Control Element Responsive To A Sensed Operating Condition Patents (Class 422/105)
  • Patent number: 8183334
    Abstract: Process for producing a multimodal polyethylene in at least two reactors connected in series, in which 20-80 wt % of a high molecular weight (HMW) polymer is made in suspension in a first reactor and 20-80 wt % of a low molecular weight (LMW) polymer is made in suspension in a second reactor in the presence of the HMW polymer, wherein the solids concentration in the second LMW reactor, defined as the mass of polymer divided by the total mass of slurry, is at least 35 wt %, most preferably between 45 wt % and 60 wt %, and/or the ratio of solids concentration in the first reactor to that in the second reactor is maintained at less than 1.0, preferably between 0.6 and 0.8, and further wherein the volume of the second reactor is at least 10%, preferably at least 30% and more preferably at least 50% greater than the volume of the first reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ineos Manufacturing Belgium NV
    Inventors: Benoit Koch, Daniel Marissal, Marc Parisel, Brent R Walworth
  • Patent number: 8183332
    Abstract: Process for producing a multimodal polyethylene in at least two reactors connected in series, in which 20-80 wt % of a high molecular weight (HMW) polymer is made in suspension in a first reactor and 20-80 wt % of a low molecular weight (LMW) polymer is made in suspension in a second reactor. The ratio of the average activity in the LMW reactor to the average activity in the HMW reactor is from 0.25 and 1.5, where average activity in each reactor is defined as the rate of polyethylene produced in the reactor (kgPE/hr)/[ethylene concentration in the reactor (mol %)×residence time in the reactor (hours)×feed rate of catalyst into the reactor (g/hr)], residence time being defined as the mass of the polymer in the reactor (kg)/the output rate of polymer from the reactor (kg/hr). The volume of the second reactor is at least 10% greater than the volume of the first reactor, and the ratio of length to diameter of the first reactor, L/D(1), is greater than that of the second reactor, L/D(2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ineos Manufacturing Belgium NV
    Inventors: Benoit Koch, Daniel Marissal, Marc Parisel, Brent R Walworth
  • Publication number: 20120121468
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carbonaceous feedstock gasification system with integrated control subsystem. The system generally comprises, in various combinations, a gasification reactor vessel (or converter) having one or more processing zones and one or more plasma heat sources, a solid residue handling subsystem, a gas quality conditioning subsystem, as well as an integrated control subsystem for managing the overall energetics of the conversion of the carbonaceous feedstock to energy, as well as maintaining all aspects of the gasification processes at an optimal set point. The gasification system may also optionally comprise a heat recovery subsystem and/or a product gas regulating subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: PLASCO ENERGY GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Tsangaris, Kenneth C. Campbell, D. Michael Feasby, Ke Li
  • Publication number: 20120122164
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of processing a biomass, e.g., for producing lipid and non-lipid materials, by inducing autolysis of a biomass. The biomass may be generated using any species of microorganism and any available biodegradable substrate, including waste materials. The lipid and non-lipid materials are present in two separate layers of the autolysate, and they can be used to generate valuable products such as biofuels and nutritional supplements. The present invention further provides a processing apparatus useful for practicing the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Moustafa Ahmed El-Shafie
  • Publication number: 20120114529
    Abstract: A closure (40) includes a body (42) with a screw threaded portion (44) for engaging the closure with a container, for example a bottle. Inwards of portion (44) is a liner (46) comprising a hydrogen generating device, wherein the liner includes one layer (48) which incorporates a hydride dispersed in a polymeric matrix and, on opposite sides of layer (48) are arranged PET layers (50, 52). Layer (50) is arranged to act as a control layer to control the rate of passage of water vapour from the beverage in the container to the hydride containing layer (48) and thereby control generation of hydrogen by the hydrogen generating device. In use, water vapour passes through layer (50) and contacts the hydride associated with layer (48) which results in production of molecular hydrogen which combines with oxygen which may have entered a container with which the closure (40) is associated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Adrian John Carmichael, Andrew Stuart Ovenrend, Mark Rule, Ronald James Valus, Christine Leeming, Steven Burgess Tattum
  • Publication number: 20120115240
