Abstract: A method of minimizing material mixing in a piping system during a transition between a first material and a second material includes providing a plurality of pipe pigs in a first pipe section with the plurality of pipe pigs being sufficient to substantially fill a cross-section of the first pipe section and to define a plug having a leading edge and a trailing edge such that the leading edge is in contact with a first material and the trailing edge is in contact with a second material. Each pipe pig has a nominal size that is smaller than an effective diameter of the first pipe section. The plug is moved through the piping system by moving the second material. Advantageously, mixing of the first material and the second material is inhibited by the plug.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning device, including a rod, and a cleaning head coupled to a distal end of the rod, including a low friction-generating surface; and a high friction-generating surface, wherein the low friction-generating surface contacts an inner surface of the endotracheal tube when moved along the tube in a first direction and the high friction-generating surface contacts the inner surface of the endotracheal tube when moved in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: A liquefied hydrogen transport method includes connecting first and second loading arms to the manifold while vacuum insulation double tubes of the first and second loading arms are filled with hydrogen gas and air is mixed in piggyback lines; supplying an inactive gas to one of the piggyback lines of the first and second loading arms and taking in a gas mixture of an inactive gas and air from the other of the piggyback lines of the first and second loading arms; supplying hydrogen gas to one of the piggyback lines of the first and second loading arms and taking in a gas mixture of hydrogen gas and an inactive gas from the other of the piggyback lines of the first and second lading arms; and transporting liquefied hydrogen through any one of the vacuum insulation double tubes of the first and second loading arms.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter manifold is provided that includes a valve body having a valve and a flanged mounting face. The valve body has a port therethrough for selectively coupling a process fluid through the valve, and a cooling channel in the valve body. The cooling channel has an inlet, an outlet, and a passage connecting the inlet and the outlet. A method of controlling temperature of a process fluid in a manifold is also provided. The method includes passing fluid through a channel in the manifold, passing the process fluid through at least one bore through the manifold, and adjusting temperature of the process fluid through conductive cooling or heating of the process fluid based on the certain temperature of the fluid passing through the channel.

Abstract: A ball drop wellhead control apparatus provides a control ball between a frac ball drop or frac ball injector used to drop frac balls into a frac fluid stream being pumped into a subterranean well to ensure that only frac balls intended to be dropped reach the frac fluid stream.

Abstract: A ball drop wellhead control apparatus provides a ball controller between a frac ball drop or frac ball injector used to drop frac balls into a frac fluid stream being pumped into a subterranean well.

Abstract: An isolation tool is adapted for location in a pipe and includes a first plug module and a second plug module. The first plug module is configurable to grip the pipe and permit fluid bypass, to prevent fluid bypass without gripping the pipe, and to isolate the pipeline with gripping and leak tight sealing allowing a section to be fully de-pressurised. In use, the first and second plug modules are inserted into opposite ends of the pipe. The first plug module is pigged to a location in the second mode with a seal against the pipe but no grip then is configured in the fluid bypass mode when the second plug module is travelling through the pipe so that fluid displaced by the second plug module bypasses the first plug module. The second plug module and first plug module are then sealingly secured to the pipe to isolate a section of the pipe wall having a restriction.

Abstract: Method for cleaning the conveying pipe of a pneumatic material conveying system, such as of a waste conveying system, and/or for conveying material that is in the piping, in which method at least one cleaning member is fed into a conveying pipe, and a pressure difference is achieved in the pipe and under the influence of the pressure difference the cleaning member is brought to move for cleaning the pipe, and/or for conveying material, in the conveying pipe section intended to be cleaned. In the method a cleaning member or a combination of a number of cleaning members is moved in the conveying piping, and that the cleaning member or combination of a number of cleaning members is connected to a transmission member, with which the movement of the cleaning member or combination of a number of cleaning members in the conveying piping is limited or guided. The object of the invention is also a cleaning apparatus and a system.

Abstract: A ball drop wellhead control apparatus provides a ball controller between a frac ball drop or frac ball injector used to drop frac balls into a frac fluid stream being pumped into a subterranean well.

Abstract: A ball drop wellhead control apparatus provides a control ball between one of a frac ball drop and a frac ball injector used to drop frac balls into a frac fluid stream being pumped into a subterranean well to ensure that only frac balls intended to be dropped reach the frac fluid stream.

