Abstract: A unitary axial multiport rotary valve capable of accomplishing the simultaneous interconnection of a plurality of conduits in accordance with a previously determined cycle, where any conduit communicates with no more than one other conduit at any one cycle step, or valve index position. The conduits to be interconnected are attached to a hollow stationary body, or stator assembly, which is comprised of three sections, or elements, each of which is cylindrical in exterior form. There are fluid flow paths in a rotating body, or rotor assembly, which is located inside the stator assembly. The rotor assembly assumes various positions according to the cycle steps and distributes fluid flowing into and out of the valve in a different manner in each cycle step. There are spaces between the rotor and stator assemblies which contain sealing means for prevention of leakage and definition of flow passages.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting weak light, or light of low intensity, to electrical signals descriptive of such light. The apparatus is capable of sensing differences in photon flux over an area of detection, that is, sensing a pattern of lighter and darker areas. An important application of the apparatus is in spectroscopy and spectroscopic anaylsis, where it is desired to record a spectrum in other than visual form.

Abstract: A unitary axial multiport rotary valve capable of accomplishing the simultaneous interconnection of a plurality of conduits in accordance with a previously determined cycle, where any conduit communicates with no more than one other conduit at any one cycle step, or valve index position. The conduits to be interconnected are attached to a hollow stationary body, or stator assembly, which is comprised of three sections, or elements, each of which is cylindrical in form. There are fluid flow channels in a rotating body, or rotor assembly, which is located inside the stator assembly and configured in a manner similar to it. The rotor assembly assumes various positions according to the cycle steps and distributes fluid flowing into and out of the valve, by means of the conduits, in a different manner in each cycle step. There are annular volumes between the rotor and stator assemblies which contain sealing means for prevention of leakage and definition of flow passages.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting and measuring hydrogen and compounds capable of dissociating into or combining with hydrogen ions using a solid electrolyte concentration cell. A solid reference substance is used in place of a reference gas. A novel solid electrolyte membrane is used which comprises an organic polymer-inorganic compound blend prepared by admixing an organic polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) with a heteropoly acid or salt thereof such as dodecamolybdophosphoric acid or uranyl orthophosphate in a mutually miscible solvent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for measuring and controlling the concentration of hydrogen in hydrogen recycle processes used in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. The system is intended to reduce the amount of hydrogen and hydrocarbon vapor circulating in such systems, thus reducing the quantity of utilities needed to operate such systems. Specifically, there is a savings of compressor power and fuel required for heating. The system is dependent on the recognition that a decrease in cooling medium temperature results in an increase in hydrogen flow, which can be decreased to the minimum permissible without endangering catalyst activity and stability and product yield if hydrogen concentration is monitored, and that partial pressure is the key parameter.

Abstract: Method for cleaning and retarding corrosion of air-cooled heat exchangers used in hydrocarbon processing operations. Treating liquid is discharged at a plurality of locations in the vapor distribution chamber at the inlets to the tubes of air-cooled exchangers. Treating liquid may comprise corrosion inhibitor-laden hydrocarbon or water.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for measuring and controlling the concentration of hydrogen in hydrogen recycle processes used in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. The system is intended to permit reduction in hydrogen use in hydrogen-consuming hydrogen recycle processes. The system is dependent on the recognition that a decrease in cooling medium temperature results in an increase in vent gas flow, which can be decreased to the minimum permissible without endangering catalyst activity and stability and product yield if hydrogen concentration is monitored, and that partial pressure is the key parameter.

Abstract: A process vessel which contains a control system for maintaining average pressure drop across gas discharge nozzles above a minimum valve to prevent the occurrence of inactive nozzles, said nozzles comprising part of a distributor which is used to distribute gas across the lower portion of the processing vessel, wherein the control system comprises:(a) means for establishing a flow signal representative of the rate of flow of gas in said pipeline supplying the gas to said distributor;(b) means for establishing a temperature signal representative of the temperature of the gas flowing in said distributor;(c) means for establishing a pressure signal representative of the pressure of the gas flowing in said distributor;(d) computing means for calculating the average pressure drop across said nozzles using said flow, pressure, and temperature signals and appropriate constant parameters and equations;(e) means for comparing said average pressure drop across said nozzles with a minimum value, generating a correction

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining water content of gases and vapors. The primary sensing device is a fluidic oscillator through which a sample of gas is passed. It is primarily useful in systems where the moisture content is large and there is a small difference between the molecular weight of water and the average molecular weight of the other components of the gas (or vapor) or systems where there is a large difference between the molecular weight of water and the average molecular weight of the other components.