    Abstract: Methane gas in a ruminant exhalation may be oxidized to reduce the amount of methane gas output by the ruminant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Stephen H. Salter, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120107175
    Abstract: A modular chemical production system includes multiple modules for performing a chemical reaction, particularly of radiochemical compounds, from a remote location. One embodiment comprises a reaction vessel including a moveable heat source with the position thereof relative to the reaction vessel being controllable from a remote position. Alternatively the heat source may be fixed in location and the reaction vial is moveable into and out of the heat source. The reaction vessel has one or more sealing plugs, the positioning of which in relationship to the reaction vessel is controllable from a remote position. Also the one or more reaction vessel sealing plugs can include one or more conduits there through for delivery of reactants, gases at atmospheric or an elevated pressure, inert gases, drawing a vacuum and removal of reaction end products to and from the reaction vial, the reaction vial with sealing plug in position being operable at elevated pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: The Regents of the Univeristy of California
    Inventors: Nagichettiar Satyamurthy, Jorge R. Barrio, Bernard Amarasekera, R. Michael Van Dam, Sebastian Olma, Dirk Williams, Mark A. Eddings, Clifton Kwang-Fu Shen
  • Publication number: 20120108818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave apparatus, a method or use of the apparatus and a method of carrying out chemical reactions on a continuous basis with the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is particularly suitable for microwave-assisted organic synthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: CAMBREX KARLSKOGA AB
    Inventors: Birger Hagberg, Lars Eklund
  • Publication number: 20120107181
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for synthesizing oligonucleotides wherein a reaction zone has a variable volume based on the position of a piston, and the piston is adjusted to control the amount of headspace above solid support in the reaction zone. Methods and apparatus that limit the size or existence of the headspace are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Isaiah E. Cedillo, Max N. Moore, Francis J. Ring
  • Publication number: 20120107207
    Abstract: A system for reducing nitrogen oxides from an exhaust fluid is provided. The system includes an exhaust source, a hydrocarbon reductant source, a first injector in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon reductant source, where the first injector receives a first hydrocarbon reductant stream from the hydrocarbon reductant source, and expels the first portion of the hydrocarbon reductant stream. The system further includes a first catalyst that receives the exhaust stream and the first hydrocarbon reductant stream, a second injector in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon reductant source, where the second injector receives a second hydrocarbon reductant stream from the hydrocarbon reductant source, and expels the second hydrocarbon reductant stream, and a second catalyst disposed to receive an effluent from the first catalyst and the second portion of the hydrocarbon reductant stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Benjamin Hale Winkler, Dan Hancu, Ashish Balkrishna Mhadeshwar
  • Publication number: 20120093690
    Abstract: A system includes a radiant syngas cooler (RSC). The RSC includes cooling tubing configured to transmit a fluid. The RSC is configured to have a heat transfer area such that the RSC generates a pressure and a temperature of the fluid exiting the RSC to a level allowing for superheating of the fluid to between approximately 750° Fahrenheit and approximately 850° Fahrenheit. Additionally, the heat transfer area is determined based on an amount of heat to be transferred to the fluid as the fluid passes through a heat exchanger in a first path external to the RSC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Pradeep Stanley Thacker
  • Publication number: 20120094366
    Abstract: Systems and methods for software-reconfigurable chemical process systems useful in a wide range of applications. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable “Lab-on-a-Chip” or “embedded chemical processor” is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Lester F. LUDWIG
  • Patent number: 8160751
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to mitigate the pressure disturbance associated with the injection of low-pressure analyte samples into a high-pressure HPLC fluid stream, to enhance chromatographic performance related to retention time and reproducibility. The preferred embodiment coordinates the injection run with active pressure control of a binary solvent delivery system to virtually eliminate the customary pressure drop when the low-pressure loop is brought on line. An additional benefit that enhances reproducibility is accomplished by forcing a consistent timing relationship between the injection run, the mechanical position of the delivery pump pistons, and the start and subsequent gradient delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley P. Pensak, Jr., John Heden, Steven J. Ciavarini, John Lamoureux, Miguel Soares
