Abstract: Methods of interfacing nanomaterials used to monitor and execute the pharmaceutical manufacturing process are disclosed herein. The nanomaterials are useful to provide a plurality of analysis to the manufacturing process. Consequently, the methods provide a means to perform validation and quality manufacturing on an integrated level whereby pharmaceutical manufacturers can achieve data and product integrity and ultimately minimize cost.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preventing corrosion in industrial water systems. The method includes maintaining a real-time oxidation-reduction potential at a set point, wherein the system is at operating temperature and pressure. A nonlinear equation is derived based upon theoretically derived or empirically collected data. The equation is then used to determine an inflow of active chemical species to the water system.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention takes advantage of the information of expected time of availability of an unavailable component to meet a desired criteria (e.g., minimize the aggregate cost of components). An intermediate product properties combination, which can be attained from an initial heel volume by mixing the available components, may be determined. The combination further permits the target product properties also to be attained from the intermediate product properties combination, while meeting various constraints and desired criteria. The flow controls of the individual components are accordingly controlled to blend the components and produce the desired product. Such features may be useful in environments such as oil refineries.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for handling liquid and a method for the same. The system has a container capable of holding a liquid. An electronic storage device is coupled with the container for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system also has an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. Finally, the system has a microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna.

Abstract: A recycling method that can be used by an OEM products company or other entity to obtain recovered raw materials for use in its manufacturing operations in a manner that helps ensure the quality and traceability of the recovered raw materials. The process involves first collecting the material from one or more sources, then determining suitability of the material for processing using a series of qualifying tests separated into a two-phase review, wherein each of the qualifying tests is carried out using a composition profile for the material. The first phase of the review utilizes a source composition profile that describes salient features of the material so that it can be reviewed for suitability for processing and end uses as well as for regulatory compliance. The second phase involves similar reviews based on an analytical composition profile that is determined by physical analysis of the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in controlling the reaction temperature of a fuel processor are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuel processor reactor, the reactor including a water gas shift reaction section; a temperature sensor disposed within the reaction section; a coolant flow line through the reaction section; and an automated control system. The automated control system controls the reaction temperature by determining a first component for a setting adjustment for the actuator from the measured temperature and a setpoint for the measured temperature; determining a second component for the setting adjustment from a hydrogen production rate for the fuel processor; and determining the setting adjustment from the first and second components.

Abstract: In a control device of a plasma processing system, a communication unit is configured to receive processing information related to a carrier of a next processing lot. A determination unit is configured to determine whether the processing information received by the communication unit has pre-treatment information related to one of the plasma processing devices. When it is determined that the processing information has the pre-treatment information by the determination unit, a generation unit is configured to generate an object for declaring execution of the pre-treatment for the carrier of a next processing lot if a desired condition of transferring of the carrier is satisfied. In addition, if the object is generated by the generation unit, a process executing control unit is configured to start the pre-treatment for the target object in the carrier of a next processing lot without any notification that the carrier reaches a destination plasma processing device.

Abstract: A method for calculating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy efficiency, and natural resource requirements of a biofuel production system, using a life cycle assessment of biofuel production from the creation of material inputs to finished products, and producing a GHG emissions inventory from fossil fuels and a few key non-fossil fuel GHG emissions in the production life cycle.

Abstract: A method of controlling corrosion-related plant operation costs is provided, the method including: accumulating real-time corrosion measurements relating to a plant operation; calculating a relative degree of corrosion value that includes consideration of the real-time corrosion measurements; comparing the relative degree of corrosion value to an expected corrosion progression value associated with a predetermined target maintenance cycle; and adjusting a plant operation based on a comparison of the relative degree of corrosion value to the expected corrosion progression value associated with a predetermined target maintenance cycle.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a corrected image of a microarray includes acquiring an image of a microarray including a target spot, and processing the image to correct for background noise and chip misalignment. The method also includes analyzing the image to identify a target patch, edit debris, and correct for ratio bias; and detecting single copy number variation in the target spot using an objective statistical analysis that includes a t-value statistical analysis. The method provides statistically robust computational processes for accurately detecting genomic variation at the single copy level.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for pasteurizing products, in particular filled receptacles, such as bottles. The apparatus is provided with a control unit having a first control circuit that is controlled according to a first criterion. At least one second control circuit, controlled according to a second criterion, is also provided. The second control circuit is superimposed on the first control circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.

