Abstract: For the purpose of monitoring the formation and propagation of cracks in machine parts and components, especially in the rotating shafts of prime movers and mechanical equipment, at least one hole is drilled in the uncracked section of the component, this drilled hole intersecting the plane of the crack which is to be expected and being filled with a gas or a liquid, the gas or liquid being adjusted to a pressure above the ambient pressure, and the drilled hole being provided with a closure with respect to the environment and being connected, via a line, to an instrument for indicating a fall in the pressure of the medium present in the drilled hole.

Abstract: The reaction zone of a free-flow refractory lined partial oxidation gas generator is preheated by the complete combustion of fuel gas, supplied by means of a preheat burner, with air at atmospheric pressure. The preheat burner is replaced by the main process burner and the heating is continued by the complete combustion of said fuel gas and air at atmospheric pressure. The main burner is then made pressure tight to the reaction zone, and the heating is continued. When the temperature of the reaction zone reaches the temperature for ignition of the autothermal partial oxidation reaction of the liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel and free-oxygen containing gas in the presence of a temperature moderator, fuel gas and air are cut-off, and are respectively replaced by a stream of said liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel, optionally in admixture with a temperature moderator, and a separate stream of free-oxygen containing gas, optionally in admixture with a temperature moderator.