Abstract: Washing process in an industrial washing machine, whereby a property of the wash liquor is measured which is dependent on the concentration of detergent product therein, and detergent product is added to the wash liquor, dependent on the property, characterized in that the wash cycle comprises a first period (t.sub.1) in which product is added during a fixed time period to obtain a high concentration in the wash liquor or until the measured property reaches a high set point where it is maintained by gradually adding detergent product, and a second period (t.sub.2) in which the property is kept at a low set point. There is also provided a device for controlling the dosing of detergent product to the process.

Abstract: An apparatus controls treatment of water flowing through a boiler and includes a device that monitors the conductivity of the water. A controller opens a drain valve at periodic intervals, and closes the drain valve when the conductivity drops below a defined threshold. A mechanism measures the volume of water that flows into the boiler and a chemical is added to the water when a specified amount of water has flowed into the boiler. Alternatively the application of the chemical can occur at regular intervals of time. The chemical is applied for a user definable period of time. The application of the chemical is suspended when the cessation of water flow into the boiler is detected.

Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a measurement indicative of the aspect ratio of non-spherical particles in suspension. Conductivity of the suspension is measured for two different orientations of the particles between measuring points and the difference between the conductivities measured is used as an indication of the particle aspect ratio. The particle orientation will be aligned in one measurement and in the other may be aligned and transverse to the first orientation direction or random. Alternatively, there may be a single aligned orientation but transversely directed conductivity measurements.

Abstract: A fountain solution supply system for mixing and supplying a fountain solution, having two or more ingredients mixed in precise concentrations, from a reservoir to a printing press. The system includes a high-capacity pump connected to the reservoir. Substantially more than half of the flow of the fountain solution from the pump is directed through a high pressure line to operate a fluidic pump and then returned to the reservoir. The remainder of the fountain solution is directed through a low pressure line to the printing press. The return line from the printing press is connected to a primary intake of the fluidic pump. An electrically-activated, solenoid valve is connected between a secondary intake of the fluidic pump and a supply of at least one of the ingredients of the solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of metering detergent into a washing solution in large washing apparatuses and systems comprising measuring from a washing solution containing water and detergent a property proportional to the detergent concentration of the washing solution, and adding detergent to the washing solution only during a predetermined metering period (T.sub.2) when the detergent concentration corresponding to the property measured from the washing solution is below a predetermined threshold value during said metering period, and the addition of detergent being prevented after each metering period (T.sub.2) for the time of a predetermined mixing period (T.sub.1).

Abstract: In the desalter operation of a petroleum refinery, a method which measures and regulates the stability of the oil-in-water emulsion. A device located downstream of the desalter monitors the electrical charge of oil droplets in the effluent brine. This charge reflects emulsion stability. The amount of charge streaming past a point defines a current. When a predetermined streaming current threshold is crossed, the monitoring device electrically sends a signal proportional to the excess to a metering pump or valve which adds a predetermined proportional quantity of emulsion breaker to the petroleum/water mixture in the desalter.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid reservoir system has a flow line for circulating a portion of the aqueous liquid from the reservoir and returning such aqueous liquid back to the reservoir. The flow line has an injection means for inducing quantities of pH affecting liquid into the flow line. A pH probe means is coupled to the flow line upstream of the injection means for detecting the pH of the aqueous liquid from the reservoir. The system includes a computer control which compares the pH from the pH probe means with a preselected pH and activates dispensing means to provide a measured quantity of pH affecting liquid for injecting into the flow line responsive to aqueous liquid flowing therein to maintain the pH of the aqueous liquid within the preselected pH tolerance. The measured quantities of pH affecting liquid are provided by a control chamber means having a gravitational feed system for the pH affecting liquid.

Abstract: An electronic control and dosing system for desalinators (10) has a baffle, disposed between the evaporation and condensation chambers, fitted with probes (70, 71) which detect the presence of liquid created by entrained bubbles, that pass through the holes in the baffle. A control circuit (72), connected to the probes (70,71), closes a solenoid valve (62) to shut off the supply of feed water to the desalinator (10) until the threat of entrainment has passed. A foaming and/or scale inhibiting polymer, contained in a tank (64), is periodically introduced to the feed water inlet line (63) by a solenoid valve (65) controlled by a timer circuit (66).

