Abstract: A power supply signal conditioning system includes a power supply, one or more loads, and a drive-sense circuit (DSC). The power supply is operably coupled to one or more loads. When enabled, the power supply configured to output a power supply signal having a DC (direct current) voltage component and a ripple voltage component that is based on conversion of an AC (alternating current) signal in accordance with generating the power supply signal. The DSC is operably coupled to the power supply. When enabled, the DSC is configured simultaneously to sense the power supply signal and, based on sensing of the power supply signal, adaptively to process the power supply signal in accordance with reducing or eliminating the ripple voltage component of the power supply signal to generate a conditioned power supply signal to service the one or more loads.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is shown for sensing a crossing of the critical point in a system utilising a working fluid in a transcritical cycle passing through the critical point. A first broadband acoustic sensor is located upstream of a component and a second broadband acoustic sensor is located downstream of the component, each of which are arranged to detect high-frequency and low-frequency sounds caused by the crossing of the critical point. A flow regulation device regulates flow of working fluid through the component in response to the output of one or both of the first broadband acoustic sensor and the second broadband acoustic sensor, thereby adjusting the location of the crossing of the critical point.

Abstract: The present invention discloses ultrasonic nondestructive methods for pipe wall thickness measurement at high or low temperatures. An ultrasonic detection device comprises a first and a second ultrasonic waveguide. The waveguide length is selected according to the surface temperature of a pipe under inspection. A first piezoelectric plate causes generation of a plurality of ultrasonic excitation signals which is transmitted to the pipe through the first ultrasonic waveguide. The plurality of ultrasonic excitation signals has different group speeds when traveling along the first ultrasonic waveguide. The reflected ultrasonic wave signals are collected and transmitted to a second piezoelectric plate by the second ultrasonic waveguide. The pipe wall thickness is calculated using an ultrasonic wave signal which has the highest group speed. The first and second waveguides are arranged parallel and side by side.

Abstract: Distance-detection system includes a signal-generator configured to provide a drive signal and an ultrasound transducer having at least one ultrasonic element. The ultrasound transducer is configured to transmit a pulse of sound waves and detect reflected sound waves. The distance-detection system also includes a receiver configured to receive a detection signal from the ultrasound transducer. The detection signal includes a reverberation component representing reverberation of the ultrasound transducer and a reflected component representing reflected sound waves from the interface. The receiver is configured to receive a drive-cancellation signal that is inverted with respect to the reverberation component of the detection signal. The receiver is configured to determine a time-of-flight measurement based on the detection signal in which the reverberation component of the detection signal is reduced by the drive-cancellation signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to non-destructive ultrasonic testing of flat-bottom rails, laid on track, and can be used for detection of defects in tips of the rail foot on aluminothermic welded joints, performed by the intermediate casting method. During the ultrasonic testing of aluminothermic welded joints, at least two zones for ultrasonic testing were determined with selecting one of at least two zones on the weld bead (reinforcing bead) from the lateral surface of the tip of the rail foot. At least two specific zones are grinded on the weld collar (reinforcing collar) with creation of at least two flat areas, which are able to ensure acoustic contact. The ultrasonic transducer is placed on every flat area of the collar, which is connected to at least one ultrasonic flaw detector. Ultrasonic testing of weld is performed using at least one flaw detector Delta-method or echo-method. As a result of the invention implementation, there is no any “blind zone” in the base of the rail welded joint.

