Abstract: Microwave-induced plasma for continuous, real time trace element monitoring under harsh and variable conditions. The sensor includes a source of high power microwave energy and a shorted waveguide made of a microwave conductive, high temperature capability refractory material communicating with the source of the microwave energy to generate a plasma. The high power waveguide is constructed to be robust in a hot, hostile environment. It includes an aperture for the passage of gases to be analyzed and a spectrometer is connected to receive light from the plasma. Provision is made for real time in situ calibration. The spectrometer disperses the light, which is then analyzed by a computer. The sensor is capable of making continuous, real time quantitative measurements of desired elements, such as the heavy metals lead and mercury. The invention may be incorporated into a high temperature process device and implemented in situ for example, such as with a DC graphite electrode plasma arc furnace.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively compact and highly robust waste-to-energy conversion system and apparatus which has the advantage of complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The gas may be utilized in a combustion process to generate electricity and the solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material. In one embodiment of the invention, the conversion system includes an arc plasma furnace directly coupled to a joule heated melter.

Abstract: Radiometer with a probe beam superimposed on its field-of-view for furnace temperature measurements. The radiometer includes a heterodyne millimeter/submillimeter-wave receiver including a millimeter/submillimeter-wave source for probing. The receiver is adapted to receive radiation from a surface whose temperature is to be measured. The radiation includes a surface emission portion and a surface reflection portion which includes the probe beam energy reflected from the surface. The surface emission portion is related to the surface temperature and the surface reflection portion is related to the emissivity of the surface. The simultaneous measurement of surface emissivity serves as a real time calibration of the temperature measurement.

Abstract: A remote electrical energy generating and distribution system is provided wherein a plurality of combustion turbine generators are located at respective remote sites having deposits of fossil fuel. The fossil fuel is thereby converted into electrical energy for transmission to an energy utilization center or to a power grid. Electrical energy is preferably converted to DC energy at the remote sites, and is supplemented by thermoelectric energy recovered from the exhaust of the combustion turbines. Each such source of DC energy is coupled to a main transmission line by a diode coupling device for providing isolation of each source in the event of a reduction in output voltage. Local power for cooling the diode coupling device is provided by a forward conduction voltage drop within the coupling device. The DC transmission system allows each generator to be operated at any independent optional speed.

Abstract: Microwave-induced plasma for continuous, real time trace element monitoring under harsh and variable conditions. The sensor includes a source of high power microwave energy and a shorted waveguide made of a microwave conductive, refractory material communicating with the source of the microwave energy to generate a plasma. The high power waveguide is constructed to be robust in a hot, hostile environment. It includes an aperture for the passage of gases to be analyzed and a spectrometer is connected to receive light from the plasma. Provision is made for real time in situ calibration. The spectrometer disperses the light, which is then analyzed by a computer. The sensor is capable of making continuous, real time quantitative measurements of desired elements, such as the heavy metals lead and mercury.

Abstract: A floating seal adapted particularly for sealing the bearings in a drill string for deep wells. The seal has an outer slide ring slidable longitudinally in the drill casing and an internal support ring mounted in the slide ring against relative axial displacement but adapted for eccentric radial displacement of the mounting ring relative to the slide ring. Rotary discs are provided in the outer slide ring to allow axial displacement of the slide ring but to resist rotary displacement of the slide ring in the casing. The mounting ring is mounted in the slide ring to afford radial displacement of the mounting ring but to resist relative rotational displacement between the mounting ring and the slide ring. Seals are provided between the outer surface of the slide ring and the interior surface of the casing; between the interior surface of the mounting ring and the exterior surface of the shaft; and also between the slide ring and the mounting ring.

Abstract: A well drilling assembly including a drill bit projecting beyond the bottom of a hollow casing at the bottom of the hole. A fluid motor mounted in the casing has a rotary shaft to rotate the drill bit. The lower end of the rotary shaft is hollow to provide a central flow passage therein, and has an outer pressure diameter less than the inner diameter of said casing to provide an outer pressure passage therealong. Bearings are mounted in the outer passage to support the shaft against radial and axial displacement, and are engulfed in a body of lubricant confined between upper and lower floating seals which limit flow of drilling mud into the lubricant and flow of lubricant from the body into the drilling mud. A labyrinth provides a rotating orifice in the outer passage below the lower seals to maintain a pressure differential between the exterior of said drill bit and the lower seals.

Abstract: Electric arc furnace and method suitable for use in the decomposition of hazardous materials such as polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and the like. The furnace has an electrically conductive hearth which is connected electrically to the bottom wall of the furnace shell. The arc producing potential is applied to the upper portions of a central electrode and the outer shell of the furnace, and the arc current flows in a coaxial manner in the central electrode and the side wall of the outer shell. The electrical connection between the hearth and the bottom wall of the outer shell is made by a plurality of electrode plates which extend upwardly from the bottom wall into the hearth. The electrode plates are arranged in a circular pattern of slightly greater diameter than the lower tip of the electrode, and the arc has a radial field component which causes it to rotate about the lower tip of the electrode.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an electrical system is provided for disconnecting a power source from a load when a voltage potential in excess of a predetermined threshold is detected between a test point and a selected voltage reference point. Switch means is electrically connected intermediate the power source and the load for switchably connecting and disconnecting the power source with the load. Voltage-reference means provides predetermined reference voltage at the selected voltage reference point. Voltage-detection means is electrically connected with the test point and the selected voltage reference point for detecting when the voltage potential between the test point and the selected voltage reference point exceeds the predetermined threshold. Switch-actuator means responsive to the detection means is provided for actuating the switch means to disconnect the power source from the load when voltage potential in excess of the predetermined threshold is detected by the detection means.

