Abstract: A hydrodynamic stirring device which dissolves, mixes or puts back into suspension or into a “sol” in a primary liquid phase, a deposited sediment which is contained in a tank and covered by the primary liquid phase including suction means including at least one pump to remove liquid from the primary liquid phase in the tank, and injection means connected to a discharge side of the suction means and-equipped for reinjecting the liquid into the tank, towards the deposited sediment, in the form of at least one jet having a predefined pressure and flow rate, the injection means including at least one tube which bears at an end portion thereof, a self-rotating lance, the lance including a hollow cylindrical stator which is open at both of its end portions and which is connected through a first of its end portions to the tube and a nozzle bearing rotor which is rotatably mounted on the stator, at its second end portion, and which bears at its periphery at least two nozzles or jets, at least one of the

Abstract: A device for the homogenization of a liquid contained in a container comprises a pipe device possible to stick down in the container, said pipe device including an inner pipe (5′) and an outer pipe (6′). A cup-like collar (15) with a bottom plate (16) and a circumfering flange (17) is mounted on the inner pipe. There are openings (18, 18′) in the flange (17) which co-operate with analogous holes (19, 19′) in the outer pipe (6′). When a hole (19′) is adjusted in flush with an opening (18), the return liquid is ejected from a ring-shaped gap (9) in a radial jet. When a hole (19) is adjusted in a position distanced from an opening (18), the return liquid which passes the hole will meet the inside of the flange (17) and be deflected in a upwardly directed flow in the container. By setting the collar (15) in a suitable position, optimum homogenization of the liquid may be attained.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for removing a slurry having shear-thinning visco-plastic rheological properties from a reservoir containing a body of the slurry of such high viscosity that removal is impractical by conventional means, such as gravity flow or suction. The method comprises creating a flow of shear-thinned slurry in a submerged region of the body of slurry to entrain adjacent slurry of high viscosity, and then transferring some of the reduced viscosity slurry from the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting aqueous liquid media includes a plurality of static mixers, a gas distributor assembly with a plurality of nozzles, at least one impeller having blades attached thereto and a plurality of static mixer assemblies having flow guide elbows and collectors. The static mixer assemblies are independently and separately mounted to orient to the current leaving the blade tips of the impeller. Swirlers are also described as being utilized in place of the static mixers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biologically stable soya flour suspension and to a method of forming such a suspension. More particularly, the invention provides a slurry of soya flour in an aqueous liquid wherein the aqueous liquid is brine. The invention further provides a method of forming a microbiologically stable slurry of soya flour comprising the step of pumping brine through a nozzle of a jet pump and the step of adding soya flour to an intake of the jet pump so as to produce a mixing of the soya flour and brine in a mixing chamber of the jet pump. Furthermore, apparatus is provided for forming said slurry of soya flour, the apparatus comprising a storage tank; a jet pump; means for supplying brine to a nozzle of the jet pump; means for supplying soya flour to an intake of the jet pump and means for delivering the resultant soya flour slurry to the storage tank.

Abstract: Liquefaction of sludgy to compact sediments (3) in vessels (1) in which crude oil (2) is stored and/or transported uses injecting a liquid above the sediment surface with nozzles (11) so that the sediment is at least partly liquified or dissolved in the liquid such that it can be removed from the vessel (1) together with the liquid. A substantially horizontally flowing liquid current which can be closed on itself is created above the sediment surface by directing the injection through all nozzles (11) such that the injection direction has a horizontal component which is oriented tangentially to a current line of the liquid current being created and is oriented in the flowing direction. The injected liquid is crude oil or a refinery product and differs from the lowest levels above the sediment in that it comprises a smaller share of heavy components.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus operable with a developing liquid consisting of a solvent and toner particles dispersed therein, a device for stirring the liquid includes a reservoir formed with an inlet and an outlet for causing the liquid to be circulated therethrough. A pump delivers the developing liquid from the reservoir to the developing unit. A conduit causes the developing liquid fed from the reservoir to return to the reservoir via the pump and developing unit. The conduit forms a circulation path for preventing the toner particles of the developing liquid from depositing in the reservoir.

