Abstract: A cold crucible system and method for melting and crystallizing non-metallic inorganic compounds having a crucible, the side and the bottom of which are formed of metal pipes through which a cooling medium flows and independently excitable induction coils surrounding the side wall and the bottom of the crucible for coupling high energy into non-metallic inorganic compound present in said crucible and thus to melt said compound in said crucible, a member formed of an electrically conductive material and inert to any of said melt present in said crucible positioned at a distance above the bottom of the crucible and a container, opened at the top, lowered so as to project from the melt formed in the crucible, provided with apertures for the flow of the melt, and so positioned so as to contain up to 25% of the contents of the crucible.

Abstract: A single crystal pulling system including a single crystal pulling apparatus, an electromagnet, and an electromagnet moving mechanism, wherein the single crystal pulling apparatus pulls a seed crystal from a single crystal material melt contained in a crucible at a specified constant speed. The electromagnet is disposed at the outer periphery of the crucible so as to apply a predetermined required strength of magnetic field to the crystal-melt interface of the melt. The magnet moving mechanism moves the electromagnet in a vertical direction with respect to the crucible as the level of the crystal-melt interface is lowered during seed growth so that a predetermined required strength of magnetic field is always applied to the crystal-melt interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a liquid-liquid extraction process by co-current contact between an extraction liquid and a liquid from which impurities are to be extracted includes a mixing compartment in the form of a vertical column having an open lower end and equipped in its interior and substantially throughout its length with a rotary element having surfaces extending perpendicularly or obliquely to the axis of the element. The open lower end of the column extends into a settling compartment in the form of a leak-proof container provided with means for determining the level of the extraction liquid in the container. The extraction liquid is recycled from the container by being converted to a gas and then reintroduced into the column. Compressed air is controlled electronically to supply make-up extraction liquid and any necessary reagents into the settling container to ensure that the level of the extraction liquid is maintained constant.

Abstract: A countercurrent continuous catalytic reactor system for treating a liquid phase, such as oil, with a gaseous reactant.An enclosed reactor shell contains a fixed porous bed of solid catalyst, upper liquid inlet device for introducing a stream of liquid substantially above the catalyst bed for downward gravity flow through the bed, and lower liquid outlet device for withdrawing treated liquid from the reactor shell. A gaseous reactant is dispersed through the liquid phase in intimate contact with the solid catalyst, and withdrawn above the catalyst bed.Level detector apparatus is disposed in a froth zone above the catalyst bed for detecting level of a mixed gas-liquid froth.Fluid handling control apparatus responsive to a level signal controls fluid stream flow for regulating froth level above the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A control system is provided for an olefins upgrading plant wherein catalytic reactor effluent is separated to recover heavy, intermediate and light hydrocarbon streams. An improved liquid recycle system includes a level control technique for diverting a portion of a separator overhead vapor stream. Recycle flow rate may be determined by reactor temperature differential in a series of adiabatic catalytic reactors.

Abstract: A process for automatically providing for periodic surge flow or liquid slugs in the catalyst bed to insure that the catalyst is periodically fully wetted. Therefore, before dry spots develop in the bed and some catalyst particles are deprived of the liquid reactants, the aforesaid liquid pulse or slug will rewet the catalyst. This desired periodic introduction of a liquid slug through a catalyst bed is accomplished by the provision of a plurality of automatically actuating and operating siphon means disposed and distributed across the area of the distributor tray means within the reactor.

Abstract: In a crystal growing apparatus, an electrode is arranged above a crystal raw material melt at a distance therefrom. Changes in the resistance of the atmosphere between the electrode and the melt are detected so as to detect the surface level of the melt. The crystal pulling speed or power supply for heating the melt is controlled in accordance with the detection result, thereby performing dimension control of the crystal.

Abstract: A sensing system and method for detecting changes in the level of a liquid surface utilizing a source of essentially monochromatic illumination of narrow beam width for directing an incident beam toward a liquid surface at an oblique angle thereto, and thereby providing a reflected beam therefrom. A beam expander is interposed between the illumination source and the liquid source for increasing the narrow beam width of the incident beam to a beam width substantially greater than the wavelength of disturbances in the liquid surface. A converging lens is mounted transverse to and intercepts a portion of the reflected beam from the liquid surface for focusing that portion of the reflected beam to a centrum. A beam detector is positioned adjacent to the centrum for providing an indication of changes in the level of the liquid surface by detecting corresponding changes in a relative position of the centrum.

