Abstract: In one embodiment, a parallel batch reactor generally includes a plurality of reactor vessels and a plurality of valves configured to allow flow into the reactor vessels when a gas is supplied to the reactor at a pressure higher than a pressure within the reactor vessels and restrict flow from the reactor vessels. A method includes inserting chemical components into the reactor vessels, supplying a first gas to the reactor vessels to pressurize the reactor vessels, stopping supply of the first gas, and supplying a second gas to the reactor at a lower pressure than a pressure within the reactor vessels. The second gas passes through the valves and into the reactor vessels when the pressure within the reactor vessels drops below the pressure of the second gas.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-catalyst injection system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of catalyst storage regions associated with a vessel and a metering device associated with the vessel. The metering device is configured to provide a metric indicative of an amount of catalyst dispensed from a selected one of the catalyst storage regions.

Abstract: A gas re-use system for carbon fiber manufacturing processes based on hydrocarbon thermal decomposition. The system permits re-use of the output gas from the carbon fiber manufacturing process, a process based on the use of an industrial gas as the main raw material. The system can comprise a feedback pipeline provided with force and filtering means to raise the pressure from the reaction furnace output manifold to its input. There are also return and bleed lines operated separately to assure suitable pressure ranges at the same time both in the reaction furnace input area and extraction area.

Abstract: An oxidizing gas pressurization system capable of supplying protective cooling water into an oxidizing gas pressurization unit such that the protective cooling water serves as a protective film against strong oxidizing power and cools the heat generated in the pressurization unit is disclosed. The oxidizing gas pressurization system for pressurizing and supplying an oxidizing gas such as ozone and chlorine includes an oxidizing gas storage unit, an oxidizing gas pressurization unit for pressurizing the oxidizing gas supplied from the oxidizing gas storage unit at a high pressure and discharging the oxidizing gas, and a cooling water supply unit for supplying protective cooling water serving as a protective film against the oxidizing pas supplied into the oxidizing gas pressurization unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods create an air-gas mixture supply for an endothermic generator. The systems and methods convey a hydrocarbon gas under pressure through a valve, to thereby form an air-gas mixture supply for the endothermic generator. The systems and methods sense an actual air-gas ratio of the air-gas mixture supply. The systems and methods receive from an operator a set point air-gas ratio. The systems and methods compare the actual value to the set point value and generate a deviation. The systems and methods generating a control signal to operate the valve based upon the deviation, and, preferably, to minimize the deviation.

Abstract: A high-pressure reactor which has a hydraulically controlled pressure-relief valve. The mechanical design of the corresponding hydraulic system in combination with the control technology used facilitates particularly fast opening of the pressure-relief valve in the case of pressure or temperature jumps in the high-pressure reactor.

Abstract: A reactor module for use in a compact fuel processor having a module inlet for receiving a feed stream, a module outlet for producing an effluent stream, a reactor having a reactor inlet, a reactor outlet, and catalyst, an inlet spiral passage in fluid communication with the module inlet to the reactor inlet, and an outlet spiral passage in fluid communication with the reactor outlet to the module outlet. Such a design provides for the feed stream to be introduced to the module inlet, where it then passes through the inlet spiral passage, and is heated by hot reactor product passing through the outlet spiral passage. The reactor may be any type of fixed bed exothermic containing supported catalyst particles or the reactor bed may be a monolith with catalytic material coated on to the surface of the structural members.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system comprises a reforming catalyst section (4) performing reformate reactions on supplied fuel gas, a membrane hydrogen separator (5) extracting hydrogen from the reformate gas, a supply device (8–14) supplying combustion gas for heating the membrane reactor (2), a sensor (16) for detecting the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) and a controller. The supply device supplies combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) before the reforming catalyst section starts reformate reactions during startup of the membrane reactor (2). Furthermore the supply device stops supply of combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) when the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) is greater than or equal to a target temperature. Thereafter the fuel supply device supplies fuel to the fuel reforming catalyst section (4). In this manner, hydrogen embrittlement in the membrane hydrogen separator can be avoided.

