Abstract: A process for the electrochemical production of hydrogen gas and sulfur from hydrogen sulfide gas is disclosed. The process includes forming a substantially equimolar mixture of hydrosulfide and sodium hydrogen. That mixture is transferred to the anodic compartment of an electrochemical cell that includes a membrane that separates the anodic and cathodic compartments. A substantially pure sodium hydroxide solution is transferred to the cathodic compartment. Passage of an electric current through the electrolyte causes hydrogen gas to be produced at the cathode and sulfur in the anodic compartment.

Abstract: An installation (10) for handling a workpiece W.sub.1 including a first station (12) for loading a workpiece, a second station (14) for working on the workpiece, a third station (16) for unloading the workpiece, and a conveyor (18), extending in a closed loop about the first and second stations, for transporting the workpiece from the first to the second station. The conveyor is a track of the type used on earthmoving equipment such as tractors, and whose tension is adjustable by a hydraulic cylinder arrangement (26-32) to lower part of the conveyor into a water tank (50) at the second station for plasma-arc cutting the workpiece. The third station is adjacent the second station and has two additional conveyors (66, 68) for receiving a cut workpiece, depending on the size of such cut workpiece. A cleaning apparatus (60-64) supplies jets of water onto the closed loop conveyor to clean the latter of slag.