Abstract: A patient-care apparatus is disclosed for providing a biocide for controlling the presence of unwanted pathogens in a liquid. The patient-care apparatus comprises a container having means for maintaining a biocide dispensing device in a position in the container such that it dispenses an amount of biocide relative to the amount of liquid present in the container.

Abstract: A device for destroying bacteria which accumulates in drainage pipes and the like. Previously, no device has been provided which will destroy bacteria which accumulates in drainage pipes.This invention provides a housing (5,58) provided in the S-bend of a drainage pipe and includes a heating element (32,34,68) which causes water and bacteria which gathers in the housing (5,58) to boil to destroy bacteria. Heat is also transferred to the drainage pipe to destroy any bacteria which gathers on the side of the pipe.The invention may also include a timer (80) to supply power to the heating means (32,34,68) for a desired amount of time and also may include an automatic actuator (62) which causes the timer (80) to supply power to the heating means (32,34,68) when water and/or contaminated matter passes down the drainage pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying foam from the outlet of a continuously operated foam generator to a consumer which applies the liquid fraction of the foam to a substrate has a conduit which receives foam from the outlet and contains a storing device serving to take up the surplus of foam when the requirements of the consumer are less than the output of the foam generator and to satisfy the requirements of the consumer when such requirements exceed the output of the foam generator. The storing device contains a compensating device which ensures that the pressure of foam in the interior of the storing device is substantially constant, and such compensating device (which may consist of a reciprocable piston and a hollow piston rod receiving foam from the foam generator) can actuate a monitoring device which regulates the operation of the foam generator, of a pump which is installed between the foam generator and the storing device and/or a valve which can divert foam into a collecting receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling liquid levels in different vessels, and the blending of different materials in the separation and purification of polymeric materials in solution, such as polyethylene in cyclohexane.

Abstract: A system is described for removing CO.sub.2 from the manufactured process gas in an SNG manufacturing plant, the system operating the hot carbonate process wherein hot potassium carbonate solution absorbs CO.sub.2 from the process gas under pressure in an absorber column 1 and is regenerated by pressure reduction and steam stripping in a regenerator column 14 and a reboiler 17 before being returned to the absorber by a circulating pump 7. The system is completely automated and is controlled by a computer so that start-up, running and shut-down of the system is carried out automatically upon initiation by an operator, whereby the system is particularly suited for use in peak load SNG plants.

Abstract: A unitary system incorporates an upper reservoir container having a blood gas separator, a cardiotomy reservoir and a venous reservoir. The upper container is positioned directly above a lower mass transfer container coupled with the venous reservoir by means of a check valve and having a spirally wound flattened tubular transfer membrane. A vacuum is drawn upon an upper portion of the reservoir container which carries a blood gas separator into which aspirated wound site blood is drawn for filtering and collection of blood in the cardiotomy reservoir. The latter is automatically drained via a pressure responsive valve into a venous blood reservoir at the lower portion of the reservoir container and into which venous blood flows for mixing with the filtered cardiotomy blood.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaporating liquid fractions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a nozzle from which a hot stream of non-reactive gas is directed onto the surface of the fraction that is to be evaporated, while the fraction and the nozzle are thermally insulated and sealed from the surrounding atmosphere. Means are disclosed for electronically, automatically controlling the evaporation process. A process for the effective evaporation of liquid fractions is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A catalyst regeneration process and apparatus for the oxidative removal of coke from a coke contaminated fluid catalyst. The process comprises a high temperature coke combustion zone, a catalyst disengagement zone and an external heat removal zone comprising a shell and tube heat exchanger. Catalyst is cooled by passing it through the shell side of the heat exchanger with a cooling medium through the tube side. A mixture of coke contaminated catalyst, oxygen containing gas, and cool regenerated catalyst from the heat removal zone are contacted in the high temperature combustion zone, the temperature of which is controlled by adjusting the rate at which catalyst is passed through the heat exchanger. This rate is adjusted by adjusting the difference in catalyst head between the catalyst inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger and thus the hydraulic driving force which effects catalyst circulation through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus for regenerating coke-contaminated fluid catalyst which comprises a vertical combustion chamber, an inlet to said chamber for spent catalyst and regeneration gas, a disengagement chamber above and in communication with the combustion chamber, a heat removal chamber below the combustion chamber in which may be maintained a dense phase catalyst bed, heat removal means positioned within the heat removal chamber such that it will be immersed in the catalyst bed, a recycle conduit for passing catalyst from the disengagement chamber to the heat removal chamber, a vertical cooled catalyst inlet conduit connecting the heat removal chamber with the lower portion of the combustion chamber so that catalyst can pass from the former to the latter, and a regeneration gas inlet line connecting with a lower part of the cooled catalyst inlet conduit to enable the flow of cooled catalyst up into the combustion chamber, wherein a control system senses the catalyst level in the heat removal zone, formulates an outpu