Abstract: A mixer in particular for viscous elastic materials has a processing channel having an outlet opening at one end which can be closed. The materials can be transported and simultaneously mixed along the processing channel using a a transport device. A feedback channel branches off from the processing channel near the outlet end and feeds back into the processing channel at an upstream location so that the material mixture can be circulated though the processing channel and the feedback channel when the outlet opening is closed. In order to be able to measure rheological quantities of the mixture during the mixing procedure, the feedback channel is configured as a measurement path. Towards this end a pressure sensor device can be provided for in the feedback channel to measure the transport pressure in the transported material mixture at at least two mutually separated cross sectional locations of the feedback channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for homogeneous mixing and delivery of a solution, such as a colloidal suspension, the apparatus comprising a holding vessel for holding a solution body, a jet mixing device situated coplanar with a solution level in the holding vessel, the jet mixing device having a plurality of jets having tangential outlets positioned to discharge a stream of solution against interior walls of the holding vessel at a ballistic angle .THETA..sub.2 in relation to a solution level in the holding vessel thereby creating a helical flow in said solution body. The apparatus may also include a whirlpool reduction cap and flow diverters.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system including a liquid mixing device and method for generating and maintaining a substantially uniform, horizontal velocity profile in a liquid circulation system, such as a plug flow reactor, which requires less horsepower than conventional liquid mixing systems without losing mixing effectiveness. The liquid mixing device employs a top-entry, vertically-oriented impeller and a housing that directs the pumped flow in a generally horizontal direction. The liquid mixing module may be positioned in close proximity to an aeration source within a channel.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, preventing the formation of deposits on surfaces downstream of a mixer in which possibly supersaturated mixtures issuing from the mixer are surrounded by a sheath of unsaturated solution. In an arrangement described, the sheath of unsaturated mixture is obtained by bleeding off some of the mixture issuing from the mixer sufficiently downstream of the mixer definitely to be unsaturated and returning this portion of the mixture to surround that issuing from the mixer.

Abstract: An improved system for mixing a dry particulate matter with a liquid. The system mixes the dry particles with a liquid to form a liquid mixture containing unwetted particles. The liquid mixture is placed in a settling tank so that the unwetted particles gravitate toward the bottom of the tank. The unwetted particles are withdrawn from the tank bottom and are pumped through a mixer which reduces the size of the unwetted particles and redirects the stream back into the tank. This process is manually or automatically reiterated until the liquid mixture becomes a homogeneous wetted material. By cycling the unwetted particles which are separated from the bulk of the liquid mixture, the system efficiently concentrates on the unprocessed and less processed portions of the liquid mixture. After processing is complete, the homogeneous wetted material can be discharged into a holding tank for distribution.

Abstract: The method of treating an aqueous, cementitious slurry, to enhance fluidity, that includes providing a container for the slurry and effecting movement of the slurry via an impeller, in the container, and locating at least one vibrator in the interior of the vessel, and operating the vibrator to transmit vibration to the moving slurry.

Abstract: A dispenser system for treating water containing systems in place with a dry chemical substance. The dispenser has a water soluble pouch housing a dry form of a chemical material to be used in treating the system. The pouch is positioned in a make down unit so that the chemical is dissolved to form a liquid concentrate which is then introduced into a water containing system. A controller is attached to the make down unit to regulate the flow of water into the apparatus and the flow of liquid concentrate out of the apparatus and into the water containing system.

