Refinement Or Purification Or Rejuvenation Patents (Class 700/271)
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Patent number: 11698225Abstract: A method is provided for determining a state of a distillation column having multiple column stages for separating a feed fluid stream into individual fluid components. The state is determined by means of a model in a manner dependent on pressure differences prevailing between adjacent column stages. In the model, both gaseous and liquid flows between adjacent column stages are brought about by the pressure differences prevailing between adjacent column stages. A substance quantity flow characterizing gaseous flow between two column stages is given by {dot over (N)}V·RV=CV·?pV. A substance quantity flow characterizing liquid flow between two column stages is given by {dot over (N)}L·RL=CL·?pL. ?pV,L is a total pressure difference between two adjacent column stages. RV,L is a coefficient of resistance between two adjacent column stages and CV,L is a conductance value of flow between two adjacent column stages.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Ingo Thomas, Bernd Wunderlich
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Patent number: 11420173Abstract: A reaction analysis device specifies a reaction state of a reaction fluid flowing through a flow reactor. The reaction analysis device includes a processor configured to specify the reaction state of the reaction fluid based on a reaction parameter indicating the reaction state of the reaction fluid which is obtained from a temperature distribution of the reaction fluid immediately after a reaction starts in a flow direction of the reaction fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Yusuke Imamura, Yuma Otake
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Systems and processes for early detection of biological ammonia oxidation in water using fluorometry
Patent number: 11255783Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system and process for early detection of biological ammonia oxidation in water utilizing a fluorescence-based sensor and process. Various embodiments are configured to read increases in a fluorescence excitation-emission wavelength pair that is responsive to a period of time (days to weeks or even longer) prior to the onset of biological ammonia oxidation, which is considered to be a nitrification event. Fluorescence excitation/emission pairs that have proven to be reliable include a fluorescence excitation wavelength of about 230 nm and an emission wavelength of about 345 nm and an excitation wavelength of 325 and an emission wavelength of 470. The system and process enable drinking water utilities to improve management of its distribution systems and facilitate earlier corrective actions, resulting is less loss of treated water through flushing and other tangible benefits.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignees: BOARD OF TRUSTEE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONInventors: Julian Fairey, Thien Duc Do, Ashley Pifer, David Wahman -
Patent number: 10900402Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes: an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle; a NOx selective reduction catalyst; a reducing agent supply device including a urea water addition valve configured to add urea water into the exhaust gas passage upstream of the NOx selective reduction catalyst, a urea water tank, a urea water flow passage that connects the urea water addition valve and the urea water tank, and a pump configured to supply the urea water addition valve with the urea water from the urea water tank; and a control device. The control device is configured to perform a runoff reduction control that controls at least one of the reducing agent supply device and the internal combustion engine such that the amount of runoff of the urea water from the urea water tank becomes less when the tilt angle of the vehicle is large than when it is small.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 10087084Abstract: Disclosed are a method, a device and a system of automatic flow control based on sensed effectiveness indicators to produce effectively treated water with a portable water treatment unit. In one or more embodiments, a chemical treatment unit delivers a treatment chemical to water as the water flows at a flow rate induced by a pump capable of operating at multiple speeds. A sensor downstream of the chemical treatment unit measures an effectiveness indicator and a processor and/or a feedback circuit determines an effectiveness of the chemical treatment. A controller changes power to the pump in response to the determination, adjusting the flow rate to ensure efficient usage of a power source and/or to ensure effective production of potable water. One or more filters may be included, each having a bypass valve, and the pump may automatically adjust to changing filter configurations and/or source water composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Roving Blue, Inc.Inventor: Marianna DeMyer
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Patent number: 9477238Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices useful for monitoring and controlling water to be used, for example, in oil and natural gas production and hydraulic fracturing processes. An on-line unit for measuring, controlling, and optimizing the quality of water being used during the hydrocarbon production or hydraulic fracturing processes is also disclosed. Optimizing and controlling can include measuring one or more properties associated with the production water to be sure that the one or more properties are within an acceptable range and, if the one or more properties are not within the acceptable range for each respective property being measured, causing a change in flow of one or more water sources and/or one or more chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ECOLAB USA Inc.Inventors: Timothy S. Keizer, Jason R. Burney
