Controls Flow Rate Of A Material To Or From A Contact Zone Patents (Class 422/110)
  • Patent number: 8808630
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an exhaust gas catalytic converter designed to reduce nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas flow using a solution that contains urea and that reacts to form at least ammonia in the exhaust gas flow. The method may include: introducing an amount of the solution containing urea upstream of the exhaust gas catalytic converter until an ammonia slip through the exhaust gas catalytic converter; determining a first actual value of the loading state of the catalytic converter with ammonia at the time of the slip; determining a first estimated value of the loading state at the time of the slip by means of a dynamic model for the loading; subsequently draining the ammonia from the catalytic converter; determining a second actual value of the loading state of the exhaust gas catalytic converter with the solution containing urea when the catalytic converter is drained as specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Rodatz, Michael Nienhoff
  • Patent number: 8805586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Tata Consultancy Services Limited
    Inventors: Venkataramana Runkana, Venkata Sudheendra Buddhiraju, Nagaravi Kumar Varma Nadimpalli
  • Patent number: 8784758
    Abstract: An LNT (Lean NOx Trap) control method for vehicles increases a purification rate of NOx while preventing an increase in the amount of slip of separated NOx at a relatively low LNT temperature. The method includes a recycle necessity determining step that determines whether to recycle NOx of a LNT in accordance with an amount of adsorbed NOx, a LNT temperature determining step that determines whether a temperature of the LNT is below a predetermined reference temperature, a rich performing step that performs a rich mode when the temperature of the LNT is equal to the reference temperature or above and a pre-rich step that ejects fuel in a rich state when the temperature of the LNT is below the reference temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Pil Seung Kim
  • Patent number: 8778274
    Abstract: An ozone gas output flow rate management unit configured to receive a plurality of ozone gas outputs from a plurality of ozone generation units and capable of performing an ozone gas output flow rate control for selectively outputting one or a combination of two or more of the plurality of ozone gas outputs to any of a plurality of ozone treatment apparatuses by performing an opening/closing operation of a plurality of ozone gas control valves provided in the ozone gas output flow rate management unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Nakamura, Yujiro Okihara, Tetsuya Saitsu, Hatsuo Yotsumoto, Yoichiro Tabata, Nobuyuki Itoh
  • Patent number: 8759459
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel, Kathy S. Collins
  • Patent number: 8761943
    Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Xinsheng Lou, Abhinaya Joshi, Hao Lei
  • Publication number: 20140165557
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method including determining whether an ammonia storage device has a stored quantity of ammonia, predicting an impending ammonia release from the ammonia storage device, determining a NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release, and increasing an amount of NOx provided by an engine based on the NOx increase amount. In certain embodiments, determining the NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release comprises determining a NOx increase schedule based on the stored quantity of ammonia. In certain embodiments, the NOx increase schedule comprises a specified NOx increase time period, and in certain further embodiments, the method further includes decrementing the specified NOx increase time period based on an estimated catalyst degradation value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Hasan Mohammed, Joseph M. Brault
  • Patent number: 8747498
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes a reformer (16) for generating a hydrogen-containing gas through a reforming reaction using a raw material; a combustor (102a) for heating the reformer (16); a combustion air supplier (117) for supplying combustion air to the combustor (102a); and an abnormality detector (110a) for detecting an abnormality; and a controller (110) configured to control the combustion air supplier (117) such that the reformer (16) is cooled with a higher rate in an abnormal shut-down process executed after the abnormality detector (110a) detects the abnormality, than in a normal shut-down process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Taguchi, Takanori Shimada, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Yoshio Tamura, Shigeki Yasuda
  • Patent number: 8747767
    Abstract: A catalyst return apparatus is disclosed as well as a riser reactor system comprising the conduit apparatus and a riser reactor, the conduit apparatus comprising a catalyst return conduit and at least two flow control devices in series, each flow control device arranged to control the flow of fluid through the conduit, wherein the length of the catalyst return conduit is more than 20 m. A process for reacting a feedstock in a riser reactor system comprising a riser reactor, the catalyst return apparatus and, and a stage vessel, the process comprising: holding a fluid comprising the catalyst in the at least one stage vessel for a residence time of at least 10 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Leslie Andrew Chewter, Hubertus Wilhelmus Albertus Dries, Rene Samson, Mao Ye
  • Patent number: 8733083
