Abstract: Direct D.C. electrical coupling between a fuel cell and an electrolysis cell is achieved without use of any other electrical power or storage source by use of an oxidant partial pressure control system. This system is based on comparison of the desired fuel cell output voltage with the actual voltage output of the fuel cell and adjusting the partial pressure accordingly.

Abstract: A drivable pile with a plurality of helical flanges affixed radially symmetrically about the external surface of an elongated pile member. In a preferred embodiment, two flanges are diametrically opposed at radial positions 180.degree. apart with an axial pitch of 30.degree. to the longitudinal axis. The helical flanges complete a sum total of approximately one turn along a portion of the length of the pile member and are removed slightly from the lower end of the pile.

Abstract: A prilling apparatus with which a molten material hardenable upon cooling is prilled to a narrow size distribution without fouling of atomizing fluid ports. The apparatus includes: (a) a nozzle body; (b) a central bore for conducting the feed material through the nozzle body; (c) a plurality of exit passages formed in the nozzle body in fluid communication between the central bore and exterior the nozzle body; and (d) a plurality of atomizing fluid passages adapted for impinging an atomizing fluid upon feed material essentially exteriorly the nozzle body at an angle of from about 120.degree. to about 160.degree., preferably about 135.degree.-145.degree., when the atomizing fluid and the feed material are expelled under pressure from the fluid passages and the exit passages, respectively, thereby atomizing the feed material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a combination of several novel elements in combination with improved designs of existing elements, to provide a relatively simple means for delivering high melting molten metals, such as magnesium and its alloys, to a continuous caster without exposure of the metal to the ambient atmosphere, at reproducible pressures and quantities to enable the advanced casting technologies to be utilized to their fullest potential. Thus in accordance with the present invention there is described a molten metal handling system, particularly useful for delivering high melting temperature metals in their molten state from a melting pot or crucible to a casting machine, e.g. die caster, strip caster, sand molds and the like, remote from the melting pot or crucible without exposure to the ambient atmosphere. The essential elements of the present molten metal handling system are a pump and heated conduits to carry the molten metal to the casting station.

Abstract: A storage system and method for storing a valuable liquid in a subterranean cavity with a displacing liquid such as brine. The valuable liquid, which normally has a density above or about that of the displacing liquid, is modified by dissolving therein small amounts of a light fluid such as alkanes and alkenes of up to 4 carbon atoms, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide or combinations thereof. The amount of the light fluid dissolved in the stored liquid is sufficient to maintain the density of this phase below that of the displacing liquid so that the valuable liquid is stored over the displacing liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring very low levels of moisture in gases and vapors including an absorption column packed with fibers to selectively absorb the moisture. Preferably, the column is loosely packed with glass fibers. The moisture is desorbed from the column with a carrier gas that is passed through a moisture analyzer, preferably a P.sub.2 O.sub.5 hygrometer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for upgrading run-of-the-mine (ROM) lignites to remove the gangue (clays, rock etc.) which form ash when the lignite is burned. The unique features of the process, a combination of unit operations in a specified sequence, result in less loss of combustible fuel value without hydrodegradation (the production of a large volume of fines) normally associated with contact of the lignite with water as in pipeline transport of lignite.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining solubilities of gases and mixtures of gases in polymeric material at various temperature and pressure conditions. Employs means for saturating polymer with a gas, means for desorbing the sorbed gas by a flowing desorbing gas stream, means for sampling the desorbing gas stream and detecting the concentration of the desorbed gas in the desorbing gas, and means for calculating the total amount of gas desorbed from the polymeric material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus system for quickly determining on site if chemicals which are to be mixed can be done so safely without having a run-away exothermal reaction take place and without exposing personnel to the chemicals. The invention is particularly useful in dumping quantities of waste chemicals into a waste chemical reservoir containing a very complex mixture of many other waste chemicals.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, multiple fixtures are set forth which function as support structures for thermal fluxmeters. A fluxmeter wafer or pad having top and lower faces and forming an output signal by means of thermopiles connected to both faces is used. It is supported by first and second alternate forms of fixtures. A force is applied to the fluxmeter wafer which is approximately normalized in both fixtures. This establishes a stabilized contact force against a surface to measure heat loss through the surface. This avoids variations in surface contact.

