Controls Flow Rate Of A Material To Or From A Contact Zone Patents (Class 422/110)
  • Publication number: 20110206601
    Abstract: A sulfur recovery system for recovering sulfur from a sulfur plant feed stream including a first sulfur removal system and a second sulfur removal system. The system includes a sulfur plant feed inlet to the first sulfur removal system, the sulfur plant feed inlet being capable of providing a sulfur plant feed stream at a first pressure. One or more oxidizing gas inlets are arranged and disposed to combine at least one oxidizing gas stream with the sulfur plant feed stream to form a combustion gas for combustion in the first sulfur removal system at a second pressure. A flow restriction device is operably configured to control an operating pressure in one or both of the first sulfur removal system and the second sulfur removal system. A gas processing plant and method for recovering sulfur from a sulfur plant feed stream are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Xianming Jimmy Li, Elmo Nasato, Jung Soo Choe
  • Publication number: 20110201768
    Abstract: A system and method for activating chromium catalyst, including: increasing temperature of a chromium catalyst at a first rate for a first period of time to a first temperature; and increasing temperature of the chromium catalyst at a second rate for a second period of time from the first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the first rate is greater than the second rate, and wherein the first period precedes the second period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7980264
    Abstract: A system for feeding a slurry catalyst composition including: a primary slurry feed system comprising a primary slurry flow meter and a primary catalyst injection device, wherein the primary slurry flow meter measures a primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the primary catalyst injection device; and a secondary slurry feed system comprising a secondary slurry flow meter, a secondary carrier liquid, a secondary carrier liquid control device, and a secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary slurry flow meter measures a secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary carrier liquid control device controls a process parameter of the secondary slurry feed system based a ratio of the primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy R. Lynn
  • Patent number: 7972561
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising at least one micro-channel connected at one end to an enclosed area, characterized in that it also comprises an inlet circuit and an outlet circuit connected to the enclosed area and between which the fluid can be discharged without any contact with the micro-channel, wherein at least one of said inlet and outlet circuits can be controlled in such a way that the pressure at the end of the micro-channel can be modified independently from the pressure at the other end of the micro-channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche, Institut Curie
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Viovy, Claus Futterer, Nicolas Davis Minc, Jean Rossier, Jean-Hugues Codarbox
  • Patent number: 7972563
    Abstract: A system for alkylating hydrocarbons which includes an improved method of safely handling alkylation catalyst is disclosed. The process includes passing the alkylation catalyst from a settler vessel to a catalyst receiving vessel, via a catalyst cooler, for containment therein in the presence of a condensible gas. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the pressure in the catalyst receiving vessel by controlling the rate of removal of vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keith W. Hovis, Khalid Iqbal, Mark R. Cragun
  • Patent number: 7964148
    Abstract: A method and system of providing compressed substantially oxygen-free exhaust gas for industrial purposes including the steps of extracting exhaust gas from a lean burn engine consuming a mixture of natural gas fuel and air, passing the extracted exhaust gas through a cooling step to cause entrained water vapor therein to condense out, separating and disposing of the condensed water, measuring the oxygen content of the exhaust gas, using the measurement to regulate the quantity of natural gas fed into an igniter into which the exhaust gas is also fed so that substantially all of the oxygen in the exhaust gas is consumed by combustion with the natural gas in the igniter to provide at an outlet of the igniter substantially oxygen-free exhaust gas, and compressing the substantially oxygen-free exhaust gas to provide compressed exhaust gas for industrial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: NCO2 Company LLC
    Inventor: Wade J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 7955577
    Abstract: Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or 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 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: NOx II, Ltd
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 7955836
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising a pair of bellows pumps configured for efficient mixing at a microfluidic scale. By moving a fluid sample and particles in suspension through an aperture between the paired bellows pump mixing chambers, molecular collisions leading to binding between the particles and ligands in the sample are enhanced. Such devices provide an alternative for mixing that does not use a vent and can be used with a variety of particles in suspension such as magnetic beads to capture or purify useful cells and molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John Clemmens, C. Frederick Battrell, John Gerdes, Denise Maxine Hoekstra
