Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating an anaerobic or microaerophlic atmosphere. A package consisting of a foil envelope has internal compartments for a hydrogen generating material, for a catalyst and for receiving water. The catalyst compartment is provided with a flash arrestor. Water, on being added to the envelope, reacts with the hydrogen generating material. The liberated hydrogen then reacts catalytically with oxygen in the atmosphere external to the package.

Abstract: A low pressure detonation arrestor arrangement for pipes or pipelines. The arrangement comprises an absorbent section interposed between two flame arrestors. The absorbent section may comprise an acoustically absorbent material or a wire mesh screen. The detonation arrestor arrangement is capable of arresting detonations propagating in either direction.

Abstract: A flame arresting method, conduit section and apparatus for the safe disposal of combustible waste gases from a source such as a reactor. The invention involves providing a waste gas conduit section with a flame-detecting chamber and one or more upstream snuffing chambers divided by flame arresting grid members, and automatically introducing snuffing gases to the snuffing chamber(s) whenever a flame is detected in the flame-detecting chamber. The outlet from the waste gas conduit section opens to a combustion chamber, for incineration purposes, or to a scrubber.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method of spacing the elements of a flame arrestor and securing that spacing in a simple and economical manner. A shim is used to space the elements, the elements are welded together and the shim is removed. This leaves a controlled flow path between the elements, but the spacing is such to prevent the propagation of a flame through the arrestor.

Abstract: A gas flow rate is measured and therefrom "consumption state" defined by combination of maximum flow rate, increase of total amount and a consumption time of the gas is detected, and then, the consumption state is compared with a "reference consumption condition" representing a predetermined consumption state; and when the "consumption state" exceeds the "reference consumption condition", a gas control means interrupt supply of the gas; and thereafter, after restoration of the gas control means to gas supply state, the actual gas consumption state is measured for a predetermined time counted by timer when the gas flow rate exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A manual gas cutting torch to be used for fusion-cutting iron materials such as steel frames or iron plates includes a flame port at its cutting tip, a plurality of ports connected with gas and oxygen cylinders at its rear edge, and a handle section for holding the torch with one hand at its middle. A freely detachable back-fire preventive device is incorporated into a gas channel or oxygen channel or to both channels which shift(s) to the cutting tip side from this handle section. The back-fire preventive device serves to stop any flash-back from the cutting tip just before the handle section for preventing the flame from passing through the handle section and escaping back to the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of spacing the elements of a flame arrestor and securing that spacing in a simple and economical manner. A shim is used to space the elements, the elements are welded together and the shim is removed. This leaves a controlled flow path between the elements but the spacing is such to prevent the propagation of a flame through the arrestor.

Abstract: A diesel engine has a fresh-air intake, an exhaust-gas output, and a cooling system in which a liquid coolant is circulated. This system is provided with an antiexplosion system having an intake flame arrester in the intake and a jacketed exhaust-pipe section connected to the output and receiving exhaust gases therethrough from the engine. The cooling system is connected to the jacketed exhaust-pipe section to cool same and to cool the exhaust gases therein by indirect heat exchange with the coolant. An exhaust-gas heat exchanger is connected through the jacketed pipe section to the output. The cooling system is also connected to the heat exchanger to cool the exhaust gases therein by indirect heat exchange with the coolant. An output flame arrester is connected via another exhaust-pipe section to the heat exchanger for conducting cooled exhaust gas from the exchanger to the arrester.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating an anaerobic or microaerophilic atmosphere. A package consisting of a foil envelope has internal compartments for a hydrogen generating material, for a catalyst and for receiving water. The catalyst compartment is provided with a flash arrestor. Water, on being added to the envelope, reacts with the hydrogen generating material. The liberated hydrogen then reacts catalytically with oxygen in the atmosphere external to the package.

