Abstract: Geopolymer precursor compositions are presented that are useful for cementing a subterranean well, among other uses. The precursor compositions are dry mixtures that have an aluminosilicate source and an activator. The activator is an alkalinity source that is safe to store, transport, and blend with an aluminosilicate source. The activator may be a hydroxide-free activator. A geopolymer slurry is formed by adding water to the dry geopolymer precursor compositions. Such slurries have suitable characteristics for use in cementing applications that use pumpable mixtures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and visually monitoring the wear of a continuous conveyor chain without having to stop the conveyor chain. The method and apparatus provides first and second sensors fixedly spaced along the conveyor chain at a predetermined distance and first and second opposing visualization devices oppositely positioned at a point along the conveyor chain. The first and second sensors generate signals corresponding to the presence and absence of successive links provided in the conveyor chain. The generated signals are received and processed, and the necessary time intervals are calculated for providing an output indicative of chain wear of any portion of the chain. Several parameters of chain wear may be calculated, including chain stretch and instantaneous chain speed. The first and second visualization devices capture visual images of each of the links so as to visually inspect and identify any problems associated with the links.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and visually monitoring the wear of a continuous conveyor chain without having to stop the conveyor chain. The method and apparatus provides first and second sensors fixedly spaced along the conveyor chain at a predetermined distance and first and second opposing visualization devices oppositely positioned at a point along the conveyor chain. The first and second sensors generate signals corresponding to the presence and absence of successive links provided in the conveyor chain. The generated signals are received and processed, and the necessary time intervals are calculated for providing an output indicative of chain wear of any portion of the chain. Several parameters of chain wear may be calculated, including chain stretch and instantaneous chain speed. The first and second visualization devices capture visual images of each of the links so as to visually inspect and identify any problems associated with the links.

Abstract: A composition that can be used as an additive to paints, adhesives and resins to provide a prolonged effectiveness to kill microorganisms exposed to the coating is disclosed. The biocidal coating is comprised of a calcium hydroxide particulate that is within the matrix forming material (e.g. paint, adhesive, resin, etc.). The calcium hydroxide is hygroscopic and attracts waters at a surface of the biocidal coating to limit conversion of the calcium hydroxide particulate at the surface to calcium carbonate in order to maintain a high alkalinity of the biocidal coating. The calcium hydroxide particulate is produced through calcination of crushed limestone, hydration, and then grinding and classification to a particle size less than 25 microns. The calcium hydroxide particulate is then mixed with water in a desired ratio prior to adding to the matrix forming material. The mixture is then applied shortly after mixing.

Abstract: A method for making a white synthetic carbide lime filler composition of calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, wherein the calcium carbonate is in the form of surface carbonation on the calcium hydroxide. The method can include calcining calcium carbonate, hydrating the calcined material under controlled conditions which maintain a low moisture content and fracture the hydrated material into small particles of calcium hydroxide, carbonating the small calcium hydroxide particles to create the surface carbonation of calcium carbonate, and classifying the carbonated synthetic carbide lime particles to separate off oversized particles.

Abstract: A method for making a white synthetic carbide lime filler composition of calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, wherein the calcium carbonate is in the form of surface carbonation on the calcium hydroxide. The method can include calcining calcium carbonate, hydrating the calcined material under controlled conditions which maintain a low moisture content and fracture the hydrated material into small particles of calcium hydroxide, carbonating the small calcium hydroxide particles to create the surface carbonation of calcium carbonate, and classifying the carbonated synthetic carbide lime particles to separate off oversized particles. The method can use a combined classifying and carbonating process, and a modified classifying vessel can be provided to carry out the combined process.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.

Abstract: A method for making a white synthetic carbide lime filler composition of calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, wherein the calcium carbonate is in the form of surface carbonation on the calcium hydroxide. The method can include calcining calcium carbonate, hydrating the calcined material under controlled conditions which maintain a low moisture content and fracture the hydrated material into small particles of calcium hydroxide, carbonating the small calcium hydroxide particles to create the surface carbonation of calcium carbonate, and classifying the carbonated synthetic carbide lime particles to separate off oversized particles. The method can use a combined classifying and carbonating process, and a modified classifying vessel can be provided to carry out the combined process.