Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a drain system, including a sensor in communication with a reservoir and controller, uses algorithmic control of a drain valve to adjust the interval and duration of actuation of the drain valve to regulate a fluid level within the reservoir. In embodiments applying the drain system to a gas compressor system, the disclosed control algorithm enables the controller to prevent the loss of compressed gas through an open path out the drain and further to prevent condensate generated by operation of the compressor system from backing up in the reservoir and reentering the flow of compressed gas. The control algorithm adjusts the interval and period of actuation of the drain valve such that as operating conditions change the drain valve opens more or less frequently for longer or shorter periods in response to varying condensate load.

Abstract: A marine engine quick drain system is provided having multiple drainage tubes connecting each drainage point on the marine engine to a water removal device. The water removal device is operable to drain water from all drain ports within the engine simultaneously, routing all drain ports to single point drain which is preferably connected to vacuum for evacuating fluids from the marine engine. Fittings are provided to connect each drainage tube to each drainage point on the marine engine. Integrated within each fitting is a fluid sensor which indicates the presence of water in each part of the engine. Each sensor is connected back to a central control console having a microprocessor which will control the water removal device and verify that the marine engine has been drained properly or if there is water in the marine engine.

Abstract: A marine engine quick drain system consisting of multiple drainage tubes connecting each drainage point on the engine to a drainage device. The drainage device is operable to drain water from all drain ports within the engine simultaneously. Fittings are provided to connect each drainage tube to each drainage point on the engine. Integrated within each fitting is a fluid sensor which indicates the presence of water in each part of the engine. Each sensor is connected back to a central control console having a microprocessor which will control the drainage device and verify that the engine has been drained properly or if there is water in the engine.

Abstract: A condensate drain for pressurized gas systems, having a condensate collecting chamber, which can be connected to the pressurized gas system via a condensate inflow and has a condensate outflow that can be closed by means of an electrically operable valve, at least one electronic fitting level gauge, with which the condensate filling level in the condensate collecting chamber can be detected, and an electronic control unit, with which the condensate filling level detected by means of the filling level gauge can be evaluated and the valve can be operated, where the condensate drain has at least one battery, which provides the power supply for at least the control unit, the fitting level gauge and the valve.

Abstract: A method for a pressurized gas system includes: a collecting step wherein condensate is collected over a duration; a detection step terminating the collecting step and detecting condensate in a region with a sensor; a discharge step over a duration, where condensate is discharged if detected in the region. When condensate is first detected, the collecting duration of the subsequent collecting steps is shortened and/or the discharge duration of the following discharge steps is lengthened and/or a degree of opening of the drainage valve in the following discharge steps is increased. When condensate is not detected, the collecting duration of the following collecting steps is lengthened and/or the discharge duration of the following discharge steps is shortened and/or a degree of opening of the drainage valve in the following discharge steps is decreased.

Abstract: A method for the automated discharge of condensate from a pressurized gas system includes a chronological, repeating sequence having: a collecting step wherein condensate is collected over a predefined collecting duration; a detection step which at least terminates the collecting step and serves for the detection of condensate in the collecting region by means of the sensor; and a discharge step in which, over a predefined discharge duration, condensate is discharged if detected in the collecting region in the detection step. When condensate is first detected or at the latest repeatedly in the detection step, the collecting duration of at least one of the subsequent collecting steps, is shortened and/or the discharge duration of at least one of the following discharge steps is lengthened and/or a degree of opening of the drainage valve in at least one of the following discharge steps is increased.

Abstract: A steam trap system including a steam trap having a steam inlet and a water collector that can collect water. An orifice arrangement is included having a plurality of valved orifices spaced apart from each other at different heights. Selected valved orifices can be configured to open as water in the water collector rises and reaches the height of the selected valved orifices, allowing the water to be removed from the water collector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of controlling operating states of multi-stable electronic circuits are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a bandgap reference circuit having an operating state and a latched off state. The bandgap reference circuit includes an amplifier to provide a bandgap reference voltage when the bandgap reference circuit is in the operating state. A state control circuit is also included and is coupled to sense an output signal of the bandgap reference circuit. The state control circuit is also coupled to provide a drive signal to an input of the amplifier in response to the sensed output signal. The drive signal is coupled to cause the bandgap reference circuit to avoid the latched off state.

