Abstract: A multi-hole punch and ruler combination which is especially adapted for storage in and use with a multi-ring binder. The ruler provides a receptacle for receiving the punched out paper chips, as well as a plurality of retention tabs and support tabs for securing the punch in the receptacle in a press fit engagement which may be readily released by the user when desired. The punch comprises relatively low profile upper and lower portions, the lower portion having a defined paper receiving area with front and side edge borders for accurately aligning the edge of the paper relative to the punch members. The lower portion also provides a plurality of cantilevered fingers for receiving the paper edge adjacent the punch holes through which punch members on the upper portion of the punch can protrude and cut or punch holes in the paper sheets received by the punch of the invention. These fingers hold the edge of the paper sheet to separate the sheet from the punch members after the sheet has been punched.

Abstract: An improved smoke suppressant apparatus for flare gas combination comprising a flare housing and a liner cylinder member coaxially disposed therewithin, an annular orifice channel formed between the liner cylinder and the flare housing. A first flare conduit is in fluid communication with the orifice channel and a first flare gas portion passing through the flare conduit is discharged from the orifice channel at the upper end of the flare housing as a perimeter zone discharge configured as a relatively thin cylindrical layer of flare gas. A second flare conduit may be provided in fluid communication with the inner core of the liner cylinder to discharge a second flare gas portion therethrough as an inner zone discharge, and a liquid seal is provided to permit flare gas to pass via the second flare conduit only when the pressure of the inlet flare gas exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of hydrocarbon vapors from an air-hydrocarbon mixture wherein the inlet air-hydrocarbon mixture is passed to an absorber vessel in which is fed a vacuum flashed liquid hydrocarbon absorbent to produce an absorber overhead gas stream which is passed to a solid absorbent bed. Once saturated, the adsorbed hydrocarbon on the solid adsorbent bed is removed by liquid vacuum pump regeneration, separated from the pump liquid, and returned to the system for use. Hydrocarbon free air is vented from the solid adsorbent bed during the adsorption mode.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of hydrocarbon vapors from an air-hydrocarbon mixture expelled as a result of storage breathing or loading of a vented hydrocarbon vessel. An inlet air-hydrocarbon mixture is passed to a first absorber in which is fed a vacuum flashed liquid hydrocarbon absorbent to produce a first absorber overhead gas which is passed to a solid absorbent bed. Once saturated, the absorbed hydrocarbon on the solid absorbent is removed by vacuum regeneration, separated from liquid supplied by the liquid ring pump creating the vacuum, and passed to a second absorber vessel where fresh liquid hydrocarbon absorbent is contacted therewith to produce a second absorber overhead gas which is combined with the incoming inlet air-hydrocarbon mixture to pass therewith to the first absorber. Hydrocarbon free air is vented from the solid absorbent bed during the adsorption mode.

Abstract: An improved purging process in which purge gas is flowed through a flare system at a sufficient flow rate to minimize or at least acceptably control the rate of back flow of air migration into the exit port of the system. The flow of purge gas is periodically terminated (or reduced) for a predetermined interval of time during which air begins to migrate into the flare system. During this purge gas cessation interval, the flow rate of the flare gas is sensed, and depending upon predetermined flow rate ranges for the flare gas, the purge gas cessation is continued during the cessation interval or a partial purge gas flow is commenced to assure that the total gas flow rate in the system is maintained above a predetermined flow rate. In any event, once the cessation interval of time has lapsed, the full purge gas flow is re-established to assure that air migration is cleared from the system.

Abstract: An improved purging process in which purge gas is flowed through a flare system at a sufficient flow rate to minimize or at least acceptably control the rate of back flow of air migration into the exit port of the system. The purge gas is periodically terminated for a predetermined interval of time during which air begins to migrate into the flare system. Before this admittance of air can result in a hazardous condition within the system, the purge gas flow is re-established to sweep the air back out of the system.