Abstract: An elongated tubular member for use in connection with a subterranean well, such as deep bore oil well, is comprised of at least two annular layers which may be bonded together. The first annular layer is comprised of a fiber reinforced organic resin material and the second layer is comprised of a refractory material. The two layers combined to provide an inexpensive, lightweight tubular member having relatively high compressive strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing electrical current from a D.C. power source through an underground formation in the extraction of carbonaceous fluids from beneath the earth's surface comprises an anode and a cathode remote from the anode. The anode is comprised of a containment positioned proximate to the underground formation within which is placed layers of material suitable for conduction. First conductor means connect the conduction material and the first terminal of the D.C. power source. The cathode is comprised of a wire screen housing of electrically conductive material which is supported within a well bore proximate to the underground formation. Second conductor means connects the wire screen housing to the second terminal of the D.C. power source. Electrical current from the power source is passed along the first conductor means, through the anode, through the underground formation, through the cathode and back to the power source through the second conductor means.

Abstract: Gas is yielded and may be subsequently withdrawn from a subsurface formation of hydrocarbon material by passing a controlled amount of current from a direct source through the formation. The gas produced by this process has a high quality Btu content and is produced, in situ, under relatively moderate operating conditions. Furthermore, the gas yielded by this method has a reduced amount of hydrogen sulfide present therein.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for providing a continuous DC arc between two electrodes of an electric arc furnace comprises a three-phase AC power source, transformer means having primary and secondary windings and three linear reactors. One of the outputs of a three-phase full-wave rectifier is connected to one of the furnace electrodes. The other output of the rectifier is connected through a DC inductance to the second furnace electrode. The linear reactors and the transformer means are connected in series between the AC power source and the rectifier.

Abstract: This electric circuit breaker comprises a main switch and two shunting paths respectively paralleling said main switch, each shunting path containing the series combination of an isolating switch and a diode assembly. The diode assemblies are connected in inverse-parallel relationship with each other. All of the switches are closed when the circuit breaker is closed, and during this interval substantially all current through the circuit breaker is through the main switch. During a circuit-interrupting operation, the three switches are opened. First, the main switch is opened to divert current into one of the shunting paths, and then the isolating switches are opened to complete the interrupting operation with assistance from the diode assemblies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the destruction of PCBs and other hazardous material utilizes a gas-tight chamber (18) which includes a high current DC arc (72). The chamber (18) is adapted to receive the PCBs or other hazardous material and includes a sump (20) which contains a molten bath (22). Inlet means (24, 26, 28) are provided for introducing the hazardous material into the chamber (18) and into contact with the molten bath (22) for initial decomposition into a molten product and a gaseous product. Electrode means (66, 68) are provided for maintaining the DC arc (72) at a current level sufficient to promote decomposition of the PCBs or other hazardous material. The gaseous product is passed in the proximity of the arc (72) for producing a decomposed gaseous product which is relatively harmless. The system is capable of decomposition of solid, liquid and gaseous PCBs, as well as other hazardous material.

Abstract: This surge suppressor comprises a tubular insulating housing having a metal end cap at one end and an integral end wall at its opposite end. A metal terminal extends through the end wall and has a portion within the housing. A stack of metal-oxide varistor blocks has one end bearing against said terminal portion and an external periphery spaced from the surrounding wall of the housing. A metal plate at the other end of the stack is urged against said other end of the stack by a spring between the end cap and the plate. A plurality of ceramic rods fixed to the end wall extend alongside said stack and through holes in the end plate and serve to limit such lateral motion of the stack as produced by vibrations and mechanical shocks.

Abstract: Gas is produced in situ from an underground formation of carbonaceous material by passing a controlled direct electrical current through the formation.

Abstract: Direct electric current is passed through drilling mud contained in an earthen mud pit to dry the mud, thereby providing a safe and environmentally acceptable means for disposal of the mud.

Abstract: Direct electrical current is passed through a chemically precipitated industrial wastewater sludge to enhance the settling rate, filterability, and dewatering of the sludge.

Abstract: An underground electrode adapted for ground conduction of electric current in an environment of saline and oleaginous fluids and under high hydrostatic pressure comprises a hollow tubular electrode having a cable terminal at its upper end and affixed to the lower end of an insulating cable conduit. A fluid supply conduit surrounding the cable conduit supports a permeable enclosing basket which surrounds the electrode and controls flow of fluid electrolyte over its surface.