Abstract: A burner for the production of synthesis gas by partial oxidation of carbon-containing fuels, which burner contains three or more concentrically arranged tubes and a cooling chamber. The downstream face of the cooling chamber is clad with a layer composed of individual, adjacently arranged, ceramic platelets.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the continuous liquid-phase esterification of C.sub.2 -C.sub.24 fatty acids with alkanols in countercurrent contact and reaction in a reaction column, the catalysts and fatty acids are introduced at the top plate and the alkanols below the lowest plate, at a head pressure of the reaction column of 200 to 900 hPa. The process reduces dehydration of the alkanols.

Abstract: A process for the continuous transesterification of C.sub.6 -C.sub.22 fatty acid lower alkyl esters, particularly methyl esters, with polyhydric C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alcohols, particularly glycerol, in a reaction column comprising a rectifying and reaction section, alkaline catalysts and polyhydric alcohol are introduced into the upper part of the reaction column and boiling fatty acid methyl ester is introduced into the middle part of the reaction column. The product collected in the sump of the column is removed, heated and returned to the lower part of the reaction column. Product is removed from the sump. Lower alkanols passing from the reaction column section to the rectifying section are rectified. The reaction column is operated in boiling equilibrium in its lower part and predominantly in an absorption/desorption equilibrium in its upper part.

Abstract: A device for separating coarse and/or fine particles from raw gas, including a filter shell with an inlet and an outlet for bulk material, granular bed filters reaching into the raw gas inlet duct, and purified gas outlets communicating with a common outlet duct.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for producing synthesis gas by partial oxidation of carbon-containing particles suspended in water with oxygen at elevated pressures and temperatures of 1000.degree. to 1600.degree. C. Three substance streams are added separately but simultaneously to the reactor. The inner substance stream consists of oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and synthesis gas. The middle substance stream forms a carbon-water suspension, and the outer substance stream carries oxygen or oxygen-containing gases. Due to the fact that these three substance streams intersect at an acute angle, an ideal distribution of the suspension with the gas streams is achieved and an optimum reaction course is ensured. In order to be able to compensate requirement fluctuations during continuous operation, the outlet opening for the carbon-water suspension and the outer gas stream can be correspondingly adapted in a continuous and independent manner.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is positioned within a hollow body such as a pipe for detecting possible flaws in the body wall. The probe is designed for rotational and longitudinal movement in said pipe and includes an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver mounted eccentrically within a liquid filled chamber of the probe, so that transmitted impulses strike the inner wall of the pipe at such an angle that the angle of refraction of the sound wave in the material of the wall is always less than 90.degree..

Abstract: An improvement in a radiation boiler for cooling a gas stream containing solid and molten particles wherein gas is introduced vertically via a gas feed at the top of a radiation boiler having a cooled gas outlet and a water bath disposed at the bottom thereof for removing the particles after they have been solidified and cooled. Between the gas feed and the water bath are disposed at least two concentrically arranged cylindrical tubular heat exchange elements vertically disposed in the boiler and forming at least one annular passage therebetween. The passage through the innermost heat exchange element is in fluid flow registry and fluid flow communication with the gas feed.