Abstract: A system and method for quantifying opaque inhomogeneities within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a stage where the sample is introduced. The light beam is directed onto the sample in a pattern such that the intensity of transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector measures the transmitted light through the sample. Fluctuations in transmitted light intensity are then correlated with detection of opaque inclusions in the sample. The system also includes an automated program which utilizes these optical concentration measurements to determine the fouling potential of visbroken tars, and regulates the introduction of chemical inhibitors into a visbreaker unit to improve the yield of light streams and/or economic value of product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing an emulsified aqueous hydrocarbon solution comprising, providing a liquid hydrocarbon stream at a particular temperature and a separate water stream, mixing the water stream with a surfactant at a predetermined ratio, raising the pressure of the hydrocarbon stream to a pressure greater than the vapor pressure of steam at the temperature, spraying the water into the hydrocarbon stream at a pressure greater than that of the hydrocarbon stream in a pre-mix chamber; and passing the pressurized hydrocarbon-water mixture through a static mixing chamber.

Abstract: A digital radiography imaging system for acquiring digital images of an object, and a method for transforming digital images into an absolute thickness map characterizing the object under inspection. The system includes a radiation source for directing radiation through a desired region of the object, and a radiation detector having a plurality of sensing elements for detecting radiation passing through the object. Numerical data generated from each sensing element is calibrated, for example by correcting for variations in radiation paths between the source and detector, by correcting for variations in the spatial frequency response (MTF) of the detector, by correcting for variations in the geometric profile of the object under inspection, and by correcting for material contained in and/or around the object. The calibrated data is processed in order to generate and display an absolute thickness map of the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foam control compositions and methods for controlling foam in aqueous media by adding to the system an effective amount of the foam control agent of the present invention. The antifoam/defoam compositions of the present invention include a concentration of active ingredients such as a polyalkylene glycol, a fatty alcohol alkoxylate, and an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer, the compositions carried in polybutene and surfactants selected from polyethylene glycol esters, sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene fatty acid esters, and dialkyl phthalate. These compositions have been found to be superior in controlling foam versus conventional defoamers. The benefits of the foaming control effect are more evident at moderate to high temperatures and high caustic aqueous media such as Bayer process liquors.

Abstract: Lecithin and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (BNPD) are used to inhibit corrosion in boiler steam condensate systems. Aqueous steam condensate corrosion inhibiting compositions of these components are also disclosed. BNPD is also used as a preservative in lecithin containing and in other GRAS additive containing compositions.

Abstract: A system and method for counting opaque particles within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a sample on a multi-dimensional translation stage. The translation stage is moved in a pattern such that the intensity of the transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector is used to measure the transmitted light through the sample. An analog-to-digital converter quantifies the transmitted light intensity. Changes in light intensity along the path length are correlated with the detection of an opaque particle. Data processing algorithms are implemented to automatically determine the background noise level associated with the acquired data and to set a discriminator level above which a particle is registered. The total number of particles and an areal density is reported along with an estimate of the uncertainty.

Abstract: Chromate-free treatments and compositions, for applying a conversion or passivation coating to zinc coated metal surfaces. The compositions comprise a polyamidoamine/epihalohydrin polymer or cationic polyamine/epihalohydrin polymer component, fluoacid, H3PO4, and a film forming polymer latex component. The requisite metal surfaces are contacted by the compositions and dried. Rinsing is optional.

Abstract: The corrosion of metals in contact with aqueous alkanolamine solutions in acid gas removal units is inhibited by adding to the alkanolamine solution a corrosion inhibiting amount of a polythiaether compound.

Abstract: A treatment for accelerating the settling of finely divided solids in hydrocarbon fluids, including adding to the hydrocarbon a sufficient settling amount of a combination of at least two of (a) a quaternary fatty ammonium compound, (b) a hetero-atom punctuated fatty polymer and (c) an alkylphenol-formaldehyde resin alkoxylate.

