Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in processes for the production of high-precision electronic components is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the throughput of recovery boilers equipped with at least two levels of injection of air, the methods improving the thermal efficiency of the boiler with oxygen enrichment of the air in at least one level of the combustion air system, at or above the secondary air level. In one method, a black liquor recover boiler having two levels of air injection is retrofitted with a third level of oxidant injection below or at the same level as the original secondary air, and oxygen enrichment is applied to at least the original secondary air stream and the third level air stream. A preferred method is for the third level to be placed at or close to the same level as the black liquor injector ports.

Abstract: A process for recovering olefins from a cracking effluent containing olefins and hydrogen. The process comprises compressing the cracking effluent in at least one compression stage to form a compressed cracking effluent, contacting the compressed cracking effluent with a membrane at conditions effective to obtain a permeate stream rich in hydrogen and a retentate stream depleted in hydrogen, and introducing the permeate stream into a pressure swing adsorption system at conditions effective to obtain a nonadsorbed stream rich in hydrogen and a desorbed stream comprising olefins.

Abstract: The cleaning process according to the present invention includes three main steps including supercritical extraction of soluble contaminants with a solvent composition, subcritical removal of particulate material with agitation, and solvent recovery and recycle. The supercritical extraction of soluble contaminants is performed by pumping a solvent composition into a cleaning vessel containing articles to be cleaned and pressurizing and heating the fluid in the vessel to a supercritical state. Then the subcritical phase is begun to remove particulate material from the articles by reducing the pressure and temperature of the solvent composition in the cleaning vessel to a subcritical state and reforming the liquid/gas interface. Agitation of the articles in the cleaning vessel is provided by recirculation of the solvent composition or by motion of a mechanical device within the cleaning vessel.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the production of hydrogen cyanide by reacting methane, ammonia and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. The process, more specifically, comprises first establishing a temperature for the catalyst in the reaction using air as a source for oxygen. This essentially establishes the gauze temperature of the plant. Additional oxygen is then provided to the reaction to provide oxygen enrichment of the reaction feed, while also adjusting the amount of ammonia and methane reactants in the reaction feed such that the volume percent of the ammonia and methane is above the upper flammability limit and the temperature of catalyst is maintained within 50.degree. C. of the temperature of the catalyst originally established as the fixed gauze temperature of the plant. The process of the present invention allows one to increase production of hydrogen cyanide while maintaining safe operation and not sacrificing catalyst performance in return.

Abstract: Compressed gas cylinder valve removal tools and a kit are disclosed. A body portion of the tools mate with a corresponding portion on a compressed gas cylinder valve assembly. A stem portion of the tools is advanced through the body portion and into the valve assembly of the compressed gas cylinder. A punch portion of the stem impinges against the valve of the valve assembly and punches out the valve into the compressed gas cylinder. A gas vent path is provided through the valve removal tool to allow residual gas within the compressed gas cylinder to escape through the tool to atmosphere while the valve is being punched out. In an alternative embodiment, the valve removal tool includes portions which mate with corresponding portions on a compressed gas cylinder valve, to unscrew the valve from the valve assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method and system for separating and purifying perfluorocompounds (PFCs). The method comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a perfluorocompound-containing gas stream into a first distillation column; (b) removing a light product from the first column, and removing a heavy product from the first column; (c) introducing the first column light product into a second distillation column; (d) removing a light product from the second column, and removing a heavy product from the second column; (e) introducing the second column light product into a third distillation column; and (f) removing a light product from the third column, and removing a heavy product from the third column. The method and system can be advantageously used in the treatment of exhaust gases from semiconductor processing tools, and results in highly purified PFCs which can be recycled, thereby avoiding the release of PFCs into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An individual quick freeze apparatus is presented which is designed to allow continuous production of high quality individually quick frozen product, for example food products, using a process which constantly alters the orientation and position of the product which is being frozen. The freezer includes an elongated freezing chamber having a product support extending from a product entrance end to a product exit end. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of liquid cryogen injectors are provided which spray a cryogenic liquid directly on the product. At least one blower is positioned along at least one the side of the product support to blow cold recirculated gas across the product to cool and agitate the product. The direct liquid/gas contact with the product causes rapid heat removal allowing for more product throughput per length of freezer. The individual quick freeze apparatus may also be used as the first tier in a multitier freezer.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a sterile cryogenic liquid (for example into a container of food) is provided, as well as a method of use of same using a just-in-time approach to production. The apparatus includes at least one cryogenic liquid filter, the filter including filter media having the capability to effectively sterilize cryogenic liquids, the filter media positioned within a housing to accept non-sterile cryogenic liquid and produce sterile cryogenic liquid. The apparatus further includes at least one sterile cryogenic liquid receptor tube, the sterile cryogenic liquid receptor tube having a sterile cryogenic liquid outlet for outflowing sterile cryogenic liquid. The receptor tube is surrounded by a manifold which collects and drains spent condensed steam after a periodic filter sterilization cycle. The receptor tube also collects raw cryogenic fluid, which helps insulate sterile cryogen in the receptor tube. The cryogenic liquid filter is provided within a vacuum jacketed tank.

