Abstract: A process is proposed for the isolation and purification of antibiotics wherein an antibiotic containing solution is extracted with an extraction agent at a temperature of from 0.degree. to 40.degree. C. and at a pressure which lies between the critical pressure and the ten-fold value of the critical pressure of the extraction agent, with the weight ratio of antibiotic containing solution to the extraction agent being 1:5 to 1:20, wherein the antibiotics are precipitated from the antibiotic containing extraction agent by reducing its density and wherein the extraction agent is recirculated. An entrainer may be added to the extraction agent. The reduction in density of the antibiotic containing extraction agent may be effected by expansion to a pressure of from 30 to 70 bar.

Abstract: Process for preventing the precipitation of elementary sulfur in the riser pipes of probes for natural gas including a solvent for sulfur. For the dissolution of the precipitating elementary sulfur an ester of an optionally mono- or poly-unsaturated fatty acid and/or the reaction product of H.sub.2 S with an ester of a mono- or poly-unsaturated fatty acid, optionally in solution, is used. The solvent for sulfur is liquid under the conditions in the mining probe and only slightly soluble in the gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for gasifying solid carbon fuels with steam. After forming a supersaturated solution of catalyst in steam the pressure is reduced to reaction pressure.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for substantially separating the components of mixtures of substances at least one of which is of low volatility while the other is of low or no volatility, the process using a compressed gas under supercritical conditions and an entrainer which increases the concentration of said mixture in the gaseous phase as well as the separation factor between the components to be separated. The process operates in two distillation zones the first of which substantially separates the components of low volatility in a process similar to a rectification process while the second distillation zone separates the top product of the first distillation zone from the gas with the aid of the entrainer which is condensed partially and in this state is passed in countercurrent to the gas carrying the separated component of low volatility.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for the decaffeination of coffee, wherein--usually moistened--coffee is exposed to a circulating medium essentially composed of a compressed gas and an entrainer; this medium is subjected to partial condensation of the caffeine containing entrainer, in the absence of decompression; the caffeine is recovered from the condensate by evaporation of the entrainer portion thereof, and the medium is recycled to the coffee for continued extraction of caffeine therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the fluidity of a liquid such as blood or serum having the steps of drawing the liquid from the source through a capillary tube measuring cell into a reservoir unit and returning the liquid back through the tube at a constant flow velocity while measurements are made. The pressure difference between the ends of the capillary tube are directly related to the viscosity of the liquid.