Abstract: A preferred embodiment steady state tracking desorption system achieves steady tracking of either a fixed sorbate output set point, or a set point that changes over time. The system includes an electrically heated thermal adsorption/desorption device A temperature sensor senses the temperature of an adsorbent material within the adsorption/desorption device. A sorbate sensor senses a sorbate level from an outlet of the adsorption/desorption device. A power sensor senses the power supplied by the desorption device. A controller interprets levels sensed by the temperature sensor, the sorbate sensor and the power sensor and provides a signal to achieve steady set point tracking of a sorbate level from the outlet of the adsorption/desorption device.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment steady state tracking desorption system achieves steady tracking of either a fixed sorbate output set point, or a set point that changes over time. The system includes an electrically heated thermal adsorption/desorption device. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of an adsorbent material within the adsorption/desorption device. A sorbate sensor senses a sorbate level from an outlet of the adsorption/desorption device. A power sensor senses the power supplied by the desorption device. A controller interprets levels sensed by the temperature sensor, the sorbate sensor and the power sensor and provides a signal to achieve steady set point tracking of a sorbate level from the outlet of the adsorption/desorption device.

Abstract: Photography is employed to objectively quantify opacity of fluids such as smoke plumes and dust via a method termed the Digital Optical Method (DOM™). The DOM™ quantifies the ratio of radiance values by means of a camera response curve obtained using objective measures. The radiance ratios are then used to calculate opacity of target fluids such as smoke plumes. The DOM™ quantifies opacity during both daytime and nighttime conditions with a much broader range of subject types, e.g., white, gray and black smoke plumes, and environmental conditions, e.g., non-blue-sky, building, and mountain backgrounds, than existing systems while not requiring human interpretation for any application. In one embodiment, the DOM™ quantifies opacity from digital photos using a pre-designed algorithm and an inexpensive digital camera. Very little training is needed to implement the DOM™ and it yields consistent objective quantitative results, while providing a permanent photographic record easily digitally archived.

Abstract: A waste stream from energetics processing is treated using a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, and a metal that has a reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0). The pre-filter is connected to a zero-valent metal column reactor. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Fe0 from the reactor is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), added to the resultant product, and fed to a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. This product is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. Both tanks are monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.

Abstract: A waste stream is treated in a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, connected below a zero-valent metal column reactor incorporating a metal with reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0); the combination preferably configured as a single unit. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Most of the Fe0 is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), mixed with the reduced product, and fed to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. The output is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. The system is monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.

Abstract: A waste stream from energetics processing is treated using a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, and a metal that has a reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0). The pre-filter is connected to a zero-valent metal column reactor. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Most of the Fe0 is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), added to the resultant product, and fed to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. This product is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. Both tanks are monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.

Abstract: A second-generation rotating biofilter employing microorganisms in a microbiological film (biofilm) “mineralizes” contaminants, such as VOCs and odoriferous contaminants. Contaminated fluid, such as air from manufacturing processes, is directed radially outward from a perforated pipe through porous foam attached to the pipe. The pipe serves as the axis upon which layers of foam suitable for supporting formation of biofilms are placed. In one embodiment, an octagonal-shaped drum incorporates eight baskets. In each basket, foam is layered outwardly from the pipe in trapezoidal-shaped layers each of approximately 3.8 cm thickness, each layer separated by air gaps of approximately 1.3 cm to prevent clogging. Seven layers in each of eight baskets comprise the octagonal drum. When the drum is sprayed on one side, water soaks the media and it is heavier on that side, thus facilitating rotation of the drum. Further, the biofilms are supplied with moisture and supplemental nutrients as needed.

Abstract: A bioremediation system converts a waste stream, at least part of which is a fluid containing energetics, to carbon dioxide (CO2), water, and environmentally benign end products. It uses gas-enhanced sequencing-batch-reactors (SBRs), treating the waste stream in three SBRs seriatim. The first SBR uses a nitrogen purge, the second a hydrogen gas supplement, and the third an oxygen gas or forced air supplement. Each reactor may be supplemented with additives to optimize conditions such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient level. The system may be implemented under manual control, semi-automated, or fully automated, as needed. A waste stream of consideration is the pink water resultant from munitions fabrication and handling.

Abstract: A bioremediation system converts a waste stream, at least part of which is a fluid containing energetics, to carbon dioxide (CO2), water, and environmentally benign end products. It uses gas-enhanced sequencing-batch-reactors (SBRs), treating the waste stream in three SBRs seriatim. The first SBR uses a nitrogen purge, the second a hydrogen gas supplement, and the third an oxygen gas or forced air supplement. Each reactor may be supplemented with additives to optimize conditions such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient level. The system may be implemented under manual control, semi-automated, or fully automated, as needed. A waste stream of consideration is the pink water resultant from munitions fabrication and handling.

Abstract: A method for treating waste nitrocellulose, the method comprising the steps f treating nitrocellulose with acid in a hydrolysis process to break the nitrocellulose down to glucose, recovering a majority of the acid by electrodialysis, neutralizing a remainder of the acid, and fermenting the glucose to convert the glucose to a useful product. The invention further comprises a system for performing the above method.

Abstract: A method for successively reproducing video signals from both sides of a video disk in a video disk player. A spindle motor is driven to rotate the video disk. A first reproduction pickup reads the video signals recorded on a first side of the video disk moving from an inner circumference to an outer circumference of the first side of the video disk and a second reproduction pickup reads the video signals recorded on the second side of the video disk moving form an outer circumference to an inner circumference of the other side of the video disk and jumping a predetermined number of tracks to the outer circumference of the second side of the video disk every one rotation of the video disk during the movement. The read video signals from the first and second reproduction pickups are stored in a video memory unit.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave energy seal for a microwave oven comprises a .lambda.g/4 choke seal including an internal plate for forming a first capacitive seal, an external plate for forming a recessed chamber with an external plate, a stepped portion having a vertical portion, slots formed with predetermined periodical intervals, a bent portion for forming a second capacitive seal, and a choke cover for blocking the opening of the recessed chamber, whereby the radio frequency leakage can be perfectly prevented from a heat cavity of the microwave oven and the thickness of a door of the microwave oven can be reduced.