Abstract: A mixing system and a method of mixing a relatively low specific gravity substance and a relatively high specific gravity substance are provided. The system includes a tank for containing a mixture, and an adjustable tube having an intake, wherein the adjustable tube is located within the tank and is adjustable for positioning the intake proximate an upper surface of the mixture for drawing in matter having a tendency to float on the surface of the mixture. The system also includes a circulating means for drawing matter out through the adjustable tube and back into the tank via a dispersion tube. The dispersion tube is constructed to allow the mixture to be recirculated throughout the tank or directed to a selected lower portion of the tank.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently achieving a homogeneous mixture of fluid components by introducing said components having a Reynolds number of between about .ltoreq.1 to about 500 into a vessel and continuously perturbing the mixing flow by altering the flow speed and mixing time until homogeniety is reached. This method prevents the components from aggregating into non-homogeneous segregated regions within said vessel during mixing and substantially reduces the time the admixed components reach homogeneity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming a compound by mixing at least two components, which comprises the steps of:circulating a specific component along a circulation route; andmixing the specific component with a second component different from the specific component by flowing the second component different from the specific component in the middle of the circulation route under specific mixing conditions to form a compound during circulation,wherein the mixing conditions are controlled so that the mixing conditions are changed accompanied with increase in a formation amount of the compound.

Abstract: A slurry agitation apparatus for selectively agitating slurry temporarily stored in the interior of a storage tank, which slurry contains heavier-than-liquid solids and is at least somewhat pumpable, comprises a slurry circuit having connected together in seriatim, and in fluid communication through pipes one with the next, an outlet disposed in the sump pit in fluid communication with the interior of the storage tank to permit egress of the slurry therefrom, a flow control valve, a selectively controllable slurry pump, and a discharge nozzle. The discharge nozzle is rotatably mounted in surrounding sealed relation on a substantially vertical spigot securely mounted on the concrete foundation of the storage tank, for selective rotation of the discharge nozzle about a substantially vertical main axis, and has a spout portion in fluid communication with the interior of the storage tank and oriented to emit the slurry from the spout portion as a generally horizontally directed discharge.

Abstract: A vessel provided with an emulsifying-foaming device for making cappuccino's, whipped cream and the like comprises a vessel body with a cover element and a circulating pump mounted on the cover element and so arranged as to draw a liquid from a bottom portion of the vessel body and jet discharge the drawn liquid on the top free surface of the liquid in said vessel, in order to provide a forced mixing and aeration of the product.

Abstract: A device for producing a ceramic sintered body consisting essentially of a mixing trough for mixing ceramic powder with water to form a slurry, the mixing trough having stirring blades, a separate slurry circulation conduit and a slurry mixing deflocculating unit, said separate slurry circulation conduit connecting said mixing trough and said deflocculating unit, said slurry mixing unit deflocculating said powder which has been flocculated with no grinding of powder by means of causing a high-speed shear flow and a high-speed contraction flow in the slurry, said slurry being repeatedly circulated form said slurry mixing unit to said mixing trough through said separate slurry circulation conduit.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing a low-viscosity fluid into a high-viscosity fluid comprises the following parts: a main line for carrying the high-viscosity fluid and having inbuilt static mixing units of a main mixer; a branch line for a branch flow which is routed from the main line to the inlet of the main mixer, the main line and branch line of the main mixer being constructed from pipe sections with essentially parallel axes; a pump located in the branch line; a static auxiliary mixer at the end of the branch line; and a nozzle at the inlet to the auxiliary mixer for feeding in the low-viscosity fluid.

Abstract: In one aspect, a soil slurry mixing apparatus comprises: a) a support structure configured to extend at least partially across a bioreactor vessel; b) at least one fluid inlet conduit supported by the support structure and configured to extend within the bioreactor vessel, the inlet conduit comprising an inlet port; c) a plurality of outlet nozzles supported by the support structure and configured to extend within the bioreactor vessel, the outlet nozzles being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet conduit and comprising outlet nozzle ports configured to be submerged beneath the surface of the slurry within the bioreactor vessel; and d) a pump in fluid communication with the fluid inlet conduit and outlet nozzles and being configured to draw soil slurry from the bioreactor vessel through the inlet conduit port and to discharge said slurry from the outlet nozzle ports to within the bioreactor vessel to mix the soil slurry within the bioreactor vessel.

