Abstract: The present invention features a system for actuating additional fluid flow lines at a transfer station, without the continuous venting or bleeding of fluid. The transfer station operates its supply lines, or runs, at differential pressures ranging from 15 to 85 inches of water. It is desirable to maintain differential pressure in the primary line, or in the combination of primary and secondary lines at mid-range, at about 50 inches of water. The system of the invention entails replacing the existing constant bleed pneumatic controller with an electromechanical no-bleed controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the location of subterranean pipe includes sensors 24 and 26 which detect seismic energy. A pulsing valve (20) is disposed on one end of a water line (10) to allow water to intermittently flow and be shut off. This results in a water hammer effect which send shock waves (22) outward from the pipe (10). This is detected by the sensors (24) and (26) and then transmitted to a detector (32) to provide a differential indication. The locations of the sensors (24) and (26) will determine the differential balances therebetween such that when the sensors (24) and (26) are directly over the pipe (10), an indication of the location of the pipe is provided. Further, a reference sensor (19) is provided to allow distance measurement along the pipe by measuring the difference between the received energy at sensor (19) and either of sensors (24) or (26).

Abstract: A system and method for reducing pressure in a container pressurized with a fluid provided to the container from a pressurizing fluid source communicate the pressurizing fluid with a receptacle between two valves, close a first one of the valves so that a portion of the pressurizing fluid is contained in the receptacle, and open a second one of the valves so that at least part of the portion of the pressurizing fluid is released from the receptacle.

Abstract: A smooth-opening, low hysteresis, pressure-operated ball head valve connected between a fuel tank and vapor trap in a vehicle fuel system for providing smooth, two-stage, low hysteresis vapor flow. The ball valve element is positioned within a cylindrical retainer in the valve body, and the dimensions of the various valve orifices and the geometry of the retainer are determined in view of a specified lift off pressure and ball weight to achieve these flow characteristics.

Abstract: A fluid pressure relief system and method for a pressure vessel or tank (10) having a normal vent (16) with a first pilot operated safety valve (18) and an emergency vent (62) having a second pilot operated safety valve (25). A vapor recovery line (20) is connected to relief valve (18) and collected at a vapor storage container (21). A manway (22) on the pressure vessel (10) shown in FIG. 2 defines the emergency vent (62) and a main valve member (66) has a counterweight (74) thereon to urge main valve member (66) to a seated closed position on nozzle (60). The first pilot operated safety valve (18) for the normal vent (16) is shown in FIG. 7 and has a T-shaped body (142) with a main relief valve member (172) at one end of the body (142) mounted for movement in a generally horizontal direction and controlled by a diaphragm (176) at an opposite end of the body (142).

Abstract: An improved fluid system and method of monitoring fluid volume in a supply cylinder is provided. A pressure regulator is disposed immediately downstream from a shutoff valve associated with the supply cylinder. A meter or gage is then positioned downstream of the regulator to monitor outlet or downstream pressure. The fluid volume in the supply cylinder upstream of the regulator is then determined by means of a modified gage. A data processor and pressure transducer may also be associated with the system to monitor other parameters or provide further information related to system performance.

Abstract: A system for reclaiming water which has been previously used for such purposes as washing vehicles includes both a diatomaceous earth filter for removing particulates and a carbon filter for removing organic contaminants. Reclaimed water which is in the system and not immediately required for use is continuously recycled by a pump so as to increase the removal of contaminants. A second pump moves the cleaned water into a pressure tank for use in washing. A substantial portion of the system is disposed below ground level with a lockable cover above.

Abstract: A system and method of exhausting vapor, such as steam, from a pressure chamber following the sterilization phase of a sterilization cycle under superatmospheric pressure conditions are provided. The system and method preferably employ a microprocessor and an appropriate pressure transducer to measure the chamber pressure at the conclusion of the vapor exposure period to determine an initial chamber pressure. The method includes the further steps of exhausting vapor from the chamber for a period of time, preferably up to about one minute, to lower the chamber pressure, measuring the chamber pressure at the conclusion of such first period of time to determine a second chamber pressure and calculating the difference between the initial chamber pressure and the second chamber pressure to determine an exhaust rate.