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Patent number: 9095801Abstract: An apparatus automatically carries out an integrity test on a filter device having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a venting port. The apparatus includes a filter integrity testing device having a pressure sensor and/or a flowmeter. An inlet connector is connectable to the fluid inlet, is connected via a wetting liquid supply valve to a wetting liquid supply, and is connected via a drainage valve to a first drain. An outlet connector is connectable to the fluid outlet and via an outlet valve to the first or a second drain. A venting port connector is connectable to the venting port and via a measurement valve to the pressure sensor and/or flowmeter. The venting port connector also is connected via a venting valve to a venting pipe, and via a measurement gas valve to a measurement gas source. The valves are controlled by the filter integrity testing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbHInventor: Magnus Stering
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Patent number: 9043032Abstract: A verification and control method for at least one water purification system is described, which includes a step of supplying, by a server embedded with the water purification system, an editing interface comprising a zone for selecting items of exploitation information representing physical quantities associated with the water purification system, a step of selecting, via the first remote browser, at least one item of exploitation information to constitute at least one exploitation interface page, a step of sending a request to access the exploitation page, by a second remote browser, to the server, a step of collecting the value of each physical quantity represented by a selected item of information to constitute the page, and a step of supplying, by the server, the page comprising each collected value.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: EMD Millipore CorporationInventors: Christophe Paragot, Stephane Lemaire
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Patent number: 9037298Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling the output of a distillation sub-process by controlling, using model predictive control, the temperature of steam used in the distillation sub-process, wherein the steam is generated in a milling and cooking sub-process. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein the temperature of a cook tube generated in a milling and cooking sub-process may be controlled to optimize the energy utilization in the ethanol/water separation of a side stripper column, which uses the cook flash steam as an energy source. However, the present techniques may also be applied to other suitable applications, such as liquor processing, where steam generated in a different process may be used in a distillation process to help separate water from the liquor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Maina A. Macharia, Michael E. Tay
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Patent number: 9015003Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Hach CompanyInventor: Thomas D. Wolfe
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Patent number: 9014858Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling the balance between energy usage and biofuels dehydration between a distillation process unit and molecular sieves with model predictive control technology. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein control of the balance between energy usage and water removal in biofuel production may be optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to any other suitable applications, such as liquor processing, where energy may be used to remove water from the liquor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Maina A. Macharia, Zhaozhi Wei, Donald Melvin Maxwell
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Patent number: 8992868Abstract: Dry processes, apparatus, compositions and systems are provided for reducing emissions of mercury and optionally sulfur oxides and/or HCl. In an embodiment the copper-based mercury remediation composition comprises a copper ammonium complex having an empirical formula of C2H7CuNO2 or any of the other materials described, which include compositions defined by the formula Cu(NH3)x(lower carboxylate)y, wherein the lower carboxylate is selected from the group consisting of formate, acetate and propionate, x is an integer from 0 to 4, y is an integer from 0 to 2, and x+y is equal to or greater than 1. Sulfur oxides and/or HCl can be additionally reduced by introduction of dolomite hydrate sorbent, and additional mercury remediation chemicals as manganese oxides can be employed. The treated gas stream is treated with a particulate removal device.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: Christopher R. Smyrniotis, Kent W. Schulz, Emelito P. Rivera, Mingming Fang, Ian Saratovsky
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Patent number: 8954196Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to temperature control of a reactor using probability distribution of temperature measurements. In one embodiment, a method of controlling a temperature of a chemical reaction includes injecting a reactant stream into a reactor and through a catalyst bed of the reactor. The reactant stream includes a hydrocarbon and oxygen. Injection of the reactant stream into the catalyst bed causes an exothermic chemical reaction. The method further includes circulating a coolant through the reactor, thereby removing heat from the catalyst bed. The method further includes measuring temperature at a plurality of locations in the catalyst bed. The method further includes calculating a fraction of the catalyst bed greater than a predetermined maximum temperature limit using a probability distribution generated using the temperature measurements.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical LLCInventor: Michael J. Gross
