Abstract: Sensor offsets for an air filter monitor installed in an HVAC system may be determined by measuring a sensor offset differential pressure value across an air filter when substantially no air flow exists through the air filter. The sensor offset differential pressure value obtained at or near zero flow may represent the sensor offset for the air filter monitor. The sensor offset differential pressure value may be used to compensate an un-compensated differential pressure value obtained during flow conditions.

Abstract: A clean air filter may be used to set an air filter change threshold value for an air filter monitor installed in an HVAC system. The air filter change threshold value may be used to determine a status of an air filter (e.g., clean or dirty).

Abstract: The device of the present invention allows the pressure of a certain fluid to be reduced without reductions in the cross sectional area or organs in movement. The pressure reduction is obtained by passing the fluid to be depressurized, in sequence, through a plurality of pairs of steps. In the first step of each pair, part of the pressure energy of the fluid is converted to gravitational potential; in the second step the gravitational potential is converted into thermal energy, so as to prevent the reconversion of the same into pressure energy.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for preventing server contamination. The system includes a server rack and a contamination filter secured to the server rack. The contamination filter may be configured to filter particulate substances and/or chemical substances from air. The system may include a reaction coupon configured to indicate the presence of particulate substances and/or chemical substances in the air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method as well as a device for separation of a carbon-dioxide-containing gas mixture (1), whereby carbon dioxide is separated from the carbon-dioxide-containing gas mixture (1) by physical gas washing (W1) and is converted into two product streams (3, 4) that consist primarily of carbon dioxide and have different pressures, and in the event of an operational breakdown, after their pressures are balanced, the product streams are subjected to an after-treatment step (W2) and then are released into the atmosphere. For balancing the pressures of the two carbon dioxide product streams (3, 4), the carbon dioxide stream (3, 7) that has the lower pressure is compressed by a gas jet ventilator (G), whereby the carbon dioxide stream (4) that has the higher pressure is used as a pumping medium (6).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.

Abstract: A blocking panel may be used to set an air filter change threshold value for an air filter monitor installed in an HVAC system. The air filter change threshold value may then be used to determine a status of an air filter (e.g., clean or dirty).

Abstract: A system recognizes a check-up time of a filter of an air cleaner. The system includes a power unit that supplies power to the system, a pressure sensor that measure pressure of a filter, at an outlet connected with a filter unit, a conversion circuit that converts the measured value into a predetermined type, a processor that controls the measurement period of the pressure sensor and receives and compare the measured value converted by the conversion circuit with a predetermined reference value, and a display unit that displays a filter replacement period.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring for a clogged or unclogged state of an air filter in an automotive HVAC system. The HVAC system includes a blower having a blower motor providing a driven airflow. A plurality of outlet registers is controllable to provide a plurality of circulation modes. An evaporator selectably cools the driven airflow, and the air filter passes the driven airflow. The method enters a baseline condition, wherein the baseline condition includes applying a moisture purge to the evaporator and selection of a predetermined circulation mode. The blower motor is controlled to maintain a testing speed. An energization of the blower motor is quantified while maintaining the testing speed. The energization is compared to a base value derived according to the baseline condition with the air filter in an unclogged state. A replacement action is triggered when the energization is greater than the base value.

Abstract: An emissions control system is provided that comprises a fuel tank, a hydrocarbon filter element, and a three-way valve coupled between the hydrocarbon filter element and the atmosphere. The three-way valve is comprised of three ports, a purge port, a reference port, and a sealed port, and enables identification of degradation of the emissions control system. The arrangement of the ports on the valve enables a simplified testing method that reduces background errors caused by transitioning between various operating positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.

Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.

Abstract: Lightweight, small, portable devices and methods are disclosed that provide oxygen-enriched air using an ultra rapid adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials.

Abstract: A fuel tank deaeration and aeration system, including a first main filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with a fuel tank; and a second additional filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet of the main filter device, and the additional filter device outlet is in fluid communication with an environment of a vehicle, and wherein a bypass valve controls a bypass, which bypasses the additional filter device.

