Abstract: An apparatus and a process for handling samples of fluids under pressure to maintain the fluid in a monophasic state.In said apparatus and process the pressure variations of said fluid sample are limited so as to maintain the same in the monophasic state, by varying the volume available for said fluid sample in accordance with any variations of the temperature of the same.

Abstract: The level of the interfacial boundary between two liquids having different dielectric constants is located by means of a detector in which two parallel sectional members constitute external capacitor plates supported by a metallic base plate and in which small metallic plates encased within an electrically insulated central upright member constitute central capacitor plates. The assembly thus forms a plurality of capacitors, the plates of which are immersed in at least one of the liquids. Each capacitor forms part of an oscillating circuit connected to electronic means for effecting a comparison between the oscillation frequency and a reference frequency.

Abstract: A miniature volumetric pump for determining the thermodynamic characteristics of oil effluents comprising a hollow cylinder and a piston moving in a straight line relative to the cylinder. The pump is characterized in that the piston is stationary and secured to the pump frame and in that the cylinder can move in a straight line with respect to the frame and is adapted to receive the piston in sealing-tight manner in its bore, the pump comprising a screen device for moving the cylinder.

Abstract: A device for dispersing in the atmosphere a residual gas, especially a residual gas containing gaseous hydrocarbons, comprises an open ended mixing conduit having two end sections, at least one injection nozzle assembly each of which comprises at least one nozzle opening into an injection zone defined in the vicinity of at least one of the mixing conduit end sections. Each nozzle of each assembly is connected to a conduit which is connected, in turn, to a common source of pressurized residual gas, and the nozzles of the various assemblies are distributed in the injection zone, and constructed in such a manner that the ratio of the square root of the passage section of said mixing conduit to the square root of the sum of the passage sections of said nozzles of the various assemblies is comprised between 35 and 300.

Abstract: A novel process of separating from an aqueous medium at least one protein or at least one morphologically organized unit by liquid exclusion chromatography on a solid support previously passivated by treatment with an aqueous solution of a non-proteinic polymer. In this process, the chromatographic support is submitted, prior to the chromatographic operation, to a second passivation consisting in contacting the support with an aqueous solution of a protein which has a molecular weight lower than that of the protein to be separated, and which is adapted to be adsorbed by said support. The support and/or the liquid to be treated are sterilized with antiseptic agent selected from the group constituted by the lower aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A direct and continuous receiving and measuring device for electrical, magnetic and acoustic signals comprises an amplifier stage and a broadband filtering stage at the input, a local oscillator for supplying a reference signal, a measuring stage, a mixer to which the local oscillator and the broadband filtering stage are connected and a low frequency filtering stage connected to the mixer.The invention also includes the process of carrying out the measurement.

Abstract: A subsea station or installation in which one or more rigid elongated base template frames are adapted to be permanently positioned on a sea floor. Each base template frame includes a plurality of framed receptor openings, each adapted to receive a module guide base for aligning and releasably connecting thereto module unitary assemblies, each of which carries selected equipment in a protected manner. Extending along each side of the base frame are elongated side structures releasably connected to the base frame and recoverable for maintenance and service, each side structure extending outboardly of the sides of the base frame and being adapted to carry fluid conducting lines, power lines, and a rail means for guidance of a submarine capsule along the length of the base frame.

Abstract: The Claus process for the production of sulphur is improved by employing a deoxidation catalyst prior to the conventional Claus oxide catalyst.

Abstract: Recovery of drilling fluid from the mud leaving the well. The mud is first subjected to conventional separation on screens, settling tanks and/or hydrocyclones, whereafter the resulting liquid is centrifuged. The centripetal effluent of the centrifuge is recycled, alone of in mixture with non-centrifuged liquid, to the drilling tool.The process is applicable to drilling on land and at sea, saves drilling additives, avoids the need for the maintenance of mud tips, transportation of spent mud and avoids pollution.

Abstract: Retractable feeler arms are disposed at uniform angular intervals around a central frame and elastically coupled to the frame for radial withdrawal or outward extension and displacement in a general movement of translation of the device. In the operating position, the tips of the feeler arms are maintained in contact with the cylindrical surface to be measured and differential measurements of the end positions of the feeler arms are taken by means of electrical detectors.

