Abstract: A complete hand hygiene station and method of monitoring a complete hand hygiene station are provided. The complete hand hygiene station may include at least an automated wash cylinder or chamber, a sanitizer dispenser and a lotion dispenser. The wash chamber and/or the sanitizer dispenser may be used to provide a user with a hand washing. The lotion dispenser may be used to moisturize a user's hands after the usage of the sanitizer dispenser. The complete hand hygiene station may be monitored to ensure compliance with one or more hygiene protocols. A particular hygiene protocol may specify hygiene requirements such as daily hygiene station usage, lotion usage subsequent to sanitizer usage, and/or mandatory wash chamber use subsequent to a predetermined number of lotion usages.

Abstract: A method for controlling the influx of fluids into a multizone well in which each inflow zone is provided with an inflow control device, comprises: assessing the flux of oil, gas, water and other effluents from the well; monitoring production variables, including ICD position and/or fluid pressure in each inflow zone upstream of each ICD and/or downstream of each ICD; sequentially adjusting the position of each of the ICDs and assessing the flux of crude oil, natural gas and/or other well effluents; monitoring production variables; deriving a zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well; and adjusting each ICD to control the influx of crude oil, natural gas and/or other effluents into each inflow zone on the basis of data derived from the zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for in-line processes of blending butane into gasoline streams, and for blending butane into a gasoline stream at any point along a petroleum pipeline. The invention additionally provides a method for measuring the vapor pressure and vapor to liquid ratio of the gasoline, both upstream and downstream of the blending operation, as well as the sulfur content of the butane entering the blending operation. The blending operation can be controlled to ensure that the blended gasoline meets EPA requirements for vapor pressure and sulfur content of gasoline. The invention further provides a method for accessing and monitoring the operation off-site.

Abstract: A combined water management and communication system for a water provider wirelessly communicating with selected ones of the multiplicity of user wireless transceiver for changing water distribution to selective ones of the multiplicity of independent users upon an undesired water flow characteristic within the water distribution channels. The multiplicity of user wireless transceivers communicating with proximate user wireless transceivers for forming a network for communicating information to a third party wireless transceiver unrelated to liquid flow. The invention is also incorporated into a remote controlled solar operated wireless irrigation valve. The invention is further incorporated into an improved water management irrigation system incorporating an adaptive weather based controller that is adjusted by a weather based sensor base controller.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a mass flow controller comprising a digital controller, a valve, and a sensor. The digital controller is adapted to implement a control loop having a proportional signal modifier in series with an integral signal modifier. The integral signal modifier is adapted to receive a combination signal and output an integrated signal. The valve is adapted to receive the integrated signal and adjust a valve opening in accordance with the integrated signal. The sensor is adapted to output a measured flow rate signal indicative of an actual fluid flow rate in the mass flow controller. The measured flow rate signal is received by the proportional signal modifier and used in conjunction with a setpoint signal to determine the error signal.

Abstract: A microfluidic arrangement including a fluid channel configured to receive a first fluid from a first inlet and a second fluid from a second inlet, and a mixer connected to the fluid channel, the mixer including a mixer channel configured to receive a volume of the first fluid and a volume of the second fluid from the fluid channel, the mixer channel defining a mixer capacity, wherein the mixer is (i) configured to mix the volume of the first fluid and the volume of the second fluid in order to provide a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid when the combined volume of the first fluid and the second fluid is less than the mixer capacity, and (ii) further configured to mix the volume of the first fluid and the volume of the second fluid in order to provide a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid when the combined volume of the first fluid and the second fluid is equal to the mixer capacity.