Abstract: An ultrasonic non-destructive testing method and device for rail applications uses a plurality of phased array transducers to inspect aluminothermit weld defects located in a head portion, a web portion, an ankle portion, and a toe portion of a weld of a rail section. The method includes: scanning the head portion of the weld including: a first phased array transducer positioned above the weld and a second phased array transducer positioned a distance from the first phased array transducer to provide inclined access to the weld; and scanning the toe portion of the weld including: positioning pairs of third, fourth, and fifth phased array transducers on a surface of the toe portion, such that the pairs of third, fourth and fifth phased array transducers are disposed symmetrically with one of the pair on each side of the toe portion.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating the condition of a rail component based on resonant response profiles across a set of bands of vibrations. The vibrations can be induced into the target component during normal operation of the target component. The resonant response profile of the rail component can vary depending on wear or damage, and thus can be used to determine whether the rail component can safely remain in use. An embodiment comprises an isolated segment of rail of a length selected to allow a single railroad wheel on it at a time, with a set of devices which can induce specific vibrations into the wheel as it passes, and another set of devices which can acquire the resonance signals from the wheel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus for inspecting weld zones in a reactor pressure vessel, the inspection apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic probe 6 for emitting an ultrasonic wave; a probe holding unit 60 for holding the ultrasonic probe 6 such that a ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic probe 6 is kept in direct contact with or at a constant distance from the outer surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1; a pressing unit 50 for pressing the probe holding unit 60 parallel to a central axis of a control rod drive housing 8 against the reactor pressure vessel; and a rotator 40 for rotating the probe holding unit 60 and the pressing unit 50 about the central axis of the control rod drive housing 8.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection apparatus using a guided wave having waveform forming part that form a transmission waveform; a transmitting element for generating a guided wave within an object under inspection; a receiving element for receiving a reflection wave of the guided wave from an inspection region of the object under inspection; an analyzing element for outputting inspection information which is acquired based upon the reception waveform of the reflection wave received by the receiving element; and a display for displaying the inspection information.

Abstract: Method and implementing apparatus useful in acquiring data on acoustic features within a sample provides a pulsed acoustic probe and a stage system for effecting relative movement between the sample and the probe. The stage system is commanded such that the probe interrogates a non-rectangularly bounded space on the sample surface or within the volume of the sample. Acoustic energy reflected from or transmitted through the sample is sensed. Amplitude signals are developed from the sensed acoustic energy. Data characterizing the developed amplitude signals are stored for subsequent processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically detecting an edge of a web, includes a ultrasonic-wave transmitter transmitting ultrasonic-wave pulse train, a ultrasonic-wave receiver receiving the ultrasonic-wave pulse train and converting the received ultrasonic-wave pulse train into electric signals, the web being fed between the ultrasonic-wave transmitter and receiver, a rectifying circuit for rectifying the electric signals, a low-pass filter circuit for smoothing output signals transmitted from the rectifying circuit, a first sample-holding circuit for sampling an output signal transmitted from the low-pass filter circuit, at first timing, a second sample-holding circuit for sampling an output signal transmitted from the low-pass filter circuit, at second timing later than the first timing, a third sample-holding circuit for sampling an output signal transmitted from the first sample-holding circuit, at the second timing, and a differentially amplifying circuit for calculating a difference between output signals trans

Abstract: A method for acoustic imaging by angle beam, which includes generating a sound wave, coupling the wave at an angle to a first surface of a test piece via a physically continuous path. The test piece also has a second surface. The angle being such that the wave progresses along a vectors at an angle to the first surface and the second surface and along the test piece via a plurality of sound reflections reflecting between the first surface and the second surface at points progressing away from the transducer location. The angle also being such that the sound reflections at the first surface produce energy at the first surface such that a first part of every reflection of the wave continues through the first surface in the form of wave through a media toward a CCD acoustic imaging camera, while a second part of the reflection continues along in the test piece.

Abstract: A method of determining the acoustic impedance of a fluid in a borehole, by gating a reflected acoustic signal into a plurality of time slots, and comparing received energies of the signal for the time slots to obtain a value indicative of the acoustic impedance of the fluid. The value may be normalized to yield the acoustic impedance of the fluid using the acoustic impedance of, e.g., water as a calibration point. The comparison is performed by comparing a ratio of an integration of a first ring down time slot and a second ring down time slot, to an integration of an internal reflection time slot. The acoustic pulse may be generated using a transducer immersed in an intermediate fluid contained within a chamber defined in part by a plate in contact with the borehole fluid and having a thickness such that a mechanical resonance frequency of the plate in a thickness mode is substantially equal to a resonance frequency of the transducer.

Abstract: Corrosion of a metal member under heat transfer condition is monitored by using a test coupon made of the same material as that of the metal member. The test coupon may have a welded portion and a crevice. One substantial surface of the test coupon is heated by a sheet shaped heating element, and at least one portion of the other surface of the test coupon is contacted with the corrosive fluid. After detecting a status of corrosion of the test coupon, the corrosion of the metal member is monitored based on the results of the detection. In case a counter electrode or reference electrode is used, the electrode is immersed in the corrosive fluid, and electrical signals between the test coupon and the electrode are measured. Then, the corrosion of the metal member is monitored.