Abstract: An improved flare gas combustion apparatus comprising a plurality of linear burners connected to plural flare gas conduits, each burner having an elongate tubular member with a plurality of aligned apertures and one of the flare gas conduits connected in fluid communication with the tubular members. A first flare gas conduit is maintained open during operation and the remaining flare gas conduits are selectively and sequentially opened in response to flow indicating devices disposed in a connected flare gas header so that the continuously open flare gas conduit is joined in sequence by the other flare gas conduits as predetermined flow rate values are reached in the flare gas header. For safety purposes a pressure indicating device disposed in the flare gas header is provided to simultaneously open all of the flare gas conduits for flare gas discharge to all of the linear burners when the pressure in the flare gas header reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A flare gas combustion apparatus comprising a flare housing and a liner cylinder member coaxially disposed therewithin, an annular orifice channel formed between the liner cylinder and the flare housing. A first flare conduit is in fluid communication with the orifice channel and a first flare gas portion passing through the flare conduit is discharged from the orifice channel at the upper end of the flare housing as a perimeter zone discharge configured as a relatively thin cylindrical layer of flare gas. A second flare conduit may be provided in fluid communication with the inner core of the liner cylinder to discharge a second flare gas portion therethrough as an inner zone discharge, and a liquid seal is provided to permit flare gas to pass via the second flare conduit only when the pressure of the inlet flare gas exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A fuel conditioning process and apparatus for use where natural gas is compressed by a field compressor driven by a natural gas powered engine. The fuel portion of the compressed raw natural gas is passed through an adsorption vessel containing an adsorbent material capable of adsorbing impurities. The outlet gas from the adsorption vessel is accumulated and mixed for averaging and controlling the heating value of the outlet gas used for fuel. Regeneration of the adsorption material, when employing multiple adsorption vessels, is accomplished by connecting one adsorption vessel to the suction side of the compressor, purified gas from another adsorption vessel in adsorption service is backflowed through the loaded adsorption vessel to desorb the previously adsorbed impurities, the flow of the compressed raw natural gas to the other adsorption vessel is terminated and the pressure within the two adsorption vessels is equalized.

Abstract: An improved process for disposal of chemically bound nitrogen in industrial waste streams is provided wherein a effluent stream containing chemically bound nitrogen, such as ammonia stream, is contacted with an effective amount of oxygen containing gas and a stoichiometric excess of a hydrocarbon, based on the total amount of available oxygen, at a temperature greater than about 2000.degree. F. or less than 3000.degree. F., to provide a combustion effluent. The combustion effluent is thereafter contacted with an effective amount of a gaseous stream containing less oxygen than that which supports flame propagation at a temperature in the range of from about 1600.degree. F. to about 1800.degree. F., to substantially oxidize all combustibles present in the combustion effluent and provide an oxidation effluent substantially free of oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) and combustibles.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the combustion of hydrocarbon vapors comprising a stack; a first vapor directing assembly, a portion of which is disposed within the stack for discharging vapors below or at a first predetermined flow rate into a combustion zone at one end of the stack; a first switching valve in fluid communication with the first vapor directing assembly for directing the flow of vapors through the first vapor directing assembly; a second vapor directing assembly in fluid communication with the first vapor directing assembly, a portion of the second vapor directing assembly extending through the stack for discharging vapors above the first flow rate but below a second predetermined flow rate into the combustion zone; and a second switching valve in fluid communication with the second vapor directing assembly for directing the flow of vapors through the second vapor conducting assembly.

Abstract: An improved process for reducing the concentration of oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) in a waste stream is provided wherein an effluent stream containing oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) is burned at a temperature greater than about 2000.degree. F. and less than about 3000.degree. F. with an effective amount of an oxygen containing gas and a stoichiometric excess of a hydrocarbon, based on the total amount of available oxygen, to provide a combustion effluent. The combustion effluent is thereafter contacted, at a temperature in the range of from about 1600.degree. F. to about 1800.degree. F., with an effective amount of a gaseous stream containing less than 21 volume percent oxygen to substantially oxidize all combustibles present in the combustion effluent and provide an oxidation effluent substantially free of oxides or nitrogen (NO.sub.x) and combustibles.

Abstract: An improved, self-supporting incinerator having a combustion chamber for burning sulfur containing compounds therein and adapted to eliminate plume formation resulting from the combustion of such compounds. The incinerator includes a vertically disposed housing and a vertically disposed elongated stack concentrically disposed in the housing such that a portion of the stack extends a distance from the housing. The portion of the stack extending above the housing is further provided with an expandable shield formed of a plurality of members, the expandable shield adapted to expand independently to the expansion of the stack.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon-carrier gas mixture wherein the mixture is passed through a solid adsorbent bed capable of selectively adsorbing the hydrocarbon and passing substantially hydrocarbon-free carrier gas. The hydrocarbon components are recovered by passing a hydrocarbon-rich flushing gas mixture through the adsorbent bed followed by subjecting the adsorbent bed to a change in pressure to desorb the hydrocarbon components and produce a hydrocarbon-rich product stream. Further hydrocarbon enrichment may be obtained by passing the product stream to another solid adsorbent bed to adsorb the hydrocarbon and pass further substantially hydrocarbon-free carrier gas. The hydrocarbon components are then recovered by subjecting the other adsorbent bed to a vacuum to desorb the hydrocarbon and produce a richer hydrocarbon product stream.