Abstract: Several embodiments of a replenishment arrangement for furnishing molten semiconductor material to furnaces for growing monocrystalline boules are described. A replenishment crucible within which a melt of the material from which the boules are to be grown is communicated either intermittently or continuously with a plurality of growth furnaces. The melt level in all of the growth crucibles is controlled by determining the level of molten material in the replenishment crucible.

Abstract: Spent hydrochloric copper chloride etching solution used in production of printed circuit boards for etching non-galvanized printed circuits is continuously or cyclically regenerated by spraying spent etching liquid from an interconnected etching machine, as with mist projectors, into an upper area of an enclosed regeneration housing, which is also provided with an oxidating gas selected from oxygen, chlorine and a mixture of oxygen and chlorine. The chemical regeneration reaction takes place within the falling mist and a regenerated etching liquid falls to the bottom of the regeneration housing from where it is pumped back to the connected etching machine or station.

Abstract: Positional sensitivity of a Kipp type generator with respect to a gravitanal field is achieved by utilization of one or more selectively oriented gravitational sensitive valves in the chamber containing the liquid capable of providing the desired gaseous output. The gravitational sensitive valves may be used individually or in combination. Each valve permits operation when it has an orientation corresponding to a predetermined orientational range. A chamber whose geometrical shape is a parallelepiped employs an arrangement of four gravitational sensitive valves to provide gas generator operation independent of its orientation in a gravitational field.

Abstract: Liquid (13, 13a) within a vessel (12, 12a) which receives an inflow is maintained at a predetermined level (43) by discharging liquid as necessary to compensate for the inflow. Discharge flow is drawn from below the surface (18) of the liquid to avoid clogging from scum or from other undesirable effects of surface draw off. Intake structure (34) for the discharge pump (33, 33a) has a branched flow path (47) that includes a first inlet (48) situated above the predetermined level, a second inlet (49) situated below the predetermined level and a flow junction (51) through which both inlets are communicated with the discharge pump, the junction being at the predetermined liquid level. If the liquid rises above the flow junction, the pump draws liquid through the second, subsurface inlet. If the liquid surface recedes below the flow junction, the pump aspirates air or other gas through the first inlet. Consequently liquid level is stabilized at the elevation of the flow junction.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide solution for use in waste water treatment is produced in an automated small scale plant wherein sodium chlorate solution is reacted with sulphur dioxide at subatmospheric pressure by countercurrent flow in a reaction tower. Water ejectors are used to withdraw gaseous chlorine dioxide from the upper end of the tower and form therefrom chlorine dioxide solution and also to withdraw liquid effluent from the bottom of the tower for discharge. The plant is fully automated to form chlorine dioxide solution in response to inventory requirements. The chlorine dioxide-producing reaction is only permitted to operate if each of a plurality of sensed parameters is within predetermined ranges.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in liquid level sensing apparatus having a liquid replenishment line so that as liquid is expended more may be added to keep the liquid at a desired predetermined level. The apparatus is contemplated for use in the humidification of gases, particularly for the administration of oxygen and the like to a patient.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are preheated, particularly for a hydrodesulfurization process by first heating the hydrocarbon stream to produce a vapor and a liquid stream, thereafter superheating at least some of the vapor phase and mixing the superheated vapor phase with the liquid phase to generate the hydrocarbon feedstream at the desired temperature. By this procedure only the evaporated hydrocarbons are subjected to a high temperature, but not the heavier hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided on a contaminated water source that readily effects chemical purification of the water by providing an automatic means of manufacturing a stock solution of chemicals, storing the stock solution, and then injecting the solution into the line. The injector is set to operate at peak efficiency, and accuracy is obtained by controlling the strength of the stock solution. A relatively small amount of water is chemically treated and then is mixed with a large quantity of contaminated water.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilization of fermentation objects by steam comprises a sterilization vessel with a heater, a heat exchanger and an inlet pipe. The apparatus further comprises a buffer vessel communicating with the sterilization vessel via lines including valves. The buffer vessel is provided with its own heater. The apparatus also comprises two gas filters mounted on the heater of the sterilization vessel and interconnected in series through a steam flow rate regulator, one of the filters being connected to the buffer vessel, and the other filter being connected to a pipe adatped to communicate with the fermenter.

