Abstract: A system and method for controlling an application of a friction modifying agent to an area of contact between a railway wheel and a railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area. A sensor is used for detecting a parameter relating to the operation of the railway train. A controller is responsive to the sensor for selecting one or more of a plurality of friction modifying agents and controls the application of the agent to the rail as a function of the parameter. An applicator is responsive to the controller and applies the friction modifying agent to the area of contact between the railway wheel and rail. A second application of the agent may be predicated upon the effectiveness of a first application of the agent. The selection of the appropriate agent may include a consideration of a current location of the railway vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for friction management for managing and controlling an application of a friction modifying agent to an area of contact between a railway wheel and a railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area. The system comprises a sensor for detecting a parameter relating to the operation of the railway train. A controller is responsive to the sensor and controls the application of a friction modifying agent to the rail as a function of the parameter. An applicator is responsive to the controller and applies the friction modifying agent to the area of contact between the railway wheel and rail. The invention also includes a method for railway train friction management for managing and controlling the application of friction modifying agent to an area of contact between railway wheel and railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area.

Abstract: A system and method for friction management for managing and controlling an application of a friction modifying agent to an area of contact between a railway wheel and a railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area. The system comprises a sensor for detecting a parameter relating to the operation of the railway train. A controller is responsive to the sensor and controls the application of a friction modifying agent to the rail as a function of the parameter. An applicator is responsive to the controller and applies the friction modifying agent to the area of contact between the railway wheel and rail. The invention also includes a method for railway train friction management for managing and controlling the application of friction modifying agent to an area of contact between railway wheel and railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel route for the synthesis of methanol, and more specifically to the production of methanol by contacting synthesis gas under relatively mild conditions in a slurry phase with a heterogeneous catalyst comprising reduced copper chromite impregnated with an alkali or alkaline earth metal. There is thus no need to add a separate alkali or alkaline earth compound. The present invention allows the synthesis of methanol to occur in the temperature range of approximately 100.degree.-160.degree. C. and the pressure range of 40-65 atm. The process produces methanol with up to 90% syngas conversion per pass and up to 95% methanol selectivity. The only major by-product is a small amount of easily separated methyl formate. Very small amounts of water, carbon dioxide and dimethyl ether are also produced. The present catalyst combination also is capable of tolerating fluctuations in the H.sub.2 /CO ratio without major deleterious effect on the reaction rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel route for the synthesis of methanol, and more specifically to the production of methanol by contacting synthesis gas under relatively mild conditions in a slurry phase with a catalyst combination comprising reduced copper chromite and basic alkali salts or alkaline earth salts. The present invention allows the synthesis of methanol to occur in the temperature range of approximately 100.degree.-160.degree. C. and the pressure range of 40-65 atm. The process produces methanol with up to 90% syngas conversion per pass and up to 95% methanol selectivity. The only major by-product is a small amount of easily separated methyl formate. Very small amounts of water, carbon dioxide and dimethyl ether are also produced. The present catalyst combination also is capable of tolerating fluctuations in the H.sub.2 /CO ratio without major deleterious effect on the reaction rate. Furthermore, carbon dioxide and water are also tolerated without substantial catalyst deactivation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel route for the synthesis of methanol, and more specifically to the production of methanol by contacting synthesis gas under relatively mild conditions in a slurry phase with a catalyst combination comprising reduced copper chromite and basic alkali salts or alkaline earth salts. The present invention allows the synthesis of methanol to occur in the temperature range of approximately 100.degree.-160.degree. C. and the pressure range of 40-65 atm. The process produces methanol with up to 90% syngas conversion per pass and up to 95% methanol selectivity. The only major by-product is a small amount of easily separated methyl formate. Very small amounts of water, carbon dioxide and dimethyl ether are also produced. The present catalyst combination also is capable of tolerating fluctuations in the H.sub.2 /CO ratio without major deleterious effect on the reaction rate. Furthermore, carbon dioxide and water are also tolerated without substantial catalyst deactivation.