Abstract: A spray method for monolithic refractories, which comprises feeding, with an air stream, a monolithic refractory composition including a rapid setting agent in addition to refractory aggregates, a refractory powder, a binder and a dispersant in a powder state in a transporting pipe so that the composition is transported in a floating state; adding application water on the way of the transporting pipe; continuing the feeding of the air stream, and spraying the wet composition through a spray nozzle. In a case that the monolithic refractory composition does not include the rapid setting agent, the rapid setting agent is added at an upstream side of the top end of the spray nozzle, and then, the wet refractory composition is sprayed through the spray nozzle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a non-invasive bubble measuring instrument operable for detecting, distinguishing, and counting gaseous embolisms such as bubbles over a selectable range of bubble sizes of interest. A selected measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected is insonified by two distinct frequencies from a pump transducer and an image transducer, respectively. The image transducer frequency is much higher than the pump transducer frequency. The relatively low-frequency pump signal is used to excite bubbles to resonate at a frequency related to their diameter. The image transducer is operated in a pulse-echo mode at a controllable repetition rate that transmits bursts of high-frequency ultrasonic signal to the measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected and then receives the echo. From the echo or received signal, a beat signal related to the repetition rate may be extracted and used to indicate the presence or absence of a resonant bubble.

Abstract: A two-stage process and apparatus for producing nanometer-scaled powders from a metal, the process including (a) operating a first-stage heating and atomizing device to provide a stream of super-heated fine-sized metal liquid droplets into a chamber of a second-stage atomizing device; (b) operating this second-stage atomizing device by directing an atomizing fluid medium to impinge upon the stream of super-heated metal liquid droplets to further break up the metal liquid droplets into substantially nanometer-sized particles; and (c) cooling these particles to form nanometer-sized solid powders. The first-stage heating and atomizing device preferably includes a twin-wire arc spray device. The second-stage atomizing device preferably includes a vortex jet nozzle.

Abstract: In accordance with a method for making at least one hole in roofs (1), walls, etcetera, in case of fire (2) in buildings or the like the hole or holes are produced by cutting, using a pressurised liquid (3) which while cutting is sprayed into the space (4) on fire in the shape of a jet (5) which rapidly evaporates and in doing so contributes to extinguishing the fire (2), the combustion gases (6) being vented through the cut hole or holes (25). In equipment (7) designed for the implementation of the method there is provided a source of pressurised medium (8) having an outlet for a pressurised liquid (3), a conduit (10), and a nozzle (11) having an inlet (12) and outlet (13).

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a spray gun adapted for spray-applying fiber-reinforced resins with ceramic fiber loadings of at least about 55 wt-%. Such novel spray gun has an inlet for admitting the fiber-reinforced resin; an air inlet for atomizing the fiber-reinforced resin; a catalyst inlet; and an outlet for expelling catalyzed fiber-reinforced resin from the spray gun. The spray gun also has a straight-line delivery channel in fluid communication with the resin inlet, the catalyst inlet, and the outlet. A flow actuator is provided for selectively actuating admission of the fiber-reinforced resin and the catalyst into the spray gun. The resin inlet and the catalyst inlet are disposed for admitting resin and catalyst, respectively, in line into the straight-line delivery channel.

Abstract: The invention is a system of spraying coating on the surface of a substrate with a convergent spray gun that utilized separate pump and flow metering systems. Each part of a two part resin is pumped and metered separately. The third part which is a foaming agent and surfactant is also pumped and metered separately in a mix chamber. All three materials are mixed in the mix chamber and then atomized and combined with dry filler in the convergent zone of the spray gun. The quantity of the filler and the three part foaming resins are proportioned in order to maintain a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: Methods and means for grinding materials to fine powders in a media mill in which the materials are ground while immersed in a liquid. In the preferred embodiments, the liquid is a gas at room temperatures and pressures, the materials are resin mixtures and the fine powders are predominantly in a size range of from about 10 to about 40 micrometers. Other benefits may be achieved if the gas is in a supercritical state.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus capable of supplying on a substantially continuous basis an anhydrous agent and water to an area to be cleaned. The cleaning machine includes an inner enclosure disposed in an interior chamber of an outer enclosure. The outer enclosure is designed to enclose the interior chamber. Also, provided in the cleaning apparatus is a system for purging the interior chamber with dry air. The inner enclosure contains the anhydrous agent, which is typically baking soda. The inner enclosure further includes a system for distributing the anhydrous agent to a cleaning nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention is a biological tracer method for characterizing the movement of a material through a medium, comprising the steps of: introducing a biological tracer comprising a microorganism having ice nucleating activity into a medium; collecting at least one sample of the medium from a point removed from the introduction point; and analyzing the sample for the presence of the biological tracer. The present invention is also a method for using a biological tracer as a label for material identification by introducing a biological tracer having ice nucleating activity into a material, collecting a sample of a portion of the labelled material and analyzing the sample for the presence of the biological tracer.