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an apparatus, a system, and a methods for reducing NOx emissions using ammonia storage on an SCR catalyst. For example, according to one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling an SCR system of an internal combustion engine system includes an ammonia storage module and a reductant dosing module. The ammonia storage module determines an ammonia storage surface coverage on an SCR catalyst of the SCR system and an ammonia compensation value based on one of an excess ammonia flow rate entering the SCR catalyst and an excess NOx flow rate entering the SCR catalyst. The reductant dosing module that generates a reductant dosing command based on the ammonia compensation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdul R. Ofoli, Hasan Mohammed
  • Publication number: 20140128656
    Abstract: A system includes an amine gas processing controller that includes one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media collectively storing one or more sets of instructions and one or more processing devices configured to execute the one or more sets of instructions to operate a contactor to remove an acid gas from an untreated natural gas using an amine in a lean amine, output a treated natural gas, and output a rich amine stream, operate a regenerator to regenerate the amine in the rich amine stream, output the lean amine stream, and output the acid gas, transfer the rich amine stream from the contactor to the regenerator using an isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX), and transfer the lean amine stream from the regenerator to the contactor using the IPX.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Energy Recovery, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lee Arluck, Jeremy Grant Martin, Prem Krish, John Sienkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20140112851
    Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment system is described. Generally speaking, the system includes separate primary and secondary NOx reducing systems for delivering reductant (e.g. urea and ammonia) to an exhaust stream, a sensor system for determining relevant operating conditions and an electronic control module for activating the reducing systems. The two NOx reducing systems include flow control modules coupled to the electronic control module. Methods for reducing NOx in an exhaust stream are also described. Generally speaking, the methods include the steps of determining a need for NOx reduction in an exhaust stream, determining temperature of exhaust stream, and injecting at least one of a primary reductant and a secondary reductant into the exhaust stream based on the determined temperature of the exhaust stream. Typically, the primary reductant comprises urea and the secondary reductant comprises ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Edward M. Derybowski, Brad J. Adelman, Shyam Santhanam
  • Patent number: 8696994
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods and systems for producing biofuels via biomass, waste plastic, and/or Fischer-Tropsch product feeds. Such methods and systems are an improvement over the existing art at least in that they are feed-tolerant (i.e., allow for variability) and provide an economy of scale, while typically retaining the environmental benefits associated with such processing of such feeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Joseph Miller
  • Publication number: 20140100370
    Abstract: A method of producing an oxidized compound is disclosed. An electric potential is measured of an oxidation reaction solution for producing an oxidized compound by an oxidation reaction, and an end point is determined of the oxidation reaction on the basis of a predefined decrease of the electric potential. Preferably, after the electric potential of the oxidation reaction solution is reached to a highest electric potential, a point is determined where the amount of an electric potential dropped from the highest electric potential reaches the predefined amount of an electric potential as the end point of the oxidation reaction. The method also may introduce an oxidation reaction terminating agent to the oxidation reaction solution immediately after determining the end point of the oxidation reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kaneko, Shigeo Yabuno, Kenji Iwaoka, Hidetoshi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8691154
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for the preparation of a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a modular component, such as a cartridge. The cartridge may contain chemical precursors to allow the generation of chlorine dioxide. The apparatus has a fluid inlet, and separates the fluid into a first flow path, which fills a reservoir. It also has a second flow path, which is heated before passing through the cartridge to create the desired gas. The fluid output from the cartridge is then fed into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci, Stephen D. Smith, Dennis F. McNamara, Suzanne M. Scott, John Koke
  • Patent number: 8685218
    Abstract: A precision flow controller is capable of providing a flow rate less than 100 microliters/minute and varying the flow rate in a prescribed manner that is both predictable and reproducible where the accuracy and precision of the flowrate is less than 5% of the flow rate. A plurality of variable pressure fluid supplies pump fluid through a single outlet. Flowmeters measure the flow rates and a controller compares the flow rates to desired flowrates and, if necessary, adjusts the plurality of variable pressure fluid supplies so that the variable pressure fluid supplies pump fluid at the desired flow rate. The variable pressure fluid supplies can be pneumatically driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: AB Sciex LLC