  • Patent number: 8153090
    Abstract: A system to control the emissions of a fluid stream in a cyclical fashion utilizing an up-flow cycle and a down-flow cycle. The system may include a first inlet and a first outlet at a first end of the system and a second inlet and a second outlet at a second end of the system, a catalyst zone between the first end and second end, two heat transfer zones, at least one heat transfer zone positioned between the catalyst zone and the first end of the system and between the catalyst zone and the second end of the system, and two heating zones, at least one heating zone positioned between the catalyst zone and each of the at least one heat transfer zones. The symmetrical arrangement permits a bi-directional fluid cycle to recover a portion of the energy supplied to the system during each cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: OnQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: Anu Vij
  • Publication number: 20120076711
    Abstract: A structure is disclosed containing a sorbent with amine groups that is capable of a reversible adsorption and desorption cycle for capturing CO2 from a gas mixture wherein said structure is composed of fiber filaments wherein the fiber material is carbon and/or polyacrylonitrile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Christoph Gebald, Jan André Wurzbacher, Aldo Steinfeld
  • Patent number: 8142725
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a) an alkylation reactor holding an ionic liquid catalyst and a reactant mixture, b) a means for measuring levels of a halide in an effluent from the alkylation reactor, and c) a control system that receives a signal in response to the measuring and communicates changes in an operating condition that influences the yield of products from the reactant mixture. The control system is responsive to deviations outside a predetermined range of halide level that has been selected to obtain a ratio of a yield of an alkylate gasoline and a yield of a middle distillate from 0.31 to 4.0 in the product from the alkylation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sven Ivar Hommeltoft, Howard S. Lacheen
  • Publication number: 20120070344
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to clathrate hydrate modular storage, applications and utilization processes. In one implementation, the present invention provides a method of creating scalable, easily deployable storage of natural gas and thermal energy by assembling an array of interconnecting, modular gas clathrate hydrate storage units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Carstens, Wade Dickinson, Wayne Dickinson, Jon Myers
  • Publication number: 20120071702
    Abstract: A pump system and controller for a chemical reactor for converting water and carbon dioxide into a fuel gas is provided. Carbon dioxide gas bubbles are created and introduced into pumped water and delivered to a regenerative turbine pump where bubbles are collapsed to produce an ionized gas and ionized liquid mixture containing hydrogen, hydroxyl radicals and hydroxide, which subsequently react with the carbon dioxide gas present in the bubble, reducing it to carbon monoxide, with further reactions yielding methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: James Charles BUTLER
  • Patent number: 8137628
    Abstract: Multiple catalytic processing stations couple with a system which produces volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Cool Planet Biofuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Rajashekharam Malyala
  • Publication number: 20120064421
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus according to the present invention includes: a hydrogen generator configured to generate a fuel gas through a reforming reaction by using a raw fuel; a combustor configured to heat the hydrogen generator; an on-off valve configured to open/block a gas passage through which the gas that is sent out from the hydrogen generator is supplied to the combustor; a combustion air supply device configured to supply combustion air to the combustor; an ignition device provided at the combustor; and a controller. In a case where flame extinction has occurred at the combustor during generation of a hydrogen-containing gas in a start-up process, the controller performs an ignition operation of the ignition device with the on-off valve kept opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshio Tamura, Kiyoshi Taguchi, Koichi Kusumura, Shigeki Yasuda, Akinari Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8128875
