Abstract: A method for the photocatalytic conversion of an oxygenated hydrocarbon such as methanol includes the step of forming a colloidal suspension of a metal oxide catalyst in an oxygenated hydrocarbon. The method also includes the step of irradiating the colloidal suspension with pulsed laser irradiation in the range of about 180 nm to 520 nm wavelength at about 150 mJ per pulse at a temperature at about 16° C. to 60° C. for a period of about 30 minutes or more.

Abstract: Methods of treatment of fluids produced by an oil or gas well following a stimulation operation, allowing separation from the fluids and re-injection of oil and gas hydrocarbons in a production pipeline under pressure, and allowing achievement of suitable quality for the residual fluids compatible with their rejection, for example into the sea, including the following three elements; neutralization of the fluids by mixing with a high pH chemical, until the resulting pH reaches a level compatible with the equipment and pipes; use of optimized emulsion breakers in a phase separator, selected for best results with the fluids produced by the well, to accelerate the separation of oil from the fluids, and to lower the residual oil content in the fluids to levels compatible with environmental regulations; and use of a multi-phase pump to pump the oil and gas hydrocarbons produced and reinject them in a pipeline under pressure.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the nugget size of the welds produced by a spot welding machine, comprises optically imaging a region of a weld spot onto a transducer (21) after completion of the spot welding process. The transducer (21) produces an electrical signal having avalue dependent on the mean intensity and the wavelength distribution of the radiation emitted from the region of the weld spot (18) imaged on to the transducer (21). A computer (24) analyses the electrical signal produced by the transducer (21) to evaluate a weld nugget size indicator value and issue a warning through a visual display module (31) when welds of poor size are being, or about to be produced, so that corrective action can be taken by replacing or dressing the electrodes.