Abstract: Integrated polymeric-ceramic membrane-based oxy-fuel combustor. The combustor includes a polymer membrane structure for receiving air at an input and for delivering oxygen-enriched air at an outlet. An oxygen transport reactor including a ceramic ion transport membrane receives the oxygen-enriched air from the polymer membrane structure to generate oxygen for combustion with a fuel introduced into the oxygen transport reactor.

Abstract: The heat exchanger flow balancing system serves to substantially equalize fluid flow through essentially identical diameter heat exchanger tubes in a heat exchanger having a single inlet plenum, a single outlet plenum, and a series of equal diameter heat exchanger tubes extending therebetween. In one embodiment, a series of different diameter orifices are provided at the inlet end of each of the tubes, with those tubes farther from the single larger diameter inlet pipe to the plenum generally having smaller orifices. In another embodiment, each of the tubes is provided with a conical nozzle at its inlet end, with those tubes farther from the single inlet pipe to the plenum generally having smaller diameter nozzles. The effect is to substantially equalize fluid flow through all of the heat exchanger tubes, thus increasing the efficiency of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The pipeline leak detector is a mobile device having one or more pressure sensor arrays for travel within a fluid pipeline for leak detection in the pipe wall. The sensor array(s) is positioned close to the internal surface of the pipe wall, and rotates circumferentially about the surface of the pipe wall as the device travels through the pipe. The sensor array(s) thus describes a helical path along the pipe wall, covering the entire internal surface of the pipe wall with a minimal number of sensors. The device is supported by three wheels bearing against the internal surface of the pipe wall. A drive wheel provides motive power for the device. A driven wheel rotates as it travels along the pipe wall and communicates rotationally with the sensor array(s) to drive its rotation. The third wheel is an idler to stabilize the axial orientation of the device within the pipe.

Abstract: The pipeline leak detector is a mobile device having a pressure sensor array for travel within a fluid pipeline for leak detection in the pipe wall. The sensor array is positioned close to the internal surface of the pipe wall and rotates circumferentially about the surface of the pipe wall as the device travels through the pipe, thus describing a helical path along the pipe wall to cover the entire internal surface of the pipe wall with a minimal number of sensors. The sensors comprise tubes with conical mouths, and flexible members and strain gauges within the tubes. Pressure changes due to leaks cause the flexible members to move, with the strain gauges sending signals to a central processor to indicate a leak. The device is supported by a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and an idler wheel bearing against the internal surface of the pipe and evenly circumferentially spaced.

Abstract: Leak detection system. A rigid body is resiliently supported within an outer cage. Structure is provided for detecting displacement of the rigid body with respect to the outer cage, the displacement indicating a leak when the rigid body is moved by a suction force generated by a local pressure gradient resulting from a leak within a pipe network. The invention allows a leak to be determined around the circumference of a pipe.

Abstract: Force control system. The system includes a first pair of permanent magnets for providing a normal force on the wheel of a robot adapted for n-pipe inspections. A second pair of magnets is provided with opposite polarity so that a rotor containing magnets may be rotated with a minimum of torque required and therefore with a minimum of energy expended.

Abstract: The system includes structure for supporting at least one tube within a pipe. The tube has one end disposed close to, or in contact with, a wall of the pipe. A sensor is disposed within the at least one tube to detect a pressure gradient or fluid movement within the tube. Such pressure gradient or fluid movement indicates a leak in the pipe adjacent to the tube location. In a preferred embodiment, the structure is a ring sized to fit within the pipe and the ring supports a plurality of tubes. In another aspect, the tube includes a restriction to prevent flow and pressure is measured on each side of the restriction.

Abstract: The controlled temperature ion transport membrane reactor is a combustion-type ion transport membrane reactor for combusting a hydrocarbon fuel with oxygen. The reactor includes an oxygen permeable ion transport membrane for separating oxygen from air. In order to control temperature within the reactor, a thermally conductive plate is positioned between a mixing passage, where a diluent gas and the permeated oxygen are mixed, and a reaction zone. The reaction zone is in fluid communication with the mixing passage and a fuel chamber through a porous plate for combusting the hydrocarbon fuel with the oxygen.

Abstract: Leak detection apparatus for deployment in a pipe. The apparatus includes a carrier disposed for motion along the pipe and a detector connected to move with the carrier in an axial direction. The detector comprises a drum mounted for rotation about pitch and yaw axes. A flexible material is mounted on, and extends from, the drum and at least two sensors responsive to drum rotation are provided. The flexible material will be drawn into contact with a wall of the pipe at a leak location, thereby producing a torque on the drum, causing the drum to rotate, and the at least two sensors to generate signals from which leak location is determined.

Abstract: The carbon-free fire tube boiler is a boiler for heating water by combustion of hydrocarbon fuels with oxygen. The boiler includes a housing defining first and second heat transfer stages. At least one oxygen transport reactor is received within the first heat transfer stage. The oxygen transport reactor includes an outer wall and an inner cylindrical ion transport membrane. The membrane receives pressurized air and separates gaseous oxygen therefrom, transporting the oxygen into an annular region between the membrane and the outer wall. The gaseous hydrocarbon fuel is delivered into the annular region for combustion, producing gaseous carbon dioxide and water vapor. A water reservoir is defined within the first and second stages, with the at least one oxygen transport reactor and at least one transfer tube passing therethrough. The carbon dioxide and the water vapor are delivered through the at least one transfer tube for heating water contained therein.

