Abstract: A method for the assessment of the product shelf life in a package, and a device for accelerating the permeation of a test gas into a package. To significantly reduce the test time and to accelerate the permeation of a test gas, and in order to supply realistic results of the time-dependent permeations into the charged product in a simple manner, a closed package filled with charged product is placed in an overpressure chamber, and stored in the overpressure chamber over a specified time period under overpressure and at a specified temperature in a test gas atmosphere, wherein a defined amount of test gas permeates into the package. The package is stored over a certain time period under the influence of heat and/or light and then the charged product is subjected to analytical and/or sensory examination.

Abstract: Water is removed from a mixture containing water, CO.sub.2 and one or more amines by pervaporation by bringing the mixture into contact with one side of a membrane and removing the water-containing permeate as a vapor from the other side of the membrane.

Abstract: An aqueous solution containing from 0.81 to 1.3 moles of piperazine per liter is used as a washing agent for removing impurities such as H.sub.2 S, CO.sub.2 and COS from gases. Piperazine can also be used, in amounts of up to 0.8 mole per liter, together with physical or chemical solvents, to accelerate the absorption of H.sub.2 S, CO.sub.2 and COS. The washing process is used for natural gases, coke-oven gases, gases from the gasification of coal and synthesis gases, of any origin.

Abstract: Acid constituents, eg. H.sub.2 S and CO.sub.2 or their mixtures, are removed from industrial gases or natural gases by means of a washing agent which contains the methyl isopropyl ethers of polyethylene glycols. The washing can be carried out with simultaneous drying of the gas, especially in the case of natural gases, since the anhydrous ethers are able to absorb water.