Abstract: A contact lens container (1) includes a container (2) for receiving a cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid, as well as a cap (3), which can be screwed onto the container (2) by a thread (20,30). In the cap (3) a sealing washer (4) made of a water-tight and gas-tight material is provided, which is arranged on the inside of the cap (3) on the bottom (33) of the cap and extends to the side wall (32) of the cap (3), so that when the cap (3) is screwed on to the container (2), the sealing washer (4) is enclosed between the container edge (23) and the bottom (33) of the cap and the inside of the container has a water-tight seal.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide reducing system of a diesel engine can reduce nitrogen oxide contained in an exhaust gas of the diesel engine and whereby cab adapt to a restriction. At a tip end of a mixer, air holes required by the engine are formed, a nitrogen gas generating device for increasing concentration of nitrogen in the air is mounted to introduce nitrogen into the mixer, the mixer is mounted to the induction opening of the engine at opposite side of the air hole to introduce increased amount of nitrogen to prevent oxidation of nitrogen and discharge nitrogen.

Abstract: A reactor for fluorinating an organic compound comprising (a) an outer vessel; (b) a reactor vessel being disposed within said outer vessel to define an annular space, said reactor vessel at least partially comprising a fluoropolymer, said annular space being adapted to receive a fluid; (c) at least one pathway for introducing said heating fluid into said annular space; (d) at least one pathway for inputing reaction materials into said reactor vessel; and (e) at least one pathway for ouputing a product stream from said reactor vessel.

Abstract: A dynamic sealing structure for pressure vessels used in microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The structure includes a cylindrical vessel liner and a removable liner cap, each formed of a microwave transparent material. The liner has a circular mouth with a lip formed of respective first and second beveled edges, with the first beveled edge forming an interior edge of the circular mouth and the second beveled edge forming an exterior edge of the circular mouth. The cap includes respective interior and exterior faces, with a sleeve depending from the interior face and having a circumference that engages the interior surface of the vessel liner for being urged under pressure against the interior surface of the vessel liner. The interior face of the cap comprising a circular channel outward of the sleeve and having a circumference that engages the lip of the vessel liner, and with the channel comprising two beveled edges that respectively engage both beveled edges of the lip of the liner.

Abstract: Sterilization apparatus, for medical instruments and similar objects, which is easy to handle and/or remove and which is mainly formed by a casing (1) provided with a sterilization boiler (11) and means for performing the sterilization process. The sterilization apparatus comprises a double-walled boiler (11) whereby fluid (13), such as demineralized water, which is present between the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (12), is heated by heating elements (17, 18) so as to achieve a sable temperature of the boiler wall as well as to generate steam (16). The apparatus further comprises a water reservoir (19), pump (21) and valve (22) for supplying water to the boiler and means (23, 24) for controlling the level of water, a valve (25) through which generated steam (16) can be injected into the sterilization chamber, a water-ejector (31) for drawing a vacuum in the chamber, and an aeration valve (29) for releasing the vacuum.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for online and on-site tracer generation for tagging natural gas stored in underground storage fields wherein feedstock is drawn from a feedstock source. The feedstock undergoes initial analysis to determine hydrocarbons levels. The feedstock then undergoes reaction to produce tracers such as ethylene, propylene, acetylene hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The feedstock is then analyzed to determine post reaction tracer concentration. The feedstock including generated tracers is then introduced back into the feedstock stream. Tracer levels in the pre-reaction or initial analysis of feedstock are compared with tracer levels in the post-reaction feedstock and the rate of flow of feedstock through the system is adjusted to achieve a predetermined level of tracer concentration. The level of tracer concentration will then be used to identify the particular natural gas charge in a storage field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device 51 for closing a plurality of digestion vessels 1 the openings of which are in each case covered by a cover 3, comprising a plurality of positioning spaces 53 for the digestion vessels, the positioning spaces 53 being able to be distributed in a circumferential row R1 and being accessible from outside, and a plurality of closing devices 73 for pressing the covers 3 against the vessels. In order to improve the capacity of the device 51 with regard to the number of digestion vessels 1 further inner positioning spaces 53 are arranged to be offset inwardly with respect to said positioning spaces 53.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for automatically injecting chemicals into a pressurized system.

Abstract: An adsorbent gas scrubber is provided in which the processing efficiency of the gas generated during semiconductor manufacturing can be increased, as the idle time of the system is reduced. The above mentioned object and other objects are accomplished by an adsorbent gas scrubber in accordance with aspects of the present invention which comprise an induction tube being connected to a gas inlet attached with a first pressure gauge for measuring a pressure of the entered gas, and an adsorbent case placed adjacent to the induction tube. The adsorbent case contains a layered arrangement of multiple catalytic-adsorbent members which adsorb the gas that flows from the induction tube to a gas outlet attached with a second pressure gauge for measuring pressure of the processed gas being discharged. A series of gas passage tubes placed at the bottom portion of the induction tube and the adsorbent case supply gas to the catalytic-adsorbent members.

