Abstract: A rotary bladed apparatus (100) for processing feedstocks in a process fluid is provided, said apparatus comprises means for adjusting position of a working blade cascade of the rotor (3) relative to stator components (2, 4) in a longitudinal direction of a rotor shaft (1). Adjustment is performed through axial displacement of the rotor (3) or, alternatively, through axial displacement of the reactor housing (22 A, 32A). A method for improving process efficiency and for regulating flow losses during processing of feedstocks in a process fluid, in particular, in off-design conditions in the bladed apparatus (100) is further provided. In embodiments, processing of feedstocks includes thermal- or thermochemical cracking of hydrocarbon-containing feedstock.

Abstract: A method for reducing coke formation during thermal or thermochemical conversion of hydrocarbon feedstocks in a gaseous diluent using a rotary reactor provided. The method comprises supplying an amount of additional gaseous diluent into high-temperature region(s) (10) of the reactor, where conditions are established for thermal or thermochemical conversion to occur. In these regions, said additional gaseous diluent is supplied into a reaction space through perforations and/or pores (11) made in stationary blades (2, 4) or in other surfaces (7, 7A) enclosing a process fluid flow. A rotary apparatus configured to implement the method is further provided.

Abstract: A detector that can detect a gas which has leaked, particularly from buried and or exposed pipelines. The detector can be placed on an aircraft and flown at heights, e.g. up to about 500 feet, or other heights, and at relatively high speeds along the length of the pipeline. A tunable light source is programmed to switch between a first frequency, which is known to be absorbed by the gas in question, and a second frequency, which is known not to be as readily absorbed by the gas in question. A laser rangefinder is also provided to measure the distance between the pipeline and the detector. A computer is preferably provided to interpret readings from the sensors, based on distances measured by the laser rangefinder. A GPS receiver is also preferably provided.