    Abstract: Systems for controlling hydrogen purity in a power plant system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hydrogen control system for a generator housing includes: a mass flow control system fluidly connected to the generator housing, the mass flow control system being configured to measure a flow rate of a gas mixture extracted from the generator housing and modify the flow rate of the gas mixture across a range of flow rates; and a vent conduit fluidly connected to the mass flow control system, the vent conduit for receiving a portion of the gas mixture from the mass flow control system and feeding the portion of the gas mixture to an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Daniel Antalek, Jeffrey James Andritz, Anthony James George, Hans Milton Knuijt, Abby Marie Magro, Kevin Jon O'Dell, Fotios Raftelis, Steven Paul Scarlata
  • Publication number: 20120051994
    Abstract: An apparatus is described, as including a reaction region for contacting a reactant gas with a reactive solid under conditions effective to form an intermediate product, and an opening for allowing an unreacted portion of the gaseous reagent and the intermediate product to exit the reaction region. The apparatus can be beneficially employed to form a final product as a reaction product of the intermediate product and the reactant gas. The reaction of the reactant gas and reactive solid can be conducted in a first reaction zone, with the reaction of the reactant gas and intermediate product conducted in a second reaction zone. In a specific implementation, the reaction of the reactant gas and intermediate product is reversible, and the reactant gas and intermediate product are flowed to the second reaction zone at a controlled rate or in a controlled manner, to suppress back reaction forming the reactive solid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Oleg Byl, Edward E. Jones, Chiranjeevi Pydi, Joseph D. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20120052586
    Abstract: The present technology provides an illustrative hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) elimination device. An HFC sensing device is configured to detect an ambient, gaseous HFC composition. The HFC elimination device further includes a component comprising a surface that includes glass, and a heating element that is configured to heat the glass to a temperature to decompose the ambient, gaseous HFC composition in response to detection of the ambient, gaseous HFC composition by the HFC sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Angele Sjong
  • Publication number: 20120045370
    Abstract: In relation to a microreactor, and also a microreactor system applying the same therein, not producing any dead volume therein, and thereby achieving a high level of mixing properties even at a low solution flow rate and having a simple structure thereof, disclosed herein are a microreactor and microreactor system, comprising a channel for mixing up at least two (2) types of fluids, and thereby conducting mixing/reacting of fluids by conducting the mixing/reacting of the fluids at least one (1) time, i.e., being suitable for so-called a multi-step reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Yukako Asano, Tetsuro Miyamoto, Shigenori Togashi, Yoshishige Endo, Hidekazu Tsudome, Hajime Kato
  • Patent number: 8119074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous production of carbon nanotubes (CNT), as well as the method to carry it out. The apparatus for the CNT synthesis includes: two sets or more of tubes to synthesize in its interior the CNT; a set of nozzles for the same number of tubes that each set has, to feed to the interior of the tubes the precursory chemical compounds of the CNT; a furnace to maintain one of the sets to a suitable temperature to allow the formation of the CNT inside the tubes; a system for the detaching and collection of the CNT formed in the previous stage; and a control system, preferably a PLC (PLC by its abbreviation in English) to program the sequence of activities of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Centro de Investigacion en Materiales Avanzados, S.C
    Inventors: Alfredo Aguilar Elguezabal, Manuel Roman Aguirre, Beatriz Ortega Garcia, Gustavo Vicente Camacho Villarello
  • Publication number: 20120041128
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a precipitated silica for elastomers and, more particularly, to a new highly dispersible and highly reinforcing precipitated silica for elastomers. The invention further provides the process for its production and rubber products made therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Dimona Silica Industries
    Inventor: Raisa Avgustovna Kosso
  • Patent number: 8114342
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8114352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure fluidized bed reactor for preparing granular polycrystalline silicon, comprising (a) a reactor tube, (b) a reactor shell encompassing the reactor tube, (c) an inner zone formed within the reactor tube, where a silicon particle bed is formed and silicon deposition occurs, and an outer zone formed in between the reactor shell and the reactor tube, which is maintained under the inert gas atmosphere, and (d) a controlling means to keep the difference between pressures in the inner zone and the outer zone being maintained within the range of 0 to 1 bar, thereby enabling to maintain physical stability of the reactor tube and efficiently prepare granular polycrystalline silicon even at relatively high reaction pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Hee Young Kim, Kyung Koo Yoon, Yong Ki Park, Won Choon Choi
