Abstract: A dust collection apparatus includes a container and a suction pump that sucks dust and transports it into the container. A filter is provided on a side surface of the container. This filter passes air but prevents passage of the dust in the container. A pressure detector detects an internal pressure of the container. The internal pressure of the container fluctuates due to a variation in an effective area of the filter for allowing the air to pass according to the dust collected and accumulated in the container. A dust accumulating quantity calculator which determines a quantity of the dust in the container based on the pressure detected.

Abstract: A self-cleaning nozzle that can be used for wet scrubbers comprises an electromagnetic coil that, when energized, causes an outlet orifice of the nozzle to enlarge so that pollutant particles clogging the nozzle fall down the orifice unclogging it. The coil is in turn controlled by a signal responsive to an increased pressure in the pipe supplying the nozzle with water, which increase is indicative of clogging the nozzle.

Abstract: A furnace filter assembly for removing dirt and contamination from air entering an existing furnace is installable on the existing furnace without the need for modification thereof, and includes a filter frame, a supply roll for supporting a continuous length of bulk filter media, a take-up roll for receiving the filter media as it is advanced from the supply roll across the filter frame, a motor for rotating the take-up roll for advancing the filter media, all of which components are mounted on the filter frame. The assembly further includes a motor control system having a pressure sensor, a timer, and a switch in electrical communication with a controller for energizing and de-enegizing the motor in response to conditions of the filter media.

Abstract: A filter monitoring apparatus 10 is provided for determining when an air filter 12 in an air conditioning and heating system 14 is clogged. The monitoring apparatus 10 includes an air pressure sensing switch 28 including an actuating arm 34 which monitors air flow through the filter 12 and closes a switching member 30 when the air flowing through the filter falls below a predetermined level. When the switching member 30 closes an activation signal is fed from a power source 24 to activate a horn 26. Once the horn 26 is activated a predetermined sound is transmitted which indicates the air filter 12 is clogged or dirty and should be changed.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: An intake filter (1) or a coalescing filter (4) of a compressor or vacuum pump, or an in-line filter has its identity recorded in a transponder (50, 54), memory chip or other device such as a magnetic or magnetostrictive strip. Interrogation e.g. by means of antennae (52, 56) enables a control unit (55) to verify the identity of the filter and to store the result in memory (57). A record can therefore be maintained of whether approved filters are being used and whether they are exchanged at approved intervals.

Abstract: The present invention involves a vacuum-pressure swing adsorption process for the separation of components of a fluid mixture. The process includes (a) transferring a fluid mixture through an adsorbent bed at an elevated pressure Ph so as to produce a purified product fluid; (b) venting the adsorbent bed down to an ambient fluid pressure Pa; (c) applying a vacuum force to the adsorbent bed to bring the adsorbent bed to a reduced pressure Pl; and (d) venting the adsorbent bed up to an ambient fluid pressure Pa.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for separating the liquid and non-liquid components of a foamy mixture. The apparatus comprises a filter through which the liquid portion of the foam can pass and through which the gaseous or air component cannot pass, unless a pressure differential across the filter exceeds the bubble point of the filter. Foam is supplied to a first side of the filter. The liquid component of the foam is removed from the second side of the filter, and the gaseous component of the foam from the first side of the filter. A pressure differential is established between the two sides of the filter to cause the liquid component of the foam to pass through the filter; but the pressure differential across the filter is prevented from exceeding the bubble point of the filter to prevent the gaseous component of the foam from passing through the filter.

Abstract: The device for regulating a flow rate of an air-liquid centrifuge separator includes a gas outlet pipe, an outlet pipe for separated liquids and an inlet pipe through which a fluid to be separated enters the separator. The device includes a by-pass pipe, arranged between the liquid outlet pipe and the fluid inlet pipe, which removes liquid from the liquid outlet pipe and transfers it to the fluid inlet pipe when a pressure of the liquid in the liquid outlet pipe exceeds a predetermined level. The device is particularly useful in separators for dental aspiration plants.

Abstract: Methods and control systems for improving performance in an air filtration system are disclosed. The method includes monitoring performance of a blower motor in the air filtration system and adjusting blower motor torque based upon a measured airflow or a measured static air pressure within the air filtration system.