Abstract: A cap (1) for a chemical storage or reaction vessel comprising a seat for attachment, in use, to an opening of the vessel. A membrane (6) formed from a resilient material and having a slit (11) formed therein allows a substance sampling or delivery apparatus to pass therethrough in use, the membrane being positioned to slide within the seat substantially in the direction of passage of the sampling or delivery apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the dissociation of water into hydrogen and oxygen, the method including contacting a quantity of aqueous liquid with a quantity of dissociation initiating material in a reaction vessel; monitoring the temperature and/or pressure in the reaction vessel; monitoring the surface area of dissociation initiating material in contact with the aqueous liquid; and controlling the surface area of dissociation initiating material in contact with the aqueous liquid in response to the temperature, pressure, or both, or changes therein, or both, in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide reducing system of a diesel engine can reduce nitrogen oxide contained in an exhaust gas of the diesel engine and whereby cab adapt to a restriction. At a tip end of a mixer, air holes required by the engine are formed, a nitrogen gas generating device for increasing concentration of nitrogen in the air is mounted to introduce nitrogen into the mixer, the mixer is mounted to the induction opening of the engine at opposite side of the air hole to introduce increased amount of nitrogen to prevent oxidation of nitrogen and discharge nitrogen.

Abstract: A structured packing (which may or may not include a catalyst) formed from a mesh material having pore openings of less than 50 microns wherein the packing is provided with turbulence generators to promote flow of fluid through the pore openings and may be further provided with additional openings larger than the pores to improve bulk mixing.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus that includes a reactant with a vapor phase at greater than atmospheric pressure. The apparatus includes a tank for housing the reactant, such as ammonia. Ammonia communicates with a reactor having a solid reactant, such as lithium aluminum tetrahydride. A check valve is located between the tank and the reactor and is used to control the flow of ammonia to the reactor. Heat generated by the reaction is useful in raising the temperature of the reactant in the tank. The reactor can also include a gas flow enhancing material that facilitates gas flow through the reactor. A filter and getters are employed downstream of the reactor to remove unwanted solids and impurities from the hydrogen gas stream.

Abstract: A self venting sealable vessel system for microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The system includes a vessel formed of a microwave-transparent material, one end of which forms an opening for placing materials inside the vessel, a lid for being seated against the opening, a flexible frame surrounding the vessel and lid and formed of a microwave-transparent material, and means for urging the frame against the vessel and seated lid with a predetermined force to seal the vessel at low pressures and so that the frame refrains from flexing until the pressure inside the vessel exceeds the predetermined force, after which the frame flexes sufficiently to allow the lid to unseat and gases to vent safely from the vessel without rupturing the vessel or the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for modulating or damping surges of gaseous component (VOC) to a system for destroying the gaseous component are provided which include an accumulator located and adapted to hold gaseous component resulting from such a surge. The present system includes a valve which is positioned to facilitate passing the gaseous component resulting from the surge to the accumulator and, thereafter, to be repositioned to allow the gaseous component from the accumulator to be passed to the system for destroying the gaseous component.

Abstract: A microwave system is provided which is capable of performing both open and closed vessel microwave chemistry in an efficient and productive manner. For open vessel chemistries, such as digestions, the system offers a microwave oven with: liquid cooled refluxing of samples; reagent dispensing, and temperature control. The open vessel module can quickly and easily be interchanged with a high pressure module capable of operating at pressures in excess of 600 psi.

Abstract: A sterilization assembly for sterilizing an instrument case which is loaded with medical and/or dental instruments includes three primary components which are similarly arranged with flange surfaces and part-circular bosses which define bolt clearance holes. These three components include a base configured with receiving pockets for retaining a liquid sterilant, a collar and a lid which includes a pressure-relief valve. Positioned between the base and the collar is a first elastomeric gasket. Positioned between the lid and the collar is a second elastomeric gasket. By the use of bolts and threaded inserts, the lid and base are securely clamped together, sandwiching therebetween the collar and the two gaskets. This securely joined combination defines a hollow interior which receives therein at least one instrument case. By heating the liquid sterilant to a sufficiently high temperature, a sterilant vapor is created. As the vapor pressure builds, the instruments in the instrument case are sterilized.

