Abstract: In the specification and drawings, an apparatus for conducting hot work is described and shown with an enclosure; a hot work apparatus operable within the enclosure; and a detector located exterior of the enclosure, the detector being in detecting communication with the interior of the enclosure, such that the detector detects the presence of a condition within the enclosure. A method of conducting hot work is also described and shown.

Abstract: A blasting nozzle for a blasting apparatus includes an inlet for attachment to the outlet hose of the blasting apparatus, an accelerating portion, and an outlet portion through which an accelerated abrasive-laden jet can be ejected. The outlet portion has an interior surface that flares outwards to define a single outlet orifice but that also defines a transverse cross-section profile having at least two lobes between which is at least one splitter element. In use, the abrasive within the jet is directed by the splitter element into one or other of the two lobes within the single egressing jet. The overall effect is such that the abrasive distribution transversely across the jet is much more even than in a conventional blasting nozzle.

Abstract: A method of laundering articles is described wherein water used is heated to no more than 40° C. and wherein in a single washing process there are no more than two wash cycles followed by at least one rinse cycle. In one of the wash cycles at least two laundry preparations are used, a first of the laundry preparations being in powder form and including up to 15% by weight a powdered detergent, and a second of the laundry preparations being in liquid form and including at least one of a degreasing emulsifier and a bleach. In addition, the laundry preparations in total have up to 10% by weight a terpene. As the method uses water temperatures of no more than 40° C., significant savings can be made in the energy that would otherwise be used on heating the washing water and a separate bleaching cycle is not required.

Abstract: A blasting apparatus includes a pressure vessel adapted to contain a particulate blasting medium and a liquid. The vessel includes an inlet and a bottom outlet. The interior of the vessel communicates via its bottom outlet with an opening in a conduit along which conduit an entraining pressurized gas can be fed from a pressurizing gas source. A pressurizing device is provided to pump liquid from a liquid source into the vessel behind its contents in terms of its contents' outflow from the vessel through the bottom outlet. A valve is provided to control the flow of pressurized gas along the conduit. Immediately upstream of the opening in the conduit is located a venturi so that the velocity of the pressurized gas is increased as it passes over the opening thereby increasing the quantity of particulate blasting medium entrained by the gas.