Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an improved liquid fuel atomizing gun and method is disclosed wherein optimal efficiency atomization is accomplished by introducing liquid fuel under pressure in a first swirling spiral direction into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also includes means for introducing steam through a plurality of inclined orifices to introduce the steam and impact the sprayed liquid fuel in a contra-rotational swirl direction. This arrangement of opposite swirling directions of the injected fuel and steam in the gun mixing chamber produces maximum turbulence between the two fluids as each impinge upon the other in relative close proximity so that the kinetic energy of each stream, both oil and steam, is released as the opposing streams meet. The impact of such opposed liquid fuel and steam streams produces higher Reynolds numbers which result in additional turbulence for enhanced mixing.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a fluid delivery system for use with one or more individual water blast guns, each of which have an auxiliary shut-off valve integral with the gun and also include electric circuit completion means for operating a pneumatic secondary shut-off valve in series with the high pressure fluid supply conduit feeding each gun. This series arrangement of first and second shut-off valves in the fluid conduit between the pump discharge and each individual gun assures a fail-safe shut-off system which gives the operator of each gun the assurance that upon release of the water blast gun trigger that cessation of the water blast from the gun nozzle will occur. Accordingly, the likelihood of the operator falling over backwards upon release of the gun trigger is eliminated and risk of a dropped runaway water blast gun that failed to shut-off is eliminated.

Abstract: A hybrid control system is employed utilizing both hydraulic and pneumatic principles to effectively control the engine speed from a remote location as well as controlling the clutch engagement between the engine and a typical load such as a high pressure pump. The hybrid control system utilizes a pneumatic actuator for disengagement of the normally engaged engine clutch mechanism and a hydraulic actuator for control of engine throttle setting. Each of these actuators is controlled through the use of several electrically actuated solenoid valves which are effective to selectively apply a source of air pressure either to the pneumatic clutch actuator for disengaging the clutch or applying air pressure to the top of a hydraulic fluid reservoir to operate a hydraulic actuator connected to the engine throttle mechanism.

Abstract: A novel bellows expansion joint design and method of preventing stress corrosion cracking incorporates an internal cylindrical weir or sleeve which defines an inner flushing chamber adjacent the expansion bellows wherein connections are provided on the exterior wall of the expansion joint body to allow the admission of a chemical solution or treating fluid directly onto the inside surface of the bellows from an external connection to the expansion joint. In addition, a further connection is provided to a second flushing chamber surrounding the exterior of the bellows so that a similar solution may be admitted and allowed to overflow from an upper portion of the chamber.

Abstract: An improved efficiency propulsion system and method of improving the efficiency of a vessel operated in deep and shallow water depths and at constant or variable loaded and ballast waterlines contemplates the use of a variable diameter propeller means capable of varying between a maximum extended diameter D and a minimum effective diameter D mounted on a propeller shaft having an axis of rotation displaced from the bottom keel of the ship a distance less than one-half the maximum diameter D of the propeller means. In this way, because of the use of the variable diameter ship propeller, the propulsion shaft may be located closer than otherwise permissible to the bottom keel of the ship which has the result of lowering the top blade tip trajectory relative to any particular chosen waterline and also providing space for a generally larger diameter more efficient propeller installation.

Abstract: A fluid pipeline sampler is disclosed which operates so as to trap a liquid sample and then eject it. To achieve this, a piston (18) and sleeve (14) within a casing (1) are displaced together downwardly to move a pair of portholes (10, 11) in the sleeve out of register with a pair of ports (2, 3) in the casing wall, so as to trap the liquid sample in an internal space between the two portholes (10, 11). In this position the sleeve (14) is restrained against further downward movement. On continuing downward advancement of the piston, the trapped liquid sample is ejected out of the internal space through a passageway (21) in the piston for analysis.

Abstract: An inline valve pump design is provided wherein the suction and the discharge valves operate along a central axis coincident and inline with a reciprocating plunger. The reciprocating plunger operates within a cylinder and a stuffing box which are independently secured by separate securing means to the drive housing of the pump. The cylinder thus secured by these independent securing means to the pump housing is also provided with an outer end having a large threaded portion to which a mounting adapter ring is secured. This ring in turn provides the mounted base to which further securing means, independent of the securing means holding the cylinder and stuffing box to the drive housing, are attached. These second or further securing means are effective to attach the suction and discharge manifold assemblies to the head of the cylinder, and in so doing capture the inline suction and discharge valve assembly to the cylinder head.

Abstract: A novel arrangement of cyclone and plenum assembly and support therefor wherein the plenum is a totally separate vessel and is suspended from the main vessel shell on pinned connectors to thereby provide for unrestrained vertical and horizontal movement. In turn, the cyclone weight or load is supported directly from the outer periphery of the plenum chamber in a manner to allow direct load transfer from the heavy cyclones directly upward through the brackets and pinned connectors to the main vessel shell. This arrangement which is in effect a floating plenum and cyclone combination, is connected to the vessel outlet line with a flexible bellows connection providing the necessary seal between the main vessel and the plenum. The use of relatively short radial bracket members on the outer periphery of the plenum chamber, to which the pivoted support links are connected, minimizes the length of the support beam to which the combined load of the cyclones and the plenum is applied.

Abstract: In all refractory gas distributor is used to distribute fluidization gas to a fluidized bed reactor. The distributor slabs contain cast-in gas passages which distribute the gas to uniformly distributed grid holes to the surface. The slabs are continuously supported by a bed of refractory filling the bottom head of said reactor vessel and pressure equalization passages are provided to place the lower surface of the grid plate in fluid communication with the upper surface of the grid plate.