Abstract: In an angle valve, an externally threaded sleeve within the yoke surrounds the stem at an upper end of the stem. A yoke bushing fixed to the valve has internal threads matching with the external threading of the sleeve. A split collar assembly is located on the stem above the sleeve. The stem has a greater diameter itself, and/or via a nut, at a lower portion of the stem (below the sleeve) relative to the upper portion of stem. The plug stem is designed to pass through the yoke bushing making it possible to perform the normal open-close operation and grinding operation independently.

Abstract: A tank, such as a fermentation tank, includes a scraper blade assembly slideably coupled to a bottom surface of the tank. The scraper blade assembly includes a blade arranged to displace solids deposited on the bottom surface of the tank out through an aperture arranged flush with the bottom surface of the tank.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve include a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid path therebetween, a track defined in the inner surface, the track defining a bottom surface; a gate having a wing; a scraper having a leading edge, the scraper mounted to the wing of the gate; a biasing element, the biasing element biasing the leading edge of the scraper against the bottom surface of the track.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator. The pig receiver also includes a system for removing contaminants from the pig receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pig assembly for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid. In one aspect, the pig assembly includes a larger diameter pig having an internal compartment and at least one smaller diameter pig adapted to fit therein. The larger diameter pig is capable of passing through a larger diameter functional line and the smaller diameter pig is capable of passing through a smaller diameter functional line. In another aspect, a method for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid is provided which includes pigging a subsea line having at least a larger diameter functional line and a smaller diameter functional line in fluid communication with one another using a pig assembly as described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic barrel pig launcher with an actuated ball valve and a rotating magazine that contains one or more pigs. The automatic barrel pig launcher comprises a plate bore, bottom plate bore, upper case bore, and throughbore of a ball that, when aligned, provide loading of the pig into the throughbore of the ball. The pig is launched by opening the ball valve. Also disclosed herein are systems and methods of use of the automatic barrel pig launcher.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pig assembly for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid. In one aspect, the pig assembly includes a larger diameter pig having an internal compartment and at least one smaller diameter pig adapted to fit therein. The larger diameter pig is capable of passing through a larger diameter functional line and the smaller diameter pig is capable of passing through a smaller diameter functional line. In another aspect, a method for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid is provided which includes pigging a subsea line having at least a larger diameter functional line and a smaller diameter functional line in fluid communication with one another using a pig assembly as described herein.

Abstract: A butterfly valve comprises: a body including a valve opening; and a flapper rotatably mounted about a rotation axis so as to be movable relative to the valve opening. The flapper is rotatable at least 180° about the rotation axis so that the flapper is movable to at least one fully opened position, at least one fully closed position 90° apart from the fully opened position, and a third position, either fully opened or fully closed, 180° from the other like position. In one embodiment the flapper is rotatable at least 360° about the rotation axis so that the flapper is movable to each of two opened positions 180° apart, and two closed positions 180° apart from each other and 90° and 270° apart from each of the fully opened positions. The valve can be easily calibrated and controlled, and cleaned to extend the useful service life between cleanings.

Abstract: An apparatus and rodding method is disclosed for cleaning particulant matter from the interior high and low pressure fluid conducting conduits of a valve manifold and its mounting neck that are components of a process fluid flow or mass flow measuring assembly. High and low pressure fluid conducting conduits run through the longitudinal length of the manifold body with laterally extending diversion channels that conduct the high and low pressure fluid to a pressure transducer mounted on the back side of the valve manifold. Following shut down of the process fluid flow, plugs at the terminal end of the fluid channels are removed, permitting cleaning rods to be inserted into the fluid channels, without having to remove the pressure transducer and associated data transmitter from the assembly.

Abstract: A device to clear a blockage from an HVACR condensate drain line. A piston connected to a rod with a handle is inserted directly into the distal or outlet end of a condensate drain pipe and then rapidly withdrawn to create a vacuum or suction within the drain line. When sufficient suction pressure is created, it will dislodge a blockage in the drain line. Typically the piston has a proximal end with a diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the condensate drain pipe. Upon removal of the device from the drain pipe, the proximal end is caused to expand to its full diameter, creating an airtight and fluid tight seal with the inner diameter of the drain pipe, allowing for the creation of negative pressure and/or suction upstream to dislodge the blockage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic barrel pig launcher with an actuated ball valve and a rotating magazine that contains one or more pigs. The automatic barrel pig launcher comprises a plate bore, bottom plate bore, upper case bore, and throughbore of a ball that, when aligned, provide loading of the pig into the throughbore of the ball. The pig is launched by opening the ball valve. Also disclosed herein are systems and methods of use of the automatic barrel pig launcher.

