Abstract: Production of ethylene is disclosed by a route which involves hydrocracking of a C.sub.3 or higher feedstock, e.g. a gas oil, followed by ethane pyrolysis. The feedstock/hydrogen ratio is chosen to favor C.sub.2 production (mainly ethane but also a small proportion of ethylene) in the hydrogenation zone and the reaction is prevented from self-quenching by supplying to the hydrocracking reaction zone hot combustion gases produced by at least partial oxidation of a fuel.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of methane from methanol by catalytic dehydration and dehydrogenation providing a high initial methane yield and a final substitute natural gas product of high calorific value. The catalytic dehydration and dehydrogenation steps may be effected simultaneously or in sequence. High efficiency in usage of raw materials and thermal requirements of the process are secured. A preferred catalyst containing both dehydration and dehydrogenation functions consists essentially of a major amount of iron oxide and minor amounts of chromium oxide and phosphate or tungstate ions.

Abstract: An electrical control system for controlling a plurality of electrical loads comprises an electrical drive unit capable of providing a plurality of separate electrical signals each at a different reference level and a fixed frequency coded electrical interrogator signal, and for each electrical load there is provided a switching unit arranged to receive the signals from the drive unit and arranged to be connected via a control link for a different part of the interrogator signal to a contactor control unit and during that part of the interrogator signal a control signal representative of the condition of the switching unit is supplied to the contactor control unit. The contactor control units are connected to respective contactors in the supply circuits of separate electrical loads and the contactor control units serve to control the operation of the contactors in response to the signals received from the associated switching units.

Abstract: In a process for preparing methacrolein by oxidation of isobutane, unreacted isobutane is absorbed from a gaseous mixture by absorption in a liquid absorbent and recovered by stripping the absorbent with nitrogen or a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen. The recovered isobutane in admixture with the stripping gas is then recycled to the oxidation reaction.

Abstract: A process is provided for the catalytic production of methane from carbon oxides and hydrogen wherein water is introduced into the reaction vessel for the removal of the heat of reaction by the production of steam with the use of a catalyst effective at a temperature below 500.degree.F. The catalyst is a Group 8 metal, preferably mixtures of nickel and metals of the platinum group. Feedstock gas is normally obtained by gasification of fossil fuels or aliphatic alcohols with steam and/or oxygen.