Abstract: A method for reducing the tendency of a surface of a material to foul when exposed to a potential foulant comprises the step of treating the surface of the material with a plasma of a compound containing or generating hydroxyl groups to render the surface hydrophylic but substantially uncharged.The materials may be inorganic, e.g. glass, or organic, e.g. polyamide, and may be in the form of fibers, woven fabrics, membranes or plates. Suitable compounds containing hydroxyl groups include ethylene glycol and water.

Abstract: A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a template having a three-dimensional framework enclosing one or more production bays, each bay having a well slot and a manifold slot. The space above the well slot is occupied by a tree module fitted with a high pressure cap. The space above the manifold slot is occupied by a manifold header module positioned on the template and forming the base of the equipment in the area of the manifold slot(s), isolation valve module(s) positioned adjacent to the manifold header module and connected thereto, flow control modules(s) positioned adjacent to the isolation valve module(s) and connected thereto, production choke module(s) positioned adjacent to the flow control module(s) and connected thereto, and production control pod(s) positioned adjacent to the flow control modules(s) and connected thereto. The tree module(s) are connected to the flow control module(s).

Abstract: A process for preparing interpolymers of an olefin(s) and carbon monoxide (polyketones) is provided. The process employs a palladium catalyst prepared by reacting together a palladium source, a bidentate amine, phosphine, arsine or stibine and a source of a borate anion. The catalyst effects fast polymerization of the olefin(s) and carbon monoxide in, e.g. methanol or ethoxyethanol solvent. By using the catalyst a lower catalyst deactivation on recycle is observed relative to previously described systems.

Abstract: Hydrocarbyl formates, convertible by hydrolysis into formic acid, are produced by reacting carbon dioxide and hydrogen with a compound of formula ROH wherein R is a hydrocarbyl group in the presence of a substantially insoluble compound of an element selected from Groups III to VIII of the Periodic Table, which element exhibits amphoteric or basic properties, and as catalyst a compound of a transition metal of Group VIa, VIIa or VIII of the Periodic Table, particularly rhodium, ruthenium or iridium.

Abstract: A C.sub.2 and higher hydrocarbon product including ethylene is produced from a methane-containing gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon feedstock by a process comprising heating the feedstock admixed with oxygen in an amount of at least 5% mol under elevated pressure in a pre-heating zone to a temperature sufficient to cause spontaneous reaction, the pre-heating and mixing being effected in a manner such that (i) substantial oxygen consumption is avoided, and (ii) a "flash-back" of the reaction to form a diffusion flame at the point of gaseous mixing is prevented, and thereafter in a reaction zone allowing the feedstock mixture to spontaneously react.

Abstract: A process for preparing an interpolymer of one or more olefins with carbon monoxide is disclosed. The process, which comprises reacting the olefin(s) with carbon monoxide in the presence of a palladium catalyst prepared by reacting together for example palladium acetate, 1,3-bis (diphenylphosphino)propane and para- toluenesulphonic acid, is improved by having an amide or nitrile present. The presence of an amide or nitrile improves reaction rates and reduces the amount of catalyst incorporated into the polyketone. A preferred additive is dimethylformamide.

Abstract: A composition for use after reductive activation as a catalyst in the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons, which composition comprises as essential components (i) cobalt either as the elemental metal, the oxide or a compound thermally decomposable to the elemental metal and/or oxide and (ii) zinc in the form of the oxide or a compound thermally decomposable to the oxide.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fire control comprising the use of a gas-liquid twin fluid spray nozzle. In one embodiment the spray nozzle comprises a mixing chamber having a gas inlet and one or more outlets at opposite ends, two or more liquid inlets between the gas inlet and the outlets and a mixing zone between the liquid inlets and the outlets. In another embodiment the spray nozzle comprises a mixing chamber having a plurality of gas inlets, liquid inlets and outlets, the inner surface of the mixing chamber being capable of aiding mixing of gas and liquid introduced through the inlets.The nozzles may be used in fixed, portable or semi-portable fire control systems.

Abstract: A latching mechanism comprises a cam operated pivoting member within a first cylinder. The member has a lug which can project through an aperture in the cylinder. The cylinder slides into a second cylinder which has a corresponding aperture to receive the projected lug.The pivotting member has no internal axis of pivot. Instead it has a rolling axis depending on the position of the cam and a rocking axis about a shoulder of the member in contact with the interior wall of the first cylinder.This results in a small, light-weight structure.

Abstract: The naturally occurring metal oxide layer in contact with a metal in the bulk state is treated with a solution of a salt of yttrium or the lanthanide metals. The treatment is applied in order to increase the adhesive strength of bonds between the metal and subsequently applied adhesives and to enhance the durability of such bonds in aqueous environments. The concentration of the applied solution is preferably in the range 10.sup.-2 to 10.sup.-6 M. Yttrium or samarium nitrate is the preferred salt. The treatment is preferably used in conjunction with epoxy resin adhesives.

