Abstract: A rotary control valve which is actuated by a steel bellows mechanism for use in a gas chromatograph. The steel bellows mechanism changes the valve positions as required by the gas chromatograph operation. An improved spring design provides an even pressure to the disc rotating against the valve body as well as allowing this pressure to be varied. Use of steel bellows and the proper materials for construction of the control valve will allow complete installation in the oven of a gas chromatograph for operation at a maximum temperature of 600.degree. F.
Abstract: A train of fluid pulses representative of a process variable is processed by digital fluidic circuits and is then converted into an analog fluid pressure signal which is compared to an analog command signal, the difference between the two compared signals being caused to appear in the form of a displacement. This displacement is amplified by means of a fluid servo system, the amplified output of which is utilized for directly driving a control element for a process.
Abstract: Disclosed is an inclinometer particularly adapted for use as a top-hole indicator in drilling operations. The inclinometer employs a ferrofluid in a closed tube; the fluid serves as an angle-sensitive movable core of a differential transformer. The secondary coils of the transformer are wrapped around the tube; the primary coil is wrapped around a core piece or the tube. Equipment is provided for comparing the outputs of the secondary coils to produce an angle signal. A sturdy construction for downhole use is disclosed.
Abstract: In an environment having two or more immiscible liquids wherein a first liquid floats on top of the second liquid, a gauging system which senses the depth of the first liquid which is floating on top of the second liquid. A float holding a capacitance probe which passes through the entire depth of the first liquid maintains the probe at the free surface level at all times. A cable wrapped around a drum and connected to the float is used for determining the free surface liquid level.
Abstract: A secondary recovery and pipe cleaning operation for expended wells such as petroleum bearing wells containing hardened residual deposits and trapped liquids wherein a sonic generator is placed within the liquid in the reservoir being drilled or in a liquid level in the well pipe, and sonic energy generated thereby is transmitted through the liquid to create new fissures or break up tars and produce the formation or clean deposits from the well pipe. Liquid such as diesel oil can be added to the formation prior to sonic stimulation where insufficient liquid is present to carry the sonic energy throughout the formation or in the well pipe. Also, the sonic generator is movable within the formation and can be self-propelled.
Abstract: An anti-hunting system for use with a valve operator circuit which compares two trains of pulses to place a valve in the correct position. The anti-hunting system includes a J-K flip-flop circuit receiving a clock pulse train having an absolute time relationship with the input pulse trains. Also included in the valve operator circuit is a system having a shift register for controlling the energizing of the leads to a stepping motor controlling the valve position.
Abstract: An improved apparatus for filling drums, for example oil drums wherein a drum is advanced to a filling station via a conveyor belt, a filling nozzle is inserted into the fill hole of the drum, the drum is filled, the nozzle removed and the conveyor advanced, which includes a safety switch preventing advancement of the conveyor belt until the filling nozzle is completely removed from the fill hole thereby preventing structural damage to the filling equipment.
Abstract: In a prover loop used to calibrate positive displacement meters, such as those used on a LACT-unit (Lease Automatic Custody Transfer) in the petroleum industry, a control system is provided for operating the prover loop valve. This control system is designed to operate so that each prover loop test is conducted under identical conditions. The system design permits easy conversion from the conventional hydraulic systems.
Abstract: A float valve for use in the vapor return lines of a vapor recovery system for liquid hydrocarbon storage facilities is disclosed. This valve is designed to prevent vapors from flowing against the float and to quickly close when the liquid level reaches the float.
Abstract: For manipulating a length of non-rigid tubing into position around a swing joint (which includes a 90.degree. fitting) in an underground pipe, a rigid guide tube (through which the non-rigid tubing may be passed) is utilized. The lower end of this guide tube is landed in the 90.degree. fitting, and a wedging member or whipstock, manipulatable from the surface, is operated to hold this end of the guide tube solidly in position in the 90.degree. fitting. After the guide tube is thus secured, the non-rigid tubing is passed down through the guide tube and around the 90.degree. fitting into a laterally-extending pipe; then, a foam-forming composition is pumped through the non-rigid tubing into this latter pipe to form a foamed plug therein.