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.

Abstract: In an unplumbed sterilizer, a measured quantity of liquid is introduced into a partially evacuated chamber in a dump period. The liquid quantity is automatically controlled by closing a valve in the additional conduit upon the occurrence of either (a) the chamber pressure attaining a preset value, or (b) elapsing of a preset time, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: The device has an opening provided through a side wall of the fluidization enclosure and a tube extends outside a enclosure and substantially perpendicular thereto. A duct is connected substantially perpendicularly to the tube and extends downwards. A piston is slidably mounted in sealed manner inside the tube to slide between a first position in which it constitutes a panel closing the opening and a second position in which it at least partially uncovers the opening of the duct into the tube, and control means for controlling displacement of the piston inside the tube.

Abstract: For the treatment of exhaust gases, more particularly the catalytic treatment of exhaust gases from IC engines, and more especially the exhaust gases of an automobile, the exhaust gases are passed through a preconverter associated with a main converter and designed for cold start conditions, as long as the engine is in a first operating condition thereof, in which the exhaust gas temperature is not sufficient to activate the main converter. As soon as a second operating state is attained, in which the exhaust gas temperature activates the main converter, the exhaust gases are passed in parallel via the preconverter and the main converter.

Abstract: A high pressure to low pressure transition in the steam production within sulfur condensers feeding cold bed adsorption reactors in an extended Claus process sulfur recovery plant is prevented from affecting recovery by maintaining a sufficiently cold reactor in final position to absorb potentially emissions affecting increase in final reactor feed temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed an autoclave system incorporating a sterilization chamber and a reservoir. The reservoir is coupled to the sterilization chamber by means of a selectively operated valve. A microcontroller in conjunction with timing means computes a time necessary to place a predetermined amount of water into the sterilization chamber to assure that a proper sterilization cycle will be implemented. The apparatus determines the amount of time required to operate the valve based on the water level in the reservoir. The system is initilized with a full reservoir of water and bases all successive computations for valve operation from this point. Thus the valve is operated according to a given time duration, which time duration is computed according to the number of sterilization cycles previously performed by the autoclave system.

Abstract: A polynucleotide synthesizer comprises a supply mechanism for supplying a) liquid reactants for synthesizing peptides or polynucleotides, b) liquid reagents that assist in the synthesis, and c) a wash liquid; a reactor column; a connecting device for fluidly connecting the supply mechanism with the column; apparatus for positively displacing with gas pressure, liquid reactants and reagents, and wash liquid from the supply mechanism into the connecting device; and a controller connected to the column for allowing liquid to flow under the force of the gas pressure and at a controlled rate, into a temporary storage chamber and for thereafter emptying the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring nonvolatile residue concentrations in liquid is disclosed. A plurality of fixed and adjustable flow restrictive elements are utilized and arranged in-line from a fluid supply source to provide a constant, pressure controlled flow of liquid to the measuring apparatus and allow for real-time measurements and optimal concentration detection. An atomizer atomizes the liquid into droplets which are dried to nonvolatile residue particles. The nonvolatile residue particle concentration is then determined utilizing an electrostatic aerosol detector. The invention further discloses apparatus for collecting a sample of nonvolatile residue for analysis and identification using a corona precipitator.

Abstract: The corrosion tendencies of polymers of 4-methyl-1-pentene, when combined with tris-(3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate and bis-(2,4-ditert-butyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite are reduced. Optionally, metal stearates can be added to further reduce the polymer corrosion tendencies.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing objects, including an enclosed chamber having an inlet and an outlet. Also included are walls defining and separately enclosing a preheat zone, a sterilization zone and cooling zone respectively between the inlet and the outlet. The preheat zone includes an exhaust stack for discharging air from the apparatus. The exhaust unit has a temperature sensor for adjusting the amount of exhaust air based upon the temperature in the exhaust stack. The cooling zone includes a recirculating device for directing air from the cooling zone to the preheat zone. It also includes a regulator to control the amount of air directed by the recirculating device, based upon air pressure in the cooling zone.