Abstract: An appliance includes a memory storage location storing a flag indicative of a predicted demand-response (DR) period; and a controller coupled to the flag to autonomously place the appliance in an energy shedding mode during the predicted DR period. Additionally, a method is disclosed to fabricate a building structure includes depositing a phase change material (PCM) on a surface exposed to a conditioned air flow; and forming air channels on the PCM to increase thermal contact between the PCM and the conditioned air flow.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to mitigate the pressure disturbance associated with the injection of low-pressure analyte samples into a high-pressure HPLC fluid stream, to enhance chromatographic performance related to retention time and reproducibility. The preferred embodiment coordinates the injection run with active pressure control of a binary solvent delivery system to virtually eliminate the customary pressure drop when the low-pressure loop is brought on line. An additional benefit that enhances reproducibility is accomplished by forcing a consistent timing relationship between the injection run, the mechanical position of the delivery pump pistons, and the start and subsequent gradient delivery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a mixing regime for use in the preparation of an animal feed in which a main computer is programmed to store a master list of ingredients which are available to farmers and from which a farmer can select a specific set of ingredients for the preparation of animal feed. The main computer is programmed to store the ingredients in a look-up table cross-referenced with standard mixing periods to which the respective ingredients should be subjected during the mixing regime to produce an animal feed. Additionally, the look-up table contains mixing factors by which the standard mixing periods may be altered in order to take account of non-standard conditions, such as variations of the ingredients, the proportion of the particular ingredient, the average size or weight of the animals and the mixing apparatus and condition thereof in which the animal feed is to be mixed.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a refrigeration system having an operating point, comprising: a memory configured to store a relationship of at least an evaporator efficiency, an evaporator heat load, a refrigerant amount in the evaporator, and a variable dependent on a non-volatile liquid mixed with refrigerant in the evaporator an input port configured to receive a signal corresponding to at least a measured evaporator heat load during operation; an output port configured to present an output to selectively alter an operating point of the evaporator, by altering the refrigerant amount in the evaporator and thereby changing the variable; and a processor, configured to receive the signal, access the memory; and generate the output to selectively move toward an optimum operating point. A corresponding method and refrigeration system are provided.

Abstract: A processing liquid mixing apparatus and method capable of maintaining a mixing ratio of the processing liquid produced in a mixing tank constant, a substrate processing apparatus including the processing liquid mixing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a program for controlling the processing liquid mixing apparatus are disclosed. Discharge valves are first open and supply valves are close to discharge stock solutions to an outside through the discharge valves. After all flow rates of the stock solutions detected by LFC reach a predetermined flow rate, the discharge valves are close and the supply valves are open to supply the stock solutions to the second mixing tank through the supply valves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a foam proportioning system into existing fire fighting equipment is provided. The method can include installing a foam proportioning library into a first application of a processor of the existing fire fighting equipment and installing a foam proportioning support into a second application of a display of the existing fire fighting equipment. The method can also include connecting a foam proportioner to the processor, receiving user inputs with the display, and processing the user inputs with the second application and the foam proportioning support. The method can further include transmitting the user inputs to the processor and operating the foam proportioner in response to the user inputs with the first application and the foam proportioning library.

Abstract: Minimizing improper dosage of a drug admixture (including a single primary drug component and at least one second drug component). For each drug component in the drug admixture, receiving a name of the drug component along with its dosage unit, a maximum dose warning level and a maximum concentration warning level. Receiving a concentration for each of the single primary drug component and the at least one secondary drug component; and a dose setting of only the primary drug component. Automatically calculating a dose of each of the at least one secondary drug component. Generating an alert when: (i) the received dose setting of the primary drug component or calculated dose setting of the at least one secondary drug component exceeds the dose warning level; or (ii) the received concentration of the primary drug component or the at least one secondary drug component exceeds the concentration warning level.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed, which may include a vehicle having a paint production system, a spectrometer and a gloss meter. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select a value for a paint attribute on a slider; and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints. The method may also comprise storing information about the reflectance of produced paints in a local data storage device.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser receives a fluid container at an installation position and includes a data reader configured to scan product indicia on an installed container. Based on data from that scan data, a controller operates a pump and a valve to mix beverage concentrate from the installed container with a diluent that corresponds to the desired beverage. The controller mixes the concentrate and diluent at a ratio that is based on the scan data. The controller may also select the correct diluent based on the scan data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a velocity and concentration adjustable coupling pipe apparatus equipped between a lifting pipe and a collector. The apparatus includes a coupling pipe having a lower inlet and an upper outlet which are different in diameter from each other. A seawater inlet pipe passes through a side surface of the coupling pipe to permit inflow of seawater. A slurry flow control valve is provided in the coupling pipe to control the inflow of slurry. A seawater flow control valve is provided in the seawater inlet pipe to control the inflow of the seawater. A first sensor measures concentration of slurry discharged through the upper outlet. A second sensor measures velocity of the discharged slurry. A third sensor measures velocity of slurry introduced into the lower inlet. A control panel controls the opening ratio of each of the slurry and seawater flow control valves.