Abstract: A method of controlling the steam quality leaving parallel circuits of once-through steam generators using untreated feedwater having high solids concentration wherein control valves in each circuit are actuated by signals generated by the electrical conductivities of the water phase leaving each circuit and the feedwater entering the generator unit.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the concentration of wash water in a ware washing machine. A preferred ware washing machine (10) includes a reservoir (11) for holding wash water, a normally closed valve (17) for directing clean water to a dry detergent supply (13), an electrodeless conductivity cell (12) for monitoring the conductivity of the ware washing solution, and a controller for activating the normally closed valve (15) in response to the difference between the measured concentration and the actual concentration. A preferred concentration controller includes an adjustable amplifier (48) which provides an amplified concentration signal which is equal to a reference signal when the concentration of the solution is equal to the desired concentration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the density of a foam. The method involves measuring the electrical conductivity of a foam wherein the electrical conductivity of the foam varies with the density thereof and adjusting the density of the foam in response to the measured electrical conductivity to prepare a foam having a desired density. The apparatus comprises means for generating and applying a foam, said means being connected by an enclosed pathway. Located within the enclosed pathway is an electrical conductivity sensor. The conductivity sensor is electronically connected to a translation means. The conductivity sensor provides an electrical signal, related to conductivity of the foam, to the translation means. The translation means is connected to a gas flow controlling means.

Abstract: A process for producing a concentrated aqueous solution of an alkali metal chlorate and an alkali metal chloride comprises feeding an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution to an electrolysis zone at a constant feed rate. Electric current is supplied to the electrolysis zone at an initial current load. The aqueous alkali metal chloride is electrolyzed to produce a concentrated chlorate solution comprised of an alkali metal chlorate and the alkali metal chloride. A portion of the concentrated solution is fed to an analysis zone and analyzed to measure the ratio of the concentration of the chlorate ion to the concentration of the chloride ion. The measured ratio is compared in a processing zone with a predetermined value range for the ratio and, where the measured ratio falls outside of the predetermined value range, altering the initial current load to the electrolysis zone. The concentrated alkali metal chlorate solution is recovered.

Abstract: A control system and method of controlling the cycling of water in a cooling tower system having a source of make-up water of variable conductivity. The control system apparatus includes respective probes for sensing tower water conductivity and make-up water conductivity. The probes provide signals to a controller unit. Desired cooling system water conductivity parameters are input into the controller unit. The controller unit serves to proportionally adjust the trip point at which dumping of the cooling tower water occurs based upon the sensed water conductivities and the input parameters to maintain a predetermined Langelier's number(s). Means are provided to display system conditions and to effect calibration of the system. The method entails establishing an indexing factor based upon the cooling water parameters and the desired Langelier's number(s) and using that indexing factor for adjusting the trip point.

Abstract: A control system and method of controlling the cycling of water in a cooling tower system having a course of make-up water of variable conductivity.The control system apparatus includes respective probes for sensing tower water conductivity and make-up water conductivity. The probes provide signals to a controller unit. Desired cooling system water conductivity parameters an input into the controller unit. The controller unit serves to proportionately adjust the trip point at which dumping of the cooling tower water occurs based upon the sensed water conductivities and the input parameters to maintain a predetermined Langelier's number(s). Means are provided to display system conditions and to effect calibrations of the system.The method entails establishing an indexing factor based upon the cooling water parameters and the desired Langelier's number(s) and using that indexing factor for adjusting the trip point.

Abstract: A process for producing a concentrated aqueous solution of an alkali metal chlorate and an alkali metal chloride comprises feeding an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution to a first electrolysis zone at an initial feed rate. The aqueous alkali metal chloride is electrolyzed to produce a concentrated chlorate solution comprised of an alkali metal chlorate and the alkali metal chloride. A portion of the concentrated solution is fed to an analysis zone and analyzed to measure the ratio of the concentration of the chlorate ion to the concentration of the chloride ion. The measured ratio is compared in a processing zone with a predetermined value range for the ratio and, where the measured ratio falls outside of the predetermined value range, altering the initial feed rate of alkali metal chloride to the first electrolysis zone. The concentrated alkali metal is removed from the first electrolysis zone to a product solution collection zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are provided for measuring and monitoring the free active chlorine content of an aqueous solution. Regulation of the addition of chlorinating substances to maintain a desired chlorine level in drinking or bathing water is further provided. The apparatus preferably utilizes a measuring cell having electrodes comprised of a gold-nickel metallic alloy wherein gold is contained in an amount 90-97% by weight and nickel in an amount of 10-3% by weight. The measuring cell is connected to an electrical comparison circuit which controls a regulator or magnetic valve, in order to control the flow of active chlorine into the system.

