Abstract: A system and method for determining when a sand separator should be purged to remove solids from the sand separator. The system can include an acoustic sensor which detects the frequency of audible sound coming from the inner chamber of the vessel and generate a signature signal representative of the frequency of audible sound. There is a processor connected to the acoustic sensor and configured to compare the signature signal with a set frequency range of audible sound which in turn generates a signal indicating when the signature frequency and the set frequency are in overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A stuffing box assembly having a body and a bore therethrough. Disposed in the body in surrounding relationship to the bore are first and second axially displaced annular seals, a detection zone being formed between the first and second seals. There is an injection port in open communication with the detection zone and a pressure transducer operatively connected to the detection zone to determine pressure changes in the detection zone.

Abstract: A system for automatically discharging sand from a sand separator. The system includes a first and second valves and a choke valve disposed in a discharge line from a sand separator. A pressure transducer measures pressure in the line between the first and second valves. A controller operates the valves to initiate and terminate the discharge sequence. An emergency shutdown valve is positioned upstream of the sand separator and is operative to shut down the system if the pressure reading by the transducer exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A compression assembly for maintaining integrity of the seals in a stuffing box. The compression assembly includes a housing which is adapted to connect to the body of a stuffing box. There is an internal annular piston chamber formed in the housing and an annular piston reciprocally disposed in the piston chamber. There is a chamber formed by piston cylinder walls and the top of the piston whereby grease or other fluid under pressure can be introduced so as to exert pressure on the piston and hence movement thereof toward the stuffing box seals. The assembly also comprises a position sensor to monitor travel of the piston.

Abstract: A system and method for determining when a sand separator should be purged to remove solids from the sand separator. The system can include an acoustic sensor which detects the frequency of audible sound coming from the inner chamber of the vessel and generate a signature signal representative of the frequency of audible sound. There is a processor connected to the acoustic sensor and configured to compare the signature signal with a set frequency range of audible sound which in turn generates a signal indicating when he signature frequency and the set frequency are in overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A system for controlling sand discharge from a plurality of sand separators each of which has a dump line and an actuated valve apparatus in the dump line. There is a first controller which is operatively connected to the actuated valve assemblies and is configured to open one of the actuated valve assemblies in response to a parameter such as internal pressure in the sand separator. There is a second controller which is connected to the first controller and which is also connected to an actuated discharge valve in a common discharge line to which all of the dump lines are connected. On a command from the first controller to the second controller that a selected one of the actuated valve assemblies is opening, the second controller opens the discharge valve.

Abstract: A system for automatically discharging sand from a sand separator. The system includes a first and second valves and a choke valve disposed in a discharge line from a sand separator. A pressure transducer measures pressure in the line between the first and second valves. A controller operates the valves to initiate and terminate the discharge sequence. An emergency shutdown valve is positioned upstream of the sand separator and is operative to shut down the system if the pressure reading by the transducer exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A system for automatically discharging sand from a sand separator. The system includes a first and second valves and a choke valve disposed in a discharge line from a sand separator. A pressure transducer measures pressure in the line between the first and second valves. A control panel operates the valves to initiate and terminate the discharge sequence. An emergency shutdown valve is positioned upstream of the sand separator and is operative to shut down the system if the pressure reading by the transducer exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A system for automatically discharging sand from a sand separator. The system includes a first and second valves and a choke valve disposed in a discharge line from a sand separator. A pressure transducer measures pressure in the line between the first and second valves. A control panel operates the valves to initiate and terminate the discharge sequence. An emergency shutdown valve is positioned upstream of the sand separator and is operative to shut down the system if the pressure reading by the transducer exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A rotating spool having elongated bolt holes or stadium bolt holes for rotating the spool for alignment of components attached to the ends.

Abstract: An automated lubrication system for large industrial use delivering high pressure lubrication from a pumping unit to a manifold for disbursement in metered quantities for maintenance operations synchronized through logic control to regular operations of equipment to prevent or minimize interference.

Abstract: A method of preventing valve operations which may inadvertently shear a wireline, causing a downhole tool string loss. Logic control of actuated valve control equipment in a wireline operation enables and disables or set valve states when a wireline is passing through dependent on tool string placement. Emergency override is available to shear wirelines and drop tool strings prior to valve operations to avoid possible interference with valve closures.

Abstract: A method of monitoring industrial valve actuation and maintaining an industrial valve by lubricating it on-demand and in coordination with in-service valve operations through an automated system eliminating downtime and/or exposure of personnel to hazardous environments through centralized lubricant supply and spent fluid collections.

Abstract: Methods for conveying metribuzin resistance and/or tolerance into non-resistant soybean germplasm are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include introgressing metribuzin resistance into a non-resistant soybean using one or more nucleic acid markers for marker-assisted breeding among soybean lines to be used in a soybean breeding program, wherein the markers are linked to and/or associated with metribuzin resistance and/or tolerance. Also provided are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with resistance or tolerance to metribuzin. Soybean plants and seeds produced by any of the disclosed methods are provided.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for providing statistical and crowd sourced predictions that includes a memory component that stores logic that causes the system to determine default player ratings for a plurality of players based on statistical data, receive user player rankings from a plurality of users, and convert the user player rankings into user ratings. In some embodiments, the logic causes the system to determine team data for a plurality of teams, where each of the plurality of teams includes a player that has been rated and simulate a game between at least two of the plurality of teams, and where the simulation is made based on the default player ratings, the user ratings, and the team data. In some embodiments, the logic causes the system to determine an outcome of the game from the simulation and provide the outcome to the plurality of users for display.