  • Patent number: 8114368
    Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: NOx II, Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Publication number: 20120035767
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and production of nanoparticles in a furnace reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size distribution and specific surface area in furnace reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The said simulation tool couples flame dynamics module and particle population balance module and precursor reaction kinetics module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Venkataramana Runkana, Venkata Sudheendra Buddhiraju
  • Publication number: 20120034130
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process (100) for sterilization of prefilled containers in an autoclave chamber (1) and comprises a sterilization phase (102) and a cooling phase (103). The sterilization phase (102) comprises sterilizing prefilled containers at a temperature in the range of from 105 to 140° C. during a time sufficient to sterilize the content of said containers. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an autoclave for use in a process for sterilization of prefilled containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: GETINGE STERILIZATION AB
    Inventors: Bengt Storberg, Jan C. Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20120031811
    Abstract: A hydrocracking zone for the selective production of either a naphtha product stream or a middle distillate stream from a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock utilizing a fixed catalyst and varying the ammonia concentration level introduced to the hydrocracking zone. The ammonia can be obtained by the reaction of nitrogen in the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock in a hydrotreating reactor, or from an external ammonia source, where the ammonia concentration is controlled by a stripping zone which allows an ammonia concentration in the range of about 0 to about 50 wppm to be introduced into the hydrocracking zone to yield a naphtha stream and an ammonia concentration in the range of about 20 to about 200 wppm to be introduced into the hydrocracking zone to yield a middle distillate stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Timothy M. Cowan, Vedula K. Murty
  • Publication number: 20120027643
    Abstract: A solution is to be created, with a method and a device for generating hydrogen, in which silicon and/or an alloy that contains silicon is reacted in a reaction vessel (1), with an alkaline solution as a catalyst, so that the process, after starting, runs continuously and catalytically in the presence of silicon dioxide as a nucleating agent, without further addition of lye and without using higher pressures and temperatures (hydrothermal conditions). This is achieved in that the alkaline solution is used in a strongly sub-stoichiometric amount with reference to the entire reaction, whereby the silicon dioxide that is formed is precipitated onto crystallization nuclei.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Spawnt Private S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Christian Bauch, Norbert Auner, Birgit Urschel
  • Patent number: 8105563
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to methods of controlling hydrogen concentrations in an offgas system of a nuclear reactor by passive air injection. A method according to a non-limiting embodiment may include passively injecting ambient air through the hydrogen water chemistry system into an existing offgas line of the offgas system. The offgas line is configured to transport non-condensable gases, including hydrogen, from a condenser to a recombiner. As a result of the passive air injection, the combined flow of hydrogen and oxygen react in the recombiner to form water vapor, thereby reducing the hydrogen concentration of the offgas exiting the recombiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Paul Y. Shu, John C. Whittaker, Angelito Foz Gonzaga, Luong C. Tran
  • Patent number: 8105534
    Abstract: A process and system for purifying an impure gas to produce a purified gas in a gas purification system and protecting the system from damage by a) passing a portion of a first gas stream into a reactor vessel, which exits as a second purified gas stream; b) combining a portion of the second purified gas stream with another portion of the first gas stream to form a combined gas stream; and c) passing the combined gas stream into a sensing device to regulate the flow of the first and second gas streams into the reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Fredric Billingham, Jerry Michael Mahl
  • Publication number: 20120018294
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: RESPONSIBLE ENERGY INC.
