Abstract: Computer-based process modeling and simulation methods and systems combine first principles models and machine learning models to benefit where either model is lacking. In one example, input values (measurements) are adjusted by first principles techniques. A machine learning model of the chemical process of interest is trained on the adjusted values. In another example, a machine learning model represents the residual (delta) between a first principles model prediction and empirical data. Residual machine learning models correct physical phenomena predictions in a first principles model of the chemical process. In another example, a first principles simulation model uses the process input data and predictions of the machine learning model to generate simulated results of the chemical process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for oxidizing gas are provided. An example regenerative oxidizer is provided that includes a combustion chamber to heat gas present in the combustion chamber. The regenerative oxidizer also includes a first heat exchange media bed and a second heat exchange media bed, each in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The regenerative oxidizer also includes a rotary valve disposed at least partially between the first heat exchange media bed and the second heat exchange media bed. The rotary valve may alternate the flow of gas between a first and a second airflow direction. The first heat exchange media bed, the rotary valve, and the second heat exchange media bed are arranged with respect to each other such that the gas pathway between the first heat exchange media bed and the rotary valve and between the second heat exchange media bed and the rotary valve is non-linear.

Abstract: The system for treating exhaust gas comprises an exhaust duct, a catalytic converter arranged in the exhaust duct and an injector for injecting a substance into the system. The system further comprises a bypass duct bypassing a section of the exhaust duct, wherein the bypass duct is arranged such that only part of the catalytic converter is bypassed by the bypass duct.

Abstract: A combined particulate filter and hydrocarbon trap for use in collecting particulate matter and trapping hydrocarbons present in exhaust gas is disclosed. The particulate filter comprises a porous substrate having both inlet and outlet surfaces which are separated from each other by the porous substrate wherein either or both of the inlet and outlet surfaces are coated with a washcoat comprising a hydrocarbon adsorbent material. The hydrocarbon adsorbent material is one or a combination of molecular sieves and the hydrocarbon adsorbent comprises both Ag and Pd, both Ag and Pt or all three of Ag, Pt and Pd.

Abstract: The invention relates to a commercially viable modular ceramic oxygen transport membrane reforming reactor configured using repeating assemblies of oxygen transport membrane tubes and catalytic reforming reactors.

Abstract: A device, comprising a conduit for an aqueous stream, a mixing tube located inside the conduit, having a static mixer inside the mixing tube, an outlet open to the conduit and an inlet, a sulphuric acid supply tube connected to the inlet of the mixing tube and a hydrogen peroxide supply tube, arranged inside the sulphuric acid supply tube and having an outlet for hydrogen peroxide at the inlet of said mixing tube, and a method, where an aqueous stream is passed through the conduit of the device, 85 to 98% by weight sulphuric acid is introduced to the sulphuric acid supply tube of the device and 50 to 80% by weight aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is introduced to the hydrogen peroxide supply tube of the device, provide a dilute aqueous solution of peroxomonosulphuric acid without a risk of exposing operating personnel to concentrated peroxomonosulphuric acid.

Abstract: A modular chemical production system includes multiple modules for performing a chemical reaction, particularly of radiochemical compounds, from a remote location. One embodiment comprises a reaction vessel including a moveable heat source with the position thereof relative to the reaction vessel being controllable from a remote position. Alternatively the heat source may be fixed in location and the reaction vial is moveable into and out of the heat source. The reaction vessel has one or more sealing plugs, the positioning of which in relationship to the reaction vessel is controllable from a remote position. Also the one or more reaction vessel sealing plugs can include one or more conduits there through for delivery of reactants, gases at atmospheric or an elevated pressure, inert gases, drawing a vacuum and removal of reaction end products to and from the reaction vial, the reaction vial with sealing plug in position being operable at elevated pressures.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a hydraulically actuated dispenser for dispensing an additive into a treating chamber of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a storage chamber, a lid, and a hydraulic cylinder that is fluidly connected to a water source external to the dishwasher. The hydraulic cylinder opens the dispenser lid at a predetermined point in a washing operation such that the additive is released into the treating chamber.

