Abstract: A drainage system is for a compressor assembly that includes at least one separator with a chamber. The system includes a drain valve fluidly coupled with the separator chamber and adjustable between open and closed states. An actuator is operatively coupled with and adjusts the valve between the open and closed states or/and a sensor senses when the valve is open. A pressure sensor is configured to sense pressure within the chamber and a logic circuit is coupled with the pressure sensor and determines when the valve either has been or should have been adjusted to the open state. The logic circuit also generates an output signal or/and operates a device when the chamber pressure remains substantially constant or varies by less than a predetermined amount subsequent to the valve being opened and/or when the chamber pressure varies by at least the predetermined amount after the valve is opened.

Abstract: A carbon canister to adsorb hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon air mixture in a UST system to prevent fugitive emissions due to overpressurization. The carbon canister has an inlet port at one end coupled to the UST system. An outlet port on the opposite end of the canister is connected to a flow-limiting orifice with a known calibrated flow rate that vents in a controlled fashion to the atmosphere. When UST pressure rises slightly above ambient pressure, fuel vapors and air from the UST system enters, via the inlet port, into the canister, where hydrocarbons are adsorbed onto the surface of the activated carbon. The cleansed air vents through the controlled flow outlet port to atmosphere, thereby preventing excessive positive pressure from occurring in the UST system. The activated carbon is purged of hydrocarbons by means of reverse air flow caused by negative UST pressures that occur during periods of ORVR vehicle refueling.

Abstract: A scrubber for controlling carbon dioxide levels in a shipping container containing respiring produce is disclosed. The scrubber is relatively small, utilizes a gas-selective membrane having a CO2/O2 selectivity ratio greater than 1:1, and fits inside the shipping container (such as a sea van container). In contrast to current methods of controlling CO2 levels in shipping containers, such as the use of hydrated lime, the scrubbers of the present invention are efficient, relatively inexpensive, do not take up shipping space within the container, and do not present handling or disposal issues. A method for controlling the carbon dioxide levels inside a shipping container containing respiring produce, utilizing the carbon dioxide scrubbers defined, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotary dumping of rail cars, including a backside airflow diverter, a backside hood for removing contaminated air from the back side of the pit and at least two baffles on a rotational frame, the baffles each presenting a leading edge that contacts the backside airflow diverter during at least a portion of rotational motion. At least one air intake is positioned to pass through the upper surface of the backside diverter into the backside hood at a location where pressure in the backside hood is maintained at a substantially neutral or negative level even when pressure in the material receiving pit is increased by a down rush of air caused by the exit of the load from the railcar.

Abstract: A furnace filter indicator system comprises a pressure differential switch that monitors air pressure near a furnace filter, and a transmitter coupled to the pressure differential switch sends a signal to a receiver within a thermostat. The receiver includes an indicator for indicating the status of the furnace filter. If the pressure differential near the furnace filter triggers the switch, then the indicator will receive a “dirty” signal and will indicate that the furnace filter is dirty and should be replaced. The furnace filter indicator system is able to be installed on a previously installed furnace/thermostat system by utilizing the pre-existing wiring.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of pressure values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read pressure values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment. In addition, integrity testing for individual filters within multi-filter configurations is possible.

Abstract: Methods, techniques, and constructions are provided for use to apply an evacuation valve arrangement on an air cleaner assembly that is configured for pulse jet operation. An example evacuation valve arrangement is provided which comprises a valve member in the form of a sleeve that extends completely around a sidewall portion of an air cleaner housing of a pulse jet air cleaner. Examples are depicted in which the sidewall portion can comprise: a portion of a housing sidewall section that surrounds an installed filter cartridge, in use; a portion of an access cover; or, a drop tube secured to a portion of the housing, for example either on an access cover or on another portion of a housing. Specific features and alternatives are described. Also, methods of assembly and operation are described.