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Patent number: 8918217Abstract: A reverse osmosis separation process is disclosed, such as for desalination and waste water reuse process, wherein an effectiveness of membrane cleaning can be estimated. Exemplary embodiments operate the reverse osmosis membrane cleaning process for a controlled time for cleaning and with a controlled value of chemical concentration in a chemical liquor prepared for cleaning the membrane. A method can include estimating fouling status of the membrane and determining a controlled value of chemical concentration in the chemical liquor, and a controlled time for cleaning based on the fouling status of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Senthilmurugan Subbiah, Mekapati Srinivas, Naveen Bhutani
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Patent number: 8818562Abstract: A method of modeling a fermentation process comprises providing a first principles model of a fermentation process; determining the concentration of at least one substrate in a fermentation composition at a first time; and predicting the concentration of at least one component of the fermentation composition at a second time using the first principles model, wherein the second time is after the first time.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: David Bluck, Prashant R. Karbhari, Wen-Jing Lin
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Patent number: 8783042Abstract: A method for operating a firing plant with at least one combustion chamber and at least one burner, especially a gas turbine, includes an operating characteristic for operating the combustion chamber close to the lean extinction limit defined as a burner group staging ratio (BGVRich). Pressure pulsations (PulsActual) measured in the combustion chamber are processed by a filter device (2) and converted into corresponding signals (PulsActual,Filter(t)). An exceeding/falling short of at least one pulsation limiting value (PulsLimit) is monitored by a monitoring device (3) and adapts a pulsation reference value (PulsRef) in dependence upon the monitoring. The processed pressure pulsations (PulsActual,Filter(t)) are then compared with the adapted pulsation reference value (PulsRef,adapt), and, from this, a correction value ?BGV is determined, by which the burner group staging ratio (BGVRich) is corrected, and as a result operation of the firing plant close to the lean extinction limit is realized.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Alstom Technology LtdInventors: Mauricio Garay, Gianfranco Guidati, Stanka Kokanovic, Stephan Torchalla
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Patent number: 8771521Abstract: A method and a computer program product perform a backwash process, which facilitates a reduction in a reject rate associated with a water treatment tank. If a backwash process is needed, an upper burst solenoid is operated to start an airlift flow in a first airlift path at a first position and at a first point in time, at a bottom portion of the water treatment tank, and a lower burst solenoid is operated to start an airlift flow in a second airlift path at a second position and at a second point in time. The second position is below the first position and the second point in time is after the first point in time. The airlift flow in the first and second airlift paths enables suitable water flow within the water treatment tank.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Parkson CorporationInventors: Brett H. Boyd, Russell L. Cook, Adrian Streng
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Patent number: 8761942Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include a front end system including at least one resin tank configured to contain an ion exchange resin configured to target a particular metal. The at least one resin tank may be configured to receive an output from an oxidation reactor configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater producing process. The system may further include a central processing system configured to receive a saturated resin tank from the at least one resin tank. The central processing system may further include a vacuum filter band system configured to receive a slurry from the saturated resin tank and to provide a cascading resin rinse to the slurry. The central processing system may further include a repetitive stripping system configured to receive a metal-filled purification unit from a metal specific purification system.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Hydroionic Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Rainer Bauder, Richard Hsu Yeh
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Patent number: 8652410Abstract: A method for controlling a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) exploiting a set of predetermined trigger events and a set point for the NOx concentration, and an arrangement for SCR. At the occurrence of a trigger event, NOx concentration measurement downstream from the catalyst elements is started and the difference between the measured concentration and the set point is determined. If the difference is negative, the dosing of the reducing agent is decreased. If the difference is positive, the dosing of the reducing agent is increased and after system stabilization a new measurement is started. If the measured value is below the previous measured value, the same dosing is maintained. If the measured value is above the previous measured value, the dosing is decreased with an amount greater than the increase after the previous measurement.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Wartsila Finland OyInventors: Daniel Nordberg, Raine Peltokoski