Abstract: A furnace filter system or kit for installation on an existing furnace duct includes upper and lower supply roll supports respectively mountable on the top and bottom walls of the duct adjacent one side wall of the duct for removably receiving a supply roll of filter media therebetween, and upper and lower take-up roll supports respectively mounted on the top and bottom walls of the duct adjacent the other side thereof for removably receiving a filter media take-up roll therebetween. Slots are provided in the side walls of the duct inwardly adjacent the corresponding one of the supply roll and take-up roll and between the top and bottom walls of the duct, and a filter media supporting frame assembly is received in the duct and has opposite sides provided with guide slots therein aligned with the duct slots.

Abstract: A fuel storage system is provided including a storage tank, an exhaust port, a filter system, a primary pump, and at least one secondary pump. The storage tank includes a fuel delivery port, a fluid vent port, and a pollutant return port. The filter system comprises a filter input port coupled to the fluid vent port, a fuel vapor duct, and primary and secondary filter output ports. The fuel vapor duct defines a flow path extending from the filter input port to the primary filter output port. The primary filter output port is coupled to the pollutant return port. At least a portion of the fuel vapor duct forms a permeable partition designed to pass a non-pollutant component of fluid within the fuel vapor duct through the permeable partition and designed to inhibit passage of a pollutant component of fluid within the fuel vapor duct through the partition. The secondary filter output port is partitioned from the fuel vapor duct by the air-permeable partition and is coupled to the exhaust port.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system for vaporizing and purifying a gas to produce ultrapure chemical gases employed at a semiconductor processing facility. The system includes a liquified gas source, a vaporization purification bed, and a buffer tank. The liquefied gas source is in communication with the vaporization purification bed to provide a liquefied gas to the bed with an ultra-pure chemical gas generated in the purification bed. The purified gas is subsequently routed to a buffer tank and to a point of use therefrom.

Abstract: A filtration system for trapping airborne contaminants as exemplified in evacuating smoke generated during a surgical procedure wherein operation efficiency thereof is automatically reported in relation to filter structure cumulative use time and cumulative airflow volume. In a first embodiment a system processor correlates cumulative vacuum pump motor speed, operation duration, and air pressure difference measurements over an airflow filter path into a cumulative value and automatically compares that value to a plurality of known pre-determined correlated values to thereby provide filter life expectancy which is conveyed to a memory device of the filter structure for retention and. conveyance for display. In a second embodiment a self-contained microprocessor and memory device of the filter structure is in communication with the system processor to receive, store, and send filter structure time-duration operability data which is sent to a data display site for display.

Abstract: A filtration system, includes a filtration unit and processor. The filtration unit operates to filter ablative particles generated by thermal imaging of media and transmits a signal corresponding to a parameter, such as a pressure or pressure differential, representing a current state of the operation of the filtration unit, such as the state of the filters, during the filtering of the ablative particles. The processor receives the transmitted signals and generates, responsive to the receipt of the transmitted signal, a signal representing operator information associated with the current state operation, such as a warning or instructions for correcting a deficiency, and/or a signal to stop the imaging of the media.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph has a pressure sensor measuring a pressure in a sample introduction part, a flow control valve controlling carrier gas flow rate, a flow sensor measuring a flow rate of the carrier gas, a split flow path exhausting part of a carrier gas and sample from the introduction part, an exhaust valve placed in the sprit flow path, and a monitor screen. The controller controls the flow control valve to flow the carrier gas at the designated flow rate into the introduction part, reads an output of the pressure sensor after making the exhaust valve fully open, calculates a flow path resistance of the filter by using an output of the pressure sensor and a flow path resistance of the chromatographic column, and controls the monitor screen to display an indication for exchanging the filter when the calculated resistance reaches the preset value corresponding to a state in which the filter is stuffed.

Abstract: A method of removing moisture efficiently in the gas supply system by evacuation at normal temperature without using the baking method. The method involves flowing a gas to remove moisture in the gas supply system with the flow pressure of the gas to remove moisture set at not lower than a minimum pressure at which the gas flow becomes viscous and not higher than a water saturated vapor pressure at a flow temperature of the gas to remove moisture. The gas to remove moisture achieves a viscous flow when a mean free path of gas molecules is smaller than a diameter of piping of the gas supply system. If the gas for removing moisture is evacuated at normal temperature under such conditions, the adsorbed moisture on an inside surface of the piping and in the valves and filters can be removed effectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for reclaiming textile fiber waste utilizes an inner perforated duct and an outer continuous duct for removing air-borne fibers from air handling systems of equipment such as cotton carding machinery. A pressure differential switch monitors the operation and when a selected pressure differential occurs, the perforated duct is purged and the collected fibers in the form of a web are drawn through a conduit and returned for further processing.

