Handout 6 – Translating and describing a technical process

1 Complete the text (Carbon fibre waste recycling breakthrough, p. 52) using the
following expressions:

then begins in the last stage subsequently previously

The new recycling technique allows carbon fibers to be reclaimed from the matrix. The
recycling process ________________ in the fluidised bed, which is heated to 450oC.
_______________, the carbon fibre embedded in a resin matrix is chopped into 2cm2 blocks
and dropped into the ‘bed’. ___________________, the epoxy resin evaporates and the fibre
is blown by the airstream to a collection point. ____________________, the fibre, which has
become fluffy can be processed into a usable form. _________________, the reclaimed fibres
can be used in injection moulding compounds.

2 Fill in the corresponding tense of the verbs given in brackets.

Car braking system
When the brake pedal ______________ (press), a piston ________________ (operate)
which ______________ (force) brake fluid out of the master cylinder and along four narrow
pipes to the slave cylinders attached to the brake drums or discs so that the same pressure
_________________ (apply) to the brakes in each wheel. This _________________ (bring)
the car to a smooth halt. Provided the system _______________ (keep) filled with brake fluid,
hydraulic brakes __________________ (work) instantly because liquids _________________
(neg. can / compress) to any great extent.