Abstract: The danger of explosion due to decomposition of high-pressure industrial process gases, such as ethylene, is reduced by beginning to cool the decomposition gases with a delay of no more than 25 milliseconds from the onset of flow of the gases out of a high-pressure vessel. The process may be implemented by using apparatus comprising: (1) means containing an inert gas at a pressure P between about 5 and 50 bars and an inert liquid of high heat of vaporization; and (2) a valve located upstream of an inert-liquid dispersing means, of which the opening is operated by a means detecting the opening of a safety means of the high-pressure vessel and operating the working of the dispersing means.

Abstract: The danger of explosion due to decomposition of high-pressure industrial process gases, such as ethylene, is reduced by beginning to cool the decomposition gases with a delay of no more than 25 milliseconds from the onset of flow of the gases out of a high-pressure vessel.The process may be implemented by using apparatus comprising:(1) means containing an inert gas at a pressure P between about 5 and 50 bars and an inert liquid of high heat of vaporization; and(2) a valve located upstream of an inert-liquid dispersing-means, of which the opening is operated by a means detecting the opening of a safety means of the high-pressure vessel and operating the working of the dispersing means.The apparatus is useful for the recovery of decomposition gases in order to avoid atmospheric pollution, as well as for reducing the risk of explosion.

Abstract: The rheometer is located in a non-return branch of a molten polymer line and includes, in succession, a fixed-speed pump, a first capillary tube, and a second capillary tube in series with the first tube. The second tube has a diameter less than or equal to that of the first tube, and emerges into a fluid medium at regulated pressure. Pressure-sensors at the inlet of each tube determine the pressure loss between the inlet of each tube and the fluid medium at regulated pressure. The temperature is monitored by means that are at least party external to the body of the rheometer.