Abstract: Equal distribution of two phase fluid between tow outlets is assured by an assembly which switches full fluid flow alternately between the two outlets on a timed basis. Distribution can be made for either impact T or branch T junctions without a quality variance as full flow is always directed into one or the other of the two outlets.

Abstract: In a process for hydraulic transport of bulk material from a receiving site to a remote location via a conveying pipeline, a dispersion is prepared from bulk material and a liquid, and conducted into a feed pump which has a pressure side in communication with the entry into conveying pipeline, whereby a fraction of the liquid is withdrawn at a location between the pump and the entry into the conveying pipeline. Suitably, either the volume flow of the withdrawn fraction of the liquid represents a manipulated variable which is changed in dependence on a controlled variable constituted by the volume flow through or pressure in the conveying pipeline, or/and the dispersion is produced upstream of the feed pump from a controllable bulk material stream and controllable liquid amount, whereby the amount of liquid may also include at least a fraction of the liquid withdrawn from the pressure side of the feed pump.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a fluid flowing along a main fluid supply path in which a streaming current detector receives a sample flow of a main fluid supply following main dosing with a chemical under control of a streaming current detector output. A secondary chemical dosing is applied to the sample under the control of the streaming current detector output in a feedback loop.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a process for transporting a thermally unstable viscous mass through pipes and is characterized in that(a) during transportation, the mass is divided into X.sub.1 partial flows T.sub.1, X.sub.1 being calculated according to the relationX.sub.1 =Q.sup.(N-1), (I)wherein Q and N indicate positive integers independent from each other, and(b) the viscous mass in the partial flows is transported at the same rate.

Abstract: Automated objective crosslink time and crosslink temperature determinations are provided in a method of testing for chemical crosslinking of a fluid. A fluid having a crosslinking agent is placed in a vessel and a paddle is rotated through the fluid in the vessel at substantially a constant rotational speed. A paddle torque parameter is sensed at sequential times and digital signals are encoded to define digital torque data representing values of the sensed torque parameter. In response to stored digital torque data and digital time data, a baseline torque parameter value and a change in the digital torque data representing increasing torque of the paddle are determined. In response to the baseline torque parameter value and the change in the digital torque data, a crosslink time for the fluid is determined. A crosslink temperature can also be determined. This is determined in response to the crosslink time and stored digital temperature data that has been obtained at sequential times.

Abstract: A solid state method of converting a polycrystalline ceramic body to a single crystal body includes the steps of doping the polycrystalline ceramic material with a conversion-enhancing dopant and then heating the polycrystalline body at a selected temperature for a selected time sufficient to convert the polycrystalline body to a single crystal. The selected temperature is less than the melting temperature of the polycrystalline material and greater than about one-half the melting temperature of the material. In the conversion of polycrystalline alumina to single crystal alumina (sapphire), examples of conversion-enhancing dopants include cations having a +3 valence, such as chromium, gallium, and titanium.

Abstract: A system for delivering a proper proportion of water and starch to form a slurry on a continuous basis responsive to the rate required for the production of gypsum board has a water input controller and a starch input controller to control the rate of water and starch input to a mix/hold tank and a starch slurry output controller to control the output of slurry from the mix/hold tank to the gypsum board production line. A programmable logic controller monitors the output rate and density of the delivered slurry, compares them to a target value and signals the input controllers and/or the output controller to adjust the input and output rates accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for effectively proportioning a mixture of compressible and non-compressible fluids, wherein the resulting mixture has an almost constant density. The present invention is particularly useful for admixing supercritical fluids with polymeric coating compositions for various spray applications.

Abstract: A method of controlling a continuous multi-component slurrying process at an oil or gas well comprises continuously flowing substances for creating a slurry in response to a slurry flow rate factor and continuously flowing another substance for the slurry in response to a flow rate of at least a predetermined one of the other substances or the slurry itself. The method can include density control, slurry (tub) level control, and a combination of such controls. The method can operate in either closed loop or open loop manner, and control can be effected with either of two types of control signals depending on whether the controlled device is an integrating or non-integrating type. The method can also provide for bumpless transition between manual and automatic control.