Abstract: The exhaust line for a heat engine comprises, between an exhaust inlet and an exhaust outlet, a nitrogen oxide trap which is fitted on a filtering portion. It comprises, between the nitrogen oxide trap and the exhaust inlet, a branching portion which is capable of branching the exhaust gases away from the nitrogen oxide trap and switching means for the exhaust gases in order to cause them to flow through the filtering portion or branching portion.

Abstract: A system for optimizing and controlling a circulating fluidized bed combustion (FBC) system (7) and an air pollution control (APC) system (9) includes a controller (205, 305, 406) and an optimizer (210, 310). The controller (205, 305, 406) is connected to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9). The optimizer (210, 310) is connected to the controller (205, 305, 406). The optimizer (210, 310) provides an optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) to the controller (205, 305, 406) based on an economic parameter (235, 335, 435) and system outputs (230, 330) from the FBC system (7) and the APC system (9). The controller (205, 305, 406) provides an optimized input (215, 315) to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9) based on the optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) from the optimizer (210, 310) to optimize operation of the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9).

Abstract: The present invention is an exhaust mode selector system which is able to control an exhaust system, as the exhaust system changes to accommodate various driving conditions. The exhaust system includes various exhaust flow paths to configure the exhaust system for operating in a highway mode, used for when the vehicle is operating on the highway, and a city mode, used for when the vehicle is operating under city driving conditions. A controller is able to position one or more valves to various configurations to transition between city driving and highway driving. Each of the valves being configurable provides for optimization of the balance between required power, fuel economy, and noise reduction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for software-reconfigurable chemical process systems useful in a wide range of applications. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable “Lab-on-a-Chip” or “embedded chemical processor” is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal.

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.

Abstract: An engine exhaust gas purification device comprising control unit having successively arranged switching device (1), counter-current heat exchanger (3) and at least one exhaust gas purification component (2). The switching device (1) has a first position where a flow path (6) of the exhaust gas to the exhaust gas purification component (2) is opened and a second position where a flow path (6) of the exhaust gas to the exhaust gas purification component (2) is blocked and the exhaust gas flows along a further flow path (7) where the exhaust gas is heated and conveyed, via a flow path (20) of the exhaust gas purification component (2), and exits the exhaust gas purification unit (5) through outlet channels (4) of the counter-current heat exchanger (3). The switching device, the exhaust gas purification component, the counter-current heat exchanger and the flow paths are integrated in a compact exhaust gas treatment unit.

Abstract: An engine exhaust gas purification device comprising control unit having successively arranged switching device (1), counter-current heat exchanger (3) and at least one exhaust gas purification component (2). The switching device (1) has a first position where a flow path (6) of the exhaust gas to the exhaust gas purification component (2) is opened and a second position where a flow path (6) of the exhaust gas to the exhaust gas purification component (2) is blocked and the exhaust gas flows along a further flow path (7) where the exhaust gas is heated and conveyed, via a flow path (20) of the exhaust gas purification component (2), and exits the exhaust gas purification unit (5) through outlet channels (4) of the counter-current heat exchanger (3). The switching device, the exhaust gas purification component, the counter-current heat exchanger and the flow paths are integrated in a compact exhaust gas treatment unit.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine, the system being provided with: an exhaust gas purification device (13) that is provided in an exhaust gas passage (12) of the internal combustion engine (1); a preceding stage catalyst (14) that is provided in the exhaust gas passage (12) at an upstream side of the exhaust gas purification device (13) and passed through by a part of exhaust gas that flows through the exhaust gas passage (12); a bypass passage (31) that directly introduces exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine (1) into the exhaust gas passage (12) at a downstream side of the preceding stage catalyst (14); and a bypass valve (34) that opens/closes the bypass passage (31).