Abstract: A method of launching a pig into and retrieving a pig from a path in tubing, for example through a furnace, by directing fluid flow into the path through the pig launcher/retriever during launch and fluid flow out of the path through the pig launcher/retriever during retrieval.

Abstract: A liquid supply assembly for use with a printing system of a type in which a liquid is deposited from the liquid supply assembly in a receiving region on a plate and any excess of the liquid in the receiving region is scraped from the plate by the liquid supply assembly. To this end, the liquid supply assembly employs a reusable cup, a disposable cup insert and a scraping element. As assembled, the reusable cup includes a reusable liquid reservoir, the disposable cup insert includes a temporary liquid reservoir holding the liquid within the reusable liquid reservoir, and the scraping element includes a conduit facilitating a flow of the liquid held by the temporary liquid reservoir through the conduit to the plate.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for unloading raw material in connection with a cable manufacturing apparatus. The arrangement includes a feed inlet connected to the cable manufacturing apparatus for feeding raw material into the cable manufacturing apparatus, the feed inlet being adapted to be connected to an unloading spout of the raw material. The arrangement further includes a seal for opening and closing the feed inlet when the unloading spout is connected to the feed inlet.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator. The pig receiver also includes a system for removing contaminants from the pig receiver.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus can be used for unplugging a component of a hydrocarbon transportation or storage unit. Embodiments can include a main body, which can have a central passage through a length of the main body; a secondary passage transverse to the central passage; and a connector end operable to connect the body to the component. Embodiments of the apparatus can also include a valve in fluid communication with the secondary passage, a pressure gauge in fluid communication with the valve, a system connector in fluid communication with the valve, operable to connect the apparatus to a dosed system, and a poker rod operable to move within the central passage of the main body.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a pig into a fluid system is provided. The method comprises providing a coupling in a fluid system. The coupling itself can include a sleeve coupled to a pipe and an end cap. The end cap may include a collar handle and at least one engagement member. The engagement member facilitates selective engagement of the end cap with the sleeve. The end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve to disengage the engagement member from the groove and to open the end cap relative to the sleeve. The groove is configured so that the engagement member can be opened only when the line is de-pressurized. A pig is inserted through the sleeve and into the pipe. The end cap is then coupled to the sleeve by engaging the engagement member with the sleeve and rotating the end cap relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the formation of hydrates within subsea or over-land pipeline systems. The compositions and methods include the use of organic salt solutions, such as an acetate salt solution, to precondition, treat, and/or dewater the pipeline systems, or employ the use of the organic salt solutions during other pre-commissioning operations. An effective concentration of an organic salt solution acts to reduce hydrates and/or inhibit hydrate formation within the pipeline systems.

Abstract: A method for progressively dewatering a pipe or pipeline includes the use of a loose-fitting spherical- or quasi-spherical shaped pig body which rolls forward through the interior space of the pipe and temporarily captures and redistributes a portion of the volume of liquids available for capture and redistribution as the pig body rolls on past. Preferably, the portion captured is less than the volume available for capture. A part of the captured liquid may be redistributed to an upper quadrant of the pipe. Capture and redistribution are accomplished by way of a first bypass pathway and a second bypass pathway. One of the pathways may be a through-body pathway. The pig body may be a hollow pig body with a plurality of spaced-apart ports, a solid pig body with a plurality of paddle-like structures, or a cube-sphere type pig body with recessed external wall surfaces.

Abstract: An ejector is provided for an induction system in a vibratory system generating vibration, including a dust ejector for an air induction system of an internal combustion engine. An ejection valve is provided by an inertial mass inertially activated and driven by the vibration to discharge contaminant from the induction system.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a stack may include the steps of opening a cover of the stack, placing a cleaning tool within the stack to engage the debris within the stack, removing the debris above a valve with the cleaning tool and removing the cleaning tool from the stack. The cleaning tool may include a first cleaning blade, and the cleaning tool may include a second cleaning blade. The first cleaning blade may be a spiral discontinuous blade and a second cleaning blade may be a spiral discontinuous blade. The first cleaning blade may include a first radial cutting edge, and the first cleaning blade may include a first radial cutting edge. The first cutting blade may include a first axial cutting edge, and the second cutting blade may include a second axial cutting edge.