Abstract: A system and a method for prediction and treatment of all kinds of slugs being formed in a flow line system or wellbore tubing transporting a multiphase fluid towards a downstream process including a separator or a slug catcher at the process inlet. The system includes a slug detector (1) located downstream of the point for slug initiation and upstream of the process and a computer unit (4) integrating the flow line system and the downstream process including software which determines the type of the slug, its volume and predicts its arrival time into the downstream process. The computer unit processes all its incoming data to obtain an optimum regulation of the process so that process perturbations due to incoming slugs are reduced to a minimum through the process.

Abstract: The subject invention is related to a gas injection device with back-flow leaking liquid discharge, comprising a chamber, a gas inlet conduit, a gas outlet conduit, and a liquid discharging conduit, wherein the gas outlet conduit and the liquid discharging conduit are provided with a check valve, respectively. When a gas is passed to the chamber through the gas inlet conduit, the check valve of the gas outlet conduit is open for the gas to be passed into a liquid and the check valve of the liquid discharging conduit is closed. While the gas has stopped injecting into the liquid, the check valve of the gas outlet is closed to prevent the liquid from back flow. The small amount of back-flow leaking liquid accumulated in the chamber can open the check valve of the liquid discharging conduit to discharge the leaking liquid from the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of draining condensate from a reservoir that communicates with a trap via a drain pipe. The reservoir is subjected to a gas pressure p(reservoir) that can be below atmospheric pressure p(air) or above atmospheric pressure p(air). The method involves the following steps: a) collecting condensate in the reservoir, b) acquiring the fill level by means of a level meter, c) providing a control pressure p(control) which, in any operating conditions of the compressed gas system, is above the pressure p(reservoir) in the reservoir and above atmospheric pressure p(air), d) providing, under control, a control conduit input of an exhaust valve, which is assigned to the reservoir and is intended to drain the condensate collected in the reservoir, with a pressure p(input).

Abstract: An auto-drain unit for a compressed gas supply system, comprising: a first, main chamber including a liquid collection reservoir; a second, reference chamber; a discharge valve actuatable to discharge collected liquid from the liquid collection reservoir; a trigger mechanism for actuating the discharge valve; a diaphragm at least in part defining the liquid collection reservoir and the reference chamber, the diaphragm being configured to be movable under the weight of liquid collected in the liquid collection reservoir and operate the trigger mechanism when the weight of collected liquid exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a fluid conduit fluidly connecting the reference chamber to a location in the main chamber above the maximum possible liquid level therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of draining condensate from a reservoir that communicates with a trap via a drain pipe. The reservoir is subjected to a gas pressure p(reservoir) that can be below atmospheric pressure p(air) or above atmospheric pressure p(air).

Abstract: A system for separating a liquid and a gas including a separation vessel (30) with an inlet (28) for a gas/liquid mixture. Outlets (40, 42) for the fluids are disposed at different heights in the vessel. The outlets are controlled by turn-up vortex amplifiers (fluidic valves TuVAs) that include a supply port (40, 42), a control port (36, 38) and an outlet port (48, 50). The control port is supplied from the vessel at an intermediate level between the outlets, so that a change of flow in the control port alters resistence to flow through the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for suppressing and controlling liquid slugs and gas surges in a stream of multiphase fluid flowing from a flowline into a gas/liquid separator having a liquid outlet with a liquid flow control valve, and a gas outlet with a gas flow control valve, and a control system for monitoring said control variables and adjusting said control valves which comprises: a) Measuring at least one control variable selected from the group of the liquid level in the separator, the liquid flow rate in the liquid outlet, the gas flow rate in the gas outlet, the sum of the liquid flow rate in the liquid outlet and the gas flow rate in the gas outlet, and the fluid pressure at or near the separator; b) Entering said measurements to a control system with a controller for receiving said values as a mathematical number and responding to preset numbers; c) Said control system adjusting said liquid and gas flow control valves to reduce a difference between a selected control variable and a pre-set reference val

Abstract: A proactive electronic steam trap device, system, and method of removing condensate from a steam plant is disclosed. The device ensures a controlled drainage of condensate to maintain condensate level within a control band. The basic invention comprises and utilizes a steam trap chamber, a condensate level sensing system, a condensate level control system, and a condensate discharge system. Alternate embodiments include an air purge system, a flashing utility which permits reuse of high temperature steam, and an electronic temperature/pressure sensing device that will constantly monitor temperature and pressure variables in the individual condensate lines to verify the integrity of the individual condensate lines that are going into a single manifold of a steam trap.