  • Publication number: 20110129388
    Abstract: Chlorine dioxide generation systems and methods are disclosed. One or more reactants, such as sodium hypochlorite, may be electrolytically generated on-site for delivery to a reaction column. Low concentration reactants may be used to generate chlorine dioxide as part of a mixed oxy-chloro product stream containing free available chlorine. In at least one embodiment, an optical analyzer may be positioned along a reactant feed line to measure a concentration of reactant supplied to a reaction column. A controller may adjust a flow rate of the reactant in response to information provided by the optical analyzer. The controller may also perform pH control within the system. In some embodiments, the chlorine dioxide generator may be incorporated in an all-liquid water disinfection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Vince G. Alarid, Edward M. Martens, Bobby J. Owings, Glenn W. Holden
  • Publication number: 20110124826
    Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes operating a reactor or providing a reactor after operation, wherein the reactor includes a bottom section, a bed section above the bottom section, a distributor plate between the bottom section and the bed section, an expanded section above the bed section, and an upper section above the bed section, wherein the bed section has a height H measured from the distributor plate to the expanded section; measuring a concentration of particulates in the upper section of the reactor to obtain a first determined level of particulates in the upper section; and discharging at least some of the particulates from the reactor at an upper discharge point located above 0.55H as measured vertically from the distributor plate based on the first determined level. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Larry L. Hjelle
  • Patent number: 7927477
    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: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: AB Sciex LLC
    Inventors: Phillip H. Paul, Jason E. Rehm, Don W. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20110073525
    Abstract: Material delivery systems and methods are disclosed. Material delivery system includes delivery vessel, metering device, dispense mechanism, and mixer. The delivery vessel is configured to dispense material to a unit and metering device provides a metric indicative of the dispensed material to the unit. The dispense mechanism is configured to couple the delivery vessel to the unit. The mixer is coupled to the delivery vessel and configured to sufficiently mix the material with an activating agent. The method includes dispensing metered material from a dispense mechanism of a delivery vessel coupled to a mixer, wherein a metric is indicative of the dispensed material to the unit; sufficiently mixing the metered material with an activating agent in the mixer to activate the material, the mixer coupled to the unit; and delivering the activated material to the unit via the mixer. Systems and method also include providing material to plurality of units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Martin Evans
  • Patent number: 7917252
    Abstract: A post-control electric power amount curve generating portion generates plural pieces of running control information indicating a changeable running method for each device and plural post-control electric power amount curves indicating an amount of main electric power. A post-control hot water storage amount curve generating portion generates post-control hot water storage amount curves each indicating an accumulated amount of hot water generated in a case where the fuel cell generates electric power based on the plural post-control electric power amount curves. A hot water storage completion determining portion determines whether the accumulated amounts exceed a specific heat capacity. A reduction amount calculating portion calculates plural energy cost reduction amounts produced before and after the change using the post-control hot water storage amount curves determined as not exceeding the specific heat capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneko Imagawa, Shigeaki Matsubayashi
  • Patent number: 7910055
    Abstract: A system for recovery and reutilization of sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber includes a storage tank in gaseous communication with a sterilizer chamber via a gas recovery assembly, wherein after sterilization the gas recovery assembly evacuates the sterilant gas mixture to the storage recovery tank. The system also includes an inert purge gas supply adapted to supply a purge gas to the sterilizer chamber after the sterilant gas mixture is withdrawn to the storage recovery tank, wherein the gas recovery assembly evacuates an additional portion of the purge gas from the sterilizer chamber to the storage tank to enrich the gas mixture for later reutilization in subsequent sterilization cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Douglas E. Bondar
  • Patent number: 7897124
    Abstract: Biogases such as natural gas and other gases capable of being biologically derived by digestion of organic matter are converted to a clean-burning hydrocarbon liquid fuel in a continuous process wherein a biogas is fed to a reaction vessel where the biogas contacts a liquid petroleum fraction and a transition metal catalyst immersed in the liquid, vaporized product gas is drawn from a vapor space above the liquid level, condensed, and fed to a product vessel where condensate is separated from uncondensed gas and drawn off as the liquid product fuel as uncondensed gas is recycled to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Rudolf W. Gunnerman, Peter W. Gunnerman