    Inventors: Phillip H. Paul, Jason E. Rehm, Don W. Arnold
  • Patent number: 8684276
    Abstract: Provided is a portable heating device comprising a combustion-powered heater, a regulator, and an oxygen depletion sensor. The combustion-powered heater may be supplied by an associated fuel source and may comprise a combustion region comprising a catalytic surface. The regulator may be adapted for fluid communication with the associated fuel source. The oxygen depletion sensor may comprise a burner and a temperature detector. The burner may be in fluid communication with the regulator and may be adapted to combust fuel form the regulator with air to produce a flame. The temperature detector may be adapted to detect the temperature of the flame and may be adapted to selectively render the combustion-powered heater non-functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Enerco Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian S. Vandrak
  • Publication number: 20140079615
    Abstract: A flue gas treatment system and a flue gas treatment method capable of drastically reducing operating cost and an amount of waste water and capable of controlling an amount of a NOx reducing agent and a mercury oxidation agent to be supplied are provided. The flue gas treatment system sprays an aqueous solution containing ammonium halide into a flue, reduces NOx and oxidizes mercury in a deNOx section, and removes SOx and the mercury in a desulfurization section. The flue gas treatment system adds at least one of ammonium sulfate and ammonium carbonate to waste water which is discharged from the desulfurization section and from which CaSO4 is separated to generate the ammonium halide. The waste water containing the ammonium halide is sprayed as the aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shintaro Honjo, Motofumi Ito, Satoru Sugita, Norikazu Inaba, Jun Hashimoto, Susumu Okino, Takuya Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8673222
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes: a reformer (1) including a reforming catalyst (1A) containing nickel and configured to generate a hydrogen-rich fuel gas by using a raw material and steam; a temperature detector (12) configured to detect a temperature of the reforming catalyst (1A); a purge gas supplying device (7) configured to supply a purge gas to the reformer (1); and a controller (13). When the temperature detected by the temperature detector (12) is a first predetermined temperature or higher, the controller (13) purges the reformer (1) with the purge gas supplied from the purge gas supplying device (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akinari Nakamura, Takayuki Urata, Shigeki Yasuda, Akinori Yukimasa
  • Patent number: 8673233
    Abstract: A solid reactant sheet, a solid reactant stack, and a fuel cartridge are provided. The solid reactant sheet comprises an adhesive film and a plurality of solid reaction particles. The adhesive film has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of through holes connected between the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of solid reaction particles are adhered to the first surface, and the solid reaction particles react with a reactant for generating a gas. Furthermore, a solid reactant stack and a fuel cartridge are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Young Green Energy Co.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Yi Lu, Chih-Lin Ho
  • Patent number: 8673220
    Abstract: Reactors for conducting thermochemical processes with solar heat input, and associated systems and methods. A representative system includes a reactor having a reaction zone, a reactant source coupled in fluid in communication with the reactant zone, and a solar concentrator having at least one concentrator surface positionable to direct solar energy to a focal area. The system can further include an actuator coupled to the solar concentrator to move the solar concentrator relative to the sun, and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator. The controller can be programmed with instructions that direct the actuator to position the solar concentrator to focus the solar energy on the reaction zone when the solar energy is above a threshold level, and point to a location in the sky having relatively little radiant energy to cool an object when the solar energy is below the threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Publication number: 20140065022
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas aftertreatment system for delivering a reducing agent (15) into the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine for selective catalytic reduction, the system having a reducing agent tank (1) and a pump (3) for delivering the reducing agent from the tank (1) to an injection unit, the tank (1) having at least one opening, the pump (3) being made as an integrated unit (2) and being plugged into the opening of the tank, the integrated unit (2) forming a tank closure and sealing the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ALBONAIR GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Overhoff, Sacha Dolenec, Sebastian Muhlenbrock
  • Patent number: 8663996
    Abstract: A system for measuring the oxygen concentration of a gas includes a catalytic reactor, first and second temperature sensors and a control unit. The catalytic reactor includes a combustion catalyst that supports the catalytic combustion of hydrocarbon fuel vapor in a gas stream. The first temperature sensor is located upstream of the catalytic reactor for sensing an upstream temperature of the gas stream, and the second temperature sensor is located downstream of the catalytic reactor for sensing a downstream temperature of the gas stream. The control unit compares the upstream temperature and the downstream temperature to determine the oxygen concentration of the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: William Beeson