Abstract: A process for supplying a gas to a reactor comprising the steps of:(i) continuously measuring density of the gas, the gas including at least one component which is susceptible to formation of an undesired side product as shown by a variation in density of the gas; and(ii) modifying feed conditions of the gas if formation of the undesired side product is shown by a variation in the density of the gas.The process can be employed to continuously monitor the content of diborane (B.sub.2 H.sub.6) in a mixture with silane (SiH.sub.4) in a process for producing a borophosphosilicate glass.An apparatus for supplying a gas to a reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A density controlled product with controlled overrun amounts is formed a method and an apparatus whereby a fluid stream is measured with a mass flow meter in order to develop a predetermined liquid metering density control system for mixing a liquid having a variable density with an injected gas or liquid to derive a resultant liquid of a desired constant density may be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing pasty paraffin from liquid paraffin comprises the use of an agitator for mixing the paraffin during its solidification within a receptacle. The viscosity of the paraffin is controlled by the monitoring of the power of a motor driving the agitator. Also, an apparatus is provided for producing candles in bottles from the pasty paraffin produced hereinabove. The apparatus comprises a filling head which receives the pasty paraffin and a continuous wick. A device is included for positioning a ferrule on the wick with the filling head being adapted for lowering into the bottle for positioning the ferrule at the bottom thereof and being also adapted to inject pasty paraffin in the bottle for setting the ferrule. The filling head is then retracted slowly from the bottle while injecting further paraffin therein for filling to a selected level the bottle.

Abstract: The centrifugal fluidizing granulator for powder coating granulation has a sensor for detecting changes of viscosity of the growing particles by means of a load cell or a displacement detector; and output signal of the sensor is compared with the data stored in a memory contained in a control unit which determines whether the growing particles are in their wetted state or dried state. The control unit controls the spraying of the liquid and the dispersion of the guest powder based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of hydrocarbon-rich gels as a safe storage or transportation form for liquid hydrocarbons and to a process for the safe storage and safe transportion of liquid hydrocarbons, characterised in thata) the hydrocarbon is converted into a hydrocarbon-rich gel by addition of a surfactant and water andb) after storage or transportation has taken place, the hydrocarbon-rich gel is broken down again.

Abstract: A process for preparing an oil-in-aqueous phase emulsion and removing contaminants from a contaminated hydrocarbon. The process comprises mixing a contaminated hydrocarbon with a reactant and an emulsifying composition. Contaminants are removed from the contaminated hydrocarbon either during the mixing, after the mixing, or during the combustion of the mixture, or after combustion of the mixture such as from combustion flue gases.

Abstract: Stable oil-in-water emulsions for pipeline transmission are formed at a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F. preferably using at least one ethoxylated alkylphenol compound and a freezing point depressant for water to enable pipeline transmission at temperatures below the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A continuous flow of particulate solids to a reactor is accomplished by first forming a heavy slurry in a storage tank, then transferring the heavy slurry to a mixing tank, where the heavy slurry is diluted to form a dilute slurry of desired density which can be continuously pumped to the reactor. Control of the particulate solids flow to the reactor is accomplished by calculating the flow rate of solid particles contained in the dilute slurry in an on-line computer, and comparing the calculated value to a desired value. The on-line calculation of particulate flow is based on the measured density and flow rate of the dilute slurry, and the predetermined densities of the dry particulate solids and the liquid diluent consituting the dilute slurry. The flow rate of the dilute slurry is continuously manipulated so as to maintain a desired flow rate of solid particles contained in the dilute slurry.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of low-viscosity improved stable crude oil transport emulsions. The process comprises producing a hydrocarbon crude, and mixing the produced hydrocarbon crude with an emulsifying composition(s) which contains water and is capable of assisting the formation of an oil-in-water emulsion. The amount of the emulsifying composition(s) that is mixed with the produced hydrocarbon crude is sufficient to form an oil-in-water emulsion having water content of from about 10 percent to about 60 percent by weight water and a viscosity sufficiently low for allowing the transport of the formulated oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for on-line determination and control of the Flow Behavior Index of a molten polymer stream are disclosed along with methods for using the Index as a means for monitoring and controlling polymer quality. In particular, the Index may be used to monitor and control on-line the levels of branching in the polymer and the polymer's molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy is applied to a combination of waxy crude oil and a solution of polymeric wax crystal modifier to effect dissolution of the modifier in the crude oil, thereby reducing the gel strength of the crude oil. The ultrasonic energy may be applied to the waxy crude oil to lower the gel strength of the wax crystals prior to addition of the solution of wax crystal modifier.