Abstract: A chemical mixing method to safely mix a dry chemical into a solution provides a mixing process with high levels of precision and accuracy. Water may be pumped into a mixing tank through a Venturi tube, which creates a vacuum that may be used to withdraw the dry chemical from the shipping container. The eductor system including the Venturi tube may be thoroughly flushed before the mixing process is finalized, and the effluent from the flushing procedure may be pumped to the mixing tank to recover all measured dry chemical and water.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to mitigate the pressure disturbance associated with the injection of low-pressure analyte samples into a high-pressure HPLC fluid stream, to enhance chromatographic performance related to retention time and reproducibility. The preferred embodiment coordinates the injection run with active pressure control of a binary solvent delivery system to virtually eliminate the customary pressure drop when the low-pressure loop is brought on line. An additional benefit that enhances reproducibility is accomplished by forcing a consistent timing relationship between the injection run, the mechanical position of the delivery pump pistons, and the start and subsequent gradient delivery.

Abstract: A reagent preparing apparatus for preparing reagent by mixing a concentrated reagent and a diluting liquid and supplying the prepared reagent to a clinical sample measurement apparatus which measures a clinical sample using the supplied reagent, the reagent preparing apparatus comprising: a chamber for mixing the concentrated reagent and the diluting liquid; a liquid quality measurement part for measuring a quality of the diluting liquid; and a controller for controlling a flow of the diluting liquid based on the quality of the diluting liquid measured by the liquid quality measurement part is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for controlling the production of a mixture of constituents, especially a mixture with premix dead volumes. By correcting the matrices for calculating the mixture constituents, used in calculating recipes, by introducing limit, order relationship and equality constraints, it is possible to avoid the drifts observed in certain special cases by the implementation of the method and to improve, on the one hand, the diagnostic assistance and the control of the estimation of the properties so as to limit the deviations from the actual quality of the constituents of the mixture and, on the other hand, the speed of manufacture of the mixture and the robustness of the method. The method and the system according to the invention ensure multivariable regulation feedback by a dynamic observer providing an estimate in real time of the properties of the constituents of the mixture, said estimate being sufficient to guarantee the effectiveness of the feedback loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending and supplying process materials. The method and apparatus are particularly applicable to the blending of ultra-high purity chemicals, the blending of abrasive slurries with other chemicals for the polishing of semiconductor wafers, and high-accuracy blending of chemicals. The apparatus may include a dispensing subsystem that supplies process materials to a mixing subsystem where they are blended with a static mixer. The method may include supplying process materials with a dispensing subsystem and blending the process materials in a static mixer.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to mitigate the pressure disturbance associated with the injection of low-pressure analyte samples into a high-pressure HPLC fluid stream to enhance chromatographic performance related to retention time and reproducibility. The injection event is coordinated with active pressure control of a binary solvent delivery system to virtually eliminate the customary pressure drop when the low-pressure loop is brought on line. Consistent timing with the injection event of the mechanical position of the delivery pump pistons, and the start and subsequent gradient delivery generates reproducible results.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In one non-limiting embodiment, the gas generator may include a nitrogen generator structured to receive air, extract oxygen (O2) from the air and discharge the balance in the form of a nitrogen-rich gas; a merging chamber structured to receive a hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas and to discharge a feed mixture containing both the hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas; and a catalytic reactor structured to receive the feed mixture and to catalytically convert the feed mixture into a reducing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing nutritional products including a number of storage hoppers for powdered ingredients, a controllable outlet connected to each storage hopper and operable to release controlled amounts of the powdered ingredients, a controllable liquid supply, a mixer, and a control system including a user interface for capturing data from a user. The control system uses the data that the user inputs to determine the quantity of each powdered ingredient and the quantity of liquid to be released to create a nutritional product, and sends signals to the liquid supply and the outlets to release the determined quantity of liquid and each powdered ingredient into the mixer to be mixed before being dispensed into a container.

