Separation Process Patents (Class 700/273)
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Patent number: 7318970Abstract: A control technique for use in a fuel processor is disclosed. In one aspect, a control system includes a subsystem manager controller the operation of a respective physical subsystem for each of a plurality of physical subsystems in the fuel processor. The subsystem managers take their direction from a master control manager. In a second aspect, the subsystem managers collectively form a layer operating in conjunction with a second layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers to their respective physical subsystems, a third layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers with the second layer. In a third aspect, master control manager manages the operation of each physical subsystem through a respective subsystem manager, directs state transitions of the subsystem managers, and routs interaction between the subsystem managers from the master control manager.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Vesna R. Mirkovic, W. Spencer Wheat, Hugh N. To, Dennis J. Benedetto
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Patent number: 7303685Abstract: A feedback control for a polymer dispensing system, which otherwise continuously adjusts the polymer feedrate so as to keep the measured streaming current of filtrate from a sludge dewatering process at one predetermined setpoint. The feedback control includes a video camera focused on sludge as it trails behind plows on a dewatering belt, a video image processing system for converting the video signal into single numbers known as “camera readings”, and a computer programmed both to compare them with a “camera reading” setpoint and to determine whether the filtrate charge is more positive or more negative than it normally is whenever the “camera reading” deviates from its setpoint by a threshold amount. A controller, activated by the computer, incrementally resets the polymer feedrate in such a direction as to restore the normal cationic charge of the filtrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Inventor: John W. Clark
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Patent number: 7303680Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Connell, Robert A. Bedient, Raymond Elsen, Michael E. Hogard, Harley D. Johnson, Thomas D. Kelly, Jean McEvoy Long, Bruce A. Peterson, William G. Preston, Jr., Dalibor J. Smejtek
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Publication number: 20070276542Abstract: A method includes controlling a lift-gas compression process, controlling a lift-gas extraction process, and controlling a production separation process. The method also includes receiving asset data and optimizing the lift-gas compression process, the lift-gas injection process, and the production separation process according to the asset data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Brian A. Coward
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Publication number: 20070255457Abstract: A system and method developing an ongoing relationship with a consumer for assessing the pollution impact attributable to the consumer. The ongoing relationship is provided utilizing a pollution impact profile. In one example a pollution impact profile represents a pollution impact attributable to the consumer. The pollution impact profile may be based on a plurality of categories of pollution impact, each category of pollution impact including an impact arising from one or more pollution-related activities and having an initial value of impact. A pollution impact profile may be associated with one or more pollution offsetting services. A pollution impact profile may be configured to allow a consumer to have an ongoing relationship with information related to an associated pollution impact attributed to the consumer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: November 1, 2007Applicant: BRIGHT PLANET NETWORK, INC.Inventors: Jacob Whitcomb, Andrew Rossmeissl, Jonathan T. Isham, Seamus Abshere
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Patent number: 7264730Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed. These include methods such as supplying a dialysis machine including a touch screen interface to a machine user and supplying to the machine user accessory devices to be used with the dialysis machine in operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Connell, Robert A. Bedient, Raymond Elsen, Michael E. Hogard, Harley D. Johnson, Thomas D. Kelly, Jean McEvoy Long, Bruce A. Peterson, William G. Preston, Jr., Dalibor J. Smejtek
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Patent number: 7249470Abstract: Method for controlling the production of one or more liquid products produced by one or more plants, that can be an air separation plant, that has a liquid storage capacity and that consumes electrical power. Linguistic values related to current liquid inventory, a rate of change of liquid inventory, projected demand requirements and projected unit power costs are inputted into a expert system controller having one or more rule sets that apply such input linguistic values to produce output linguistic values that are converted back to an output numerical value of a forecasted differential production rate to be applied during a forecast period. The output numerical value of differential production is added to the current production rate of the plants to obtain a new production rate which is applied during the forecast period.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: William Randy Esposito, Lawrence Megan