Abstract: In a chemical solution circulator including a tank, a pump with an intake pipe connected to the tank and a discharge pipe for delivering solution to an enclosure communicating with the tank; a chemical concentration control system for the automatic addition of liquid chemicals for maintaining a predetermined concentration thereof within the tank comprises a diverter and chemical additive pipe connected to the discharge pipe for continuously sampling the solution and outletting into the tank. An aspirator is connected into the diverter pipe and has a low pressure additive intake pipe connected to a chemical solution storage tank. A normally closed solenoid valve is interposed in the additive intake pipe. An electronic controller is connected to the valve. A flow through conductivity cell is interposed within the diverter pipe upstream of the aspirator for signaling the controller at a set value maintaining the valve closed.

Abstract: A novel method for continuously monitoring and controlling the total alkalinity attributable to carbon dioxide, bicarbonate ion and carbonate ion such as is found in water and waste water treatment systems and in cooling towers. This method includes the steps of sampling the aqueous solution, adjusting the pH of the sample, detecting with a pCO.sub.2 probe the total carbon dioxide of the sample, and adding an alkalinity-controlling chemical to the aqueous solution. Also provided is a method for continuously monitoring this total alkalinity in a natural body of water.

Abstract: Cooling tower water is analyzed for pH and electrical conductivity. In response to the pH measurement, acid addition is made periodically (intermittently) so that fluctuations in pH during acid addition are minimized. The conductivity measurement, which relates to salts concentration, controls periodic (intermittent) blowdown of water having high salts concentration so as to minimize waste of water and water additives during blowdown.

Abstract: Optimum concentration of the acid-scrubbing solution employed in a scrubbing tower for removal of malodorous and/or toxic gases from the air is maintained automatically in a control system which senses the electrical conductivity of the solution to control acid-feeding apparatus. High and low concentration alarms are also provided to warn of malfunction.

Abstract: An integrated monitor and control system for continuously monitoring and controlling pH and free halogen concentration in swimming pool water is provided, comprising, in combination, a first electrochemical flow cell having two electrodes and through which swimming pool water flows, giving rise to an electric potential between the electrodes in proportion to hydrogen/hydroxyl ion concentration in the pool water; means for measuring the electric potential across the electrodes in a manner correlated with pH of the pool water; a second electrochemical flow cell having two electrodes and through which swimming pool water flows giving rise to an electric potential between the two electrodes in proportion to the oxidation/reduction potential of the pool water; means for measuring the electric potential across the electrodes in a manner correlated with halogen concentration in the pool water; a first operational amplifier in electric connection with the first cell and arranged to respond to a pH outside a predeterm

Abstract: A system for controlling the silver ion concentration of a silver halide emulsion made by mixing alkali halide and silver nitrate solutions which are delivered continuously to a vessel at primary addition rates. The silver ion concentration in the vessel is measured to establish the deviation from a desired concentration. Where the error is within a limited or normal range, a low signal selector circuit causes a pump in a secondary flow loop to deliver a secondary amount of whichever solution is needed to offset the deviation. Where the error is abnormal, a high signal selector circuit alters the primary addition rate of the alkali halide solution to offset the deviation.

Abstract: Long chain polymer flow promoting additives including guar gum, polyethylene oxide and polyacrylamide used to maintain Newtonian flow characteristics in an extended velocity range are mixed into a neutral density liquid having a significant variation of electrical conductivity with the dilution of the neutral density liquid, to provide a stable additive mixture. The concentration of the neutral density carrier liquid when diluted as a working liquid in use within a machine or system may be readily determined by measuring the electrical conductivity of the working liquid, thus permitting the working liquid content of flow promoting additive to be readily determined and controlled.