Abstract: A reclaiming apparatus 106 includes: a sealed container 106a that is an absorbent reservoir for storing therein a part of an absorbent that has absorbed CO2 in flue gas, and a heater that heats the absorbent stored in the sealed container 106a. The reclaiming apparatus 106 distributes a part of the absorbent stored in the sealed container 106a, and brings the distributed absorbent into counter-current contact with steam. Because a part of the absorbent stored in the absorbent reservoir is brought into counter-current contact with the steam, absorbent component contained therein becomes volatilized, and is separated from depleted materials. In this manner, the absorbent component can be extracted from the depleted materials, and a loss of the absorbent can be reduced.

Abstract: Method for drying compressed gas using a dryer with pressure vessels. The method having the steps of guiding a first part of the gas to a cooler via a regulating valve, and of subsequently drying this first part of the gas in the drying pressure vessel; and of heating a second part of the gas so as to regenerate the regenerating pressure vessel. When the temperature in the regenerating pressure vessel rises above an upper limit value, the regulating valve will be gradually moved in the direction of the shut position and, when the temperature in the regenerating pressure vessel drops under a predetermined bottom limit, the regulating valve will be gradually moved in the direction of the entirely open position, which adjustment allows to set the compressed gas at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A cyclic adsorption process is provided having pressurization and depressurization steps and driven by one or more centrifugal machines operating under acceleration and deceleration conditions wherein the deceleration rate of the machine is controlled to minimize power consumption and maximize the efficiency of the process. The operating speed of the centrifugal machine during deceleration is matched to the measured ratio pressure conditions so that the centrifugal machine arrives at its minimum operating speed near the point required to begin acceleration.

Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by attenuating pressure oscillations developed by a vacuum pump. The attenuation is obtained through a combination of one or more flow restrictors and added volume chambers fluidly interposed between the degassing chamber and the vacuum pump. The pressure oscillation attenuation may further inhibit cross-contamination of pervaporated solvents among a plurality of distinct degassing chambers.

Abstract: A breathing gas supply system for an aircraft includes a plurality of oxygen concentrating apparatus, each of which in use, is operable to supply oxygen enriched gas to a breathing gas supply. Each oxygen concentrating apparatus includes at least two active molecular sieve beds which are operable so that while one sieve bed is adsorbing non-oxygen gas from a pressurized gas supply, the or another bed is being purged of non-oxygen gas by subjecting the bed to lower pressure. Each oxygen concentrating apparatus includes an oxygen enriched gas flow control device which permits the flow of oxygen enriched gas produced by the oxygen concentrating apparatus to the breathing gas supply and permits a restricted flow of oxygen enriched gas from the breathing gas supply to the oxygen concentrating apparatus. Oxygen enriched gas produced by the adsorbing sieve bed flows direct to the bed being purged.

Abstract: The invention refers to a plant and a method for separating oil in form of particles and/or mist from a fossil gas mixture for obtaining a separated gas. The plant comprises a centrifugal separator with a stationary casing defining a separation space. The casing permits a pressure of at least 10 bars in the separation space. The centrifugal separator comprises an inlet for the gas mixture, a gas outlet for the separated gas and an oil outlet for discharging separated oil. A separating member for separating the gas mixture comprises a plurality of separating discs and is provided in the separation space. A drive motor is connected to the separating member via a spindle and rotate the separating member about an axis (x) of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.

Abstract: A method for renewing a sheet-type filtering material to a flowing gas stream inside a conduit by converting some of the energy of a flowing gas stream traversing the filter assembly to rotate a propeller and the propeller shaft. The rotational energy from the propeller shaft is operably coupled to a gear that causes a supply of unused sheet-type filter material on a first side of the filter assembly top move across the filter assembly to a second side of the filter assembly, so that the portion of the sheet-type filtering material in a position to filter a flowing gas stream changes over time as the flowing gas stream rotates the propeller.