Abstract: A backpack sprayer for spraying arthropods or arthropod eggs, such as beneficial mites or beneficial insect eggs, or insect eggs containing parasitoids, directly onto plants is disclosed which uses excess air generated by a compressor to produce a coarse or fine spray of an aqueous suspension containing the arthropods or eggs as they exit from a spray gun. A stir bar magnet in a spray tank, controlled by a magnetic stirrer motor, keeps the arthropods or eggs evenly suspended in an aqueous solution. The sprayer provides an economical and alternative strategy for the delivery of arthropods such as beneficial mites and eggs to agricultural commodities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for efficient combustion of cellulose spent liquors using a burner connected to a reactor, while supplying an oxygen containing gas, which invention is characterized in that more than 80% of the oxygen which is required for the partial combustion of the spent liquor is supplied through the lance of the burner to the reactor as an oxygen containing gas at a stoichiometric ratio of between 0.3 and 0.6 relative to complete combustion of the spent liquor.

Abstract: A spray-on inorganic (e.g. fiberglass) insulation method and product with a low density and high R-value are disclosed. Loose-fill fiberglass is coated with a non-foaming liquid and thereafter blown or sprayed into a cavity such as a vertically extending open stud-defined wall cavity. After sticking in the cavity, the insulation is rolled to further pack it into the cavity and thereafter allowed to cure.

Abstract: Coating a substrate with a reinforced resin matrix comprised of liquid resin and reinforcing material can be accomplished with an apparatus where the liquid resin and the reinforcing material are mixed external to the apparatus prior to impacting the substrate. The liquid resin is directed through a cylinder 12 and then through an orifice 7 in nozzle 1, while the reinforcing material is carried in a gas stream through cavity 13, around cylinder 12, and past the nozzle 1. As the reinforcing material passes the nozzle 1, it is drawn into the liquid resin. Due to the distribution of the reinforcing material around the liquid resin flow, the reinforcing material is substantially homogeneously wetted by the liquid resin prior to impacting the substrate.

Abstract: In an external mix, plural component application system, a first component material, such as a resin, is formed into a plurality of small, spaced streams arranged in a two-dimensional array and projected generally at a substrate or article. A second component material, such as a catalyst, is formed into two air-entrained sprays of second component material and directed at the plurality of small, spaced streams of the first component material from adjacent the opposite sides of the array of streams to assist atomization of the small, spaced streams into particles of first component material and to mix the plural components. A plurality of flows of compressed air are directed at the substrate or article from adjacent the opposing sides of the array of streams that are between the two sprays of second component material and provides containment of plural component emissions.

Abstract: To reduce dust and improve the productivity of wet blasting, a blast nozzle and a method of using same are provided for directing a stream of abrasive particles entrained in compressed air to a targeted surface and for injecting a pressurized water stream into the stream of abrasive particles at a point downstream of the orifice of the blast nozzle and in the expansion portion of the nozzle. At the injection point, the velocity of the entrained abrasive particles is substantially equivalent to the velocity of the injected water stream.

Abstract: An air-operated fluid spray gun for mixing multiple fluids together almost simultaneously with depositing the mixture on a surface by directing an atomized stream of one fluid out the end of the gun barrel toward the surface and injecting an atomized stream of another fluid generally radially into the first stream so that the streams mix thoroughly and the mixture is almost simultaneously deposited on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and spraying a catalyst with a resin onto a surface. The resin and catalyst are internally mixed within a disposable mixing tube. After the spraying is completed, the catalyzed resin is allowed to harden within the tube and the tube is thereafter disposed of. Because the catalyst and resin are not mixed within any reusable portions of the spraying apparatus, the need for rinsing with acetone or similar hazardous solvents is eliminated.