  • Publication number: 20140041694
    Abstract: An cleaning solution producing apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a mixing unit configured to produce a liquid mixture by mixing a hydrogen peroxide solution into an acidic or alkaline liquid, and to raise the pressure of the produced liquid mixture by use of an oxygen gas produced through the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide solution, or by use of vapor produced by heat of the reaction; and a bubble producing unit configured to produce multiple fine bubbles in the liquid mixture by releasing the pressure of the liquid mixture which is raised by the mixing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Shibaura Mechatronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiro MIYAZAKI, Konosuke Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20140037495
    Abstract: In a low temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer, the accurate control of concentration of the hydrogen peroxide sterilant is an important factor in determining reliability and sterilization efficacy of the sterilization process. The present application describes sterilizers, and sterilization methods, which use a novel injector-concentrator arrangement which allows accurate concentration of the sterilant performed concurrently with the sterilization process. This process enables the device to sterilize wide range of sensitive equipment within a shorter sterilization cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Fatih Ahiska, Yavuz Ahiska, Tolga Ahiska
  • Publication number: 20140020764
    Abstract: A method comprises transporting a first stream of a carrier gas to a delivery device that contains a liquid precursor compound. The method further comprises transporting a second stream of the carrier gas to a point downstream of the delivery device. The first stream after emanating from the delivery device and the second stream are combined to form a third stream, such that the dew point of the vapor of the liquid precursor compound in the third stream is lower than the temperature of the plumbing that transports the vapor to a CVD reactor or a plurality of CVD reactors. The flow direction of the first stream, the flow direction of the second stream and the flow direction of the third stream are unidirectional and are not opposed to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: ROHM AND HAAS ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LLC
    Inventors: Egbert Woelk, Ronald L. DiCarlo, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140017133
    Abstract: In the present invention, particularly, means for removing moisture contained in a raw material gas is provided in a raw material gas supply part so that the amount of moisture contained in the raw material gas that is supplied to an ozone gas supply system is reduced, and additionally an ozone gas output flow rate management unit is provided that is configured to receive a plurality of ozone gas outputs from a plurality of nitrogen-free ozone generation units and capable of performing an ozone gas output flow rate control for selectively outputting one or a combination of two or more of the plurality of ozone gas outputs to any of a plurality of ozone treatment apparatuses by performing an opening/closing operation on a plurality of ozone gas control valves provided in the ozone gas output flow rate management unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Nishimura, Yoichiro Tabata
  • Patent number: 8623305
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling an injection device for feeding an ammonia-releasing reducing agent into an exhaust-gas purification system of an internal combustion engine for the purpose of reducing the nitrogen oxide emissions, wherein the exhaust-gas purification system comprises at least one SCR catalytic converter with n cells which are arranged in series in the exhaust-gas throughflow direction and in which ammonia can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yasser Mohamed sayed Yacoub, Mario Balenovic, Jan Harmsen
  • Patent number: 8617498
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include an exhaust gas stream produced by an engine and an aftertreatment system including an SCR catalyst element receiving at least a portion of the exhaust gas stream. An exhaust outlet flow path has an inlet fluidly coupled to the exhaust gas stream at a position downstream of at least a portion of the SCR catalyst element that bypasses at least a portion of exhaust gas stream to provide for compositional measurement of the exhaust gas with a compositional sensor located downstream of a diagnostic catalyst positioned in the exhaust outlet flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Mert Geveci, Aleksey Yezerets
  • Publication number: 20130343957
    Abstract: A system and method of cracking hydrocarbon feedstocks is provided that allows for significant flexibility in terms of the desired product yield. An integrated process includes introducing the feedstock and hydrogen into a first hydrocracking reaction zone containing a first hydrocracking catalyst to produce a first zone effluent. The first zone effluent and optionally additional hydrogen are passed to a second hydrocracking reaction zone containing a second hydrocracking catalyst to produce a second zone effluent. The second zone effluent is conveyed to a fractionating zone to at least a low boiling fraction and a high boiling fraction, and optionally one or more intermediate fractions. The bottoms fraction is passed to a fluidized catalytic cracking reaction and separation zone, from which olefins and gasoline are recovered. At least a portion of remaining cycle oil is passed from the fluidized catalytic cracking reaction and separation zone to the first and/or second hydrocracking reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Musaed Muhammad AL-THUBAITI, Ali Mahmood AL-SOMALI, Omer Refa KOSEOGLU