    Inventors: Robert Christian Jensen, Graham Campbell Houze
  • Publication number: 20120014838
    Abstract: A controller for a plant that controls a controlled variable for the plant in accordance with estimated values, allowing to reduce any error in the estimated values that is caused by solid variation or aging of the plant. A controller for an exhaust emission control system has an estimated Inert-EGR value calculation section (711) to calculate the estimated value IEGRHAT for the Inert-EGR amount on the basis of an input vector U through a neural network, an estimated LAF sensor output value calculation section (712) to calculate the estimated value ?HAT for an exhaust air-fuel ratio correlating with the Inert-EGR amount on the basis of the input vector U through the neural network, an LAF sensor (34) to detect the exhaust air-fuel ratio, and a nonlinear adaptive corrector (713) to calculate the adaptive input UVNS such that the estimated error EHAT between the detected value ?ACT from the LAF sensor (34) and the estimated output value ?HAT of the LAF sensor (34) is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Yasui, Koichi Nakajima, Michael Fischer
  • Patent number: 8097213
    Abstract: Material delivery systems, methods of delivering material and methods of calibrating such systems and methods are disclosed. The material delivery system includes a delivery vessel, a load cell, and automated weight calibration device. The delivery vessel has at least an outlet adapted for coupling to an unit. The load cell is configured to provide a metric indicative of an amount of material in the delivery vessel. The automated weight calibration device is configured to impart a known force onto the at least one load cell. A method includes delivering material to a unit and determining how much material is delivered by a change in weight of a delivery vessel, wherein the delivery vessel comprises a load cell; applying a known calibration force to the load cell; and comparing a metric from the load cell of the known calibration with an expected metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Al Vierheilig, Brian Dorcheus
  • Publication number: 20120010430
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for metering flowable media or gases, and to the use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Evonik Roehm GmbH
    Inventors: Lorenza Sartorelli, Andreas Perl, Udo Gropp, Arndt Selbach, Stefanie Sohnemann, Matthias Groemping, Norbert Mnich, Thomas Mertz
  • Patent number: 8092752
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting oils and fats from oil-bearing substances without using degrading temperatures. The apparatus may comprise an extraction chamber containing an oil-bearing substance, an oil-collecting chamber, a recovery pump, a first jacket adjacent at least a portion of the extraction chamber, and a second jacket adjacent at least a portion of the oil-collecting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: TriStar Products AG
    Inventor: John Henry Davis
  • Patent number: 8092756
    Abstract: Catalyst withdrawal apparatuses and methods for regulating catalyst inventory in one or more units are provided. In one embodiment, a catalyst withdrawal apparatus for removing catalyst from a FCC unit includes a vessel coupled to a flow control circuit. Another embodiment of a catalyst withdrawal apparatus includes a vessel, a delivery line, and control valve. The control valve is configured to control the amount of gas to the delivery line and entrained with the catalyst. Another embodiment of catalyst withdrawal apparatus includes a vessel coupled to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a first conduit; a housing confining a coolant volume around a portion of the first conduit; and a sliding seal sealing the housing to the first conduit in manner that allows longitudinal expansion. A fluid catalyst cracking system coupled to a catalyst withdrawal apparatus and method for withdrawing catalyst from a unit are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Evans, Charles Radcliffe
  • Publication number: 20120003143
    Abstract: An oxidation treatment method of the present invention includes the step of bringing a solution having an ozone concentration of 120 to 500 mg/L into contact with a substance to be treated made of a combustible substance, thereby subjecting the substance to be treated and the surface thereof to an oxidation treatment. An oxidation treatment apparatus of the present invention includes: a dissolving means that dissolves an oxygen-ozone mixed gas in a fluorine-based solvent to form mixed fluid; an undissolved gas removal means that removes an undissolved gas from the mixed fluid to form a solution; and an oxidation treatment means that brings the solution into contact with a substance to be treated made of a combustible substance, thereby subjecting the substance to be treated and the surface thereof to an oxidation treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Yoshiki NISHIWAKI, Hidetoshi Oota
  • Publication number: 20120003125