Abstract: A system and method for counting opaque particles within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a sample on a multi-dimensional translation stage. The translation stage is moved in a pattern such that the intensity of the transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector is used to measure the transmitted light through the sample. An analog-to-digital converter quantifies the transmitted light intensity. Changes in light intensity along the path length are correlated with the detection of an opaque particle. Data processing algorithms are implemented to automatically determine the background noise level associated with the acquired data and to set a discriminator level above which a particle is registered. The total number of particles and an areal density is reported along with an estimate of the uncertainty.

Abstract: A system and method for quantifying opaque inhomogeneities within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a stage where the sample is introduced. The light beam is directed onto the sample in a pattern such that the intensity of transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector measures the transmitted light through the sample. Fluctuations in transmitted light intensity are then correlated with detection of opaque inclusions in the sample. The system also includes an automated program which utilizes these optical concentration measurements to determine the fouling potential of visbroken tars, and regulates the introduction of chemical inhibitors into a visbreaker unit to improve the yield of light streams and/or economic value of product.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting depletion of mineral values from pregnant lixiviant solutions comprise contacting the requisite metal ore with a preg-robbing inhibition agent (PRIA) comprising (I) alkyl polyglucoside surfactants; (II) imidazoline based amphoteric surfactants; (III) hydroformylation products of lower (C2–C8) alkanes in an organic solvent medium, and (IV) esters and aldehydes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improved separation of inverted drilling mud emulsions into their component phases. The emulsion is mixed with a treatment comprising a cationic acrylamide/quaternary ammonium copolymer (I) and a cationic coagulant (II) comprising a copolymer of a tannin, and cationic monomer.

Abstract: A process for removing iron impurities from sand by treatment of an aqueous slurry of the sand with a chelating agent for iron cations.

Abstract: A digital radiography imaging system for acquiring digital images of an object, and a method for transforming digital images into an absolute thickness map characterizing the object under inspection. The system includes a radiation source for directing radiation through a desired region of the object, and a radiation detector having a plurality of sensing elements for detecting radiation passing through the object. Numerical data generated from each sensing element is calibrated, for example by correcting for variations in radiation paths between the source and detector, by correcting for variations in the spatial frequency response (MTF) of the detector, by correcting for variations in the geometric profile of the object under inspection, and by correcting for material contained in and/or around the object. The calibrated data is processed in order to generate and display an absolute thickness map of the object.

Abstract: An automated method for suppressing fugitive dust dissemination is disclosed. The method provides for automated measurement of dust levels at remote locations, transmission of the measurements to a centralized monitoring and control system which sends a signal to remote dust suppression treatment application apparatus which apply the appropriate dust suppression treatment chemicals.

Abstract: The corrosion of metals in contact with aqueous alkanolamine solutions in acid gas removal units is inhibited by adding to the alkanolamine solution a corrosion inhibiting amount of a polythiaether compound.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of high molecular weight cationic poly(meth) acrylamide/quaternary ammonium salt copolymers are disclosed wherein after at least about 50% of the monomers have been polymerized, a cross-linking agent is then added to the reaction mixture on a continuous basis and in the absence of any feed of chain transfer agent. Cationic copolymers so produced exhibit improved floc formation properties and are useful as flocculants and dewatering aids in aqueous systems that include an oily sludge or the like.

Abstract: A method of improving the sintering of mineral bearing ore which comprises the addition of an aqueous solution of a transition metal sulfate, preferable copper sulfate, to the sinter base mix or to the sinter trim feed is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of high molecular weight cationic poly(meth) acrylamide/quaternary ammonium salt copolymers are disclosed wherein after at least about 50% of the monomers have been polymerized, a cross-linking agent is then added to the reaction mixture on a continuous basis and in the absence of any feed of chain transfer agent. Cationic copolymers so produced exhibit improved floc formation properties and are useful as flocculants and dewatering aids in aqueous systems that include an oily sludge or the like.