Abstract: Leak detection system. The system locates leaks in a pipeline that includes RFID tags deployed at known locations along the pipeline. A pair of bodies tethered to one another a fixed distance apart travels along the pipeline. Each of the bodies is supported for movement substantially along the centerline of the pipeline and each body includes a sensor responsive to sound or pressure variations generated by a leak. Signals are correlated to identify the existence of a leak. Each body also includes an RFID reader for reading the RFID tags in the pipeline. At least one of the bodies includes a power supply and/or electronics that are adapted to correlate signals from sensor on each body to determine the location of a leak within the pipeline.

Abstract: Integrated polymeric-ceramic membrane-based oxy-fuel combustor. The combustor includes a polymer membrane structure for receiving air at an input and for delivering oxygen-enriched air at an outlet. An oxygen transport reactor including a ceramic ion transport membrane receives the oxygen-enriched air from the polymer membrane structure to generate oxygen for combustion with a fuel introduced into the oxygen transport reactor.

Abstract: The dual submarine leak detection system provides for controllable in-pipe leak detection. The dual submarine leak detection system includes first and second submarines joined to one another by a tether. Each of the submarines includes a housing and at least one leak detector mounted thereon. A communication transceiver is mounted in the housing for remotely communicating the leak condition and a location of the leak condition, as well as receiving control and communication signals. Each submarine further includes at least one selectively retractable leg mounted on the housing and selectively extending therefrom, and a motor mounted within the housing for driving a propeller to propel the submarine through a fluid-filled pipe. A control system further allows for controllable or programmable steering of the submarine through the fluid-filled pipe and any pipe joints associated therewith.

Abstract: Leak detection system. A rigid body is resiliently supported within an outer cage. Means are provided for detecting displacement of the rigid body with respect to the outer cage, the displacement indicating a leak when the rigid body is moved by a suction force generated by a local pressure gradient resulting from a leak within a pipe network. The invention allows a leak to be determined around the circumference of a pipe.

Abstract: Leak detection system. The system includes a structure sized to fit within a pipe for supporting at least one sensing element near an inside wall of the pipe, whereby a pressure gradient at a leak in the pipe will cause the sensing element to respond. Structure is provided for detecting movement or deformation of the sensing element, the movement or deformation indicating the presence of a leak. In a preferred embodiment, the structure includes two spaced-apart rings for supporting the at least one sensing element. The sensing element is a diaphragm in a preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the sensing element is supported for movement with respect to the ring structure which includes sensing circuitry for detecting the movement to indicate a leak. Other embodiments employ different sensing elements that respond to pressure gradients near leaks.

Abstract: The leak detection band is mounted about a pipe joint for generating an alert signal when a liquid leak from the pipe joint is detected. The leak detection band includes an annular mount having a pair of opposed annular edges and an annular recess formed in an interior surface thereof adjacent one of the annular edges. A transmitter is attached to the annular mount, and a pair of substantially semicircular leads are provided. Each lead has opposed first and second ends and a central portion. The first ends are electrically connected to the transmitter. The second ends and central portions are disposed within the recess so that the second ends are mounted opposite one another with a gap being formed therebetween. When a conductive liquid leaks from the pipe joint, the conductive liquid fills the gap, closing a transmitting circuit, causing the transmitter to transmit an alert signal.

Abstract: The system includes structure for supporting at least one tube within a pipe. The tube has one end disposed close to, or in contact with, a wall of the pipe. A sensor is disposed within the at least one tube to detect a pressure gradient or fluid movement within the tube. Such pressure gradient or fluid movement indicates a leak in the pipe adjacent to the tube location. In a preferred embodiment, the structure is a ring sized to fit within the pipe and the ring supports a plurality of tubes. In another aspect, the tube includes a restriction to prevent flow and pressure is measured on each side of the restriction.

Abstract: The dual submarine leak detection system provides for controllable in-pipe leak detection. The dual submarine leak detection system includes first and second submarines joined to one another by a tether. Each of the submarines includes a housing and at least one leak detector mounted thereon. A communication transceiver is mounted in the housing for remotely communicating the leak condition and a location of the leak condition, as well as receiving control and communication signals. Each submarine further includes at least one selectively retractable leg mounted on the housing and selectively extending therefrom, and a motor mounted within the housing for driving a propeller to propel the submarine through a fluid-filled pipe. A control system further allows for controllable or programmable steering of the submarine through the fluid-filled pipe and any pipe joints associated therewith.

Abstract: A hot beverage cup and sleeve bring together two modes of heat transfer, conduction and radiation. The sleeve has an inner face with a plurality of high reflectivity surfaces for radiating heat back to the cup. The sleeve also has a plurality of insulating members for containing insulating air. Each of the insulating members is positioned to space the high reflectivity surfaces away from the cup. A low emissivity film can be adhered to the cup without touching the insulating members. The film can also be attached to the sleeve facing but spaced from the high reflectivity surfaces. This cup and sleeve arrangements minimize thermal contact and reduce heat transfer. Thus, the hot beverage cup and sleeve protect a person's hand as well as extend the time of keeping the beverage hot.

Abstract: The leak detection system for pipes and couplings is a system for generating an alert signal when a liquid leak from the pipe joint or coupling is detected. The leak detection system includes a transmitter mounted adjacent a pipe joint formed between a first pipe and a fitting of a second pipe. A pair of contacts have first ends electrically connected to the transmitter and second ends extending into an annular recess formed in the pipe joint. The second ends have a gap formed between each other. When an electrically conductive liquid leaks from the pipe joint, the liquid fills the gap between the contacts, closing a transmitting circuit, activating the transmitter to transmit an alert signal.