Abstract: A method for treating liquid stored in a tank includes the steps of installing a liquid jetting device having a nozzle in a tank, providing the device with separate power sources for swinging the nozzle in the vertical and horizontal directions, jetting liquid from the nozzle at high pressure, monitoring the jetting of liquid from outside the tank, and controlling the power sources from outside the tank. The liquid jetting device used in the method includes a frame mounted on the tank, a casing provided to be swingable inside the frame, a first shaft extending laterally inside the casing, a jet nozzle for jetting liquid provided to be swingable by the first shaft in a direction perpendicular to the swinging direction of the casing, a first power source for swinging the casing, a second power source for swinging the jet nozzle in the direction perpendicular to the swinging direction of the casing, and means enabling the driving of the first and second power sources to be controlled from outside the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for the delivery of a chemical slurry to at least one downstream facility. The apparatus comprises a measuring vessel of predetermined volume into which a liquid chemical component is introduced. A conduit connects the measuring vessel to multiple chemical sources, wherein each of said chemical sources comprises a liquid chemical component. Another conduit connects the measuring vessel to at least one mix tank. A pressure-vacuum vessel is in communication with said at least one mix tank, whereby chemical is drawn from said at least one mix tank to the pressure-vacuum vessel under negative pressure and chemical is delivered from the pressure-vacuum vessel to said at least one downstream facility under positive pressure. The pressure-vacuum vessel is in fluid communication with both said at least one mix tank and said at least one downstream facility. Valves on each of the conduits control the chemical flow therethrough.

Abstract: A milkshake machine or similar apparatus uses the grinding and shredding principles employed by conventional impeller-type waster disposers. The milkshake machine has a housing that defines an upper grinding chamber and a lower receiving chamber separated by a rotatable impeller disk that mixes together and drives ingredients to be mixed against shredding surfaces on the inner wall of the grinding chamber. The receiving chamber has a discharge outlet, and a return inlet is provided in the housing above the grinding chamber. A discharge conduit is connected at one end to the discharge outlet at has a return port and a discharge spout at its opposite end. A return conduit is connected at one end to the return port of the discharge conduit and at its opposite end to the return inlet. A valve mechanism is provided to divert the mixed and ground ingredients expelled into the discharge conduit either into the return conduit and back into the grinding chamber or out of the discharge spout.

Abstract: A multiple shear mixing apparatus for forming or treating solid-liquid mixtures including a pump selected for handling the solid-liquid mixtures, a rigid shear filter, a jet nozzle, a vacuum chamber surrounding the jet nozzle and having at least one port for introducing materials, a venturi tube coupled with the jet nozzle, a storage tank for the mixture having an internal jet mixer therein, the above components being connected in series such that storage tank contents are pumped through the screen filter, through the jet nozzle, through the chamber and through the venturi tube back to the storage tank. A bleed is fed preferably from between the shear filter and nozzle to drive the internal jet mixer. After cycling through this series of components until uniformly blended, product is withdrawn between the shear filter and nozzle.

Abstract: An method and apparatus is described for mixing solid particulates in a molten metal matrix to form a metal matrix composite product flow. The apparatus a refractory vessel to hold the metal matrix; a refractory conduit in communication with both the inlet and outlet of the refractory vessel so as to define a closed loop flow path. The inlet and outlet is spaced so as to encourage mixing within the vessel. A pump is provided to circulate the metal matrix to effect mixing. The apparatus and method further includes the metal matrix having a head with a vertical dimension in the excess of four times the cross sectional width of the conduit.

Abstract: In a drinking water reservoir, a draft tube is positioned above an inlet pipe to carry fresh water and water stored in a lower reservoir portion to an upper reservoir portion where the drinking water is mixed and stagnation of the reservoir contents is reduced. The draft tube can be used with a recycling pump and/or a mechanism for providing compressed gas to create a gas lifter to mix water in the lower storage portion with water in the upper storage portion when fresh water is not being added.