Abstract: A rapid acting flow limiting valve is provided for an autoclave processing system. In this environment, each of a plurality of parts is placed in immediate proximity with a tool, then impressed into congruent engagement with the tool by an overlying vacuum bag, the interior of the vacuum bag being subjected to a vacuum via a vacuum manifold connecting all of the parts to a source of the vacuum, the interior of the vacuum bag being subjected to pressure. A first conduit leads from the chamber of the valve housing to the interior of the vacuum bag for its associated part, and a second conduit leads from the chamber to the vacuum manifold. An annular seal is positioned concentrically with an opening from the chamber into the first conduit. A flexible disk-shaped floating piston diaphragm assembly is peripherally fixed to the housing and is movable between an open position distant from the seal and a closed position engaged with the seal to thereby block flow through the first conduit.

Abstract: A pressure damping system for damping pressure perturbations incident to switching of switchable flow control means in a fluid flow circuit. The pressure surge damping system comprises a throttle valve in the circuit, with the throttle valve and switchable flow control means being constructed and arranged for selective adjustment of the throttle valve when the switchable flow control means is switched, to attenuate pressure perturbations incident to switching of the switchable flow control means. The pressure surge damping system of the invention may be employed in a multi-vessel oxidation system for the treatment of semiconductor effluent gas, or in other applications involving periodic or cyclic switched flows which generate an upstream-propagating pressure wave detrimental to an upstream process facility.

Abstract: A portable oxygen generating system using the principle of exothermic catalytic decomposition of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide comprising a feed tank having a mouth to receive liquid hydrogen peroxide, a cap to seal the mouth during operation and an outlet pipe, an on/off valve to control discharge from the feed tank, a regular valve to stop discharge from the feed tank when pressure in the system is equal to a predetermined pressure, a reactor containing a catalyst of lead strips in which hydrogen peroxide is decomposed, a cooling coil to cool and condense the reaction products, a separator tank to hold liquid water and gaseous oxygen, a return pipe to the feed tank to balance pressure in the system, a drain with a drain valve to discharge water, and a product line to supply oxygen for use by an operator of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chamber for use in a fumigation method to produce a fumigant gas mixture and supply it to a circulatory loop gas flow system gas. The chamber is adapted to receive fumigant gas generation device and includes:an inlet port controlled by an inlet valve,an outlet port controlled by an outlet valve,a flushing gas inlet controlled by a flushing gas inlet valve for connection to a source of inert gas,a vent valve, andaccess means openable for access to its interior from a position outside of the fumigation space.The chamber forms part of the loop gas flow system when connected to ends of a gas duct. The invention further relates to a method of fumigating a bulk commodity in an enclosed fumigation space wherein the fumigant gas mixture is generated in the chamber as well as to use of the chamber in such a fumigation method.

Abstract: A process for extracting extractable material from a base material in which it is present, while protecting against explosion of any solvent vapor in air includes heating by microwave radiation in a closed pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container, such base material, extractable material and organic extraction solvent, passing air near or into contact with the extraction container so that it will carry away from the container any escaping solvent vapor, and passing said air with the solvent vapor, if present, into contact with solvent detector which turns off a source of microwave radiation when the solvent vapor is present. Preferably the invented process will include passing the air, with any solvent vapor which may be present in it, to a flow detector, which will turn off the source of microwave radiation if flow ceases.

Abstract: A disinfection apparatus including a container; a cap having an article-retainer, a and a catalytic element-retainer means affixed thereto; and a catalytic element. The disinfection apparatus has particular utility in the disinfection of contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide solutions. Also disclosed are venting and sealing components, catalytic elements, molded article-retaining assemblies, and catalytic element formation methods.

Abstract: A disinfection apparatus including a container; a cap having an article-retaining means, a sealing means and a catalytic element-retaining means affixed thereto; and a catalytic element. The disinfection apparatus has particular utility in the disinfection of contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide solutions. Also disclosed are venting and sealing components, catalytic elements, molded article-retaining assemblies, and catalytic element formation methods.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens disinfection apparatus, including a container and a mating cap, she apparatus having an improved seal and vent means for venting gas generated within the apparatus. The vent means is an integral part of the disinfection apparatus which allows venting of gas when internal pressure increases, while maintaining a seal which is substantially gas and liquid-impermeable at other times. The seal is defined by the interference mating of a flexible periphery on a container with a rigid mating rim on a cap. The apparatus is particularly useful in the disinfection of contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide in which the excess peroxide is decomposed into water and oxygen.

