Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for heating well fracturing fluid using natural gas supplied to a frac water heater are provided. In some embodiments, portable separators can be tied into an existing, on-site, natural gas source and supply the heating unit's burner system with the producer's own produced natural gas (for example, sweet fuel gas). By using on-site sweet fuel gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or diesel consumption and associated cartage costs can be reduced or eliminated. As such, the apparatuses and methods can also reduce the associated carbon footprint on the environment. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods can comprise a drying element to dry or condition the gas prior to use.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for heating well fracturing fluid using natural gas supplied to a frac water heater are provided. In some embodiments, portable separators can be tied into an existing, on-site, natural gas source and supply the heating unit's burner system with the producer's own produced natural gas (for example, sweet fuel gas). By using on-site sweet fuel gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or diesel consumption and associated cartage costs can be reduced or eliminated. As such, the apparatuses and methods can also reduce the associated carbon footprint on the environment. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods can comprise a drying element to dry or condition the gas prior to use.

Abstract: A Variable Frequency Drive Power Center incorporating a new passive Harmonic Filter in an improved housing structure for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). The new harmonic filter improves the overall system performance by drastically reducing the line side current harmonics generated by all VFDs. The harmonic filter includes a series inductance, a parallel capacitance, and a buck transformer. The filter provides a low impedance path for the harmonic currents generated by VFD and therefore prevents them from flowing into the input ac power lines. The filter also improves the input power factor of the VFD system because of its increased inductive reactance under full-load conditions. Although the filter causes an overvoltage across the VFD terminals because of its increased capacitive reactance at the fundamental frequency this problem is overcome by using the buck transformer.

Abstract: Irrigation control apparatus includes:(a) a mast having a lower portion adapted to be removably inserted into the earth,(b) soil moisture sensing structure associated with or separate from said lower portion of the mast, and(c) data transmitting apparatus on an upper portion of the mast and operatively connected with said sensing structure for transmitting to a central station data indicative of soil moisture conditions at the location of the mast.

Abstract: Irrigation control apparatus includes a mast or masts, a soil moisture sensor or sensors associated with a lower portion of each mast, data transmission apparatus associated with an upper portion of each mast to transmit data continuously measured by the sensor, and circuitry to process that transmitted data.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry monitors the electrical energy consumption of a system and displays the current cost of the energy usage. The projected monthly billing cost is calculated at the current rate of consumption, and an alarm signal is generated if the projected cost is higher than a budget amount. The current flow is sensed and digital pulses are fed to a microprocessor for counting and conversion to cost parameters. Clock pulses are also directed to the microprocessor for calculating the billing period and for displaying time parameters. A keyboard enables initializing and modifying the cost and time parameters in the microprocessor.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring circuit measures the amount of energy consumed by a system and displays the corresponding cost of the energy. An alarm circuit is triggered if the cost exceeds a predetermined amount over a given period of time. The monitoring circuit includes an electromagnetic coil which senses the magnitude of the input current and generates a d-c voltage having an amplitude corresponding to the current magnitude. The d-c voltage drives a voltage-controlled oscillator to generate an a-c signal having a frequency corresponding to the d-c voltage amplitude. The oscillator has been preset so that the generated a-c signal has a frequency representing a unit of cost of electrical power corresponding to the sensed current magnitude. A multivibrator generates a pulsed digital signal corresponding to the a-c signal frequency, each pulse indicating a unit of cost for the electrical power consumed.