Abstract: A propulsion system to provide silent firing of a mortar weapon using standard and nonstandard mortar tubes or launch assemblies has been invented. The system utilizes a precision rupture disc mechanism to control combustion and energy release to effect consistent operation. The gases generatedd by combustion of the propellant charge are contained by the rupture disc which insures uniform and efficient propellant combustion. After rupture of the disc at a prescribed pressure, the projectile is accelerated by the expanding gases through the action of a piston on the warhead. The gases are retained within the projectile after accelerating the projectile, preventing release of high pressure gas and resulting in a silent launch condition.In a first embodiment the warhead and piston moves first and then the heavier cylinder is moved. In a second embodiment the cylinder moves with the warhead and picks up the lighter piston.

Abstract: A process is set forth for purifying and liquefying a feed gas mixture with respect to its less strongly adsorbed component of lower volatility which integrates temperature swing adsorption (TSA), pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and cryogenic distillation to optimize overall performance. The TSA portion of the process is used to remove the strongly adsorbed component from the feed; the PSA portion of the process is used to remove the moderately strongly adsorbed component from the feed; and the cryogenic distillation portion of the process is used to remove the less strongly adsorbed component of higher volatility from the feed while also providing for the liquefaction of the product. A key to the present invention is the use of the PSA and distillation waste streams in the regeneration of the TSA and PSA adsorbents. An important application of the present invention is the purification and liquefaction of a natural gas feed stream with respect to its methane/C.sub.2 hydrocarbon component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements to a process and apparatus for the cryogenic distillation of mixtures, which comprise oxygen, nitrogen and argon, e.g. air. The improvement comprises effectuating intimate contact of the liquid and vapor phase streams utilizing a structured packing to effectuate the intimate contact in at least those regions of the distillation column system where argon concentration is within the range from about 0.6 to about 75 volume percent, and operating the process such that the densimetric superficial gas velocity in those regions is at least 0.06 feet per second. The present invention also relates to a method for improving a cryogenic distillation apparatus having at least one distillation column for the separation of mixtures containing oxygen and argon, comprising the step of replacing the distillation trays with a structured packing in at least those regions of the distillation column system where the concentration of argon is in the range from about 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements to a process and apparatus for the cryogenic distillation of mixtures, which comprise oxygen, nitrogen and argon, e.g. air. The improvement comprises effectuating intimate contact of the liquid and vapor phase streams utilizing a structured packing to effectuate the intimate contact in at least .[.those.]. .Iadd.one of the .Iaddend.regions of the distillation column system where argon concentration is within the range from about 0.6 to about 75 volume percent.[.,.]. and .[.operating the process such that.]. the densimetric superficial gas velocity .[.in those regions.]. is at least 0.06 feet per second. .[.