Abstract: The device for extracting a useful acoustic signal from a composite acoustic signal including nuisance components includes: first sensor component for picking up the composite acoustic signal; second sensor component for picking up, in real-time, the reference acoustic signal, which is substantially correlated with the nuisance components of the composite acoustic signal; adaptive filtering component; and extraction component. The coefficients of the filtering component are adapted in real time according to an algorithm chosen so as to minimize the energy of the composite acoustic signal as a function of the energy of the reference acoustic signal, until the signal leaving the output of the extraction component corresponds substantially to the useful acoustic signal selectively rid of the nuisance components.

Abstract: A two-dimensional ultrasonic transducer for forming images. The transducer has a plurality of transducer elements for producing ultrasonic bursts in a predetermined manner, and receiving reflected ultrasound from the subject under examination due to the ultrasonic bursts. The plurality of transducer elements are arranged in an array into columns and rows, the columns of the transducer elements arranged in a scanning plane for scanning the subject under examination in order to form a two-dimensional profile of the subject, and the rows of the transducer elements having groups of symmetrically arranged transducer elements being oriented in a elevational plane. Each of the groups of symmetrically arranged transducer elements are mechanically arranged to have a focus at specified locations distant from the transducer which is within the subject under examination.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to produce a monitor which can correctly distinguish normal from abnormal vibration using automatically selected monitoring features and algorithms. The monitor can be used with a variety of devices with different vibration characteristics. The monitor according to this invention has a sensor that detects the vibration of an object. The monitor is operated in learning mode when the object is vibrating normally. The waveform of the vibration detected by this sensor is sampled over an appropriate period and analyzed. The data for each sampling feature are subjected to statistical processing, and the data which evince slight change are extracted as monitoring features. A monitoring algorithm is automatically made for these monitoring features. The algorithm selected in learning mode are used to evaluate the vibration of an object when the monitor is in operating mode.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing system can receive data from at least two ultrasonic transducers and process the data in parallel to each other. The testing system can compress the data by a fixed ratio by storing the value of the sample having the highest-amplitude out of a group of samples. The testing system can also provide threshold-based run-length encoding by compressing data by only storing samples which exceed a user-defined threshold value as well as a user-defined range of samples surrounding said samples. The ultrasonic testing system also provides a hardware gate for storing a peak amplitude and associated time-of-flight for a user-defined interval and a gate for storing the time-of-flight for the first excursion of the data through a user-defined threshold and interval. The operation of these gates or the storage of waveform data may be delayed by a constant delay or until the data exceeds a user-selectable threshold during a user-selectable time interval.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for measuring a property of a material within a defined space has a function of a velocity at which ultrasonic signals travel through the defined space includes a controller. The controller is adapted for coupling to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The controller include a multiplexer for selecting one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, signal processing means for processing an output of the selected ultrasonic transducer and controller means for providing parameters to the signal processing means based upon the selected ultrasonic transducer. The controller couples to a two wire 4-20 mA communication loop. The controller periodically excites the ultrasonic transducer to obtain a measurement. The controller stores power received from the two wire communication loop and excites the transducer using stored power. The controller is capable of providing power which exceeds that available directly from the two wire communication loop for a brief period of time.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection device including a transmitting ultrasonic transducer for producing multiple shear wave skips between inner and outer surfaces of a test object, a plurality of receiving transducers positioned ahead of and parallel to at generally the same incident angle as the transmitting ultrasonic transducer, and a processor electrically connected to the receiving transducers so as to produce a humanly perceivable indication of the reflected energy. The receiving transducers serve to receive energy of the shear wave as reflected from discontinuities in the object. Each of the receiving transducers is electronically isolated from the other receiving transducers. The receiving transducers are connected to a single channel of the processor. A fixture is provided having a first opening for detachably receiving the transmitting ultrasonic transducer and a plurality of receiving openers receiving the receiving transducers therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of a clad material having an outer mother metal and an inner clad metal. The apparatus includes a transmitter crystal and a receiver crystal of a double crystal angle-type probe which contact the outer surface of the mother metal, for receiving a first echo from the boundary surface of the mother metal and clad metal, and for receiving a second echo from the inner, bottom surface of the clad metal. The apparatus further includes an amplifier for amplifying the echo signals, a detector for detecting the zero-crossing points of the echoes, a zero point determining circuit, a calculator for calculating the periods from a zero point in time to the zero-crossing points, and a calculator for calculating the thickness of the clad material and clad metal based on the calculated periods.

