Abstract: There is provided a process for producing hydrocarbon material from a hydrocarbon material precursor which includes free fatty acid material, comprising: supplying a hydrocarbon material precursor-comprising feed material to a conversion zone, with effect that the hydrocarbon material precursor-comprising feed material is converted to a gaseous hydrocarbon material-comprising product; condensing a portion of the gaseous hydrocarbon material-comprising product such that a condensed hydrocarbon material-comprising product is obtained; and recycling the condensed hydrocarbon material-comprising product to the conversion zone as a reflux; wherein the condensing is effected in response to emplacement of the gaseous hydrocarbon material-comprising product in heat transfer communication with a heat sink disposed externally of the conversion zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizing a strip solution for removing gold from the loaded activated carbon used to accumulate such gold leached from gold bearing ore, and for electrically removing such gold from the strip solution by electrowinning. The apparatus includes a pair of strip columns fillable with loaded activated carbon. The strip columns are connectable individually and in series in respective continuous loops using a valved crossover pipe assembly to an electrowinning device, with the strip solution being pumped therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizing a strip solution for removing gold from the loaded activated carbon used to accumulate such gold leached from gold bearing ore, and for electrically removing such gold from the strip solution by electrowinning. The apparatus includes a pair of strip columns fillable with loaded activated carbon. The strip columns are connectable individually and in series in respective continuous loops using a valved crossover pipe assembly to an electrowinning device, with the strip solution being pumped therethrough.