Abstract: A breather valve connected to a breather passage for opening and closing a valve element to adjust the internal pressure of a sealed container corresponding to the pressure change inside the sealed container includes a valve bore, the valve element slidably fitted in the valve bore, a spring for pushing the valve element toward the sealed container, an elastic portion tapering toward the sealed container, a slit formed at the free end of the elastic portion, and a needle member extending from the side opposite to the sealed container toward the slit. Plastic deformation caused by pressure reduction inside the sealed container opens the slit while the needle member projects through and opens the slit when increase of the internal pressure of the sealed container pushes the valve element against the pressure of the spring.

Abstract: A flow loading unloader valve wherein the operating force for moving the valve from the unloaded condition to the loaded condition is supplied by the flow through the valve itself. The valve, which may be interposed between a fluid supply and a high pressure load, comprises a valve body, having an inlet, a working outlet, a bypass outlet, and a valve operator, which may include a spool, that controls the direction of flow through the body. Movement of the valve operator to change the valve from the unloaded condition to the loaded condition is accomplished by applying the differential pressure created by the flow of fluid from the inlet to the bypass outlet to the piston ends. As the pressure increases as a result of increased flow resistance through the valve, the valve operator moves from an unloaded to a loaded position, terminating flow to the bypass port and resulting in high pressure flow to the working outlet.

Abstract: An improved pressure regulator for use in racing and other high demand environments for use with a high pressure, high output pump. The sealing plunger is designed to make a hard surface seal and also carries an "O"-ring to form a secondary seal. The primary function of the "O"-ring however, is to create a venturi in the normal ranges of operation to thus create a cushion area which prevents chattering, hydraulic hammering, pulsations, and the like in the fuel flow through the regulator.

Abstract: A method is described in which the operative condition of the cooling sections of a slot die for making flat films of thermoplastic material, or of an annular die of a blow molding extruder for making tubular films from synthetic thermoplastics, is tested. The cooling sections are provided with lines for supplying and discharging cooling air and the lines for supplying cooling air are connected, as required, to a central cooling air feed line, which is under superatmospheric pressure, by solenoid valves controlled by an electronic computer. In one embodiment of the invention, a testing program is performed in which the cooling air feed line is disconnected by a shut-off valve from the branch lines leading to respective solenoid valves when the latter are closed.

Abstract: A system for reclaiming water which has been previously used for such purposes as washing vehicles includes both a diatomaceous earth filter for removing particulates and a carbon filter for removing organic contaminants. Reclaimed water which is in the system and not immediately required for use is continuously recycled by a pump so as to increase the removal of contaminants. A second pump moves the cleaned water into a pressure tank for use in washing. A substantial portion of the system is disposed below ground level with a lockable cover above.

Abstract: A vacuum processing system and method by which system turbulence is reduced utilizing a vacuum responsive flow controlling valve that is located between a vacuum pump and a vacuum processing chamber to restrict the rate of pumpdown. A valve member of the flow controlling valve, such as a butterfly valve closure plate, is positionally shifted by a pressure differential responsive actuator as a function of the extent to which the pressure in the vacuum processing chamber has been reduced by the pump. During the initial phase of pumpdown, the valve closure member is in its maximally closed position, with evacuation of the vacuum processing chamber occurring solely through a leakage path past the valve member. After a predetermined pressure is reached, the valve member slowly opens as the pressure differential in the actuator increases, until a maximally open position is achieved.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell having a variable volume chamber and a fluid supply circuit for an ink jet printing head which is equipped therewith. The cell includes a variable volume chamber (1) connected to a pressure sensor (5) and to at least a pair of valves (7, 9) each associated with a restriction (8, 10). The variation of volume is obtained by means of a piston actuated by an eccentric (3) secured to the rotor of a stepping motor (4). The maximum pressure difference generated at the ends of the restrictions (8, 10) is used to measure the viscosity of the fluid which flows through the corresponding valves (7, 9).

Abstract: In a heat exchange vessel which conducts a hot, pressurized synthetic gaseous stream carrying particulate matter through a central heat exchange chamber, a safety system for monitoring pressures within the vessel. Said heat exchange vessel includes a shell surrounding a water wall, defining an annulus therebetween. Pressure sensing means communicated with the respective heat exchange chamber and said annulus, connects to means for determining the pressure differential between said points. A purge gas source communicated with the monitor system maintains the latter free of internal passage blockage caused by accumulations of particulate matter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a relief valve containing a poppet valve which is designed to eliminate resonant chattering within the relief valve. The poppet valve contains a plurality of holes of sufficient size and number within the truncated portion of the valve to maintain a fluid pressure difference of about zero between the area within the internal cylinder of the poppet valve and the area within the valve housing about the truncated portion of the poppet cavity.

