Abstract: The present invention generally relates to cathode buffer materials and devices and methods comprising the cathode buffer materials.

Abstract: A process for the production of middle distillates from a paraffinic feedstock produced by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis comprising a limited content of molecules containing at least one oxygen atom. In the process, the feedstock is subjected to at least one hydrocracking/hydroisomerization stage in the presence of a hydrogen stream also containing a limited atomic oxygen content.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus (100) for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline (101) comprising a superconducting electromagnet (102) suitable for generating a magnetic field (106); a cryostat (103) suitable for containing and preserving said superconducting electromagnet (102) at a low temperature; at least two magnetic conveyors (104?, 104?) connected at opposite ends of the cryostat (103) suitable for conveying the magnetic field (106) generated by the superconducting electromagnet (102) to the wall of the pipeline (101) and facilitating the closing of a magnetic circuit; at least one sensor system (105) for revealing the intensity of the magnetic field (106). A method for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline (101) using an inspection apparatus (100) according to the present invention.

Abstract: Method for hindering the non-authorised withdrawal of a liquid from at least one offtake conduit connected to a main conduit for the transport of the aforementioned liquid, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons and water, the main conduit having an inlet port and at least one outlet port between which the liquid flows, the method comprising the step of: introducing a plurality of solid objects into the main conduit through the at least one inlet port, the plurality of introduced solid objects having weight, dimensions and density such as to be transportable towards the at least one outlet port by the main flow of the liquid and such as to be able to be possibly captured by the offtake flow of the liquid directed towards the offtake conduit, and such as to be able to possibly at least partially obstruct such an offtake conduit.

Abstract: Process for the refining of crude oil comprising at least one atmospheric distillation unit for separating the various fractions, a sub-atmospheric distillation unit, a conversion unit of the heavy fractions obtained, a unit for enhancing the quality of some of the fractions obtained by actions on the chemical composition of their constituents and a unit for the removal of undesired components, characterized in that the sub-atmospheric distillation residue is sent to one of the conversion units, said conversion unit comprises at least one hydroconversion reactor in slurry phase, into which hydrogen or a mixture of hydrogen and ¾ S, is fed, in the presence of a suitable dispersed hydrogenation catalyst with dimensions ranging from 1 nanometer to 30 microns.

Abstract: New sulfide metal catalysts are described, containing Ni, Mo and W, an element Z selected from Si, Al and mixtures thereof, and possibly an organic residue, obtained by sulfidation of mixed oxide precursors, also new, characterized in that they comprise an amorphous phase and a wolframite isostructural crystalline phase, the crystallinity degree of said mixed oxides being higher than 0 and lower than 100%, preferably higher than 0 and lower than 70%. The catalysts of the invention are useful as hydrotreatment catalysts, and in particular as hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation and/or hydrodearomatization catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention describes a Fischer-Tropsch process for synthesis of hydrocarbons comprising contacting a charge comprising synthesis gas under Fischer-Tropsch synthesis operating conditions with at least one catalyst containing an active phase comprising at least one metal of group VIIIB selected from cobalt, nickel, ruthenium and iron deposited on an oxides support comprising alumina, silica and phosphorus, said oxides support not containing any spinel phase. The catalyst has an improved hydrothermal and mechanical resistance in a Fischer-Tropsch process while improving its catalytic performances.

Abstract: The present invention describes a catalyst containing an active phase comprising at least one metal of group VIIIB selected from cobalt, nickel, ruthenium and iron deposited on an oxides support comprising alumina, silica, a spinel and phosphorus. It also concerns the process for preparation of said catalyst and its use in a Fischer-Tropsch process. The catalyst has an improved hydrothermal and mechanical resistance in a Fischer-Tropsch process while improving its catalytic performances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment for the conveying and recovery of hydrocarbons from an underwater well for the extraction of hydrocarbons under uncontrolled release conditions, comprising a chamber (23) for the separation of the hydrocarbon stream leaving the well, into a heavy phase (23a) and a light phase (23b), means (15,16,17,24,25,26) being envisaged, in connection with the separation chamber (23), for conveying the heavy phase (23a) and light phase (23b) towards the surface, characterized in that it comprises a directioning body (18) of the hydrocarbon stream, having a substantially cylindrical shape, or as a truncated paraboloid with both ends open, wherein a first end is an inlet of the hydrocarbon stream leaving the well, and a second end, distal with respect to the inlet of the hydrocarbon stream (20), is in fluid connection with the separation chamber (23) with the interpositioning of a perforated spherical cap (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon composition, which can be used as a fuel and/or fuel oil, containing a petroleum component (A) and a component of a biological origin (B), wherein the component of a biological origin is present in a quantity of up to 75% by volume with respect to the total composition.

Abstract: A process for constructing a well (1) for exploiting an oil or gas reservoir, comprising the following operations: (A) drilling a formation submerged by a water head, at least 3, 600 meters deep or more, reaching the formation from the surface of the water with a drilling riser (7), and a drilling tool which passes internally through the drilling riser; and evacuating through the drilling riser (7) at least one of the circulating drilling fluid, the oil or natural gas coming from the formations and the resulting drilling materials. The drilling riser (7) has an external diameter equal to or smaller than 17 inches and reaches a wellhead (3) having an internal diameter equal to or smaller than 18.75 inches, and positioned in correspondence with or close to the seabed submerged which covers the formation.