Abstract: An ultrasonic microscope of this invention generates a transmission signal from a transmission timing circuit, converts this transmission signal into an ultrasonic pulse, radiates the ultrasonic pulse on a sample, receives an echo from the sample, and generates an electrical echo signal corresponding to the echo. This echo signal is distributed by a distributor to generate a plurality of echo signals. The plurality of echo signals are input to a delay circuit and a gate timing signal generator. The gate timing signal generator generates a gate timing signal with reference to an echo signal exceeding a threshold value. A first gate signal generator generates a first gate signal for determining a first gate period with reference to the transmission timing of the transmission signal. The first gate signal is input to a second gate signal generator.

Abstract: Integrated check valve testing system includes a method and apparatus for non-intrusively testing a check valve which includes using an ultrasonic transducer externally connected to the check valve to direct ultrasonic sound waves through the check valve casting and through the transported fluid to the check valve disk to then detect the ultrasonic sound waves reflected off of the check valve disk. An ultrasonic controller controls the ultrasonic transducer and generates location signals based on the amount of time between each direction of an ultrasonic sound wave and the resulting reception of a reflected ultrasonic sound wave. A system controller analyzes the movement of the check valve disk and calculates certain test data which is compared to previously obtained baseline data. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes using two accelerometers externally connected to the check valve to monitor acoustic emissions generated by the check valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the thermal stability of fluids, particularly for testing the deposition characteristics of fuels, comprising a conduit system which connects in series; a reservoir to contain fresh fluid having within it a movable piston capable of discharging the fluid, a heater tube housing in which is mounted a heated tubular member, a time reactor housing of a sufficient volume to decrease the flow of the fluid therethrough, a spent fluid reservoir, a filter located at an outlet of the heater tube housing designed to trap deposits which may be formed due to the heating and remain suspended in the fluid, a similar filter located at an outlet of the time reactor housing designed to trap further deposits that may form with additional time, a differential pressure measuring device connected across each of these filters to measure the pressure drop therethrough, and a valved bypass around each of these filters.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable apparatus and process for using same including a test conduit assembly and related conduit valve and fluid flow assemblies for conecting to a process unit for fluid flow communication with the test conduit assembly for passing a fluid to be evaluated for corrosive effect on such test conduit assembly wherein the test conduit assembly includes a test conduit of a predetermined length disposed in a transparent conduit section for passing the fluid therethrough and wherein a heating unit of a predetermined length is disposed in the test conduit wherein the heating unit is of a length of at least about 2 inches and comprises less than about 50 percent of the predetermined length of the test conduit.

Abstract: A process for preparing a baseoil blend of predetermined coking tendency, and for measuring the effectiveness of additives for reducing coking tendency in baseoils, utilizing the relationship of the content of volatile fractions and low boiling fractions in baseoil to the onset and/or progression of asphaltene formation.

Abstract: A sample of a fuel/oil/additive mixture is metered continuously to a channel-like, inclined test element along which there is an increasing temperature profile. Under the increasing action of heat on the flowing mixture, solid residual products form on the test element after a certain flow distance. Their weight and the flow distance are evaluated in order to evaluate the additive.

Abstract: A method and system for biofouling control of fluid containing structure of susceptible biofouling, wherein chlorine, hot water and/or some other control agent is injected by plural stages into the boundary layer, and chlorine residual, water temperature, or some other respective control parameter is maintained in the boundary layer just upstream of the next injection point.

Abstract: A coextruded zirconium tube and tube liner are monitored along their lengths by well known ultrasonic measurement techniques that are modified by the blocking out of extraneous signals at opposite sides of a timing gate that varies in width according to variations in the width and shape characteristics of successive points along the length of such coextruded tube and liner. The blocking of such extraneous signals enables a normally very weak signal representing the interface between tube and tube liner to be identified and used, together with a group of stronger signals representing the inner surface of the tube liner, in monitoring tube liner thickness and characteristics by a sonic wave traversing the distance across the timing gate.