Abstract: An insulating material consisting essentially of fly ash particles and a binder and a method for making the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, fly ash particles are mixed with a dissipating foam which contains a binder. The foam acts to spread the binder and separate the fly ash particles, thereby coating the fly ash particles with the binder. When the foam dissipates the binder acts to bind the fly ash particles together in clusters. The clusters of fly ash particles are then suitable to be used as blown-in insulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for partial combustion of cellulose spent liquors using a burner equipped with a liquor lance and an atomizing nozzle, which burner is connected to a reactor operating at pressures in the range of 1.1 to 150 bars while supplying an oxygen containing gas, whereby the weight ratio between the oxygen containing gas supplied through the burner and the spent liquor solids supplied through the burner is less than 2:1, and that at least half of the non-fuel bound oxygen required for the partial combustion is discharged into the reactor through the atomizing nozzle.

Abstract: A plural component external mix air-assisted/airless spray gun has an airless tip from which resin is emitted in a fan-shaped spray and an injector nozzle for directing an unatomized stream of catalyst into the resin adjacent to the airless tip. The catalyst injector nozzle is built into an ear of an air cap and the air cap is keyed to the airless tip to guarantee the positional relationship between the injector nozzle and the airless tip. Injecting a stream of unatomized catalyst into the resin stream immediately downstream from the airless tip provides thorough mixing of the catalyst into the resin, increased utilization of the catalyst and decreased emissions of catalyst fumes.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically discharging a liquified building material includes a first source of liquid hardener and injection means for injecting the liquid hardener perpendicularly into the air-entrained building material at the discharge nozzle. The liquid hardener may be supplied through an atomizer and injected through openings that are enlarged. A second source of liquid hardener may be provided to supply a second hardener mixed with the airstream that entrains the building material. A flexible tubing may be provided between the aeration fitting and discharge nozzle to require that only the discharge nozzle be lifted by the operator.

Abstract: A sprayed-in fibrous insulation is provided in a substantially homogeneous-density form. A foamed material in its foamed state is mixed with already-lofted fibrous particles and the mixture is sprayed into a desired space. A mixing assembly designed to provide the described mixing of materials and to avoid backflow and consequent clogging or plugging is provided. The velocity of the mixture is increased to a level to cause spraying of the mixture by means of a plurality of hoses, each hose having a smaller inner diameter and cross-sectional area than the preceding hose, with all hoses having a smaller inner diameter and cross-sectional area than the mixing assembly. The foam acts to maintain the fibrous particle loft during impaction from subsequent applications of the insulation material or from the weight of insulation material above. The foam preferably contains an adhesive material which sets or cures to maintain the fiber loft by the time the foam material dries and dissipates.

Abstract: The invention is a cleaning method and associated apparatus that are particularly useful for cleaning surfaces formed of relatively hard materials such as grout or industrial rolls which are contaminated with relatively hard embedded deposits of undesirable materials that are difficult to remove by conventional washing or abrading cleaning methods, and while substantially reducing the effluent resulting from the cleaning step so that the cleaning method may be conveniently used in areas where effluent disposal may be a problem such as smaller indoor rooms, areas, or equipment. The invention comprises pressurizing a cleaning liquid with a gas driven hydraulic pump and directing a flow of the cleaning liquid from a nozzle at surfaces to be cleaned at a pressure of at least about 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi) and at a volumetric flow rate of no more than about 1.

Abstract: Method and apparatus provide effective application of plural component material from a plurality of air contained small streams, with stabilized stream formation, division and application and with a substantial reduction of VOC emissions in plural component applications, such as gel coat and wet-out applications in the manufacture of reinforced fiberglass articles. In the method, a flow of compressed air is delivered to an applicator and flows of the plural component materials are mixed and formed into a plurality of small, spaced streams extending from the applicator. The flow of compressed air is divided into a plurality of air flows that are directed about the plurality of small, spaced streams of plural component materials and generally adjacent and parallel to the streams. In apparatus for this method, a source of compressed air is provided and an applicator is adapted for connection to the source of compressed air and one or more sources of the plural component materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and spraying a slurry. The apparatus comprises a mixing chamber and a screw means, disposed within the chamber, for mixing and transporting material downstream to an air atomization nozzle. Another aspect of this invention is a method for mixing and spraying a slurry. The method comprises introducing and propelling a particulate solid along a mixing chamber. A liquid is introduced downstream from the introduction of the solid, a sufficient distance such that no substantial liquid backs up to the introduction of the solid. The solid and liquid are mixed to form a slurry, substantially in the absence of air. The slurry is propelled downstream, substantially in the absence of air, and atomized.