Abstract: The plant for producing a product stream includes, mounted in series, several modules adapted to perform successive and distinct elementary treatments. At least two elementary treatment modules each include at least two treatment apparatuses mounted in parallel. The plant furthermore includes a device for controlling the various treatment apparatuses as a function of the product stream desired at the outlet of the plant. The control device includes sensors for measuring at least two variables representative of the product stream, and a fuzzy logic regulator adapted for controlling, in at least two distinct treatment modules, at least two treatment apparatuses of the same module, on the basis of the same measured representative variable.

Abstract: Upon a reduction of the production flow rate, there is added to the cycle, at an extreme pressure PM and/or Pm of the cycle substantially different from atmospheric pressure, an idle time in the course of which the adsorber (1A, 1B) is isolated. The process is used in trans-atmospheric cycles for the production of oxygen from atmospheric air.

Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus and method for dedusting a Ca-containing gas using a ceramics filter is provided, in which a filter differential pressure elevation rate is suppressed. A desulferizing agent 103 and a mineral 106 containing MgO are supplied via a hopper 13, 15 a valve 14 and a feeder 16 into a pressurized fluidized-bed combustion furnace 1 together with coal 101 and air 102. A combustion gas 201 is dedusted by a cyclone 2 to become a combustion gas 301, the combustion gas 301 enters a filter container 3a, 3b having a ceramics filter 31a, 31b and is further dedusted. A combustion gas 401 which is dedusted is supplied into a gas turbine 4 to generate power, and combustion gas 501 heats a waste heat recovery boiler 5 which in turn drives a steam turbine 7. The mineral 106 containing MgO is added in the combustion gas 301 which flows in the ceramics filter 31a, 31b. Thereby MgO is added to the combustion gas so that the filter differential pressure elevation rate can be suppressed.

Abstract: A process for separation of a gas mixture by pressure swing adsorption, in which a pressure swing cycle comprising a sequence of steps which define adsorption, decompression/regeneration and pressure rise phases is employed for the or each adsorber. The cycle furthermore comprises at least temporarily at least one step of isolating the adsorber (II; IV) during which the pressure variation in the isolated adsorber is recorded.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for recovering a noble gas, which can recover a noble gas exhausted from a noble gas employing system efficiently and also can supply the noble gas of a predetermined purity to the noble gas employing system and which can reduce consumption of the noble gas. In the process and apparatus for recovering a noble gas, when a noble gas contained in an exhaust gas exhausted from a noble gas employing system operated under reduced pressure is recovered, switching between introduction of the exhaust gas to a recovery system and exhaustion of the exhaust gas to an exhaust system is carried out under reduced pressure, and this switching operation is carried out depending on the content of impurity components contained in the exhaust gas or on the running state of the noble gas employing system.

Abstract: A device for continuously fractionating a gas by adsorption, an in-service testing device in a processor-controlled adsorption drier system and a method for testing the operating capability of an adsorption drier system under the control of a processor, including two adsorbent beds connected to one another in a switching system, in which regeneration is performed by a flow of regeneration gas. The device has a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a bypass outlet feeding into a common functional block, which contains a line switching circuit, a first and a second shuttle valve and, optionally, other components. The in-service testing device and the device are so compact due to their respective structures that they can be integrated with one another requiring little space and having low assembly requirements. The testing method is configured to co-operate with the in-service testing device and the device, requiring only a few components for the application thereof.

Abstract: Electronic equipment having a temperature control air flow passage. A length of filter material has a length portion extending across the upstream end of the flow passage, the filter material being movable longitudinally to replace the clogged length portion with unused filter material. A filter advancement device is operable by a control device actuated when an undesirably low fluid flow rate is achieved through the length portion so as to effect filter replacement. Roller devices give up unused filter material and take up used material. A stepper motor may be used to advance filter material for replacement purposes. The control device is preferably operated upon drop in rotational speed of a fan located immediately downstream of the filter length portion, the speed drop being caused by drag as the filter becomes clogged. Alternatively, the control device comprises a switch which is operated as the filter length portion flexes it becomes clogged, or temperature sensors located at chosen sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating liquids and solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing liquids from the gas stream. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having a longitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an input port at an extent and an output port at an opposite extent thereof. There is a partition located within the vessel interior that divides the vessel interior into a first stage and a second stage. There is at least one opening in the partition. A separator/coalescer filter element is disposed within the vessel to sealingly extend from within the first stage through the opening into the second stage. There is a chevron-type seal or an O-ring seal between the filter element and the opening.