Abstract: A reactor unit for use in extended Claus process plants comprising three or more reactor units, each alternating between operation under high temperature Claus and cold bed adsorption conditions, comprises a sulfur condenser upstream of an associated downstream reactor which are rotated as a unit through operations in the plant. This reduces the number of condensers required. In a further aspect, a potential surge in the plant low pressure steam system is eliminated in comparison with previous similar extended Claus plants.

Abstract: The disclosed pressurized vessel has a door seal which is pressurized by a steam supply. A diaphragm actuated solenoid valve is connected between the steam supply and the door seal. The diaphragm solenoid valve precludes the door seal from depressurizing unless the pressure within the vessel is within a preselected pressure tolerance. Also, a check valve is provided to preclude the door seal from completely depressurizing if the pressure at the steam supply is interrupted.

Abstract: The venting mechanism for discharging steam from a sterilizing chamber has a variable effective orifice area controllable in response to decreasing pressure. The throughput of the venting mechanism increases as the pressure decreases, thereby compressing the venting stage of a sterilization cycle without increasing the loss of liquid inherently experienced in sterilizing liquid loads.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for conducting a catalytic reaction of H.sub.2 S and SO.sub.2 to elementary sulfur provides for at least two catalyst beds and that at least one part of one of the catalyst beds is operated during the reaction at below the sulfur dew point, preferably below the solids condensation point, and above the water dew point. The adsorbed and deposited sulfur is removed by heating and evaporation. At least two serially connected and interchangeable reactors are employed in preferably a single flow direction in one cycle, and the flow direction of the gas stream is reversed in a second cycle by means of a multiway fitting.

Abstract: The sample and the reagent required for titration are fed into a titration vessel (1), the reagent and/or sample being supplied intermittently in the form of pulses of liquid. Toward this end, a controlled valve (9) is provided in the supply line (4) for the reagent. The opening and closing times of this valve (9) and, hence, the frequency and duration of the pulses of liquid, are chosen such that the ratio of the average sample flow to the average reagent flow is sufficient to achieve the ratio of sample to the reagent at the equivalence point. This renders continuous titration possible, for which only one pump (7) is needed, which does not require any complex servo system and, therefore, has a low energy consumption.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for at least two catalytic converters which are connected in series in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle. A by-pass is disposed in parallel with a first catalytic converter which is connected in the vicinity of the engine. Valve drive means serves to drive a control valve for controlling the ratio between the amounts of exhaust gas introduced into the first catalytic converter and the by-pass. Control means serves to calculate the deviation between a reference value and a temperature value, which is associated with the catalyst-bed temperature of the first catalytic converter, and is detected by temperature detecting means, and to deliver a drive signal to the valve drive means in accordance with the deviation, thereby controlling the opening of the control valve.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic gaseous phase reaction of a reactive gas wherein the heat of reaction generated produces a temperature elevation of less than about 150.degree. C. in the substantially adiabatic reaction system, the improvement comprising:heating the cold reactive gas by passing it through a heated regenerative material present in the first portion of a vessel;passing the heated reactive gas through a solid catalyst for the reaction present in a second portion of the vessel to form a gaseous product stream;redirecting the gaseous product stream;passing the redirected gaseous product stream through the solid catalyst for the reaction present in the second portion of the vessel to form additional gaseous product,cooling the gaseous product stream by passing it through a cooled regenerative material present in the first portion of the vessel; andperiodically reversing the flow direction in the portions of the reaction system.

Abstract: An installation for chemical conversion of a gas mixture containing hydrogen and hydrocarbons comprises a series of reactors in which the gas mixture undergoes endothermic reactions at temperatures within the range of 350.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. A furnace is placed upstream of each reactor for reheating the gas mixture prior to introduction into the reactor. The furnaces are equipped with electric heating resistors which are intended to be placed in direct contact with the gas mixture as it is introduced into each furnace.

Abstract: A plug valve which effects the immediate and intimate mixing of fluidizable cracking catalyst with a fluid hydrocarbon in a riser reactor. Specifically there is an elongated feed tube extending generally upwardly through the acess opening into the riser, anda plug valve having a generally upright tubular valve stem positioned concentrically and externally around a portion of the feed tube and a hollow plug secured to the valve stem which is engageable with said access opening, where the plug valve is movable in a reciprocating fashion from a closed position for blocking the access opening to an open position for permitting the flow of cracking catalyst through the access opening into the riser reactor.

