Abstract: Drawn polymer fibers have internal channels running, at least partially, through the length of the fibers. These fibers may be configured to for use as thermal isolators that can thermally isolate material at the central core of the fiber from the outside environment. In such instances, the channels may be used as insulating channels and/or a heating or cooling fluid can be pumped through the channels to maintain the temperature of the material at the inner core. As another application, the fibers may be used as recuperative, regenerative, parallel-flow, counter-flow, cross-flow or condenser/evaporator heat exchangers. In this case, the channels may be used to direct fluid flow. The fiber may allow for the exchange of heat between fluids in the channels.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for cooling equipment including exposing a fluid to a tool comprising electronic components at a temperature T and pressure P, compressing the fluid to a temperature T1 and pressure P1, exposing the fluid to a surface in communication with liquid or gas or both external to the tool wherein the fluid after exposure to the surface is at a temperature T2 and pressure P2, and allowing the fluid to expand to a temperature T3 and pressure P3 wherein the equipment is a tool in a subterranean formation and T is less than T2 and P is less than P2. Apparatus and methods for cooling oil field services tools including a fluid that conducts heat from the tool to the fluid, a compressor that, a heat exchanger that accepts fluid from the compressor and that rejects heat from the fluid, and a valve or orifice.

Abstract: The use of porous materials in the dead space of reciprocating engines is described. The porous material can be used to condition the cylinder gases. In addition, the porous material may include a catalyst for driving chemical reactions. The catalytic process occurs on the porous material, not on the cylinder walls. The engine parameters (number of cycles, number of strokes per cycle, compression ratio, engine speed, cylinder volume, valves timing, gas composition, pressure and temperature) are adjusted to optimize gas compression or chemical reactor performance.

Abstract: A process for recovering heat uses a product stream from a Fischer Tropsch synthesis reactor as the coolant in the same Fischer Tropsch reactor. This stream is then used as the working fluid in an associated organic Rankine cycle. In this manner, the waste heat from the Fischer Tropsch reactor can be efficiently converted into shaft work within the Fischer Tropsch plant. The Fischer Tropsch fluid can then be recycled into the plant product stream.

Abstract: Heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a thermal contact plate defining a cavity in fluid communication with a first pipe and a plurality of stationary elements substantially perpendicular to the first pipe each defining a cavity wherein each cavity is in fluid communication with the first pipe and at least one cavity includes a wick. A plurality of movable elements are provided wherein the movable elements and the stationary elements are substantially parallel, alternatingly arranged and a portion of the movable elements overlaps a portion of the stationary elements. A working fluid is provided in the first pipe and cavities or stationary elements and thermal contact plate.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method to operate a conventional 4 cylinder engine as an expander for any pressurized fluid (e.g., liquid, vapor, or gas). A poppet valve system is disclosed enabling upward lift of the inlet valve, with assist from cylinder compression pressure, together with downward lift from an exhaust valve, resulting in especially efficient expansion of fluid or gas in a thermodynamic power cycle. Further, it is described that a desmodromic valve operation system may be employed and provides essential guidance and opening closing actions for proper operation of the expander system.

Abstract: A process for recovering heat uses a product stream from a Fischer Tropsch synthesis reactor as the coolant in the same Fischer Tropsch reactor. This stream is then used as the working fluid in an associated organic Rankine cycle. In this manner, the waste heat from the Fischer Tropsch reactor can be efficiently converted into shaft work within the Fischer Tropsch plant. The Fischer Tropsch fluid can then be recycled into the plant product stream.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for cooling equipment including exposing a fluid to a tool comprising electronic components at a temperature T and pressure P, compressing the fluid to a temperature T1 and pressure P1, exposing the fluid to a surface in communication with liquid or gas or both external to the tool wherein the fluid after exposure to the surface is at a temperature T2 and pressure P2, and allowing the fluid to expand to a temperature T3 and pressure P3 wherein the equipment is a tool in a subterranean formation and T is less than T2 and P is less than P2. Apparatus and methods for cooling oil field services tools including a fluid that conducts heat from the tool to the fluid, a compressor that, a heat exchanger that accepts fluid from the compressor and that rejects heat from the fluid, and a valve or orifice.

Abstract: A method of converting thermal energy into another energy form using a thermodynamic cycle is disclosed, the method including the steps of: pressurizing a working fluid; supplying thermal energy to heat the working fluid from a liquid or substantially liquid state to a supercritical fluid state; in a first expander, substantially isentropically expanding the working fluid to yield energy in the other energy form; separating the expanded working fluid to form a first portion of the fluid diverted to a second expander and a second portion of the working fluid diverted to bypass the second expander; in the second expander, substantially isentropically expanding the first portion of the working fluid to yield energy in the other energy form; condensing the expanded first portion of the working fluid to a liquid or substantially liquid state; and recombining the first and second portions of the working fluid to be recirculated in the cycle.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to frozen foods, for example, frozen desserts such as ice cream. One aspect of the invention is directed to carbonated frozen desserts and other carbonated frozen foods. Another aspect is directed to methods of making frozen foods, such as carbonated frozen desserts and other foods, as well as methods of freezing other fluids, such as water. A carbonated frozen dessert can be made, for example, by introducing carbon dioxide (CO2) into dessert mix prior to freezing the dessert mix. Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to cooling dessert mixes and other food products by introducing a fluid, such as a refrigerant, into the dessert mix or food product that cools and/or freezes the dessert mix or food product. The fluid may also become incorporated into the frozen dessert or other food product. Still another aspect of the invention is directed to frozen foods, such as ice creams and similar frozen desserts, having smooth consistencies.

Abstract: Heat exchangers and related methods, e.g., methods of reducing heat from a load, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a device includes a stationary element defining a cavity, a movable element, and a first heat pipe in fluid communication with the cavity defined by the stationary element.