Abstract: An air-assisted, airless atomization, plural component spraying system and method includes a first source of a first component, e.g., a resin; a second source of a second component, e.g., catalyst for the resin; spraying means to mix the resin and catalyst and direct the mixture to a substrate and a source of compressed air. The spraying means includes a nozzle assembly which comprises a liquid nozzle for forming liquid into a fan-like film with expanding edges extending from a liquid orifice, and a nozzle assembly for directing a flow of compressed air and catalyst at the fan-like film closely adjacent the liquid orifice. In an internal mix system, compressed air is directed to impinge upon the expanding edges of the fan-like stream of mixed resin and catalyst downstream of the impingement of a flow of compressed air on the fan-like stream to capture particles in small, uniform spray pattern.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for spraying a mixture of fibrous insulating material and an adhesive for the fibrous insulating material. The nozzle has a hollow cylindrical body, a material conditioning chamber with a larger cross sectional area than the hollow cylindrical body, a generally conical spray hood adjacent the material conditioning chamber, a mixing chamber in the spray hood, and an adhesive feed line connected to and extending into the spray hood. The adhesive is homogeneously mixed with the fibrous insulating material in the spray hood.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure mixing and spray nozzle apparatus generally comprised of three modules. The high pressure nozzle produces a more definite stream with less flair through the use of a linear compressed shock wave. The high pressure nozzle requires less fluid and less pressure for a proper spray. The three modules can be used alone or in different combinations to produce the desired results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable insert adapted to fit within the atomization port of a spray nozzle used to atomize a gas/slurry mixture. The nozzle insert has a configuration which greatly minimizes the build-up of solids on the end of the insert, the forward face of the nozzle as well as around the atomization ports when atomizing a slurry. The improved features of the nozzle insert include (a) the interior fluid conveying passage has a constant diameter through the head of the insert; (b) the downstream end of the head is tapered and ends in a circular knife edge at the spray outlet; and (c) the tapered head extends outwardly from the forward face of the nozzle a distance sufficient for the spray outlet to be positioned beyond eddy currents which form during atomization of the gas/slurry mixture.

Abstract: An inorganic hydraulic material composition containing reinforcing short fibers is sprayed without breakage thereof, by fluidizing reinforcing short fibers in a blast of compressed air, by blending the flow of the reinforced short fibers fluidized in the blast of compressed air with a dry mixture of an inorganic hydraulic material such as cement with an aggregate such as sand in a dry blending region, by introducing the resultant dry blend into a water-mixing region, by mixing the dry blend with water, and by spraying the resultant wet composition through a spray nozzle.

Abstract: An external mix, air-assisted, airless atomization, plural component spraying system and method includes a first source of a first component, e.g., a resin; a second source of a second component, e.g., catalyst for the resin; spraying means to mix the resin and catalyst and direct the mixture to a substrate; a source of compressed air; and means for injecting the catalyst into the compressed air. The spraying means includes a nozzle assembly which comprises a liquid nozzle for forming the resin into a fan-like film with expanding edges extending from a liquid orifice, and a nozzle assembly for directing a flow of compressed air and catalyst at the fan-like film colsely adjacent the liquid orifice. In a preferred embodiment, compressed air is directed to impinge upon the expanding edges of the fan-like resin stream downstream of the impingement of the flow of compressed air and catalyst particles to capture from catalyst particles in small, uniform spray pattern.

Abstract: The apparatus for applying a sprayed concrete layer to a surface comprises a concrete feed pipe for a pumpable and sprayable concrete mixture made with water, a sprayer and a compressed air feed device for compressed air under a pressure of several bar from a compressed air source. The concrete feed pipe opens into the sprayer which has a compressed air connector device. The concrete mixture is sprayable with the compressed air. The compressed air feed device comprises a register including several compressed air chambers which connect to and open into the compressed air connector device. The individual compressed air chambers are connected with the help of control valves in alternating sequence to a power silo for loading a powdery concrete additive, particularly silica powder, or for blowing through a compressed air partial flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure mixing and spray nozzle apparatus generally comprised of three modules. The high pressure nozzle produces a more definite stream with less flair through the use of a linear compressed shock wave. The high pressure nozzle requires less fluid and less pressure for a proper spray. The three modules can be used alone or in different combinations to produce the desired results.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying cellulose fiber insulation of the spray on loose fill type. The insulation is coated by a dry and thus deactivated adhesive and is stored in a storage tank. At the moment it exits the storage tanks, the insulation is exposed to and moistened by water sprayed by a nozzle member. The moistened insulation travels the length of a blow hose to reach the application site at the discharge end of the blow tube. The moisture activates the dry adhesive as the insulation travels through the hose, and the turbulence within the hose ensures that all of the fibers are moistened. Thus, by the time the adhesive is discharged by the blow tube, it sets in the absence of dust and virtually no setting time is required because the activated adhesive has begun to set.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for pneumatically discharging hydromechanically conveyed hydraulic building material for underground operations, in which compressed air is supplied to the wet building material, pumped in a dense stream, in front of a mouth piece serving the discharge thereof and having in particular a nozzle shape, the compressed air being gunned out together with the building material, the invention provides for the dense stream of the pumped building material to be supplied to the compressed air supplied in a stream, sealed off from the outside air by the wet building material, and thereby be distributed in the compressed air stream and conveyed with the latter to the mouth piece to be discharged therefrom.