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Patent number: 7238150Abstract: A method for modeling the effect of turbulence on the cut point function of a decanting centrifuge includes inputting data related to the centrifuge including the bowl radius, r2, the pond top radius, r1, the bowl length, LB, the angular velocity, ?, of the centrifuge into an analyzer, measuring data related to the feed fluid including a fluid density, ?f, a particle density ?s, a fluid viscosity, ?, and the flow rate, Q, and inputting the measured data into the analyzer, calculating a d100 cut point as a function of the flow rate, modeling a first cut functions for laminar flow as a function of a particle diameter, di, using the calculated d100 cut point function, calculating a maximum point within the pond, Ib, Ip, at which a particle having particle diameter, di, must reach a laminar boundary layer within the pond to be captured within the bowl, wherein Ib is defined as the distance from the inlet at which the particle having particle diameter, di encounters the laminar boundary layer and Ip is defined asType: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Otto H. Houwen
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Patent number: 7181316Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Stuart Energy Systems Corp.Inventors: Matthew J. Fairlie, William J. Stewart, Andrew T. B. Stuart, Steven J. Thorpe, Charlie Dong
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Patent number: 7158862Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for mining mass spectral data to detect chemical-specific characteristic features in large databases and/or files, including specifying spectral characteristics of mass spectra to mine, specifying a relationship between the spectral characteristics, searching the mass spectra for portions of the mass spectra which match the spectral characteristics based on the relationship, and assigning scores to the portions of mass spectra to indicate a degree of correlation between the portions of mass spectra and the spectral characteristics. Exemplary embodiments encompass a user specification of the spectral characteristics and their relationships used to mine the mass spectral data, automated specification of the spectral characteristics and their relationships used to mine the data, and real-time data mining wherein the mass spectrometer is adjusted based on the result.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of ArizonaInventors: Daniel C. Liebler, Beau T. Hansen, Daniel E. Mason, Sean W. Davey, Juliet A. Jones, Thomas McClure
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Patent number: 7117046Abstract: At least one of the multiple process parameters (MPPs) is a controllable process parameter (CTPP) and one is a targeted process parameter (TPP). The process also has a defined target limit (DTV) representing a first limit on an actual average value (AAV) of the TPP. A first logical controller predicts future average values (FAVs) of the TPP based on the AAVs of the TPP over a first prior time period and the DTV. A second logical controller establishes a further target limit (FTV) representing a second limit on the AAV of the TPP based on one or more of the predicted FAVs, and also determines a target set point for each CTPP based on the AAVs of the TPP over a prior time period and the FTV. The second logical controller directs control of each CTPP in accordance with the determined target set point.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.Inventors: Scott A. Boyden, Stephen Piche
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Patent number: 7107194Abstract: A new way of applying the compartmental approach to the simulation of multi-stage separation processes in the process industry leads to more robust simulation models and higher success rate. The new approach makes use of steady-state component balances, constant vapor-liquid equilibrium ratios, and initialization models. Guidelines are provided for creating a computer executable regular model of the multi-stage separation process. Guidelines are also provided for creating a computer executable model that solves the problem of initialization failure of the regular model for the process.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: ABB Inc.Inventor: Wai Biu Cheng
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Patent number: 7099721Abstract: A development tool (2) includes a plurality of measuring tools (71) to (76) and an industrial process simulation device (60). The simulation device (60) simulates a whole industrial scale bioprocess in order to obtain acceptable operating parameters for the industrial scale bioprocess. The measuring tools (71) to (76) enable various significant properties of the biomaterial to be measured and evaluated using only a small test quantity of the biomaterial.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: University College LondonInventors: Peter Dunnill, Mike Hoare, Nigel Titchener-Hooker
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Patent number: 7092834Abstract: In a method for determination and representation of adjustment steps for operation of an apparatus requiring adjustment, such as a diagnostic imaging apparatus, the implementation of manual adjustments by a user is supported. The method determines which adjustment steps are necessary for adjustment of the apparatus for a particular operation thereof and displays then in a list on a display medium. The adjustment steps are ordered corresponding to a sequence that is necessary for adjustment of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Swen Campagna
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Patent number: 7014824Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying process waste gases by introducing them into a waste gas purification system that includes a reaction chamber and by post-treating the reaction products that leave the reaction chamber in a washing or sorbtion chamber with an associated washing agent circuit. The type and amount of harmful substances in the process waste gas are continuously measured before the waste gases enter the waste gas purification system. In addition, the type and amount of harmful substances in the reaction products that leave the waste gas purification system are simultaneously determined directly at the exit of the system and the measuring signals are used to regulate the operating parameters of the waste gas purification system.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Centrotherm Elektrische Anlagen GmbH & Co.Inventors: Gunter Krodel, Lutz Fabian, Volkmar Hopfe