Abstract: A steam sterilization system for a fitting machine having dispensing nozzles connected to a source of product supply, the sterilizing system including a novel autoclave apparatus and a novel condensate purge system. The autoclave structure causes sterilizing steam to flow downward through the inside of the dispensing nozzle to its open ended bottom where it reverses and flows upward between the inside face of a reversing tube and the outside face of the dispensing nozzle to a series of holes through the sidewall of the reversing tube where it emerges and goes down between the outside face of the reversing tube and the inside face of the autoclave shell thereafter passing down into a steam and condensate line. Condensate formed within the dispensing tube drips out the bottom of the dispensing tube and through an aperture at the bottom of the reversing tube, the condensate effectively sealing the bottom of the reversing tube to steam.

Abstract: Flue gases containing crackable and combustible volatiles e.g. from a wood-burning stove are passed through a catalytic combustor having two spaced catalytic units each having small longitudinally extending catalytic flow passages. Air supplied into a chamber between the two units supports after-combustion of combustible volatiles in the downstream catalytic unit. Some pre-cracking and combustion takes place in the upstream catalytic unit, which serves as a gas collimator and disallows any flow of air from the intermediate chamber into the fire box of the stove, whereby combustion in the fire box can be closely controlled to increase production of combustible volatiles. Each unit may have flow passages which decrease in cross-sectional size and increase in length toward the central portion of the unit, thus encouraging uniformity of flow of the flue gases and of the catalytic reaction over the entire cross section of each unit.

Abstract: A steam sterilization system for a filling machine having dispensing nozzles connected to a source of product supply, the sterilizing system including a novel autoclave apparatus and a novel condensate purge system. The autoclave structure causes sterilizing steam to flow downward through the inside of the dispensing nozzle to its open ended bottom where it reverses and flows upward between the inside face of a reversing tube and the outside face of the dispensing nozzle to a series of holes through the sidewall of the reversing tube where it emerges and goes down between the outside face of the reversing tube and the inside face of the autoclave shell thereafter passing down into a steam and condensate line. Condensate formed within the dispensing tube drips out the bottom of the dispensing tube and through an aperture at the bottom of the reversing tube, the condensate effectively sealing the bottom of the reversing tube to steam.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously removing residual sulfur from a naptha stream has a primary manganous oxide absorber, a secondary parallel manganous oxide absorber and valve and duct means for by-passing the primary absorber and directing the naptha feed stream to the secondary absorber. The apparatus also includes means for removing manganous oxide from the primary absorber and nitrogen purge means for purging the same.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus for packaging containers is equipped with a closable preparation apparatus for a mixture of hot air and sterilizing agent vapor and a sterilizing chamber, into which containers to be sterilized are introduced. The closure means for the sterilizing chamber includes means for suspending a container to be sterilized within the sterilizing chamber. In order to realize a reduced use of sterilizing agent and heating energy, the apparatus has a circulatory system of mixture supply. The sterilizing chamber, as well as a bypass parallel to it, forms a part of this circulatory system. The bypass and the sterilizing chamber are alternately connected with the circulatory system by means of a reversing valve during nonsterilizing and sterilizing periods. A circulating blower, an air heater, and a preparation apparatus are also part of the circulatory system.

Abstract: A system and process produce high actual levels of sulfur recovery from acid gas. The system includes two conventional Claus reactors and two cold bed adsorption (CBA) reactors. Four condensers are provided, one disposed before each of the catalytic reactors, and one disposed after the CBA reactor. The system includes a gas clean-up treatment zone for hydrogenation, drying and oxidation of gas to provide stoichiometric ratio of H.sub.2 S and SO.sub.2. The gas is passed through the clean-up treatment zone prior to being fed to the first of the CBA reactors. The system is designed to operate either in a recovery mode or in a regeneration mode. In the recovery mode, the reactors are in series and the CBA reactors are operated below dew point of sulfur. In regeneration mode, effluent from the clean-up treatment zone is heated in a heat exchanger using effluent from the first catalytic reactor as the heat source.

