Abstract: A process for treating a gas stream comprising hydrogen sulphide, the process comprising the steps of: (i) mixing a first gas stream comprising hydrogen sulphide with a second stream comprising sulphur dioxide to produce a combined stream, whereby elemental sulphur is produced by a reaction between the hydrogen sulphide and the sulphur dioxide; (ii) removing elemental sulphur, and optionally water, from the combined stream; and (iii) oxidizing at least some of the elemental sulphur to form sulphur dioxide for use in the second stream, wherein, the reaction is conducted at a temperature of from 15 to 155° C. and a pressure of at least 3 MPa.

Abstract: A process for treating a gas stream comprising hydrogen sulphide, the process comprising the steps of: (i) mixing a first gas stream comprising hydrogen sulphide with a second stream comprising sulphur dioxide to produce a combined stream, whereby elemental sulphur is produced by a reaction between the hydrogen sulphide and the sulphur dioxide; (ii) removing elemental sulphur, and optionally water, from the combined stream; and (iii) oxidising at least some of the elemental sulphur to form sulphur dioxide for use in the second stream, wherein, the reaction is conducted at a temperature of from 15 to 155° C. and a pressure of at least 3 MPa.

Abstract: A mid-water tethered buoyant support assembly for a riser system for use in water is described to bring fluids from seabed equipment to a production vessel at the surface. The tethered buoyant support assembly comprises at least two tethers (6) from seabed anchors, at least one beam assembly (2) extending between and connected to the tops of the tethers, buoyancy means (7) to maintain tension in the tethers, and hangers (10) for lower riser portions mounted at spaced positions along the beam assembly, each hanger (10) being positioned so that the line of action of the tension due to the weight of the suspended lower riser portion is close to or on a line extending between the connections of the beam to the tethers (6) to minimize or eliminate turning moment to the beam assembly (2) tending to cause rotation of the beam around its major axis as a result of the weight of the suspended lower riser portion. The assembly is particularly designed for use in deep water.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of organic liquids from gases containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide which avoids the build-up of nitrogen content through the use of a se ies of organic liquid reactors.

Abstract: A system for receiving and securing an object at sea comprises a framework installed on a ship and having a track. A cradle is mounted on the track for movement between two positions of which one is substantially at or below the water line of the ship. The cradle includes guides for directing the object into the cradle and a locking mechanism for securing the object therein. Means are also provided for moving the cradle between the two positions on the track. In a variant of the invention, the system can be adapted for use in receiving and securing an object in a marine environment on a receptor body more generally. Such system comprises a target mounted on the body and having guides for directing the objection into the target, and a winding mechanism with a line associated therewith. The line is attachable to the object and extends between the guides of the target. The mechanism is operable to wind in the line through the guides to draw the object into the target between the guides.

Abstract: An absorber/solution pump for pumping strong concentration liquor up a pressure gradient to a vapor generator in a heat-pump system, said pump comprising a pump body defining a first vertically disposed cylinder and housing a first piston which reciprocates within said cylinder, dividing it into an upper pumping chamber and a lower working chamber, a header tank for the system strong concentration solution integral with said pump body and surmounting said pumping chamber, said header tank and said pump body being interconnected via a one-way valve which allows the strong-concentration solution to be drawn by suction and gravity into the pumping chamber, a second piston within a second cylinder which is connected to the first piston so as to reciprocate with it, said second cylinder opening at the bottom into the pumping chamber and opening at the top into the base of the header tank, and a third piston acting vertically in a third cylinder which is closed at the bottom from the atmosphere but is selectively c