Abstract: A process for the production of a mono-olefin from a feedstock comprising a paraffinic hydrocarbon which process comprises the steps of: (a) feeding the feedstock and a molecular oxygen-containing gas to an autothermal cracker wherein they are reacted by oxidative dehydrogenation to form a product comprising one, or more, mono-olefin(s) and synthesis gas, (b) separating the product from step (a) into a synthesis gas-containing stream and one, or more, olefins and recovering the one, or more, olefin(s), (c) contacting synthesis gas-containing stream separated in step (b) with either, (i) a catalyst for the conversion of synthesis gas to methanol under conditions whereby synthesis gas is converted to methanol; or (ii) a catalyst for the water gas shift reaction under conditions whereby carbon monoxide in the synthesis gas is converted by reaction with water to hydrogen and carbon dioxide and thereafter recovering hydrogen; or (iii) a catalyst for the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons under conditions

Abstract: A process for the production of olefins from a hydrocarbon comprising the steps of: a) providing a first feed stream comprising a gaseous fuel and an oxygen-containing gas; b) contacting the first feed stream with a first catalyst under conditions so as to produce a product stream and unreacted oxygen; c) providing a second feed stream of hydrocarbon feedstock; and d) contacting the second feed stream, the product stream of step b) and the unreacted oxygen step b) with a second catalyst which is capable of supporting oxidation, thereby consuming at least a part of the unreacted oxygen to produce an olefin product.

Abstract: Process for the production of a mono-olefin and a hydrocarbon fraction boiling in the diesel range in which (I) a gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon-containing feedstock and a molecular oxygen-containing gas are fed to an autothermal cracker wherein they are reacted in the presence or absence of a catalyst capable of supporting combustion beyond the normal fuel rich limit of flammability under conditions whereby the feedstock is oxidatively dehydrogenated to a product comprising one or more mono-olefin(s) and synthesis gas. The product from step (I) is separated into synthesis gas and one or more mono-olefin(s) and the one or more mono-olefin(s) are recovered. Synthesis gas separated in step (II), optionally together with additional synthesis gas, is fed to a Fischer Tropsch (FT) reactor containing an FT catalyst wherein the synthesis gas is reacted under FT conditions to produce an FT product containing naphtha and hydrocarbons boiling in the diesel range.

Abstract: A support device configured to support and enclose one or more supply lines, such as hoses, cables and leads, employed to deliver a fluid, gas or electrical power to an end-of-arm tool mounted to a robot. The support device is particularly suited for use with arc and spot welding robots and mechanical handling robots, which may require multiple fluid, gas and electrical lines. The support device is adapted to be mounted to a moving member of the robot, enabling supply lines to be safely routed along moving members from a suitable source to the end-of-arm tool. The support device serves to protect the lines from the working environment of the robot, and facilitates the repair and maintenance of the robot by permitting ready access to the lines. The lines can be correspondingly installed in segments, such that a limited segment of damaged line can be removed for repair or replacement, as opposed to the entire length of line being replaced.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for calibrating a material-spreading applicator. A broadcast spreader or planter is moved over a field for a measured length. The amount of fertilizer or seed which the applicator would have spread over the surface while it was so moved is caught. The area on which the caught material would have been spread is calculated and the caught material is weighed. Thereafter the weight of the caught material is divided by the calculated area. Another aspect of the invention comprises a weighing apparatus having an elongate arm with a weight slidable therealong. A container having a conical shape is mounted on one end of the arm and a support is pivotally attached to the arm between the container and the weight.

Abstract: A meter prover is provided in which a substantially spherical plug travels through a U-shaped calibration conduit between two delivery/receiving stations at the ends of the conduit, and each said station contains means for selectively retaining the plug in the station. The retaining means consists of a sleeve with the same cross-section as the conduit which is mounted for horizontal movement toward and away from the conduit end along a plug cage that receives and guides the plug when it emerges from the conduit end. When the sleeve is in a position where it forms a continuation of the conduit end, fluid pressure is able to force the plug through the sleeve into the conduit, but when the sleeve and plug are spaced from the conduit end the fluid is able to bypass the plug and flow directly into the conduit.