Abstract: An improvement in a cutting torch assembly that obviates the tendency to have a flashback and sustained burning immediately adjacent the point of mixing of the fuel with preheat oxygen; including cutting oxygen valve and passageway, preheat oxygen valve and passageway, fuel gas valve and passageway, a head having a tip end for having a tip affixed thereto and having a head passageway for cutting oxygen and a head passageway for the mixture of fuel and oxygen; the improvement being characterized by an integral head mixer having within the head an incoming preheat oxygen passageway and incoming fuel passageway, a mixer disposed within a well in the head and having its central bore aligned with a longitudinally extending passageway in the head and having lateral passageway penetrating through the wall of the mixer and in communication with the fuel annular space of the well, the inlet end of the bore communicating with the preheat oxygen annular space of the well such that the fuel will flow laterally through th

Abstract: A flame arrestor device capable of checking flashback when incorporated in a system utilizing one or more detonatable gases under pressure for controlled energy release purposes, the device being generally installed in series having one or more gas sources upstream while gas conducting means and ignition means are arranged downstream of a membrane barrier mounted and secured to a supporting means which is, in turn, mounted within an arrestor housing with provision for gaps of limited size on the upstream and downstream side of the membrane barrier to permit gas flow. The invention includes built in or separate ignition means downstream of the membrane barrier.

Abstract: The danger of explosion due to decomposition of high-pressure industrial process gases, such as ethylene, is reduced by maintaining in an inert atmosphere at least part of an evacuation system included between a pressurized vessel within which the decomposition may take place, on the one hand, and the atmosphere, on the other.

Abstract: A device for remote control of actuator of a shut-off member comprises an autonomous source of energy and a distributor connected therewith. The autonomous source of energy is fashioned as two units, each unit containing at least two gas generators with igniter means, a pneumatic OR gate and a selector. The input of each unit is connected to a corresponding control channel while outputs are connected to respective input and control channels of the distributor. The present invention improves the reliability of control of the shut-off member and facilitates the maintenance of the device during operation.

Abstract: An improvement in a cutting torch assembly that obviates the tendency to have flashback and sustained burning with certain fuels, including cutting oxygen valve and passageway, preheat oxygen valve and passageway, fuel gas valve and passageway, a head having a tip end for having a tip affixed thereto and having a head passageway for cutting oxygen and a head passageway for mixture of fuel and oxygen, the improvement being characterized by an integral head mixer having within the head an incoming preheat oxygen passageway and incoming fuel passageway, a mixer insert disposed within the incoming fuel passageway and having engaging seal means for constraining the fuel to flow through the insert, the insert having a centrally disposed bore communicating at its inlet end with the incoming fuel passageway and terminating in a plurality of at least three apertured passageways that flow the fuel into intimate admixture with the preheat oxygen in the annular space thereabout.

Abstract: A mixing block, for attachment to a combustion chamber in which a solid body or material is briefly subjected to high temperature and pressure by the detonation of an explosive gas mixture, is composed of three block-like parts clamped together by screws. This enables the relatively long channels subject to explosion stresses to be constituted of lengthwise bores in the middle block connected by milled short cross-connections. The protective cutoff valve is an automobile type valve set in the upper block piece, which can also have an insert of temperature resistant material adjacent to the mixing chamber portion of the middle block. The ignition device is not shown in the drawing, but is usually provided in the mixing block structure. In the section of the mixing block illustrated in the drawing only one of the gas connections to the mixing chamber (19) is shown.

Abstract: A flame arrestor is disclosed which includes a conduit extending along inside of a drum arranged to contain a quantity of non-combustible liquid. This conduit is equipped with bubbler nozzles that discharge a combustible gas into the liquid in the form of separate, discrete bubbles. The gas is drawn from the drum through outlets above the liquid level and deflectors are positioned to deflect and distribute a flame front entering the drum through any of the nozzles.

Abstract: A shutoff valve actuator remote control system includes a main control apparatus and a duplicating control apparatus connected therewith. The duplicating control apparatus comprises a self-contained power source in the form of a gas generator with an igniter connected to an emergency remote control line, and further comprises a commutator, a safety valve, and a receiver connected with the gas generator outlet and the commutator. The commutator is also connected with the outlet from the main control apparatus and the shutoff valve actuator.The present invention provides substantially enhanced dependability of control during breakdown conditions and features a simple design.