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Patent number: 6971982Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifuging.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Derrick Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Raymond Kirsch
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Patent number: 6944522Abstract: The present invention provides an operation editor that includes a user interface for programming operations to be performed by a chemical process machine. Through the user interface the user may specify that one or more of the steps in an operation be variable. Such variable steps may subsequently be edited by the same or another user when the operation is incorporated into a procedure. Steps in the operation that are not variable are fixed and may not be edited when the operation has been incorporated into a procedure. Furthermore, individual fields in a variable step may be either variable or fixed. The present invention also provides a procedure editor that includes a user interface, which allows the user to edit variable steps within the procedure's operations. The procedure editor presents to the user for editing only those steps within the procedure that are variable.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignees: Millipore Corporation, Genentech, Inc.Inventors: Leo Karmiy, Bradley Wolk, Cristopher Petersen
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Patent number: 6912450Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Stuart Energy Systems Corp.Inventors: Matthew J. Fairlie, William J. Stewart, Andrew T. B. Stuart, Steven J. Thorpe, Charlie Dong
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Patent number: 6905452Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifuging.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Derrick Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Raymond Kirsch
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Patent number: 6881317Abstract: A method and apparatus for fractionation of charged macro-molecules such as DNA is provided. DNA solution is loaded into a matrix including an array of obstacles. An alternating electric field having two different fields at different orientations is applied. The alternating electric field is asymmetric in that one field is stronger in duration or intensity than the other field, or is otherwise asymmetric. The DNA molecules are thereby fractionated according to site and are driven to a far side of the matrix where the fractionated DNA is recovered. The fractionating electric field can be used to load and recover the DNA to operate the process continuously.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton UniversityInventors: Lotien Richard Huang, James Christopher Sturm, Robert Hamilton Austin
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Patent number: 6868309Abstract: A method and control system computing platform for a dialysis machine that uses Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) architecture. The SMP architecture tightly couples multiple (e.g., 2) independent processors by sharing memory between the processors. A single shared memory is used by both processors in order to facilitate communication between the processors and reduce cost by eliminating the expense of redundant memory. In this way, the two, or in general “N” processors, increase processor throughput by allowing the execution of N processes in parallel while without requiring extra memory and without having a single point of failure in the computer. In the event of a bus failure on the circuit card, the computer is reset using distributed hardware watchdogs. The watchdog reset signal is also sent to the hardware components of the dialysis machine in order to place the system in a safe.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Aksys, Ltd.Inventor: Jamie Begelman
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Patent number: 6860845Abstract: A system for separating a multi phase mixture into a first liquid phase component, a second liquid phase component and a solid phase component includes a three phase centrifuge and a control system for the centrifuge. The control system includes a fuzzy soft sensor programmed with fuzzy logic rules and a feed forward controller in signal communication with the fuzzy soft sensor. The feed forward controller is configured to adjust a feed rate and a feed temperature of the mixture based on the rules, the cold feed temperature, the percent change of water in the mixture, and the percent change of solids in the mixture. The system also includes a feedback controller configured to adjust the feed rate and the feed temperature of the mixture based on the rules, and the basic water and solid (BS&W) content of the first liquid phase component.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventors: Neal J. Miller, William Jerry Parkinson, Ronald E. Smith
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Publication number: 20040243093Abstract: A comprehensive system (10) for the growing, analyzing, storing, validating and distributing of cells or tissues for a variety of purposes, in which the comprehensive system (10) generally uses a macrocontainer (12) for each of the steps from beginning to end. The macrocontainer (12) may include a number of elements, an essential one of which is the primary container (14). In every case, the primary container (14) includes a biosensor and a data registry device (15) (usually a microchip) to record and to display the handling history of the primary container (14) throughout the implementation of the system (10). The macrocontainer (14) provides process control, sterility and a matrix within and around which associated inlets, outlets and data lines may be coordinated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Ron Berenson, Roy H. Hammerstedt, Kenneth N. Sherman
