Abstract: A catalytic reactor having a mixing section connected to a downstream reaction section containing a catalyst to promote a reaction of oxygen and a hydrocarbon fed to the catalytic reactor. The mixing section is provided with a flame arrestor to prevent a stable flame from propagating should any reaction of oxygen and hydrocarbons occur during mixing. The flame arrestor permits flow in both axial and radial directions to promote mixing. Baffle elements and a downstream static mixer can also be used. The catalyst is preferably in the form of monolithic blocks enclosed by a ceramic tube that is maintained as a unitary catalyst assembly that can be removed for replacement and installation of the catalyst as a single unit.

Abstract: A valve assembly in which a primary valve is provided within a primary passageway of a valve housing to control flow rates of a fluid flow within the primary passageway. The primary valve is moved between open and closed positions relative to a valve seat defined in the primary passageway to produce higher flow rates as the primary valve is moved towards the open position and lower flow rates as the primary valve is moved towards the closed position. As the primary valve is moved towards the closed position an ever increasing flow rate occurs within a secondary passageway formed in the primary valve by at least an orifice. A secondary needle valve, projecting into the orifice, meters such ever increasing flow rate and thereby the lower flow rates of the fluid flow. The secondary needle valve can be attached to the valve housing and thus, be fixed in position or can be attached to a valve steam to control the degree to which the secondary needle valve projects into the orifice.

Abstract: A valve assembly in which a primary valve is provided within a primary passageway of a valve housing to control flow rates of a fluid flow within the primary passageway. The primary valve is moved between open and closed positions relative to a valve seat defined in the primary passageway to produce higher flow rates as the primary valve is moved towards the open position and lower flow rates as the primary valve is moved towards the closed position. As the primary valve is moved towards the closed position an ever increasing flow rate occurs within a secondary passageway formed in the primary valve by at least an orifice. A secondary needle valve, projecting into the orifice, meters such ever increasing flow rate and thereby the lower flow rates of the fluid flow. The secondary needle valve can be attached to the valve housing and thus, be fixed in position or can be attached to a valve steam to control the degree to which the secondary needle valve projects into the orifice.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a partially decentralized operating control system wherein five defined separate controllers control either one or more than one defined variables.