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus 4 includes a plasma reactor 7 having gas flow passages 28 through which exhaust gas is to pass, and a power source 8 for supplying power to the plasma reactor 7 with a variable application voltage and/or a variable frequency of the application voltage of the power to be supplied. The exhaust gas purification apparatus 4 is adapted to change the application voltage and/or a pulse recurrence frequency of the application voltage, based on a change in amount of PM and/or flow rate of gas passing through the gas flow passages 28. Accordingly, efficient oxidization of PM in the exhaust gas and suppression of consumption of discharged power are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Madokoro, Takashi Ogawa, Kazuya Naito, Yoonho Kim, Hirotoshi Fujikawa, Hirohisa Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20110318231
    Abstract: A system is demonstrated which captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by introducing air into the vehicle at high speeds and reacting such air with hydroxide-containing material. System comprises means for introducing air into vehicle, means for reacting the air in reaction vessels and means for stopping the carbon dioxide scrubbing once a predetermined carbonate concentration is reached in the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Wilson Hago, Andre Coustant Morin
  • Publication number: 20110311398
    Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor for producing chlorosilanes from silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4), metallurgical grade silicon (M.G.-Si) includes a SiCl4 feed line, a M.G.-Si feed line, a hydrogen (H2) feed line, a hydrogen chloride (HCl) feed line, a thermal sensor and an electronic controller. The thermal sensor is located within the fluidized bed reactor and communicates with the electronic controller to compare an actual temperature with a set-point temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kuyen Li
  • Publication number: 20110313148
    Abstract: The technical field of this invention is automated oligosaccharide synthesizers. There is a need in this field for more efficient oligosaccharide synthesizers. For example, the present invention is an apparatus for solid phase oligosaccharide synthesis, which includes a reaction vessel for holding a reaction mixture, such that the reaction vessel is equipped with a temperature control system, a donor vessel for holding a saccharide donor; an activation vessel for holding activator, a pump operably connected to a fluidic valve; an additional fluidic valve connected to the activation vessel, to the first fluidic valve via a first fluid line, and to the reaction vessel via a second fluid line, such that the activator or saccharide donor can be delivered via the second fluidic valve into the first fluid line and then through the second fluid line into the reaction vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: William Christ, Lenz Krock, Obadiah J. Plante, Bastien Castagner, Peter H. Seeberger
  • Patent number: 8075857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David D. McSherry, Richard K. Staub, Dan Tallman, Junzhong Li, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 8071068
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for desulphurization of a gaseous effluent containing hydrogen sulphide using a Claus treatment unit followed by a Claus tail gas treatment unit (TGT), said process comprising using a device for on-line analysis of the ratio H2S/SO2 at the outlet from the TGT unit and a feed-back loop which can maintain said H2S/SO2 molar ratio at the outlet from the TGT unit to a value close to 2 and generally in the range 1.5 to 2.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Julien Grandjean, Laurent Renaudot, P-Louis Carrette, Sophie Drozdz
  • Patent number: 8070139
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for dispensing an air treatment and audibly indicating the dispensing and/or a change in the dispensing intensity. An exemplary audible indicator may include a pattern of a plurality of audible indicators having the same or different durations, having the same or different intensities, separated by the same or different intervals, and having the same or different audible impressions. Different audible indicators are associated with different device states, such as not dispensing, dispensing to create ambiance, dispensing in response to a malodor, or dispensing to offset habituation. Different audible indicators may also be associated with different malodors, or different intensities of the same or different malodors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Sanam Nassirpour, Jeffrey Bankers, Jeff Gaunt
  • Patent number: H2267
    Abstract: A method and apparatus involve: determining a specification for a fuel volatility characteristic so that a fuel complying with the specification meets an applicable regulatory requirement for volatility with or without the addition of ethanol; and utilizing a fuel blending mechanism to blend a plurality of different fuel components in a manner meeting the specification. A different aspect involves a computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when executed: determines a specification for a fuel volatility characteristic so that a fuel complying with the specification meets an applicable regulatory requirement for volatility with or without the addition of ethanol; and causes a fuel blending mechanism to blend a plurality of different fuel components in a manner meeting the specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Robert Edward Nelson, Jr.