  • Patent number: 7867458
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for the parallel study of chemical reactions in at least two spatially separated reaction spaces. In particular, the invention is suitable for reactions which are not constant volume reactions and/or for reactions in which fluid flows through at least two spatially separated reaction spaces are intended to be controlled together for all the reaction spaces, or for related subsets of them, in the most straightforward way possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: HTE Aktiengesellschaft The High Throughtput Experimentation Company
    Inventors: Alfred Haas, Wolfgang Strehlau, Armin Brenner, Oliver Koechel, Markus Friess, Torsten Zech
  • Publication number: 20100316533
    Abstract: A system and/or method formulates a chemical solution using both volumetric and weight based measurements of components of the chemical solution. The components of the chemical solution include water and at least one other component, which may take any form, such as, without limitation, liquid, solid, powder or gaseous form. Formulation of the chemical solution is administered by combining water with the one or more other components at an output port, from which this combination is dispensed to a solution storage tank. In response to a user's request to formulate a specified amount of the chemical solution, the volume of water provided to the output port is monitored by a flow meter and the weight of the other component(s) provided to the output port is monitored by one or more load cells. Based on such monitoring, appropriate amounts of water and the other component(s) are combined together to formulate the specified amount of the chemical solution in the solution storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Mitchell Lark, Darren Jahnke, Eric Willman, Warren Pannkuk
  • Patent number: 7851221
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for designing, operating, monitoring and/or diagnosing a chemical reaction, particularly a hydrotreating process, using a fixed bed catalytic reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Exxonmobilchemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Garton, David G. Woods, Hans G. Korsten, Pierre J. Osterrieth, Brian C. McClaine
  • Publication number: 20100311155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disintegrating system for treatment of organic material comprising: multiple disintegrating units (31, 32; 41, 42; 51, 52, 53) each having an inlet (33, 34; 43, 44; 55, 56, 57) for receiving material A, B, C, and an outlet (37, 38; 47, 48; 61, 62, 63) for outputting treated material. A first inlet (33; 43; 55) of a first disintegrating unit (31; 41; 51) is configured to receive organic material A, and a first feedback pipe (35; 45; 58, 59) is connected between the outlet (37; 47; 61) of the first disintegrating unit and the inlet (34; 44; 56) of a second disintegrating unit. An outflow (39; 49; 64) of the disintegrating system (30; 40; 50) is connected to the outlet (37; 47; 61) of at least the first disintegrating unit (31; 41; 51), wherein the sum of the introduced material A, B, C is available at the outflow (39; 49; 64).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Jorgen Ejlertsson, Jonas Högström, Mark Easingwood
  • Patent number: 7842240
    Abstract: A microchip has a substrate on which there are formed a reaction bath section, a first flow channel to which are connected a supply channel that supplies a buffer solution and the reaction bath section, a second flow channel to which are connected a supply channel that supplies a sample solution containing a first substance and a channel that discharges the sample and buffer solutions to an exterior of the substrate, and a connecting channel connecting the first flow channel to the second flow channel. The reaction bath section receives the first and second substances so that the first and second substances react in the reaction bath section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Minao Yamamoto, Masataka Shinogi
  • Patent number: 7829750
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for fluidizing a population of catalyst particles that are depleted of catalyst fines. In one embodiment, the process includes providing a plurality of catalyst particles in the reactor, wherein the catalyst particles have a d2 value of greater than about 40 microns. The catalyst- particles are contacted with a fluidizing medium under conditions effective to cause the catalyst particles to behave in a fluidized manner and form a fluidized bed. The particles are contacted with one or more primary obstructing members while in the fluidized bed. By fluidizing the catalyst particles in this manner, the catalyst particles can be maintained at an axial gas Peclet number of from about 10 to about 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Beech, Jr., Nicolas Coute, Jeffrey S. Smith, Michael Peter Nicoletti
  • Patent number: 7815867
    Abstract: An addition apparatus, a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) system having an addition apparatus, and a method for adding material to an FCC unit are provided. In one embodiment, an addition system having the capability of interfacing with a material container is provided that allows the addition system to obtain information relating material held in the container. In one embodiment, at least some of the information is contained on a tag affixed to the container. Other information may be retrieved and/or sent to the addition system controller from a remote data source, such as a catalyst supplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Elliott, Martin Evans
