Abstract: A composition suitable for use in a packer element for a wellbore includes: a hydrocarbon-swellable polymer, the hydrocarbon-swellable polymer present in the composition in an amount between about 10 and 30 percent by weight; an oil-resistant polymer, the oil-resistant polymer present in the composition in an amount between about 10 and 30 percent by weight; and a hydrocarbon swelling agent, the hydrocarbon swelling agent present in the composition in an amount between about 15 and 60 percent by weight. A composition as described may have a good balance of the swelling properties of the hydrocarbon-swellable polymer and the mechanical properties of the oil-resistant polymer. These properties may be useful in a packer element for a wellbore.

Abstract: Devices for measuring a nip width between rolls of a press nip include one or more sensors adapted to be placed in the nip while the nip is stationary. The electrical resistance of each sensor corresponds to the size of the nip width, whereby a nip width or a nip width distribution may be determined by measuring the sensor resistance(s). Methods of measuring a nip width distribution include providing a plurality of force sensitive resistor sensors each of which respond to pressure applied thereto to provide a variable sensor resistance as a function of the amount of pressure and the area of the pressure exerted on the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating calibration of sensors embedded within an object includes: a foundation; a force generator mounted on the foundation configured to generate a force in a first direction; a load cell connected with the force generator that detects the magnitude of force applied by the force generator; a roller mounting assembly pivotally interconnected with the foundation and pivotable about a first axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation being generally perpendicular to the first direction; and a roller rotatably mounted on the roller mounting assembly for rotation about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being generally perpendicular to the first direction, the roller protruding in the first direction sufficiently to apply a force to the object. This apparatus can enable force applied to the sensor to be calibrated with sensor output.

Abstract: A process for forming a cover for an industrial roll includes the steps of: providing an elongate cylindrical core having a longitudinal axis; rotating the core about the longitudinal axis; providing a nozzle movable along a nozzle path that is substantially parallel to and above the core longitudinal axis, the nozzle having at least an upstream outlet and a downstream outlet, the nozzle outlets being longitudinally offset a distance from each other; and applying multiple strips of polymeric material to the core through the nozzle outlets as the nozzle moves along the nozzle path such that the downstream strip forms an overlapping spiral inner layer and the upstream strip forms an overlapping spiral outer layer that overlies the inner layer, the inner and outer layers being adhered with the core.

Abstract: Devices for measuring a nip width between rolls of a press nip include one or more sensors adapted to be placed in the nip while the nip is stationary. The electrical resistance of each sensor corresponds to the size of the nip width, whereby a nip width or a nip width distribution may be determined by measuring the sensor resistance(s). Methods of measuring a nip width distribution include providing a plurality of force sensitive resistor sensors each of which respond to pressure applied thereto to provide a variable sensor resistance as a function of the amount of pressure and the area of the pressure exerted on the sensor.

Abstract: A shoe press includes: a first member; a second member; a substantially cylindrical belt; and a processing unit. The first member has a convex pressing surface. The second member includes a shoe with a concave pressing surface substantially complimentary to the convex pressing surface. The second member further includes a pair of substantially circular head plates rotatably mounted on axially opposed ends thereof. The belt is fixed to, extends between, and is rotatable with the head plates such that a portion of the belt passes between the convex pressing surface and the concave pressing surface. The belt includes embedded therein a communications cable having a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals responsive to an operating parameter of the shoe press. The processing unit is in communication with the communications cable and processes signals generated by the sensors.

Abstract: Devices for measuring a nip width between rolls of a press nip include one or more sensors adapted to be placed in the nip while the nip is stationary. The electrical resistance of each sensor corresponds to the size of the nip width, whereby a nip width or a nip width distribution may be determined by measuring the sensor resistance(s). Methods of measuring a nip width distribution include providing a plurality of force sensitive resistor sensors each of which respond to pressure applied thereto to provide a variable sensor resistance as a function of the amount of pressure and the area of the pressure exerted on the sensor.