Abstract: An explosion proof microwave heated solvent extraction apparatus or system for extracting organic materials includes a pressure resistant microwave transmissive extraction container, which is preferably of reinforced polyetherimide lined with fluoropolymer, in a microwave radiation heated chamber, with a device for controlling a microwave radiation generator, such as a magnetron, in response to the presence of any solvent vapor in a collection container for rupture diaphragm discharged material from an extraction container or in exhaust gas from the chamber. The presence of the solvent in the collection container or exhaust gas is preferably detected by a semiconductor gas sensor which decreases its electrical resistance in the presence of solvent vapors, thereby increasing its voltage and thus controlling operation of the magnetron, turning it off when solvent vapor (and a potentially explosive gas mixture) is present.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for transferring acid catalyst from a transport vehicle where liquid acid is carried under a relatively low vapor pressure level to a process vessel in an alkylation process where liquid acid is contained at a higher pressure level, while minimizing the loss of acid vapor to the environment. The acid transfer is accomplished without venting the process vessel by employing a relatively small volume pressure lock chamber between the transport vessel and the storage vessel. In a preferred embodiment the small volume pressure lock chamber also serves as a storage vessel for make-up acid which is added to the alkylation process as required.

Abstract: A ventable container for materials to be heated (preferably digested) by microwave radiation includes a movable rupture diaphragm in a venting passageway in a closure or cover for such container. Such diaphragm is tightenable into place so that the container is sealed and in such sealed state is protected by the rupture diaphragm against pressures that could develop in the container that are higher than that for which it was designed. An important feature of the invention is that the rupture diaphragm is controllably movable, when desired, to open positions to vent the container during heating and afterward, and is resealable after venting. Because of the chemical reactivity of the reagents utilized in digestions an inner chemically resistant liner is desirably employed in conjunction with a physically stronger outer body, with the outer body giving the liner enough strength to withstand pressures developed during the heating.

Abstract: A case for disinfecting, cleaning or storing contact lenses is described that provides a venting system for discharging gas therefrom without significant liquid discharge. The case includes a cap securable to a container, having an inner surface including a hollow pedestal with its open distal end extending into the container. The end of the pedestal adjacent the inner cap surface encompasses an aperture through said cap for venting and discharging of gas to the environment. A gas and liquid impermeable gasket fits inside the hollow end of the pedestal adjacent the aperture area, permitting venting of gas but not liquid through the adjacent aperture. A support for holding and positioning contact lenses in the container includes a post that is fitted into the distal end of the hollow pedestal, wherein the pedestal and post are provided with a channel therethrough to permit gas to escape from the container through the gasket and adjacent aperture.

Abstract: A sterility testing device includes a container made up of upper and lower plastic parts between which is welded a hydrophilic microporous membrane filter. The device also includes a removable plastic lid with vent holes. The lid is adapted to be secured to the container in two different positions such that, during in-situ incubation of a culture medium after the filtration of the sample and rinsing, the lid is deformed to allow a passageway for excess pressurized air to be removed from the interior of the container while at the same time preventing ambient air from entering the container. The device thus operates with a single membrane filter and is more economical to manufacture than prior art devices.

Abstract: A catalytic oxidizer having a combined central catalyst chamber and a spiral heat exchanger for treatment of air hydrocarbon vapor mixture including an outer shell of circular cross section having a tangentially directed longitudinal inlet aperture, a parallel exhaust aperture, an end cover plate and having a catalytic chamber centrally and coaxially positioned in the outer shell including an inlet port and an outlet port, the catalytic chamber including an upstream plenum, a catalyst core member and a downstream plenum, having perforated partitions for separating the catalyst core member from the inlet plenum and the exhaust plenum, and a coaxial spiral plate heat exchanger surrounding the catalytic chamber including a spiral inlet passage formed by coiled plates connected at one end to the inlet aperture and at the other end to an outlet associated with the inlet plenum defining a first heat exchange region, the coiled plates being spaced apart to create an intermediate spiral exhaust passage, the heat exch

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus has a chamber within a housing in which the materials to be sterilized are placed and the chamber is supplied with liquid under pressure. A pressure sensitive, rapid acting implosion cartridge is in communication with the chamber and acts to depressurize the chamber in milliseconds when the desired sterilization pressure is reached. The cartridge then reseals the chamber for a subsequent pressure build-up.

Abstract: A high temperature, high pressure chemical digestion vessel comprising an inner container which fits within an outer casement. Tapered walls of the inner container define an air gap which insulates against excessive heat transfer between the inner container and the outer casement during high temperature and pressure digestion. The container is provided with a vent. A replaceable, rupturable pressure release disk is provided having a predetermined rupture pressure for being sealingly interposed in covering relation to the vent to seal the container and thereby enclose a substance to be digested in the container. The disk ruptures and releases pressure within the container if pressure within the container reaches the predetermined rupture pressure. The pressure release disk comprises a flat sheet material. A seal cap is provided for holding the pressure release disk in sealing relation to the vent in the container.