Abstract: A process for the production of an oil-in-water emulsion for pipeline transmission. The process comprises producing a hydrocarbon crude, and mixing the produced hydrocarbon crude with an emulsifying composition(s) which contains water and is capable of assisting the formation of an oil-in-water emulsion when the temperature of the mixture of produced hydrocarbon crude and emulsifying composition(s) is from about 100.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F. The amount of the emulsifying composition(s) that is mixed with the produced hydrocarbon crude is sufficient to form an oil-in-water emulsion having water content of from about 15 percent to about 60 percent by weight water and a viscosity sufficiently low for pipeline transmission. The process additionally comprises shearing and mixing the mixture of produced hydrocarbon crude and emulsifying composition(s) when the mixture is at a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F. to form an oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention controls the addition of a demulsifier through a petroleum stream by causing the petroleum stream to have a density gradient relating to its water content. The petroleum stream is sampled at two different locations along the density gradient to provide two sample streams. The watercut of each sample stream is determined and at least one single correspondent to the determination has provided. The demulsifier from a source is controlled in accordance with the watercut determinations and provided to the petroleum stream prior to the creation of the density gradient.

Abstract: The density of a caustic liquid is reduced by automatically adding water to the caustic when the specific gravity of the caustic is unacceptably high. A small stream of water is continuously directed over the head of a specially designed hydrometer. As long as the density of the caustic is within acceptable ranges, the stream of water flows uninterrupted over the head of the hydrometer and has no effect on the caustic. However, when the density of the caustic rises to unacceptable levels, the hydrometer rises and its head intercepts the stream of water and deflects it downwardly into the caustic, thereby diluting it. When sufficient water has been added to the caustic to bring its density back to acceptable levels, the hydrometer sinks and the water resumes flowing over the hydrometer to a collection station where it is recycled.

Abstract: A system for controlling the consistency of a material pumped from a reservoir, by introducing an alterant into the material, which system includes a diaphragm-type pump for pumping the material from a reservoir, the pump being driven by a double-acting air cylinder motor controlled by a pilot-operated two-position, four-way air valve having reducing valves connected at its air input ports to create pressure differentials between the input air and the operating air in the cylinder during steady state-operation of the pump. The motor is mounted so as to be relatively movable substantially toward and away from the pump responsively to change in the pressure differentials in the cylinder due to changes in the consistency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the gas content of dispensed hot melt thermoplastic adhesive foam. Air or another relatively inert gas is mixed with molten thermoplastic adhesive, and the mixture is pressurized to form a gas and molten adhesive "solution". When the molten adhesive and gas "solution" is dispensed at atmospheric pressure, the gas is released from "solution" and becomes entrapped in the adhesive in order to form a homogeneous closed cellular adhesive foam. In order to control the gas content of the dispensed adhesive and gas "solution", in accordance with one preferred embodiment, the pressure drop across a restriction in the flow path of the solution is sensed, and a control circuit controls the addition of gas to the adhesive to maintain the sensed pressure drop at a desired level.

Abstract: An on-stream method and apparatus for measuring the content of a mineral constituent in a flowing slurried ore on a dry weight basis, is provided. The slurry density and flow rate, and optionally temperature, are measured to calculate a period of time during which the flowing slurry is diverted into a vessel in order to collect a target mass of ore solids therein. The time period is preferably calculated according to the following formula: ##EQU1## wherein: t is the period of time (sec);M.sub.solid is the selected target mass of the ore (g);Q.sub.slurry is the measured mass flow rate of the slurry (g/sec);p.sub.water is the density of water (g/cm.sup.3);p.sub.slurry is the measured density of the slurry (g/cm.sup.3); andp.sub.solid is the known density of the ore solids contained in the slurry (g/cm.sup.3).The slurry flow is then diverted into the vessel for the duration of the calculated time period.