  • Patent number: 7811537
    Abstract: Systems and methods using the properties of supercritical water to allow raw air including a contaminant to be combined with water and to be purified in a supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) process. A supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) air purifier will generally take in a mixture of water and raw air which includes oxygen via a pumping and mixing apparatus, put the mixture into a supercritical water reactor (SCWR), and run the resultant effluent stream through a system for separating the water from the resultant clean air and the other relatively harmless outputs of the supercritical water reactor (SCWO).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz, Sunggyu Lee, John Wootton
  • Patent number: 7810313
    Abstract: A method for simultaneously measuring one or more properties (e.g. temperature, concentration of NOx and ammonia, etc) in an exhaust gas mixture. Signals from one or more sensors that are cross-sensitive to one or more gases can be combined. A decoupling observer algorithm can be applied, such that these cross-sensitivities are decoupled. The sensors simultaneously obtain an estimate of one or more gases in the diesel exhaust. A decoupling observer algorithm can be structured and arranged to be operable among a plurality of positions corresponding to several internal configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Edward Stewart, Francis Martin Haran
  • Publication number: 20100243961
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for a solar-driven chemical plant are disclosed. An embodiment may include a solar thermal receiver aligned to absorb concentrated solar energy from one or more solar energy concentrating fields. A solar driven chemical reactor may include multiple reactor tubes located inside the solar thermal receiver. The multiple reactor tubes can be used to gasify particles of biomass in the presence of a carrier gas. The gasification reaction may produce reaction products that include hydrogen and carbon monoxide gas having an exit temperature from the tubes exceeding 1000 degrees C. An embodiment can include a quench zone immediately downstream of an exit of the chemical reactor. The quench zone may immediately quench via rapid cooling of at least the hydrogen and carbon monoxide reaction products within 0.1-10 seconds of exiting the chemical reactor to a temperature of 800 degrees C. or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: SUNDROP FUELS, INC.
    Inventors: Courtland Hilton, Zoran Jovanovic, Bryan Schramm, Christopher Perkins, Wayne Simmons
  • Publication number: 20100242354
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for a solar-driven chemical plant that manages variations in solar energy are disclosed. Some embodiments include a solar thermal receiver to absorb concentrated solar energy, a solar driven chemical reactor contained within the solar thermal receiver, and an entrained gas biomass feed system that uses an entrainment carrier gas and supplies a variety of biomass sources fed as particles into the solar driven chemical reactor. Inner walls of the solar thermal receiver and the chemical reactor can be made from materials selected to transfer energy. Some embodiments include a control system that may be configured to balance the gasification reaction of biomass particles with the available concentrated solar energy and additional variable parameters including, but not limited to, a fixed range of particle sizes, temperature of the chemical reactor, and residence time of the particles in a reaction zone in the chemical reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: SUNDROP FUELS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Perkins, Zoran Jovanovic, Courtland Hilton, Brittany Lancaster, Andrew Minden, Richard Ridley, Donna Kelley
  • Publication number: 20100247387
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for solar-driven chemical plant may include a solar thermal receiver to absorb concentrated solar energy from an array of heliostats. Additionally, some embodiments may include a solar driven chemical reactor that has multiple reactor tubes. The concentrated solar energy drives the endothermic gasification reaction of the particles of biomass flowing through the reactor tubes. Some embodiments may also include an on-site fuel synthesis reactor that is geographically located on the same site as the chemical reactor and integrated to receive the hydrogen and carbon monoxide products from the gasification reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: SUNDROP FUELS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Perkins, Zoran Jovanovic, Steven Strand, Donna Kelley, Andrew Minden, Richard Ridley
  • Patent number: 7803324
    Abstract: A catalyst slurry for a polymerization reactor can be prepared in a mixing tank and the catalyst slurry fed to one or more storage tanks. The storage tanks can include agitators so that the catalyst slurry is maintained at an essentially homogeneous solids-to-liquid ratio. From the storage tank(s), the catalyst slurry can be pumped to the polymerization reactor along a fluid passage having a flow meter. The flow of the catalyst slurry can be continuous and/or adjusted based on a measured parameter. The catalyst slurry may be continuously and reliability fed to the polymerization reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser
  • Patent number: 7794665