Abstract: The process and system according to the present invention are used for the production of an atmosphere. The process involves feeding an impure nitrogen stream, combined with a hydrocarbon to a catalytic reactor having a non-noble metal catalyst to produce a gas which is suitable for use as an atmosphere in furnaces for thermal treatment of metals. The impure nitrogen stream, contains less than 21% oxygen and is preferably produced by a gas membrane system. The system for producing the atmosphere preferably includes a membrane separator, one or more heat exchangers and a catalytic reactor preferably having a nickel catalyst on an alumina support.

Abstract: Provided is a valved extended time-temperature indicator. This indicator comprises a base substrate and two transparent polymeric layers on top of the base substrate in adhesive contact with each other. The indicator further comprises a valve member which is restrictive of the flow of dye therethrough, which valve is interposed between the two polymer layers such that there is no adhesive contact between the two polymer layers in the area of the valve. A deposit of colored dye is either on the lower polymeric layer, in which case the valve may be in physical contact with the dye, or on the base substrate. In either case the dye is visible through the polymeric layers, with the dye being positioned directly below the valve member, however, so that the valve member at least partially obstructs visibility of the dye deposit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating sulfur containing waste streams, comprising:a) injecting said sulfur containing waste streams into a sulfuric acid regeneration unit so as to produce a sulfur dioxide containing effluent;b) passing a portion of said sulfur dioxide containing effluent to a Claus thermal reactor, andc) diverting a portion of said portion of said sulfur dioxide containing effluent of step b to a Claus catalytic reactor that is downstream from said Claus thermal reactor in an amount sufficient to maintain the average temperature in the Claus thermal reactor to be less than 3,250.degree. F.

Abstract: An instrument calibrating demand flow regulator for providing a demanded amount of calibration gas from a calibration gas source to an instrument to be calibrated to permit calibration of the instrument includes a housing having an interior, an inlet for connection to the calibration gas source and an outlet for connection to the instrument to be calibrated. A pressure regulating valve device positioned within the interior of the housing regulates the pressure of the calibrated gas entering the interior of the housing through the inlet and a demand flow valve device delivers calibration gas to the outlet of the housing upon demand by a pump operatively associated with the instrument.

Abstract: An individual quick freeze apparatus is presented which is designed to allow continuous production of high quality individually quick frozen product, for example food products, using a process which constantly alters the orientation and position of the product which is being frozen. The freezer includes an elongated freezing chamber having a product support extending from a product entrance end to a product exit end. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of liquid cryogen injectors are provided which spray a cryogenic liquid directly on the product. At least one blower is positioned along at least one the side of the product support to blow cold recirculated gas across the product to cool and agitate the product. The direct liquid/gas contact with the product causes rapid heat removal allowing for more product throughput per length of freezer.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and injecting a sterile cryogenic liquid (for example into a container of food) is provided, as well as a method of use of same. The apparatus includes at least one purge-swept cryogenic liquid filter, the filter including filter media having the capability to effectively sterilize cryogenic liquids, the filter media positioned within a housing to accept non-sterile cryogenic liquid and produce sterile cryogenic liquid, and to recycle an amount of the non-sterile cryogenic liquid. The apparatus further includes at least one sterile cryogenic liquid accumulator, the sterile cryogenic liquid accumulator having a sterile cryogenic liquid outlet for dispensing sterile cryogenic liquid, the sterile cryogenic liquid outlet having a passageway for a sterile cryogenic gas, whereby the sterile cryogenic gas prevents contact of the sterile cryogenic liquid with a non-sterile atmosphere via pressurization and purging during dispensing of same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave soldering process wherein an inert gas atmosphere is injected inside the wave soldering machine, the inert gas atmosphere having a temperature which might be controlled. Particularly, the atmosphere can be heated at the same or different temperatures before injection, for example in the preheating zones, in the machine. The atmosphere can also be cooled (or injected at ambient temperature) e.g. in the cooling zone. Various atmospheres can be used (similar or different from one zone to another). Also, maintaining the atmosphere under forced laminer flow conditions improves the quality of the solder joints. The thermal efficiency of the heat transfer between the atmosphere and the printed circuit boards is thus greatly enhanced, which means less solder defects, higher components density and decrease of energy consumption and inert gas flow rate.

Abstract: A system for extracting nitrogen from air to produce a flow of nitrogen includes a compressor for compressing air and an air separator connected to the compressor for producing nitrogen from the compressed air. The compressor is provided with a reducing device for reducing an effective length of the rotatable rotors which acts to compress air in order to cause the compressor to operate at less than full capacity. An internal pressure control regulator operatively associated with the compressor regulates the discharge pressure from the compressor and provides a signal air pressure when the compressor discharge pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. An external input device allows an external signal indicative of a compressor operating level that is less than full capacity to be inputted and provides a signal air pressure based on the external signal.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device for recording the duration of time over which a temperature has been established above a predetermined temperature, which device includes a dye-compatible polymer composition having a softening point above the predetermined temperature and a polymer-compatible dye composition in contact with the polymer composition and present in a quantity with respect to the polymer composition sufficient for diffusion through the polymer composition whenever the polymer composition is above the predetermined temperature, which quantity is selected so that the extent of diffusion corresponds to the duration of exposure above the predetermined temperature relative to the total time required for substantially complete diffusion. Articles for which a heat history above a predetermined temperature is to be record, in combination with the disclosed time-temperature indicator devices are also described.