Abstract: A method of controlling an apparatus for separating product gas and non product gas from an air supply, the concentration of the product gas produced by the apparatus being variable depending on a control signal from a controller and the efficiency of the apparatus in producing product gas depending upon an environmental parameter, the method including sensing the oxygen concentration in the product gas produced by the apparatus, determining an instantaneous demand for oxygen concentration in the product gas, providing to the controller a process variable signal indicative of the sensed concentration of the oxygen in the product gas, and providing to the controller a demand input signal indicative of the demand, sensing the environmental parameter and providing an environmental parameter input signal to the controller, comparing the process variable signal and the demand signal to generate an error signal indicative of a change in oxygen concentration in the product gas required to match the instantaneous dem

Abstract: A method and system of operating a trans-fill device. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising generating an enriched gas stream from atmospheric air, and operating an intensifier which, when provided the enriched gas stream, produces a cylinder fill gas stream. The operating continues in the absence of the enriched gas stream being provided to the intensifier.

Abstract: A system and method for supercritical fluid enrichment of radioactive isotope/s are disclosed. The method involves pressurizing an outer chamber and an inner centrifugal chamber of a stage to supercritical pressure; supplying material including target isotope/s at supercritical pressure to the inner chamber; spinning the inner chamber to centrifuge the material including target isotope/s; providing a differential pressure between the inner chamber and the outer chamber; wherein windows in the inner chamber enable passage of the target isotope or an undesired isotope from the inner chamber to the outer chamber in response to the differential pressure.

Abstract: Process gas purification device (2) for a melt reduction system (1) comprising at least one reduction reactor (3) and a melting gasification reactor (4), a first line system (5) for discharging a furnace gas (6) from the reduction reactor (3) and a second line system (7) for discharging a generator gas (8) from the melting gasification reactor (4) wherein both line systems (5,7) lead to a respective wet scrubbing system (11, 12). The furnace gas or generator gas flow can be throttled preferably by way of a control element (41) that varies a control gap (40) and the scrubber or cooling liquid (49) can be collected and drained. The first wet scrubber system (11) of the first line system (5) for routing the furnace gas (6) and the second Venturi scrubber system (12) of the second line system (7) for routing the generator gas (8) both discharge into a common mist elimination device (14).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing a hypoxic environment inside an enclosed compartment with simultaneous removal of carbon dioxide and moisture produced by occupants; said method and system designed for fire prevention and for simulated altitude training, wellness and hypoxic therapy, including equine and other animal applications.

Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.

Abstract: An inertial gas-liquid impactor separator and method is provided, including multiple stages and multiple variable flow controllers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an automatically replaceable apparatus for collecting byproducts in semiconductor producing equipment and a control method thereof. The apparatus includes several trap units mounted to a vertical shaft at regular angular intervals and rotating in response to a driving direction of a servo motor. Upper and lower plates support the vertical shaft, and connect byproduct inlet and outlet ports, cleaning-water supply and discharge ports, and dry-gas supply and exhaust ports to the respective trap units. Trap and plate coupling means are extended at normal times to air-tightly seal gaps between the upper and lower plates and the trap units, and contracted when the trap units are rotated in a predetermined direction for the replacement. The servo motor is mounted to a lower surface of the lower plate and rotates the trap units within a predetermined angular range. A control unit controls the operation of the components.

Abstract: System for a dust filter unit includes dust detector to measure dust concentration in an outlet conduit of the filter unit. A controller establishes the detected dust concentration following a cleaning cycle of a filter of the unit and in one form compares that detected concentration to a baseline concentration to identify whether there is possible leak in the filter. The system also includes monitoring arrangements to measure pressure profiles in the unit to assess the state of values and/or filters in the unit. Methods of detecting the state of a filter unit are also described.

Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for estimating an amount of deposited particulates (PM) in a collector of an internal combustion engine. The method includes estimating the amount of inflow of PM into the collector and estimating a basic amount of decreased PM that flows into the collector and is burned and decreased. The method also includes estimating the amount of ash deposited on the collector. The method further includes correcting the basic amount of decreased PM based on the estimated amount of ash. Moreover, the method includes estimating an amount of deposited PM by a history expression based on the estimated amount of inflow of PM and the corrected amount of decreased PM. A related device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter of a motor vehicle is cleaned of diesel particulate material like ash and possibly soot, typically using equipment already available in a service shop following the method and diesel particulate filter cleaning apparatus of the invention. The diesel particulate filter cleaning apparatus has an air chamber that is coupled to a vibrator and is attached to the diesel particulate filter. The vibrator vibrates the air chamber and the diesel particulate filter to dislodge the diesel particulate material. Air is introduced into the air chamber and into the diesel particulate filter to further remove the diesel particulate material from the diesel particulate filter.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator includes a pair of sieve beds, a compressor for delivering air to the sieve beds, a reservoir receiving oxygen-enriched gas from the sieve beds, and an air manifold attached to the first ends of the sieve beds. A set of valves operate under the control of a controller for selectively opening and closing the valves to alternately charge and purge the sieve beds to deliver oxygen-enriched gas into the reservoir. In addition, an exhaust passage communicates with the plurality of sieve beds to deliver a flow of nitrogen evacuated from the sieve beds such that the flow of the nitrogen is directed at or across the controller to cool the controller.