Abstract: A method for draining condensate off a compressed-gas system that traps condensate that collects during operation of the compressed-gas system, draws off collected condensate through an outlet, connects a trap volume and a purging device to the outlet, connects a collection chamber to the outlet, detects the presence of condensate in the collection chamber by at least one sensor, connects control electronics to the sensor, controls a valve arrangement by the control electronics that either shuts the purging device so that no condensate can escape through it or opens the purging device each time the condensate level rises and the sensor changes over from indicating “no condensate” to indicating “condensate present”, starts the timer circuit and on expiry of the time defined by the timer circuit, opens the valve until the sensor indicates “no condensate” thereupon closing the purging device with the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for removing condensate from gas pressure systems, especially dry-pipe systems having a condensate collector in which condensate accumulates when the gas pressure system is in operation, the collector being provided with an outlet. The collector also has a gauge containing a tubular body which is sized in relation to the outlet and designed to be secured thereto and which, when mounted, is located inside the collector and includes an electronic sensor, preferably a capacitive sensor, which is supported by the tubular body and of which at least one element, i.e., a preamplifier, is located therein and borne thereby, and is capable of functioning as a control for an external valve system.

Abstract: The invention is a continuously operated condensate drain valve operating in real-time response to the presence of an electrically conductive media in the interior chamber of the condensate drain valve. The invented valve includes a valve body, a subminiature sensor embedded in the valve body and an electric control circuit electrically connected to the sensor. Because the sensor is located in the valve body and because the control circuit does not include a delay means, the invented valve can operate at an extremely high cycle rate thereby keeping the air compression system virtually condensate free. Consequently, the invented valve enables an air compressor to maintain optimal capacity and to operate at an unprecedented level of efficiency.

Abstract: A condensate trap assembly includes a monitoring device 4 which is closely coupled to, or integral with, a condensate trap 2. The monitoring device 4 includes a flow restriction 56 and a condensate receiving chamber 48 which accommodates a sensor 66. The chamber 48 communicates with an inlet passage 52 on the upstream side of the flow restriction 56 and, via a bore 50, with an outlet passage 54 on the downstream side of the flow restriction 56. The sensor 66 provides an indication of the condition of the condensate trap 2, in accordance with whether the sensor tip 68 is submerged in condensate and in accordance with the temperature of the condensate.

Abstract: Liquid slug flow in oil production well flowlines and the like is controlled by a throttling valve in the flowline upstream of a gas-liquid separator and a differential pressure gauge, densitometer or other device for measuring the presence and the volume of the slug in the flowline. The throttling valve may be actuated to throttle fluid flow into the separator in relation to the presence of the slug and the duration of the slug as determined by the slug detection device. Slug mitigation may also be controlled by throttling flow into the separator in relation to the level of liquid in the separator between a threshold level and a maximum liquid level. A third method for mitigating slug flow measures the available volume in the separator vessel and the volume of the liquid slug moving toward the separator vessel to effect proportional throttling of fluid flow. A liquid slug may be detected by a differential pressure gauge or a densitometer interposed in the flowline upstream of the throttling valve.

Abstract: A condensate removal device for capturing, measuring and removing condensate from a fluid system having air or gas under pressure. The device purges only condensate on demand without loss of relative pressure inherent within the system. A single sensing probe extends into a condensate collection reservoir sensing the low and high level of condensate activating a diaphragm type discharge value venting condensate from the reservoir. Once condensate levels fall below a pre-determined level within the reservoir the value is closed awaiting accumulation of additional condensate before cycling again.