Abstract: The filtering plant has a plurality of porous, gas-permeable filter elements with at least one raw gas side and at least one clean gas side. The gas to be cleaned (raw gas) flows towards the raw gas side, and the clean gas side is connected with a clean gas passage. Into the clean gas passage and into the filter elements, pulse gas coming from a pressure vessel is introduced for periodically detaching dust adhering at the raw gas side. Via a gas-permeable passage, the pressure vessel is connected with a measuring chamber having a smaller volume than the pressure vessel. While pulse gas flows out of the pressure vessel into the clean gas passage and to the filter elements, the pressure difference .DELTA.p=p1-p2 is measured and monitored, where p1 is the static pressure in the measuring chamber, and p2 is the static pressure in the pressure vessel. Expediently, an alarm signal is activated when the maximum of the pressure difference falls below a predetermined minimum value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the fouling effect of a feedstream on a filter having known characteristics disclosed. The method comprises passing the feedstream through a filter (5) having known characteristics; determining the change in resistance to flow of the feedstream across the filter, either continuously or over a number of time intervals and from this data, calculating a feed fouling index (FFI) representative of the fouling characteristics of the feedstream with respect to the filter. A method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a filtration system is also disclosed the method comprising sampling system parameter values at selected locations within the filtration system at a predetermined sampling rate; generating a parameter profile characteristic from the sampled parameter values at predetermined intervals of time; and analysing the parameter profile characteristic to determine correct operation of the filtration system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for separating a vapor-gas mixture formed above a liquid in a tank and which mixture is exhausted from the tank through an exhaust line in order to relieve overpressure in the tank. The mixture is passed from the tank through a membrane unit having a separating membrane and underpressure is generated at least intermittently, on a permeate side of the membrane unit, by a pump. This produces on the permeate side of the membrane permeate enriched with vapor and on the retentate side of the membrane retentate deleted in vapor. The permeate is returned to the tank and the retentate is exhausted to the atmosphere via the exhaust line.

Abstract: A PSA process for the separation of a gas flow containing essentially oxygen and nitrogen by preferential adsorption of the nitrogen, at a high adsorption pressure, on at least one bed of adsorbent material inserted in at least one separation zone. The material preferentially adsorbs nitrogen. Each bed of adsorbing material is subjected to successive separation cycles. Each separation cycle comprises at least: a purge phase comprising a desorption of the nitrogen adsorbed on the adsorbing material at a low desorption pressure below the high adsorption pressure, and a supply phase comprising introduction of the gaseous flow at a supply temperature (T.sub.sup) into the separation zone with passage from the low desorption pressure to the high adsorption pressure. The supply temperature (T.sub.sup) of the gaseous flow to be separated is regulated and the high adsorption pressure is adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dryer for compressed air. The dryer employs two evaporators disposed in the compressed air pathway. The dryer uses a three-way valve to control the orientation of the compressed air current. A heat-exchanger is included in the cold-producing medium system for avoiding ice blockage of the compressed air outlet. The dryer provides the high-pressure cold-producing medium at a front portion with more potential cooling, so that the evaporators create a lower temperature for drying the compressed air better. A four-way valve is provided to control the two evaporators working alternately, so that the high-temperature cold-producing medium is directed into the iced idle evaporator by a solenoid valve, to melt the ice rapidly and drain it from the system immediately through an automatic drain valve.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zone, and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stage, horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating liquids and solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing liquids from the gas stream. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having a longitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an input port at an extent and an output port at an opposite extent thereof. There is a partition located within the vessel interior that divides the vessel interior into a first stage and a second stage. There is at least one opening in the partition. A separator/coalescer filter element is disposed within the vessel to sealingly extend from within the first stage through the opening into the second stage. There is a chevron-type seal or an O-ring seal between the filter element and the opening.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received-from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zones and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stages horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: A dust collector system includes a conduit defining an interior volume, having a first open end, and including an air vent. A pressure differential detector includes a first air flow tap, a second air flow tap, and a pressure differential indicator. The first air flow tap is connected to a dust filter unit dirty air plenum. The second air flow tap is connected to the sensor conduit internal volume at a portion above a location corresponding to a level of collected dust to be detected. The pressure differential detector indicates a presence of at least a selected pressure differential between the first and second air flow taps. When a level of dust in the dust collection container reaches a selected level, it will close the sensor conduit first end. When the sensor conduit first end is closed, a pressure within the sensor conduit internal volume will rise towards atmospheric as a result of the air flow through the air vent.

