Abstract: A drill stem guide and cover system is designed to guide a drill stem used in coke cutting operations. After a cutting tool and drill stem are inserted into a coke drum, covers close, forming a passageway small enough that it prevents the cutting tool on the end of the drill stem from being removed but large enough to allow movement of the drill stem. The drill stem moves within the passageway to allow the cutting tool to be raised and lowered as needed. The closed covers provide protection from the release of pressurized or explosive gases while the coke cutting operation is taking place. The covers can be automated so that an operator can control them from a safe distance, and the covers can be remotely opened for the removal of the drill stem and cutting tool when coke cutting operations are not taking place.

Abstract: A statistical process, and system for implementing the process, is described for the analysis of stress waves generated in operating machinery or equipment. This technique is called Probabilistic Stress Wave Analysis. The process is applied to a population of individual “feature” values extracted from a digitized time waveform (such as a 2 second Stress Wave Pulse Train, or a 2 month history of Stress Wave Energy). Certain numeric descriptors of the statistical distributions of computed features are then employed as inputs to decision making routines (such as neural networks or simple threshold testing) to accurately classify the condition represented by the original time waveform data, and thereby determine a status of the operating machine/equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that allows an operator to remotely switch between cutting and boring while removing solid carbonaceous residue from large cylindrical vessels called coke drums comprising a cutting head for ejecting high pressure fluids into the coke bed; a flow diversion apparatus; and a shifting apparatus.

Abstract: A coke drum bottom de-heading system having an internal shroud enclosure and a shroud end cap opened by a flange to a coke bottom de-heading valve capable of accepting the end of a gate valve upon actuation. Acting in coordination with the shroud enclosure to prevent the escape of steam is a gate seal assembly having a gate seal slidably engaged against the sliding gate to prevent the passage of steam thereby.

Abstract: A coke drum bottom de-heading system having an internal shroud enclosure and a shroud end cap opened by a flange to a coke bottom de-heading valve capable of accepting the end of a gate valve upon actuation. Acting in coordination with the shroud enclosure to prevent the escape of steam is a gate seal assembly having a gate seal slidably engaged against the sliding gate to prevent the passage of steam thereby.

Abstract: The present invention features an installation system for facilitating the installation and removal of a closure onto and from a pressure vessel, respectively. The installation system comprises a fixed support structure constructed proximate a pressure vessel; a carriage dynamically and continuously supported by the fixed support structure, wherein the carriage also dynamically and adjustably supports a closure, such as a header or a deheader valve, in a continuous manner; an elevation adjustment assembly allowing the carriage and the closure to move in a vertical manner relative to the fixed support structure and the pressure vessel; and a horizontal transfer assembly that dynamically couples the closure to the carriage to enable horizontal, bidirectional transitioning of the closure relative to the carriage.

Abstract: A pilot-operated valve can include a manifold assembly with a plate cavity and a valve plate positioned within the cavity. The valve plate includes a first surface facing a cavity surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The valve plate also includes a first aperture extending through the first surface and the second surface and configured to be aligned with a first opening of the manifold body and a second aperture extending through the first surface and the second surface and configured to be aligned with the second opening of the manifold body. The manifold assembly further includes at least one seal configured to provide a first fluid tight seal between the first aperture and the first opening and configured to provide a second fluid tight seal between the second aperture and the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention features a flange to flange dynamic seal and sealing system, particularly suited for use within high temperature, high pressure environments, such as a delayed coking process. The dynamic flange seal and sealing system comprises two primary elements or seals, each of which are capable of independently forming a flange seal between two flanged components or combining to create a flange seal. Specifically, these primary seals are an iconel bellows seal and a bi-material gasket, each of which surround a flange opening along a sealing surface. The flange seal created by the dynamic flange seal and sealing system is capable of being maintained in light of, or rather the sealing system adapts to, any structural or environmental changes within the connected flanges. As such, the flange seal may be a dynamic flange seal or a static flange seal or both.

Abstract: A statistical process, and system for implementing the process, is described for the analysis of stress waves generated in operating machinery or equipment. This technique is called Probabilistic Stress Wave Analysis. The process is applied to a population of individual “feature” values extracted from a digitized time waveform (such as a 2 second Stress Wave Pulse Train, or a 2 month history of Stress Wave Energy). Certain numeric descriptors of the statistical distributions of computed features are then employed as inputs to decision making routines (such as neural networks or simple threshold testing) to accurately classify the condition represented by the original time waveform data, and thereby determine a status of the operating machine/equipment.