Abstract: A template for use in evaluating the dispersive condition of a lubricating oil is provided. A method employing the template and an absorbent material onto which a sample of oil is placed, and measuring undispersed components of the oil on the absorbent material, is described. A kit which comprises the template and the absorbent material for use in the method of this invention is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a laboratory device which produces a fouling deposit, under controlled temperature and pressure, which reproduces actual plant conditions, and accurately measures the deposit of foulant accumulated during the deposition process. The device is utilized for testing the fouling tendencies of a wide variety of fluids which change on contact with a hotter surface, forming a solid or semisolid deposits which stick to the surface. The apparatus has the capability of calibration and measurement of the probe temperature and temperature measurement changes with fouling, and may be advantageously related to the amount of fouling present. The apparatus includes multiple probes each removably supporting test wires which are electrically heated to selected temperatures for simultaneous multiple fouling tests by a constant heat flux or to a constant temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting contamination of a capacitive sensor, comprising a guard electrode surrounding a portion of the sensor, and a circuit for supplying an excitation signal to the sensor and an identical excitation signal to the guard electrode. The circuit periodically isolates the guard electrode from the excitation signal, and detects the difference between the sensor output when the guard electrode is supplied with the excitation signal and when the guard electrode is isolated from the excitation, the detected difference being a function of the contamination of the guard electrode.

Abstract: Method of characterizing the coking tendency of a baseoil, by:(a) exposing the baseoil to conditions which accelerate asphaltene formation in the baseoil; and(b) testing for the onset and/or progression of asphaltene formation as a function of time.The technique is also useful for determining the efficacy of oil additives.

Abstract: A system (10) particularly suited for employment for purposes of effectuating the monitoring, diagnosing and controlling of the chemistry of the water and steam in a steam generator steam cycle (46). The subject system (10) is operative to monitor water and steam quality at a number of critical locations (70,72,74,76) in the steam generator steam cycle (46). Based on the information gathered through such monitoring of water and steam quality, the subject system (10) is designed to be operative to provide diagnoses of potential causes of upsets in the steam generator steam cycle chemistry and to suggest corrective actions as appropriate. Furthermore, historical data is also readily available from the subject system (10) which can be utilized for identifying trends and for assessing the operational chemistry of the steam generator steam cycle (46) both on a short-term basis and on a long-term basis.

Abstract: Nondestructive ultrasonic testing systems and methods include data processing capabilities which allow time division multiplexing of several transducer channels by a smaller number of gates for signal processing, and time division multiplexing the outputs of the gates for subsequent evaluation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the tendency of hydrocarbon liquid to foul equipment includes a horizontal TLC plate, a light source for scanning hydrocarbon liquid sample on the TLC plate, and means for measuring the difference in light reflected by the asphaltene ring and the TLC matrix. Energy sources other than light may be employed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the tendency of hydrocarbon liquid to foul equipment includes a horizontal polymeric membrane made from polymers containing polar atoms, a light source for scanning hydrocarbon liquid sample on the membrane, and means for measuring the difference in light reflected by the asphaltene ring and the membrane matrix. Energy sources other than light may be employed.

Abstract: A method for easily and quickly determining the tendency of a petroleum fraction (oil or resid) to foul in refinery equipment comprises determining the ratio of the saturates or aromatics (polar, neutral or total): asphaltenes for the petroleum in question and comparing this ratio with a plot of ratios and fouling tendencies for a set of prior oils or resids. It has been found that the ratio and the relationship to fouling are completely consistent and reproducible phenomenon which thereby provide a rapid means for a substantially quantitative measure of fouling tendency.

Abstract: A condenser including a plurality of condenser tubes through which a coolant is caused to flow, a device for injecting ferrous ions into the coolant before it passes through the condenser tubes to form a protective film on an inner surface of the condenser tubes, and a device for introducing sponge balls into the condenser tubes for cleaning their inner surfaces. The condenser has a by-pass line extending outside the body of the condenser, in parallel connection with the condenser tubes. The by-pass line has a monitor tube of the same material and size as the condenser tubes, so that the coolant flows through the monitor tube under the same conditions as the coolant flowing through the condenser tubes. The monitor tube is equipped with a device for measuring a polarization resistance of the monitor tube, and a device for sensing a fouling condition of the inner surface of the monitor tube.

Abstract: A method for determining the fouling tendency of an asphaltene containing petroleum stream such as crude oil by the use of thin layer chromatography. The chromatogram of a crude oil formed in the presence of an asphaltene antisolvent which exhibits a fouling tendency developed a distinct, dark ring or disk.

Abstract: A diffusing apparatus is adapted for vertically adjustable relation with a fog tower. A separate second corrosive fluid is emitted from plural outlets spaced approximately 45.degree. apart along the exterior of the diffusing apparatus. The outlets direct the second corrosive fluid in a generally planar direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fog tower for optimum uniform dispersion either alone or intermixing with a first corrosive fluid emitted from the fog tower.

