Abstract: A fluid expansion valve with a main body and a method of its use. The main body has an internal fluid passage and an outlet connector. The outlet connector is suitable for delivering the expanded fluid and for connecting with a socket. The internal profile of the socket is suited for connection with the external profile of the outlet connect. The outlet connect has three connention sections of varying external diameters. The valve may be used to introduce a pressurized gas to a liquid or a beverage.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the amount of liquid in a container, and for causing the liquid to flow from the container to a point of use. The weight of the container is measured at several time intervals to determine the weight change of the liquid contained within. When the weight change is less than a predetermined fraction of either the weight of container weight and/or of the liquid originally contained in the container, a signal is generated to indicate that the container may be empty.

Abstract: In a process for separating air in a system comprising a gas turbine, including a compressor (1), a combustor (5) and an expander (17), said expander being coupled to the compressor, a natural gas conversion unit (23) and an air separation unit (20), air is compressed in the compressor, a first part (3) of the air is sent to the combustor and a second part (7) of the air is sent to the air separation unit, oxygen enriched gas (21) is sent from the air separation unit to the natural gas conversion unit, compressed nitrogen enriched gas (16) is sent upstream of the expander, a first stream (33) of natural gas is sent to the natural gas conversion unit, a second stream of natural gas (35) is sent to a natural gas liquefaction unit and work produced by the expander is used to operate a cycle compressor of a refrigeration cycle of the natural gas liquefaction unit.

Abstract: An improved process for burning a fuel to produce a flue gas is disclosed. The fuel is burned in a main combustion zone in the presence of a main combustion oxidant to produce combustion products. The combustion products are mixed in a post-combustion zone positioned downstream from the main combustion zone. The post-combustion zone is provided with a recirculation zone positioned proximate to the main combustion zone and an injection zone positioned downstream from the recirculation zone. An post-combustion oxidant is injected into the combustion products in the injection zone. At least one of (a) the residence time of the combustion products in the post-combustion zone, (b) the temperature range of the combustion products contained within the injection zone and (c) the oxygen content of the oxidant is controlled to optimize the level of CO and NOx in the flue gas.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing make-up water for a chilled water system. A first water tower for cooling water is provided. Condensate water from a condensate water source is extracted. Make-up water for the first water tower is provided using the condensate water. The apparatus comprises a first water tower for generating cooling water; an air compressor to produce compressed air; a condensate water source to extract condensate water from the compressed air; and a water flow control system for providing water from the condensate water source to the first water tower.

Abstract: A method of combustion and a burner assembly wherein at least one fuel and at least one oxidizer are injected separately. The oxidizer comprises a primary oxidizer stream and a secondary oxidizer stream. The primary oxidizer stream is divided into at least two portions. One portion is injected close to the fuel whereby generating a first incomplete combustion. The second portion is injected downstream of the first injection point with the fuel source consisting of the remaining uncombusted fuel of the first incomplete combustion in addition to the fuel. The secondary oxidizer stream is injected downstream from the primary oxidizer stream, whereby resulting in combustion with the unreactive fuel gases remaining from the first combustion.

Abstract: An emissive electrode insert formed from an alloy containing hafnium and zirconium. The insert typically contains at least about 80% hafnium by weight and about 0.1 to about 8% zirconium by weight. The invention also relates to a plasma torch electrode formed from an electrode body with a cavity into which such an emissive insert is fitted, to a plasma torch utilizing such an electrode, and to a plasma cutting process for cutting a steel workpiece, in which such a plasma torch is employed.

Abstract: A method for operating a typical cyclic adsorption unit that is easily implemented in both new and existing treatment plants, wherein fluctuations in the stream compositions due to the adsorption and regeneration phase transitions of the cycles are minimized.

Abstract: A method for partially oxidizing, in a Claus furnace, at least one gas containing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia with at least one gas rich in oxygen. The residual ammonia content at the outlet of the furnace is measured with a laser diode. Based upon this measurement, the flow rates of the ammonia containing gases and the oxygen rich gases may be modified to obtain the desired residual ammonia content.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for metal extrusion applications and presses wherein high purity inert and/or partially inert gases are introduced at or near the die exit. The environment at or near the exit is also preferably analyzed and/or monitored on a continual or nearly continual basis. The environment is also preferably controlled to which minimize or eliminate oxidation of metals and other extruded materials. The apparatus and method allow faster extrusion rates, improved surface quality of the extruded materials, and increased die life. In an embodiment, bi-phasic inerting media may also be used.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for cutting a metal or metal alloy workpiece using at least a laser beam and at least an assist gas of said laser beam wherein the assist gas consists of a mixture of helium and argon and/or nitrogen or of nitrogen and oxygen and the cutting speed is faster than 15 m/min. The thickness of the workpiece to be cut ranges between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably more than 0.5 mm. The workpiece to be cut is selected among plates, metal sheets and tubes. The laser beam is delivered by a CO2 type or YAG:Nd laser device.