Abstract: A main line for delivering a medical solution is connected at one end to a source of liquid. A secondary line is connected at two locations to the main line, bypassing a portion of the main line. A reservoir containing a particulate product is located in the secondary line. During a priming step, liquid is pumped to the reservoir in order to pressurize the reservoir and fill the reservoir to sufficiently immerse the particulate product. This priming step prevents the formation of agglomerates and preferential paths through particulate product. After the reservoir is primed, a fraction of liquid flowing through the main line is diverted into the reservoir and then routed back to the main line to introduce a solution of liquid and particulate product into the main line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and handling liquid separation in a liquid emulsion disposed in a tank 1 by preventing separated liquid from entering a withdrawal conduit 3 disposed in the lower portion of the tank 1 by a apparatus comprising a pump 9 driven by an electric motor 15 and taking its suction form the lower portion of the tank 1 and discharging adjacent the central portion of the tank 1, a float 5, which sinks in the emulsion and floats on the high density liquid is cooperatively associated with a relay 17 to start the pump motor 15 when accumulated high density liquid raises the float 5 a predetermined amount, a time delay 21 runs the pump 9 a predetermined length of time sufficient to reemulsify the accumulated high density and preventing it from entering the withdrawal conduit 3.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for unloading a fine powder-like pulverulent material from bags and mixing it with a liquid carrier in preparation for its use, while at the same time minimizing the potential for liberation of the particulate into the environmental air. Very finely particulate or flour-like pulverulent material is transferred by dumping it into a hopper. The pulverulent material is then mixed with a liquid carrier by a venturi that is located within a valve controlled, pump energized liquid circulation conduit system having connection with a supply vessel to circulate the mixture within the circulation vessel and supply vessel and thereby maintain an efficient liquid/pulverulent mixture that it is readily available for use.

Abstract: An installation for the mixing of a given quantity of liquid with a given quantity of powdery solid matter comprises a storage tank for the liquid and a mixing device having an inlet hopper. A liquid supply conduit, coming from the storage tank, and a solid matter proportioning device open into the inlet hopper. The supply capacity of the proportioning device and the throughput of the mixer are adjustable in such a way that the given quantity of solid matter is added to the liquid by several circulations of the liquid through the mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing chemicals and fluids includes a mixing tank with a cone-shaped funnel portion and an outlet in the lower end thereof. An ejector with a pair of spray nozzles sprays the mixture of liquid and chemicals drained from the tank outlet back into the tank. The nozzles are oriented with their axes parallel to one another and angled downwardly towards the surface of the liquid within the tank and on opposing sides of a line extending vertically from the center of the tank outlet. An hydraulic circuit is formed to circulate fluid drained from the tank back to the ejector, and a pump is provided to move the liquid within the circuit. A hose is connected in the circuit, with an operable valve to selectively exhaust the mixed chemical and diluent from the circuit to a spraying apparatus.

Abstract: A method for preventing accumulation of sludge in a coal water mixture storage tank. The method involves:preparing a coal and water mixture storage tank having a circulation pump for taking a stored liquid out of the storage tank, a liquid conducting pipe vertically standing inside of the storage tank for conducting the stored liquid discharged from the circulation pump to a bottom of the storage tank, one or more nozzles for jetting the stored liquid out of the liquid conducting pipe toward a radial direction of the storage tank and provision for rotating the liquid conducting pipe having an axis at a center of the storage tank;determining a zone width r(m) of a stirring zone of one of the nozzles, using a formula of:r.ltoreq.Q/(140.times.A.sup.0.5)where, A is a sectional area (m.sup.2) of a nozzle opening and Q is a flow amount of the stored liquid per one nozzle (m.sup.