Abstract: A Pressure Swing Adsorption filtration that separates a first set of particles and a second set of particles to produce a purified gas output can be monitored in real-time. A sentinel component can provide real-time in situ tracking of a parameter associated with the PSA filtration and dynamically adjusts the PSA filtration based upon the real-time tracked parameter. The real-time monitoring of the parameter further enables maintenance of equipment utilized with the PSA filtration as well as equipment down-the-line that utilize the purified gas output.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system using two or more valves for controlling the flow of gases entering or exiting a bed of adsorbents is disclosed, where the two or more valves are opened sequentially (i.e., in at least two actions separated by a delay in time). The sequential opening of the valves may increase the degree to which adsorbed species are purged from the bed, and also facilitates more rapid execution of certain time steps of the PSA cycle, thus increasing adsorbent productivity The sequential opening of the valves may also allow for verification of valve operation by measuring either the absolute value, the slope (derivative) or the rate of change of derivative of the pressure, either in the adsorbent bed, in the downstream manifold, or in a volume of gas held in a buffer vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating cyclone for separating a mixture of liquids into a heavy fraction, the cyclone comprising:—a cyclone tube (2) in which a flow space is defined, wherein the cyclone tube is provided with an inlet for infeed of a mixture of at least two different liquids, a heavy fraction outlet for discharging the heavy fraction separated from the mixture and a light fraction outlet for discharging the light fraction separated from the mixture;—a rotation generating unit (8) for setting into rotation the mixture fed in via the inlet;—a flow body (6) arranged substantially concentrically in the cyclone tube, in which body is provided a light fraction discharge channel (12) connected to the light fraction discharge, wherein the discharge channel has in flow direction a cross-section substantially decreasing along at least a portion of the length thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a method of filtration for a rail vehicle or other off-highway powered system. The method includes determining a filter load of a primary filtration system to an air intake of an engine. The method also includes determining that the filter load exceeds a specified threshold. Additionally, the method includes de-activating the primary filtration system. The method further includes activating a secondary filtration system to the engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring the condition of a new air filter installed in an HVAC system are disclosed. In one example, an input that indicates a new air filter has been installed may be accepted, and in response, the HVAC system may be automatically operated in an air filter verifying mode, in which the fan of the HVAC system is activated to drive air through the new air filter. While in the air filter verifying mode, a measure related to an amount of flow restriction presented by the new air filter may be received. A status of the new air filter may be determined based, at least in part, on the received measure related to the amount of flow restriction presented by the air filter of the HVAC system. Once the status of the new air filter is determined, an indication may be displayed on a display, which may communicate the determined status of the new air filter to a user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to degassing and cleaning of hydrocarbon fuel. Degassing of hydrocarbon fuel is a way to remove the dissolved gases which aid in the oxidation of the fuel as well as the removal of sulfur, water and other particulate matter through radial cavitation. This process allows for both improvements in efficiency as well as decrease in emissions of standard fuel and the re-refining of fuels which have broken down. University of Idaho did a study on the breakdown of diesel fuel and found out that 26% of the efficiency is lost by the 28th day after fuel processing. In one embodiment, the fuel is subjected to fluid-shear forces and cavitation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying oxygen to meet a user demand in which oxygen is separated from air by an electrically driven oxygen separation device to supply oxygen to meet the user demand and to charge an adsorbent bed with all or part of the separated oxygen. When a user demand exists, oxygen can be supplied from both the electrically driven oxygen separation device and from oxygen desorbed from the adsorbent bed.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a pressure dispense package includes a connector having separate and distinct liquid and extraction conduits, and having a pressurization gas conduit. A liner fitment adapter may include a longitudinal bore to receive a probe portion of a connector defining a liquid extraction conduit, and may include a lateral bore to enable removal of gas. Insertion of a connector into a dispensing assembly simultaneously makes fluidic connections between (a) a gas extraction conduit and a dispensing volume; (b) a liquid extraction conduit and the dispensing volume, and (c) a pressurization gas conduit and a space to be pressurized within a pressure dispense vessel. Presence of fluid or change in phase of flowing fluid within a fluid circuit may be sensed by comparing outputs of first and second temperature sensing elements, with one sensing element including a heater to increase temperature of the sensing element in exposure to gas but not in exposure to liquid.

