Abstract: A process to produce sulphur from two acid gases both containing hydrogen sulphide and one of which contains ammonia, using a modified Claus technique.The acid gas containing ammonia is burnt in the presence of air under substoichiometric conditions in a first heat-reaction chamber, while the ammonia-free acid gas is burnt in a second heat-reaction chamber, forming a series with the first chamber, with the right quantity of air to provide a molar ratio of H.sub.2 S to SO.sub.2 of approximately 2/1 at the catalytic reaction stage inlet. The mixed effluents from both heat-reaction chambers may pass through a high-temperature residence chamber before being conveyed to the heat-recovery stage.Gas effluents from the heat-reaction stage contain H.sub.2 S and SO.sub.2 in the right ratio for the catalytic reaction stage, and no hydrocarbons or harmful quantities of NH.sub.3 and NO.

Abstract: A device is provided for lightening an undersea production riser having a central tube surrounded by peripheral stringers. Foamed resin collars are stacked on the central tube. They have a central opening for passing the central tube therethrough and channels disposed concentrically for passing the peripheral lines therethrough. The wall of the central channel is lined with a reinforced material and it has a conical shape for fitting the part of the lining projecting from the end of the collar into the central channel of the adjacent collar. Centering of the collars is provided by two half shells made from metal sheet bearing on the central tube and on the wall of the central channel.

Abstract: Mono- and dithioic esters, the alcohol residue of which carries a group including one or more oxygen atoms, are prepared by the action of an oxygen-containing organic compound, carrying an active atom, upon a mixed magnesium salt of a mono- or dithioic acid, ##STR1## where Y is O or S, R is a hydrocarbon group and X is a halogen. The product obtained is treated with an aqueous acid. The new products so synthesized are of the type ##STR2## notably those where R' is a chain, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --, with n=1 to 12, Z being --OH or --COOH and are used as a collector in the flotation of minerals.

Abstract: Process of flotation of minerals, which consists of introducing the flotation collector into the mineral pulp to be treated in the form of a microemulsifiable composition. In general, the collector agents are organic compounds containing sulphur, particularly mercaptans, thioethers or polysulphides, which generally are very slightly soluble in water. This process is particularly suitable for minerals based on oxides and sulphides.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling for immersed pipelines, of which one has a collar at its end.The device comprises a toothed counter-flange (3) placed against the collar (1a) of the tube to be repaired (1), a tubular body (2) welded by one end to the end of the tube to be assembled with the tube to be repaired (1) provided at its opposite end with an annular abutment (4) and on which tubular body (2) is placed by locking means (5), a mobile assembly comprising a spacer (6) forming the mobile jack body and an internal annular shoulder (6a) of which serves as a piston and defines at least one jack chamber, said spacer (6) cooperating at one of its ends with said locking means (5) and carrying at its other end a toothed flange (7) associated with resilient clamping maintenance means (8), as well as means for moving the locking means (5).

Abstract: Triphosphonic ester, each of the three phosphorus atoms of which is bound to a carbon atom of the same hydrocarbon group, having 2 or 4 free acid functions or two salt functions, is prepared by reacting an alkaline-metal derivative of a phosphite diester with a diphosphonic acid tetra-ester, followed by hydrolysis of the compound obtained. The triphosphonic esters may be used for various known uses of phosphonates, including the extraction of heavy metals.

Abstract: A device for connection of underwater cables or pipes to a submerged structure.

Abstract: Process for the synthesis of a mercaptan from an olefin, by the action of hydrogen sulphide thereon, in the presence of a catalyst comprising a cation exchange resin, characterized in that this resin is dry and that the reaction is effected at a temperature ranging between 45.degree. and 75.degree. C.

Abstract: Process of enrichment of minerals by flotation by means of a collector comprising a thio-compound, the thio-compound being a straight or branched dialkyl or dialkenyl polysulphide.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for filling and packing a chromatographic column by the wet route in which a compression chamber is attached to one end of the column having an internal bore equal to the internal diameter of the column and aligned therewith to form a combined chamber, a fluid suspension of packing particles is introduced into the combined chamber and then a piston member is axially displaced within the compression chamber toward the chromatographic column to compact the packing particles in the column. The suspension liquid flows out of the column through a conduit formed through the piston and/or through the cap at the other end of the column. After compression, the compression chamber and piston are separated from the column and the packed column may then be attached to a chromatograph for use. Vibrators may be provided on the column or compression chamber to promote transverse rearrangement of the particles during compression.

