Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the production of particulate carbon products in a reactor vessel wherein gas flow between a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port suspends a bed of catalyst-containing particulate material in said vessel and wherein the product is discharged from said vessel by falling from the bed.

Abstract: A method for the production of particulate carbon products in a reactor vessel wherein gas flow between a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port suspends a bed of catalyst-containing particulate material in the vessel and wherein the product is discharged from the vessel by falling from the bed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring subsurface chromium depletion from a steel member, such as a pyrolysis pipe. In the harsh conditions of a pyrolysis furnace, chromium within the pipe 16 migrates towards the pipe surface which results in the formation of a chromium depleted layer 14. This layer can provide useful data about the condition and operation of the furnace. The degree of chromium depletion is measured by using a magnetic source of known strength to create a magnetic field in the surface region of the pipe 16. An estimate of the thickness of the chromium depleted layer 14 is determined from the resultant magnetic flux, which can be measured by a hall element arranged at substantially 45° to the longitudinal axis of the magnet.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the conversion into carbon of gaseous hydrocarbons extracted from a natural hydrocarbon reservoir, which method comprises contacting said gaseous hydrocarbon at an elevated temperature in a reactor with a catalyst capable of converting said hydrocarbon to carbon and hydrogen; burning hydrogen produced by the conversion of the hydrocarbon, optionally after separating hydrogen produced from unconverted hydrocarbon, burning said hydrogen to generate energy; and using the energy generated to heat said reactor or the gaseous hydrocarbon flow thereto, or to heat or power a heat or power consuming apparatus.

Abstract: A method for the production of particulate carbon products in a reactor vessel wherein gas flow between a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port suspends a bed of catalyst-containing particulate material in the vessel and wherein the product is discharged from the vessel by falling from the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring deformation of a surface of a pipe. The apparatus has a central portion to which a detector section is mounted. At each side, guides are connected to the housing via arms. The housing has a platform below which an inverted U-shaped section is provided, with the platform forming the base of the U. At the rear of this section a wheel is rotatably mounted on an axle. Forward of this, and also within the U-shaped section is mounted a further U-shaped section. This is pivotally mounted at its rear end by means of a pin such that its forward end is free to move vertically. The forward end has mounted within it a further wheel on an axle. Projecting upwards from the second U-shaped section is a rod which passes through a hole in platform. Around the lower portion of the rod is provided a spring which biases the detector downwards and away from the platform. The rod moves vertically with the wheel as it passes over bumps in the pipe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of fibrous carbon which comprises contacting a metallic catalyst with a carbon-containing gas at elevated temperature, characterized in that said catalyst is a porous metal comprising a transition metal or an alloy thereof.

Abstract: A method of viewing the flame produced by a burner in a furnace in provided, comprising viewing the flame through an interference filter adapted to pass light of only a narrow wavelength range, in which the wavelength range corresponds to a wavelength which is stronger in the light emitted by the burner than in the ambient light of the furnace. The method is particularly applicable to viewing the flames produced by natural gas burners in petroleum crackers and the preferred wavelength range is that of sodium.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring subsurface chromium depletion from a steel member, such as a pyrolysis pipe. In the harsh conditions of a pyrolysis furnace, chromium within the pipe 16 migrates towards the pipe surface which results in the formation of a chromium depleted layer 14. This layer can provide useful data about the condition and operation of the furnace. The degree of chromium depletion is measured by using a magnetic source of known strength to create a magnetic field in the surface region of the pipe 16. An estimate of the thickness of the chromium depleted layer 14 is determined from the resultant magnetic flux, which can be measured by a hall element arranged at substantially 45° to the longitudinal axis of the magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring deformation of a surface of a pipe. The apparatus has a central portion to which a detector section is mounted. At each side, guides are connected to the housing via arms. The housing has a platform below which an inverted U-shaped section is provided, with the platform forming the base of the U. At the rear of this section a wheel is rotatably mounted on an axle. Forward of this, and also within the U-shaped section is mounted a further U-shaped section. This is pivotally mounted at its rear end by means of a pin such that its forward end is free to move vertically. The forward end has mounted within it a further wheel on an axle. Projecting upwards from the second U-shaped section is a rod which passes through a hole in platform. Around the lower portion of the rod is provided a spring which biases the detector downwards and away from the platform. The rod moves vertically with the wheel as it passes over bumps in the pipe.

Abstract: The disclosure is of an electrostatic electrode placed directly in a storage tank of a water system. Hitherto, the electrode has been placed in a water jacket which is connected into the pipework. Improved consistency of de-scaling performance is thereby achieved, and the cost of installation is much reduced. Also disclosed is a construction of electrode that is well suited to mounting without the protection of an enclosing jacket or pipe, the construction being based on the use of a screwed rod passing down the center of the electrode, and insulated from the mounting means.