Abstract: Vertical chlor-alkali cell metal anode in the shape of a double L having a hollow interior and a footing which can be attached to the anode's base by manipulations external to the anode's interior and whose hollow interior allows generated chlorine gas to rise inside the anode's interior, and whose design reduces the electrode gap thereby reducing the cell's operating voltage.

Abstract: Unitary, cast structural element for filter press electrolysis cell which incorporates into a single unit the central barrier between the peripheral boundaries for the adjacent anolyte compartment and adjacent catholyte compartment of two electrolysis cells located on opposite sides of the central barrier. Also incorporated into the single cast structural element are anode bosses and cathode bosses extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central barrier. These bosses not only serve as mechanical support for their respective flat plate anode and cathode, but also they serve as stand-off means and electrical current collectors and disperses from the cathode of one electrolysis cell to the anode of the next cell. Simplicity of design coupled with incorporation of many functional elements into one part eliminates many cell warpage problems, inherent high voltage problems and membrane "hot spot" problems.

Abstract: Improved trough-type liquid distributors and redistributors for use in vapor-liquid contact columns wherein uniform distribution of downflowing liquid is achieved by employing orifices in the sides of troughs, said orifices being sized such that they stay submerged. Better distribution is obtained when the orifices are used with adjacent vertical drip rods to which the liquid can adhere and follow downwardly by gravity flow. The invention allows good distribution at very low flow rates, e.g. less than 0.8 gallons/minute/square foot.

Abstract: Vertical chlor-alkali cell metal anode in the shape of a double L having a hollow interior and a footing which can be attached to the anode's base by manipulations external to the anode's interior and whose hollow interior allows generated chlorine gas to rise inside the anode's interior, and whose design reduces the electrode gap thereby reducing the cell's operating voltage.

Abstract: Liquid distributor in packed column wherein close, long-term uniform liquid distribution pattern is desired, particularly at ultra-slow distributing flow-rates. Distributor comprised of: (1) array of spaced, enclosed, horizontal distributor tubes capable of maintaining liquid to be distributed under pressure; (2) horizontal tube lines connecting these tubes; (3) vertical pipelets of predetermined inside diameter and length inserted into bottoms of distributor tubes and extending above bottom of tubes but not to top of tubes to avoid being stopped-up by debris in the liquid; and (4) a pressurized feed means. For feeds containing both liquid and vapor phase, a parting reservoir is provided above the distributor so that the vapor phase of the feed entering the reservoir can escape the liquid phase leaving the liquid phase to flow down a conduit into the distributor tubes, said conduit being of predetermined height above the tubes so as to provide liquid under constant pressure to the distributor tubes.

Abstract: Improved trough-type and plate-type liquid distributors and redistributors for use in vapor-liquid contact columns wherein uniform distribution of downflowing liquid is achieved by employing round orifices in the sides of vapor ducts and troughs, said orifices being sized such that they stay submerged. Even better distribution is obtained when small round orifices are used with adjacent vertical drip rods to which the liquid can adhere and follow downward. Invention allows good distribution for very low flow rates, e.g. less than 0.15 gallons/minute/square foot.

Abstract: A marine and fresh water filtration and polishing method and apparatus which provides mechanical filtrations; improved removal of chlorinated hydrocarbons, ammonia, and nitrite; aeration; and optionally is capable of buffering water and removing organic compounds from it. Invention operates by removing water from process aquarium or tank, and passing it in a trickle filter fashion through an open-cell polymeric foam material.

Abstract: Method for reducing electrical energy consumption increase of ion-exchange membranes over long term use which comprises electrolyzing an alkali metal chloride solution which contains no more than about 75 ppm "carbonate" whether such low "carbonate" solution is achieved by removing excess carbonate previously added to the solution to reduce the hardness or not.

Abstract: Methods of membrane regeneration of permselective ion-exchange membranes of a brine electrolysis cell are greatly improved when the cells are fed brine which contains little or no carbon dioxide, carbonate anions or bicarbonate anions during normal electrolysis and when the methods of membrane regeneration are those wherein at least one liquid solution contacts the membrane and the pH of that solution is below that of the pH of the electrolyte in contact with the membrane during normal electrolysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode-cathode assembly useful in brine electrolysis cells. Principally featured is an anode-cathode assembly wherein the anode is C- or U-shaped, and is fitted around the cathodes instead of being fitted between two cathodes.