Abstract: A Stall Warning System (SWS) utilizing the detection and analysis of stress waves, (i.e., ultrasound) emitted by combustion and/or turbulent flow processes of an apparatus, such as a turbine engine, for example. Upon detection of an impending stall condition, the SWS can inform the operator, inform another electronic device (computer, etc.) and/or latch the event for review by maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A deterministic controller for an actuator includes, for example, adaptation for installation in an explosion-proof housing and a primary controller sealed within the housing for controlling outputs. A backup controller is optionally provided for alternatively controlling the outputs. An operator interface is provided on the housing for accepting operator inputs for providing to the controller. A display is provided on the housing for displaying an output of the controller. The controller includes means for monitoring for a failure of the primary controller if the optional backup controller is installed, and the controller is adapted for switching from the primary controller to the backup controller upon detecting the failure of the primary controller. The outputs can be user configured to desired output ranges from the operator interface without opening the housing.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioning system for nuts on studbolts has a puller bar and a puller buddy, which are coupled to the studbolt, and a bridge around the nut. The puller bar is internally coupled to the studbolt (and may engage the nut before the tension is applied). The nut can comprise a cone nut, which cooperates with a complementary collar or shell with a conical inner face and a spherical base washer.

Abstract: A decoking system that not only enables an operator to remotely switch the coke-cutting process from boring to cutting mode without removing the drill stem from the coke drum, but also to remotely determine the drill stem's mode so that efficiency, safety and convenience are not compromised, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention features a tangential injection system for use within a delayed coking system, or any other similar system. The tangential injection system comprises a spool, a tangential dispenser, and a hydro blasting system, wherein the tangential dispenser comprises a delivery main surrounding the perimeter of the spool and that functions to deliver a residual byproduct or other material to a plurality of feed lines positioned at a position or at distances around the delivery main for the purpose of providing tangential dispensing of the residual byproduct into the vessel, thus effectuating or inducing even thermal distribution throughout the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention features systems and methods for de-heading a coke drum without having to physically remove the head units. This is accomplished using a de-header valves that may be removably coupled to a coke drum. The de-header valve is equipped with, a valve closure and a seat support system capable of forming a continuous contact seal during the coke manufacturing process. Actuation of the valve closure functions to open and close the de-header valve. Once the drum is full, the de-header valve may be actuated (opened), wherein the coke that has accumulated on the blind is sheared by the seat support system, thus effectively de-heading the coke drum and facilitating the decoking process.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system comprising (a) at least one coke drum having an orifice therein; (b) a de-header valve removably coupled to the coke drum designed to de-head the coke drum; and (c) an exchange system, including an upper and lower bonnet and other elements and members adapted to integrate the de-heading system, and particularly the de-header valve, into the manufacturing system.

Abstract: A coke drum bottom de-heading system having an internal shroud enclosure and a shroud end cap opened by a flange to a coke bottom de-heading valve capable of accepting the end of a gate valve upon actuation. Acting in coordination with the shroud enclosure to prevent the escape of steam is a gate seal assembly having a gate seal slidably engaged against the sliding gate to prevent the passage of steam thereby.

Abstract: A bi-directional piloted solenoid-operated valve which utilizes fluid pressure to provide both pressure-assisted sealing and pressure-assisted actuation to the main sealing disc in both flow directions. The valve may include a mechanical position indicator for providing visual confirmation of the position of the main disc.

Abstract: A pump including a reciprocating piston movable in a piston chamber by pneumatic pressure. The pneumatic pressure is directed through air channels by one or more valves. At least one of the valves and/or air channels is located in a removable portion of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system that provides unique advantages over prior art de-heading systems, namely the de-heading of a coke drum without having to physically remove the head units. This is essentially accomplished using a specially designed dual seated, linear motion goggle blind gate valve, or de-header valve, that is removably coupled to and seals against the flanged portion of a coke drum much the same way a conventional head unit would be attached. The de-header valve is equipped with, among other things, a sliding blind that is contained and capable of moving within an upper and a lower seat, wherein one of such seats is a floating dynamic, live loaded seat that is capable of automatic adjustment through one or more loading zones so as to seal the blind between the upper and lower seats.