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Patent number: 8617401Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing water purification profile, has a front processing unit, a booster pump having a water inlet, a rear processing unit, a waterflow control unit, an emission control unit, a control circuit, and a temperature sensing probe. The front processing unit is connected to the water inlet via a pipe. The control circuit corresponds to the emission control unit. The temperature sensing probe senses water temperature. The control circuit is connected to the temperature sensing probe whereby automatically adjusting time of producing purified water in a periodic cycle. The apparatus implements a constant water utilization rate as water temperature changes.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Shenzhen Inike Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dingshan Jiang, Kai Zhao
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Patent number: 8617495Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine to control desulfurization of at least one aftertreatment device is provided. The exhaust gas treatment system includes a desulfurization mode trigger module, a desulfurization control module, and an interrupt module. The desulfurization mode trigger module is configured to set a desulfurization request based on one or more trigger conditions. The desulfurization control module is configured to control desulfurization of at least one aftertreatment device based on the desulfurization request. The interrupt module is configured to interrupt the desulfurization of at least one aftertreatment device based on an interrupt condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Sarah Funk, Rebecca J Darr, Paul Jasinkiewicz, Amr Radwan
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Patent number: 8615325Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an advanced control system for steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces, especially steam methane reformer furnaces. As described herein, the advanced control system may improve the control quality and efficiency of adjusting steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces operating coefficients. As a result, the steam hydrocarbon reformer furnace operations become more stable, resulting in energy savings and improved furnace yield.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Tong Li, Justin Jian Wang
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Patent number: 8613838Abstract: One or more computer implemented systems for continuously processing used oils are provided. The system can include a feedstock tank containing feedstock. The feedstock tank can have a sparger and a level sensor. The feedstock tank can be in fluid communication with a first pump, a first filter, a heater, a second filter, first flow meter, a primary nozzle, a secondary nozzle, a motionless inline static mixer, and a first reactor.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Vertex Energy, LPInventors: Gregory Odell Wallace, John G. Schulz, Benjamin P. Cowart
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Patent number: 8577623Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochloritc, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Hach CompanyInventor: Thomas D. Wolfe
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Patent number: 8568673Abstract: A gas analysis device according to the present invention includes a flue-gas extraction pipe for extracting flue gas from a flue gas duct to which flue gas including both of NH4Cl and SO3 is fed, a collector that is provided in the flue-gas extraction pipe, for removing soot dust contained in the extracted flue gas, a roll filter that is provided in the flue-gas extraction pipe, for depositing both of NH4Cl and SO3 contained in the flue gas, and a measurement device for measuring both of NH4Cl and SO3 contained in the flue gas by irradiating a sample including both of NH4Cl and SO3 deposited by the roll filter with X-rays and detecting fluorescent X-rays generated from the sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Kagawa, Masaru Chiyomaru, Nobuyuki Ukai, Takuya Okamoto, Moritoshi Murakami
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Patent number: 8562925Abstract: An arrangement for controlling injection of a reducing agent in an exhaust line of a combustion engine (1): An injection system (8-12) injects the reducing agent into the exhaust line (3). A first catalyst (13) reduces the amount of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases in the exhaust line (3) using the reducing agent. A second catalyst (14) downstream of the first catalyst (13) in the exhaust line (3) converts ammonia in the exhaust gases to nitrogen gas and nitrous oxide. A nitrous oxide sensor (17) monitors the amount of nitrous oxide in the exhaust line (3) downstream of the second catalyst (14). A control unit (10) of the injection system (8-12) adjusts the amount (q) of reducing agent injected into the exhaust line (3) if the sensor (17) detects that the amount of nitrous oxide is not within a selected range (A).Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Scania CV ABInventor: Håkan Sarby