Abstract: The present invention is a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph system and method including a modulator wherein the pulsing of the modulator is synchronized with data acquisition so that the results are reproducible.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of supplying a just enough amount of reducing agent to a NOx catalyst, thereby reducing exhaust emission and improving fuel economy. The device includes a three-way catalyst, a NOx catalyst provided downstream of the three-way catalyst, and an ECU. The ECU carries out rich spike control such that exhaust gases flowing into the NOx catalyst form a reducing atmosphere. During the control, the ECU calculates a reducing agent consumption amount of reducing agent in the exhaust gases consumed by the three-way catalyst, calculates a cumulative reducing agent amount as a total amount of reducing agent supplied to the NOx catalyst, depending on the reducing agent consumption amount, and terminates the control when the cumulative reducing agent amount becomes larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for remotely monitoring and controlling various processes in an incubation/reaction system. Remote control is accomplished via computer network protocol. In a disclosed preferred embodiment, remote observation and control is accomplished via a “web server” program running on a computer attached to or embedded within the body of the system, interfacing with temperature monitoring and control means, digital video camera photomicroscope means, atmospheric monitoring and control means, and other devices for monitoring or affecting contents of the system. The web server sends data to and receives data from any computer running a “web browser” program. Bi-directional communication is possible over secured and unsecured channels and can penetrate firewall software to allow real-time communication between a user and a chamber when each is behind a different firewall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the compounding of pharmaceutical parenteral admixtures is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a computer that contains a memory for storing instructions for operating the apparatus and for controlling compounders that prepare a prescription admixture, with the memory including data relating to a plurality of the pharmaceutical components that may be transferred to prepare the prescription admixture, and data concerning the operating characteristics of the compounders that the apparatus is adapted to control. The apparatus determines the order of admixing by general rules of admixing and by categorized compatibility groups of components, so that the number of rinses that must be done are minimized.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system includes characterizing the fuel or fuels being provided into the fuel cell system, characterizing the oxidizing gas or gases being provided into the fuel cell system, and calculating at least one of the steam:carbon ratio, fuel utilization and oxidizing gas utilization based on the step of characterization.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for developing and using a high-speed adaptive multivariable controller by removing the dynamics of the PID controllers from a Model Predictive Controller that was developed using identification testing of a process. The resulting multivariable controller, based on final control elements as the manipulated variables is then used in a novel control adaptation with all of the PID controllers switched to manual.

Abstract: A metal film with a lowered resistance by controlling a crystal structure. A tungsten film is formed through a first tungsten film formation in which a first tungsten film with amorphous content is formed by alternately executing multiple times a supplying a metal base material gas such as WF6 gas and supplying a hydrogen compound gas such as SiH4 gas, with a purge executed between the two gas supply by supplying an inert gas such as Ar gas or N2 gas and a second tungsten film formation in which a second tungsten film is formed by simultaneously supplying the WF6 gas and a reducing gas such as H2 gas onto the first tungsten film. The amorphous content in the first tungsten film is controlled by adjusting the length of time over which the purge is executed following the SiH4 gas supply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in regenerating a reactor shift bed catalyst are disclosed. The method comprises monitoring the saturation level of a reactor shift bed catalyst in a reformer; automatically detecting that the reactor shift bed catalyst has entered a saturated state; and automatically regenerating the reactor shift bed catalyst in response to automatically detecting the saturated state. The apparatus may be, in various aspects, a program storage method encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, performs such a method; a computing apparatus programmed to perform such a method, or a control system performing such a method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring exothermic reactions in a reactor, in which one or more starting materials react exothermically to give at least one product, and at least one gas is present in the reactor during operation as intended or during a runaway, comprising the following process: A) measurement and storage of an initial temperature and an initial pressure in the reactor, B) calculation of the amount of products and starting materials present in the reactor from an energy balance, C) calculation of a maximum pressure raise that occurs on stepwise reaction of the amount of starting materials present, and D) calculation of a runaway pressure from the maximum pressure raise that occurs, calculated in step C), and the measured initial pressure stored in step A).