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

Abstract: A straight-through four reactor system and process is disclosed for obtaining high levels of sulfur recovery from acid gas at a cost equal to or less than that required for a standard modified four reactor Claus system. Two conventional Claus reactors and two cold bed adsorption (CBA) reactors are in series. Four condensers are provided, one disposed before each of the Claus and CBA catalytic reactors. A first heater and a first bypass line is disposed between the second condenser and the second catalytic reactor (second Claus reactor) and a second heater and a second bypass line is disposed between the third condenser and the third catalytic reactor (first CBA reactor). The system is designed to operate either with both CBA reactors in a recovery mode or with one CBA reactor in a regeneration mode and the other CBA reactor in a recovery mode. When both reactors are operating in the recovery mode, the system is similar to the standard modified Claus system.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon vapors containing HF, as from an HF alkylation refrigerated vent gas yield, the reactor settler, and the like are charged to a liquid knock-out drum to remove entrained liquid therefrom, the recovered liquid being pumped to storage in response to liquid level control on the knock-out drum. Recovered vapors are charged to a circulating aqueous caustic treater to yield HF-free vapors, as to a flare. The circulating caustic solution is indirectly heated in response to a preselected caustic solution temperature to prevent freezing. A high pressure rupture disc, upstream from the knock-out drum, affords a vapor relief safety by-pass of the treater. Dry gas, such as nitrogen or sweet, natural gas, continuously sweeps the relief line to maintain this line open and operable.

Abstract: A method and control apparatus for the safe and effective ultimate disposal of spent biocidal gases such as alkylene oxides after their use in a reactor, including hopsital-type gaseous sterilizers, to reduce the concentration of viable organisms present as contaminants in articles treated in the reactor. The disposal is carried out in a manner to prevent air contaminating release of objectionable material into the atmosphere. The process includes the steps of pumping the biocidal gas from the reactor, delivering the gas to a combustion chamber fitted with a flue gas stack, and igniting and burning the gas in the combustion chamber in the presence of and aided by an added auxiliary combustible fuel augmented by a supply of air. Safety devices such as temperature controls and sensors, flame sensors, flash arrestors, and automatic shut off valves minimize potential hazards.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating system which produces hydrogen instantaneously from water ready for use upon demand. The system includes a reactor that has reaction zones wherein catalyst and elevated temperatures generate hydrogen from steam. The zones in the reactor can be in the form of tubes about a heat generating chamber, and the zones are adapted to be interconnected to each other, to atmosphere, and to the source of steam, all to maximize the generation of hydrogen by providing a reactor of optimum flexibility.The present invention also is directed to systems which include the hydrogen generating system and which utilize the generated hydrogen as a fuel or as a chemical.

Abstract: Gas consisting of air mixed with varying concentrations of solvent vapors, drawn from a dryer, is passed through controllable heating means to a catalyst bed. In flow through the catalyst bed, for oxidation of the vapors, temperature rise of the gas depends upon solvent concentration. For control of the heating means, so that gas at the bed inlet will have a temperature high enough for complete vapor oxidation but not so high as to be unnecessarily hot at the bed outlet, thermocouples are located to sense gas temperature at the bed inlet and outlet. Like terminals of the thermocouples are connected to opposite ends of a potentiometer resistance element; its slider is connected with a comparison device that compares the potentiometer output (corresponding to a weighted average of bed inlet and outlet temperatures) with a demand value. The heating means consists of a controllable fuel burner and a heat exchanger wherein hot gas from the catalyst bed can heat gas flowing to the burner.

Abstract: The invention is for a fixed bed reactor with two phase gas and liquid flow. The reactor has at least one auxiliary bed of solid particles disposed above the main bed of solid particles. The auxiliary bed has separate liquid and gas bypasses comprised of hollow tubing extending through the auxiliary bed. Liquid receptacles provide a liquid seal above the liquid bypasses, thereby preventing gas from bypassing along with the liquid. The liquid spilled from the flow receptacles seeks its lowest level and flows through the auxiliary bed, thereby leaving only the gas to flow through the gas bypasses. This separate feed arrangement allows for a low pressure drop bypassing of the auxiliary bed, when the auxiliary bed becomes fouled and clogged. The invention is also applicable to other apparatuses which use a flow arrangement similar to fixed bed reactors, but which do not necessarily utilize a chemical reaction. One example of such apparatus is a packed absorption tower having co-current downflow of gas and liquid.

