Abstract: A batch type process for purification of a polymer resin, in which a predetermined volume of acid is rapidly emptied and stirred into a fixed volume of polymer slurry for chemically treating impurities in the slurry, is converted to a continuous operation by supplying a substantially constant stream of polymer slurry and a controlled stream of acid to a mixing vessel. pH control of the polymer slurry required for effective purification of the polymer resin is achieved by manipulating the flow rate of the acid stream responsive to a feedforward control signal which operates in conjunction with a feedback signal. The feedforward signal is based on an upstream measurement of slurry flow rate to the mixing vessel and the feedback signal is based on a downstream pH measurement of slurry flowing from the mixing vessel.

Abstract: A method for recovering a liquid diluent having a low salt content from an organic/aqueous mixture which contains significant quantities of the diluent, an alkali metal salt, and water comprises an integrated process which joins extraction and ion exchange steps and a reaction for the conversion of an alkali metal hydroxide. In the initial step the diluent is extracted from the original mixture employing a suitable extractant material. The extract from the initial step containing diluent, extractant material, along with reduced quantities of water and salt, is passed to an ion exchange column for conversion of the alkali metal salt to its hydroxide. In a following fractional distillation dewatering column the diluent begins to react with the alkali metal hydroxide to form an alkali-metal salt of aminocarboxylic acid which can pass harmlessly through the dewatering column for removal in further following fractional distillation step.

Abstract: A method for coating a poly(arylene sulfide) polymer surface with a semiconductive layer for static charge dissipation and/or induction shielding comprises laminating a poly(arylene sulfide) substrate against a copper foil sheet at a temperature above the melting point of the PAS substrate, wherein the copper foil sheet has been treated with a silane selected from a specific group. When the laminate is cooled and the copper foil peeled away, a poly(arylene sulfide) substrate having a semiconductive surface coating is obtained.

Abstract: A method for introducing a heavy oil feedstock into a catalytic cracking unit is disclosed which comprises forming the oil feed into a sheet of flowing fluid and breaking down the sheet of oil by mixing the oil with a sheet of atomizing gas flowing normally to the sheet of oil.

Abstract: Impregnated chloride ions are removed from a chloride containing, platinum on zinc aluminate catalyst support in a specific sequence of operations. In the dechlorination steps, the impregnated platinum is first anchored to the zinc aluminate support in a calcining step, and then the calcined catalyst support is washed with a wash medium to remove the corrosive chloride without removing the platinum catalyst.

Abstract: A continuous flow of particulate solids to a reactor is accomplished by first forming a heavy slurry in a storage tank, then transferring the heavy slurry to a mixing tank, where the heavy slurry is diluted to form a dilute slurry of desired density which can be continuously pumped to the reactor. Control of the particulate solids flow to the reactor is accomplished by calculating the flow rate of solid particles contained in the dilute slurry in an on-line computer, and comparing the calculated value to a desired value. The on-line calculation of particulate flow is based on the measured density and flow rate of the dilute slurry, and the predetermined densities of the dry particulate solids and the liquid diluent consituting the dilute slurry. The flow rate of the dilute slurry is continuously manipulated so as to maintain a desired flow rate of solid particles contained in the dilute slurry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a liquid level at a monitor point along the depth of a borehole utilizes a diaphragm pressure switch for sensing the pressure of a captive air column in a measurement tube extending from the pressure switch to a predetermined point below the monitor point. In use, a rising liquid level in the borehole seals off the open lower end of the measurement tube from the earth atmosphere and allows the rising liquid level to compress the captive air column. In a preferred embodiment a visual signal is activated by the pressure switch when the rising liquid level in the borehole reaches the monitor point.

Abstract: For upgrading heavy slurry oil containing catalyst fines from a catalytic cracking operation, the viscosity of the slurry oil is lowered in a hydrovisbreaking process step. In a preferred embodiment an admixture of the fines containing slurry oil and a metal containing resid oil fraction, resulting from a crude distillation, is passed through the hydrovisbreaker. The hydrovisbreaker effluent is separated into higher and lower boiling fractions with the lower boiling fraction preferably passed through a cracking unit so as to covert the lower boiling fraction to lower molecular weight hydrocarbon products.

Abstract: A cutter for tapping a plastic pipe, which is capable of retaining a cut coupon, comprises a generally cylindrical element that terminates at one end in a smooth, thin walled circular cutting edge. The cutting edge surrounds a hollow coupon receiving section of the cutter which contains internal threads for engaging the cut coupon so that the coupon is retained within the hollow section of the cutter after completion of the tapping operation. The cutter is used in conjunction with a tapping tee having an internally threaded through-bore for receiving external threads that are provided on a portion of the cutter. The cutter is rotatably advanced through the bore of the tapping tee so as to contact and then cut through the plastic pipe to be tapped.

Abstract: A wire guided float level measurement system includes a float, a nozzle and an ultrasonic level detector which are attachable to an open frame. The float, which is supportable on a froth, is slideably attached to te frame via one or more guide wires, and the nozzle and ultrasonic level detector are fixed near the top of the frame. In operation the frame, with attachments, is disposed in a flotation cell in an upright position so as to traverse a froth layer which is formed in the cell. The float, while supported by the froth so as to follow the froth level, serves as a target for pulses transmitted from the ultrasonic level detector, and the detector continually measures the distance to the float which is an indirect indication of froth level. Any mineral accumulation on the float, which would interfere with its buoyancy, is washed off the top of the float by spraying wash water through one or more nozzles.

