Abstract: A method for chemical processing an internal cavity of an additive manufactured (AM) metal workpiece is disclosed in which a connector is provided in fluid connection with the internal cavity and a chemical polishing solution is flowed through the connector and the internal cavity to process the internal cavity to a desired finish.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems for determining a flow of a combustible portion of vent gas delivered to an engine. The flow rate measurement may be performed by using the engine response to a relatively short (e.g. 1 to 5 s) interruption of the vent gas flow. A cross-correlation between RPM data of the engine and a reference signal corresponding to a state of a valve configured to interrupt the vent gas flow is determined, and a flow rate of the combustible portion of the vent gas delivered to the engine is determined from the maximum value of the cross-correlation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assessing the intake air flow of industrial engines. For an industrial engine that receives vent gas added to intake air for combustion, a gas concentration sensor is used to measure a concentration of a particular gas, e.g. methane, in the intake air. An amount of the methane component in the intake air flowing to the engine that was added by the vent gas can be determined from the measured concentration of methane in the intake air and a flow rate of the intake air. The intake air flow rate may be directly measured, or calculated using instrumentation which may already be in place for engine air-to-fuel ratio control.

Abstract: A chambered sparkplug carrier and a natural gas engine management system are provided for reducing NOx emissions of pre-chambered combustion natural gas engines. A method for retro-fitting a pre-chambered combustion natural gas engine with a chambered sparkplug is also described.

Abstract: A weldless sample port assembly is provided herein that may be installed on a conduit carrying a fluid such as an exhaust stack, without a requirement for welding. The sample port assembly comprises a sample tube that passes through two holes in the exhaust stack. The sample port assembly further comprises first and second assemblies located at each end of the sample tube and which respectively provide a sealed interface with the two holes in the exhaust stack. At least one assembly of the first and second assemblies is a floating assembly that comprises a compressive body. The compressive body may help to compensate for expansion and contraction of the assembly and/or sample tube, as well as misalignment in the exhaust holes to ensure that the first and second assemblies maintain a positive seal at all times against the exhaust stack and the sample tube.

Abstract: A highly reactive conversion coating chemistry is used during CAVF processing of high hardness steel alloys such as AMS 6509 and AMS 6517 steel alloys. This chemistry produces a hard, thin, black conversion coating that is not fully rubbed off by the media during the CAVF process. Distressed material regions on the surface of the alloys are not susceptible to forming the conversion coating and remain white. Visual inspection for the presence of such regions is facilitated.

Abstract: An auxiliary burner assembly is provided within the exhaust stack associated with a main burner assembly for combusting vent gases from a petroleum production and processing facility. The auxiliary burner unit is located within the exhaust stack associated with the main burner assembly. The auxiliary burner assembly enables the same exhaust stack as the main burner assembly while effective combusting exhaust gases and providing heating of a medium when required. The auxiliary burner is utilized when the main burner assembly is inactive and can be utilized to improve airflow to initiate the main burner assembly. An auxiliary burner controller system is utilized to control operation of the auxiliary burners.

Abstract: A system and method for vent gas combustion in storage tank for heavy oil production is provided. Auxiliary burners located are provided for combusting the well casing gas. A burner management system for controlling the auxiliary burners is provided which receives a gas pressure value and initiates the auxiliary burners based upon one or more threshold values when the gas pressure exceeds the one or more pressure values. An auxiliary exhaust stack may be collocated with a main exhaust stack of a tank heater for the storage tank.

Abstract: A method for chemical processing an internal cavity of an additive manufactured (AM) metal workpiece is disclosed in which a connector is provided in fluid connection with the internal cavity and a chemical polishing solution is flowed through the connector and the internal cavity to process the internal cavity to a desired finish.

Abstract: A highly reactive conversion coating chemistry is used during CAVF processing of high hardness steel alloys such as AMS 6509 and AMS 6517 steel alloys. This chemistry produces a hard, thin, black conversion coating that is not fully rubbed off by the media during the CAVF process. Distressed material regions on the surface of the alloys are not susceptible to forming the conversion coating and remain white. Visual inspection for the presence of such regions is facilitated.

