Abstract: A valve structure including a valve body defining a valve chamber, a pair of annular inlet and outlet seal members, and a tapered valve member journaled in corresponding tapered sealing surfaces in the inlet and outlet seal members. Passages communicate respectively between a fluid source and the inlet passage, the outlet passage and the valve chamber. The maximum diametral dimensions of the valve passage through the valve member at its point of communication with the tapered surface of the valve member is less than the minimum width of the sealing surfaces of the seal members along the path traced by the valve passage as the valve member is rotated. A method of controlling passage of material through such a valve structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve structure including a valve body defining a valve chamber, a pair of annular inlet and outlet seal members, and a tapered valve member journaled in corresponding tapered sealing surfaces in the inlet and outlet seal member. Passages communicate respectively between a fluid source and the inlet passage, the outlet passage and the valve chamber. The maximum diametral dimensions of the valve passage through the valve member at its point of communication with the tapered surface of the valve member is less than the minimum width of the sealing surfaces of the seal members along the path traced by the valve passage as the valve member is rotated. A method of controlling passage of material through such a valve structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotating metering valve having a transverse passage which carries a slidable piston reciprocating once for each revolution of the valve for metering particulate material from an inlet port to an outlet port is provided with a dumbbell shaped piston and a purge fluid port in the transverse passage to ensure reliable operation, even while metering small quantities of particulate.

Abstract: A catalyst mixing tank having an axially aligned cylindrical outlet conduit at the vessel bottom has an agitator on a shaft which terminates in a spiral configuration extending from the vessel and terminating within the outlet conduit thereby providing agitation within the outlet conduit. This catalyst mixing tank combined with a downstream ball-check feed valve with the feed valve having a diametrical clearance between ball and cylinder in a range of about 0.040 inch to the maximum clearance that precludes leaking between ball and cylinder and with control of the pressure differential across the ball-check feed valve provides a catalyst feed system particularly suitable for use with viscous material or material likely to bridge an opening.

Abstract: A method for mixing and transferring polymer-coated catalyst compositions includes agitating the polymer compositions in a vessel having an agitator and a cylindrical outlet conduit. Further agitating the compositions in the outlet conduit by a spirally configured extension of the agitator and then passing the compositions from the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A valve structure including a valve body defining a valve chamber with a tapered bearing surface and a tapered valve member journaled in the tapered bearing surface. A spring-biased plunger mechanism constantly urges the valve member into slidable sealing engagement with the tapered bearing surface. A passage communicates between the valve chamber and the exterior of the valve body via the spring-biased plunger mechanism and is connected in fluid flow communication with a source of suitable fluid, whereby such fluid passes from the source into the valve chamber via the spring-biased plunger mechanism.

Abstract: Active polymerization catalyst is deactivated using a high molecular weight epoxide.