Abstract: Hot fluids are cooled in a heat exchanger which comprises a housing providing a passage for the hot fluid, and heat exchange surfaces arranged within the housing which surfaces provide a passage for a coolant to and from the housing such that there is no direct contact between the hot fluid and the coolant, and which surfaces are movable within the housing. The heat exchanger is very suitable for cooling synthesis gas obtained in the gasification of coal.

Abstract: A method for determining blockage of a coal gasification slag tap by observing changes in the sound pressure across the slag tap is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining blockage of a coal gasification process gasifier outlet or quench zone by observing changes in the sound pressure between the quench zone and the gasifier is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for predicting the ground vibration and airborne noise at any position resulting from a blasting operation using the data obtained from one or more single-charge low level blasts. By using convolution in the frequency domain, large charge weight nonlinear vibrations are considered, such that the optimum excitation frequency (detonation delays) is induced for minimizing objectionable ground and air vibrations and noise. The method also allows optimization of the number, position and loading of the blast holes, and the number and position of charges detonated per delay period, to produce maximum removal of material without damage to surrounding structures.