Abstract: In an imaging apparatus having a toner container, a method of periodically calibrating a back EMF constant Ke used in a speed control circuit of a DC motor used for driving for a toner metering device. To adjust the value of the back EMF constant Ke, the method uses a plurality of sampled back EMF measurements together with a calculated actual speed of rotation of the toner metering device as measured using motion sensor.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus having a toner container, a method of periodically calibrating a back EMF constant Ke used in a speed control circuit of a DC motor used for driving for a toner metering device. To adjust the value of the back EMF constant Ke, the method uses a plurality of sampled back EMF measurements together with a calculated actual speed of rotation of the toner metering device as measured using motion sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing fouling of equipment used in thermal conversion processes such as FLUID COKING™ and FLEXICOKING™. Acoustic energy is used to acoustically agglomerate fine mists created during the coking process. The agglomerated mists are then carried along with the circulating coke instead of depositing on coking equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved delayed coking process. A coker feed, such as a vacuum resid, is treated with (i) a metal-containing agent and (ii) an oxidizing agent. The feed is treated with the oxidizing agent at an oxidizing temperature. The oxidized feed is then pre-heated to coking temperatures and conducted to a coking vessel for a coking time to allow volatiles to evolve and to produce a substantially free-flowing coke. A metals-containing composition is added to the feed at at least one of the following points in the process: prior to the heating of the feed to coking temperatures, during such heating, and/or after such heating.

Abstract: This invention is a method for reducing the total acid number of organic acid containing petroleum oil comprising forming a water-in-oil emulsion comprising an aqueous Group IIA metal hydroxide solution or slurry in a hydrocarbon oil, said water-in-oil emulsion having an aqueous droplet particle size diameter of from 1 to 25?, adding the water-in-oil emulsion to the organic acid containing petroleum oil and permitting the mixture to stand for a time sufficient to permit the neutralization of the organic acids in the petroleum oil.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to identify a refinery solid foulant of unknown composition including the following steps: obtaining a solid foulant sample, removing trapped feed from the sample with a solvent to obtain an insoluble sample, scanning the insoluble sample with a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-rays, performing a thermal gravimetric analysis including an ash test on the insoluble sample to determine the presence of polymer, coke and inorganic elements, performing an elemental analysis on the insoluble sample for the elements carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, halogens, and metals, performing an optical microscopy on the insoluble sample to determine the presence of wax, asphaltenes, anisotropic coke and isotropic coke, and identifying the solid foulant.

Abstract: A delayed coking process for making substantially free-flowing coke, preferably shot coke. A coker feedstock, such as a vacuum residuum, is heated in a heating zone to coking temperatures then conducted to a coking zone wherein volatiles are collected overhead and coke is formed. A low molecular weight additive is added to the feedstock prior to it being heated in the heating zone, prior to its being conducted to the coking zone, or both.

Abstract: A delayed coking process for making substantially free-flowing coke, preferably shot coke. A coker feedstock, such as a vacuum residuum, is heated in a heating zone to coking temperatures then conducted to a coking zone wherein volatiles are collected overhead and coke is formed. At least one polymeric additive is added to the feedstock prior to it being heated in the heating zone, prior to its being conducted to the coking zone, or both.

Abstract: A method for upgrading heavy oils by contacting the heavy oil with an inhibitor additive and then thermally treating the inhibitor additized heavy oil. The inhibitor is selected from oil soluble polynuclear aromatic compounds. The invention also relates to the upgraded product from the inhibitor enhanced thermal treatment process.

Abstract: A method for upgrading heavy oils by contacting the heavy oil with a water-soluble aromatic polysulfonic acid salt and then thermally treating the contacted heavy oil. The polysulfonic acid salt can be recovered and recycled from contacting the heavy oil. The polysulfonic acid salt is recovered and recycled. The invention also relates to the upgraded product from the enhanced thermal treatment process.

Abstract: The use of water-soluble aromatic polysulfonic acid salts for inhibiting fouling in process equipment used in the thermal treatment of heavy oils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the source of fouling in petroleum thermal conversion process units. More particularly, the invention distinguishes whether fouling occurs due to feed entrainment of small feed droplets or vapor phase condensation.

Abstract: A driver courtesy device includes a first unit attachable to the dashboard or steering console of an automobile, within reach of the driver of the automobile, and a display unit mounted adjacent the rear window or one of the side windows of the automobile. The first unit includes a signal transmitter actuated by the driver. The display unit includes an upstanding member resembling an arm and hand, a signal receiver, and a motor actuated for a predetermined operational period upon receipt of the signal transmitted by the first unit. An interposer converts rotary motion of the actuated motor to linear motion to thereby move the arm and hand in a reciprocating, waving motion to convey a courteous gesture.