Abstract: The inventive fiberscope comprises a body (10), an insertion tube belonging to a part (20) which is detachable with respect to said body (10), a first (40) and a second (50) mechanical connection and optical transmission elements which are removably jointed in service. Each element (40, 50) is connected to corresponding guiding means (42, 52) in such a way that a motion produced by guiding means (42) of the body (10) is transmitted to guiding means (52) of the detachable part (20). Said elements (40, 50) are also used for transmitting light from optical means (60) of the body (10) towards optical means (70, 72) of the detachable part (20) and for transmitting an image from optical means (70, 72) of the detachable part (20) to optical means (60) of the body (10).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing a continuous reaction with at least one liquid reaction phase incorporating at least one starting compound in the presence of at least one solid-phase catalyst, wherein the phases to be contacted are circulated through at least one pulsed reaction column (1). The liquid reaction phase is continuously fed into the middle or lower portion of the pulsed column (1), the liquid phase is circulated upwards through the pulsed column (1), and a counterflow made up of lumps (9) of a solid selective extraction compound is continuously circulated. Furthermore, each solid catalyst is continuously circulated through the pulsed column (1) in contact with the liquid phase.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making a simple sugar solution from a liquid solution including at least one compound sugar by performing hydrolysis in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst. The method comprises contacting the hydrolysis reaction medium with at least one microporous solid adsorbent compound selected for compatibility with the hydrolysis and . catalysis conditions and for selectively adsorbing by-products other than simple sugars under the hydrolysis reaction conditions. A pure, colourless, food-grade simple sugar solution is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the accelerated ageing of iris rhizomes consisting of irradiating after harvesting, all or part of the rhizomes with ionizing radiation with a view to accelerating the transformation of triterpenoids of the rhizomes into irones. After leaving them for several days, the irones produced are extracted and are ready for use, particularly in perfumes.

Abstract: A method and reflectometer used to analyze guided optical components, optical fibers or optical guide networks by time reflectometry in a time sphere. The method comprises steps of creating a light probe signal, feeding the light probe signals into the guide connected to the system, creating a pumped signal, obtaining a backscattered response signal from the system, sampling the backscattered response signal by interacting the pump signal therewith to produce a sampled signal, and receiving the sampled signal with a photodetector, which is blind to the pump signal and the backscattered response signal and will recompose the backscattered response signal from the sampled signal.

Abstract: In an apparatus including a column through which the liquid and the divided solids to be treated thereby circulate in counter-current, the treated solids which tend to collect at one of the column being conveyed hydraulically by a fraction of the liquid introduced into the column towards separating means from which the said fraction is re-cycled into the column, the circuit of the liquid intended to circulate through the column and the circuit of the liquid intended to convey the treated solids are wholly separated from each other, the first one comprising a first inlet nozzle directed towards the other end of the column and the second one a second inlet nozzle directed towards the inlet of the conduit through which the treated solids are hydraulically conveyed, this second nozzle being located between the first one and the adjacent end of the column. In the case of solids heavier than the treating liquid, both inlet nozzles are disposed axially in a chamber provided at the lower end of the column.

Abstract: The method of treatment of a mixture of air and at least partially radioactive gases such as xenon and krypton in particular, especially gaseous effluents derived from the reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuels, comprises a stage of concentration of the rare gases in solution in liquid oxygen by cryogenic distillation of the light gases and especially nitrogen from the liquefied mixture.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of crushing of the ore, neutralization by a mixture of water and sulphuric acid, introduction of a controlled quantity of sulphur dioxide gas at a pH value between 1.5 and 4 for promoting dissolution of nickel, copper and a desired quantity of manganese, leaching of the ore with sulphuric acid at a pH value between 1 and 3 for selectively dissolving the nickel and copper, separation of the solid and liquid phases, and separation of the metals contained in the liquid phase.

Abstract: The low-temperature steam generator consists of a single enclosure containing a molten-salt reactor and a fluidized-bed exchanger located above the reactor core and inserted in the molten-salt circuit. The molten salt is circulated within the primary tube elements while water is circulated within the secondary tube elements and is discharged in the form of steam. The two banks of tube elements are immersed in a particle bed which is subjected to agitation by a stream of inert gas.