Abstract: Solid particles of various sizes are separated from viscous liquids, for example biomass from liquids of biotechnological processes, by pressure filtration by subjecting the inhomogeneous or homogenized suspension, without or after only a little dilution, to a pressure filtration whereby the solid particles of various sizes are retained according to size in a plurality of, in particular in from 1 to 3, superposed or juxtaposed filter stages on filter layers of various depths and on filter surfaces and are separated from the viscous liquid.

Abstract: A drilling derrick device for handling drill-pipe stands has at least one movable racking platform with pipe-stand receiving compartments, supported above the working deck of the derrick, at least one racking carriage associated with the racking platform and movable on the working deck and a pivotable drill-pipe robot having gripping arms to load and unload the racking platform and the racking carriage. The racking platform and the racking carriage are moved in synchronism relative to the drill-pipe robot which has a fixed position on the working deck in order to perform drill string dismantling and assembly operations.

Abstract: Rhamnolipids with high surface activity are produced micro iologically in high yield per g of dry cell substance using Pseudomonas spec. DSM 2874 in the form of growing, resting and immobilized cell mass in an aqueous medium containing at least one assimilable carbon source at a pH of 6.7 to 7.3 and a temperature of 30.degree. to 37.degree. C. Two new rhamnolipids with only one .beta.-hydroxydecanoic acid residue in the molecule and defined as .alpha.-L-rhamnopyranosyl- and 2-O-.alpha.-L-rhamnopyranosyl-.alpha.-L-rhamnopyranosyl-.beta.-hydroxydeca noic acid with a molecular weight of 334 and 480, respectively, are obtained.

Abstract: Anionic, surface-active trehalose lipids, in which different organic acids are bound to a trehalose molecule by an ester linkage, are prepared by aerobically cultivating trehalose-producing microorganisms, capable of assimilating hydrocarbons, under growth-limiting conditions, but without limiting the oxygen.

Abstract: Rock salt solution contained in the salt cavern is pumped out, after which particulate solid waste materials are treated with dust suppressant agents to form free-flowing, non-dusting, readily usable mixtures, which are introduced into the cavern by trickling, or the salt cavern filled with rock salt solution is filled with a pumpable mixture of solid and liquid waste materials in such a way that the displaced volume of salt solution is pumped out and, after filling the cavern to about two thirds to three quarters of its volume, the water of the liquid phase is bound in the form of water of crystallization or as hydroxide or physically by adsorption through addition of hydrophilic compounds or substances as a means of solidifying it, and the cavern is then sealed.

Abstract: A liquid waste with a pH of 7 or more, which has been adjusted above ground if necessary, is treated above ground to produce a pumpable mixture, which has aboiling point above 85.degree. C.,flash point above 65.degree. C.,vapor pressure at 60.degree. C. of up to 0.5 kp/cm.sup.2, andviscosity of less than 300 cPand which forms no toxic or flammable gases. The mixture is then conveyed to a salt cavity and allowed to stand until phase separation has occurred before the resulting liquid phases are separately drawn off for further treatment or disposal.

Abstract: Pumpable wastes are mixed in salt caverns with soluble or dissolved salts, which crystallize at the cavern temperature with bonding of water of crystallization; or with organic waste materials which solidify in the liquid phase of the cavern contents or increase the density of the cavern contents; or with solid waste materials, whereby the specific gravity of the liquid phase is increased in order to narrow the difference between the specific gravity of the salt mineral of the cavern wall and the specific gravity of the liquid phase of the cavern contents and the caverns are sealed.

Abstract: A method and process for preventing the penetration and/or adhesion of hydrocarbons such as crude oil or mineral oil-hydrocarbons into or respectively on objects. The natural and/or constructed objects are sprayed with an aqueous solution and/or dispersion of glycolipids resulting in a thin layer covering the object. A hydrocarbon composition can contact the sprayed object and the resulting hydrocarbon; containing mass can be removed with a pressurized water jet. Various ways exist for degrading or separating the hydrocarbons from the run-off. Preferably the aqueous solution and/or dispersion is treated with ultrasonics before being applied to the surfaces of the objects.

Abstract: Salt caverns or cavities are used only for intermediate storage and not for permanent storage of liquid pumpable wastes, to avoid above ground installations for such operations as phase separation, neutralization and sedimentation. The caverns may be used in combination or in series.