    Abstract: A fluidic device includes a first material defining a first region, a second material defining a second region that is separated from the first region, and a connector coupled between the first region and the second region. The connector includes a brittle material and has an open end and a closed end, the open end being disposed in the second region, the closed end being disposed in the first region. The first region is closed off from the second region by the closed end of the connector. The connector is configured such that when the closed end of the connector is broken, the connector defines a passage from the first region to the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Kuo-Yao Weng
  • Patent number: 7790438
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an analyte includes a sensor chamber for detecting an analyte, an analyte feed chamber, a distributor, and a controller for controlling the transport medium flow. The distributor includes an annular channel with four connections with a switchable isolating device between two connections. The controller controls the distributor for flushing the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber without passing through the analyte feed chamber and for measuring the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber while passing through the analyte feed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: TRACE Analytics GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Künnecke, Michael Hartlep, Jens Giesenberg
  • Patent number: 7785539
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in generating hydrogen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuel processor capable of producing a reformate from a fuel; a hydrogen purifier capable of generating a purified hydrogen gas stream from the reformate; a compressor capable of providing the reformate from the fuel processor to the pressure swing adsorption unit at a desired pressure; and a control system capable of integrating and controlling the operation of the fuel processor, the pressure swing adsorption unit, and the compressor. In another aspect, the invention includes a method for controlling the operation of a purified hydrogen generator, the method comprising: controlling the operation of a hydrogen generator; controlling the operation of a hydrogen purifier; and synchronizing the controlled operation of the hydrogen generator with the controlled operation of the hydrogen purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Vesna R. Mirkovic, Hongqiao Sun, W. Spencer Wheat, Daniel G. Casey, Bhaskar Balasubramanian
  • Patent number: 7777868
    Abstract: A system for monitoring non-volatile residue concentrations in ultra pure water includes a nebulizer for generating an aerosol composed of multiple water droplets, a heating element changing the aerosol to a suspension of residue particles, and a condensation particle counter to supersaturate the dried aerosol to cause droplet growth through condensation of a liquid onto the particles. The nebulizer incorporates a flow dividing structure that divides exiting waste water into a series of droplets. The droplets are counted to directly indicate a waste water flow rate and indirectly indicate an input flow rate of water supplied to the nebulizer. The condensation particle counter employs water as the condensing medium, avoiding the need for undesirable chemical formulations and enabling use of the ultra pure water itself as the condensing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Fluid Measurement Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Blackford, Frederick R. Quant, Derek R. Oberreit
  • Patent number: 7776275
    Abstract: A chemical feeder system includes an aqueous chemical contained in a chemical source, the chemical source connected with a fluid stock through a chemical flow conduit and a feeder assembly connected within the chemical flow conduit that includes a metering device, a flow rate sensor and a controller operationally connected between the flow rate sensor and the metering device. A method of controlling the flow rate a treating chemical is applied to a fluid stock includes the steps of positioning a flow sensor upstream of a chemical metering device in a chemical flow conduit between a chemical source and fluid stock, flowing a treating chemical from the source through the chemical flow conduit, determining a desired application flow rate of the treating chemical and adjusting the metering device in response to a flow rate reading at the flow rate sensor to achieve the desired application flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Brian S. Whitmore, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7771664
    Abstract: A reaction system in which a heat transfer fluid is carried through a process fluid in a conduit and the heat transfer surface area between the conduit and the process fluid can be varied according to the heat generated or absorbed by the reaction as determined by the temperature change in the heat transfer fluid across the reaction and the mass flow of the heat transfer fluid through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Ashe, David Charles Morris
  • Publication number: 20100196241
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing emissions of particulate matter from a gaseous stream are provided. The subject systems include a catalyst that reduces the amount of particulate matter emissions in the gaseous stream. Embodiments of the subject systems may also reduce the amount of particulate matter precursor emissions in the gaseous stream. In some cases, the subject systems and methods include a sorber that facilitates the reduction in particulate matter and particulate matter precursors in the gaseous stream. The subject methods and systems find use in a variety of applications where it is desired to reduce particulate matter emissions from a gaseous stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Tom Girdlestone, Steven De Cicco, William S. Epling, Jerald A. Cole, Gregory J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7767157
