Abstract: The present invention concerns a marine-based carbon sequestration buoyant structure. The structure comprises a frame, a peripheral platform area (1) for housing accommodation and amenities, and carbon sequestration apparatus, wherein the frame supports the peripheral platform area and carbon sequestration apparatus (2,3).

Abstract: A method for quality control and quality assurance of sized bridging materials rotates a control sample having a fluid portion and a solids portion of sized bridging materials in a tubular container for a predetermined period of time. The control sample is then analyzed in a laser particle size analyzer to determine a particle size distribution for the control sample. A wet grinding sample having a fluid portion and a solids portion of the sized bridging materials is then rotated in the tubular container with a loose cylinder rod for a predetermined time to simulate borehole conditions. The wet grinding sample is then analyzed in the laser particle size analyzer to determine a particle size distribution for the wet grinding sample. The two particle size distributions are used to define a shift factor that represents the relative strength of the sized bridging materials.

Abstract: A method for quality control and quality assurance of sized bridging materials rotates a control sample having a fluid portion and a solids portion of sized bridging materials in a tubular container for a predetermined period of time. The control sample is then analyzed in a laser particle size analyzer to determine a particle size distribution for the control sample. A wet grinding sample having a fluid portion and a solids portion of the sized bridging materials is then rotated in the tubular container with a loose cylinder rod for a predetermined time to simulate borehole conditions. The wet grinding sample is then analyzed in the laser particle size analyzer to determine a particle size distribution for the wet grinding sample. The two particle size distributions are used to define a shift factor that represents the relative strength of the sized bridging materials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for testing and quantifying structural durability characteristics of bridging materials. Embodiments include sieving bridging materials to create uniform batches having particles within a predefined range. Embodiments further include selecting a batch and drying the batch, separating the dried batch into dry samples, and selecting a test sample having an initial mass. Embodiments include sealing the test sample, a volume of liquid, and a rod in a cylindrical testing cell and rotating the cylindrical testing cell containing the rod such that the rod rolls in relation to an inner wall of the cylindrical testing cell and applies force partially crushing the test sample. Embodiments further include sieving a resulting sample to create a durable sample having particles within the predefined range and drying the durable sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for testing and quantifying structural durability characteristics of bridging materials. Embodiments include sieving bridging materials to create uniform batches having particles within a predefined range. Embodiments further include selecting a batch and drying the batch, separating the dried batch into dry samples, and selecting a test sample having an initial mass. Embodiments include sealing the test sample, a volume of liquid, and a rod in a cylindrical testing cell and rotating the cylindrical testing cell containing the rod such that the rod rolls in relation to an inner wall of the cylindrical testing cell and applies force partially crushing the test sample. Embodiments further include sieving a resulting sample to create a durable sample having particles within the predefined range and drying the durable sample.

Abstract: A blade cover for enclosing and padding the blade of a forklift truck having a toe extending from the forklift, and associated method for manufacture. The blade cover includes a sleeve shaped to substantially surround the toe. The sleeve defines an opening for receiving the blade distal. A support structure is shaped to substantially register with the toe. The support structure is secured within the sleeve and is configured to support the sleeve in a substantially open configuration.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes; a plurality of article carriers; a process conveyor for supporting and transporting the article carriers past the given location at a first speed; an overhead power and free transport conveyor for transporting the article carriers from a loading area at a second speed that differs from the first speed; and a load conveyor adapted for engaging the article carriers and for transporting the engaged article carriers from the transport conveyor to the process conveyor at a speed that is varied during transport by the load conveyor in such a manner that the article carriers are so positioned on the process conveyor that there is a predetermined separation distance between adjacent positioned article carriers. A reroute conveyor is coupled to the process conveyor for retransportation by the process conveyor. Transport by the conveyors is interrupted when a measured speed of article carrier movement past the given location is outside of a given range.

Abstract: An article irradiation system includes a radiation source disposed along a horizontal axis; a plurality of article carriers; a process conveyor for supporting and transporting the article carriers past the radiation source at a first speed; an overhead power and free transport conveyor for transporting the article carriers from a loading area at a second speed that differs from the first speed; and a load conveyor adapted for engaging the article carriers and for transporting the engaged article carriers from the transport conveyor to the process conveyor at a speed that is varied during transport by the load conveyor in such a manner that the article carriers are so positioned on the process conveyor that there is a predetermined separation distance between adjacent positioned article carriers. A reroute conveyor is coupled to the process conveyor for transporting those article carriers carrying articles that have received radiation impinging upon only the first side of the articles.