Abstract: A method and device for eliminating the cyanide ion from waste water by anodic oxidation, using an electrodialyzer. Water enters the anode compartment of the dialyzer, which is separated from the cathode compartment by a semi-permeable diaphragm permeable to cations; an alkaline solution travels through the cathode compartment. No reagent is added.

Abstract: A closed receptacle has a wall defining an internal space in which the sampling cell is fixed in a stable position, and an external wall into which opens, through an aperture, a connecting conduit connected to the internal space. The receptacle has a removable seal which seals the periphery of the aperture. The apparatus includes a removable means for testing the receptacle, which defines together with the external wall of the receptacle, a sealed zone surrounding the connecting conduit and which communicates with pressure measuring means. The removable testing means includes a key for loosening and tightening the removable seal to permit testing the receptacle for sample leakage without loss of the contents of the receptacle.

Abstract: Treatment of residual earth drilling muds to achieve a partial dehydration of the same by addition of a series of flocculating agents and then mechanically separating the liquid of the mud from the flocculated solids.

Abstract: Apparatus and system for cathodic protection of a metal structure in the sea by sacrificial anodes. The apparatus has at least one anode of a first type for which the current flow is greater than 10 Amperes/meter.sup.2, with potentials on the order of -900 mV/ECS and has at least one anode of a second type for which the current flow is less than 6 Amperes/meter.sup.2, with potentials in the order of -900 mV/ECS, the absolute values of the decomposition potential under load of the anodes of the first and of the second type being greater (more negative) than the absolute value of the potential of the protected structure. Such a system can assure the protection of a metal structure in the sea for several dozen years.

Abstract: A system for welding the ends of submerged pipes in a gaseous atmosphere at any depth comprises isolating the ends of the pipes by introducing obturators therein and then introducing the pipe ends into an open topped receptacle which is capped with an underwater personal carrying intervention unit. The closed receptacle is filled with gas and then a sleeve is positioned between the ends of the pipes and welded to the pipes.

Abstract: A device for connecting two tubes having a small cross-section perpendicular to a universal coupling element which connects to each other a first component and a second component of an articulated marine structure, said tubes are associated respectively to said first and second components, while said universal coupling element is essentially constituted by a solid core provided with four cross-pins the respective axes of which extend in four orthogonal radial directions. Two opposed cross-pins are supported in respective contact zones by bearing surfaces defined by one of said components, while the remaining two opposed cross-pins are supported in respective contact zones by bearing surfaces defined by the other component.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for absorbing acid gases from industrial gaseous mixtures by washing under pressure with a solvent. The invention is concerned more particularly with the use of hexamethyl phosphorotriamide OP[N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 ].sub.3, pure or mixed with water, as a physical solvent of acid gases.This new physical solvent is of particular interest in the treatment of natural acid gases and refinery gases.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new process for the production of primary and secondary mercaptans.The invention is based on the fact that it is possible to cause an hydrogen exchange between a thioaldehyde or a thioketone and a mercaptan with very good selectivity and conversion yields.

Abstract: High efficiency X-ray irradiation device and method of using same comprising a transmission tube equipped with a high voltage cathode which faces an anode window. The anode itself is in the form of a thin metallic shell applied to the internal surface of a thin window which is transparent to X-ray radiation. The sample to be irradiated has an irradiation surface, which is placed opposite to and surrounds the face of the anode window. Both the window and the irradiation surface of the sample are formed by continuous surfaces. When performing the method, each of these surfaces is arranged such that if is bounded by a closed curve located in the plane which intersects the zone in which the window is attached to the tube envelope or casing.

Abstract: Prevention of inflow of water into the wells or shafts which are already drilled or are being drilled, by means of a polyacrylamide gel cross-linked with a dialdehyde is disclosed. An aqueous solution of non-hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, with a molecular weight higher than 2,000,000 and with a pH of at least 6.5, is used. A progressive plugging or clogging of the water-productive zone is obtained and the gel which is formed is stable over time and does not undergo any syneresis.