Abstract: A process for the preparation of pentavalent vanadium compounds from acid extracts obtained by regenerating spent catalysts which contain vanadium, this process comprising the successive steps of (1) oxidizing extracts containing tri- and tetravalent vanadium with an oxygen-containing gas at a pH of at least 0.7 to 1.4 p.sub.o and at most 2.3-1.4 p.sub.o to form a solution of tetravalent vanadium compounds, and (2) continuing the oxidation at a pH lying in the range of from 3.2-1.4 p.sub.o to 2.3-1.4 p.sub.o to form concentrates of pentavalent vanadium having a partial oxygen pressure, 0.05 MPa.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 3-aminothiophenes or acid-addition salts thereof, which comprises reacting the corresponding 3-oxotetrahydrothiophenes with an acid-addition salt of hydroxylamine in the presence of a polar inert solvent and in the absence of a base at a temperature in the range of from 0.degree. to 200.degree. C.

Abstract: There is disclosed copolymers of aromatic vinyl compounds, e.g., styrene, and conjugated diolefins, e.g., butadiene, possessing a differential content of the aromatic vinyl compound such that in at least one of the end portions of the copolymer the differential content shows a sharp and substantial increase in the direction of the outer extremity of the end portion. Preferred copolymers are styrene-butadiene copolymers having a vinyl content of at least 30%. In special embodiments, the copolymers have a styrene content changing in a portion of no more than 5% of the copolymer chain from a first value to a second value, the second value being at least 25 percentage points greater than the first value, and the portion is present within a 10% terminal portion of the copolymer. The copolymers are useful in the tread portions of tires as tires containing such copolymers in the tread composition have improved rolling resistance and/or grip on wet road surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides thiazinone derivatives of general formula I: ##STR1## wherein X is O, S or NH, and R represents an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, heterocyclic or aryl group; a process for the preparation of such compounds; compositions containing them and their use as fungicides.

Abstract: The invention provides benzothiazinone derivatives of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic group or a phenyl group substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from halogen atoms, alkyl, haloalkyl and alkoxy groups; a process for the preparation of such compounds; compositions containing them and a method of combating plant pathogenic fungi using such compositions or compounds.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of combating termites at a locus, which comprises treating the locus e.g. soil or timber with an acyl urea of the formula ##STR1## wherein one substituent X is a halogen atom or a merthyl group and the other is a halogen atom, a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently represents a hydrogen or fluorine atom; the use of acyl ureas of formula I for combating termites; and compositions for protecting timber against termite attack.

Abstract: A fluidized bed electrolysis cell comprising one or more particulate electrodes provided with one or more current feeders carrying on their surfaces a protective film of valve metal oxide, and one or more diaphragms for separating the anode compartments from the cathode compartments in the cell.

Abstract: The invention provides imidazole derivatives of the general formula I: ##STR1## or a salt thereof, in which R represents an optionally substituted phenyl group, R.sup.1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl or aralkyl group, R.sup.2 represents an optionally substituted alkynyl group and Y represents an oxygen or sulphur atom; processes for their preparation and their use as fungicides.

Abstract: Steam is generated from cooling water in a heat exchanger for hot gases. Subsequently the steam is superheated by the gases to be cooled. This process is carried out by providing submerged water-tube superheater modules in, for example, a waste heat boiler/evaporator.

Abstract: Soldering composition incorporating a flux, characterized in that as flux at least one compound is employed with the general formula ##STR1## in which n is a number from 0 to 6, all groups R.sub.1 to R.sub.6 are identical or different aryl groups, of which at least one carries a COOR.sub.7 substituent, in which R.sub.7 represents hydrogen, an alkyl or aryl group with a maximum of 12 carbon atoms, and in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be one and the same aryl group, thus forming a cyclic compound.

Abstract: A novel plastic pipe coated on the outer surface with a thermal insulating layer comprising phenolic foam, and wherein the layer is enclosed in an integrity retaining layer serving as a top or outer layer, comprising fibers, such as glassfibers, which fuse together upon exposure to fire, thereby providing mechanical strength to the foam when the pipe is exposed to fire.

Abstract: Acoustic signals are transmitted through the fluid flow of a fuel delivery pump to a tank to be filled. From reflection signals the fluid level in the tank is detected and a timely disconnection of the pump can be effected in order to prevent fuel losses.

