Abstract: The invention concerns steps in a process for the synthesis of at least one alkyl tertiobutyl ether, preferably respectively MTBE or ETBE, from at least one alcohol and from isobutene, each synthesized at least partially from natural gas. The alcohol, preferably methanol or ethanol respectively, is synthesized at least partially from synthesis gas, a portion of said synthesis gas being prepared in a natural gas steam prereforming zone. The isobutene is synthesized in a series of processes which includes direct transformation of natural gas to ethylene, known as oxidative coupling of methane (OCM), dimerisation of ethylene to normal butene, isomerisation of n-butene to isobutene, and the separation units associated therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing crude oil at the outlet of a well, including at least one separation step wherein the crude oil is pressure distilled in at least one distillation column into at least two cuts, i.e., a C.sub.1-5 hydrocarbon gas cut recovered at the top of the column and a stabilized crude oil cut recovered below the point where the original crude oil was injected into the column. The method advantageously includes at least one decompression step before the separation step.

Abstract: Process for removing hydrogen sulfide at low concentration in a gas containing water vapor. The gas is cooled to a temperature below the dew point of water, which condenses and separates the water. The dry gas is scrubbed free of hydrogen sulfide by an H.sub.2 S-absorbent solvent forming a purified gas. The purified gas is contacted and rehydrated with heated water so that the water content as water vapor corresponds to a mass flow rate of water substantially equal to the mass flow rate of the water present in the H.sub.2 S-containing gas before cooling. An apparatus for carrying out the process is disclosed.

Abstract: Process for removing hydrogen sulfide at low concentration in a gas containing water vapor. The gas is cooled to a temperature below the dew point of water, which condenses and separates the water. The dry gas is scrubbed free of hydrogen sulfide by an H.sub.2 S-absorbent solvent forming a purified gas. The purified gas is contacted and rehydrated with heated water so that the water content as water vapor corresponds to a mass flow rate of water substantially equal to the mass flow rate of the water present in the H.sub.2 S-containing gas before cooling. The condensed water circulates in a closed circuit to contact and rehydrate the purified gas, and then is cooled to the appropriate temperature for cooling the H.sub.2 S-containing gas. An apparatus, appropriate for carrying out the process is disclosed.

Abstract: Continuous manufacture of an alkane sulphonyl chloride by the action of chlorine on the dialkyl disulphide corresponding to the alkane, in the presence of water or an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution.Firstly, a fine emulsion of the dialkyl disulphide is prepared with water or with an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution, after which the emulsion is treated with chlorine under constant agitation.Preferably, separation of the alkane sulphonyl chloride formed is effected in two different zones, the second of which operates under reduced pressure.