Abstract: A mixing machine for mixing a fluid product contained in a container, comprising one or more mixing devices, each able to mix the product according to a determinate mixing cycle chosen from a plurality of elementary mixing cycles. A command and control unit has a first memory in which the operating sequences of the plurality of elementary mixing cycles are memorized, and is connected to a data introduction device associated with a second memory in which the characteristics of the container or of the product to be mixed are memorized. Each operating sequence of the determinate mixing cycle is pre-defined according to the characteristics memorized in the second memory.

Abstract: A system for calculating and reporting slump in a delivery vehicle having a mixing drum 14 and hydraulic drive 16 for rotating the mixing drum, including a rotational sensor 20 configured to sense a rotational speed of the mixing drum, a hydraulic sensor 22 coupled to the hydraulic drive and configured to sense a hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum, and a communications port 26 configured to communicate a slump calculation to a status system 28 commonly used in the concrete industry, wherein the sensing of the rotational speed of the mixing drum is used to qualify a calculation of current slump based on the hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum.

Abstract: A fluid control method for maintaining a split flow ratio of main gas to be split from a main line into first and second sublines constant before and after additive gas is supplied to one of the sublines is achieved by controlling a flow rate of the main gas to be supplied from the main line to a chamber through the first and second sublines based on the pressure in each of the first and second sublines when the additive gas is to be supplied to the second subline. The pressure in the first subline not supplied with the additive gas is controlled to remain constant during supply of the additive gas to the second subline.

Abstract: A system for controlling motion of a hydraulic actuator during a portion of its range of motion is described, including a sensor on the hydraulic actuator for providing a signal indicating that the actuator is near a portion of its range of motion, and a pneumatic control valve that is configured to selectively modify a pressurized air control signal to in turn restrict flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator control system further includes an electronic controller for controlling the pneumatic control valve in response to a signal from the sensor. The hydraulic actuator control system thereby slows the motion of the hydraulic actuator near the portion of its range of motion.

Abstract: An appliance including a housing, a dispenser, and a water supply mechanism. The appliance includes a drink supply mechanism configured to removably hold a plurality of drink supply containers, a user interface panel, and a computer. The computer is configured to: cause the user interface panel to display a plurality of different images, each image associated with a different one of a plurality of different beverages which correspond to a drink supply in at least one of the plurality of drink supply containers held by the drink supply mechanism, enable the user interface panel to receive an input from a user of a selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, and after receiving the input from the user of the selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, cause the dispenser to dispense the beverage corresponding to the selected image.

Abstract: Provided are a storage medium and a cleaning method of a plasma processing apparatus capable of more securely removing a deposit and preventing occurrence of any problems caused by a remaining deposit as compared to the conventional method. A cleaning gas which contains an oxygen gas and a nitrogen gas and has a ratio of “nitrogen gas flow rate/(nitrogen gas flow rate+oxygen gas flow rate)” in a range from about 0.05 to about 0.5 is introduced into a processing chamber when a substrate is not mounted on a mounting table, and, then, the inside of the processing chamber is cleaned by applying a high frequency power between the mounting table and an upper electrode and exciting the cleaning gas into plasma.

Abstract: A liquid injector acquires personal condition data originating from a patient, before executing injection of a medical liquid, and a function decision unit decides whether the patient has renal dysfunction based on the acquired personal condition data. Accordingly, such arrangement can be made that in the case where the patient is not decided to have renal dysfunction the liquid injection is executed without announcing an alert, and that in the contrary case the alert is announced and the liquid injection is suspended. Thus, the liquid injector allows easily and surely preventing improper injection of the liquid such as a contrast medium to a patient with renal dysfunction.

Abstract: One or more drinks machines are used for preparing or providing drinks using a computers' network, and an adapter connected in between. The users can order drinks through a graphic interface and monitor the status of the drinks and of the machines. The orders can be managed using a queue and each user can be notified through the computer when the drink is ready or can he prepared. The adapter can he connected to an existing machine or provided with one. Another possibility is that the adapter would include wireless communication support. It may he possible that the adapter would also monitor the drink machine as well as sending commands for preparing ordered drinks.

