Abstract: Alkenyl-substituted benzene derivatives are produced by oxidatively coupling at elevated temperature a benzene having at least one activated saturated hydrocarbyl substituent in vapor form with a gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon in the presence of a gaseous oxidant and as catalyst therefor a binary metallic or multimetallic composition capable of oxidatively coupling methane.

Abstract: High surface are carbon fibers are produced by heating carbon fibres in the presence of a quality of alkali metal hydroxide in excess of 50% by weight based on weight of carbon at temperatures of above 500.degree. C. in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for preparing mono-olefins by catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of e.g. ethane, propane or butanes is provided. The process employs a catalyst which is capable of supporting combustion beyond the normal fuel rich limit of flammability. Preferred catalysts are platinum group metals supported on a monolith e.g. platinum.

Abstract: Methane is converted into higher hydrocarbons by contact at a temperature in the range from 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. with a contact solid comprising a manganese oxide incorporating at least one of the elements tin, titanium, tungsten, tautalum, silicon, germanium, lead, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, boron, gallium, indium, a lanthanide or an actinide. The contact solid is preferably promoted by either an alkali or alkaline earth metal, for example sodium.

Abstract: An HIPR (high internal phase ratio) emulsion of oil in water is prepared by directly mixing 70 to 98% by volume of a viscous oil having a viscosity in the range 200 to 250,000 mPa.s at the mixing temperature with 30 to 2% by volume of an aqueous solution of an emulsifying surfactant or an alkali, percentages being expressed as percentages by volume of the total mixture. Mixing is effected under low shear conditions in the range 10 to 1,000 reciprocal seconds in such manner that an emulsion is formed comprising highly distorted oil droplets having mean droplet diameters in the range 2 to 50 micron separated by thin interfacial films.The emulsions are much less viscous than the oils from which they are prepared and may, optionally after dilution, be pumped through a pipeline.Viscous crude oils may be transported by this method.

Abstract: A container for high pressure gases, which comprises a hollow shell of thermoplastic material having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one of which is covered with a layer comprising a metallized film of plasatics material; and an outer layer comprising fibrous windings bound together with resin.

Abstract: A process for preparing interpolymers of an olefin(s) and carbon monoxide (polyketones) is provided. The process employs a palladium catalyst prepared by reacting together a palladium source, a bidentate amine, phosphine, arsine or stibine and a source of a borate anion. The catalyst effects fast polymerization of the olefin(s) and carbon monoxide in, e.g. methanol or ethoxyethanol solvent. By using the catalyst a lower catalyst decactivation on recycle is observed relative to previously described systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for electrooptic modulation of an optical beam. The device is a laminate comprising a coherent film of a conjugated polymer having semi-conducting properties as the active component laminated with two or more layers of electrically conducting, insulating or semi-conducting materials. At least the active component in the laminate is capable of interacting with the optical beam when under the influence of an electric signal and thereby result in a modulated beam. Means are provided for (i) establishing electrical contact with one or more layers of the laminate so as to enable an electrical signal to be applied across the active component and (ii) detection of the extent of modulation of the modulated beam emerging from the active component layer.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator for moving a shaft axially has a motor driving a gear assembly giving a mechanical advantage of at least 30:1, preferably 50 to 150:1. The assembly drives an internally screw threaded sleeve on external screw threads of the shaft so that rotation of the sleeve moves the shaft axially. A stop connected to a gear of the gear assembly for the sleeve ensures that it is the shaft that moves.The actuator is suitable for all valves, chokes and control mechanisms for oil or gas production, particularly sub-sea production and the motor is preferably a reversible DC electric motor. The mechanical advantage allows heavily loaded shafts to be moved with low power input.When applied to spring loaded fail-safe valves the stop for the sleeve may be one or more moveable locking dogs actuated by the gear assembly. The gear assembly acts as a differential transmitting torque either to the gear wheel actuating the stop of the gear wheel rotating the sleeve.

Abstract: Porous shaped phenolic resin articles are made by partially curing a phenolic resin to a solid, comminuting the resin, forming into a predetermined shape, and sintering. Porous shaped carbon articles are made by carbonizing the sintered material.