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Patent number: 8557207Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the quantity of pollutant in waste gases, in particular for reducing the quantity of nitrogen oxide in the flue gas of a coal-fired power plant is provided. The process includes the steps of, introducing the waste gas into a catalyzer, to which a quantity of catalytic reduction agent is supplied, measuring the quantity of pollutant at the outlet of the catalyzer, and setting the quantity of pollutant to a setpoint value smaller than a limit value to be complied with, by varying the quantity of reduction agent supplied, wherein the setting of the quantity of pollutant is dynamically regulated as a function of mean values over time, for example half-hour or quarter-hour mean values, of the measured quantity of pollutant determined regularly beforehand.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, STEAG GmbHInventors: Jürgen Endemann, Jörg Gadinger
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Patent number: 8551432Abstract: A method for injecting ammonia into an exhaust gas stream downstream of a diesel engine includes providing an exhaust gas passageway (11) from the diesel engine to an ambient (14). The exhaust gas passageway (11) includes an NOx Slip Catalyst (NSC) 20 downstream of an NOx Particulate Filter (NPF) 18. The method includes emitting exhaust gas (EG) through the exhaust gas passageway (11), and selectively injecting ammonia (NH3) upstream of the NPF 18, upstream of the NSC (20), both upstream of the NPF and the NSC, or not injecting ammonia, depending on the temperature of the exhaust gas at the NPF and at the NSC.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC.Inventors: Brad J. Adelman, Vadim Olegovich Strots, Shyam Santhanam
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Patent number: 8540953Abstract: Utilizing the finding that the state of adsorption of NH3 on a selective reduction type NOx catalyst includes a weakly adsorbed state in which the adsorbed NH3 is useful for a reduction reaction of NOx and a strongly adsorbed state in which the adsorbed NH3 is not useful for the reduction reaction of NOx unless the state of adsorption is changed into the weakly adsorbed state, the apparatus of the invention includes an actual weakly-adsorbed amount-calculation NH3 that is adsorbed on the selective reduction type NOx catalyst in the weakly adsorbed state, and a dispensation control portion that performs a dispensation control of the reductant dispensed by a reductant-dispensation portion, according to the actual weakly adsorbed amount calculated by the actual weakly adsorbed amount calculation portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shunsuke Toshioka, Shinya Hirota, Koichiro Fukuda, Takafumi Yamauchi
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Patent number: 8515581Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatic dose control of chemicals in liquid treatment, particularly for automatic dose control of chemicals in water treatment. The present invention also relates to a device arrangement for automatic dose control of chemicals. The invention utilizes adaptive linguistic equation controllers for dosing the chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Kemira OyjInventors: Eila Piironen, Esko Juuso, Iiris Joensuu, Aki Sorsa
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Patent number: 8504305Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Hach CompanyInventor: Thomas D. Wolfe
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Patent number: 8502004Abstract: Process for evaluating the effect of a refinery feedstock on a refinery process by (i) providing a refinery feedstock (ii) treating the refinery feedstock to produce a plurality of fractions each representative of a feedstock for the refinery process, the plurality of fractions having at least two fractions with different properties; (iii) treating each of the plurality of fractions under experimental conditions representative of those in the refinery process, the treatments being carried out in an essentially parallel manner; and (iv) determining one or more performance criteria for each fraction for the refinery process by analyzing the respective product streams produced from each fraction at least partially in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: BP Oil International LimitedInventors: Graham Butler, John William Couves, Paul Greenough, Nicholas John Gudde, Michael Graham Hodges
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Patent number: 8498750Abstract: A system for monitoring a transient flow of a fluid for the presence of contaminants is disclosed. The system includes a fluid control valve having a body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. A fluid monitoring device is in fluid communication with the fluid flowing through the control valve. The fluid monitoring device is adapted to monitor the fluid flowing through the control valve for contaminants.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignees: Velcon Filters, LLC, Cla-ValInventors: Jed Stevens, Mike Uffer, Martin W. Pickett, Vicky B. Roberts
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Patent number: 8486705Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventor: Sasisekharan Raguram
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Patent number: 8449496Abstract: The present invention is a peritoneal function testing method characterized by using a ratio MTACun/MTACc calculated using MTACun and MTACc as an index for a peritoneal function test, where MTACun is an overall mass transfer-area coefficient for urea nitrogen and MTACc is an overall mass transfer-area coefficient for creatinine. The use of MTACun/c of the present invention in this way enables examination of the future peritoneal function of a patient (a mechanism of deterioration in peritoneal function). To be specific, MTACun and MTACc can be obtained by computing Pyle-Popovich model. In addition, the peritoneal function testing method may further calculate a permeability coefficient for cell pores (LPSC) and an overall permeability coefficient (LPS) from Three-Pore Theory model while obtaining a ratio LPSC/LPS calculated using the LPSC and the LPS, and may use the LPSC/LPS ratio and the MTACun/MTACc ratio as indexes for the peritoneal function test.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Hamada, Masahiro Okamoto