Abstract: A priority valve (10) useful in, for example, an aircraft constant speed drive system controls sump oil level and prioritizes oil flow to several critical components during periods of oil supply interruption. The priority valve (10) includes a movable spool (17) which has a reduced portion (19) surrounded by a spring (18) to urge the spool (17) toward a closing position in which oil is supplied directly from an accumulator (80) to a deaerator (20). The spool (17) is caused to move against the bias of the spring (18) by output oil pressure of the deaerator (20) which is input into the valve (10). The member (17) has an axial passageway (101) with branch radial passageways (103, 104, 105, and 106) for selectively prioritizing the flow of oil to critical system components such as a generator rotor (52), a generator stator (53), and a hydraulic case (90) so that whatever oil is available in the system is made available to the most critical system components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell having a variable volume chamber and a fluid supply circuit for an ink jet printing head which is equipped therewith, the cell including a variable volume chamber (1) connected to a pressure sensor (5) and to at least a pair of valves (7, 9) each associated with a restriction (8, 10); the variation of volume being obtained by a piston actuated by an eccentric (3) secured to the rotor of a motor (4).

Abstract: An automated gas measuring system comprises a constant pressure reactor system and a gas consumption monitoring system. A pressure drop in the reactor as a result of gas consumption is detected and the flow rate of gas to the reactor is adjusted to compensate for the pressure drop. Gas consumption is determined by measuring a drop in pressure in a gas holder due to the flow of gas from it to the constant pressure reactor system. The operations are controlled and automated by a control algorithm in a microcomputer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for regulating the pressure of a gas produced in a reactor and withdrawn from the reactor continuously by means of a gas compressor lying in a gas withdrawal path, to a substantially constant pressure value in the reactor, in which a first setting member influencing the gas withdrawal rate through the gas withdrawal path is controlled in dependence upon the pressure of the gas in the reactor by way of a first regulating section, characterized in that in dependence upon the pressure of the gas in the reactor moreover by way of a second regulating section a second setting member which influences the gas return rate in a gas return path connecting the gas withdrawal path downstream of the gas compressor with the gas withdrawal path upstream of the gas compressor or with the reactor is controlled, the controlling of the second setting member taking place with less inertia than the controlling of the first setting member.

Abstract: A pressure control arrangement for a fluid line in a system, particularly a pressure swing adsorption system, wherein, in the event of a valve or control system malfunction, there is a risk of the fluid line being subject to an overpressure in an excess of its maximum design pressure, has a normally open valve, a flow restricting member, and a pressure sensor disposed in the fluid line.The pressure sensor is disposed upstream of the flow restricting member and arranged to sense the pressure in the line and to actuate the valve to close the line in the event of the sensed pressure exceeding a predetermined limit. The predetermined limit is above the normal operating pressure range of the fluid line but below the maximum overpressure to which there is a risk of the line being subject, and that portion of the fluid line upstream of the flow restricting member is constructed to have a maximum design pressure at least equal to the maximum overpressure.

Abstract: A medium to high viscosity liquid flow detector and alarm sub-system for use with apparatus for automatic liquid dispensing machines for mastics, sealants, adhesives, and the like, comprising a liquid pressure sensing device disposed in the liquid flow path of the liquid dispensing gun of the machine. The liquid pressure sensing device derives an output electrical signal indicative of the instantaneous liquid pressure in the liquid flow path. A differentiating circuit differentiates the liquid pressure indicating signal to derive a rate of change in fluid pressure signal. The rate-of-change signal is supplied to an indicator for signalling the existence of an undesired rate-of-change in liquid pressure condition and is indicative of a bubble or void in the liquid mastic, sealant, or the like being dispensed.

Abstract: A pressure modifying valve for anaesthetic gas scavenging systems for connection between a high vacuum source such as a hospital building service and the outlet from a patient or anaesthetic machine. The valve comprises a housing divided by a partition into two chambers having inlet and outlet ports respectively. The partition has a flow restricting orifice controlled by a valve member which is supported on a diaphragm to be self adjusting in response to pressure in the chamber. On the patient side, the pressure in chamber is controlled by pressure relief valves which are similar and interchangeable. The valve is made inexpensively of plastics and is disposable before the plastics deteriorates or undesirable matter accumulates and affects the functioning of the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the level of an interface between separate phases in a solvent extraction column by regulating the flow from the base of the column. A steady controllable flow is achieved by passing the flow into a pressure vessel and the level in the vessel is controlled by having a plurality of vertically spaced apart apertures in the flow path within the vessel.