Abstract: A mixing vial is provided for an automated biological reaction apparatus typically used for staining tissue samples in Immuno-histological and in-situ hybridisation reactions. The mixing vial allows reagents placed on the apparatus to be mixed together to form additional or blended reagents. A reagent dispenser mounted on a robotic arm withdraws reagent from the reagent containers and deposits it into one of the mixing vials. Several reagents can be deposited into each vial. Mixing is undertaken by withdrawing the reagents in a vial and re-dispensing the reagent back into the vial. Mixing may take place between the operation of other tasks performed by the apparatus, and a scheduler is used to ensure blended reagent is provided before it is required in one of the processes undertaken on the apparatus. The apparatus is able to automatically identify which blended reagents are required and when they must be applied to provide an appropriate schedule that minimises time taken to stain samples.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring product through a batch manufacturing plant is provided. The system includes, a parallel flow mode when product flows concurrently from at least two units to a single unit; and a serial flow mode where product flows from one unit to another at a given time, wherein the batch manufacturing plant is modeled based on the parallel and serial flow modes. A lot association is built based on product flow and a parent/child record is created for lot association. The system also includes a data collection system that collects phase information for every unit and a procedure identifier is used to create a batch identifier, where a batch identifier is associated with each lot on each unit through which product is flowing to and/or from at a given time.

Abstract: A liquid/gas interface pressure accumulator and mechanical filter device is especially adapted for use within a propellant utilization monitoring system of a space launch vehicle. The device provides a retrofit solution for overcoming problems associated with liquid entering a pressure sensing lines and pressure noises that collectively harm the ability to accurately measure fuel and oxidizer levels. One device is attached to each fuel and oxidizer tank of the launch vehicle. Each device includes a housing and an internal sensing chamber that is used to accumulate liquid before it can enter a pressure sensing communication line connected to a pressure sensing transducer. The construction of the device also allows filtering of undesirable pressure noises due to vibration, pressure pulsations, and other vibratory events that occur during operation of the space vehicle. The device is also selectively tunable to filter out certain frequencies and frequency ranges/bands.

Abstract: A method and device for creating a beverage recipe for an integrated beverage blending system includes a dispenser and at least one blending/mixing/cleaning module. The method creates the beverage recipe with recipe program running on a computer interactively with a user making recipe entry parameters for the dispensing, blending and mixing operations. The recipe can be stored on a portable memory and inserted into a user interface controller of the integrated system or into an associated point of sale device.

Abstract: An apparatus for on-site manufacturing of lightweight concrete used for insulation in roof decks and roof systems of building structures. The apparatus is supported on a transportable trailer frame and includes a mixer, a concrete pump, and one or more tanks for holding a mixture of water and chemical products, such as foaming agents. The chemical agents/water solution is mixed with pressurized air according to a desired foam density and volume and is pumped through a foam cylinder ejector. The air/solution mixture exiting the ejector is directed into a carburetor which generates a foam product by mechanical impact of the air/solution mixture with beads contained in the carburetor. Concrete and the foam product are combined in the mixer, in accordance with a predetermined mixture ratio, and released into the concrete pump for forced discharge from the apparatus and application to a roof structure.

Abstract: A semi-frozen beverage dispenser with an improved flow proportioning mechanism is provided. In a filling cycle, a first valve regulating the syrup flow opens first to deliver a predetermined volume before it closes and a second valve regulating the water flow opens to deliver a volume according to the desired water to syrup ratio. A common flow sensor measures the liquid flow volume for both the syrup and water and provides the information to the control system. If it takes too long to deliver the expected volume, the system gives out a liquid-low warning.

Abstract: A paint manufacturing system includes a paint component storage system and a colorant storage system. A dispenser is in fluid communication with the paint component and colorant storage systems. A spectrophotometer is operatively coupled with a computer system. The computer system controls the flow of paint components from the paint component storage system and colorants from the colorant storage system.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling the blending of multiple fluids. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein blending of a denaturant with an undenatured biofuel may be controlled and optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to any other suitable applications, such as the production of petroleum products, where multiple fluids may be blended.