Abstract: A tube cleaning device is provided including a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first magnetic or magnetically attractable element and an abrasive cleaning surface. The second member includes a second magnetic or magnetically attractable element magnetically attracted to or by the first magnetic or magnetically attractable element. When the first member is inserted within a tube and the second member is positioned adjacent an outer wall of the tube, the abrasive surface of the first member contacts an inner wall of the tube. By moving the second member along and/or around the outer wall of the tube, the abrasive surface cleans the inner wall of the tube.

Abstract: A pipe pig for refinery heater tubes is disclosed. The pipe pig has arcuate cleaning elements which form an expandable circumference. Each of the arcuate cleaning elements has a scraping edge. A spring element biases the arcuate cleaning elements radially outward. The pipe pig may have structural components made from titanium alloys and arcuate cleaning elements made from carbon-carbon composites. A method for cleaning coking out of refinery heater tubes using the pipe pig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a pipeline pig provides a housing having an interior. A jacking mechanism is contained within the housing interior. A carriage is supported by the jacking mechanism for movement between an upper extended and a lower retracted position. The carriage has a concave surface that generally cradles a pipeline pig to be transported. A pulling device on the housing enables a pipeline pig to be pulled from a location that is not on the carriage to a position that is on the carriage. The position that is not on the carriage can be for example a pig trap. As part of the method of the present invention, the pulling device pulls the pig from the pig trap or other location to the carriage and then the carriage is retracted into the housing for transport to a remote location.

Abstract: A drain system for a pigging device on a pipeline includes a pig receiving body connected to the pipeline by at least one pigging valve and being elevated above the pipeline. A drain is connected between the pig receiving body and the pipeline. The drain has a drain valve for selectively opening the drain and the drain drains fluids from the pig receiving body to the pipeline when the drain valve is open and the pressure in the pig receiving body is equalized to the pipeline.

Abstract: A system for assuring subsea hydrocarbon production flow in pipelines by chilling the hydrocarbon production flow in a heat exchanger and causing solids to form, periodically removing deposits and placing them in a slurry utilizing a closed loop pig launching and receiving systems.

Abstract: A pig launcher or receiver device is designed for connection in-line in a fluid pipeline. The device has a housing (10) with a fluid flow passage therethrough and ends for connection to the pipeline. A pair of spaced rotary ball valves (19, 20) is disposed in said housing (10) for isolating an inner section (17) of the flow passage between the valves. Each ball valve having a port (26) therethrough and is rotatable between an open position in which the port is m fluid communication with the flow passage and a closed position in which it blocks the flow passage. An access passage (15) in the housing is connected to the inner section (17) of the flow passage between the ball valves and has an opening through which a pig can be inserted into, or removed from, said inner section of the flow passage by using a pig trap cartridge (22). The device is compact, safe and simple to use.

Abstract: A solenoid valve control apparatus has a solenoid valve having first and second solenoid valves that output first and second solenoid pressures respectively, a pressure regulation valve that works with the first and second solenoid pressures being working signal pressures, and a foreign matter removal control means that removes a foreign matter that adheres to a valve open/close portion of the solenoid valve. Each of the first and second solenoid valves has a solenoid coil that drives a plunger inside the solenoid valve in accordance with an application current. The foreign matter removal control means is configured so that when applying the rectangular-wave current, which performs a reciprocating movement of the plunger and removes the foreign matter, to the solenoid coil of one solenoid valve of the first and second solenoid valves, a current application to the solenoid coil of the other solenoid valve, by which the solenoid pressure becomes a maximum pressure range, is maintained.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve for use within a bath of molten aluminum. The sliding gate valve includes a pair of opposed ceramic cleaner plates that sandwich a reciprocable gate body. The cleaner plates include a plurality of longitudinal slots that face the gate body. Dross accumulating on the gate body is scraped from the gate body and into the slots when the gate body is reciprocated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a pig into a fluid system is provided. The method comprises providing a coupling in a fluid system. The coupling itself can include a sleeve coupled to a pipe and an end cap. The end cap may include a collar handle and at least one engagement member. The engagement member facilitates selective engagement of the end cap with the sleeve. The end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve to disengage the engagement member from the groove and to open the end cap relative to the sleeve. The groove is configured so that the engagement member can be opened only when the line is de-pressurized. A pig is inserted through the sleeve and into the pipe. The end cap is then coupled to the sleeve by engaging the engagement member with the sleeve and rotating the end cap relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for aseptic processing of a viscous food product includes a product tank configured to hold the viscous food product. A first pump is configured to pump the viscous food product from the product tank through a heat exchanger at a given rate. A cleaning station including a cleaning pump configured to pump a flushing fluid through the product tank. A second pump is configured to pump a flushing fluid through the heat exchanger at the same rate as the first pump, while the cleaning pump is pumping the flushing fluid through the product tank and first pump.