Abstract: In a solution polymerization process the increase in gel content in the solution at one or more locations may be detected by monitoring the structure of a spectrum obtained by analyzing the reaction at said one or more locations using a spectrometer selected from the group consisting of infrared spectrometers, near infrared spectrometers and Raman spectrometers.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.

Abstract: A system for controlling cyclic production machines (CPMs) includes a control processor linked to a plurality of controllers. One or more controllers, some of which may also serve as controllers of dispensing and dosing devices feeding the CPM with materials, are coupled to a CPM. An operator interface supporting one or more user stations provides for displaying data to a user. Each controller is linked at least to a timing unit of a respective CPM. One or more sensors whose signals provide indications as to the working parameters of the CPM are further linked to a controller. Gathered signals are temporarily stored in respective controllers to be further transferred to, processed and stored in, the control processor. Working parameters are associated with characteristic profiles and/or statistics to be further stored in the control processor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing catalyst, such as chromium catalysts, are provided. The valence of at least a portion of the catalyst sent to an activator is changed from Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The catalyst is prepared or activated continuously using a fluidization bed catalyst activator.

Abstract: A method of operating an electronic device manufacturing thermal abatement system is provided, including: flowing a gaseous effluent through an inlet into a thermal abatement reaction chamber; abating the effluent; flowing the abated effluent through an outlet out of the thermal abatement reaction chamber; using a pressure sensor to measure an inlet pressure; using the same pressure sensor to measure an outlet pressure; wherein the pressure sensor sequentially measures the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure; determining the difference between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure; and if the difference between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure exceeds a pre-determined pressure, diverting the flow of effluent away from the inlet. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A controller for directing operation of an air pollution control system performing a process to control emissions of a pollutant has multiple process parameters (MPPs). One or more of the MPPs is a controllable process parameter (CTPP) and one of the MPPs is an amount of the pollutant (AOP) emitted by the system. A defined AOP value (AOPV) represents an objective or limit on an actual value (AV) of the emitted AOP. The controller includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model representing a relationship between each CTPP and the emitted AOP. A control processor has the logic to predict, based on the model, how changes to the current value of each CTPP will affect a future AV of emitted AOP, to select one of the changes in one CTPP based on the predicted affect of that change and on the AOPV, and to direct control of the one CTPP in accordance with the selected change for that CTPP.

Abstract: A chemical substance total management system aids for reduction of release and transferring amount of managing substances in business entities. The system retrieves releasing and transferring amount record relating to predetermined managing substance on the basis of total tabulation link information with correlation between the tabulation result record managing releasing and transferring amount of managing substance per releasing and transferring destination and releasing and transferring amount record to be a source generating tabulation result record.

Abstract: In a process and system for recovering sulfur from a process gas stream initially comprising a hydrogen sulfide containing gas and an oxygen containing gas, a control process and system respectively are provided. The sulfur recovery process includes a thermal step having a beginning followed by a catalytic step having an end. The control process includes first analyzing a composition of the process gas stream at a first location between the beginning of the thermal step and the end of the catalytic step, first controlling the oxygen containing gas having regard to that first composition, second analyzing the composition of the process gas stream at a second location downstream of the end of the catalytic step, and second controlling the oxygen containing gas having regard to that second composition. The sulfur recovery system and control system therefor are provided for performing the steps of the sulfur recovery process and control process respectively.

Abstract: A chemical substance total management system aids for reduction of release and transferring amount of managing substances in business entities. The system retrieves releasing and transferring amount record relating to predetermined managing substance on the basis of total tabulation link information with correlation between the tabulation result record managing releasing and transferring amount of managing substance per releasing and transferring destination and releasing and transferring amount record to be a source generating tabulation result record.

