Abstract: The specification discloses a steam distributor having a chamber to contain steam on one side of a paper web and a vacuum box on the opposite side of the paper web. The distributor has a feeding system for controlling the rate at which hot gas is applied to the paper.

Abstract: The specification discloses a steam distributor having a chamber to contain steam on one side of a paper web and a vacuum box on the opposite side of the paper web. The chamber has a vacuum release means to prevent the chamber from being pulled onto the paper web if vacuum is applied when steam is not applied.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating spent geothermal brine to remove silica. The process includes introducing the brine into the reaction zone of a reactor-clarifier and allowing the brine to flow therefrom into the clarification zone of the reactor-clarifier. In the clarification zone, particles settle from the brine and are urged to the center of the tank beneath the reaction zone, and the settled particles are drawn upwardly into the reaction zone by an impeller. The particles mix with the brine in the reaction zone to form a substantially uniform distribution therein to provide nuclei for silica precipitation from the brine. A stream of sludge is removed from the bottom of the reactor-clarifier and disposed of.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the measurement of the thickness of a sheet through the use of air bearings, the apparatus has a stationary housing, a member in the housing capable of being extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet, and a fluid ring bearing capable of directing fluid to impinge the member in a substantially omnidirection which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the member.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dry quenching coke while simultaneously eliminating pollutants emitted during coke pushing and quenching operations. The method includes pushing the hot coke from a coke oven into a hooded, mobile coke quench car, drawing the pollutants emitted during the push downwardly through the hot coke contained in the quench car to oxidize the pollutants and produce an inert combustion gas, cooling the hot inert gas and utilizing the heat recovered from the gas, cleaning the cooled inert gas, and returning the cooled cleaned inert gas to the quench car for further passage through the hot coke.

Abstract: A machine and process for washing paper stock pulp and similar free-filtering materials includes two or more horizontally-disposed wash drums mounted each in a tank. Two endless filter belts are trained to pass under each of said wash drums and through liquid contained in each of the tanks. A mat of pulp is formed between the two endless filter belts and carried under each of the wash drums for washing therein. Wash liquor passes through the pulp mat as it travels under each of the drums thereby washing the pulp mat, and the liquor passes between the drums and the tanks by gravity flow. After the pulp has been washed it is removed from between the two belts.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling is provided for a fluid flowmeter wherein the magnetic coupling includes a first and a second magnet assembly. The first magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets coupled to the counter mechanism of the flowmeter, and the second magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets coupled to the propeller. The two magnet assemblies are constructed and located so that they magnetically influence one another, and when the propeller rotates the second assembly, the first assembly is driven to rotate thereby driving the counter.