Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal conversion of methane into hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight, comprising a reactor (1) of elongate form, connected on the one hand, at a first end, to an inlet for supplying gaseous mixture containing methane (process gas) and on the other, at the opposite end, to an outlet (10), the reactor comprising on the first end side a plurality of elements disposed in at least two layers disposed between two refractory walls, at least one refractory wall being disposed between the outside walls of the reactor, the layers being substantially parallel to the axis of the reactor, at least one of these layers comprising a series of sheaths (4) inside which there are electric heaters (3) which thus form a layer of heating elements, the elements being disposed in such a way as to define spaces or passages for the circulation of gaseous mixtures and/or effluents, the heaters and the sheaths being adapted to heat the said passages by successive independent cross-sections substantially at rig

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the thermal conversion of methane into hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight, comprising a reactor (1) of elongate form, connected on the one hand, at a first end, to means (5) for supplying gaseous mixture containing methane (process gas) and on the other, at the opposite end, to discharge means (10), the said reactor comprising on a first part (the first end side) a plurality of elements disposed in at least two layers, substantially parallel inter se and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reactor, at least one of these layers comprising a series of sheaths (4) inside which there are electric heating means (3) which thus form a layer of heating elements, the said elements being disposed in such a way as to define between them and/or between the layers which they form and/or between them and the walls of the spaces or passages for the circulation of gaseous mixtures and/or effluents, the said heating means and the said sheaths being adapted to heat the said passages

Abstract: Improvements to machines for heating articles or products by condensation of primary vapor on said products or articles, the primary vapor isolated from the atmosphere by a secondary vapor mass. According to the invention, a first improvement is aimed at lowering the chlorine and fluorine ion contents in the primary and secondary vapors of the plant resulting from the decomposition of said vapors. To this effect, the invention provides an improved washing of the secondary liquid. Furthermore, a dry gas sweeping between damp atmospheric air and the secondary vapor prevents the introduction of atmospheric moisture. Another improvement relates to the automatic compensation of variations in operating conditions by controlling the power balance.

Abstract: A machine for heat-treating articles or products with solvent vapors of the in-line type which comprises a tunnel, displacement means for conveying the articles of products to be heated from the inlet of the tunnel to its outlet and, in the following order, a first chamber for the condensation of a secondary vapor, a second chamber for the vaporization of a secondary liquid and for the complementary condensation of a primary vapor, a third chamber for heating the article or product to be heated and which is filled with the primary vapor, a fourth chamber for the vaporization of secondary liquid and for the complementary condensation of the primary vapor, and a fifth chamber for the condensation of the secondary vapor. The chambers have a cross-section larger than that of the tunnel, and are distributed along the tunnel and are interconnected by sections of the tunnel. The machine is efficient, with there being little or no loss of solvent vapors during use.

Abstract: A continuous soldering furnace for the assembly of electronic components on a support which is opaque to infrared rays by a soldering product, includes a metal muffle, an endless metal belt, one or more heaters extending over a part of the muffle, a forced cooler extending over another part of the muffle which is situated following the preceding part, parts for introducing one or more gases inside the muffle, closures provided at each end of the muffle. The heaters are both external to the muffle and inside the muffle. The furnace is adapted for use in the electronics industry.