Abstract: A method for controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes the step of providing the system with a plurality of reagent injection nozzles, each nozzle being configured and adapted to be independently calibrated during an SCR reaction when the system is in operation. The method further includes determining an influence coefficient for each injection nozzle for a catalyst independently of the other injection nozzles, and optimizing the flow of reagent from each injection nozzle to minimize a sum of deviation across a surface of the catalyst. A system performs selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and a machine readable medium contains program instructions to controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Abstract: A chemical treatment system that injects a dosage chemical solution into a process. A condition of the process is sensed by a sensor, communicated to a controller and used as a basis for varying in real time the dosage of the chemical solution. The sensor, the controller, a pump and the process are disposed in a closed control loop. The controller controls the operation of the pump (speed, duty cycle and the like) to vary the dosage based on the sensed condition, which is disclosed as a corrosion and/or scale of an element of the process, although other conditions can control the dosage as well.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for estimating NOx produced by an internal combustion engine. The flow rate of fuel supplied to the engine and a plurality of engine operating parameters are monitored. NOx produced by the engine is estimated based on a product of the flow rate of fuel and a function of the plurality of engine operating parameters. The NOx estimate is stored in memory.

Abstract: A chemical treatment system that injects one or more dosage chemical solutions into a process. Conditions of the process are sensed by sensors, communicated to a chemical treatment management system. The chemical treatment management system processes the process conditions and issues command signals to one or more chemical storage systems to provide a dosage of chemical to the process. The chemical storage systems each comprise a chemical storage tank, a level sensor for the tank, a controller and a pump. The controller uses the command signals for varying in real time the dosage of the chemical solution by varying the pump operation. The chemical treatment management system also uses additional data from the chemical storage systems, such as tank level, and from other sources to provide the command signals and alerts/alarms and other user information.

Abstract: A nitriding process is performed at a process temperature of 500° C. or more by causing microwave-excited high-density plasma of a nitrogen-containing gas to act on silicon in the surface of a target object, inside a process container of a plasma processing apparatus. The plasma is generated by supplying microwaves into the process container from a planar antenna having a plurality of slots.

Abstract: A controller directs operation of an air pollution control (APC) system performing a process to control emissions of a pollutant. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs), one or more of the MPPs being a controllable process parameters (CTPPs) and one of the MPPs being an amount of the pollutant (AOP) emitted by the system. A user input device identifies an optimization objective. A control processor determines a set point for at least one of the one or more CTPPs based on the current values of the MPPs and the identified optimization objective, and directs control of one of the at least one CTPP based on the determined set point for that CTPP.

Abstract: A hydrogen energy system for a facility that is disposed off-board a vehicle. The system includes a hydrogen generator disposed at the facility for generating hydrogen by water electrolysis, a hydrogen storage apparatus for storing at least some of the hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generator, and a controller having a computer processor for receiving and processing certain control inputs. The controller is operatively connected to the hydrogen generator for controlling the generation of hydrogen based on the control inputs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method that intensely oxidizes water as it navigates through a system and accurately, controllably neutralizes the oxidation by-products before the water exits the system.

Abstract: A chloride dioxide generation system made efficient by the use of a minimum number of seals and the use of a sophisticated computerized control system with the chlorine dioxide generation system comprising a) multiple PID loop control, b) a touch screen interface (HMI), c) automatic flow control of chemical precursors, d) a process controller, e) a minimum number of seals, f) a seal-less vacuum eductor, g) a unit design of the ejector; seal-less tubing connector and seal-less manual flowmeters, h) a vacuum eductor to be used with gas supply and other chemical feeds, i) a mass dispersion chlorine flowmeter to accurately supply amount of chlorine gas, j) an optical chlorine dioxide analyzer looped to the process controller and k) an automatic efficiency control screen.

Abstract: Production plants for treating gas mixtures and methods of their operation. The plant's treatment unit is operated in periods when the cost of electricity is either above a first level or below a second level. At some point when the cost is below the second level, part of the fluid is stored in a storage tank. This stored liquid is supplied to the customer when the cost is above the first level. When the cost is below the second level, a fluid with predefined properties is produced by the treatment unit. When the cost is above the first level, the power consumption of the treatment unit is reduced and a less ideal fluid is produced.

