Abstract: The invention provides processes for decontamination of organic halides in asphalt-containing wastes, such as PCBs in asphaltic potting compounds. The processes may use hydrocarbon solvents to dissolve the asphaltic waste, and an alkali metal reactant, such as a sodium dispersion, to destroy the organic halides in the dissolved mixture.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of gas detection for sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas decomposition products, particularly for the detection of thionyl fluoride (SOF2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). The invention relates to a novel portable handheld instrument that can readily detect SOF2, SF4 and SO2 in SF6 gas filled electrical equipment and in air. An apparatus for detecting SF6 decomposition products comprising: (a) an inlet for receiving SF6 gas containing SOF2 or SF4; (b) A chamber connected to the inlet and containing a catalyst which converts SOF2 or SF4 into SO2; and (c) an SO2 detector connected downstream of the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of live testing of the hardness of a target electrical distribution wire having a known gauge, and a tool for same, the method comprising: a) providing a hardness testing tool at the operating end of an insulated tool for manipulating live distribution lines, wherein the hardness testing tool comprises a testing surface of known hardness; b) forcing the testing surface against the target wire; and c) comparing the resultant degree of deformation or lack of deformation on the testing surface with the expected degree of deformation which would occur for wire of that gauge having a specific hardness.

Abstract: Transformer winding movement is detected by providing an input sensor inside the transformer on an input winding lead and providing an output sensor inside the transformer on an output winding lead. This eliminates the frequency limitation imposed by the lead lengths required for prior art external measurement, making it possible to obtain useful measurements at much higher frequencies (20 MHz) than with the prior art techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the heat treatment of iron-based alloys, including irons and steels, such as carbon steels and low alloy steels, in a controlled oxidative environment, to modify the microstructure of the metal to obtain both improved mechanical properties and a protective surface oxide scale. In a first high-temperature treatment, a layer of wüstite (FeO) is formed on the surface of the material and austenite forms in the interior of the material. Rapid cooling follows the high temperature treatment so as to preserve the wüstite scale and to obtain at the same time an internal steel microstructure comprising martensite or bainite. In a second step of lower-temperature heat treatment, the scale is transformed so that it comprises an intermediate layer composed predominantly of wüstite (FeO), with a surface of predominantly magnetite (Fe3O4), while the mechanical properties of the material are tailored for specific applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to power transformers. More particularly, this invention pertains to a method and apparatus for detecting the degree of degradation of paper insulation in a transformer by determining the concentration of furaldehyde in the transformer oil. A reagent for detecting the presence of furaldehyde in transformer oil comprising: (a) a primary amine selected from the group consisting of aniline, toluidine, anisidine, aminophenol or an amine; (b) a second component having about 3 mL of about 15 to 33 (weight to volume) percent of acetic acid alone, or in combination with citric acid; from about 67 to 85 (volume) percent of a halogenated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of dichloromethane, chloroform, carbontetrachloride, dichloroethane, trichloroethane, tetrachloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene; about 4 (weight to volume) percent of salicylic acid; and about 1 (weight to volume) percent of an anti-oxidant; and (c) a third component having about 1.

Abstract: An improved cable splice of the type in which first and second ends of a casing taper conically toward the casing's longitudinal axis. First and second cable-receiving apertures are provided in the respective first and second ends of the casing. A first set of cable-gripping jaws is disposed within the first end of the casing; and, a second set of cable-gripping jaws is disposed within the second end of the casing. At least one spring is provided within the casing, between the jaws, to urge the first and second jaws toward the first and second apertures respectively. A first plug is positioned within the inner end of the first set of jaws to bias the first set of jaws against the spring by forcing the jaws radially outwardly. A second plug is positioned within the inner end of the second set of jaws to bias the second set of jaws against the spring by forcing the jaws radially outwardly. The plugs are free of connection to the jaws.

Abstract: A warning indicator provides an indication that a transient over-pressure condition has occurred in a transformer. The indicator takes into account small or slow pressure changes and only indicates pressure surges. The internal arcing warning indicator comprises an opening in a casing of a transformer, a movable piston over the opening with a retainer to retain the piston over the opening, the piston having at least one small aperture therein to allow slow increases and decreases of pressure within the transformer without the piston moving, and an indicator attached to the piston, the indicator providing an indication that the piston has moved a predetermined distance and retaining the indication until reset.

Abstract: A method of determining the stiffness and condition on a wooden structure. The method consists of initiating the natural vibration of the structure in a band of frequencies that cover at least two of the first five resonant modes of vibration. An electrical response equivalent to the vibration motion of the structure is generated and the electrical response is converted to a digital signal. The resonant frequency of the structure is calculated by analysing the digital signal. By comparing the results with the results obtained using a mathematical model the stiffness and condition of the structure is determined.

Abstract: An injection capsule to treat trees and woody plants comprising a receptacle portion to hold a chemical to treat trees and woody plants. The receptacle portion has a closed end and an open end, the closed end being formed with a bore extending internally through the receptacle portion from the closed end to the open end. The bore houses a screw fastener, movable along the length of the bore and guided by the walls of the bore, to allow the injection capsule to be attached to a tree or woody plant. The bore is formed with a narrowed diameter section to limit the travel of the screw fastener as it is pushed through the internal bore and driven into a tree or woody plant in order to hold the open end of the injection capsule tightly against the tree or woody plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening an injection capsule having a fastening screw to a tree or woody plant comprising a rotatable shaft supported in a bearing member. The rotatable shaft extends through the bearing member into a cavity for holding and aligning an injection capsule where the shaft is formed into a driving member. The shaft is connected to a power source to rotate the shaft, whereby the driving member engages the fastening screw of the capsule and, upon rotation of the rotatable shaft, the fastening screw is rotatably driven into the tree or woody plant to fasten the injection capsule thereto.