Abstract: An appliance for disinfecting contact lenses or the like wherein the lenses are disposed within a disinfecting solution which liberates the gas during the disinfecting action, includes a container body for immersion of the lenses within the disinfecting solution and a removable cap closing the container body. The appliance further includes a normally closed vent conduit for passage of the pressurized affluent gas from the container body through the cap, and within the vent conduit is a check valve including a disc member having a slit therethrough which opens for vent discharge of the gas with sufficient pressure on the disc exerted by the gas during passage through the vent conduit, after which the slit recloses to vent any subsequent leakage of the solution therethrough.

Abstract: A heat generating agent for medical waste sterilization. The agent is at least one compound selected from calcium oxide, calcined dolomite, and magnesium oxide, and at least one compound selected from sulfamic acid, sodium bisulfate, and anhydrous phosphoric acid. The present invention also provides a method for sterilizing medical wastes. The method includes the steps of subjecting medical waste to exothermic reaction between water and a heat generating agent selected from calcium oxide and calcined dolomite or to exothermic reaction between iron powder and oxygen to generate reaction heat and/or alkalinity by the exothermic reaction. The present invention provides an aparatus to be used according to the method mentioned above.

Abstract: This invention relates to vessel for high pressure and optionally high temperature processes. More specifically it relates to a pressure vessel having a non-threaded plug, the vessel being useful as a chemical reactor and for polymer processing at high pressures and optionally elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A ventable container for materials to be heated (preferably digested) by microwave radiation includes a movable rupture diaphragm in a venting passageway in a closure or cover for such container. Such diaphragm is tightenable into place so that the container is sealed and in such sealed state is protected by the rupture diaphragm against pressures that could develop in the container that are higher than that for which it was designed. An important feature of the invention is that the rupture diaphragm is controllably movable, when desired, to open positions to vent the container during heating and afterward, and is resealable after such venting. Because of the chemical reactivity of the reagents utilized in digestions an inner chemically resistant liner is desirably employed in conjunction with a physically stronger outer body, with the outer body giving the liner enough strength to withstand pressures developed during the heating.

Abstract: A possible counterflow of a fermenting solution (8) from a fermentation tank (1) into a heating medium supply pipe (2), which counterflow may be caused by a pressure difference arising between the inner space (7) of the tank (1) and the pipe (2) after the supply of a heating medium is finished, is prevented by making the pressure difference disappear with a check valve (6) connected to the pipe (2) in the direction from the inner space (7) of the tank (1) to the pipe (2).

Abstract: A high temperature, high pressure chemical digestion vessel comprising an inner container within which digestion is to take place under high temperature and high pressure conditions. The container is provided with a vent. A replaceable, rupturable pressure release disk is provided having a predetermined rupture pressure for being sealingly interposed in covering relation to the vent to seal the container and thereby enclose a substance to be digested in the container. The disk ruptures and releases pressure within the container if pressure within the container reaches the predetermined rupture pressure. The pressure release disk comprises a flat sheet material. A seal cap is provided for holding the pressure release disk in sealing relation to the vent in the container. An outer pressure resisting-casement is provided for receiving the container therein and providing support to the container.

Abstract: A portable carbonator includes a built-in CO.sub.2 supply system which operates on disposable gas generating cartridges. The system requires no electrical power and is self-sufficient and automatic. CO.sub.2 gas is generated by a chemical reaction between reagents which carbonates and/or propels the water. Whenever carbonated water is drawn, the reagents react and generate more CO.sub.2 so as to maintain a constant pressure of the carbonated water.

Abstract: The application is directed to methods and apparatus for venting a pressurized sterilizer chamber having a liquid load within it. A sterilizer chamber is provided with a pressure sensor for sensing the chamber pressure and a vent channel with an associated vent valve. The vent valve is opened to vent pressure from the chamber, and has an orifice providing a maximum flow coefficient substantially larger than a standard bleed valve. A microprocessor-based sterilizer controller monitors chamber pressure and opens and closes the vent valve. The venting phase is regulated by means of a series of vent cycles. An individual vent cycle is intiated by starting a software timer to time a preset interval. The controller records a starting chamber pressure and opens the vent valve. The controller monitors the chamber pressure, and when the pressure has dropped from the starting pressure by a selected maximum amount, closes the vent valve until the timer interval has elapsed.