Abstract: A process for the production of an oil-in-water emulsion for pipeline transmission. The process comprises producing a hydrocarbon crude, and mixing the produced hydrocarbon crude with an emulsifying composition(s) which contains water and is capable of assisting the formation of an oil-in-water emulsion when the temperature of the mixture of produced hydrocarbon crude and emulsifying composition(s) is from about 100.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F. The amount of the emulsifying composition(s) that is mixed with the produced hydrocarbon crude is sufficient to form an oil-in-water emulsion having water content of from about 15 percent to about 60 percent by weight water and a viscosity sufficiently low for pipeline transmission. The process additionally comprises shearing and mixing the mixture of produced hydrocarbon crude and emulsifying composition(s) when the mixture is at a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F. to form an oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: In a method for regulating the foam density in products foamed from liquid and a gas additive the density of the foam and the excess pressure are simultaneously measured in the conveyor line of the foam, correlated in an evaluation circuit and the free foam density, that is, the density of the released foam under atmospheric pressure, is calculated therefrom. This calculated value is compared with a set value of the free foam density and in the case of deviations the ratio of the amounts of liquid and gas conveyed is varied.This method makes it possible for the relative fluctuation in density of the released foam to be reduced to values on the order of 1%.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for blending a fuel which includes a No. 2 fuel oil component and a No. 1 fuel oil component, with the No. 1 fuel oil component being added to provide a fuel mixture which will not freeze or form solid wax particles above a predetermined temperature. The process includes lowering a temperature of a sample of the No. 2 fuel oil component, detecting a change in wax crystal concentration of the No. 2 fuel oil component sample by detecting a predetermined rate of change in viscosity of the sample or by detecting a predetermined viscosity level of the sample as the temperature thereof is lowered, and measuring a temperature of the No. 2 fuel oil component or bath in which it is cooled, when the change in wax crystal concentration is detected. A percentage amount of the No. 1 fuel oil component to be mixed with the No.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the amount of butane that can be safely added into a fuel gas before condensation occurs includes a dry-bulb thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the gas and a wet-bulb thermocouple for measuring the temperature of a wick soaked in the butane in the gaseous environment of the fuel gas. For a continuous flowing process the difference in the two measured temperatures indicates the proportion of butane that can be added before saturation, and is used to regulate the flow rate of the butane. The wick is periodically flushed with butane, in order to prevent heavy hydrocarbon components in the butane from accumulating.

Abstract: The hot water process is controlled in response to viscosity measurements taken in situ in the middlings in the primary separation vessel. The viscosity in the middlings is found to vary. Therefore, the layer of maximum viscosity is located and the viscosity at this depth is monitored. Adjustments are made to the process to keep this maximum viscosity below a pre-determined limit.

Abstract: A substantially constant viscosity of the liquid mixture at a given temperature is maintained in mixing two liquids with different viscosities, especially diesel oil and heavy fuel oil for supply to an engine. The liquid mixture constantly being prepared in a mixer (12) is taken through a heater (23). The viscosity of the heated mixture is measured in a viscosimeter (30) adapted for controlling the heating such that a substantially constant viscosity is maintained. Furthermore, the temperature of the heated mixture is measured, and the mixing ratio between both liquids is controlled in response to the temperature so that the temperature is maintained substantially constant.

Abstract: Viscous crude oil is mixed with an oil diluent having a relatively low viscosity and the resulting mixture having a predetermined viscosity and flow rate is pumped in a pipeline to a point of use. The flow rates of the viscous crude oil and the diluent are controlled with the aid of a digital computer in response to signals representative of the viscosity and specific gravity of each component, the desired viscosity of the mixture and the flow rate of the mixture. The viscosity of the mixture is maintained substantially at the design viscosity of the pipeline at the operating temperature of the pipeline and the flow rate of the mixture is substantially equal to the design capacity of the pipeline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of photographic emulsions by a continuous flow process, in which a volume stream entering a pipe system flows successively through the various sections of this system corresponding to the individual stages of the process, such as the inlet points for introduction of the volume streams, mixing paths and ripening paths.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using a pendulum viscometer having damped torsional oscillations, in a laboratory catalytic fluid-bed reactor, to monitor a propensity to stick which is exhibited by certain supported catalysts. A fluid-bed of such catalysts has been found to become suddenly more sticky just before a point at which a change in pressure drop across the fluid-bed can be measured due to a process "upset". At this point ("the inversion point"), the upset is usually irremediable. The method includes correlating data on catalyst stickiness from a laboratory reactor operating at atmospheric pressure, with an expected level of catalyst stickiness in a commercial reactor operating at elevated pressure.A pendulum viscometer and related auxiliary apparatus is disclosed for magnetically and electrically measuring and recording the rate at which the pendulum's torsional oscillations are damped.