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Patent number: 6823238Abstract: A method and apparatus selective remove undesirable low gravity components from the return stream of drilling mud. The apparatus receives mud returned from the well borehole and transfers the mud to a tank. Mud from the tank is treated in a separation system including a plurality of mass flow sensor to monitor operation of the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Hutchison Hayes L.P.Inventors: Gary L. Hensley, Lee Hilpert
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Patent number: 6799089Abstract: For estimating a property of use, for example the activity of a catalyst or the ability to hold a ratio-element in a solid mineral matrix, or a material MAB whose active element is AB, there are used a descriptor DAB of the chemical bond between A and B, which has the dimension of an energy, and index RAB that measures the property of use of said material. The invention also relates to a process for determining the chemical affinity of an element or a set of elements B for a matrix A with a descripor DAB. The process according to the invention advantageously can be used for the design of new materials whose use produces the formation or the modification of at least one chemical bond or makes it necessary to prevent the formation of said bond.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventor: Hervé Toulhoat
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Patent number: 6770116Abstract: A regeneration device of an exhaust gas purification filter that reduces the regeneration time of the filter. The regeneration device includes a plurality of first temperature detectors arranged in casings to detect the temperature in each casing and a second temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the exhaust gas. A processor is connected to the first temperature detectors and the second temperature detector. The processor compares the temperature of the exhaust gas and the temperature of at least one of the casings, opens the associated switch valve based on the comparison result, and preheats at least one of the filters with the exhaust gas. The heat of the exhaust gas suddenly increases the temperature of the filter from the initial temperature and reduces the filter regeneration time.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaaki Kojima
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Patent number: 6751527Abstract: A method comprising: a) selecting a loading variable from operating variables, the loading variable being directly related to total energy input into the system and equipment constraint of the system; b) selecting a performance specification variable which is required to be kept within a defined target at all times during operation of the system; and c) pairing the performance specification variable with a manipulated variable having a mass/balance relationship to the performance specification which is not the loading variable and; d) controlling the manipulated variable to maintain the performance specification variable with the defined target.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Stone & Webster Process Technology, Inc.Inventor: Charles Herzog
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Publication number: 20040107023Abstract: A novel method is provided for detection and/or control of the dynamics, e.g. the headspace, in a fluid bed reactor system based on detecting a pre-determined particle density gradient formed within a spatially confined fluid bed of fluidised particles in a carrying medium. More specifically, a method is provided where transmitting means and receiving means are used for detecting the pre-determined particle density gradient formed and subsequently the signal is used for activating or deactivating flow controlling means whereby the dynamics of the system can be controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventors: Morten Meldgaard, Peter Herbsleb, Jacob Bjorholm, Ulf Houlberg
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Patent number: 6745105Abstract: An energy distribution network is provided including an energy source; a hydrogen production facility connected to the energy source; a recipient for hydrogen from the hydrogen production facility; and a controller. The controller controls the production of hydrogen by the hydrogen production facility based on inputs including energy resource availability.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Stuart Energy Systems CorporationInventors: Matthew J. Fairlie, William J. Stewart, Andrew T. B. Stuart, Steven J. Thorpe, Charlie Dong
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Patent number: 6743397Abstract: The invention concerns a device for qualifying products containing volatile substances forming an analyte. The devices includes a measuring apparatus (2) provided with an enclosure (21a) and an electronic analyzing circuit (21b) for defining said analyte characteristics, a pumping system (30) for producing a vacuum inside said enclosure, a sampling chamber (16) wherein the analyte is introduced and a capillary (22) for connecting said chamber (16) to said enclosure (21a).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Inventor: Thierry Zesiger
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Patent number: 6736980Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter module that may incorporate sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. The sensors may be MEMS and may measure the temperature, flow rate, pressure, etc. of the fluid. Sensor measurements may be used to determine the occurrence of harmful events, such as cavitation or particle breakthrough, or to predict the remaining service life of a filter element.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: PTI Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Moscaritolo