  • Publication number: 20130343956
    Abstract: A system and method of cracking hydrocarbon feedstocks is provided that allows for significant flexibility in terms of the desired product yield. An integrated process includes introducing the feedstock and hydrogen into a first hydrocracking reaction zone containing a first hydrocracking catalyst to produce a first zone effluent. The first zone effluent is passed to a fractionating zone to produce at least a low boiling fraction and a high boiling fraction, and optionally one or more intermediate fractions. The bottoms fraction is conveyed to a fluidized catalytic cracking reaction and separation zone, from which olefins and gasoline are recovered. At least a portion of remaining cycle oil is passed from the fluidized catalytic cracking reaction and separation zone to a second hydrocracking reaction zone containing a second hydrocracking catalyst to produce a second stage effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Musaed Muhammad AL-THUBAITI, Ali Mahmood AL-SOMALI, Omer Refa KOSEOGLU
  • Patent number: 8615325
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an advanced control system for steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces, especially steam methane reformer furnaces. As described herein, the advanced control system may improve the control quality and efficiency of adjusting steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces operating coefficients. As a result, the steam hydrocarbon reformer furnace operations become more stable, resulting in energy savings and improved furnace yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Tong Li, Justin Jian Wang
  • Publication number: 20130313106
    Abstract: An ozone generation system comprises an electricity charge unit price storing part which stores an electricity charge unit and a gas charge unit price storing part which stores a gas charge unit price, based on the electricity charge unit price, the gas charge unit price and necessary generation amount of ozone which is required for an ozonized gas, regarding an ozone concentration and a gas flow rate which are ozone generation amount basic parameters, values at which a running cost is a minimum are determined, a gas flow rate controller is controlled so as for a gas flow rate to be the determined gas flow rate and power of a power supply for an ozone generator is controlled so as for an ozone concentration to be the determined ozone concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Nakatani, Tetsuya Tamura, Norimitsu Esaki, Yoshiaki Odai, Tomoaki Takeda
  • Patent number: 8585976
    Abstract: A device for selectively removing contaminants from a crude product mixture which includes a production reactor for producing a crude oil product mixture, the production reactor includes a lipid reservoir and an alcohol reservoir and a first organic acid removal reactor in fluid communication with the production reactor. The first organic acid removal reactor includes a first housing defining an interior volume the housing configured to receive the crude oil products and disposed within the interior volume of the removal reactor housing is metal oxide media selected from the group consisting of zirconia, alumina, hafnia and titania for removing organic acidic contaminants from the crude oil product to product a purified biodiesel fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: McNeff Research Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton V. McNeff, Larry C. McNeff, Bingwen Yan
  • Patent number: 8574500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a component comprising a plurality of plates stacked on each other, at least one of said plates being made of a ceramic material and in which a channel area is formed of fluid flow guide channels by means of webs, said channels having a flow connection to inlet and outlet openings, wherein the stack of plates is connected by force fit by means of a clamping device, and wherein a flat seal is disposed between each of the individual plates of the stack, wherein the flat seal is made of an elastic and/or compressible material and covers both the channel area and the areas encompassing the inlet and outlet openings, and at least partially covers the top sides of the webs forming the channels. The components according to the invention are pressure-tight, resistant to thermal shock, and can be dismantled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ESK Ceramics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Meschke, Andreas Lemke, Stefanie Wildhack, Paul Salansky
  • Patent number: 8551417
    Abstract: In order to provide, when a plurality of fluids each containing a different kind of substance are mixed and reacted, a reactor having a mixing channel capable of forming a multi-layered flow in a radial direction in the cylindrically-shaped mixing channel; improving mixing performance by synergizing swirling effects of mixture of turbulent flows and a swirling flow; and producing a reaction product with a high yield as well as high efficiency, a mixing channel 1 which mixes fluids 4 and 5 each containing the different kind of substance is cylindrically shaped, and inlet passages 2 and 3 which introduce the fluids 4 and 5, respectively, are plurally arranged in a manner offset from a central axis of the mixing channel 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomofumi Shiraishi, Tsutomu Kawamura, Takeyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 8524152