Abstract: An automatic drain device in an air compressor system includes an electrode sensor in a liquid collection cell. An electronic control detects an electrical change in the electrode sensor resulting from contact with liquid in the liquid collection cell and energizes a drain valve for a predetermined time effective to drain the liquid collection cell. A cycle timer triggers the energization of the drain valve when the electrode sensor fails to provide the required electrical change for a predetermined cycle time. Test inputs permit driving the electronic control to simulate sensing of liquid, and also permit energization of the drain valve without involving the remainder of the electronic control.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for removing spent solvent from manufacturing apparatus during operation. The apparatus uses a collection housing having input, exhaust, and output ports with U-shaped output transfer tubing positioned inside the housing and connected on one end to the output port. The output tubing arches upward inside the housing and has a tapered opening positioned near the bottom of the housing. Negative pressure is applied to the exhaust port to move cleaned air out of the housing and solvent laden air into the housing through the input port. Solvent precipitates from the air and collects as a liquid in the housing until the liquid level rises above the arched bottom of the transfer tubing. At this point, the solvent flows through the tubing and the output port, and out of the housing under the influence of gravity at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: In a so-called condensate trap for discharging condensate, e.g. oil or water from a fluid system which contains air or a gas or vapor under pressure, a single tube which projects into a housing in which the condensate collects contains spaced sensors of an electric capacitive type sensing the maximum level which the condensate is to be allowed to reach within the chamber and a predetermined lower level. A signal from the upper sensor triggers a pilot valve which opens a diaphragm-type discharge valve and a signal from the lower sensor initiates closing of the valve, but only after a time delay, allowing the condensate to fall first to a level below that of the lower sensor. This time delay is related to the time taken for the condensate to fall from the maximum level to that of the lower sensor. The control unit and sensor tube form a self-contained structural assembly for easy installation and replacement.

Abstract: A meter for integrating the operating time of a steam trap including an integrating instrument consisting of a transparent vessel containing an electrolyte between two columns of mercury across which a DC voltage may be applied and a thermocouple including a hot junction and a cold junction connected to said instrument, wherein temperatures sensed by the hot junction causes displacement of the mercury and movement of the electrolyte in order to provide an indication of changes in temperature in a steam trap assembly.

Abstract: Solenoid operated condensate drain valve arrangements for steam systems are described having the following features:(a) powered by electromotive force obtained by the Seebeck effect;(b) where electrical sensing probe means control operation of the arrangement, the provision of thermal switch means overriding the action of the probe means and enabling air to escape from the system under start-up conditions;(c) provision of a monitoring circuit that allows escape of trapped steam which may be having a steam locking effect;(d) provision of a monitoring circuit that gives a measure of automatic drainage in the event of some failure in the drain valve arrangement.

Abstract: A solenoid-actuated drain valve for a compressed gas reservoir of a diesel locomotive in which the valve element is a differential piston exposed on opposite faces to reservoir pressure for normally holding the valve closed and minimizing the opening force required to be exerted by the solenoid, a temperature-responsive heating element protects the valve against freezing, a sensing element senses accumulations of water from the compressed gas in the reservoir, and actuation of the heater and energizing of the solenoid for opening the valve are both controlled by a solid state circuit which prevents opening of the valve except when the sensing element senses accumulated water.

Abstract: An electric conductive type steam trap comprises a trap body substantially in the construction of a three-way tube connected to the exhausting end of the steam pipe; an electric solenoid provided between an orifice apparatus and the exit of the condensate; and an electric control apparatus. The first end of the trap body is connected to the steam pipe, the second end of the trap body is connected to the orifice apparatus and the third end of the trap body is connected to a condensate level detecting apparatus. The condensate level detecting apparatus will pick up the signal of the level of the generated condensate which will be fed into the electric control apparatus for actuating the electric solenoid to discharge the condensate in the exhausting end of the steam pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrically operated condensate drain valve arrangement for draining condensate from a fluid transfer system, the arrangement comprising a condensate drain valve (3), an electronic circuit (5 or 21) for controlling operation of the valve, and at least one sensing element (1 or 19 and 20) for insertion in the fluid transfer system to trigger the electronic circuit for operating the valve when a predetermined condition in the system is sensed by the sensing element; the electronic circuit including a delay means (10) imparting a desired minimum period between successive particular operations of the valve. In one use the predetermined condition is that condensate level is below the sensing element and the circuit is triggered to close the valve when this condition is sensed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit arrangement for regulating the level of a liquid in vessels. The arrangement according to this invention comprises a draining vessel with a draining conduit, a fluid level pick-up device, a compensation pick-up device, and a working element. The main feature of the circuit arrangement is that the compensation pick-up device is connected to the draining vessel above the regulated liquid level and the upper part of the fluid level pick-up device is also connected to the draining conduit above the regulated liquid level. The lower part of the fluid level pick-up device is connected below the regulated level equally to the draining conduit.