Abstract: A replenishment crucible is mounted adjacent the usual drawing crucible, from which a monocrystalline boule is drawn according to the Czochralski method. A siphon tube for molten semiconductor transfer extends from the replenishment crucible to the drawing crucible. Each crucible is enclosed within its own hermetic shell and is provided with its own heater. The siphon tube is initially filled with molten semiconductor by raising the inert atmospheric pressure in the shell surrounding the replenishment crucible above that surrounding the drawing crucible. Thereafter, adjustment of the level of molten semiconductor in the drawing crucible may be achieved by adjusting the level in either crucible, since the siphon tube will establish the same level in both crucibles. For continuous processing, solid semiconductor may be added to and melted in the replenishment crucible during the process of drawing crystals from the drawing crucible.

Abstract: A multi-stage reactor for the oxidation of alkyl aromatics, e.g. a mixture of p-xylene and methyl p-toluate in a liquid phase reaction mixture with oxygen-containing gases, e.g. air, under elevated pressure and at an elevated temperature in the presence of an oxidation catalyst is in the form of an elongated closed tank with a multiplicity of neighboring reaction chambers arranged successively from one end to the other end of the tank for containing the liquid reaction mixture at predetermined levels in each chamber. The reactor is provided with an oxidizing gas feed system for introducing an oxidizing gas into each chamber, feed means for introducing at least one alkyl aromatic reactant and an oxidation catalyst into at least one of the reaction chambers, a vapor-collecting conduit means in communication with each of said chambers for removing reaction gas from each of said chambers, and a discharge means for removing the oxidized product from the reactor tank.

Abstract: Apparatus of high sensitivity and accuracy for detecting and measuring very low levels of chlorides, sulfates, phosphates and nitrates in high pressure, high temperature feedwater present in once-through and supercritical boilers, nuclear reactors and cogeneration systems. A sample of feedwater at 350.degree. F. and above is maintained near atmospheric boiling point in a vented chamber where volatile gases, mainly carbon dioxide, are removed by venting. The effluent from this chamber passes through a flow-type conductivity cell, is cooled to 20.degree.-40.degree. C. and flows upward through a hydrogen exchange resin bed at a flow rate of approximately 250 and 1,000 ml/min and higher. Subsequent reboiling of the condensate in a reboil chamber with the help of a small orifice valve through which a part of the hot feedwater sample passes provides constant temperature control of the condensate at or near atmospheric boiling and at a constant level prior to flow through another flow-type conductivity cell.

Abstract: Measurement is made of low levels of chloride, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate and other inorganic anions in a relatively low pressure condensate having a temperature preferably below 40.degree. C. The condensate is passed through a hydrogen exchange resin bed and the effluent from the resin bed is heated to atmospheric boiling temperature to eliminate gases such as carbon dioxide and ammonia. Heat to maintain a constant atmospheric boiling temperature is supplied by an electric heating element. A temperature sensor on the influent test water adjusts the voltage or current supplied to the electric heating element to maintain the constant atmospheric boiling temperature. A fail-safe device prevents electric heater failure on water flow stoppage. The conductivity of the heated water at or very close to atmospheric boiling point temperature is measured and is an indication of the contamination present in the relatively low pressure, low temperature test condensate.