Abstract: A method of controlling an oxygen generation device of the kind including a ceramic membrane through which an electrical current is passed whilst ambient air is supplied to one side of the membrane, the membrane allowing oxygen in the supplied air to diffuse therethrough by ionic transport when the membrane is at or above an operating temperature, at a rate dependant upon the electrical current, there being a plenum or the like to recover the oxygen at a second side of the membrane, the method comprising regulating the electrical current passing through the membrane by switching the electrical current on and off and varying the proportion of current-on time in a given time interval (t) in dependence upon a feedback signal.

Abstract: In a method of removing dioxins in a waste incineration plant for cooling combustion gases from an incinerator by means of a first and/or second heat exchangers, and for exhausting the gases into the atmosphere through a dust collector of a bag-filter. The method comprises the steps of controlling a temperature of the gases right after the first heat exchanger within a range of 200.degree. C..about.140.degree. C., by use of the first heat exchanger, and also controlling a pressure loss of the gases right after the first heat exchanger within a range of -20 mmH.sub.2 O.about.-60 mmH.sub.2 O.

Abstract: Pressure control apparatus for a cyclone separator includes a variable air flow control valve in at least one line exiting from the separator. The air flow through that valve is adjusted in response to pressure changes in the separator. A flow control valve with adjustable bladders is preferred.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating when the air intake filter of portable turbines useful with spray paint guns is blocked and a method and apparatus for close coupled mounting of a pair of series connected turbines by axially aligning and abutting the axial outlet of one turbine against the axial inlet of the other turbine with a seal surrounding the turbine junction and with tie rods extending between radially projecting apertured ears of the turbines securing the turbines together and supporting the turbines on a generally U-shaped mounting bracket having spaced apart flanges engaging the tie rods. An air baffle partitions the space containing the two turbines into two air plenums to prevent hot air exhausted by the larger turbine from entering the air inlet to the turbine impellers. A visual or audible indicator provides a perceptible indication that the filter is becoming blocked.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the pressure in a fuel tank ullage. The apparatus includes a vapor pump which withdraws vapors from the tank ullage responsive to a signal generated by a pressure sensor in communication with the ullage. The vapors are directed to a canister containing a VOC-adsorbent material where the VOC content of the vapor is removed. Non-polluting VOC-free air is vented from the canister to the atmosphere. The invention also contemplates the provision of a second canister which would accept the tank ullage vapors after the material in a first canister becomes saturated. A portion of the VOC-free air exiting the first canister is used a purge gas to regenerate the saturated material in the first canister. The operation of the multiple canisters would alternate between adsorption and regeneration until the tank ullage pressure is reduced to below a threshold level.

Abstract: The invention produces essentially pure nitrogen from air by an intermittent, automatic, and unattended process. Air is filtered, compressed and enters a nitrogen module containing a permeable membrane that selectively separates nitrogen from the air and discharges oxygen and other gases. Automated temperature and pressure controls allow the permeable membrane to separate air components. A discharge hose allows use of the nitrogen product for a variety of intermittent applications including vending for inflation of tires, filling portable nitrogen vessels, and use in manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a membrane cartridge that removes water vapor or fluid from air that passes through the cartridge. The longer the air remains within the cartridge, the more fluid is removed from the air. Consequently, as the air becomes "drier", the dew point temperature of the air also falls. The present invention permits decreases in the flow rate and system pressure while providing dehumidified air with the desired dew point temperature. These decreases in pressure and flow rate result from increased elevation or system wear. The decrease in system pressure and flow rate increases the residence time of the air in the membrane cartridge. As a result, the dew point temperature of the dehumidified air remains stable because increased residence time increases the amount of fluid removed from the air, which tends to reduce the dew point temperature of the dehumidified air.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system and method for controlling air flow through the interior of a powder spray booth includes a powder collection system for collecting oversprayed powder from the interior of the spray booth. The powder collection system includes a powder collector with a powder collection chamber, a pulse plenum chamber, and a fan plenum chamber containing a motor driven fan for drawing the air-entrained powder into the fan plenum chamber so that the oversprayed powder is collected on the cartridge filters and filtered air is exhausted from the fan plenum chamber through one or more final filters. A control system automatically adjusts the speed of the motor driven fan in response to pressure changes in the pulse plenum chamber and the fan exhaust chamber so that a substantially constant air flow is maintained through the powder collector.