Abstract: A method for determining the fouling tendency of an asphaltene containing hydrocarbon stream such as crude oil by the use of thin layer chromatography. The chromatogram of a crude oil exhibiting a fouling tendency developed a distinct, dark ring or disk.

Abstract: A model steam generator including an improved feedwater system for monitoring the conditions of the heat exchange tubes within a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The feedwater system generally comprises a first conduit fluidly connected between the boiler vessel of the model steam generator and the feedwater of the nuclear steam generator via a first valve, and a second conduit which is fluidly connected between this boiler vessel and a feedwater reservoir by way of a second valve. The feedwater reservoir is in turn connected to a source of demineralized, deaerated water by means of a third conduit having a third valve. This reservoir is further fluidly connected to the feedwater of the nuclear steam generator by means of a fourth conduit having a fourth valve. The improved feedwater system of the invention gives the operator three running options. First, he may run the model steam generator directly off the feedwater used in the nuclear steam generator.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sounding apparatus is described for measuring backfat and determining pregnancy in animals, having a plurality of self-test features to ensure integrity of the measurements. In the preferred embodiment, a hand-held ultrasonic device is described for detecting increased amounts of amniotic fluid in an animal's uterus for an indication of pregnancy. Every two and one half seconds the hand-held ultrasonic device emits a small tone indicating that the transducer is in correct contact with the body of the animal. The generation of this skin contact tone is performed using the same ultrasonic circuitry that is used to detect the amniotic fluid, thereby providing the dual function of circuit self-test and skin contact test. In addition, the device includes a power-up confidence test to test the components of the circuit and indicate by an audible tone that everything is working properly. This power-up confidence test also uses the same ultrasonic circuitry that performs the detection of amniotic fluid.

Abstract: A method for the detection of waterside fouling conditions in plant condensers and the differentiation between types of fouling conditions is described. The operating conditions of a pilot scale condenser are continuously matched to the dynamic operating conditions of a plant condenser and performance features (such as OHTR and pressure drop) are monitored and compared, thereby indicating to the plant operator whether fouling is occuring and, if so, whether there is macrofouling or microfouling.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel fouling and corrosion test assembly including a metallic tube having a heating element embedded in a heat conductive material for controlled heat input and with a thermocouple to measure wall temperature of the tube, and a metallic sleeve disposed about a predetermined portion of the metallic tube whereby the fouling and corrosion test assembly is disposed within conduit and valve assemblies in fluid flow communication with a fluid to determine corrosion rate by weight loss of the metallic sleeve under controlled heat input, temperature conditions and fluid flow rates for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The invention features the fractionating of crude oils into component parts of saturate, neutral aromatic, and polar aromatic fractions, using high performance liquid chromatography techniques. Analysis of the various fractions can be used to predict the tendency of the crude oil to cause fouling of refinery heatexchanger equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic test instrument for the nondestructive testing of materials. The instrument includes a transit time measuring circuit and an amplitude and time gate circuit. According to the invention, to measure the amplitudes and the corresponding transit times of a number of echo signals falling within a predetermined measurement range, the output of the amplitude and time gate circuit is connected to the input of a presettable counter which outputs a signal whenever the number of counted pulses is equal to the preset value of the counter. The counter output is connected to the transit time measuring circuit and by way of a second time gate circuit to the amplitude measuring circuit so that amplitude evaluation is carried out only during the time interval defined by the second time gate circuit.

Abstract: The water flowing in a nuclear reactor is analyzed, while the reactor is in operation, by conducting water from the reactor vessel substantially without reduction in pressure or temperature past test surfaces (e.g. tubes) with different electrochemical potentials relative to the reactor water. Deposits formed on the test surfaces, which are substantially caused by colloidal particles in the water, are examined, preferably with regard to radioactive content.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel mobile apparatus and process therefor including a heat transfer test assembly and related conduit and valve assemblies for connection in fluid flow communication to a heat transfer apparatus for in-situ testing of the fluid passing therethrough and including monitoring and recording apparatus. The heat transfer test assembly includes a heating member for controlled heat input and thermocouples to measure the surface temperature of heating member to permit fouling determinations at varying flow rates with simultaneous monitoring and recording thereof together with data, such as corrosion, pH, conductivity, and the like.