Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a thermic lance as a firework. Frictional or electrical ignition of a thermic lance is more convenient and safer than conventional methods. In addition, when used as a firework, the lance is safer and provides less pollution than conventional fireworks.

Abstract: A storage vessel comprises a condenser for condensing boil-off vapor by direct heat exchange with cryogenic liquid feed to the vessel. The condenser comprises a packed arrangement of vapor-liquid contact packing that comprises a top end portion and a bottom end portion. At least said top end portion is open to the vapor space to allow entry of boil-off vapor into the arrangement. The bottom end portion is in fluid flow communication with the lower portion of the storage vessel. One advantage of the invention is that the condenser is open to the vapor space of the storage vessel thereby allowing boil-off vapor to be drawn into the condenser by the condensation action of the vapor.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation process is set forth wherein, in order to provide the refrigeration necessary when at least a portion of the oxygen product is desired as liquid oxygen, LNG-derived refrigeration is used to liquefy a nitrogen stream in the process. A key to the present invention is that, instead of feeding the liquefied nitrogen to the distillation column, the liquefied nitrogen is heat exchanged against the air feed to the distillation column system.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for the direct reduction of iron ore is disclosed. The process utilizes a combination of primary steam methane reforming and secondary (autothermal) reforming, along with the use of oxygen for soot generation to achieve a greater than 11 percent reduction in the energy requirement to produce sponge iron from iron ore.