Abstract: A process for performing a series of hydrodynamic functions or operation on a flow of fluids comprised of at least two phases includes the following steps: separating the fluid phases that comprise the initial flow; reducing the turbulence of the flows of each of the fluid phases which have been separated from each other; and recombining the fluid phases to form a new polyphasic flow with a predetermined structure.

Abstract: In a high-pressure cleaner, in order to control additional equipment, such as chemical doser or burner, from a hand spray gun without any special control lines, it is proposed to connect a second closable flow path in parallel with the normal flow path through the spray nozzle, to determine the pressure rise time in the cleaning fluid after the switching on of the high-pressure pump and to generate a control signal by opening the second flow path to extend said rise time compared with the rise time when the second flow path is closed; furthermore, a high-pressure cleaner is proposed for implementing this process.

Abstract: A method of controlling the duty ratio of operation of a solenoid control valve in a fluid passage to control the flow rate of fluid in the fluid passage to a desired value. A flow rate value range is divided into a plurality of flow rate value regions between first and second extreme flow rate values which the fluid can assume when the duty ratio assumes corresponding minimum and maximum values. A first predetermined duty ratio value is preset corresponding to each of the divided regions and dependent upon the magnitude of manufacturing variations of the duty ratio-to-flow characteristic of the valve. A second larger predetermined duty ratio value is preset corresponding to each of the divided regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering fluids at high pressures of about 20,000 to 60,000 psi is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second plates which are positioned adjacent each other to form a valve chamber. The plates are made of materials which have substantially equal elastic properties. One plate has a planar surface area, and the other a recessed surface area defined by periphery and central lips. When the two plates are positioned in adjacent contacting relationship, a valve chamber is formed between the planar surface area and the recessed surface area. Fluid is introduced into the chamber and exits therefrom when a deformation occurs at positions where they no longer form a valve seat. This permits the metering of fluids at high pressures and at slow variable rates. Fluid then exits from the chamber until an applied external force becomes large enough to bring the valve seats back into contact.

Abstract: A feedwater regulator for controlling the water level in a steam drum comprises a bellows defining a variable space connected to a connecting tube connecting a generator with the control element of a feedwater regulating valve. The generator is formed of concentric inner and outer tubes that are inclined with respect to the horizontal. An upper end of the inner tube is connected to the steam space of the steam drum with the lower end being connected to the water space of the steam drum. The outer tube defines a control space with the inner tube which is filled with water. The control space is connected to the control element of the regulating valve over the connecting tube. A decrease in water level pressurizes the water in the control space to open the regulating valve. The variable space of the bellows is set to a desired value and to adjust the overall relationship between regulating valve position and steam during water level.

Abstract: A flow controller having a volume, a pressure transducer coupled to said volume, a first valve coupled between a source of gas under pressure and said volume, a second valve coupled between said volume and a reference volume, a third valve coupled between said reference volume and a load wherein said valves are cyclically operated so as to permit gas to flow through said volumes to a load and wherein maximum and minimum pressures are measured with said first and second valves closed.

Abstract: A process for heating fluids to a relatively high temperature, such as sterilization temperature, in which the fluid, such as a liquid, is heated by direct contact with steam while it is in the form of a very thin, free-falling film or a continuous falling stream so that heating of the fluid is accomplished without the fluid coming into contact with any surface and particularly metal surfaces which are hotter than the fluid product being heated and with minimum agitation and turbulence of the fluid product. This procedure enables maximum and uniform heat penetration in a minimum time interval with the film or stream being maintained as thin as possible and unbroken by introducing steam at a relatively low velocity in a large volume vessel.

Abstract: Finely divided particulate solids are discharged from a high pressure zone to a low pressure zone, e.g. to atmospheric pressure, by passing a dense bed of this particulate material through a long discharge channel and past a throttle element. The pressure drop across the throttle element is significantly reduced due to the fact that the moving dense bed in the discharge channel dissipates the pressure drop along this channel leaving only a small pressure drop to be achieved across the throttle element.

