Abstract: An improved thermocouple of the type contained in a sleeve having a closed distal end and an open proximal end through which the thermocouple leads pass, the improvement comprising a closed, vented cap for substantially closing the open end of the sleeve, the cap having a vent for accommodating a sampling tube for taking samples of gas at the open proximal end of the sleeve, and preferably allowing atmospheric air to replace the gas removed from the interior of the cap through the sampling tube.

Abstract: A separator includes a continuous inclined screening belt that passes over an upper roller and a lower roller to screen debris from municipal wastewater. The debris is then conveyed to a debris discharge outlet. A puddle of debris-laden wastewater forms a hydrostatic pressure head on the upper surface of the screening belt to assist in forcing the wastewater through the screening belt. Wastewater that passes through apertures in the screening belt is deflected by a deflector plate that shields the return path of the screening belt. The screened wastewater is then directed to the wastewater outlet. In a preferred embodiment, a belt-cleaning brush is disposed along the return path and brushes clinging debris from the screening belt toward the debris discharge outlet. Additionally, the screening belt rides on and is supported by a perforated backing plate as it travels from the lower roller to the upper roller.

Abstract: A gumbo separator has a continuous, inclined, moving screen belt which rides on and is supported by a perforated backing plate. The desirable portion of drilling fluids fed to the gumbo separator passes through the screen belt and backing plate and may be further processed to remove drill cuttings. The gumbo, containing gummy hydrated clays, are conveyed off the screen belt to the reserve pit. The gumbo separator provides a self cleaning screen belt, using a counter-rotating belt cleaning brush. A spray bar back-washes the screen belt with high pressure drilling mud to remove any gumbo lodged in the screen belt openings.