Abstract: A process for desalting crude petroleum comprises breaking down a stable emulsion of water and crude petroleum when formed in a desalter, by injecting a demulsifying agent, such as di-2-ethyl hexyl sulphosuccinate, into the desalter at a predetermined level, when the sample taken at this level contain a predetermined content of stable emulsion.An apparatus for carrying out this process continuously is also included.

Abstract: A crude shale oil is produced by in situ retorting of oil shale in a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles containing oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in a subterranean formation containing oil shale. A combustion zone is advanced through the fragmented mass by introducing an oxygen containing gas to the mass on the trailing side of the combustion zone and withdrawing an off gas from the fragmented mass on the advancing side of the combustion zone. Gas flow advances the combustion zone through the fragmented mass and transfers heat of combustion to a retorting zone on the advancing side of the combustion zone. Kerogen in oil shale in the retorting zone is decomposed to produce gaseous and liquid products including crude shale oil. Crude shale oil produced by such a process and having characteristics described herein is withdrawn from the fragmented mass on the advancing side of the retorting zone.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for the measurement and control of the bulk properties of slurries is provided. The bulk properties are measured in the slurry while it is flowing downwards at a rate greater than the settling velocity of the discontinuous phase of the slurry.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the combustion of fuel in a furnace wherein the total weight of carbon and hydrogen in the fuel is determined and from the total weight of hydrogen and carbon the air required for combustion can be computed with the air flow to the furnace being adjusted to provide the combustion air plus the desired excess oxygen. The efficiency of the furnace versus excess oxygen is determined and the excess oxygen is varied a small amount on each side of the optimum point obtained from the efficiency versus excess oxygen determination to continuously verify the optimum point.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a non-woven fabric by wet-laying, on paper making equipment, staple length, synthetic fibers having a length to diameter ratio of about 400 to 3000, and an improved, non-woven fabric produced by the process. The process involves forming a stable, viscous, uniform, air-fiber-water dispersion by: adding the fibers to a high-shear agitated mixture of water and a dispersant to separate the fibers and to completely and uniformly distribute the individual fibers throughout the resulting, high-shear agitated, air, water and fiber mixture; and then, slowly adding a thixotropic thickener to the high-shear agitated mixture to form the viscous, air-fiber-water dispersion, having a nascent viscosity of about 10 to 125 cps., when measured at a shear rate of 30.5 sec..sup.-1, and in which the individual fibers are restrained from becoming entangled and from forming knits, bundles, and strings.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus comprising a suction device having at least one nozzle for sucking suspendible material as a suspension from a bed of said material, means for producing suction in the nozzle and means for moving the nozzle horizontally and vertically in relation to said bed, and the invention relates more particularly to a method of controlling the horizontal and vertical movements of the suction device by utilizing as control signals the variations of the solids concentration and volume of suspension sucked through the nozzle per unit of time, and the invention also comprises an apparatus having means for carrying the method into effect.

Abstract: A method of controlling the capacity of a gas blower for pumping gas at a given discharge pressure involving cooling the gas at the suction side of the blower. The method is especially useful for controlling the pressure in a liquefied gas storage tank so as to maintain it substantially constant. The boil-off gas in the tank is exhausted by a gas blower and liquefied gas is injected into the boil-off gas exhausted from the tank at a point on the suction side of the blower for cooling the boil-off gas exhausted from the tank prior to its being pumped by the blower. The amount of liquefied gas injected into the boil-off gas is proportional to the pressure of the boil-off gas in the storage tank.