Abstract: A process for the single-stage production in the liquid or gaseous phase, of higher aliphatic ketones starting from ketones of lower molecular weight, characterized in that the starting ketones are reacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst in the form of cooper supported on a metal oxide.The catalyst is prepared by depositing on the metal oxide the product obtained from hydrolyzing a cuprammonium solution, then calcining the solid system obtained in air and reducing the calcined product by means of hydrogen.

Abstract: A double pump device for mixing with variable ratios and concentrations two or more liquids, comprising in combination: a first peristaltic pump, and a second peristaltic pump, each of said pumps acting on a plurality of collapsible tubes, said pumps being operated by two electric motors, interdependant and preferably identical to each other, driven by an electronic circuit comprising as main elements a differential amplifier and circuitry means for adjusting the input voltage of the differential amplifier and for amplifying the output signals from the differential amplifier before their application to the two driving motors.