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Patent number: 8444593Abstract: A peritoneal function testing method uses a ratio of MTACun/MTACc, calculated using MTACun and MTACc, as an index for a peritoneal function test, wherein MTACun is an overall mass transfer-area coefficient for urea nitrogen and MTACun is an overall mass transfer-area coefficient for creatinine. The use of MTACun/MTACc enables examination of the future peritoneal function of a patient (a mechanism of deterioration in peritoneal function). To be specific, MTACun and MTACc can be obtained by computing a Pyle-Popovich model. In addition, the peritoneal function testing method further calculates a permeability coefficient for cell pores (LpSC) and an overall permeability coefficient (LPS) from a Three-Pore Theory model while obtaining a ratio of LPSC/LPS calculated using the LPSC and the LPS. The LPSC/LPS ratio and the MTACun/MTACc ratio can be used as indexes for the peritoneal function test.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Hamada, Masahiro Okamoto
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Patent number: 8404109Abstract: A method of inverting sucrose, including (i) determining an initial solids concentration of an aqueous sucrose solution, an initial bed volume of a sucrose inversion resin system, a minimum target inversion percentage, a maximum target inversion percentage, a target maximum hydroxymethylfuran (HMF) concentration, a minimum target pH, or a maximum target pH; (ii) contacting the sucrose inversion resin system with the aqueous sucrose solution under conditions of aqueous solution flow rate and aqueous solution temperature to produce an inverted sucrose solution having an inversion percentage, an HMF concentration, and a pH; (iii) observing an instantaneous inversion percentage, an instantaneous HMF concentration, or an instantaneous pH of the inverted sucrose solution; and, if appropriate; (iv) changing at least one of the aqueous solution flow rate or the aqueous solution temperature to yield a product having a desired inversion percentage, HMF concentration, and/or pH.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: European Sugar Holdings S.A.R.L.Inventors: Robert Jansen, John Kerr, Anthony Baiada
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Patent number: 8321039Abstract: Apparatus for managing a residential wastewater treatment system includes an in situ control unit that monitors an individual system. The control unit provides local control and alarms, and also sends status reports and/or alarms to a remote monitoring center via a telemetry device. The remote monitoring center makes information concerning the individual system available through a website.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Gregory D. Graves
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Patent number: 8306665Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into a gas. In particular, the control system is designed to be configurable for use in controlling one or more processes implemented in, and/or by, a gasification system for the conversion of such feedstock into a gas, which may be used for one or more downstream applications. Gasification processes controllable by different embodiments of the disclosed control system may include in various combinations, a converter, a residue conditioner, a recuperator and/or heat exchanger system, one or more gas conditioners, a gas homogenization system and one or more downstream applications. The control system operatively controls various local, regional and/or global processes related to the overall gasification process, and thereby adjusts various control parameters thereof adapted to affect these processes for a selected result.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Plasco Energy Group Inc.Inventors: Andreas Tsangaris, Kenneth Craig Campbell, Douglas Michael Feasby, Alisdair Alan McLean
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Patent number: 8303532Abstract: A peritoneal function testing apparatus tests the peritoneal function of a dialysis patient easily and with high accuracy. Standards of four kinetic parameters (CCr, Kt/V, MTACu, and MTACc) available in a definite dialysis guideline are computed in accordance with a relational expression, and a curve showing the relation between MTACu/c and the drained fluid volume is indicated in a graph together with the PET data of the patient which has been prepared separately. Thus, the peritoneal function can be evaluated based on the relative position of the patient's data and the curve showing the standard values in the graph.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Hamada, Masahiro Okamoto, Shinji Namoto, Tomokazu Karino
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Patent number: 8280554Abstract: A novel fail-safe temperature monitoring system that can distinguish excessive chemical adsorbent temperature from temperature sensing component failure is provided. This system prevents the gas purifier from shutting down as a result of temperature sensing component failure, and thereby prevents a false shutdown of a high-purity gas production plant.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Thomas John Bergman, Jr., Rick Boyer, Sandro Di Santo, Michael Henry Hawke, Keith Randall Pace, Thomas Robert Schulte, Brian Donald Warrick
