Abstract: A method for determining the anisotropic properties of an unknown earth formation by means of seismic exploration includes generating seismic signals for propagation through the unknown formation. A range of seismic data samples generated by the propagation of the signals through the unknown formation is detected, and the detected samples are affected by the anisotropic properties of the unknown formation. A group of postulated anisotropic properties which would cause known perturbations in seismic signals are selected for the unknown formation. The detected range of seismic data samples from the unknown earth formation is compared with estimated ranges that could have been produced by seismic signals propagating through earth formations made up with differing weighting of components of the postulated anisotropic properties.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing seismic data samples obtained from seismic signals propagating in an anisotropic medium. The data samples are associated with scattering angles and azimuth at each migration dip at each image point of the medium. An inverse operator is then applied to the samples so as to provide intermediate anisotropic elastic parameter combinations for each migration dip at each point of the medium. The inverse operator comprises an inverse of a scattering function for variations in elastic parameters from a reference medium against scattering angle and migration dip. The intermediate anisotropic elastic parameter combinations are then migrated to their proper locations.

Abstract: A process for recovering precious or base metals from particulate refractory sulfide materials comprises: a) contacting the sulfide material with an aqueous solution containing a thermotolerant bacteria culture capable of promoting oxidation of the sulfide material at a temperature in the range from 25.degree. to 55.degree. C., b) separating the oxidized residue from the aqueous liquid, and, c) treating the oxidized residue and/or the aqueous liquid to recover metal. In this context, a thermotolerant bacterium is one which has an optimum growth temperature of 40.degree. to 45.degree. C., and an operating temperature of 25.degree. to 55.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing noxious oxides of sulphur and nitrogen from a hot exhaust gas produced by burning fossil fuels and simultaneously producing a hot water stream essentially free of noxious acidic gases, suitable for district heating. The hot exhaust gas stream is fed to an absorber where it is counter currently contacted with a recirculation water stream, an inlet water stream and an alkali stream to cool the hot exhaust gas then absorb the noxious oxides. A first water line containing absorbed oxides leads from a catch try beneath the absorber middle section to a sub-atmospheric pressure stripper and a second water line leads hot recirculation water from the absorber bottom to a flash pan in the stripper. Due to the reduced pressure in the stripper the absorbed oxides are removed from the water and heat is transferred from the absorber to the stripper. All the heat energy required to operate the stripper is supplied to the system by the hot gases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal cracking and fractionation of petroleum heavy gas oil and simultaneously heavy crude oil feedstock below atmospheric pressure. The feedstock is fed to a fractionator after heat exchange with distillate fractions withdrawn from the fractionator. A heavy gas oil fraction is withdrawn from the fractionator, fed to a heater and subsequently to the top of a thermal cracking reactor, while the reduced or heavy crude stock is fed to the mid-section of the reactor. The cracked products are quenched with the feedstock and fed to the bottom flash zone of the fractionator. The process may also be applied to existing crude oil topping still with modifications and operated above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cracking heavy hydrocarbons--for example, petroleum oil or coal tar. The reactor comprises an outer spherical pressure vessel and an inner vessel within the outer vessel. The inner vessel has an open bottom end. The cracking reaction takes place in the inner vessel and the products leave through the open bottom end. The reaction is inhibited in the outer vessel since the contents are maintained at a temperature insufficient to sustain the cracking reaction. The product is withdrawn, either continuously or intermittently, via an outlet. The coke produced may be fluidized in the outer vessel or may be allowed to settle. The inner vessel may be rotated slowly about its vertical axis and high pressure fluid jets directed at its surface to dislodge coke deposited on the inside and outside wall.The reactor may be used in a system for the simultaneous distillation and thermal cracking of crude oil. Feedstock is fed to a flash-settler having three sections.