Abstract: An electrical cable assembly is formed of a length of hollow pipe with means at either end for joining lengths of the pipe, one or more electrical cables within the pipe, and connectors with electrical contacts at either end of the cable(s) held within the ends of the pipe so that, on joining lengths of pipe, the connectors are also automatically joined to form an electrical path through the joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of hydrogen ion-exchanged layered clays in organic reactions which are catalyzed by protons. Such organic reactions include the production of ethers by the reaction of an alcohol with an olefin or an olefin oxide, the production of an ether by the reaction of a primary or secondary aliphatic alcohol or an olefin oxide, the production of an alkyl aromatic compound by the reaction of an aromatic hydrocarbon with an olefin or a C.sub.2 or higher alcohol and the production of an alcohol by the hydration of an olefin.

Abstract: A fibre optic data coupler comprises (a) a fibre optic data link input module comprising an input connector for a fibre optic connected to a fibre optic receiver for providing a digital electrical output signal corresponding to the fibre optic signal, (b) a coupler drive module for converting the digital electrical output signal to an analogue drive signal for input to an inductive coupler, (c) an inductive coupler unit comprising an inlet element for receiving the analogue drive signal and an outlet element for transmitting an induced analogue drive signal, corresponding to the input signal, (d) a coupler output module for converting the induced analogue drive signal to a digital electrical output signal for input to a fibre optic data link output module, and (e) a fibre optic data link output module comprising a fibre optic transmitter module, for providing a fibre optic signal corresponding to the digital electrical input signal, connected to a connector for a fibre optic.

Abstract: A guide base for a sub-sea well is formed in two parts, an annular portion fixed to a conductor housing and a retrievable portion surrounding and releasably attached to the annular portion. The retrievable portion can be recovered and used elsewhere if a well is suspended or abandoned or changed for another type of guide base after drilling and before completion. A trawler board deflector can also replace the retrievable guide base portion, and a retrievable protective cap may be placed on the well head housing of a suspended well. A hydraulically-operated multi-purpose tool may be used for placing or retrieving any of the retrievable items.

Abstract: Metal surfaces are treated with an aqueous medium containing a phosphate diester of a hydroxyacrylate or methacrylate containing a hydrocarbon chain having from 7 to 16 carbon atoms. The treated metal surfaces give improved retention of adhesive strength when adhesives are subsequently applied.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of emulsions of oil in water comprises:(a) an oil feed line,(b) a source of concentrated surfactant solution,(c) a source of water,(d) a first low shear mixer for mixing concentrated surfactant and water to form a dilute surfactant solution,(e) means for uniting the flows of dilute surfactant solution and oil in a controlled manner,(f) a second low shear mixer for mixing the united flow streams of oil and dilute surfactant solution to form an emulsion of oil in water,(g) a third low shear mixer for mixing the emulsion of oil in water to form a dilute emulsion, and,(h) an arrangement of water feed lines and control valves such that, firstly, water can be supplied either to the first low shear mixer only or, secondly, to both first and third low shear mixers.The apparatus is particularly suitable for the preparation of emulsions of fuel oil in water from oils within a wide range of viscosities which burn with low emissions of NO.sub.x and particulates.

Abstract: A subsea wireline lubricator comprises in sequence (a) a stuffing box, (b) at least one blow-out preventer, (c) a riser, (d) a foot valve and (e) a connector for connection to a subsea well head assembly.The lubricator permits wireline access to subsea oil wells without the need for a conventional tensioned riser.

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.

Abstract: A process for preparing single enantiomers of chiral sulphoxides is provided. The process involves (a) reacting an achiral sulphur-containing, e.g. a disulphide, with a single enantiomer of a chiral template having the formula T--(CO)--CH.sub.2 R.sup.1, wherein T is suitably (eta.sup.5 --C.sub.5 H.sub.5)Fe(CO)(PPh.sub.3)-- (Ph=phenyl) and (b) thereafter sterospecifically oxidizing the sulphur atom with an oxidizing agent. A single enantiomer of the chiral sulphoxide can then be generated by reacting the oxidized product with a carbanion. In a preferred embodiment the reaction mixture is thereafter treated with further achiral sulphide to provide a process which is catalytic on the chiral template.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for fire control produces a spray of gas and liquid having an oval transverse cross-section and comprises a mixing chamber having an oval transverse cross-section adapted to induce a toroidal mixing pattern in pressurized gas and liquid introduced to the mixing chamber through a plurality of inlets. In a preferred embodiment the mixing chamber is toroidal. The spray may be used in fire control systems in vehicles or other confined spaces.