Abstract: A valve system for use with a tube jetting apparatus used for cleaning the interior surfaces of tubes such as those in heat exchangers. The apparatus includes a piston housing having a piston assembly slidably disposed therein. The pressure relief assembly also includes a differential pressure relief valve which is connected to the piston housing to relieve pressure therein as the piston moves within the housing.

Abstract: A forklift truck blade cover constructed of a resilient compressible material that encloses and pads the toe of the forward extending lift blade of an industrial type forklift truck is provided. The blade cover provides protection from damaging pallets, piercing barrels, piercing trailer walls and creating sparks. The blade cover can be sized according to the type or brand of forklift truck being used and can be mounted on existing lift blades without modification. If the operator desires to secure the cover to the blade all that is required is drilling one or two holes in the blade for mounting bolts. The blade cover can be sized so as to prevent entry into certain types of openings in pallets, etc.

Abstract: A tube jetting apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tubes such as those in heat exchangers. The jetting apparatus includes a hydraulically actuated lance and piston assembly in a housing. High pressure fluid is directed through ports in the lance and also directed across the piston to actuate the lance and piston assembly while providing high pressure fluid to a jetting nozzle on the lance. The speed of the lance and piston assmbly is controlled and jetting action occurs on both the outward and return strokes. On the return stroke, a pressure relief system is provided to relieve the system pressure through a differential pressure relief valve. A stroke limiter is provided which utilizes a collet for grippingly engaging the lance at a predetermined location thereon while minimizing damage to the surface of the lance.

Abstract: A tube jetting apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tubes such as those in heat exchangers. The jetting apparatus includes a hydraulically actuated lance and piston assembly in a housing. High pressure fluid is directed through ports in the lance and also directed across the piston to actuate the lance and piston assembly while providing high pressure fluid to a jetting nozzle on the lance. The speed of the lance and piston assembly is controlled and jetting action occurs on both the outward and return strokes. On the return stroke, a pressure relief system is provided to relieve the system pressure through a differential pressure relief valve. A stroke limiter is provided which utilizes a collet for grippingly engaging the lance at a predetermined location thereon while minimizing damage to the surface of the lance.

Abstract: A fluid jetting apparatus, such as nozzle, includes a support on which an orifice member is rotatably mounted. Orifices in the member are eccentric so that fluid exiting the orifices gives a driving force to rotate the orifice member relative to the support. To prevent the member from rotating too fast, a magnetic flux is provided to induce eddy currents in the support or the orifice member to produce a resisting torque opposing the speed-increasing torque resulting from the force of the fluid exiting the orifices. The eddy currents arise in response to relative motion between the magnetic flux and either the orifice member or the support.

Abstract: An air preheater water jet apparatus is provided for cleaning fly ash, soot and the like from a rotating or stationary heat exchange basket on a air preheater used to improve the efficiency of a boiler in an electric utility generating plant. The air preheater cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning assembly with water jet nozzles, thereon, attached to a carriage which moves along a track, such as a channel beam, affixed radially above and adjacent to the air preheater basket. A drive assembly and an idler bracket assembly with a roller chain therebetween are disposed on the channel beam. The carriage assembly is attached to the roller chain and as the carriage is driven, the cleaning assembly is moved along the channel beam. Thus, when the basket, or the air preheater cleaning apparatus, is rotated and the carriage is moved inward, a circular path of the basket is cleaned.

Abstract: A mechanical fuse for a reciprocating roller chain is provided which protects mechanical apparatus, such as a carriage assembly, from damage due to a mechanical power surge, or overload. A stirrup shaped body portion is included with a protruding member and a receiving member disposed thereon. The protruding member connects with a master link in the roller chain and the receiving member is connectable via a shear pin to either an end link in the roller chain, or the mechanical apparatus being protected. The shear pin is placed perpendicularly to the direction of the potential mechanical power surge and shears upon application of a tangential force which is greater than can be withstood by the shear pin, but less than the amount of force which will damage the mechanical apparatus, or any other drive components. Therefore, the shear pin separates and interrupts the roller chain path, relieving any mechanical overload, prior to any damage being sustained by the mechanical apparatus or roller chain.