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing rates of in situ carbonation of peridotite are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: fracturing a volume of peridotite in situ; heating the volume of peridotite in situ; injecting carbon dioxide into the volume of peridotite in situ; and forming carbonate in situ with the volume of peridotite and the carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Peter B. Kelemen, Juerg M. Matter
  • Patent number: 8511888
    Abstract: The present invention is to present a reagent preparing apparatus for preparing a reagent for processing a sample, by using a first liquid and a second liquid, comprising: a storage unit for storing liquid; and a constant amount liquid quantifying unit comprising a constant amount holding instrument which is used in common to hold a constant amount of the first liquid and to hold a constant amount of the second liquid, the constant amount liquid quantifying unit performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the first liquid to the storage unit and performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the second liquid to the storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Nagai, Masaharu Shibata, Kunio Ueno, Noriyuki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8512642
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for producing hard polyurethane foam by a froth process having a foaming agent supply means that quantitatively supplies the inert gas as a foaming agent and a foaming means that discharges a hard polyurethane foam obtained by forming a foaming polyol composition, in which the foaming agent supply means has a pressure-reducing valve that reduces and adjusts the pressure of the inert gas and a needle valve that adjusts the flow rate of the inert gas, the foaming means has a compression cylinder for compressing and supplying the polyol composition, a regulation means that regulates the supply of the inert gas to the foaming means is provided between the foaming means and the foaming agent supply means, and a control means that controls the regulation means by sensing the operation of the compression cylinder is connected to the regulation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Fujio
  • Patent number: 8501102
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator is described, which comprises: a material supply device (4); a water supply device (5); an evaporator (10); a reforming catalyst layer (1) for generating reformed gas; a CO removing catalyst layer (2) configured to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas generated by the reforming catalyst layer (1); a combustor (3) for heating the reforming catalyst layer (1) and the CO removing catalyst layer (2); a reforming temperature detector (9) for detecting the temperature of the reforming catalyst layer (1); a heater (7) for heating the CO removing catalyst layer (2); a CO removing temperature detector (8) for detecting the temperature of the CO removing catalyst layer (2); and a controller (16) configured to perform control such that the heater (7) heats the CO removing catalyst layer at the time of start-up and such that if the temperature detected by the CO removing temperature detector (8) becomes greater than or equal to a first specified value, the combustor (3)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Maenishi, Yukimune Kani, Yuji Mukai
  • Patent number: 8501128
    Abstract: Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 8486166
    Abstract: Fuel reforming catalysts 28 generate a hydrogen-containing reformed gas when they come into contact with exhaust gas that contains a reforming fuel. Upstream and downstream air-fuel ratio sensors 58, 60 are respectively installed upstream and downstream of the fuel reforming catalysts 28. The upstream air-fuel ratio sensor 58 outputs a upstream sensor signal in accordance with oxygen concentration. The downstream air-fuel ratio sensor 60 outputs a downstream sensor signal in accordance with oxygen concentration and hydrogen concentration by using zirconia's oxygen detection capability and a change of a diffusion layer's hydrogen-concentration-dependent oxygen detection capability. An ECU 50 detects the hydrogen concentration without being affected by the oxygen concentration through the use of the upstream sensor signal in which only the oxygen concentration is reflected and the downstream sensor signal in which the oxygen concentration and hydrogen concentration are reflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Yahagi, Isamu Nakada, Keiichiro Aoki, Takanori Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8480770
    Abstract: A hydrogen manufacturing system for performing offgas flow control includes: a vaporizer (1) for heating a material mixture containing a hydrocarbon material; a reforming reactor (2) for generating hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming reactions of the material; a PSA separator (5) for repeating a cycle of adsorption and desorption, where in the adsorption PSA separation is performed with an adsorption tower loaded with an adsorbent to adsorb unnecessary components in the reformed gas and extract hydrogen-enriched gas out of the tower, and in the desorption the offgas containing the unnecessary components from the adsorbent and remaining hydrogen is discharged from the tower; and a buffer tank (6) for holding the offgas before supplying to the vaporizer. The offgas flow supply from the tank (6) to the vaporizer is changed continuously over time when the cycle time is changed according to load change on the separator (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Sumida, Masanori Miyake, Hidenori Minami, Yoshinori Ueda