Abstract: A gas burner for use with a Claus furnace made up of at least five concentric tubes and the spaces formed between them. The diameters of the tubes increase radially outward so that the first tube has a smaller diameter than the fifth tube. At the end of the burner closest to the furnace, the tube ends of the third, fourth, and fifth tubes lie in the same plane. The first and the second tubes are fastened together and capable of movement along the central longitudinal axis of the burner, but their ends closest the furnace are not capable of moving past the plane formed by the third, fourth, and fifth tubes. An injector is located between the first and second tubes at the end closest the furnace. The injector is oriented towards the periphery of the burner.

Abstract: A blast fragment and oxygen fire safety barrier comprising a corrugated impact panel connected to and spanning a pair of columns designed by directly impacting the barrier with a fragment of specified weight at a specified velocity to obtain test values for use in determining whether the barrier is capable of absorbing impact kinetic energy (KE) without exceeding predetermined maximum allowable ductability and maximum allowable deflection to span ratios, and dissipating strain energy at such maximum allowable deflection, and whether connectors have sufficient shear strength considering the lesser of maximum dynamic shear capacity of said column and a maximum dynamic shear force based on measured peak reaction during direct fragment impact on the column, includes an oxygen fire resistant panel on the non-blast side of the impact panel spaced from said impact panel a distance in excess of the maximum allowable deflection of said impact panel.

Abstract: In a process for separation of air by cryogenic distillation integrated with an associated process, air is separated in a separation unit (1), fluid is sent from the separation unit to an associated process, steam (3) is derived from the associated process, at least part of the steam is used in the separation unit and at least one fluid stream (11) is sent from the air separation unit to the atmosphere, at least when the steam is used in the air separation unit.

Abstract: A novel power generation system, more specifically an integrated power generation and air separation system and an integrated power generation and air separation process is provided. A key component of the system and process is an oxygen-fired combustor designed for gas turbine operating pressures. The combustor produces a high-temperature gas stream that enters one or more heat exchangers to generate/heat steam, and then enters one or more turbines to generate power. The steam from the heat exchanger drives one or more steam turbines to generate power, and the discharged steam is admitted to the combustor. To maximize cycle efficiency, steam extraction and reheat is incorporated in the process. Additional power is generated from a high-pressure nitrogen stream produced by an air separation unit (ASU). This process has the potential to attain high cycle efficiencies with zero emissions, while utilizing existing or near-term steam turbines, and moderate-pressure combustion systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing polysulfide. More particularly, the process of the present invention allows one to prepare the amount of polysulfide needed using clarified white liquor, and to be used when and where it is needed during the cooking process. The process comprises reacting alkaline digesting liquor after clarification with a catalytic amount of a transition metal oxide catalyst, most preferably manganese dioxide. The reaction is conducted at a temperature of 98° C. or less, and is conducted for a short period of time, e.g., less than five minutes, with no oxygen gas or air being introduced with the catalyst and the main flow of clarified liquor.

Abstract: A method for indirect gas species monitoring based on measurements of selected gas species is disclosed. In situ absorption measurements of combustion species are used for process control and optimization. The gas species accessible by near or mid-IR techniques are limited to species that absorb in this spectral region. The absorption strength is selected to be strong enough for the required sensitivity and is selected to be isolated from neighboring absorption transitions. By coupling the gas measurement with a software sensor gas, species not accessible from the near or mid-IR absorption measurement can be predicted.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes formed from polyether-urethane or polyether-urea block copolymers are useful for separating gases from gas mixtures. The membranes and processes are especially suited for separating polar gases from mixtures that contain polar and non-polar species. The novel membranes exhibit good permeability and permselectivity, as well as durability, making them well suited for industrial applications such as removal of acid gases from natural gas and removal of carbon dioxide from synthesis gas.

Abstract: Process for welding together the two longitudinal edges of a sheet of austenitic, ferritic or martensitic stainless steel so as to obtain a welded pipe, employing at least one laser beam having a power ranging up to 12 kW, and in which a gas mixture is used that consists of 30% to 80% nitrogen by volume and of helium for the remainder (up to 100%). The stainless steel sheet has a thickness of 0.5 to 4 mm and the pipe obtained has a diameter of 5 mm to 50 cm. The welding is full-penetration welding.

Abstract: A method comprising two adsorbers which follow each a phase-shifted cycle successively consisting in an adsorption phase, at high pressure of the cycle, and a regeneration phase, ending in repressurizing of the adsorber.