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for increasing the concentration of hypochlorous acid in a quantity of water. Acid is injected into chlorinated water to decrease the pH of the chlorinated water. By decreasing the pH, the hypochlorite/hypochlorous acid equilibrium of the chlorinated water is shifted to increase the concentration of hypochlorous acid on the treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Tomco2 Equipment Company
    Inventors: Tommy J. Shane, Harvey Swain
  • Patent number: 7767156
    Abstract: A system for the control of the contents of a reactor which employs a control element of variable area containing flowing heat transfer fluid. The area available for the for the control of the contents of the reactor is controlled is changed by opening and closing a bank of conduits in a cascade and the conduits are opened and closed according to a temperature measurement device in the medium whose temperature is to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Ashe Morris Ltd
    Inventors: Robert Ashe, David Charles Morris
  • Publication number: 20100189618
    Abstract: The present invention controls reagent flow levels in a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system by more accurately predicting Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) production with a municipal waste combustor. In one embodiment, the reagent levels correspond with measured furnace temperatures. The reagent levels may have a baseline level from prior measured NOx that is then modified according to temperatures measurements. A slow controller may use NOx measurements over an extended period to define a base regent level, and a fast controller may use additional information such as the furnace temperature to modify the base regent level. The fast controller may further receive two additional signals that are added individually or together to maximize NOx control while minimizing ammonia slip from the reagent. The two signals are a feed-forward signal from the combustion controller and a feedback signal from an ammonia analyzer downstream of the combustion zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: COVANTA ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark L. White, Stephen G. Deduck
  • Publication number: 20100183928
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus is provided that further suppresses deterioration in capability of a converting catalyst in raw material purge in a shutdown operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiji Fujihara, Yukimune Kani, Hidenobu Wakita, Kensaku Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 7758827
    Abstract: Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, silica, and halogen are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or 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 mercury and sulfur; ? reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; ? increase the efficiency of the coal burning process through de-slagging of boiler tubes; ? 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: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: NOx II, Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 7749455
    Abstract: A COS treatment apparatus for a gasified gas includes an O2 removal catalyst and a COS conversion catalyst located on the downstream side of a gasified gas flow with respect to the O2 removal catalyst. Also, a COS treatment apparatus includes a TiO2 catalyst that carries Cr2O3 or NiO. Further, a COS treatment method includes a first step in which O2 is removed by the reaction with H2S and CO, and a second step in which COS is converted to H2S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Harada, Shintaro Honjo, Makoto Susaki, Kazuo Ishida, Hajime Nagano, Susumu Okino, Kozo Iida, Akira Johana
  • Publication number: 20100147699
    Abstract: A device for the concurrent oxygen generation and control of carbon dioxide for life support system involves two stages, where a first stage removes CO2 from an exhalent side of a ventilation loop and a second stage employs Ceramic Oxygen Generators (COGs) to convert CO2 into carbon and O2. The first stage includes a plurality of chambers and means to switch the ventilation loop through at least one of the chambers, where CO2 removal is carried out before discharge of the CO2 depleted gas to an inhalant side of the ventilation loop, and to exclude the ventilation loop from the remaining chambers of the first stage, where these chambers are placed in communication with the second stage. The second stage has two portions separated by the COGs such that CO2 and the formed carbon remain on an intake portion from the O2 rich atmosphere on the exhaust side, which is plumbed via a metering valve to introduce the O2 rich atmosphere to the inhalant side of the ventilation loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric D. Wachsman, Keith L. Duncan, Helena Hagelin-Weaver
  • Patent number: 7736602
    Abstract: A reaction chamber enables a reaction between received elemental mercury gas and an oxidizing agent gas. The reaction chamber includes a porous (or permeable) medium through which to pass the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas. Passing of the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas through the porous medium supports a number of useful functions. For example, the porous medium enhances mixing of the elemental mercury gas with the oxidizing agent gas to enhance a reaction. Also, the porous medium increases an amount of surface area in a reaction chamber on which reactions (e.g., heterogeneous surface reactions) can take place between the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas to form oxidized mercury gas. Accordingly, the reaction chamber configured to include a porous medium enhances a conversion of elemental mercury gas into oxidized mercury gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, Jeffrey Socha, Bryan A. Marcotte