  • Publication number: 20130136660
    Abstract: In order to provide a technique for enriching a combustible gas that allows enrichment of the combustible gas to a higher concentration in an efficient manner with minimization of loss of a source material, there are provided an adsorption tower charged with an adsorbent, a feeding/discharging means for feeding a source gas containing a combustible gas and air, a collecting means for desorbing the combustible gas adsorbed to the adsorbent and collecting the desorbed gas, a controlling means for sequentially effecting a combustible gas adsorption process and a combustible gas desorption process, a detecting means for detecting the concentration of the combustible gas in the source gas, and an operation condition setting section for varying an adsorption completion timing for the controlling means to complete the adsorption process, based on the combustible gas concentration detected by the detecting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: OSAKA GAS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahisa Utaki, Hajime Morioka, Tamotsu Kotani
  • Publication number: 20130102772
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for generating radionuclides for use in production of radiopharmaceuticals; synthesizing the radionuclides generated and removing any unwanted products; measuring the quantity and activity level of the synthesized radionuclides; distributively delivering the radionuclides in appropriate quantities to modular cassette synthesis units in a modular cassette subsystem for contemporaneous/parallel production of radiopharmaceutical output and that allow reuse and/or quick, safe, and disposable replacement of portions of the subsystem; delivering non-radionuclide components to the modular cassette synthesis units as part of production of radiopharmaceutical output; measuring the quantity and activity level of each stream of radiopharmaceutical output; purifying the radiopharmaceutical output; dispensing individual doses in sterile vial(s); automatically producing labeling and dose related information; performing automated quality control on extracted samples of produced radiopharmaceuti
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: CARDINAL HEALTH 414, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis ESHIMA, Mehmet Husnu, Jim Stone, Derrick Alcaide, Henry Padgett, Joseph E. Zambanini, Thomas A. Klausing, Chad E. Bouton, Brian C. Kelley, Scott N. Danhof, David A. Holley, Jeffrey T. Stroup, James B. Gleeson, Eric Hassenpflug, James A. Prescott, Herman Benecke, Daniel B. Garbark
  • Patent number: 8419816
    Abstract: Provided is a gas isolation valve which separates reactive materials, principally gases, contained in a high temperature reactor from the surrounding atmosphere. The valve is of modular construction with each module having a gas providing section and a gas removal section. Any number of modules can be provided in series. A central chamber, open at each end gives unimpeded access to the high temperature reactor. It is through the central chamber that the product of the reactor is removed and harvested. In the case of Ilas invention the product is carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Q-Flo Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Pick, Stephen Cash
  • Publication number: 20130072653
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the degassing of polymer powder, and in particular provides an interlock for use in a process for degassing of a polymer powder in a degassing vessel, which interlock comprises: a. measuring the temperature of the vapour phase resulting from a liquid-vapour separation, which vapour phase is used as a purge gas in a degassing vessel, b. comparing said measured temperature to a threshold value, and b. in the event that the measured temperature is above the threshold value then the use of the vapour as purge gas is stopped or reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Chamayou, Stephen Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 8399580
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Philips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel, Kathy S. Collins
  • Patent number: 8383071
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the introduction of an additive to a contaminated gas stream using an additive introduction system including one or more of a compressor, a cooled lance, and an educator nozzle on the lance to inhibit scaling from the additive or a derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ADA Environmental Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Martin A. Dillon, Gregory M. Filippelli
  • Patent number: 8377382
    Abstract: A recycling furnace is provided for processing potentially explosive precious metal-containing materials having organic fractions that combust with great energy. The furnace includes a switching facility for alternating operation of two burning-off chambers of the furnace between: (A) pyrolysis or carbonization under protective furnace gas in an atmosphere comprising maximally 6 wt-% oxygen, and (B) oxidative combustion of the organic fractions including carbon. The furnace has indirect heating and a control that determines the end of the pyrolysis or carbonization by a sensor and controls the switching facility to supply air or oxygen to the interior of the furnace. A continuous conveyor for dosing of liquids or liquefied substances during the pyrolysis is controlled by at least one parameter of post-combustion, preferably a temperature sensor. A single waste gas treatment facility is used for thermal post-combustion for the two furnace chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Nowottny, Horst Meyer, Matthias Grehl, Dieter Schafer, Hans-Joachim Alt, Wilhelm Glab