Abstract: A wind-turbine gearbox system includes an input gear stage having mating gear surfaces finished to a surface roughness of less than 0.25 micron and at least one bearing supporting the input gear stage. A lubrication circuit is arranged to deliver lubricant to the input gear stage and the bearing during operation of the wind-turbine and includes an inline filter for removal of particles of less than 2 micron from the lubricant prior to delivery. A lubricant for use in the system may have a relatively low viscosity compared to conventional wind turbine gearbox lubricants.

Abstract: A method for finishing a surface of a metal component is carried out in a receptacle containing a quantity of non-abrasive media. The component is at least partially immersed in the media and a quantity of active finishing chemistry is supplied. The chemistry forms a relatively soft conversion coating on the surface. By inducing high energy relative movement between the surface and the media the coating can be continuously removed. The method may be carried out in a drag finishing machine.

Abstract: A chambered sparkplug carrier and a natural gas engine management system are provided for reducing NOx emissions of pre-chambered combustion natural gas engines. A method for retro-fitting a pre-chambered combustion natural gas engine with a chambered sparkplug is also described.

Abstract: An auxiliary burner assembly is provided within the exhaust stack associated with a main burner assembly for combusting vent gases from a petroleum production and processing facility. The auxiliary burner unit is located within the exhaust stack associated with the main burner assembly. The auxiliary burner assembly enables the same exhaust stack as the main burner assembly while effective combusting exhaust gases and providing heating of a medium when required. The auxiliary burner is utilized when the main burner assembly is inactive and gas pressure stored in a vent gas tank exceeds an upper pressure set-point value. An auxiliary burner controller system is utilized to control operation of the auxiliary burners.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for retaining a metal workpiece for contact by finishing media during operation of a media based finishing operation. The fixture comprises a body and a magnet for retaining the workpiece in contact with the body. By use of super-magnetic materials a significant holding force may be achieved.

Abstract: A system and method controls a flow of vent gases to a combustion engine. The system includes an inlet for receiving the vent gases, a pressure relief device that enables the vent gases to escape to atmosphere when a pressure in the inlet exceeds a predetermined relief pressure, a flow-restricting orifice, and a back pressure regulator disposed downstream of the orifice. A shut-off valve disposed between the back pressure regulator and the air intake is set to only open when an intake pressure falls below a predetermined negative intake pressure.

Abstract: Refurbishing used or damaged engineering components is performed using a subtractive surface engineering process to remove material from worn or damaged critical surfaces. The method involves initially performing the process on the component to remove a first quantity of material from the surfaces, inspecting the surface of the component to determine the extent of damage and subsequently further performing the process to remove a further quantity of material if necessary.

Abstract: A method of providing fugitive gases to an engine air supply. An air filter is positioned on the engine intake of said engine. The air filter creates a negative pressure in the engine intake downstream of the air filter. A source of fugitive gases pass to the engine intake and are collected by the negative pressure downstream of the air filter.

Abstract: A method of superfinishing a large hollow wheel gear in a vibratory bowl having a center hub comprises at least partially filling the vibratory bowl with an amount of finishing media, laying the gear horizontally into the bowl over the center hub, supplying a quantity of an active chemistry into the bowl and agitating the vibratory bowl at a frequency such that the gear settles into and is fully supported by the media. By controlling the process parameters, the hollow wheel gear may be caused to rotate in the media and can be made to float at a desired level. The method is particularly suitable for hollow wheel gears for large wind turbines.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing fugitive gases diluted with air as a primary or supplementary fuel for an engine. Piping conveys the diluted fugitive gases to the engine through a control valve which measure the gas flow. An air inlet to the engine contains an air filter and a vent allows the exit of the gases to atmosphere before the gases pass through the control valve. The gas flow to the engine is at a predetermined flow rate to the air inlet downstream of the air filter.