Abstract: The invention relates to processes and devices for monitoring facilities of the chemical industry. It is the task of the invention, to carry out cost-effectively with simple means and in simple manner the monitoring of such facilities under automation and in this way to avoid damages. The invention comprises that by means of microphones or other acoustic sensors, cameras and electronic odor sensors electronic data are generated and these are supplied to an evaluation device with comparison circuitry, memories of electronically acquired data and display as well as report-generating devices, in which the temporary acquired electronic measurement values are compared with measurement values of an initial measurement and/or of the preceding measurement and, in the event given deviation values are exceeded, triggers a report process.

Abstract: Pipe lines for conducting natural gas become contaminated, over a period of time, by an accumulation of mercury, which occurs in minute amounts in natural gas. If used pipe is scrapped, for example by melting, mercury vapor escaping to the atmosphere poses a health hazard. To remove mercury, sections of pipe are closed at both ends by plugs having nipples for connection to a closed circuit and inert gas line connected with a pump for evacuating the line and with a source of inert gas, for example nitrogen. The closed circuit inert gas line contains a blower for circulating the inert gas repeatedly through the pipe sections and a condenser for condensing mercury vapor. The closed circuit further includes a heat exchanger for removing heat upstream of the condenser, a coordinated heat exchanger for restoring heat removed and an additional heater. The pipe sections are heated externally by an oven or internally by heated inert gas.