Abstract: Process for the preparation of an alkoxylated alcohol composition comprising one or more alkoxylated alcohols wherein the process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting carbon monoxide with hydrogen under Fischer-Tropsch reaction conditions in the presence of a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst; (b) separating from the product of step (a) at least one hydrocarbon fraction comprising paraffins having from 9 to 17 carbon atoms and olefins having from 9 to 17 carbon atoms, the hydrocarbon fraction additionally comprising at least a portion of alcohols; (c) contacting one or more of the hydrocarbon fractions obtained in step (b) with an alkylene oxide; and (d) recovering an alkoxylated alcohol composition from the reaction product of step (c).

Abstract: A facility or platform (11) having a limited number of circular well-drilling slots (3) is converted to provide additional well-drilling locations on the platform (11) while protecting the platform (11) from the hoisting and lowering loads normally required to drill deep water wells. The additional well-drilling locations are provided by placing multiple wells in individual slots (3). Load protection is accomplished by transferring such loads to a underwater competent earth formation (15) with a thick-walled shroud (12). The shroud (12) surrounding the multiple wells carries at minimum by a plurality of internal centers through which the wells pass for assuring separation of the multiple wells and transmitting loads to the shroud (12).