Abstract: Preparation of granules by making nuclei grow, in a fluidized bed, by causing a liquid material to solidify thereon. The liquid material is sprayed in the bed upwards, with the aid of a spraying device provided with a central channel through which the liquid material is supplied, and a channel concentric therewith carrying a powerful gas stream, with the liquid material contacting the gas stream and being carried with the gas stream to a dilute zone where the growth of the nuclei takes place, which zone is created by the gas stream and is completely within the fluidized bed. The liquid material is made to come out of the central channel as a virtually closed, conical film, with a thrust exceeding the thrust of the gas stream, and this film is nebulized to very fine droplets with the aid of the gas stream.In this process a very small amount of high-energetic gas is needed, while no agglomeration occurs in the bed.

Abstract: An abrasive slurry supply system for use in conjunction with a polisher or grinder or the like for preparing the surface of a metallurgical specimen, the system comprising an abrasive slurry reservoir, a first source of air under pressure connected with the reservoir to force the slurry to a spray nozzle, and a second source of air under pressure connected to the nozzle to transform the slurry from a liquid to an atomized mist which is directed to a rotatable platen or lapping wheel of the polisher/grinder machine for use in the preparation of metallurgical specimens.

Abstract: An improved, stable high expansion aqueous foam formulation of a single cosite solution containing a relatively large amount of ammonia. A method of using the ammonia aqueous foam for visual obscuration and area denial is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nozzle suitable for mixing atomized first and second components of a resin exterior to the nozzle and combining the atomized and combined resinous components with a base material such as a fibrous or granular insulation material. The nozzle comprises a front plate and a back plate, the back plate individually receiving under pressure the first component and second component of the resin, a base material and an air supply. The front and back plates are secured in registry to each other so that central passageways in the front and back plates communicate the base material through the nozzle to be exhausted onto a surface. The air supply is communicated through the back plate to a continuous channel on the surface of the back plate in registry with the front plate and the first and second components of the resin are transmitted through the back plate by means of single passageways on either side of the continuous air channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving at least one gas in a liquid comprises an eductor submerged in a liquid, desirably in combination with a high turbulence mixing device, so that synergistic results are obtained. The inlet portion of the eductor generally has an inward convergence towards a throat. The outlet portion of the eductor has an outward divergence. A diffuser which generally carries the gas mixed with a liquid extends through the eductor inlet portion and through the throat portion into the outlet portion. In a desired embodiment, the diffuser is connected or attached to a high turbulence mixing device such as desirably, a flat plate orifice in a conduit. An injection tube extends through the flat plate orifice downstream into the conduit pipe and injects a gas into the liquid to produce a gas-liquid mixture.The apparatus dissolves an exceedingly high amount of gas into a liquid and requires very low amounts of energy.

Abstract: Foamed wax is produced and sprayed onto automobiles following the washing thereof by automatic washing apparatus. Liquid wax is combined with a foaming agent, water and air to form a foamed wax which can be conveniently dispersed by conventional automatic car washing equipment, resulting in an improved shine and more complete drying of the surface.

Abstract: A process for drawing in and compressing gases and mixing the same with liquid material, wherein the gases are first premixed with one or more liquid jets at a velocity of from 10 to 70 m/sec, the smallest cross-sectional area of the mixing nozzle being at a distance from the propulsive jet which is equal to from 1 to 10 times the smallest hydraulic diameter of the mixing nozzle, which smallest cross-sectional area of the mixing nozzle is equal to from 1.5 to 15 times the smallest cross-sectional area of the propulsive jet. The two-phase liquid mixture is passed through the mixing nozzle to the narrowest point of an impulse exchange tube disposed in the liquid medium, which impulse exchange tube is open at its inlet and outlet and is preferably provided with a diffuser. The smallest cross-sectional area of the impulse exchange tube is equal to from 1.