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Patent number: 6716359Abstract: The instant invention is a device and method for its use which includes the addition of a deviation compensation function effective to automatically adjust the offset used in time-based proportional control. Inclusion of this improvement finds particular utility in situations like public pools where daily bather load varies depending on weather and other unpredictable factors.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: United States Filter CorporationInventor: Richard W. Dennis, II
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Patent number: 6679820Abstract: There is provided a method for limiting an operating speed of a rotor installed in a centrifuge system. The method includes the steps of (a) determining whether an actual change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed is within a predetermined range of an expected change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from the first speed to the second speed, and (b) limiting the operating speed when the actual change in energy is not within the predetermined range of the expected change in energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, LPInventors: David Alan Barkus, Raymond Gary Potter
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Patent number: 6673240Abstract: A control system for an upflow clarification tank comprises a regulator for controlling one or more characteristics of the flow within the tank (such as the power, pressure, velocity, momentum, or velocity head of the flow), a sensor for measuring one or more of the characteristics of the flow, and a linkage that automatically adjusts the regulator to a desired setting based on the sensor measurement. A processor may be used to determine the desired setting for the regulator. The control system may also include structure enabling the operator to manually select between multiple methods for determining the desired setting.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventors: John J. Fassbender, Donald Neil Ruehrwein
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Patent number: 6647745Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a plant such as a cryogenic rectification plant wherein process parameters are quantitatively determined and then are qualitatively categorized to establish by reference to a rule set the general adjustment required for a plant element prior to determining the numerical adjustment for that element.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: William Paul Belanger
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Patent number: 6640161Abstract: A method of operation of a steam stripped fractionation column by using a computer to process the relevant operating parameters of the column to determine the undesirable approach to a possible flooding condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: UOP LLCInventor: Richard K. Hoehn
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Publication number: 20030182020Abstract: Optimizing fly ash resistivity by controlling concentration of sulfur trioxide (SO3) in flue gas by the use of an algorithm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Herbert W. Spencer, Ralph F. Altman
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Patent number: 6622052Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for generating a protocol for controlling operation of a device including selecting one or more functions in the operation of the device, ordering the sequence of the selected functions, selecting a value for variables of each of the selected functions, and recording the selected ordered functions and the values to generate a protocol definition file readable by an executable software program to control the device to run the selected functions with the selected values for variables of the functions.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Zymequest, Inc.Inventor: Keith Rosiello
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Patent number: 6594553Abstract: The present invention provides, according to one aspect thereof, a computer controlled process for reducing SO2 from a flue gas. The process includes the basic steps of providing an aqueous treatment solution containing an inorganic salt and a control unit for controlling the introduction of the aqueous treatment solution containing an inorganic salt and controlling the control unit in response to a computer program to effect introduction of the aqueous treatment solution into contact with alkaline earth material. Thereafter, the process includes heating the alkaline earth material in the presence of the flue gas containing SO2 to remove the SO2. The alkaline earth material may be limestone or dolomite. The inorganic salt is selected from the group consisting of thermally decomposable sodium compounds including sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium nitrate, and sodium acetate.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) LtdInventors: Kurt W. Johnson, Ferdinand A. Ruszala, Peter T. Stromberg, Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., James F. Durant
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Publication number: 20030085179Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for reducing wastes produced from an industrial process. One embodiment describes communicating with a communications network and acquiring process information concerning the industrial process. A process parameter, associated with a predicted waste output, is predicted according to a predetermined model and based on the process information. The process parameter is then communicated over the communications network.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bang Mo Kim, Stephen Lan-Sun Hung, Joseph James Salvo