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into a gas. In particular, the control system is designed to be configurable for use in controlling one or more processes implemented in, and/or by, a gasification system for the conversion of such feedstock into a gas, which may be used for one or more downstream applications. Gasification processes controllable by different embodiments of the disclosed control system may include in various combinations, a converter, a residue conditioner, a recuperator and/or heat exchanger system, one or more gas conditioners, a gas homogenization system and one or more downstream applications. The control system operatively controls various local, regional and/or global processes related to the overall gasification process, and thereby adjusts various control parameters thereof adapted to affect these processes for a selected result.

Abstract: A method for purifying polluted air having particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants is provided. The method comprising: separately purifying and treating particle phase and gaseous phase pollutants present in the air; providing a dust cleaning apparatus, a catalytic filter core and a valve for controlling an airflow path within an air purification apparatus; controlling the airflow path for the air to bypass the catalytic filter core in a way that: if the amount of particle phase pollutants is above a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core; if the amount of particle phase pollutants is less than a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for purifying polluted air consisting of particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants, the apparatus (10) comprising: a dust level sensor (23) to measure the amount of particle phase pollutants in the polluted air; a dust removal component (14) to remove the particle phase pollutants from the polluted air; a catalyst filtering core (17) to decompose the gaseous phase pollutants by chemical reaction; a valve (22) for selectively controlling a path of air flow within the apparatus (10) and is movable between an open position and closed position, the valve (22) being positioned downstream from the dust removal component (14); wherein if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is above a predetermined value, the valve (22) is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core (17); and if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is less than a predetermined value, the valve (22)

Abstract: A hydrogen generator (100) of the present invention includes: a raw material supplying device (4) configured to supply a raw material containing a sulfur constituent; a hydrogen supplying device (7) configured to generate hydrogen by electrolysis of water; a hydro-desulfurizer (5) configured to remove the sulfur constituent of the raw material by using the hydrogen generated by the hydrogen supplying device (7), the raw material being supplied from the raw material supplying device (4); and a reformer (1) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction of the raw material from which the sulfur constituent is removed by the hydro-desulfurizer (5).

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.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for purifying polluted air consisting of particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants, the apparatus (10) comprising: a dust level sensor (23) to measure the amount of particle phase pollutants in the polluted air; a dust removal component (14) to remove the particle phase pollutants from the polluted air; a catalyst filtering core (17) to decompose the gaseous phase pollutants by chemical reaction; a valve (22) for selectively controlling a path of air flow within the apparatus (10) and is movable between an open position and closed position, the valve (22) being positioned downstream from the dust removal component (14); wherein if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is above a predetermined value, the valve (22) is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core (17); and if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is less than a predetermined value, the valve (22)

Abstract: An installation and process for producing hydrogen, which includes a purification unit for purifying a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas and for producing hydrogen and a waste gas, along with the additional equipment required in order to continue operation in the event of a purification unit shutdown.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of gases into a reaction chamber used in processing semiconductor devices includes a safety interlock feature that prevents inadvertent mixing of incompatible, reactive gases. The interlock feature is implemented in an interlock control circuit which operates a valve system for individually controlling the flow of separate gases into the chamber. The interlock circuit includes a series of relay switches and timers arranged to create a time delay between the initiation of flow of gases from separate sources into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention improves the start-up characteristics of a fuel gas generating apparatus for a fuel cell comprising a reformer. In a fuel gas generating apparatus 1 for a fuel cell comprising a vaporizer 22 that generates a fuel vapor by vaporizing a raw liquid fuel, a reformer 11 that generates a reforming gas that includes hydrogen from the raw fuel gas that has been partially oxidized by adding reforming air to the fuel vapor generated by the vaporizer 22, and a CO eliminator 13 that generates a fuel gas having carbon monoxide eliminated by adding a CO eliminating air to the reforming gas generated by the reformer 11, the supplied amount of the reforming air during the warm-up of the fuel gas generating apparatus for a fuel cell is larger than the supplied amount of reforming air during idle operation after completion of the warm-up.

