Abstract: Sulphonated polyketones are prepared by reacting a linear alternating copolymer of carbon monoxide and one or more olefins (polyketone) with a sulphonating agent (e.g. chlorosulphoric acid) in a solvent (e.g. dichloromethane) at a temperature in the range -20.degree. to +40.degree. C. A molar excess of sulphonating agent is preferably used. The sulphonated polyketone produced contains one or more types of unit of formula --[COC(R.sup.1).sub.2 C(R.sup.1).sub.2)-- wherein the R.sup.1 groups are independently H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl or SO.sub.3 H with the proviso that at least one R.sup.1 group is SO.sub.3 H.

Abstract: Catalyst composition comprising an alloy of at least one noble metal of group VIII of the Periodic Table and at least one metal capable of alloying with the group VIII noble metal, admixed with a component comprising at least one of the metals rhenium, tungsten or molybdenum, used for producing an alcohol and/or a carboxylic acid ester by reacting hydrogen with a carboxylic acid or anhydride thereof.

Abstract: A non-intrusive method for the determination of characteristics of slug flow in a multiphase flow pipeline comprising the steps of: detecting the acoustic emissions from the pipeline in the ultrasonic frequency range by means of at least one sound transducer, the output from which is an analogue electrical signal, converting the analogue signal to a digital signal, and analyzing the digital signal to determine the characteristics of the slug flow.The characteristics of slug flow which may be determined include distinguishing slug flow from wave flow, the frequency of slugging and the velocity and length of slugs. The method is particularly suitable for studying multiphase flow comprising oil, gas and water.

Abstract: The efficiency of mixing vapor in a countercurrent column (1) is improved by use of one or more vapor risers (6) each incorporating a mixing device (7). The method is suitable for use in countercurrent columns operating at high pressures or under vacuum. For high pressure operation a single riser is preferred positioned in the center of the distributor tray (5).

Abstract: A method for recovering the surfactant from a dispersion or emulsion of oil and water containing a temperature sensitive surfactant which method comprises the steps of heating the dispersion or emulsion to a temperature above the cloud point of the surfactant under conditions of temperature and aqueous phase salinity such that the dispersion or emulsion breaks and separates into an oil layer, an aqueous layer and a surfactant layer, and recovering the surfactant layer.The recovered surfactant may be recycled for use in preparing further quantities of dispersion or emulsion, thus rendering the operation more economic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing perforate, fiber reinforced composite material wherein the fiber reinforcing material is impregnated with the resin which is cured to give a strong light material.

Abstract: A process for the sintering of a body comprising silicon carbide and a boron-containing material, which comprises heating the body to an effective sintering temperature in the presence of nitrogen; removing the nitrogen by evacuation to a pressure of less than 10.sup.-2 mbar; and continuing the sintering under vacuum or in the presence of an inert gas other than nitrogen. The invention also describes a sintered body comprising silicon carbide and a boron-containing material, having a density of at least 96% of its theoretical maximum density, in which the body contains less than 0.7% w of free carbon, and has a mean silicon carbide grain size of less than 5 microns.

Abstract: A catalyst which comprises zinc, together with an effective amount of a platinum group metal on a support which is a material having the silicalite structure, the framework of said material consisting essentially of silicon and oxygen atoms or of silicon, zinc and oxygen atoms. There is also provided a process for the dehydrogenation of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.10 paraffin to yield an alkene product which process comprises contacting the paraffin under dehydrogenation conditions with a catalyst according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing perforate, fibre-reinforced, composite material, comprising the steps of laying up reinforcing fibres and resin in a mould having needles, the mould including a stripper plate having perforations into which the needles pass when the mould is assembled; curing the resin; and withdrawing the composite from the mould along with the stripper plate.

Abstract: A catalyst which is substantially free of alkali and alkaline earth metals and comprises an effective amount of a platinum group metal on a silicalite support; characterised in that the catalyst also comprises tin. There is also provided a process for the dehydrogenation of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.10 paraffin to yield an alkene product, which comprises contacting the paraffin under dehydrogenation conditions with a catalyst according to the invention.