Abstract: A developer preparing apparatus for obtaining a developer containing a developer component having a definite content by mixing an undiluted developer solution containing 5 to 40% by weight of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and pure water, and a developer preparing method for preparing the developer using the developer preparing apparatus. The developer preparing apparatus comprising a mixing bath equipped with a means for receiving and mixing an undiluted developer solution and pure water, an ultrasonic densitometer for measuring the developer component contained in the developer in the mixing bath, a flow rate controlling means for controlling the supplying flow rate of the undiluted developer solution and/or pure water into the mixing bath by the output signal from the ultrasonic densitometer, and a storage tank for receiving and storing the developer containing the developer component having the definite content in the mixing bath.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and activating polymer which includes the introduction of gas with water and polymer in order to create a variable density type foam which aids in the activation and enhances the efficiency of the polymer. The apparatus of the preferred embodiment provides the introduction of water and polymer into a mixing loop having a premixing manifold containing a static mixer, injecting or sparging gas into the outflow from the static mixer, blending and activating by mechanical agitation the water polymer and gas mixture, partially feeding back into the mixing loop the mixture to provide a desired level of polymer activation which is delivered at a desired rate of flow. This system provides capabilities for selecting the desired level of activation, levels of polymer concentration, levels of overall flow rate as well as controlling the various energy imparting elements of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing solid and liquid components of a slurry which have settled in a storage tank, suspending the solids in a substantially homogeneous slurry mixture are practiced by directed flow apparatus. A plurality of jet nozzles or propeller mixers is located in the storage tank within an annular band ranging between 25 percent and 75 percent of the radial length from a center of the tank to a tank wall. They are directed either in a tangent direction or at an angle away from the center of the tank to provide a substantially volume-filling mixing flow to suspend the solid slurry component in the liquid slurry component.

Abstract: A limited amount of grey water is collected in a storage tank for use in flushing toilets. During use, the grey water in the storage tank is stirred to discharge small particulate solids with the grey water supplied to a toilet. The stirring also prevents the grey water from stratifying and preventing disinfectant from reaching stratified grey water which in the absence of disinfectant and stirring could become stagnant. The stirring action of the grey water also makes the system self cleaning.

Abstract: A mixing and delivery system for supplying small particles suspended in a liquid to form a slurry for delivery and recirculation which includes a mixing tank having an inlet and an outlet, a pump having an inlet and an outlet, a sample cell having an inlet and an outlet, an ultrasonic flow cell having an inlet and an outlet, and a transition bushing having an inlet and an outlet. The sample cell has first and second generally rectangular planar opposed faces, the inlet of the sample cell is rectangular and defined by two opposed sides which are respectively part of the first and second generally rectangular planar opposed faces. The opposed sides are much longer in length than the intermediate opposed sides of the rectangular inlet. The outlet of the mixing tank is connected to the inlet of the pump and the outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the transition bushing by a circular cross section tube, that is coupled directly to the inlet of the sample cell.

Abstract: The inventive method inverts and activates polymer, and delivers it to an output at a relatively high concentration of polymer in an electrolyte fluid, such as water. The inversion and activation results from four steps: (1) premixing polymer and a diluent, (2) blending the premixed polymer/diluent in a derated centrifugal pump, (3) recycling a portion of the blended mix, and (4) suddenly relaxing the pressure to relax the polymer in the blended polymer/diluent mixture. A secondary source of the fluid is applied at the output to the high concentration in order to dilute it to a desired level of concentration. A pilot controlled valving system controls the secondary source of the fluid and maintains a uniform dilution despite any fluctuation in the delivery of the fluid to the activating system. A sensor at the output feeds back a control signal to maintain a uniform level of polymer activity in the outflow from the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of fluids intended for medical use is disclosed, including a source of pure water and at least one cartridge or other vessel containing a powder which is to be dissolved in the water for preparation of the desired fluid. The apparatus includes a container such that the water and a powder or powder concentrate can be mixed and a concentrate provided in the container, and a recirculation circuit for recirculation of the water or concentrate solution into the container for further mixing of the water and powder or powder concentrate to prepare a concentrate having a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: A method for the reproducible production of nonuniform distributions of polymolecular association clusters, each of the clusters comprising a plurality of a species A in association with a single species B, is disclosed. Species A is preferably a photographic dye and Species B is preferably a silver halide particle. The method comprises: (a) mixing a suspension of particles of species B in a vessel; (b) flowing a portion of the suspension through an isolated reaction zone; (c) introducing species A into the isolated reaction zone; and (d) returning the portion of the suspension including the introduced species A to the vessel. In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out the foregoing process.