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Publication number: 20120245737Abstract: Gas purification systems generally include an analyzing unit including a plurality of sensors and/or probes for continuously analyzing a solvent cyclic capacity in real time, the plurality of sensors and/or probes in fluid communication with rich amine and lean amine solution carrying conduits and the water wash conduits; and a system control unit configured to receive outputs from the analyzing unit for monitoring and controlling the solvent cyclic capacity in real time. Also disclosed are computer implemented methods for providing the real time control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: ZHENG LIU, NARESHKUMAR B. HANDAGAMA, RASESH R. KOTDAWALA, BARATH BABURAO, VIKRAM S. SHABDE
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Patent number: 8225745Abstract: System and method for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
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Patent number: 8219247Abstract: A method of operating a furnace having process tubes and multiple burners where it is desired to conform the temperatures of the process tubes to selected target temperature criterion. The present method provides a systematic and quantitative approach to determine how to adjust burner flow rates to result in desired tube wall temperatures, for example to minimize the temperature deviation between tube wall temperatures at a predetermined elevation in the furnace.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Ali Esmaili, William Robert Licht, Xianming Jimmy Li, Oliver J. Smith, IV
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Patent number: 8158436Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventor: Sasisekharan Raguram
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Patent number: 8155791Abstract: Methods and systems for creating dynamic performance measures (DPMs) for an IBA manufacturing process. Included is a method for monitoring an Isobutyl Alcohol (IBA) recovery system that includes computing at least one of an amount of IBA recovered from the IBA recovery system and an amount of waste material produced from the IBA recovery system, and displaying at least one of the recovered IBA and the waste material produced based on time. The method also includes computing a cost saved based on a cost of virgin IBA and the amount of IBA recovered. Computing an amount of waste material includes measuring waste material flow, and computing a cost of waste material management based on the measured waste material flow and a cost per unit volume to dispose of waste material. The IBA recovery system can include an evaporation IBA recovery system and/or a distillation IBA recovery system.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventor: Russell Barr
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Patent number: 8146850Abstract: The subject mater herein relates to coal mills and, more particularly, inferential pulverized fuel flow sensing and manipulation within a coal mill. Various embodiments provide systems, methods, and software to manipulate a primary air flow rate and a coal feed rate into a coal mill to produce a target pulverized fuel flow. Some embodiments include sensing a differential pressure between two or more locations within a coal mill to estimate a recirculated load of coal at one or more stages within the coal mill.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Havlena, Jaroslav Pekar, Daniel Pachner
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Patent number: 8123715Abstract: The present invention is a peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis hybrid-remedy planning method using an index that is shared by both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis and indicates an effect of dialysis. To be specific, the index is M/C(0)/VB, which is obtained by dividing a ratio M/C(0)—where M is a removal amount of a solute for a fixed time period, and C(0) is a concentration of the solute in blood before the dialysis—by a patient's body fluid volume, VB. The present invention is capable of representing the dialysis effect of PD and HD as an integrated sum, and achieving concise and explicit PD and HD hybrid-remedy planning.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Hamada, Masahiro Okamoto
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Publication number: 20120041596Abstract: A diagnostic control module includes a temperature gradient module. The temperature gradient module determines a temperature gradient across a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst of an exhaust system of an engine based on a plurality of temperature signals. A calibration module determines a weighted average based on the plurality of temperature signals. A SCR efficiency control module disables conversion efficiency monitoring based on the temperature gradient and the weighted average.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Brett B. Thompson, Stephen Paul Levijoki
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Publication number: 20120022694Abstract: A sensing scheme comprising determining the chemical degradation and physical degradation in oil using variation in transmission behavior of oil for multi-wavelength electromagnetic radiation, and separating the contributory effect of physical degradation from the chemical degradation is disclosed. Further sensor designs employing the said scheme are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: MRIDANGAM RESEARCH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TRUSTInventors: Pravansu S. Mohanty, Ramesh K. Guduru