  • Patent number: 7736596
    Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: IdaTech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 7739217
    Abstract: One exemplary method for message suppression comprises: providing first and second rules, each having one or more preconditions and a conclusion, wherein the first rule also has a suppressed-by attribute and at least one of the second preconditions is suppressing; evaluating the one or more first and second preconditions; identifying the first rule as true or false; displaying the message of the second rule if all of the second preconditions are met; identifying the first rule as suppressed if the second rule is named in the suppressed-by attribute; and inhibiting the message display of the suppressed rule or routing the message to second display. The system can comprise: a database containing knowledge of the production unit; a user interface, and at least one precondition, a suppressed by attribute, and one or more rules each having a conclusion and at least one suppressing precondition; an inference engine; and a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Bohumil Vaclav Kral, David Jack Sandell
  • Patent number: 7726952
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a compressed air system in a vehicle that includes a connection (6, 10) for delivering compressed air from a compressor (2) to the rest of the compressed air system (1). An oxidation catalytic converter (9) is included that is designed to clean the compressed air and which is located along the connection (6, 10). The connection (6, 10) includes a line (10) that forms a connection between the oxidation catalytic converter (9) and the rest of the compressed air system. The invention also includes a valve (11) that is arranged upstream of the rest of the compressed air system (1) and that can be adjusted so that in a first position it will allow and in a second position will prevent the delivery of air to the rest of the compressed air system (1), depending on the operating condition of the compressor (2). The invention provides an improved system in which the risk of contaminated air being delivered to the compressed air system is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Mats Sabelström
  • Patent number: 7727482
    Abstract: Method for controlling the reaction temperature in a catalytic bed (24) of a reactor (1) in which a chemical reaction takes place in pseudo-isothermal conditions by means of at least one heat exchanger (12), crossed by a respective operating fluid, immersed in the catalytic bed (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Methanol Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi, Mirco Tarozzo
  • Patent number: 7722823
    Abstract: Systems and methods using the properties of supercritical water to allow raw air including a contaminant to be combined with water and to be purified in a supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) process. A supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) air purifier will generally take in a mixture of water and raw air which includes oxygen via a pumping and mixing apparatus, put the mixture into a supercritical water reactor (SCWR), and run the resultant effluent stream through a system for separating the water from the resultant clean air and the other relatively harmless outputs of the supercritical water reactor (SCWO).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz, Sunggyu Lee, John Wootton
  • Patent number: 7722838
    Abstract: An on-demand system for preventing and/neutralizing bioactive substances employs real time monitoring of the fluid for bioactive substances. Once a specific bioactive substance is detected, then a specific neutralizing substance is selected, such as an oxidizing substance, intense ultraviolet light, a neutralizing substance or other substances selected for particular threats. In another example of the invention, a device neutralizing a substance would include a container that would be capable of containing each of the plurality of precursors, a collecting space for receiving each of the plurality of precursors selected by the selector, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the neutralizing substance. In one example the neutralizing substance is formulated by the reactions of the precursors in order to neutralize the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: GRAHN - Monde Groupe de Reflexion & D'Action
    Inventor: Berg P. Hyacinthe
  • Patent number: 7708946
    Abstract: A device for automation of biological and medical tests wherein test subjects or specimens that are placed in test vessels are subsequently treated by different liquid reagents, including: at least two test vessels of dimensions providing accommodation of specimens, a hydraulic gravity feeding system to deliver the liquid reagents into the two test vessels, a hydraulic gravity discharging system to remove waste liquid or spent reagents from the test vessels and directing them into an apparatus for accommodation of the such waste liquid or spent reagents, and a control system operating the device. A mechanical system is provided for agitating the test vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Sherman, Yury Sherman, Abram Botvinnik