Abstract: A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter, including the steps of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline on the side thereof opposite the point of intersection of the cross-line, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine to the valve, by use of the hot tap machine, cutting an opening in the primary pipeline diametrically opposite of the cross-line and of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line, and removing the hot tap machine leaving an access through the valve and diametrically through the primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a segment (15) of a sensor-supporting element for a scraper-type device, which comprises at least two pairs of runners (16a, 16b) that are arranged essentially parallel behind each other. A support plate (20) receiving sensors (21) is disposed between at least one pair of runners (16). The segment (15) can be combined with other such segments (15) so as to form a sensor-supporting element.

Abstract: A system serves to prevent or remove particle build-up in flowing systems, wherein a fluid flows in a conduit to a valve body. A mechanical shock is periodically generated in the valve body that is of a sufficient magnitude to disturb any particle attachment in the conduit or the valve body. The shock may be generated via direct impact with the valve body or passively using the fluid flowing in the conduit.

Abstract: A system serves to prevent or remove particle build-up in flowing systems, wherein a fluid flows in a conduit to a valve body. A mechanical shock is periodically generated in the valve body that is of a sufficient magnitude to disturb any particle attachment in the conduit or the valve body. The shock may be generated via direct impact with the valve body or passively using the fluid flowing in the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for improving the process of purging a liquid delivery system used in integrated circuit manufacturing. The liquid delivery system comprises ultrasonic transducers mounted to various components of a liquid delivery system. The transducers may be mounted on housings, isolation valves, fuel injectors, pump assemblies, fluid lines, and/or liquid flow meters. The ultrasonic transducers launch ultrasonic energy that enhance the removal of processing liquids and particulate material from components of the system. The present invention provides for a purge process where a purge fluid, preferably a liquid solvent, is flowed into the liquid delivery system and ultrasonic energy is launched into the purge fluid to enhance dissolution of residual processing liquids and particulate matter in the liquid delivery system, including from cracks and crevices in valves and other complex mechanical devices before being pumped from the liquid delivery system.

Abstract: A switch valve 10 is provided with an upper body 14 having a plurality of outlet ports 20A, 20B, and 20C and a lower body housing 16 with inlet port 18. The switch valve includes a ball member 22 which is rotatable within the switch valve body 12 for selective fluid communication between the inlet port 18 and the selected one of the plurality of outlet ports. The ball 22 is rotated by a stem 28, which may be powered by an actuator unit. The upper body 14 includes a substantially dome-shaped seating surface 40 for sealing engagement with the outer surface 38 of the ball. The biasing member 48 biases the ball radially in a direction opposite the ball inlet port 24 to obtain the desired sealing engagement. The biasing member is preferably a Belleville spring 48 having a single wrap design.

Abstract: A sleeve valve comprises a sleeve and a gate. The sleeve includes an intake, a discharge nozzle section, and a clean-out section. The discharge nozzle section includes a plurality of nozzles. The sleeve is adapted for fluid flow from the intake through a fluid passage and out the nozzles. The clean-out section includes at least one access port. The gate is adapted for sliding within the sleeve in sliding sealing engagement with the interior surface of the sleeve between closed, throttling, open, and clean positions. The gate and sleeve are configured so that the gate, when in the closed position, prevents fluid within the fluid passage from flowing out the nozzles and the access port. The gate and sleeve, when in the throttling position, permits fluid within the fluid passage to flow out some of the nozzles but prevents fluid within the fluid passage from flowing out the access port of the clean-out section and others of the nozzles.