Abstract: Heat exchanger tubes are cleaned, while the heat exchanger is operated to cool a liquid passing through the tubes, by applying an electric current to a portion of the tubes for brief time periods to heat such tubes to a temperature sufficient to melt or soften deposits therein, while simultaneously continuing to pass liquid therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting and measuring chloride ion and therefore dissociable chlorine compounds using a solid electrolyte concentration cell. Applicable only to gaseous samples.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining density of gases and vapors. The primary sensing device is a fluidic oscillator through which a sample of gas is passed.

Abstract: A sampling probe by means of which a sample of fluid free of particles or substantially reduced in particle content can be removed from a particulate matter-containing fluid stream which is flowing in a conduit. This is accomplished by means of probe geometry. Openings for entry of the sample into the probe face downstream. In one embodiment, the cross-section of a probe at the fluid entry area is V-shaped.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for measuring and controlling the concentration of hydrogen in hydrogen-consuming hydrogen recycle processes used in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. The system is intended to reduce utilities and hydrogen usage by means of adjusting vent gas flow and the quantity of hydrogen and hydrocarbon vapor circulating to obtain the operating parameters which yield minimum cost. Specifically there can be a savings of compressor power, fuel required for heating, and hydrogen. The system is dependent on the recognition that a decrease in cooling medium temperature results in an increase in hydrogen flow, which can be decreased to the minimum permissible without endangering catalyst activity and stability and product yield if hydrogen concentration is monitored, that partial pressure is the key parameter, and that it is advantageous to optimize.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for modifying the flow of hydrogen in a hydrocarbonaceous apparatus wherein a charge stock and a vaporous hydrocarbon-hydrogen recycle are charged to a reaction zone to convert the hydrocarbons and produce a reaction zone effluent conduit which is cooled to provide, via a gas-liquid separation zone, a liquid hydrocarbon product stream and the vaporous hydrocarbon-hydrogen recycle stream, the latter being returned to charge stock admixture by a compressor. The control system senses the partial pressure of hydrogen, compares that value to a previously determined value and develops a signal correlative thereto, which is transmitted to a regulater that controls the quantity of vaporous hydrocarbon-hydrogen stream recycled to admixture with the charge stock. In a hydrogen consuming process, the hydrogen partial pressure is sensed downstream of the reactor while in the hydrogen producing process, the hydrogen partial pressure is sensed in the inlet to the reaction zone.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for modifying the flow of hydrogen recycle gas to a reaction apparatus which includes the admixture of a hydrocarbon charge stock with a recycle hydrogen-hydrocarbon stream and passage of the same to a hydrocarbon reaction zone to convert the hydrocarbons to a product effluent stream that is cooled to form a separated, via a separation zone, liquid product stream (withdrawn from the process) and a vaporous hydrogen-hydrocarbon stream, which is divided into the hydrogen-hydrocarbon recycle stream and a hydrogen-hydrocarbon vent stream. The recycle stream is returned to admixture with the hydrocarbon charge stock by a compressor while the vent stream conduit, in connection with the recycle conduit, has a controllable flow restriction device.

Abstract: Where gas flows through distribution nozzles and then up through a liquid or a bed of particles contained in a processing vessel, the method and apparatus of this invention can be used to maintain a minimum average pressure drop across the nozzles, thus preventing the occurrence of inactive nozzles and the consequences thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a control system for synchronizing the frequency of electrical current produced by a generator with the frequency of electrical current in an electric power grid so that the output of the generator can be provided to the grid. The generator is driven by an expansion turbine which utilizes hot pressurized gas from a process in which the pressure must be maintained constant.