Abstract: A process measurement system for measuring levels, interfaces and other characteristics related to products positioned between a fast neutron source and a detector that directly measures the transmitted fast neutrons. The system far exceeds the limitations of neutron backscatter, thermal neutron transmission and gamma techniques while avoiding problems associated with them. As shown, a fast neutron source is placed on one side of a vessel that is being monitored, and a detector is placed on the opposite side. Fast neutrons have excellent penetration properties and thus measurements through thick walls and across substantial distances are possible. A direct measurement of the fast neutrons transmitted through the vessel and/or product is made. This arrangement provides an output that is a direct function of the transmitted fast neutrons between the source and detector, and is not dependent upon inferential measurement where errors are encountered.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic system for detecting the level of a material that has a surface, for example a liquid level inside of a tank, which improves the ability to detect levels particularly when the tank is nearly full. A transmitted ultrasonic signal from a transducer is reflected against the material in the tank, and when received back at the transducer, an output pulse is provided from the transducer. The distance or level is determined by determining the time between the transmission and the reflected signal. A comparator compares the signal from the transducer with a reference and provides an output when a pulse of greater magnitude than the reference is received.

Abstract: A meter measures the quality of steam flowing in a conduit. The steam comprises a liquid and a vapor. The meter includes a mixer in the conduit for mixing the steam in the conduit to produce a mixture which has a density representative of the liquid and the vapor. A density sensor, or desitometer, senses the density of the mixture. The densitomer produces an improved output due to the mixing. A pressure sensor senses pressure in the steam line. A calculating means, such as a microprocessor system, calculates the steam quality as a function of the sensed density and pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of remotely monitoring outputs of Geiger-Mueller tubes including cables for connecting individual Geiger-Mueller tubes to a central monitoring station wherein electronics for sensing the output of each tube is located at the central station rather than juxtaposed with each tube. The electronics are used to trigger individual alarms and a general alarm whenever radiation levels sensed by the Geiger-Mueller tubes pass a predetermined threshold. The apparatus and method are especially useful for monitoring levels of materials in hoppers, or the like, by sensing the impingement of or absence of beams of radiation on Geiger-Mueller tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for drying a product to a controlled moisture content. The apparatus comprising a first drying zone for receiving the product, a first regulating means for regulating the temperature within said first zone, a second drying zone for receiving the product from the first zone, a second regulating means for regulating the temperature within the second zone, means for measuring the moisture of the product after the product leaves the second zone, means for measuring the temperature in said first and second zones, means for controlling the second regulating means in response to the measured product moisture and the temperature of the second zone and means for cooperatively controlling the first regulating means in response to the measured product moisture and the temperature of the first zone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a moisture measuring apparatus which comprises a chute means of a given length for receiving moisture containing material, the chute means having window opening means through which microwaves are transmitted. The transmitter means are aligned with first of said window opening means for transmitting microwaves into said material and the microwaves are attenuated by the moisture contained in said material. Receiver means are aligned with second of said window opening means for receiving at least part of the microwaves. The inside of the chute means is lined with microwave absorbent material to reduce microwave reflections in the inside of the chute means.