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 valve (2), crossed by at least one channel (3), allowing to direct at least one fluid (F5) displaced by a transfer device within a test sample card (1), the card (1) featuring two faces (4 and 5) connected to one another (4) (5) by an edge (6). A card equipped with a device allowing several cards equipped with such valves to be implemented is made up of a flexible film (7), and/or which can be distorted, part of which is fixed to at least one of the faces (4 and/or 5) of said card (1) on the one hand, and a film compression device (7), which can be deactivated on the other hand. In addition, securing is carried out on at least one of the plane faces (4 and/or 5), for example, by a securing device located at the level of a recession (9) peripheral to the valve (2), such as a groove (9). The valve is particularly applicable in the field of diagnosis.

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: An automated device that couples a pair of differently sized sample loops with a syringe pump and a source of degassed water. A fluid sample is mounted at an inlet port and delivered to the sample loops. A selected sample from the sample loops is diluted in the syringe pump with the degassed water and fed to a flow through detector for analysis. The sample inlet is also directly connected to the syringe pump to selectively perform analysis without dilution. The device is airtight and used to detect oxygen-sensitive species, such as dithionite in groundwater following a remedial injection to treat soil contamination.

Abstract: This invention provides an ultra-micro simulated moving bed apparatus employing valve devices, each of which is applied to each unit column and comprises an eluent valve that opens or closes a first communication passage connecting an eluent feeding cul-de-sac passage with the circulation passage, an extract valve that opens or closes a second communication passage connecting an extract draw-out cul-de-sac passage with the circulation passage, a feedstock mixture valve that opens or closes a third communication passage connecting a feedstock mixture feeding cul-de-sac passage with the circulation passage, and a raffinate valve that opens or closes a fourth communication passage connecting a raffinate draw-out cul-de-sac passage with the circulation passage.

Abstract: A system for determining the effectiveness of a catalytic coating on a catalytic converter in a motor vehicle. The system provides a driver or maintenance staff status of the catalytic function provided by the catalytic coating on the catalytic converter which is downstream from a heat exchanger connected to a cooling system in an engine in a motor vehicle. The catalytic converter is arranged to be heated by an air flow passing through the catalytic converter. The catalytic coating on the catalytic converter converts environmentally harmful substances in ambient air into substances which are not harmful to the environment. The motor vehicle also includes a control unit and a sensor. The sensor is connected to the control unit and is able to determine a degree of conversion of one or more environmentally harmful substances by the catalytic coating on the catalytic converter.

Abstract: An automated device that couples a pair of differently sized sample loops with a syringe pump and a source of degassed water. A fluid sample is mounted at an inlet port and delivered to the sample loops. A selected sample from the sample loops is diluted in the syringe pump with the degassed water and fed to a flow through detector for analysis. The sample inlet is also directly connected to the syringe pump to selectively perform analysis without dilution. The device is airtight and used to detect oxygen-sensitive species, such as dithionite in groundwater following a remedial injection to treat soil contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an effective concentration of alkaline detergent in an aqueous medium in a warewashing machine, which apparatus comprises a batch-fill warewashing machine having an aqueous rinse system, an alkaline detergent dispenser and a sump sized for a predetermined volume of an aqueous solution of the alkaline detergent in the aqueous medium; a source of the aqueous medium fluidly connected to the rinse system; means for controlling the flow of the aqueous medium through the rinse system; diverting means for obtaining a predetermined portion of the aqueous flow from the rinse system and for directing the diverted portion through a metering cap and volume control to the alkaline detergent dispenser, thereby to dissolve the alkaline detergent; and means for directing the dissolved alkaline detergent to the sump; wherein the detergent is dispensed only in a rinse cycle and an effective concentration of alkaline detergent is maintained in the warewashing machine sump.

Abstract: A rinsing apparatus used in a simulated moving bed feed adsorption unit includes a plurality of beds of an adsorbent, each being connected by a fluid distribution arrangement comprising a line for distributing fluids to at least one feed inlet. The apparatus includes at least one desorbent (or solvent) inlet, at least one outlet for an extract and at least one outlet for a raffinate. Each is characterized in that each distribution line for each bed comprises at least one rinsing valve, all of the rinsing valves being connected to a line for circulating displaced fluid. The distribution line comprises a fluid circulation pump and a regulator for the flow rate of the fluid delivered by the pump. Each of the rinsing valves is connected to a controller for controlling the opening or closing of said valves. The apparatus is used for the separation of aromatic hydrocarbons containing 8 carbon atoms, and in particular for the production of very high purity para-xylene.