Abstract: An input valve having an input that can be coupled to a source of pressurized gas is open during first portions of successive cycles and closed during the remainder. A volume V is connected between the output of the valve and a load, and gas flows through the volume V to a load during the entire cycle. Pressure in the volume V is measured at the end of the first portion of each cycle and/or at the end of each cycle, and means responsive to a pressure can be used to control the flow of gas through the input valve so as to maintain the pressure on the load at a predetermined value or the difference in the pressures can be used to maintain a constant flow to the load. An output valve can be inserted between the volume and the load and closed while pressure measurements are being made so that the pressure is constant during the measurement.

Abstract: A control system for an overpressure relief arrangement includes a valve providing selective communication between a pressure passage connected to a pressure vessel and a pair of relief passages, each relief passage having an overpressure relief device therein; sensors for monitoring the pressure in the pressure passage, the status of the relief devices, and the position of the valve; an actuator to move the valve; and a computer to make decisions concerning the placement of the valve based upon the data derived from the sensors. The valve normally provides communication between the pressure passage and first relief passage preferably having a rupture disc therein. Upon rupture of the disc, the system pressure is monitored until it is safe to switch to the second relief passage without overpressuring the relief device therein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling fluid flow wherein, according to the methods, a pressure-actuated main valve is conditioned to operate by fluid pressure actuation of a pilot valve, which closes a fluid flow passage through the main valve so that the main valve may then be actuated by fluid pressure. The apparatus is a self-piloting check valve apparatus, disclosed in three embodiments, wherein dual valves are provided. One of the valves serves as a pilot valve and is shown in the form of a spring-biased check valve, closing of which permits closing of a main ball valve adapted to withstand highly elevated pressures. The sealing elements of the valve are fully protected during flow periods whereby fluid erosion is prevented. Full opening flow passages are provided through the valves in each embodiment of the apparatus.

Abstract: A pipeline break detection system wherein a rate timing device is activated in response to a predetermined pressure drop in the pipeline to direct a signal and activate the on-delay cycle of an energy-blocking device, such as a relay switch in an electric circuit. The timing device then commences an off-delay cycle, and if such cycle continues to completion, it cancels the countdown of the on-delay relay. However, if the pipeline experiences a further like pressure drop, before the timing device completes its cycle, it will be recharged and remain activated to keep the on-delay relay actuated. If the pipeline pressure fails to level off to allow the rate timer relay to close, and the on-delay relay is thus enabled to complete its timed cycle, the relay closes to deliver an electrical signal.

Abstract: A pipeline break detection system wherein a rate timer valve is opened in response to a predetermined pressure drop to direct pressure fluid to activate the time cycle of an on-delay valve and, itself commence a time delay closing cycle. If its closing countdown continues to completion, it depressurizes the on-delay output valve and cancels its countdown. However, if the pipeline experiences a further like pressure drop, before the rate timer valve closes, it will be recharged and held open to keep the output valve timer actuated. If the pipeline pressure fails to level off to allow the rate timer valve to close, and the output relay is thus enabled to complete its timed cycle, the output relay opens to deliver a fluid signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a fluid pressure actuated valve are provided whereby the valve inlet pressure and valve outlet pressure are applied to control and limit the valve outlet pressure and to substantially reduce the fluid pressure applied to the valve actuating means when the valve inlet pressure is below a preselected safe value.

Abstract: System and method for automatically closing flow control valves and/or actuating an alarm in the event of a leak or break in a liquid pipeline. The occurrence of a leak or break is determined first by detecting the negative pressure wave which accompanies the leak or break and then by monitoring the rate of static pressure drop on the downstream side of the valve. False alarms and undesired valve closing in response to normal disturbances in the line are avoided by distinguishing between negative pressure waves originating on the upstream and downstream sides of the valve and responding only to the negative waves of downstream origin. Additional protection is provided by continuously monitoring the static pressure on the upstream side of the valve and closing the valve and/or actuating the alarm in the event that pressure falls and remains below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A process for heating fluids to a relatively high temperature, such as sterilization temperature, in which the fluid, such as a liquid, is heated by direct contact with steam while it is in the form of a very thin, free-falling film or a continuous falling stream so that heating of the fluid is accomplished without the fluid coming into contact with any surface and particularly metal surfaces which are hotter than the fluid product being heated and with minimum agitation and turbulence of the fluid product. This procedure enables maximum and uniform heat penetration in a minimum time interval with the film or stream being maintained as thin as possible and unbroken by introducing steam at a relatively low velocity in a large volume vessel.