Abstract: A filter cassette and a method for allowing a leak to be detected are disclosed, in which the filter cassette comprises a main body defining a first chamber. The main body includes an inlet and an outlet, a filter separating the first chamber into first and second sub-chambers, the inlet being in fluid communication with the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber being in fluid communication with the outlet. The main body also includes a second chamber is defined by the main body and the filter, wherein in absence of a leak the second chamber is substantially not in fluid communication with the first chamber. The main body further includes a port in fluid communication with the second chamber, whereby measuring a fluid characteristic in the second chamber by means of the port allows a detection of a leak, i.e. an external leak or a bypass leakage.

Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.

Abstract: An emissions control system is provided that comprises a fuel tank, a hydrocarbon filter element, and a three-way valve coupled between the hydrocarbon filter element and the atmosphere. The three-way valve is comprised of three ports, a purge port, a reference port, and a sealed port, and enables identification of degradation of the emissions control system. The arrangement of the ports on the valve enables a simplified testing method that reduces background errors caused by transitioning between various operating positions.

Abstract: A system and method for supercritical fluid enrichment of radioactive isotope/s are disclosed. The method involves pressurizing an outer chamber and an inner centrifugal chamber of a stage to supercritical pressure; supplying material including target isotope/s at supercritical pressure to the inner chamber; spinning the inner chamber to centrifuge the material including target isotope/s; providing a differential pressure between the inner chamber and the outer chamber; wherein windows in the inner chamber enable passage of the target isotope from the inner chamber to the outer chamber in response to the differential pressure.

Abstract: A fluidized reactor system for removing impurities from a gas and an associated process are provided. The system includes a fluidized absorber for contacting a feed gas with a sorbent stream to reduce the impurity content of the feed gas; a fluidized solids regenerator for contacting an impurity loaded sorbent stream with a regeneration gas to reduce the impurity content of the sorbent stream; a first non-mechanical gas seal forming solids transfer device adapted to receive an impurity loaded sorbent stream from the absorber and transport the impurity loaded sorbent stream to the regenerator at a controllable flow rate in response to an aeration gas; and a second non-mechanical gas seal forming solids transfer device adapted to receive a sorbent stream of reduced impurity content from the regenerator and transfer the sorbent stream of reduced impurity content to the absorber without changing the flow rate of the sorbent stream.

Abstract: Provided is a novel hydrogen separation membrane formed of a Nb—W—Mo-based alloy. A method for separating hydrogen using the hydrogen separation membrane and hydrogen separation conditions are selected by a particular procedure. A hydrogen separation membrane formed of the Nb—W—Mo-based alloy membrane.

Abstract: An automated system for fuel polishing stored fuel in multiple storage tanks by circulating fuel in two or more distinct fluid paths, wherein the system comprises automatically actuating two or more two-way valves when changing fluid paths. In preferred embodiments the system does not comprise a system controller that activates an automated three-way valve.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of pressure values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read pressure values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment. In addition, integrity testing for individual filters within multi-filter configurations is possible.

Abstract: An instrument gas conditioning system is provided. The system includes filtering, and optionally drying, a gas stream to obtain a filtered, and optionally dried, gas stream. The filtered, and optionally dried, gas stream is heated in a heater and then regulated through a regulator. The filtered, heated, regulated, and, optionally dried, gas stream may be used as instrumentation gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for humidification and pressure control of gas. The apparatus may include a container for holding an aqueous liquid, a first tube for receiving gas from a gas source and being arranged to pass the gas into the liquid through an opening at a lower end of the tube, and a second tube for discharging the gas from an upper portion. The second tube may surround the first tube and may include an opening at its lower end that is below the lower end of the first tube.

Abstract: A portable gas chromatography system and method of use. The portable gas chromatograph may be used to accurately and rapidly detect low-level concentrations of chemicals, such as fixed gases, volatilized liquid samples, or toxic chemicals and transmit to a user data relating to the presence and identity of such. The portable gas chromatograph uses an onboard vacuum source to pull samples into and through the system and thus does not require the use of a carrier gas. Further, the system comprises a solenoid valve for capturing the sample and may include a short porous layer open tubular separation column, and a thermal conductivity detector. Overall size and weight of the system is small enough for a user to carry. The method of operation of the gas chromatograph includes taking rapid successive samples and analyzing the data outputs using Fourier transform techniques. Such analysis allows real-time data updates and rapid detection of hazardous environmental agents.

