Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor assembly and method for operating the contactor assembly can include a first conductor having a first set of axially extending protrusions and a second conductor having a second set of axially extending protrusions interdigitally arranged with the first set of protrusion. At least a subset of the first set of extending protrusions and at least a subset of the second set of protrusions can be conductively connected.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor assembly and method for operating the contactor assembly can include a first conductor having a first set of axially extending protrusions and a second conductor having a second set of axially extending protrusions interdigitally arranged with the first set of protrusion. At least a subset of the first set of extending protrusions and at least a subset of the second set of protrusions can be conductively connected.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A method to produce on a commercial scale, high aspect ratio cellulose nanofilaments (CNF) from natural lignocellulosic fibers comprises a multi-pass high consistency refining (HCR) of chemical or mechanical fibers using combinations of refining intensity and specific energy. The CNF produced represents a mixture of fine filaments with widths in the submicron and lengths from tens of micrometers to few millimeters. The product has a population of free filaments and filaments bound to the fiber core from which they were produced. The proportion of free and bound filaments is governed in large part by total specific energy applied to the pulp in the refiner, and differs from other cellulose fibrillar materials by their higher aspect ratio and the preserved degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose, and are excellent additives for the reinforcement of paper, tissue, paperboard and the like. They display exceptional strengthening power for never-dried paper webs.

Abstract: A modular support system has individual frame modules each of which is formed by a series of standardized components that are secured together to form a generally elongate support structure for various uses, in particular a support structure for a conveyor. A truss frame module and a channel frame module are disclosed wherein both of the frame modules include a pair of elongate side frame members that are laterally spaced-apart and generally parallel, these frame members being secured together by a series of laterally-extending and transverse frame members. Specialized connectors attach to the ends of the laterally-extending and transverse frame members, which in turn are secured to the frame members. The components of each of the frame modules are substantially identical to the other so that they can be inverted or reversed without affecting assembly of the frame. The side frame members are made by profile cutting and roll forming an elongate metal plate.

Abstract: A modular support system has individual frame modules each of which is formed by a series of standardized components that are secured together to form a generally elongate support structure for various uses, in particular a support structure for a conveyor. A truss frame module and a channel frame module are disclosed wherein both of the frame modules include a pair of elongate side frame members that are laterally spaced-apart and generally parallel, these frame members being secured together by a series of laterally-extending and transverse frame members. Specialized connectors attach to the ends of the laterally-extending and transverse frame members, which in turn are secured to the frame members. The components of each of the frame modules are substantially identical to the other so that they can be inverted or reversed without affecting assembly of the frame. The side frame members are made by profile cutting and roll forming an elongate metal plate.

Abstract: A method has been developed that estimates from the on line measurements of readily available process variables the proportion of the mass of fiber in the refining zone of a chip refiner relative to the mass with a full refining zone. This estimate of the filling factor is used to determine the margin available to load the refiner and the control action needed to avoid abnormal operation.

Abstract: Gene expression technologies have the exciting potential of providing methods for monitoring long-term effects of contaminants and disease on free-ranging marine wildlife species. An added benefit is that these methods may elucidate the mechanisms by which these stressors can deleteriously affect an individual over a long period, and thereby aid in the design of therapeutic and preventative strategies to treat and protect susceptible individuals and populations at risk from oil exposure. Our presentation will assess specific quantifiable genetic markers that can signify persistent pathological and physiological injury associated primarily with chronic hydrocarbon exposure. Using empirical evidence from captive animals and recent captures, we will discuss how we are developing an understanding of gene expression as it relates to the immune system of the sea otter and other marine megafauna, and the potential effects of contaminants or disease.

Abstract: A method to produce on a commercial scale, high aspect ratio cellulose nanofilaments (CNF) from natural lignocellulosic fibers comprises a multi-pass high consistency refining (HCR) of chemical or mechanical fibers using combinations of refining intensity and specific energy. The CNF produced represents a mixture of fine filaments with widths in the submicron and lengths from tens of micrometers to few millimeters. The product has a population of free filaments and filaments bound to the fiber core from which they were produced. The proportion of free and bound filaments is governed in large part by total specific energy applied to the pulp in the refiner, and differs from other cellulose fibrillar materials by their higher aspect ratio and the preserved degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose, and are excellent additives for the reinforcement of paper, tissue, paperboard and the like. They display exceptional strengthening power for never-dried paper webs.

Abstract: A method has been developed that estimates from the on line measurements of readily available process variables the proportion of the mass of fibre in the refining zone of a chip refiner relative to the mass with a full refining zone. This estimate of the filling factor is used to determine the margin available to load the refiner and the control action needed to avoid abnormal operation.

Abstract: A method is proposed for improving pulp quality at high production rates on conical disc refiners. It permits a reduction in refining intensity by enabling fibre residence time to increase by increasing consistency, while avoiding the problem of plate plugging normally associated with high discharge consistency. In practice, inlet consistency is increased by the in-feed dilution, flat zone dilution or both, but without allowing the discharge consistency to rise. Instead, the discharge consistency is controlled at a fixed optimum value by the addition of dilution water within the conical zone. The result is that residence time is increased, and refining intensity decreased, by raising the consistency in the inner region of the refining zone, while avoiding the plate plugging caused by excessive consistency in the outer region of the refining zone.

Abstract: A method is proposed for improving pulp quality at high production rates on conical disc refiners. It permits a reduction in refining intensity by enabling fibre residence time to increase by increasing consistency, while avoiding the problem of plate plugging normally associated with high discharge consistency. In practice, inlet consistency is increased by the in-feed dilution, flat zone dilution or both, but without allowing the discharge consistency to rise. Instead, the discharge consistency is controlled at a fixed optimum value by the addition of dilution water within the conical zone. The result is that residence time is increased, and refining intensity decreased, by raising the consistency in the inner region of the refining zone, while avoiding the plate plugging caused by excessive consistency in the outer region of the refining zone.

Abstract: In the mechanical refining of wood chips to produce wood pulp, wood pulp quality is improved by employing low refining intensity at least in a final refining stage; the refining is carried out in a double disc refiner or a single disc refiner at rotational speeds that are lower than those conventionally employed, specifically at less than 1200 RPM in a double disc refiner and at less than 1500 RPM in a single disc refiner.