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Patent number: 6540812Abstract: An improved method and system is provided to control the rapping process used to clean the internal collection plates and discharge electrodes of electrostatic precipitators. The system obtains the performance characteristics of a first rapper and calculates a rapper lift value. The system then obtains performance characteristic data from two or more additional rappers and calculates rapper lift values for each of the rappers. Finally, the system compares the rapper lift value of each additional rapper and adjusts its performance characteristics so that it substantially approximates the performance characteristics of the first rapper.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: BHA Group Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Terry L. Farmer, David F. Johnston, Sven Richter, Michael M. Mahler
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Publication number: 20020111714Abstract: A method of controlling a centrifugal evaporator in which materials in solution are to be evaporated by rotation in an evacuated evaporation chamber. The method prevents bumping and therefore cross contamination as between one solvent and another in the chamber. Thus prior to centrifuging and reducing the chamber pressure, temperature within the chamber is sensed and a first warning signal is generated if the sensed temperature is greater than a stored temperature value associated with the most volatile solvent component present in the chamber. The first warning signal provides a warning to an operator, and typically inhibits operation of the evaporator. Cooling of the chamber can follow a first warning signal. Data entry means is provided for entering data identifying the solvents in use, and a computer is programmed to compare the entered data with data in a look-up table defining the safe temperatures for different solvents, to identify the safe temperature at which evacuation can begin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Duncan Guthrie, Graham Broadbent, Roger Lee-Smith, Michael Cole
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Patent number: 6315909Abstract: Described and claimed is a method of controlling a cooling water system in which control is based on information from a control Matrix applicable to the specific operating parameters of the cooling water system including: (i) providing a suitable fluorometer, sufficient analytical devices and a suitable controller; (ii) programming the suitable fluorometer and controller using planning information from a control Matrix for cooling water systems being treated with treatment programs selected from the group consisting of: (d) stabilized phosphate, (e) zinc, and (f) all organic; (iii) using the fluorometer and sufficient analytical devices to determine the status of system factors; (iv) determining the pattern of changes in the readings from step (iii) over time; (v) comparing the changes in readings in steps (iii) and (iv), with the information listed in the control Matrix to determine what corrective action(s) is recommended; and (vi) using the controller to automatically implement the corrective actiType: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Nalco Chemical CompanyInventors: John E. Hoots, Paul R. Young, David P. Workman
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Patent number: 6317654Abstract: A model to predict the quality of a lubricant base stock for use in a plurality of products having a plurality of viscosities. The compositional model is based on a quantitative analysis of key compositional parameters and performance criteria for the plurality of products representing the plurality of viscosities. The compositional model provides a method for making a lubricant base stock to be used in manufacturing a lubricant for a particular application from a refinery stream wherein the lubricant base stock and the refinery stream are characterizable according to a plurality of compositional components common to the base stock and to the refinery stream. This method begins with determining the acceptable region and adjusting for viscosity variations.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Inventors: James William Gleeson, William Francis Heaney, Eugenio Sanchez, Viswanathan Visweswaran
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Patent number: 6278899Abstract: An on-line optimizer is comprised of a nonlinear dynamic model (702) which is operable to provide an estimation of the output of a plant. This receives manipulated variables (MV), disturbance variables (DV), and computed disturbance variables (CDB). The estimated output of the model is then compared to the actual output measured by virtual on-line analyzer (VOA) (616). This is compared is a difference block 618 to generate a bias which is then filtered by a filter(620). The output thereof is then provided to an output block (672) in a steady state optimizer (700) to offset the desired setpoints. These set points are input to a steady state nonlinear model which is operable to optimize the inputs to the plants for use for writing new set points in accordance with a predetermined cost function. This cost function is utilized to optimize the new inputs with the use of the steady state model in accordance with various constraints and target values.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Pavilion Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Piche, John P. Havener, Donald Semrad
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Patent number: 6212436Abstract: Object services like methods or properties are provided to or inherited by objects dynamically during run-time. In one method of providing dynamic inheritance, hierarchical relationships are defined between multiple objects such that each object references or is referenced by another object. A call is made for a particular service (e.g., a method or property) at a selected object. The service is provided directly from the object whenever the service is available therefrom. Whenever the selected service is unavailable at the selected object, the call is passed to a hierarchically superior object. Another aspect of dynamic inheritance is that an object, such as the root object, may include one or more methods for adding or otherwise changing the methods or properties available from that object.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kirk J. Marple, Manny Vellon, Steven M. Drucker