Abstract: A controller determines and adjusts system parameters, including cleanliness levels or sootblower operating settings, that are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of a fossil fuel boiler at an efficient level, Some embodiments use a direct controller to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower operating settings. Some embodiments use an indirect controller, with a system model, to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower settings. The controller may use a model that is, for example, a neural network, or a mass energy balance, or a genetically programmed model. The controller uses input about the actual performance or state of the boiler for adaptation. The controller may operate in conjunction with a sootblower optimization system that controls the actual settings of the sootblowers. The controller may coordinate cleanliness settings for multiple sootblowers and/or across a plurality of heat zones in the boiler.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fuel reformers utilizing dew point plateau process control and methods of using the same. In one embodiment the fuel reformer can comprise a mixing zone capable of receiving a fuel mixture, a reforming zone disposed downstream from the mixing zone, an exhaust zone disposed downstream from the in operable communication with the reforming zone, a temperature sensor, and a system controller connected in operable communication with the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust zone and capable of measuring a gas temperature of the gas stream, or in fluid communication with the mixing zone and capable of measuring a mixture temperature of the fuel mixture. The system controller can be capable of adjusting an operating variable of the fuel reformer and determining a dew point plateau temperature.

Abstract: A method for etching a dielectric layer disposed below an antireflection layer (ARL) is provided. The method comprises (a) forming a patterned mask with mask features over the ARL, the mask having isolated areas and dense areas of the mask features, (b) trimming and opening, and (c) etching the dielectric layer using the trimmed mask. The trimming and opening comprises a plurality of cycles, where each cycle includes (b1) a trim-etch phase which etches the ARL in a bottom of the mask features and selectively trims the isolated areas of the mask with respect to the dense areas, and (b2) a deposition-etch phase which deposits a deposition layer on the mask while further etching the ARL in the bottom of the mask features. The trimming and opening result in a net trimming of the mask in the isolated areas.

Abstract: The invention is a networked system of devices positioned in a hazardous environment to monitor or control process conditions. The devices include sensors such as pressure measurement elements and controls such as variable voltage outputs. The sensors detect process conditions and the controls manipulate process conditions, and they are monitored and controlled by slave devices having, generally a microprocessor and having associated memory to receive and record the sensor/control data. The network includes master devices; each master device may be associated with one or more slaved devices and associated sensors, where the master device communicates to its associated slave devices through a digital communication bus. The master device can automatically detect its associated slave devices and detect the communication and data characteristics of the slave devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating a real-time oxidation-reduction potential signature in a hot water system to detect REDOX stress and inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which analyzes and interprets the transmitted potential to create an oxidation-reduction potential signature for the hot water system. If the signature does not conform to an oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing an oilfield operation. The method steps include obtaining oilfield data sets associated with oilfield entities, generating a stochastic database from the oilfield data sets based on an artificial neural network of the oilfield data sets, screening the oilfield data sets to identify candidates from the oilfield entities, wherein the screening is based on the stochastic database, performing a detail evaluation of each candidates, selecting an oilfield entity from the candidates based on the detail evaluation, and performing the oilfield operation for the selected oilfield entity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.

Abstract: A multivariable method and process controller is for controlling a catalyzed chemical reaction to form phthalic anhydride (PA), produced by a production unit including a chemical reactor having a plurality of pipes connected in parallel having inner surfaces affixed with at least one solid catalyst. The reactor implements a process for forming PA by receiving flows of reagents including at least one oxidizable substituted aromatic and an oxygen including source gas at one or more inlets of the reactor. A dynamic multivariable model for the process represents the effects of moving a plurality of manipulated variables (MVs) including a flow of the oxygen including source gas and a flow or temperature of the oxidizable substituted aromatic on controlled variables (CVs) including a temperature at a plurality of positions along a length of the pipes.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a power unit that generates power using a fuel; a fuel storage unit that stores the fuel; a fuel supply device that conveys the fuel from the fuel storage unit to the power unit; and a control unit that controls the supply of the fuel and the generation of power. The fuel supply device includes a fuel supply control device that controls the supply of fuel according to a signal generated by the control unit. The control unit includes a fuel control unit that generates the signal according to the information of the fuel storage unit and the state information of the power unit.

Abstract: In a process control system, the hidden properties of a catalyst are estimated by including those properties in hidden states within a state space model and solving the state space model based on measurable inputs and outputs of the process. The process may include defining a state space model for a process having a catalyst state comprising a hidden catalyst property; defining a set of empirically measurable input variables for the state space model, defining a set of output variables for the state space model, measuring a set of input values corresponding to the set of input variables; measuring a set of output values corresponding to the set of output variables; and estimating the hidden catalyst property based on the input values, the output values, and the state space model.