Abstract: A swivel-less coupling suitable for producing oil from an underwater well through a riser to a floating vessel or for transferring fluids to or from such a vessel is formed of an inner drum and a surrounding annular surface. The surface carries one or more flexible pipes which can wind and unwind helically across it to accommodate limited relative rotation as between the inner end(s) of the pipe(s) which is fixed to the drum and the outer end(s) and the pipe(s) which is fixed at a point which is rotatable relative to the drum. The pipe or pipes may be carried on cradles which can move across the surface. Relative movement as between the inner and outer ends of the pipe may be regulated by a motor, which may be controlled by sensors noting any tendency for change in the relative positions due to forces acting on the vessel.

Abstract: A novel catalyst composition which comprises alumina and platinum, is characterized in that the alumina carries internally and/or on its surface, gallium and a Group II metal. The catalyst composition is particularly useful in catalytic reforming of hydrocarbon feestocks.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst suitable for oxidation of carbon monoxide comprises the steps of treating a high surface area carbon support with an aqueous solution of a stannic salt and a promoter, drying, reacting with hydrazine hydrate in a hydrocarbon, washing and drying. The catalyst may be used in breathing apparatus.

Abstract: A process for recovering Platinum Group metals from material comprising one or more Platinum Group metals and one or more Group IA metals supported on carbon comprises heating at a temperature between 700.degree. C. and 1150.degree. C. in a stream of an inert gas or vacuum then in a stream of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: This case relates to tough, wear resistant graded structure composites, to a process for preparing the same and to tools and products fabricated therefrom. The composites have a surface layer e.g. of WC and a binder, an interface layer, e.g. which is a stepwise transition from the surface layer whereby the binder content thereof gradually increases, a substrate layer which is a combination of e.g. an initial high carbon steel layer and finally a base layer of bainitic steel. The composites are substantially non-porous and can be used to fabricate components such as drill bits, wear plates, pump components machine tools, seals, washers, bearings and the like.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulphide is scavenged from a feedstock comprising crude oil and hydrogen sulphide by adding a compound of general formula ##STR1## to the feedstock. R is an alkyl group containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or an alkyl aryl group wherein the alkyl moiety contains 1 to 18 carbon atoms and L is a leaving group.Preferred scavengers include acetic anhydride and triacetamide.

Abstract: A method of assessing the color type of diamonds by irradiating the diamonds with laser radiation of different wavelengths and generating a numerical value characteristic of the color type of the diamond based on the measured intensities of the resultant scattered Raman radiation for two or more different incident radiation wavelengths. The color type of the diamond may be determined by comparing derived relative intensities of each diamond with those of reference diamonds having been determined by standard subjective assessment. The method may also be used to sort diamonds according to their color type.

Abstract: An overhoist prevention system suitable for use on a crane comprises (a) a proximity switch (17), (b) a movable detector plate (10) normally biassed away from the proximity switch, (c) an actuator (5) adapted for use with the hoist wire (4) for moving the detector plate towards the proximity switch and (d) a relay (21). The relay is actuated by a signal from the proximity switch and controls the operation of an alarm and/or the supply of the power to the winding drum of the crane.

Abstract: An annulus shut-off mechanism with fail-as-is logic suitable for use for example, in a concentric tubing hanger of an oil well, particularly a sub-sea well, has an enclosure across the annulus with inlet and exit ports, a sleeve with an aperture that slides within the enclosure, primary means for sliding the sleeve in the enclosure to bring the aperture into alignment with the inlet and exit ports and secondary means for sliding the sleeve in the event of failure of the primary means. The primary enclosure and sleeve are sealed from access to annulus fluids and may be vertically orientated in the tubing hanger. The secondary means may be a secondary enclosure with a secondary sleeve which can pull or push on the primary sleeve. Both primary and secondary means can be operated by hydraulic pressure, but the two means are independent and the secondary means may be located in a well part other than the tubing hanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of thermomechanical treatment in the molten state, in the presence of organic peroxides, of co-polymers with a density less than 0.935, obtained by co-polymerization under a pressure of less than 4 MP.sub.a of ethylene and a higher alpha-olefin. The co-polymers thus treated may advantageously be used for the manufacture of finished objects such as films according to the current techniques of conversion of "high pressure" type polyethylene.