Abstract: A high temperature absorption process for bulk recovery of CO.sub.2 comprises contacting a gaseous mixture containing CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, and natural gas with C.sub.3 and heavier components and having a high and variable CO.sub.2 loading, with an amine absorbent solution at a temperature above 220.degree. F. The amine absorbent solution is continuously regenerated in a multiple section flashing so as to reduce the energy requirements for regeneration and thereby making the process more suitable for bulk recovery of CO.sub.2 from gas streams associated with enhanced oil recovery projects employing CO.sub.2 for miscible flood of oil reservoirs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons in a which a first toroidal vortex of fuel and a combustion supporting gas is created with its center adjacent the axis of an elongated combustor; a second toroidal vortex of combustion supporting gas is generated between the first toroidal vortex; the fuel is burned in the presence of the combustion supporting gas to produce a fuel gas at the downstream end of the combustor; water is introduced into the flue gas adjacent the downstream end of the combustion to produce a mixture of flue gas and water; a major portion of the water is vaporized in a vaporizor to produce a mixture of flue gas and steam; and the mixture of flue gas and steam is injected into a hydrocarbon bearing formation.

Abstract: In the extrusion of plastic pipe wherein the pipe is in a self supporting but semi-molten state on exiting a die orifice, the inner surface of the extrudate is cooled by a device which applies a suction for establishing flow of a cooling fluid which contacts the inner surface of the extrudate. In a further embodiment the flow of cooling fluid established for cooling the extrudate additionally cools a cavity within a mandrel of the die orifice.

Abstract: Heavy hydrocarbon oil, containing asphaltene, sulfur and metal contaminants, is hydrotreated in the presence of a hydrotreating catalyst having a small pore diameter in an initial process step to remove sulfur and metal contaminants. Removal of additional metal and sulfur contaminants is then accomplished in a second process step by solvent deasphalting, wherein the size of the pore diameter of the hydrotreating catalyst utilized in the initial hydrotreating step affects the metals rejection in the subsequent solvent deasphalting step. In a third process step the deasphalted oil is catalytically cracked substantially in the absence of added hydrogen to provide lower boiling hydrocarbon products.

Abstract: A method of introducing oxygen-containing gas into a fluidized bed of cracking catalyst particles through a plurality of nozzles which are arranged in the underside portion of the catalyst bed. One aspect of the invention comprises positioning at least one of a plurality of nozzles, used in the fluidized bed, substantially vertically downward. Another aspect of the invention comprises installing at least one nozzle with a length greater than the diameter of a header pipe which supplies the plurality of nozzles. In yet other aspects of the invention comprises installing at least one of the nozzles with a beveled tip, and installing at least one nozzle with a baffle on its tip.

Abstract: A method of molding thermoplastic material into a collar for use on a drill string is disclosed. Initially a precursor is constructed by rolling a sheet of thermoplastic material, containing long reinforcement fibers, into a tubular "roll" and placing the roll in a generally cylindrical open mold so as to align longitudinal axes of the roll and the open mold. A cylindrical mold core, which mates with the open mold to form a mold cavity, has an end piece perpendicular to the cylindrical portion for closing the mold. The mold core is forced, with correct alignment, into the open mold using high pressure which closes the mold and causes the thermoplastic material, containing long reinforcement fibers, to take the required shape. The thus formed part is cooled and ejected from the mold for use as the precursor. Final steps include machining the ends of the precursor to produce the desired collar.

Abstract: Nozzle designs and processes introducing the regeneration air into a catalytic cracking unit are disclosed which reduce the probability of erosion induced nozzle failures. Novel features include nozzle length, tip design, and orientation with respect to the air headers.In one aspect of the invention at least one of the nozzles is positioned substantially vertically downwardly. In another aspect of the invention at least one of the nozzles has a length greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. In another aspect of the invention at least one of the nozzles is provided with a beveled tip. In still another aspect of the invention, at least one of the nozzles is provided with a baffle on its tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for transferring acid catalyst from a transport vehicle where liquid acid is carried under a relatively low vapor pressure level to a process vessel in an alkylation process where liquid acid is contained at a higher pressure level, while minimizing the loss of acid vapor to the environment. The acid transfer is accomplished without venting the process vessel by employing a relatively small volume pressure lock chamber between the transport vessel and the storage vessel. In a preferred embodiment the small volume pressure lock chamber also serves as a storage vessel for make-up acid which is added to the alkylation process as required.

Abstract: In a system for blending of streams having various flow rates, various concentrations of a selected material, and various transport times from a point where measurements are taken to a mixing tank containing the blended product, signals representative of flow rates and concentrations are continually established for a plurality of streams. These signals are processed in a supervisory computer which provides a calculated control signal to manipulate the concentration of one of the stream being blended in such a manner that a predetermined desired concentration of a selected material is achieved for the blended product.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a liquid level at a monitor point along the depth of a borehole utilizes a diaphragm pressure switch for sensing the pressure of a captive air column in a measurement tube extending from the pressure switch to a predetermined point below the monitor point. In use a rising liquid level in the borehole seals an open lower end of the measurement tube from the earth atmosphere and allows the rising liquid level to compress the captive air column. In a preferred embodiment a visual signal is activated by the pressure switch when the liquid level in the borehole reaches the monitor point.