Abstract: A continuous process for the alkylation of an alkylatable hydrocarbon with an alkylating agent in the presence of an acid-type catalyst, including; contacting an alkylatable hydrocarbon with an alkylating agent in the presence of an acid-type catalyst at a temperature and pressure and for a time sufficient to alkylate the alkylatable hydrocarbon; separating the reaction effluent stream into an alkylate product phase and a catalyst phase containing catalyst-soluble oil; cooling the catalyst phase to a temperature essentially equal to the alkylation reaction temperature; recycling the cooled catalyst phase to the alkylation reaction; contacting a diolefinic hydrocarbon with an acid-type catalyst at a temperature and pressure sufficient to form additional catalyst-soluble oil and combining the additional catalyst-soluble oil with the circulating catalyst phase.

Abstract: A trapper apparatus arranged in the exhaust line of a diesel engine, provided with a pair of transversely separated trapper units and with a valve plate arranged before units for selectively introducing the exhaust gas from the engine into one of the units. The valve plate is further provided with a pair of fuel injection nozzles each of which is adapted for communicating a common fuel inlet with one of the trapper units which is closed by the valve plate.

Abstract: A chemical plant, wherein gaseous reactants are converted in an exothermic chemical reaction to a reaction product, is combined with a semi-closed Brayton-cycle power plant to utilize the heat of reaction to generate power. Specifically, in one embodiment, an ammonia synthesis plant, wherein gaseous nitrogen and hydrogen are catalytically converted to ammonia, is combined with a semi-closed Brayton-cycle power plant to utilize the heat of reaction of the ammonia synthesis reaction to generate power.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote biological decontamination of a space with formaldehyde and subsequent generation of a formaldehyde neutralizing agent so as to permit immediate access to the space is disclosed. The apparatus is completely self-contained and includes a control mechanism for automatically sequencing the various steps in the biological decontamination of the space.

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

Abstract: In the purification of hydrocarbon streams containing HF by chemical reaction with potassium hydroxide, a small portion of the hydrocarbon stream containing HF is passed through a small test bed of solid KOH; and when excess HF is present in the hydrocarbon stream to be purified, the temperature of the test bed increase significantly and rapidly and the flow of hydrocarbon is discontinued to the main treater responsive to the temperature in the test bed thereby preventing the treater temperature from exceeding a preselected maximum allowable value. In one embodiment, the main hydrocarbon charge is by-passed around the main KOH treater and introduced into the effluent from the treater; and in another embodiment, the hydrocarbon charge is returned to a settling zone following alkylation and prior to separation facilities utilized to process the hydrocarbon phase.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a reactor of the tubular type, with a high heat exchange, for the catalytic production under high pressure of alpha-olefine polymers and copolymers, in particular polymers and copolymers of ethylene.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for purifying the exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, wherein a plurality of catalytic layers are arrayed in series and spaced apart by a predetermined distance from each other, and bypass paths are provided in such a way that except for the last catalytic layer, a part of the exhaust gases may bypass each catalytic layer without making contact therewith and may directly flow into the next catalytic layer.

Abstract: Exhaust gases from diesel and some other engines vary in temperature from about 100.degree. C. to about 800.degree. C. Exhaust is passed along with ammonia to a first reactor wherein the ammonia reduces nitric oxide at temperatures down to a threshold temperature between about 220.degree. C. to about 280.degree. C. Above this threshold temperature the effluent from the reactor is passed to the exhaust. When the first reactor effluent is at a temperature below the threshold temperature, it is passed through a second reactor after intermediate cooling, wherein it contacts an ammonium halide on activated charcoal catalyst at a temperature of 100.degree. C. to 170.degree. C., which catalyst catalizes the low temperature reduction of nitric oxide with ammonia.