Abstract: A passive thermally insulated shipping container (100) with an access door (125), method of repairing the container (100), and method of thermally conditioning the container (100). The container (100) includes at least one of the novel features selected from (i) a quick repair wall panel (121), (ii) puncture resistant wall panels (121), and (iii) chill-in-place phase change thermal control panels (140).

Abstract: Novel methods for monitoring and recording fouling of aqueous systems are disclosed. The methods employ a heat transfer test assembly including an outer tube member, a heating rod positioned within the outer tube member, a ribbed tube sleeve fitted over the heating rod and thermocouples for sensing the wall temperature of heating rod. The heat transfer test assembly is connected to a monitoring and recording assembly that is connected to or includes a piping assembly. The piping assembly and the heat transfer test assembly are placed in fluid communication with a heat exchanger. Fouling determinations of fluid flowing through the piping assembly are made at varying flow rates with simultaneous monitoring and recording of the flow rates together with data, such as corrosion, pH, conductivity, and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for inhibiting the formation of biofilm and/or removing biofilm deposited on an enhanced tube of a heat exchanger in contact with an aqueous system. The process comprises feeding an oxidant selected from the group consisting of chlorine dioxide and stabilized bromine into an aqueous system such that the oxidant agent comes into contact with the enhanced tube.

Abstract: Heat transfer test assemblies for monitoring and recording fouling of aqueous systems are disclosed. The heat transfer test assemblies include an outer tube member, a heating rod positioned within the outer tube member, a ribbed tube sleeve fitted over the heating rod and thermocouples for sensing the wall temperature of heating rod. The disclosed heat transfer test assemblies enable improved monitoring of systems employing enhanced heat exchanger tubes. Monitoring and recording apparatuses including the heat transfer test assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic book on a computer readable medium, e.g., a CD or the like, has “real-life” pre-recorded audio (preferably, in MP3 format) and visual text (preferably, in RTF format) seamlessly linked together via a linking file (preferably, in XML format) such that a reader can switch back and forth “at will” between visually reading on a computer display screen and/or listening to the book being read aloud by an actual narrator. The computer readable medium includes a reader program installed thereon and an automatic installation program. A novel process for creating the electronic book includes a creator program that may have a similar graphical user interface to the reader program. The electronic book may combine advantages of physical hard-cover books with new e-reading functionality developed by the present inventor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated process to inhibit corrosion of the metal surface of an inactive boiler containing water.

Abstract: A closed-loop pressure washing system adapted for removal and recovery of high solids contaminants from an object. The washing system includes a support platform having a support surface that supports the object while a washing fluid is flowed over the object to remove the high solids contaminant. A collection device is provided in flow communication with the support surface, and is adapted to collect and channel the run-off washing fluid and run-off high solids contaminant from the support surface towards a collection basin. A high solids separation assembly is in flow communication with the collection basin, and is adapted to separate and displace the collected high solid contaminants from the collected run-off fluids in the collection basin to a discard region spaced-apart from the collection basin. This separation assembly, however, substantially maintains the run-off washing fluid in the collection basin.

Abstract: A process for monitoring and controlling an aqueous system. At least one performance parameter relating to conditions within the aqueous system is selected. A value of the at least one performance parameter is measured to serve as a baseline value. A capacity of the aqueous system is determined and flow rates of water into and out of the system are measured and monitored. The value of the at least one performance parameter is measured and compared the value to the baseline for the performance parameter. Flow rates of water into and out of the system are factored in. At least one controllable variable within the aqueous system is altered based upon a deviation of the value of the at least one performance parameter from the baseline value.

Abstract: A method for detecting and controlling cooling system characteristics. A flow rate of make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of the make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of a recirculating cooling medium is measured. A treatment material feed rate is determined based upon the formula: ##EQU1## where X is a treatment feed rate of a treatment compound, .OMEGA. is a desired concentration of the treatment compound, and K is a constant. A corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is measured. A desired corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is determined. A feed rate of a corrosion inhibitor is calculated according to the following formula:Y=(X)?1+.alpha.(CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT)!,where .alpha. is a cascade factor that varies in a step-wise manner depending upon the value of CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT and has a value between about 0.1 and about 8.0. A corrosion inhibitor is then fed at the corrosion inhibitor feed rate.

Abstract: A layer head or shell for a pressure vessel is formed by building up successive wraps over a liner, each wrap consisting of a plurality of segments which fit together such that the wrap completely covers the liner or the wrap immediately under it. Each segment is curved to conform to the surface over which it is installed, and once in place a seal is provided along its periphery. Air is evacuated from the space between the wrap segment and the underlying surface so that air at atmospheric pressure will force the wrap segment down tightly against the underlying surface. During this time tack welds are made along the periphery of the wrap segment to join it to the underlying layer. Then the vacuum is released and a final or continuous weld is made along the periphery. As the weld cools it places the underlying layers in a state of precompression.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydraulically-driven reciprocatory tool comprising piston with a shoulder reciprocable in a cylinder, and a shuttle valve for controlling supply of fluid to a first face of the piston, the fluid producing a force on the first face which is alternately greater than and less than a constant bias force applied to a second face of the piston, wherein the position of the shuttle valve is determined by the pressure of fluid in a fluid connection between the shuttle valve and first and second ports in the wall of the cylinder, the fluid connection including a first non-return valve for preventing flow of fluid from one of the ports to the shuttle valve and a second non-return valve for preventing flow of fluid from the shuttle valve to the other of the ports. Preferably, each non-return valve has associated with it a variable throttle in the fluid connection and further means are provided for controllable flow of fluid along a branch of the fluid connection.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a hydraulically driven impactor in which the operng cycle of a reciprocating piston is determined by the retraction velocity and displacement of the piston itself. Energy is conserved and heat dissipation minimised by the utilization of hydraulic spring accumulators to decelerate the piston. The drive to the piston is switched into a forward direction at such a point in each displacement cycle that the rebound energy of the piston is always re-absorbed into the drive fluid. The impactor operates at optimum acceleration and frequency at all times, whether or not impact occurs, and this feature combined with high energy conservation makes the impactor particularly suitable for use in a full-face tunnelling machine where high power density is required and individual impactors are often constrained to operate without impacting the rock face for considerable periods.