Abstract: Fungicidal compositions comprise at least one morpholine-type fungicide and at least one imidazole derivative of general formula (I): ##STR1## or a salt thereof; where R represents an optionally substituted phenyl group, R.sup.1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl or aralkyl group, R.sup.2 represents an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or aralkyl group, and X represents an oxygen or sulphur atom or a group --NR.sup.3 --, where R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together with the interjacent nitrogen atom represent a 5- or 6- member saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or two further heteroatoms. The compositions are particularly useful in combating wheat leaf spot and powdery mildews.

Abstract: Container suitable for preheating, retorting and cooling of shale under pressure comprising a vessel (2) and a primary stiffener system comprising side stiffeners (16, 17), a top stiffener (20) and a stiffener connecting system (21), wherein the primary stiffener system (11) prevents excess bending of the walls (3, 4, 7, 8) of the vessel (2), and wherein, when heated, the stiffener connecting system (21) forces the primary stiffener system (11) to give way so as to allow some expansion of the walls of the vessel (2).

Abstract: Solid particles and gaseous materials are separated by passing a suspension of solid particles and gaseous materials into the upper section of a cyclonic separation vessel equipped with a cyclonic swirl zone which may contain vortex stabilizing means and a lower dense bed zone which may contain stripping means, and wherein separated gaseous materials are removed from the upper section of the cyclonic zone and solid particles are passed in the lower dense bed zone, from which particles are removed by aeration through a discharge means which communicates with the dense bed zone.The present process and apparatus are preferably applied in the separation of gaseous materials from solid particles entrained in hot flue gases obtained in the combustion stage of a process for extracting hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing substrate such as oil shale and tar sand.

Abstract: Catalyst for synthesis gas conversion in which a gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen is converted to a liquid hydrocarbon is prepared by subjecting cobalt or nickel on a refractory metal oxide support to an activation procedure at a temperature of from about 100.degree. to about 450.degree. C. comprising, in sequence, (A) reduction in hydrogen, (B) oxidation in an oxygen-containing gas, and (C) reduction in hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention provides a fume extractor device for attachment adjacent a filling orifice of a container, which device comprises a hollow collar having inner and outer walls connected to one another, an outlet in the outer wall which is connectable to a fume removal system, and at least one opening in the inner wall, and connecting structure for releasably connecting the hollow collar to a container with the inner wall disposed around the filling orifice thereof. The connecting structure together with the hollow, collar comprise a clamping structure to releasably engage the cylindrical side wall of the container. In the operation of the device, the container may be filled or emptied by means of a dip tube inserted into the container through the hollow collar and the filling orifice and vapors escaping from the container through the orifice are extracted through the at least one opening in the inner wall and out of the hollow collar through the outlet by the fume removal system.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon utilizing microorganisms are immobilized on a plastic carrier in an aqueous nutrient medium to which a minor amount of a water-immiscible hydrocarbon substrate has been added. The water-immiscible hydrocarbon is preferably hexadecane or dodecylcyclohexane and the plastic carrier is preferably polytetrafluoroethylene. Presence of the water-immiscible hydrocarbon substrate results in increased loading of microorganisms on the carrier.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulation material in the form of a cured composition comprising as components:(a) 10 to 30% w magnesium chloride,(b) 0 to 15% w of an organic resin,(c) 0 to 0.5% w of a mould-release agent,(d) 0.1 to 1% w of a surfactant,(e) 6 to 8% w of a sodium polyphosphate glass,(f) 6 to 20% w magnesium oxide,(g) 4 to 20% w inorganic filler,(h) 15 to 30% w cenospheres,(i) 1 to 3 % w orthophosphoric acid,(j) 0 to 12 % w inorganic fibres,in overall proportions to total 100%, having a density in the range 200 to 500 kg/m.sup.3 ; and its preparation.

Abstract: A method for the supply of hot solid particles, preferably hot spent substrate particles, to a retorting vessel for the extraction of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-containing substrate according to which hot solid particles are supplied to a slide situated at an angle to the horizontal plane, fluidization gas is supplied to the fluidization means of the slide, which fluidization gas is passed through the fluidization means causing fluidization of the hot solid particles on the slide and displacement of the hot fluidized particles alone the slide, at least one draw-off vessel is situated between the slide and retorting vessel which is filled with hot fluidized particles from the slide, and fluidization gas is passed through fluidization means of each filled draw-off vessel causing the hot solid particles therein to flow into a respective inlet of the retorting vessel.