Abstract: Changes in the flow-rates of each one of a plurality of fluid streams which pass from respective conduits (13) to a common conduit (12) are monitored by taking a representative sample of fluid from a sampling point (16) of the common conduit, determining the change in composition of at least key components of the sample relative to a preceding sample obtained in the same manner, and computing from the change in composition the composition of the fluid stream whose flow-rate has changed, so that the fluid stream can be identified by reference to a library or database of fluid stream compositions. When the fluid streams are gases (e.g. gases to be flared at an oil refinery or chemical process plant), each sample may be analyzed by a gas chromatograph (18) at predetermined intervals and the fluid stream whose flow-rate has changed may be identified automatically by comparison with a database or library (22) of fluid streams. The thus identified fluid stream may be recorded and/displayed (19).

Abstract: A process for automatically providing for periodic surge flow or liquid slugs in the catalyst bed to insure that the catalyst is periodically fully wetted. Therefore, before dry spots develop in the bed and some catalyst particles are deprived of the liquid reactants, the aforesaid liquid pulse or slug will rewet the catalyst. This desired periodic introduction of a liquid slug through a catalyst bed is accomplished by the provision of a plurality of automatically actuating and operating siphon means disposed and distributed across the area of the distributor tray means within the reactor.

Abstract: A double disc variable orifice valve is provided for fluid solids service in a petroleum process conduit wherein each disc thereof is provided with a plurality of equally spaced and equally sized apertures extending therethrough. One of the discs of the valve is fixed relative to the surrounding valve conduit. Adjacent to the fixed orifice disc or plate, there is provided an adjustable orifice plate having a similar number of sized and spaced orifices. The adjustable orifice plate is supported at its center from the fixed orifice plate in a pivotal mounting arrangement which may include a central fixed aperture.

Abstract: A compressed ceramic fiber blanket insulation is held in place in the domed portion with a plurality of curved ribs, or alternatively, the combination of curved ribs and a wire mesh. Such arrangement is preferable for holding fiber blanket insulation material over possible alternate methods for securing it since the thermal expansion of the ribs at elevated operating temperature of the vessel is designed to progressively compact the blanket lining to counteract any fiber shrinkage or associated expansion of the metal shell casing.

Abstract: A fastening anchor for securing a second refractory layer to a previously applied first insulation layer made of ceramic material is disclosed. The ceramic anchor is partially driven into the first layer prior to setting of the first layer, and the second layer is applied over an enlarged head portion and serations of the anchor.

Abstract: A yoke mooring system pivoted on the forecastle of a vessel, such as a shuttle tanker, is detachably coupled to a riser which is attached to a base located on the ocean floor. The yoke mooring system includes clamping arms which engage a ball with an axial passage at the upper end of the riser. Hydraulic cylinders raise and lower the yoke, and a hydraulic cylinder shifts mechanical linkages to open and close clamping arms mounted on the yoke. A socket is formed in the clamping arms to receive the ball. Cargo piping on the vessel is joined to the ball through hoses and a fluid swivel. Fluid cargo can pass upwardly through the riser, through the ball, through the fluid swivel and hoses, and then through cargo piping to storage tanks on the vessel. Bearings situated between the riser and the ball allow the ball to rotate such that, when the clamping arms are coupled to the ball, the vessel can rotate about the riser without disrupting fluid flow or damaging the riser.

Abstract: Fluid flow in parallel-connected conduits is regulated by sensing the pressures and/or temperatures at the junctions of the conduits, and regulating the supply of power to a fluid propelling means operable in one of the conduits in accordance with a signal which is representative of the sensed pressure drop and/or temperature drop between the junctions. In a furnace installation having an air preheater (14) in a duct (12) and a parallel-connected by-pass duct (18), the pressure difference and/or temperature difference between the junctions (19, 20) of the ducts (12, 18) is/are employed to generate a signal which regulates the supply of power to an induced draft fan (17) in the air preheater duct (12). The damper (21) normally provided in the by-pass duct (18) may be removed or set at its open position.

Abstract: This invention features a manifold that divides a stream of coal particles and liquid into several smaller streams maintaining equal or nearly equal mass compositions. The manifold consists of a horizontal, variable area header having sharp-edged, right-angled take-offs which are oriented on the bottom of the header.

Abstract: A sampling device for isokinetic sampling of a flowable substance passing through a conduit comprises a plurality of relatively narrow tubes (27) of substantially equal length each open at one end and terminating in a metering valve (30) at the other end. The tubes (27) are sealed within an externally smooth sheath (28) and the open ends protrude different distances from the sheath, substantially along a straight line parallel to the axis of the sheath (28). The end portions of the tubes (27) are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the sheath's axis so as to be substantially parallel to the axis of the conduit, when disposed for use. The open ends of the tubes (27) are substantially in a common plane perpendicular to the lengths of the end portions.

Abstract: A streamlined coal slurry letdown valve is featured which has a two-piece throat comprised of a seat and seat retainer. The two-piece design allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the valve. A novel cage holds the two-piece throat together during the high pressure letdown. The coal slurry letdown valve has long operating life as a result of its streamlined and erosion-resistance surfaces.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for safely transferring personnel to and from a sea launch from and to a tanker, a freighter, a bulk carrier, passenger ship or any other vessel or platform relatively larger than the launch or a boat. The system comprises a carrier, which is lifted and lowered by a winch including a hoisting motor, a continuously running tensioning motor, at least one cable connected to said carrier and operatively connected to the tensioning motor and the hoisting motor, and a coupling device disposed between the hoisting motor and the tensioning motor. A weight, which is part of the carrier, or which is suspended underneath, or, alternately, a line attached to the launch and carrier, provides the necessary compensation to the changing personnel weight and allows the carrier to follow motion of the moving deck of the launch.