Abstract: Essentially pure nitrogen gas is produced from air and stored by an intermittent, automatic, and unattended process that is compact and self contained. Air is first filtered, compressed and enters a nitrogen module containing a permeable membrane that selectively separates nitrogen from the air and discharges oxygen and other gases. The nitrogen gas then flows into a vessel for storage. The apparatus is enclosed in a housing where automated temperature and pressure controls allows the permeable membrane to separate air components. A discharge hose allows use of the nitrogen product for a variety of intermittent applications including vending for inflation of tires, filling portable nitrogen vessels, and use in other processes needing intermittent and automatic manufacture of nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a dirty air inlet (12, 14) communicating with a clean air outlet by way of an airflow path has a cyclone (18) arranged in the airflow path. In use, air flowing along the airflow path from the dirty air inlet (12, 14) to the clean air outlet passes through the cyclone (18). At least one bleed valve (20) is arranged in the wall of the airflow path upstream of the cyclone (18). Preferably, three bleed valves (20) are located in the wall of the airflow path and, more preferably, the bleed valves (20) are substantially identical to one another. Control may be provided for controlling the amount of air bled through the bleed valve (76) when a single bleed valve is provided.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system and method for controlling air flow through the interior of a powder spray booth includes a powder collection system for collecting oversprayed powder from the interior of the spray booth. The powder collection system includes a powder collector with a powder collection chamber, a pulse plenum chamber, and a fan plenum chamber containing a motor driven fan for drawing the air-entrained powder into the fan plenum chamber so that the oversprayed powder is collected on the cartridge filters and filtered air is exhausted from the fan plenum chamber through one or more final filters. A control system automatically adjusts the speed of the motor driven fan in response to pressure changes in the pulse plenum chamber and the fan exhaust chamber so that a substantially constant air flow is maintained through the powder collector.

Abstract: A gas purification apparatus has two gas purification units which are alternately operated. A gas purification capacity measuring means includes a means including valves for separating a target gas purification unit from a line, an evacuating means for evacuating the separated gas purification unit at a high vacuum, a means including a supply tank for supplying a predetermined very small amount of an impurity gas to an inlet of the high-vacuum separated gas purification unit, an auxiliary tank (e.g., a pressure reduction tank, a metering tank, and a pressure reduction valve), and a vacuum gauge for measuring a change in pressure at the outlet upon supply of the impurity gas to the inlet. In the gas purification apparatus having gas purification units each incorporating a getter material, the gas purification capacity of each gas purification unit can be more accurately and easily measured.

Abstract: A target pressure is calculated by a fluid dynamic theory using a length of the column, an inner diameter of the column and the temperature of the column so that the linear velocity of the gas flowing through the column is at a preset pre-determined value at which the HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) value, as calculated from chemical kinematic theory, is the minimum and the resolution of the column is the highest. Then the pressure of the gas at the entrance of the column of a chromatograph is maintained at the calculated target pressure while the temperature of the column is raised to reduce the analyzing time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining a desired pressure within a fuel storage tank or tanks while minimizing or eliminating the amount of pollutants discharged from the fuel storage tank(s). A fuel storage tank is provided with a conduit and a chamber interfaced along the path of the conduit such that all fluid passing through the conduit must pass through the chamber. A fractionating membrane is housed within the chamber for capturing pollutants while allowing air to pass through. As pollutants are collected on the fractionating membrane, they permeate, thereby reducing the pressure in the tank and associated conduit. A vapor pump is provided for drawing vapor through the conduit and the membrane, and for drawing pollutants off of the membrane. A pressure transducer located in the tank or associated piping makes the vapor pump responsive to the pressure therein. A vent is further provided for allowing air into the tank and piping and for depressurizing the tank and piping.

Abstract: For regenerating an exhaust gas particulate collecting filter, there is provided an exhaust gas particulate purifying process in which damage to the filter caused by a thermal action can be prevented and further electric power can be saved when an electric current supply to an electric heater attached to the filter is controlled. In the filter container (4), an electric heater (21) is provided on an end surface of the filter on an upstream side with respect to a regenerating gas flow, or provided at a position close to the end surface. Also, a temperature sensor (22) for measuring a temperature of the filter is provided inside the filter or at a position close to an end surface of the filter opposite to the aforementioned end surface.