.3 or K NO.sub.3 to obtain low levels of alkali in the precursor. The catalyst may be employed for steam reforming reactions to produce methane-containing gases.

Abstract: A catalyst suitable for steam reforming, especially at low temperatures and high pressures, which is resistant to polymer deactivation, comprises nickel, alumina and ruthenium, optionally together with an oxide, hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal or alkaline earth-metal wherein the amount of ruthenium does not exceed 0.8% by weight of the weights of the other components of the catalyst. The nickel and aluminium components of the catalyst are prepared by coprecipitation with the nickel and aluminium components, by impregnation of the precipitated nickel and aluminium components or by physical blending of an insoluble ruthenium compound with the precipitated nickel and aluminium components.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-cationic bitumen and rubber in water emulsion sealant for internally sealing leakages in pipes, particularly gas mains. Sealant is applied by pressurizing the sealant into any leaks. The sealant possesses the following particular advantages:(a) Remains in the leaks and is not drawn from the leakage path when the main is placed back into operation.(b) Dried without cracking.(c) Excess sealant can be easily pumped from the pipe.(d) Stability of the emulsion.

Abstract: Thiosulphate ions present in gas purification liquors, particularly those employed for removing H.sub.2 S by washing with aqueous alkaline solutions of vanadium compounds and anthraquinone disulphonic acids, are decomposed to sulphide and hydroxyl ions by exposing the liquor to a hydrogen rich gas at elevated temperature e.g., 650.degree. C. The liquor may be evaporated and the solid residue subjected to decomposition. Any thiocyanate ions are hydrolyzed; it being necessary to mix steam with the hydrogen rich gas if a solid residue is being decomposed.