Abstract: A device for injecting gas into a plurality of vertical tubes of a chemical reactor from the bottom. The present invention relates to a device for injecting gas into tubes in a chemical reactor, and more specifically for injecting gas into the bottom of the tubes. The gas may be injected for the purpose of pressure testing the tubes, for blowing out the tubes in order to clean them, or for other purposes.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing catalyst pellets from a hopper to a chemical reactor. The hopper receives and holds the catalyst pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the chemical reactor. The flow of the catalyst pellets is controlled so they flow into and through a conduit in a widely spaced-apart arrangement to the chemical reactor. This controlled, spaced-apart flow is created by providing a sieve between a hopper and the conduit having openings small enough that the catalyst pellets form bridges above the openings, and then repeatedly breaking up the bridges in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A device and method for automatic unloading of particles from the vertical tubes of a chemical reactor automatically feeds a fish tape into the bottom of the vertical tube to contact and dislodge the particles and automatically retracts the fish tape to allow the particles to fall out of the tube.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing pellets from a hopper to a desired delivery point. The hopper receives and holds the pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the desired delivery point. A fixed diameter opening is defined through which the pellets pass in order to reach a conduit that directs the pellets to the desired delivery point. A localized, direct mechanical force is imparted to pellets adjacent to the fixed diameter opening to break up bridges above the opening and allow the pellets to flow through the opening.

Abstract: A method for converting a watertight carrying case into a desk that includes mounting a bracket onto rearward projections from the case for permitting the case to serve as a desk without compromising its watertightness.

Abstract: A method for marking a specific tube in a shell and tube heat exchanger includes inserting a marker into a second tube adjacent to the tube to be marked and directing a directional pointer on the marker toward the tube to be marked.

Abstract: A device and method for loading catalyst pellets into reactor tubes of a chemical reactor. A direct mechanical force is applied to one or more pellets where bridging occurs that is different from the forces applied to the surrounding pellets in order to break up the bridge so as to allow catalyst particles to fall through an opening into the reactor tube.

Abstract: A dam arrangement is provided for confining catalyst and other particles. The dam can be arranged in a wide variety of configurations. In one embodiment, blocks are provided that are releasably secured to the top tubesheet by means of magnets, and sheets are secured to the blocks to create a dam. In another embodiment, the blocks are releasably secured to the tubesheet by fasteners which project into the tops of some of the tubes and then lock into those tubes.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing catalyst pellets from a hopper to a chemical reactor. The hopper receives and holds the catalyst pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the chemical reactor. The flow of the catalyst pellets is controlled so they flow into and through a conduit in a widely spaced-apart arrangement to the chemical reactor. This controlled, spaced-apart flow is created by providing a sieve between a hopper and the conduit having openings small enough that the catalyst pellets form bridges above the openings, and then repeatedly breaking up the bridges in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A device for injecting gas into a plurality of vertical tubes of a chemical reactor from the bottom.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing pellets from a hopper to a desired delivery point. The hopper receives and holds the pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the desired delivery point. A fixed diameter opening is defined through which the pellets pass in order to reach a conduit that directs the pellets to the desired delivery point. A localized, direct mechanical force is imparted to pellets adjacent to the fixed diameter opening to break up bridges above the opening and allow the pellets to flow through the opening.

Abstract: A device and method for automatic unloading of particles from the vertical tubes of a chemical reactor automatically feeds a fish tape into the bottom of the vertical tube to contact and dislodge the particles and automatically retracts the fish tape to allow the particles to fall out of the tube.

Abstract: A method for marking a specific tube in a shell and tube heat exchanger includes inserting a marker into a second tube adjacent to the tube to be marked and directing a directional pointer on the marker toward the tube to be marked.

Abstract: A device and method for loading catalyst pellets into reactor tubes of a chemical reactor. A direct mechanical force is applied to one or more pellets where bridging occurs that is different from the forces applied to the surrounding pellets in order to break up the bridge so as to allow catalyst particles to fall through an opening into the reactor tube.

Abstract: There is provided a method of selecting a maintenance operation to be performed on a device. An exemplary method comprises determining a health parameter for the device, the health parameter being predictive of a probability of failure of the device based on archival data about a plurality of devices similar to the device. The exemplary method also comprises performing a first maintenance operation on the device if the health parameter indicates that the probability of failure of the device is below a threshold. The exemplary method additionally comprises performing a second maintenance operation on the device if the health parameter indicates that the probability of failure of the device exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for detecting a water leak in a locomotive engine cooling system comprising numerous components, each being a potential source of leakage of water. The method typically comprises performing at least one inspection providing an indication of a water leak from an engine cooling system of the locomotive. The step of performing at least one inspection may comprise at least one of several steps including performing a visual inspection to determine if water is leaking from a portion of the cooling system external to the engine; performing a visual inspection of exhaust of the engine to detect an indication of water vapor in the exhaust; performing a visual inspection to detect an indication of water leaking into an intake air manifold 30 of the engine; performing an engine oil analysis to detect water in the engine lubricant; reviewing a fault log history for the locomotive; and checking a level of a cooling system sight glass.