Abstract: In a system for electrochemical machining of a workpiece in the form of a flat plate or sheet, the workpiece is supported on a flat first electrode, which is in turn supported on a relatively massive rigid support platform. A second electrode, having a working face defining an area substantially smaller than the area of the workpiece, is supported by a relatively massive framework a slight distance from a working surface of the workpiece in facing relationship therewith to define a working gap therebetween. Electrolyte fluid is introduced under superatmospheric pressure into the working gap through a passage in the second electrode and an opening in the working face thereof. Relative movement is effected between the second electrode and the workpiece longitudinally thereof while an electrical potential is applied across the electrodes to establish current flow between the workpiece and the second electrode for removing material from the former.

Abstract: In an electrochemical machining system a continuous web metal is moved through a working region around a conductive roller in electrical contact therewith. Part-cylindrical cathodes are disposed coaxially with the roller a slight distance radially therefrom to define a working gap between the cathodes and the web. The positive and negative terminals of a DC source are respectively connected to the roller and the cathodes and an electrolyte fluid is injected under pressure through bores in the cathodes into the working gap and removed therefrom through other bores in the cathodes or establish a current flow between the web and the cathode for removing material from the former. Retainers confine the electrolyte emitting laterally from the working gap, and electrolyte falling vertically therefrom is collected in a basin. The speed of movement of the web around the roller may be varied as a function of the thickness of the machined web.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstock is first vaporized in the presence of hydrogen and then the vaporized hydrocarbon feedstock together with excess hydrogen, is gasified to form an effluent gas consisting essentially of methane and aromatic hydrocarbons together with hydrogen and minor amounts of hydrogen sulfide. The process is suitable for the production of a pipeline gas having a heating value of approximately 1,000 BTU/SCF by further processing the effluent, after separation of the aromatic fraction and hydrogen sulfide from the gasifier effluent; the effluent is subject to cryogenic separation of the hydrogen with the hydrogen being recycled to the gasification step and the methane being discharged into a product pipeline. The overall process contemplates revaporization of the aromatic fraction separated from the effluent and regasification to extinction of this fraction.