Abstract: The system for controlling oxygen flow in a gasification process of the instant invention comprises a suction control valve located between the oxygen source and the oxygen compressor. The suction control valve is adapted in order to open to deliver oxygen from the source to the compressor through the first pipe and to move to a reduced flow position to prevent excess delivery of oxygen from the source to the compressor. The system also comprises a second pipe which operably connects the oxygen compressor to a port of a gasifier. The system comprises a normally closed vent valve located between the oxygen compressor and the port of a gasifier. The system comprises a means located in the gasifier or in the gasifier effluent for detecting when it is necessary to change the oxygen flow to the gasifier and to actuate the suction control valve sufficient to change the oxygen flow.

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: Improved product purity is provided in a simulated moving bed adsorptive separation apparatus by flushing the stagnant volume of the feed valve and the transfer line connecting the feed valve to the rest of the apparatus. The invention adds another line for delivering recycle fluid as the flush stream to an additional inlet port on the feed valve. The apparatus comprises a number of serially connected adsorbent-containing chambers. The chambers are linked together with valving necessary to simulate the continuous countercurrent flow of the adsorbent and liquid phases.

Abstract: An apparatus for the two-stage selective oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide in a fuel stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The apparatus includes primary and secondary reaction chambers, which deliver a hydrogen-rich outlet gas stream having a carbon monoxide concentration of less than about 5 ppm. When an increase in the carbon monoxide concentration in the outlet stream of the primary reaction chamber is detected, then the flow through the primary reaction chamber is reversed. The selective oxidizer employs a temperature-based control strategy as an oxygen-containing gas stream flow rate adjustment around the flow rate initially set in direct proportion to the fuel gas stream flow rate. The control strategy regulates the amount of oxygen-containing gas mixed with the gaseous fuel stream as a function of the difference between the temperature at a location at or near the end of the primary reaction chamber and the temperature at the outlet of the primary reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recalibrating analytical instruments such as atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometers comprises the use of coupled piston pumps and valves in a fluid conduit system to obtain a sample value (h) during one half of a pump cycle and standard gradients (S1-S6) during the other half cycle. The piston pumps are actuated by cams of selected profiles to obtain a predetermined flow rate from each pump, the flow from each pump being selectively combined to construct standard gradients from two or more standard solutions and to effect autoranging of the standards in response to a previously determined sample value.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing a transfer conduit having(a) a source of steam connected to the transfer conduit,(b) a condensate conduit for draining steam condensate from the transfer conduit,(c) a valve in the condensate conduit having a valve body with an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the portions are separated by a rapidly opening flow control means, such as a diaphragm,(d) a temperature sensor in the upstream portion of the valve body, and(e) a temperature controller connected to the temperature sensor adapted to read the temperature in the upstream portion of the valve body and to open the valve when the temperature drops below a fixed set point and to close the valve when the temperature is above the fixed set point.A steam condensate drain control system and a steam condensate valve are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A thermal cycling system and method of use are described. The thermal cycling system is based on the-circulation of temperature-controlled water directly to the underside of thin-walled polycarbonate microtiter plates. The water flow is selected from a manifold fed by pumps from heated reservoirs. The plate wells are loaded with typically 15-20 .mu.l of reagent mix for the PCR process. Heat transfer through the thin polycarbonate is sufficiently rapid that the contents reach thermal equilibrium with the water in less than 15 seconds. Complete PCR amplification runs of 40 three-step cycles have been performed in as little as 14.5 minutes, with the results showing substantially enhanced specificity compared to conventional technology requiring run times in excess of 100 minutes. The plate clamping station is designed to be amenable to robotic loading and unloading of the system. It includes a heated lid, thus eliminating the need for mineral oil overlay of the reactants.