Abstract: A solid cast block of water soluble detergent is dispensed by obtaining a solid detergent article of at least twenty liters cast onto a longitudinally extending structural core and placing the article within the spray chamber of a dispenser such that the article is supported on the structural core. The detergent article is then rotated upon the structural core while dissolving solvent is sprayed upon the rotating article. The resulting detergent solution is dispensed to an end use point.

Abstract: A hand-pumped toy beverage dispenser includes a dual cavity beverage reservoir supported by a support member and having a pair of dispensing valve assemblies coupled to the respective beverage reservoirs. The beverage dispenser further includes a pair of manually operated liquid pumps which the child user actuates by rapid manipulation of a pair of depressible pump actuators to circulate the beverage liquid through the pump mechanism for mixing and visual effect.

Abstract: Malfunctions of plunger (15) in the mixhead (10) of a system for mixing a plurality of fluids such as polyol and isocyanate for the manufacture of polyurethane foam, which plunger induces variations in fluid pressures as the mixhead operates, are monitored by a method that includes the steps of measuring the upstream pressure of at least one fluid and generating a signal responsive thereto, and comparing the pressure responsive signal to a preselected pressure responsive signal and generating an alarm if the pressure responsive signal comparison falls outside preselected limits.

Abstract: A blending silo of the type having a silo vessel defining a center axis and provided with a conical bottom ending in a vessel outlet, includes a funnel with its longitudinal axis coinciding with the center axis of the silo vessel and with its interior space being subdivided by a plurality of sheet segments in several compartments which are successively arranged in circumferential direction such that neighboring compartments have differently sized inlet cross sections and/or outlet cross sections to attain a superior homogenizing of bulk material.

Abstract: A particulate material (for example, calcium hypochlorite granules and dust) in a drum is dissolved in a liquid (for example, water) in a tank. The liquid is recirculated by a pump via a venturi assembly to produce a vacuum applied via a vacuum tank to a lance inserted in the drum. The vacuum transports dust into the venturi assembly to dissolve in the circulating liquid, while granules are transported into the vacuum tank whence they are discharged into the mixing tank by a solenoid valve.

Abstract: Frozen food is thawed automatically by disposing the food within a container having a trough disposed adjacent to a top of the container, the trough being connected to a drain, filling the container with water to a predetermined level, providing a controlled metered secondary flow of fresh water into the container so as to cause the water level to rise and flow into the trough, forcibly recirculating, using a pump, water in the container so as to produce sufficient water circulation to maintain a substantially even water temperature distribution therein and so as to produce sufficient agitation of the water to break loose small food particles from the frozen food immersed in the water such that the food particles and food-related oils and debris float to the surface of the water and are carried into the trough.

Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a water-in-fuel-emulsion and emulsifier-free water-in-fuel-emulsion. The apparatus for generating a fuel water emulsion for the operation of an injection pump, particularly that of a diesel motor, comprising a rotationally symmetric vortex chamber (1) with a tangential inlet and a tapering axial outlet. In order to generate a fine homogeneous emulsion in colloidal state, having a size of the suspended water droplets of 1000 nm or less, the axial end portion of the vortex chamber (1) facing away from the outlet is surrounded by a ring channel (7) running coaxially to the vortex chamber (1), the ring channel (7) being connected to the vortex chamber (1) via inlet slots (9) which are tangentially aligned to it and in which a fuel inlet channel (8) tangentially ends. An electromagnetically controlled water injection nozzle (10) leads into the end portion of the vortex chamber (1) at the inlet side thereof.