Abstract: A cracking reactor is controlled in response to the proportion of heavy aromatic constituents in a feedstock to be cracked.

Abstract: In the removal of HF from hydrocarbon streams by chemical reaction with solid potassium hydroxide, runaway temperatures and subsequent explosions can occur when excess HF is present in the hydrocarbon charged to the KOH treater. According to the invention, a control system and method are provided which regulate the flow of hydrocarbon charged to the KOH treater responsive to temperature changes within the system indicative of excessive amounts of HF in the hydrocarbon stream, thereby preventing the treater temperature from exceeding a preselected maximum allowable value. Several embodiments are provided whereby temperature changes in the KOH treater or a differential temperature across an HF stripper are used as temperature sensing points to control flow of hydrocarbon to the KOH treater.

Abstract: A method of processing fish in which whole fish are reduced to fish solubles in aqueous solution and to fish solids comprising bones and scales. Fish are continuously processed in a series of interconnected vessels so that a continuous steady-state discharge of product is obtained and so that additional fish can be introduced into the system during discharge of product.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating spent hydrochloric acid from a galvanizing pickling bath wherein the spent acid is neutralized with ammonium hydroxide and aerated to form a solution of ammonium chloride with suspended iron oxides and hydroxides. The ammonium chloride solution, freed of the magnetite, is usable as a recycle material in the galvanizing process.

Abstract: A volatile cross-linking agent such as liquid peroxide is introduced, at ambient temperature and under atmospheric pressure directly into the input of an extruder at the same pressure as a polyolefin compound to be cross-linked. The resulting compounds are put under pressure within the extruder as the temperature increases so that the mixture reaches its definitive shape at the extruder output and may be fed directly into a hot cross-linking enclosure which is maintained under pressure. The peroxide is thus incorporated in a single operation permitting complete control of the ingredients mixed and allowing perfect homogenization of the mixture while defusion and consequent loss of the highly volatile peroxide are avoided. The system for introducing the highly volatile cross-linking agent includes a peroxide storage tank, a filling pump, a feed vessel, an incremental feed pump with a pressure meter, a flow meter and numerous safety features.

Abstract: A continuous-operation extractor for the solvent extraction of low-molecular weight compounds for a solid, e.g. granular polyamide, comprises an upright housing formed internally with vertically extending pipes beneath each of which a steam nozzle opens. Deflectors are provided above the upper ends of each pipe and an overflow conducts the solids downwardly from one extractor stage to the next. A solid inlet communicates with the uppermost extraction stage and is provided with inclined perforated baffles while below the lowermost stage a float-controlled valve regulates the steam inlet.

Abstract: A system for collecting and stabilizing pasty material such as for example the mucosa available from slaughterhouse operations, employing a collecting tank, a storage reservoir and a preservative reservoir, the collecting tank being equipped with upper and lower liquid level controls and means associated with the controls so that when the pasty material accumulates to the level of the upper level control the pasty material is discharged to the storage reservoir and when the pasty material level thereafter drops to the position of the lower liquid level control, discharge is halted and preservative is metered from the preservative reservoir into the collecting tank.For cleaning out the collecting tank discharge can be continued until the collecting tank has been emptied. For startup a sensing element is provided at the bottom of the collecting tank to cause metering of preservative into the collecting tank when pasty material first enters the collecting tank.

Abstract: The liquid storage device comprises a rotary heat-insulated jacket mounted on a stationary base to rotate about a vertical axis. The jacket is formed to carry a plurality of inverted liquid containing vials, situated at least partially within the jacket, the vials being in communication with respective take-off cups which are arranged near the base of the jacket and around the periphery thereof and from which liquid specimens can be drawn off. A constant level device ensures that the level of liquid in the cups is kept at a substantially constant level. The jacket is provided with a stepping drive so that it can be stepped about its rotary axis to bring any selected cup into a liquid take-off position.The interior of the jacket is cooled with circulating, cold air and the temperature of the vials is kept at a predetermined value, below ambient, by an air heater.The storage device is intended for storing reagents to be used in an automatic blood analyzing machine.