Abstract: A gas-liquid separator includes a fluid inlet, a shell including an inside surface enclosing an interior space, an outlet structure with fingers converging toward a longitudinal axis, and a dripper including a dripper tip. The fingers terminate at fingertips located proximate to an outside surface of the dripper. Gas exit ports are defined between adjacent fingers, and by the dripper. The gas-liquid separator defines a liquid flow path from the fluid inlet, along the inside surface, along one or more of the fingers, converging along the dripper outside surface, and to the dripper tip. The gas-liquid separator also defines a gas flow path from the fluid inlet, through the interior space, and through the gas exit ports. The gas-liquid separator may be utilized in fluid separation systems such as liquid chromatography or supercritical fluid chromatography/extraction systems.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator includes a fluid inlet, a shell including an inside surface enclosing an interior space, an outlet structure with fingers converging toward a longitudinal axis, and a dripper including a dripper tip. The fingers terminate at fingertips located proximate to an outside surface of the dripper. Gas exit ports are defined between adjacent fingers, and by the dripper. The gas-liquid separator defines a liquid flow path from the fluid inlet, along the inside surface, along one or more of the fingers, converging along the dripper outside surface, and to the dripper tip. The gas-liquid separator also defines a gas flow path from the fluid inlet, through the interior space, and through the gas exit ports. The gas-liquid separator may be utilized in fluid separation systems such as liquid chromatography or supercritical fluid chromatography/extraction systems.

Abstract: An invention is claimed that enables the pumping of compressible fluids at high pressures when an accurate flow is desired. Two pressure sources, for example pumps plumbed in series, separate thermodynamic work, such as pressurization, at the first pressure source from a volumetric or matter metering function in the second pressure source. One example is a flowstream delivery for a chemical instrumentation system that is manufactured from relatively unsophisticated pumps yet delivers precise flows with low pulsation (<1%) over pressures greater than 100 bar. An advantage of one embodiment allows the economical conversion of typical HPLC systems to state of-the-art supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) systems with minimal modification to system components.

Abstract: An invention is claimed that enables the pumping of compressible fluids at high pressures when an accurate flow is desired. Two pressure sources, for example pumps plumbed in series, separate thermodynamic work, such as pressurization, at the first pressure source from a volumetric or matter metering function in the second pressure source. One example is a flowstream delivery for a chemical instrumentation system that is manufactured from relatively unsophisticated pumps yet delivers precise flows with low pulsation (<1 %) over pressures greater than 100 bar. An advantage of one embodiment allows the economical conversion of typical HPLC systems to state of-the-art supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) systems with minimal modification to system components.

Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of, e.g., wax, in a liquid admixture with, e.g., crude oil, comprising subjecting the liquid to cavitation such that temperatures, pressures and shear forces are produced in the liquid sufficient to induce cracking of the wax, but insufficient to induce significant decomposition of lower molecular weight components of the crude oil and continuing the method for a time sufficient to lower the concentration of the wax in the crude oil.

Abstract: A method of measuring the flow and composition of a fluid or mixture of fluids through a system by determining the temperature, pressure and speed of sound in the fluid or mixture of fluids in the system and calculating the flow, molar density and average molecular weight of the fluid from the equation: ##EQU1## wherein: ##EQU2## c=speed of sound P=pressure of the fluidT=temperature of the fluid.rho.=molecular density of the fluidM=average molecular weight of the fluid.phi.=velocity potentialt=time.

Abstract: Gasket apparatus and hermetically sealed joints employing the apparatus are provided wherein a tapered male member and a tapered female member are joined and a substantially hermetic seal is created around a predetermined circumferential zone between the male member and the female member by a gasket disposed to have a protrusion thereon at the predetermined zone to engage one of the male or female members to concentrate the sealing forces for making up the joint at that zone.

Abstract: A gasket seal for use in ultra-high vacuum systems is provided which comprises two rigid flanges disposed in opposite facing relation to each other, the flanges having a gasket inserted therebetween when the gasket seal is made up into its operating position. The gasket has at least one integral handle in the form of at least one wire adapted to extend from the gasket through a leak check groove of one of the flanges, the wire being used to handle the gasket and to clip the gasket to one of the flanges where desired prior to making up the joint. The wire may also be used as a conductor of heat to deliver heat to the portion of the system under vacuum, and the gasket may further have feedthrough means or a section having mounting holes for support structures extending inwardly of the flanges.

Abstract: A wall switch cover and actuator of the type used in combination with a standard wall toggle switch whereby operation of the switch between its on and off positions is accomplished by pressing on the face of the invention. The wall switch cover and actuator basically comprises a frame which is held in position over the standard switch by the switch's cover plate. A switch actuator element is removably held within the frame, and portions of the switch actuator abut opposite sides of the standard toggle switch. A cover is also mounted on the frame over the switch actuator so that pressure on the cover will be transmitted through the switch actuator to operate the toggle switch.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly for discharging a flowing fluid into which a desired amount of an additive liquid has been inserted includes a container for the additive liquid which may be removed from a dispenser body. The container is normally positively biased to a closed condition to prevent escape of the additive liquid. Opening of the container is effected upon establishment of a predetermined minimum pressure by the flowing fluid in the dispenser body. Additive liquid is forced from the container into the flowing fluid by a metered amount of flowing fluid inserted into the container to cause a flexible pressure member to force the additive liquid from the container. Opening of the container is not achieved until after the pressure member is exerting a force on the additive liquid.