Abstract: A device for forming in series flat objects and notably thin cakes of particular shape, on any application wall, from a substance of sufficiently fluid consistency is disclosed. The device comprises a hollow feeding drum mounted rotatably on a hollow shaft, suited to be placed in contact with application surface, the surface of the feeding drum comprising at least one opening whose shape is selected in accordance with the shape to be given to each flat object. A feeding system is connected to the shaft for feeding the fluid substance into the drum comprising a radially extending spreading element for applying the fluid substance onto the application surface through the opening. The radially extending spreading element communicates with the inside of the shaft and is set radially between the shaft and the inner face of the drum wall. A guide is provided for keeping the radially extending spreading element in contact therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the total amount of organic carbon in a sample comprising the successive steps of: (a) heating the sample in an inert atmosphere to a first temperature capable of cracking at least a fraction of the organic material contained in the sample; (b) measuring the amount of organic carbon contained in at least a fraction of the effluent resulting from this cracking; (c) heating the sample in an oxidizing atmosphere to a second temperature at most equal to the first temperature; (d) measuring the amount of organic carbon in the effluent produced by the oxidation of the organic material, and (e) deriving from the above measurements the total organic carbon content of the sample. In order to perform the method of the invention, there is also provided means for performing each of the successive steps. In a further refinement, the method also includes steps for determining the mineral carbon content so that the total carbon content of the sample can be determined.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the successive steps of: (a) heating the sample in an inert atmosphere to a first temperature capable of cracking at least a fraction of the organic material contained in the sample; (b) measuring the amount of organic carbon contained in at least a fraction of the effluent resulting from this cracking; (c) heating the sample in an oxidizing atmosphere to a second temperature at most equal to the first temperature; (d) measuring the amount of organic carbon in the effluent produced by the oxidation of the organic material, and (e) deriving from the above measurements the total organic carbon content of the sample. In order to perform the method of the invention, there is also provided means for performing each of the successive steps. In a further refinement, the method also includes steps for determining the mineral carbon content so that the total carbon content of the sample can be determined.

Abstract: Sample of geological sediment is heated preferably to a first temperature in the range from 50.degree. C. to 65.degree. C., then to a second temperature in the range from 200.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. and finally to a third temperature in the range from 550.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. Oil-related characteristics of the sediments are derived from the respective amounts of hydrocarbons released by the sample during these three steps.

Abstract: A sample of the studied sediments is heated in a non-oxidizing atomosphere.The organic material of the sediment is then pyrolyzed and the released products are oxidized. The sulfur content of the sulfur compounds produced by this oxidation is continuously measured in relation with the temperature in the form of an electric signal. The overall sulfur content of the sample is utilized in combination with a parameter characterizing the sample to determine the degree of evolution of the organic material in the sediment.

Abstract: The method comprises heating a sample successively to a first temperature comprised in the range from between 200.degree. to 400.degree. C., then to a second temperature preferably from 550.degree. C. to 600.degree. C., measuring the amount of native hydrocarbons vaporized at the first temperature and the amount of hydrocarbon compounds produced by pyrolysis of the organic material of the sample at the second temperature.Characteristics of the sediments are derived from the two measured values.