Abstract: A composition for use after reductive activation as a catalyst in the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons, the composition having formula: Ru.sub.z A.sub.b CeO.sub.

Abstract: A crystalline material having, in the dehydrated form the empirical formula:m(M.sub.2/a O): X.sub.z O.sub.xz/2 : yYO.sub.2 (I)in which m is 0.5 to 1.5; M is a cation of valency a; X is a metal of valency x, selected from aluminium, boron, gallium zinc, iron and titanium; z is 2 when x is an odd number, an z is 1 when x is an even number; y is at least 5; and Y is silicon or germanium; and having, in the calcined hydrogen form, an X-ray diffraction pattern including significant peaks substantially as shown in table I herein. The material has been designated SUZ-4.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a catalytically active material, which comprises calcining an anionic double hydroxide clay; rehydrating the resulting material by treatment with water substantially free from dissolved ions; and calcining the rehydrated material.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alumina-based catalyst which comprises:(a) selecting an alumina catalyst having a bulk density of at least 0.6 g/ml and a pore volume of less than 0.6 ml/g;(b) heating the alumina of (a) to a temperature of at least 1000.degree. C. in the presence of a sintering agent containing at least one metal selected from nickel, chromium, cobalt and platinum; and(c) recovering a sintered alumina-based catalyst having a bulk density and an attrition resistance greater than that of the alumina of (a). Catalysts prepared by this process are useful in hydrocarbon conversion processes.

Abstract: A compound containing an element of Group IIB and of Group VIB is cathodically deposited on a cathode comprising a layer of high sheet resistance on an insulating substrate by positioning the anode relative to the cathode such that the distance from the anode to a point on the cathode increases as the distance between the point and the nearest electrical connection to the cathode decreases.

Abstract: A guide line attachment for releasably attaching a guide line to a guide post top or other portion of a sub-sea installation has three relatively movable spring loaded concentric sleeves, the relative movement of which can be used to releasably lock the attachment to the guide post top or other portion. Relative movement of the sleeves also activates a latch to releasably lock the sleeves to each other. The attachment may fit inside or outside a guide post top and may be pre-set so that it will or will not automatically relatch on release. The guide post tops have internal or external grooves for engaging the attachment locking means, and specially designed tools may be used to effect remote release sub-sea. The guide line attachment may be used for all stages of the drilling and production of a sub-sea oil well and avoids the present need to cut and replace guide lines at different stages in the life of a sub-sea well.

Abstract: Process for the production of a mono-olefin from a gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms or a mixture thereof. The process includes the step of partially combusting, in contact with a combustion catalyst, the gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon or a mixture of the gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbons and a molecular oxygen-containing gas in a composition of from 5 to 9 times the stoichiometric ratio of hydrocarbon to oxygen for complete combustion of carbon dioxide and water. In the process, the mixture is partially combusted at a temperature in the range of 500.degree. to 1200.degree. C. and at a gas hourly space velocity of at least 80,000 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: Novel hemiacetalized derivatives of polyketones (linear alternating polymers of carbon monoxide and one or more alkenes are prepared by reacting the polyketone with a diol of formula HOZOH, where Z=--(C(R).sub.2).sub.n --, the R goups are independently H, OH or C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl and n is 2 to 6. The process of preparation is characterized by using a molar ratio of diol to carbonyl groups in the polyketone of at least 5:1.

Abstract: A method for determining the height and length of a fracture (2) in a borehole (1) involves generating pressure waves at closely spaced frequencies by means of a transmitter (3) at the wellhead. The response at the wellhead of the wellbore-fracture system to the resultant standing waves is measured by means of a transducer (6). A theoretical model of the wellbore-fracture system is generated and compared with the measured response to determine the height and length of the fracture.

Abstract: A novel catalyst composition comprising a crystalline aluminosilicate having a molar ratio of silica to alumina of at least 5:1, the aluminosilicate carrying gallium and silver, is useful in the conversion at elevated temperature of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 hydrocarbon feedstock into aromatic hydrocarbons.