Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a condition-based maintenance tool that may be used to monitor, configure, and in some cases correct, problems experienced by a compressor in a pipeline system. The condition-based maintenance tool may evaluate data retrieved from a compressor status database to identify overconsumption events. In response, the maintenance tool may generate maintenance alarms, initiate work orders, and/or provide recommendations for action to an operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for holographic control and monitoring of processing devices. Operator control of a processing device is indicated by interaction with a holographic image. The holographic image is generated, and the operator interaction is detected, by a holographic control system. The holographic control system is sealed to prevent explosions, corrosion, and contamination resulting from contact with external substances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling efficacy of a food processing system. The method includes, responsive to receiving set points from an automatic expert system, operating an adaptive controller to perform steps including comparing the set points from the automatic expert system to process variables for the food processing system. The steps also include generating an error signal indicating a difference between the compared process variables and the set points and adjusting control settings for the food processing system using the error signal and one or more control parameters. The adaptive controller is configured to automatically modify the control parameters in response to a detected change in at least one of the set points and the process variables.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, article of manufacture, and system of detecting a cryogenic leak. In one embodiment, the method includes calibrating an infrared camera by detecting one or more first areas of low temperature in a first infrared image of a location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature is lower than an ambient temperature, detecting one or more second areas of low temperature in a second infrared image of the location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature in the second infrared image is lower than the ambient temperature and indicative of the cryogenic leak, and wherein the one or more second areas are not the one or more first areas, and in response to detecting the one or more second areas of low temperature in the second infrared image, generating an alarm message which indicates the cryogenic leak.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for holographic control and monitoring of processing devices. Operator control of a processing device is indicated by interaction with a holographic image. The holographic image is generated, and the operator interaction is detected, by a holographic control system. The holographic control system is sealed to prevent explosions, corrosion, and contamination resulting from contact with external substances.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a condition-based maintenance tool that may be used to monitor, configure, and in some cases correct, problems experienced by a compressor in a pipeline system. The condition-based maintenance tool may evaluate data retrieved from a compressor status database to identify overconsumption events. In response, the maintenance tool may generate maintenance alarms, initiate work orders, and/or provide recommendations for action to an operator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, article of manufacture and apparatus for controlling production of hydrogen. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring an amount of hydrogen present at a first point in a hydrogen production process using a palladium-based hydrogen sensor, measuring one or more first production process variables for the hydrogen production process using an additional sensor, inputting the amount of hydrogen and the one or more additional production process variables into a process controller, and modifying one or more second production process variables for the hydrogen production process using a process control system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, article of manufacture, and system of detecting a cryogenic leak. In one embodiment, the method includes calibrating an infrared camera by detecting one or more first areas of low temperature in a first infrared image of a location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature is lower than an ambient temperature, detecting one or more second areas of low temperature in a second infrared image of the location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature in the second infrared image is lower than the ambient temperature and indicative of the cryogenic leak, and wherein the one or more second areas are not the one or more first areas, and in response to detecting the one or more second areas of low temperature in the second infrared image, generating an alarm message which indicates the cryogenic leak.

Abstract: Methods for optimizing emission levels from combustion operations, which include a system and process for optimizing levels of NOx and CO during fuel combustion including supplying flows of fuel (which is predetermined) and main oxidant to a burner. Oscillating combustion is generated by oscillating the fuel flow with an oscillating valve and combusting the oscillating fuel with the main oxidant adjacent the burner to produce combustion products. A post-combustion oxidant is injected into the combustion products where it is combusted with the combustion products. A controller is operatively associated with control units for controlling the main oxidant and post-combustion oxidant flow rates and the oscillating valve.

Abstract: Chemical treatment process control, including a virtual sensor based upon artificial intelligence that automatically computes and predicts additive concentrations in chemical baths used in manufacturing to compensate for the lag time in obtaining data from real-time analyzers (RTA). Once actual measurement data is obtained, bath concentrations can be further adjusted if necessary. Also disclosed is the retrofitting of a RTA with a controller where the data signal from the RTA has a proprietary communication protocol that is converted by hardware and/or software into a signal having an open communication protocol for transmission to the controller for controlling electrochemical bath concentration. Further disclosed is a method of controlling chemical concentration of electrochemical baths by predicting the depletion of chemicals during manufacture and causing dosing and/or draining of a portion of the bath during the time delay between RTA analyses.

Abstract: This disclosure discusses the problems associated with preservation of food products while avoiding undesirable high pressures, additives, or other chemical treatments. The disclosed invention will reduce spoilage in food products, particularly liquid food products, by removing oxidants, enzymes, and killing bacteria without using heat or undesirable additives. The process of the invention uses a combination of moderate pressure and reactive gases, such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, or nitrous oxide to treat food products, and then removes the reactive gases by purging the food product with an inert gas. The final product is substantially free of unwanted microorganisms, enzymes, and oxidants that cause spoilage of the food product.

Abstract: This disclosure discusses the problems associated with preservation of food products while avoiding undesirable high pressures, additives, or other chemical treatments. The disclosed invention will reduce spoilage in food products, particularly liquid food products, by removing oxidants, enzymes, and killing bacteria without using heat or undesirable additives. The process of the invention uses a combination of moderate pressure and reactive gases, such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide to treat food products, and then removes the reactive gases by purging the food product with an inert gas. The final product is substantially free of unwanted microorganisms, enzymes, and oxidants that cause spoilage of the food product.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for monitoring, dosing and distribution of a chemical composition in a material treatment process, the chemical composition containing at least one additive for maintaining quality of the chemical treatment process.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the implementation of advanced controllers that are capable of achieving the desired controlling performance in a polysulfide reactor. These controllers are robust enough to counteract process disturbances as they learn continuously from the measurements of the inputs and outputs. The process comprises controlling the residence time, reaction temperature and oxygen partial pressure using an advanced controller, which adjusts the necessary parameters in order to counteract process disturbances.