Abstract: A method for mixing at least two materials is provided. The method comprises introducing the at least two materials into a physical system and combining the at least two materials to form a mixture thereof. The method also comprises independently controlling a desired characteristic of the mixture and a desired parameter of the physical system, wherein the controlling is based in part on estimating a disturbance, wherein the estimating the disturbance is based on processing an error term determined by subtracting a modeled parameter of the physical system from a corresponding sensed parameter of the physical system.

Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing automated washing and verifying compliance of use. The system provides for identifying individual users of one or more cleaning stations through various technologies, such as RFID. Individual's use of cleaning stations is monitored to determine compliance with hand-washing requirements. A compliance report may be generated based on data associated with one or more individuals' use of the cleaning station(s). Educational and/or entertainment content may be displayed to the user when he or she is using the cleaning station. Additionally, the cleaning station may identify containers having authorized consumables such as soap or disinfectant.

Abstract: A method of controlling the compounding of a prescribed admixture, the method performed by a computer under control of a computer program, the method including: inputting the prescribed admixture; determining if a concentration of the prescribed admixture is within an allowed range; and if the concentration is within the allowed range, choosing which of at least two of the following compounding setups to employ (i) a high and a low flow compounding setup for the prescribed admixture, (ii) a low flow compounding setup for the prescribed admixture, and (iii) a high flow compounding setup for the prescribed admixture.

Abstract: An improved post-mix type food product dispenser that includes a housing having a clear, transparent visual display that permits real-time viewing of the mixing process that takes place within a mixing chamber defined by a rotating rotor that is closely received within the housing. The apparatus is operated by the customer and uniquely produces and dispenses on demand individualized portions of freshly prepared food products as selected by the customer.

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: A method for production optimization in an oil and/or a gas production system. The system including at least two flow sources leading to at least one common downstream flow line, and at least one manipulated variable of the production system. The method includes use of a computational model of the production system including an interdependence between flow rates of the flow sources and a flow rate of the downstream flow line, and values of the manipulated variable; a feasible set defined by at least one constraint of the manipulated variable, and an objective function, to be optimized within said feasible set, defined by using the computational model. The method includes splitting by calculation the feasible set into at least two subsets, calculating, for each of the subsets, a best bound of the objective function by using the computational model, and manipulating the manipulated variable by using the best bound to optimize the oil and/or gas production.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the in-feed and discharge rates of materials flowing into and out of a mixing process where one priority is to achieve a target mixture flow rate from the mixing process and another priority can be to achieve a target value for a mixture property. Actuators can be operated to control material in-feed rates, the mixture composition, and discharge rate, and can maintain a hold-up of the mixture in the mixing process. A total flow rate controller provides a control signal to a controller acting on the discharge rate and a controller acting on the in-feed rates. The mixture discharge flow rate can be automatically reduced from its desired target when the commanded rate of at least one of the materials exceeds its available supply rate as inferred from an inability to maintain the targeted value for the mixture property.

Abstract: A flow rate ratio control device having: a main channel (RM); branch channels (R1, R2) branching from the end of the main channel (RM); control valves (31, 32) respectively provided in the branch channels (R1, R2); flow rate measurement means for measuring the flow rate of the main channel (RM) and the flow rate of each of the branch channels (R1, R2); a valve control section (5) for controlling the a control valve (31) provided in one branch channel (R2) so that the pressure on the upstream side of the control valve (31) is a given target pressure and, only when the upstream-side pressure is near or not less than the target pressure, starting control of the other control valve (32) so that the flow rate ratios of the branch channels (R1, R2) are predetermined ratios; and a target pressure setting section (6) for setting the target pressure such that the smaller the flow volume is in the main channel (RM), the lower is the target pressure.

Abstract: A method of creating customized beverage products includes providing a multiple stream filing system suited for producing an array of beverage products. The method also includes receiving an order for a customized beverage product from the array of beverage products. The order indicates at least one characteristic of the customized beverage product. The at least one characteristic comprises one or more of the following: a beverage formulation, a beverage additive, a package size, a package shape, or label content. The method further includes instructing the multiple stream filling system to produce the customized beverage product. The multiple stream filing system produces the customized beverage product without performing an operation to reduce contamination of the customized beverage product with ingredients from a previously produced beverage product.