Abstract: A refrigeration cycle combines a concentrated absorbent liquid and a refrigerant in its vapor phase at low pressure in an absorber which provides, as an output, a liquid-rich refrigerant in solution with the absorbent liquid. The pressure of the absorbent/refrigerant solution is increased and the pressurized solution is supplied to a pervaporation membrane separator which provides as one output stream a vapor-rich refrigerant and as another output stream a concentrated liquid absorbent. The liquid-rich refrigerant output stream is condensed and subsequently expanded to a low pressure into an evaporator where it evaporates extracting heat from the spaced to be cooled. The concentrated liquid absorbent output stream from the separator is reduced in pressure and recombined in the absorber with the low pressure refrigerant vapor exiting the evaporator.

Abstract: A combined steam-gas-turbine power plant includes a steam turbine and a first gas turbine drivingly connected to first and second electric generators. A second gas turbine is arranged for driving a compressor supplying air to both a steam boiler and a combustor which respectively provide working fluid for the steam and gas turbine. The compressor is driven at a variable speed in accordance with the load requirements of the first and second generators. Gas turbine exhaust is used for recuperative heating of both fuel and air supplies.

Abstract: A means and apparatus for transfer of pressure energy from a first fluid at high pressure to a second fluid at lower pressure via a piston mounted for free floating movement within a cylinder communicating on one side with the first fluid and at the other side with the second fluid and in which contamination of the second fluid by the first fluid is prevented during energy transfer by exposing the one side of the piston to clean fluid for substantial equalization of pressures on opposite sides of the piston before exposure of the piston to the first fluid at high pressure.

Abstract: A separator for separating particles carried in a fluid carrying medium is disclosed. The separator includes an elongated duct and associated openings incorporated in a solid body. The duct is axisymmetrical relative to its longitudinal axis, and includes a curved wall portion having a curved cross-section taken along the longitudinal axis. An axisymmetrical opening located downstream of the curved wall portion leads from the duct into an axisymmetrical channel which is substantially radially disposed relative to the longitudinal axis. Continuation of the duct downstream of the opening is a discharge portion which is substantially colinear with the longitudinal axis. In operation, a substantial majority of the fluid carrying medium leaves the duct radially through the opening and channel in a state substantially free of particles.

Abstract: A mass of energy transfer device is disclosed which is adapted for intermixing a liquid and a gas phase for the purpose of mass, heat or kinetic energy transfer between the phases. The transfer device includes a plurality of individual substantially tubular mixing elements each of which receives a high velocity spray of the liquid phase for substantially longitudinal travel therein and draws the gas phase into a throat and diffuser through a substantially axisymmetrical opening. The mixing elements are mounted into an enveloping vessel the interior of which is in fluid communication with a source of the gas phase. Efficiency of the device is disclosed to depend exponentially on the ratio of the momentum range of the liquid spray to the throat diameter which is related to the ratio of the slip velocity of the liquid and gas to the velocity of the gas.

Abstract: A separator for separating micron and submicron sized particles from a carrying gas, is disclosed. A carrier gas contains a component which is capable of condensation in the separator. The carrier gas is accelerated and flows at high velocity in a duct. The lower limit of the high velocity is approximately Mach 1.0. Due to the acceleration to the high velocity the static temperature of the carrying gas decreases. As a result, the condensable component condenses on micron and mainly on submicron sizes particles which act as nucleation sites. Liquid droplets formed during the condensation are in the micron size range. The paths of the high velocity flow of the carrier gas and of the solid and liquid particles carried therein is influenced by a combination of a centrifugal force and an oblique shock zone which is created within the high velocity flow. As a result, the particles travel a different path than the carrying gas and are effectively captured and disposed by an appropriately positioned receiving member.

Abstract: A radial inflow turbine is disclosed utilizing a star wheel type of blade and wherein the inlet nozzles are located along the sides or lateral of the blade tips rather than located radially beyond the blade tips. The side approach enables the turbine to include an annular chamber outside of the moving blades and where small particles are centrifuged during operation and collected. The incoming hot gases, that propel the blades, pass through approximately a 90.degree. turn and continue radially inwardly. The large particles hit the turbine blades and are projected outwardly into the annular chamber for collection and subsequent removal while the smaller particles may be centrifuged in the stream of gas and immediately thrown outwardly. The turbine is capable of removing particles to as small as 2-3 microns (.mu.m).

Abstract: An air compression system for use in chemical processing operation. A primary air compression system module includes, on a common shaft, a multi-stage high pressure ratio compressor for supplying compressed air for the process, a pair of bearings support the common shaft and straddle the multi-stage compressor, a steam turbine is located on one end of the common shaft for providing start-up and supplemental power to the air compression module when necessary, and a radial inflow hot gas expander is provided on the opposite end of the common shaft which receives hot gas from the process for expansion thereof to provide the main power source for the air compression module. The air compression module is characterized by high power, relatively high speed operation suitable for applications in chemical processing industries and is a skid-mounted unit for ease of installation, and minimum overall reliability maintenance.