Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for enhancing the quality of a foam, such as may be employed in industrial cleaning operations, petroleum well servicing operations, and the like. Foam from a foam generator is introduced into a foam separator comprising a pressure vessel, preferably having an apertured horizontal separator plate therein, a discharge line at the top thereof, and a drain line at the bottom thereof. As foam enters the separator, the foam will pass upward through the apertured separator plate, any liquid remaining below. The liquid then enters the drain line and is reinjected into the liquid line feeding the foam generator, preferably by use of an eductor. The foam is removed from the separator through the discharge line, and put to its intended use.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the viscosity of a mixture by controlling the volumetric flow of a fluid with respect to the volumetric flow of another fluid is disclosed. The apparatus includes volumetric flow detectors for detecting the flow of the two fluids. The apparatus also includes an electronic controller device which responds to electrical signals generated by the volumetric flow detectors in proportion to the respective detected volumetric flows. The output of the controller device operates a flow drive element, such as a pump, so that the volumetric flow of one of the fluids is controlled. The volumetric flow of the controlled fluid and the volumetric flow of the other fluid are mixed by a suitable mixer device to obtain the mixture having the desired viscosity.

Abstract: A mass flow rate meter is provided having two U-shaped tubular flow loops, means for vibrating the flow loops like the tines of a tuning fork. Opto-electrical sensors on opposite legs of the flow loops generate signals indicative of the times between the passing of the sides of the loop through the static plane of the loop. The times between the passing of the sides of the loops through the static plane may be combined to derive the mass flow rate of material flowing through the loops. Means are provided for varying the gain of the opto-electrical sensors to provide for a constant performance under conditions of changing temperature, voltage variations and aging characteristics.

Abstract: An improved differential pressure hydraulic pressure convertor whose ratio of output pressure to input pressure may be easily varied comprising a valve housing, a pump housing having a cylindrical bore therethrough, a power cylinder including a differential piston located between the valve housing and the pump housing, a piston assembly detachably secured to the differential piston of the power assembly and, optionally, a sleeve installed in the cylindrical bore in the pump housing slidably receiving the piston of the piston assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mass flow rate meter having two U-shaped flow loops, means for vibrating the flow loops like the tines of a tuning fork, timing means on the loops for sensing the difference in times between the passing of the sides of the loop through the static plane of the loops, and sensing means for determining which side of the U-shaped tubes went through the static plane first. The time between the passing of the sides of the loops during one half cycle of the vibrations of the loops is combined with the time of another half cycle of the vibrations dependent upon which side of the loops pass through the static plane first. An embodiment is further disclosed having a microprocessor for combining the times, and for comparing these times with a selectable variance from the time of a predetermined set of vibrations before the present time measurement is accepted. Electronic circuitry is also disclosed which improves the time measurement of the timing means.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring mass flow is disclosed having two vibrating U-shaped tubes, a means for vibrating the tubes, and sensors for detecting the coriolis force couple which results from the vibration and the flow of the material to be measured through the meter. The U-shaped tubes include spaced apart inlet and outlet sections connected to a fixed member at one end, and having the sensors at the other end thereof. The fixed ends are more closely spaced together than are the other ends having the sensors for increasing the moment arms acted on by the coriolis force couple for more easily detecting twist of said U-shaped tubes. The U-shaped tubes also are arranged to have the same natural of frequency for longitudinal oscillations and for torsional oscillations.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for monitoring and controlling the composition of a flammable gas mixture to prevent accumulation of explosive gas mixtures in a substantially closed container. The apparatus includes a combustion chamber through which a sample stream of gas mixture is propelled. In operating the apparatus, the mixture within the combustion chamber is subjected to a series of high voltage ignition charges by means of an automotive spark plug which receives ignition charges from a conventional automotive capacitor discharge ignition system power unit and automotive ignition coil with the ignition charges being triggered by an electrically powered oscillator at a frequency preferably between 10 and 20 Hz. The electrical components and combustion chamber are housed within an explosion proof housing.