Abstract: A sterilization system for sterilizing a solution such as a parenteral solution or diluent generally includes an arrangement for supplying a solution to be sterilized from an associated source, at least one first heat-exchanger for elevating the temperature of the solution, and at least one second heat-exchanger for subsequently cooling the solution. The system further includes an arrangement for pressurizing the system with sterile gas which is used to effect "dry-start up" of the system and to shut-down the system to minimize product losses.

Abstract: The exhaust gas purification system for an engine with two banks provides a pair of bypasses for interchangeably communicating with each of the exhaust pipes from the two banks. A changeover valve is inserted at the junction point of the bypass and is inserted at the junction point of the bypass and the exhaust pipe for changing the flow of the exhaust gas. When the catalyst temperature is lower than a predetermined value, the exhaust gas flows directly into the catalyst. When the catalyst temperature is higher than the predetermined value, the exhaust gas flows into the bypasses for cooling the exhaust gas and then into the other side catalyst. Therefore, the activity performance of said catalyst is improved in both cold and hot states.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for supplying ozonated rinse water in a closed loop recirculating system to a rinsing apparatus for articles is described. The apparatus provides a pressure differential bypass line for providing a constant recirculating flow of ozonated water from a venturi directly to a water storage tank, bypassing the rinsing apparatus. Also included are a supply line to the rinsing apparatus and a diverted supply line for diverting flow back to the storage tank and bypassing the rinsing apparatus. The supply line and the diverted supply line have a normally closed solenoid valve and a normally open solenoid valve, respectively, for controlling the flow of ozonated water between them and maintaining and regulating pressure and volume of water for optimizing injection of ozone into the water and for maintaining ozone in the water.

Abstract: A method for deodorization of cork accomplished by applying steam volatilization to remove substances originating offensive odor in the cork is disclosed. The method has a first step of putting the cork into a container, a second step of supplying steam generated in a steam generator to the container, and a third step of discharging the steam along with the substance originating the offensive odor from the container. An apparatus for deodorization of cork by this method is also disclosed.

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 method and apparatus for conducting a catalytic distillation process is provided which allows for maintaining a liquid level in selected portions of the catalyst bed. Three particular processes disclosed are the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether, tertiary butyl alcohol and cumene.

Abstract: This invention provides a multipurpose volumetric chemical reaction system which operates at constant pressure and volume, and has electronic automation means for calculating kinetic parameters and a concentration-time plot from the system data output.The automated system is adapted to conduct and monitor either gas-consuming or gas-generating reactions. Gas input or gas venting is accomplished in timed constant volume pulses.

Abstract: The vehicle comprises a sample receiving reservoir (15), a plurality of test stations each comprising an FCFD or other capillary fill sensor cell (3), and passage (22) for providing fluid communication between the reservoir and a conduit with which end portions of said cells communicated such that in use sample from the reservoir may be fed to the plurality of cells substantially simultaneously. The vehicle makes it easier to know time zero for each assay. Passage (22) providing fluid connection may comprise at least one pore in a wall of the reservoir, the or each pore being of a size such that surface tension of the liquid normally prevents escape of ligand. Rotation of the vehicle breaks surface tension and liquid is released into the conduit.

Abstract: A method for removing hydrocarbons from a stream of compressed air for use in a compressed air supply and delivery system of the type wherein a supply of compressed air is provided by a lubricated or non-lubricated air compressor includes the passing of the compressed air from the lubricated air compressor through a catalytic oxidation system to remove hydrocarbons, including vapor phase hydrocarbons, from the compressed air stream. The method contemplates feeding the stream of compressed air from an outlet of the air compressor to a treatment station, which treatment station utilizes a catalytic oxidation system to remove the hydrocarbons from the compressed air stream, thereby oxidizing the hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water and removing a predetermined, relatively high percentage of existing hydrocarbons from the compressed air stream prior to reaching downstream portions of the delivery system and any connected utilization apparatus.