Abstract: Process for the extraction of lipids and sugars from algal biomass, which comprises: —producing an aqueous suspension of algal biomass; —bringing the pH of said aqueous suspension of algal biomass to a value higher than or equal to 10, preferably ranging from 10.2 to 12, obtaining an aqueous suspension of algal biomass at basic pH; —adding at least one anionic flocculant to said aqueous suspension of algal biomass at basic pH obtaining a concentrated algal biomass; —recovering said concentrated algal biomass; —subjecting said concentrated algal biomass to extraction of the lipids obtaining: (i) an organic phase comprising lipids; (ii) a semi-solid phase comprising a residue of said algal biomass; —subjecting said semi-solid phase (ii) to hydrolysis obtaining sugars. The lipids thus obtained can be advantageously used in the production of biodiesel or green diesel which can be used as such, or in a mixture with other fuels for motor vehicles.

Abstract: Inverted polymer solar cell comprising: an electron contact layer; a cathodic buffer layer; an active layer comprising at least one ?-conjugated polymer and at least one organic electron acceptor compound; an anodic buffer layer; a hole contact layer; wherein the cathodic buffer layer comprises zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and at least one interfacial agent selected from optionally substituted C7-C21 aromatic carboxylic acids or salts thereof. Such polymer solar cells have improved performance in terms of high charge mobility, high transparency, high efficiency and high chemical stability, which can be produced on a large industrial scale with a high surface area. A process for producing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for the cooling of hot gases by means of a cooling fluid includes at least one vertically oriented tank containing a cooling fluid bath and having a collection space of the vapor phase generated above said cooling fluid bath, at least one vertical tubular element inserted inside said tank, and submerged in the bath open at the ends and coaxial to the tank, at least one spiral duct which rotates around the axis of the tank, inserted in the coaxial tubular element, at least one outlet for the vapor phase generated on the head of tank, wherein at least one transfer line is inserted in the lower part of the vertical tank for feeding the hot gases to the tank, the transfer line being open at the two ends, of which one is connected with the vertical tank and the other is free and outside the tank, the transfer line being tubular and protruding laterally outside the exchanger, the transfer line containing at least one central internal duct having an outer jacket in which a cooling fluid circulates,

Abstract: An underwater vehicle for transporting extraction fluids, for example natural gas, oil or water, has an overall elongated form and includes one or more containment tubes configured to contain the fluid to be transported and forming a bundle that prevalently extends longitudinally with respect to the underwater vehicle, making the vehicle structurally more robust and intrinsically safe.

Abstract: Organic dye for a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) comprising at least one electron-acceptor unit and at least one ?-conjugated unit. Said organic dye is particularly useful in a dye-sensitized photoelectric transformation element which, in its turn, can be used in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC).

Abstract: Organic dye for a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) comprising at least one electron-acceptor unit and at least one ?-conjugated unit. Said organic dye is particularly useful in a dye-sensitized photoelectric transformation element which, in its turn, can be used in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC).

Abstract: The invention relates to a significantly improved process for the preparation of benzothiadxazole compounds which can be used in the production of Luminescent Solar Concentrators, (LSC). In particular, the synthesis process of the present invention is oriented towards the preparation of 4,-di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzo-thiadiazole.

Abstract: The process according to the invention, for transporting extraction fluids, such as, for example, natural gas, oil or water, comprises the following operations: (a) hydraulically connecting the underwater vehicle (1) to the head of an extraction well; (b) transferring and storing the extracted fluid, such as, for example, natural gas, oil or water, on the vehicle (1), subjecting said fluid to one or more of the following processes through plants installed onboard the same vehicle (1): b.1) mechanical, electrical or chemical separation; b.2) separation of the gases or more volatile fractions of the extracted fluid; b.3) separation of predetermined phases or substances from the rest of the extracted fluid; b.4) extraction and elimination of acid gases, such as, for example, carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulphide; b.5) re-injection into geological formations; (c) transporting the extracted fluid(s) subjected to one or more of the processes b.1-b.5) causing the underwater vehicle to advance in immersion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reaction equipment for the treatment of organic and/or inorganic waste of refineries or petrochemical plants comprising: •—a drying and pyrolysis device (4) which rotates around its longitudinal, tilted rotation axis (A), •—a gasification device (6) which rotates around its longitudinal, horizontal rotation axis (B), •—a combustion device (14) comprising a burner (13) having a longitudinal horizontal axis (C), •—at least one settling chamber (15) for the collection of intermediate solid residues and the accumulation of intermediate gaseous reaction products, •—at least one outlet duct of the gaseous end-products (16), at least one outlet duct of the solid end-products (7), and at least one inlet duct of the feedstock (2) •—said combustion device (14), drying and pyrolysis device (4), gasification device (6) are physically separated and positioned on three different levels, •—the longitudinal rotation axis (A) of the drying and pyrolysis device (4) is tilted with respect to bot