Abstract: It is an objective to appropriately assure a function of limiting use of appliances that cause changes in quantities of gas used.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting a gas leak in a gas distribution system or part thereof, and comprising: (a) a gas inlet connected to a gas-consuming peripheral (10); (b) a means (50) of detecting gas flow rate, which is situated downstream of and close to said inlet; (c) a variable-volume buffer chamber (11), coupled to said distribution system downstream of the detection means (50); (d) a valve (6) controlled by a control means (6A) for leaving or not leaving the gas free to pass from the gas source or supply to the buffer chamber (11) according to the amount of gas present therein; and (e) a means (8) capable of emitting a leak signal when the detection means (50) detects a gas flow rate higher than a predetermined value when the control means (6A) is interrupting the supply of gas to the buffer chamber (11).

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and an apparatus of preventing a gas leak in a pipeline, and the characteristic of expansion occurred when a hydrogen storage material absorbs hydrogen gas is used for setting the hydrogen storage material in a joint between a first pipeline and a second pipeline, such that if hydrogen leaks at the joint, the hydrogen storage material will absorb hydrogen to expand, and the expansion pressure presses the joint to give a tighter connection, so as to achieve the effects of preventing and locking a leak, and compensating a deficiency of tightness due to an accumulated error occurred during the manufacture of the first pipeline and the second pipeline.

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 hydrocarbon 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: A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained under a positive pressure which exceeds that of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A precise control flow valve, located within the injection conduit, meters odorant to be injected into the pipeline. The odorant is metered on a dropwise basis with individual drops of chemical being counted as they pass through the flow valve into the injection conduit and into the natural gas pipeline.

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: A system and method for odorizing natural gas in a pipeline uses an odorant injection pump operated by a programmable controller. In response to measured gas flow in the gas pipeline, and a preset setpoint, the injection pump injects liquid odorant directly into the pipeline. A flowmeter in the odorant line measures the amount of odorant actually injected to confirm that the required amount enters the pipeline. If the amount of odorant actually injected differs from that which is required by the setpoint, the controller compensates for the difference. The controller preferably logs pertinent data about operation of the system. The controller can be reprogrammed remotely to simplify the task of changing system operation.

Abstract: An anti-microleakage apparatus is used in a sputtering deposition equipment. A metallic object, such as a wafer, is put in a process chamber. A cryo-pump is used to vacuumed the process chamber. A heater to heat up the process chamber to allow a thermal reaction. The heater is movable and is coupled to an inner bellows line, which allows a low pressure gas can be flushed into the process chamber. The anti-microleakage apparatus is formed on the inner bellows line by wrapping the inner bellows line with an outer bellows line. A higher pressure is created between the inner bellows line and the outer bellow line by filling in a gas. A pressure meter is coupled to the outer bellows line so as to monitor the actual pressure of the higher pressure. When microleakage occurs, the information cab obtained by the pressure meter.

Abstract: A monitoring device for use with a coaxial pipe or double wall pipe device which provides access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially defines the interstitial region, each pipe having two terminal ends. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe, and a small end snugly fitting onto the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe.

Abstract: A method of locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities and a novel leak-detection test-fluid are disclosed. The novel test-fluid, comprising dimethylsulphide and a mutual solvent, is injected into a pipeline or facility so that the test-fluid escapes through the leak and an odorant which, by virture of its chemical and physical properties, is released from other test-fluid components to be detected in the vicinity of the leak.

Abstract: A gas accident preventive unit has a memory circuit which is capable of memorizing in advance a continuous service safety time according to a consumed gas volume of gas apparatuses that are installed at a gas user. The unit also includes a control circuit for sending out to an emergency shutoff valve, a close signal for cutting off the gas being supplied to the user in the event that any increase in gas flowrate is recognized in the previously measured value and the value measured this time by taking a measurement of the whole gas flowrate value being supplied to the gas user at a certain interval of time. The unit takes the measurement of continuous service hours on individual gas apparatuses or the gas apparatus having the largest gas consumption volume now under service, or responds to when the service of gas apparatus with the largest gas consumption volume being monitored has elapsed the continuous service safety time.

Abstract: Leaks in a vessel or pipeline or the like, adapted for containing a fluid, are sealed by means of a volatilized polymerizable organosilane comprising a mercaptosilane, an acyloxysilane, or an alkoxysilane taken on conjunction either with acetic acid anhydride or an amine, or mixtures thereof, the organosilane being supplied to the interior of the vessel or pipeline under sufficient pressure and for a sufficient period of time to permit contact and chemical reaction thereof in the presence of moisture or sand at the situs of the leak to provide a solid polysiloxane seal.

Abstract: Leaks in a vessel or pipeline or the like adapted for containing a fluid, are sealed by means of a volatilized polymerizable aminosilane supplied to the interior of the vessel under sufficient pressure and for a sufficient period of time to permit contact thereof and react in the presence of moisture or sand at the situs of the leak to provide a solid polysiloxane seal.