Abstract: An operation for re-entry to an underwater station equipped with a well apparatus.The device comprises, fixed at the end of a rod 1 of a train of rods, a support 2 from which is suspended a module 3 formed by uprights 8 disposed concentrically and connected together, a receptacle 13 being fixed to the center of the module, which is provided with a conical housing 30 for retaining connector 15 and a re-entry cone 14, said module being suspended from the support 2 by the guide line 19 whose tension is maintained constant by the pounding compensation means formed by two cables 7 fixed to the two ends of support 2 and to the two uprights 12 of the module, while passing over fixed pulleys 20 and 21 and a mobile pulley 22 weighted with a counterweight 23.A fitting device provided with means for compensating the pounding due to the swell.

Abstract: Operations for returning to an underwater station equipped with a well apparatus.The device comprises a rectangular frame formed by tubes 1 and at the four corners of which are fixed vertical fixed tubes 2. Four diagonally disposed radial arms 4 extend from each corner and are fixed to tubes 2. In the longitudinal axis of the frame there is fixed to the arms 4 a well head connector 6 carried by a train of rods 7. One of the arms 4 carries a funnel 8 for guiding the frame. Inside tubes 2 are slidably placed weighted tubes, 11, whose upper part has a shoulder 13, inside which comes to bear an olive 14 crimped to a cable 12, which passes through tubes 2 and 11 and carries at its lower end a guide line connector 10 intended to be locked to a guide post 24.With the device, four guide lines may be positioned and connected simultaneously without being hindered by the encumbrance around the well head.

Abstract: Novel organic polymers have a chain carrying active groups, a hydroxyl, alkoxy, halogen, thiol or sulphide group or a second active group being attached as a substituent to a carbon which is in the alpha position with respect to that carrying the first active group. The preparation of these polymers is advantageously effected using polymers carrying epoxide bridges, which are opened by the action of an active cosmetological or other active compound. These polymers are particularly suitable for the protection of the skin against solar radiation, as creams or gels for the skin and for the hair and/or as pigments.

Abstract: N-acyliminodiacetic acids are manufactured by reacting formaldehyde or a formaldehyde generator compound with a N-unsubstituted amide or a generator thereof and with carbon monoxide in contact with a carbonylation catalyst, for example, a cobalt compound, the ratio of the aldehyde groups to the amide groups being at least 2:1. The formaldehyde generator can be a polymeric form of formaldehyde and the amide generator can be a carboxylic ester, acid or anhydride.

Abstract: Process of flotation of minerals, which consists of introducing the flotation collector into the mineral pulp to be treated in the form of a microemulsifiable composition. In general, the collector agents are organic compounds containing sulphur, particularly mercaptans, thioethers or polysulphides, which generally are very slightly soluble in water. This process is particularly suitable for minerals based on oxides and sulphides.

Abstract: In order to detect the presence of a native reservoir fluid within a well bore, an auxiliary drilling fluid is injected into the borehole and recovered after it has circulated within the borehole. The detection system comprises a pressure-wave generator, an upstream pressure sensor for detecting the pressure wave as it passes through a first pipe in which the auxiliary drilling fluid circulates in the uncontaminated state, an outlet pressure sensor for detecting the pressure wave as it passes through a second pipe in which the auxiliary drilling fluid circulates and may be contaminated by a reservoir fluid which has entered the drilling fluid at any point of the well bore.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of an organic dithio-acid by reaction of the corresponding dithio-ester and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydrosulphide in a solvent in the presence of an excess of H.sub.2 S and treatment with a mineral acid. The dithioic acids so obtained can be utilized as collectors for the flotation of minerals.

Abstract: A sealing system for a tubing string in a well bore which is capable of undergoing deformation under the action of a hot fluid and has at least one casing string in which the tubing is housed, a connecting and sealing assembly placed between the casing and the tubing as well as members for supporting and securing the casing and tubing strings comprises in addition, a hollow seal support, the upper end of which is rigidly fixed and the lower end of which is free to permit displacement of the upper portion of the tubing string with respect to the seal support with the lower portion of the tubing string rigidly fixed to the connecting and sealing assembly located near the bottom of the well bore.

Abstract: Process and device for breaking stabilized emulsions.Such a device is constituted by a tank divided into two compartments by a permeable membrane constituting a percolating electrode connected to a continuous or pseudo-continuous electric current supply, a first compartment provided with emulsion feed means and a second compartment provided with means for evacuating the effluent.This device is particularly adapted to the treatment of oil-water emulsions.

Abstract: Improved process for the production of 2-mercapto ethanol-1 through the action of gaseous hydrogen sulphide on liquid ethylene oxide, under a pressure comprised between 5 and 15 bars and a temperature maintained at between 30.degree. and 70.degree. C., in the presence of a catalyst and/or diluent.The obtention of mercapto ethanol with excellent yields.