Abstract: The present invention is a device (14) for sampling a solid from a sealed enclosure (12). The device comprises a body (18) carrying a sampling head (16) with a solid collection recess (28), a collected solid transfer recess (28?) and an angular-displacement shutter means (30) for the recesses controlled by the control means (48). The device also comprises means (78, 80) for limiting the angular clearance of the shutter means for no-load displacement (c) of the means.

Abstract: The present invention is a device (14) for sampling a solid from a sealed enclosure (12). The device comprises a body (18) carrying a sampling head (16) with a solid collection recess (28), a collected solid transfer recess (28?) and an angular-displacement shutter means (30) for the recesses controlled by the control means (48). The device also comprises means (78, 80) for limiting the angular clearance of the shutter means for no-load displacement (c) of the means.

Abstract: A process for the production of very high quality base oils optionally with simultaneous production of high quality middle distillates comprises the stages for hydrotreatment, preferably hydrocracking, on Y or beta zeolite, and atmospheric distillation. The effluent is subjected to a catalytic dewaxing on the ZSM-48 catalyst. The process then comprises a hydrofinishing stage for hydrogenating the aromatic compounds, preferably on a catalyst that comprises at least one noble metal of group VIII, chlorine and fluorine, and the stages of atmospheric and vacuum distillation. The hydrofinishing stage is conducted at a temperature lower by 20-200° C. than the catalytic dewaxing stage.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved method for making very high quality oil bases optionally with simultaneous production of high quality middle distillates, comprising hydrotreating, hydrocracking preferably on Y or beta zeolite, topping steps. The effluent is subjected to catalytic dewaxing on ZSM-48 zeolite. The method then comprises steps of hydrofinishing to hydrogenate the aromatics, preferably on a catalyst comprising at least a noble metal of group VIII, chlorine and fluorine and steps of vacuum topping. The properties of the oils and middle distillates are enhanced (flow point, viscosity index, aromatic content) resulting even in production of medicinal oils.

Abstract: A fluid fuel mixture is formed of a suspension of a pulverized solid fuel and of at least one aqueous phase representing from 15 to 40 percent of the mixture before an optional incorporation of an additive. The mixture can comprise, as a supplement to particle-size fractions of the pulverized solid fuel, or as a replacement for some of these fractions, additional particle-size fractions produced from heavy petroleum residues of a natural or synthetic origin which are solid at the temperature at which the invention is practiced. The fluid fuel mixture may be used, for example, in boilers, industrial furnaces, or gasification reactors.