Abstract: An active carbon filter unit for a tank system consists of a housing (13) in which two chambers (31, 32) are formed, carrying an active carbon filling, which form a section of a flow path which at its one end leads via a valve (6) and an air filter (7) into the ambient atmosphere and at its other end leads via a valve (9) and a non-return valve (10) to a connection for producing an underpressure or into the suction region of an internal combustion engine and via a connection (17) into the tank system. The valves (6, 9), the non-return valve (10) and a housing part (27) receiving the electrical connections thereof are part of a uniform control module (15), which is exchangeably inserted into a recess (14) of the housing (13).

Abstract: A filter assembly system including, a filter bag having an opening, a seal coupled to the filter bag adjacent the opening, wherein the seal comprises a gasket band and a perforated metal band, and the perforated metal band is configured to bias the gasket band in a radial direction into a sealed position upon expansion or contraction of the perforated metal band.

Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining a low cylinder pressure condition of a gas chromatograph includes providing gas from the cylinder to an inlet of the gas chromatograph. In particular, the gas is provided at a predetermined inlet pressure that is higher than an inlet pressure that is required for a predetermined gas chromatographic analysis routine. The inlet pressure of the gas being supplied to the inlet is increased, in order to attempt to achieve a predetermined check value. It is then determined if the inlet pressure actually increases to at least the predetermined check value. If it is determined that the inlet pressure of the gas does not increase to at least the predetermined check value, then an indication of a low cylinder pressure condition is provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a chamber may be configured to separate oil and gas. For example, the oil and gas may be separated as they exit a compressor, an oil storage tank, etc. In some embodiments, the gas may be a heavy gas and the oil may be compressor oil. One or more heated baffles may interact with the oil and gas to increase the velocity of the gas flow to inhibit the gas from absorbing into the oil. In some embodiments, when the compressor feeding the chamber is operating at a decreased compression rate, the chamber may continue to heat the oil to vaporize impurities out of the oil. The impurities may then be vented out of the chamber through the bleed valve to a gas inlet scrubber.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system. In some embodiments, an oxygen concentrator system may be shutdown such that the canisters are pressurized to a pressure greater than ambient pressure.

Abstract: A system and process for gas homogenization is disclosed. This has application in the areas of generation of gas and its conversion to electricity in downstream applications. The homogenization system minimizes variance in the gas characteristics (composition, flow, pressure, temperature), thereby rendering a steady stream of gas of consistent quality to the downstream machinery. This homogenization system can be adjusted to optimize the output gas stream for specific end-applications, or to optimize the output gas stream for different input feedstocks. This ensures that overall conversion efficiencies are maximized while keeping the process cost-effective. Such a uniform, steady output gas stream has a wide range of applications in the broad areas of generation of electricity (e.g. using internal combustion engines and combustion turbine engines), chemical synthesis (e.g.

Abstract: An inertial gas-liquid separator and method is provided, including variable orifice jet nozzle structure having a variable orifice area dependent upon axial movement of a plunger relative to a housing sleeve, and in another embodiment having first and second flow branches, with the first flow branch being continuously open, and the second flow branch having a variable flow controller controlling flow therethrough.

Abstract: An exhausting method includes determining an exhaust flow rate of a process gas to be a predetermined value that is less than or equal to a gas flow rate corresponding to a maximum process capability of a purification system when the process gas is diluted to a lower explosive limit; calculating a pressure drop amount per unit time to maintain the determined exhaust flow rate of the process gas, based on a relation between the exhaust flow rate and the pressure drop amount per unit time; and evacuating an inside of the chamber to maintain the determined exhaust flow rate, while controlling the pressure through an automatic pressure control valve by setting a target pressure value to be updated as a control value of the automatic pressure control valve at every predetermined time interval so as to achieve a calculated pressure drop amount per unit time.