Abstract: Improved self-tightening clamp assemblies are designed for application to the adjacent ends of connected pipe sections in spanning relationship to the joint therebetween. The assemblies include a plurality of clamp bodies configured for placement about the adjacent pipe section ends and carrying a plurality of pipe-engaging teeth; a clamping mechanism is operably coupled with the clamp bodies to cause the teeth to grippingly engage the pipe section ends. The teeth are oriented so as to exert an increasing gripping force on the pipe sections ends in the event of relative separation movement between the ends.

Abstract: Improved self-tightening clamp assemblies are provided, which are designed for application to the adjacent ends of connected pipe sections in spanning relationship to the joint therebetween. The assemblies include a plurality of clamp bodies configured for placement about the adjacent pipe section ends and carrying a plurality of pipe-engaging teeth; a clamping mechanism is operably coupled with the clamp bodies to cause the teeth to grippingly engage the pipe section ends. The teeth are oriented so as to exert an increasing gripping force on the pipe sections ends in the event of relative separation movement between the ends.

Abstract: An improved test for quantifying luster of petroleum products in particle form, especially coke, as an index of quality. A representative sample of the product is obtained and prepared. A digital image of the sample is formed using a scanner. The image is then processed digitally to produce a representative luster or optical density measurement for the sample. The preceding process may be repeated several times for each sample and the resultant luster or optical density measurements for each iteration are totaled and averaged. Once the luster measurement or optical density for the sample is obtained, it is compared to established parameters to assign a CTE value to the sample, assuming there is sufficient historical data correlating the two measurements. Various refining operating parameters including feedstocks, temperatures and pressures, may be altered to obtain a desired product.

Abstract: An improved test for quantifying luster of petroleum products in particle form, especially coke, as an index of quality. A representative sample of the product is obtained and prepared. A digital image of the sample is formed using a scanner. The image is then processed digitally to produce a representative luster or optical density measurement for the sample. The preceding process may be repeated several times for each sample and the resultant luster or optical density measurements for each iteration are totaled and averaged. Once the luster measurement or optical density for the sample is obtained, it is compared to established parameters to assign a CTE value to the sample, assuming there is sufficient historical data correlating the two measurements. Various refining operating parameters including feedstocks, temperatures and pressures, may be altered to obtain a desired product.

Abstract: The invention includes an improved test for quantifying lustre of petroleum products in particle form, especially coke, as an index of quality. The test involves obtaining and preparing a sample and then placing it beneath an illuminating device in a manner that promotes the formation of a substantially smooth upper surface. The illuminating device uses visible light from a desired direction to produce a visible light pattern from the light reflected from the sample's upper surface. The pattern is then acquired to capture an image. The sample may be slightly magnified for acquisition of the image. The pattern may be acquired multiple times to develop an average image. The image is then processed digitally to produce a representative lustre measurement for the sample. The preceding process may be repeated several times for each sample and the resultant lustre measurements for each iteration are totalled and averaged.