Abstract: For use in a welding system which uses combustible gases and the like, a flash arrester comprising a main body having an opening therethrough and including a frusto-conical seat, and a ball cage body positioned in the main body and having an axial opening therein. The ball cage body has a frusto-conical seat complementary to the first-mentioned seat of the main body. The other end of the ball cage body has axially extending slots to provide spaced axially extending fingers. The fingers have frusto-conical surfaces. A ball seat member is provided on the other end of the main body and has a frusto-conical ball seat. A ceramic ball is provided between the fingers and is freely movable between the second valve seat and the ball seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refuse disposal apparatus in which refuse fed into a fermenting vat can be disposed by subjecting the refuse to methane fermentation, the fermenting vat including a heating device for heating the refuse in the fermenting vat to a proper temperature for accelerated methane fermentation, and the refuse being agitated by an agitating device in the fermenting vat, so that methane produced in the fermenting vat by the methane fermentation may be externally collected by means of a gas collecting pipe for use as an everlasting heat source, and that sludge produced by the methane fermentation of the refuse in the fermenting vat may be discharged to the outside through a discharge pipe for use as fertilizer.

Abstract: A regulator installation, for controlling the pressure and/or flow of gas in a gas transmission or distribution system, comprising a compact module (10) having an inlet (32) and an outlet (33) adapted to be fitted in a pipeline (1) and containing within its outer shell (21,22,23) a removable assembly secured by locking means (29,30) and which carries the essential elements (2 to 9 and 43 to 45) of the regulator installation such that the gas flow path from the inlet (32) passes through the elements (2 to 5) to the outlet (33). The shell is provided with a removable cover (23) for gaining access to the control elements (6 to 9 and 43 to 45) and to the locking means (30) for enabling the assembly (31) to be removed for servicing and replacement.FIG. 2 is suggested as the drawing to accompany the Abstract.

Abstract: When explosive gases are introduced into a combustion chamber care must be taken that no pre-ignition occurs. To this end, the gas is spatially subdivided into discrete volume elements, for example by means of a bundle of tubes having an internal diameter which does not exceed twice the quenching distance of the explosive gases. Such a division ensures that the wall distances of the gas portions of one volume element are greater than their quenching distances.

Abstract: A device for preventing backfire of inflammable gases comprising a cylinder, a balance spring, and a repelling magnet case. The cylinder holds both a valve casing whose rear edge shuts a gas induction passage when the casing is pushed backward by high pressure, and a check valve which contains a repelling magnet and which shuts and opens a gas supplying passage and a flow-way formed in the valve casing. The repelling magnet case, which is pushed backward by the balance spring, contains a repelling magnet aligned face-to-face with a magnet that is contained in the check valve.

Abstract: For use in a welding system which uses combustible gases and the like, a flash arrester comprising a main body having an opening therethrough and including a frusto-conical seat, and a ball cage body positioned in the main body and having an axial opening therein. The ball cage body has a frusto-conical seat complementary to the first-mentioned seat of the main body. The other end of the ball cage body has axially extending slots to provide spaced axially extending fingers. The fingers have frusto-conical surfaces. A ball seat member is provided on the other end of the main body and has a frusto-conical ball seat. A ceramic ball is provided between the fingers and is freely movable between the second valve seat and the ball seat.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting fuel gas fed to the gas flare unit in a coal pressure gasification unit provided with a gas-steam turbine power plant connected thereto. Safety valves and a pressure orifice minimize atmospheric pollution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the protection of a pipe containing an inflammable gas against back fire. The apparatus comprises a container partially filled with liquid extending along a given length of the container and at a give level, at least one gas feed pipe, and at least one horizontal inlet pipe, each immersed in the liquid and sealed at one end and receptive of gas at the other end from the feed pipe. Each inlet pipe has holes in its circumferential surface for the introduction of the gas into the liquid, with the number of holes and the dimensions thereof such that at the maximum gas volume flow rate, the outflow rate through the holes is at the most 40 m/sec and the rate in each gas feed pipe is at the most 20/sec. Additionally, each inlet pipe extends over only part of the length of the liquid in the container. A gas outlet nozzle is positioned above that part of the container where there is no pipe and a calming grid is disposed at the liquid level to subdue waves in the liquid.

Abstract: In a system in which compressed ethylene is scheduled to flow through pipes, and in which there is danger of decomposition of ethylene and danger of the spreading of a reaction boundary of the exothermic decomposition reaction, a method and means are provided for quenching the advancement of the decomposition. Ethylene is directed from large diameter pipes into an array of spaced apart small diameter tubes which are not overheated when subjected to the combination of head and tail boundaries of the advancing plug of decomposition products. Such overheating of the tubes by the leading and trailing flames can be prevented by cooling the exterior of the tubes with a fluid normally maintained at about ambient temperature, thereby cooling the compressed ethylene sufficiently to quench the decomposition reaction. The cooling fluid is desirably an aqueous system adapted to be converted to steam under severe conditions.

Abstract: A flame arrestor is provided which can be connected with closely adjacent upstream and downstream portions of a pipeline. The gas flows through an array of narrow tubes immersed in the lower half of a normally liquid heat transfer fluid, thus normally maintaining the gas composition at ambient temperature. Even if a flame front enters either connector of the flame arrestor, the cooling effectively quenches the flame before the flame front can advance through the liquid-cooled narrow tubes to the other connector of the flame arrestor. The array of tubes is arranged as a return loop so that each tube can maintain structural integrity while expanding and contracting during rapid changes of temperature. Moreover, such return loop permits the connectors to be more readily attached to the upstream and downstream adjacent portions of the pipeline.

Abstract: A flame arrestor directs the gas stream to flow through an array of narrow tubes immersed in a normally liquid heat transfer fluid. The gas composition flowing through the flame arrestor is normally maintained at the ambient temperature of such liquid. Even if a flame front enters either connection for the flame arrestor, the cooling effectively quenches the flame before the flame front can advance through the liquid-cooled narrow tubes to the other connector of the flame arrestor, because such a large amount of liquid must be evaporated before the flame arrestor can be heated above the boiling point of the liquid. At both the inlet and outlet zones, where there is a transition between the relatively large cross-sectional area of the array of tubes and the smaller pipes for connecting to the pipeline, a hollow, liquid-cooled member serves as an internal baffle for such transition zone.

Abstract: There is disclosed an installation and process for "blowing down" a pipeline containing either a high pressure flammable gas or a high pressure flammable liquid which vaporizes upon the reduction of pressure. The installation includes a pipe section for connection to the pipeline, a throttling valve for creating a pressure drop downstream thereof, and a manifold delivering throttled gas to a plurality of flare units for burning the gas from the pipeline.

Abstract: A gas pipe has positioned in the interior thereof, and along the entire length thereof, a loose gas displacement body formed of an incombustible material, such as mineral wool or glass wool. The body may be a hollow cylinder divided longitudinally, and further divided into partial bodies placed within the pipe in serial succession.

Abstract: An explosion resistant gas valve in which a valve actuating mechanism in the form of a bimetallic strip is operated by an electric heat motor. An explosion containment structure is provided about the electric heat motor to isolate it from the path of gas flow. A plurality of pressure relief apertures extend through the sides of the containment structure.

Abstract: A flame arrester having a rectangular housing of internal width W, length L and heighth H filled with a plurality of contiguous convoluted planar laminae. Each lamina is comprised of a thin sheet of metal formed with a plurality of spaced parallel shallow channels of selected depth D. As the laminae are placed in the housing in parallel contiguous contact to fill the cross-section of the housing, there will be a great plurality of narrow slots of width D through which the gas will pass to the flame area. Means may be provided in the form of shallow protrusions of heighth D pressed into the metal in the flat areas of the sheet in order to insure that the spacing between sheets at all points is close to the value D.

Abstract: A firecheck to be connected to a combustible gas line and including a casing having a gas inlet, a gas outlet and an access opening. A cover plate removably encloses the access opening and a burner screen is located within the casing between the inlet and the outlet and is disposed in communication with the access opening. A control valve is disposed within the casing for controlling the flow of gas through the casing and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve is moved to the open position through a manually operated mechanism and is locked in the open position. On release of the locking mechanism the valve is biased to the closed position. Removal of the cover plate from the casing acts to release the locking mechanism to thereby enable the biasing means to move the valve to the closed position.

Abstract: A flash back arrestor for use in gas supply lines. The arrestor includes an elongated passageway through which the gases flow in one direction and through which the flash back must pass in the reverse direction. A pressure-actuated valve at the inlet end of the passageway is actuated by pressures from the flash back at the discharge end of the passageway. The valve consists of a valve member in the form of a piston freely movable under the influence of flash back pressures against a valve seat at the inlet to the passageway. The valve member carries a locking arrangement which moves under the influence of the flash back to latch the valve member with a biasing force to the closed position after a flash back occurs. Additionally, a second valve is provided actuated by the flash back to vent the flash back to the atmosphere. A separate flow actuated check valve prevents backflow to the gas supply tank in the event the flow direction should reverse, not caused by a flash back.