Abstract: A control system for particulate filters is provided. The control system for a particulate filter includes a clean filter estimating module that estimates a clean pressure based on a first pressure in the particulate filter within a predetermined period of a regeneration event. A soot prediction module estimates a level of soot in the particulate filter based on a comparison of the first pressure and a second pressure in the particulate filter received after the predetermined period.

Abstract: A system for recycling vented atmosphere gas discharged from a heat treatment chamber utilizing a protective atmosphere gas therein. The system includes an atmosphere recycling apparatus configured to receive the vented atmosphere gas. The atmosphere recycling apparatus includes a gas separator configured to separate the vented atmosphere gas into a purified atmosphere gas stream and an impure stream. The atmosphere recycling apparatus is configured to feed the purified atmosphere gas stream to the heat treatment chamber. A storage vessel can be provided to receive the purified atmosphere gas stream from the atmosphere recycling apparatus, and configured to supplement an atmosphere gas supply to the heat treatment chamber with the purified atmosphere gas stream.

Abstract: A method of determining the purity of oxygen present in an oxygen-enriched gas produced from an oxygen delivery system is disclosed. The oxygen delivery system includes at least one sieve bed having a nitrogen-adsorbing material disposed therein and configured to adsorb nitrogen from a feed gas introduced into the at least two sieve beds via a pressure-swing adsorption cycle. The method includes determining a quantity of nitrogen adsorbed by the nitrogen-adsorbing material by inferring an effective volume of the at least one sieve bed based on a pressure change of the at least one sieve bed.

Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization system with built-in administrative and self-diagnostic functions is provided. The system includes a multiple mode programmable controller which has a operations mode and a diagnostic mode that can be activated by a triggering event. The triggering event can be when a user enters a command input, when one or more process parameters deviate from a nominal value, or when the system is scheduled to perform self-diagnostics. The system also includes a multi-level user interface which is integrally formed with the system. The user interface includes a multi-level display screen and a plurality of user command functions. The diagnostic information displayed on the display screen can be in an abbreviated code form so that only technicians would be able to interpret meaning of the code.

Abstract: A membrane air dryer includes a proportioning valve for providing sweep air to the dryer. The valve may be located in an easily accessible location and may be oriented so that the movable valve element extends transverse to the length of the shell. The valve may be configured to allow air to flow back from the delivery port to the fibers during a compressor unload cycle to maintain pressure on the fibers, while blocking flow of air from the delivery port to the sweep chamber.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption system including a plurality of vessels having one or more layers of adsorbent material therein, a feed gas channel, a waste channel, and a product channel. The system also includes at least one parallel channel connected to each of the vessels via a respective conduit with a valve. At least one pressure measuring device i configured to measure a pressure within the parallel channel. And, a controller is provided that is configured to monitor the at least one pressure measured by the at least one pressure measuring device during a PSA cycle performed within the PSA system, in order to determine the performance of the cycle and monitor proper operation of the system.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring replacement of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) by a non-particulate matter filter. The disclosed methods takes into account a change in delta pressure based soot load estimates (DPSLE) over time to detect whether the DPF has been replaced. The estimate, which is measured by the delta pressure drop across the filter, can be used to determine whether a device that does not have the capability of trapping soot, such as a muffler, has been inserted.

Abstract: A regeneration method for a particulate filter includes estimating a quantity of particulate matter trapped within the particulate filter, comparing the quantity of particulate matter to a predetermined quantity, heating at least a portion of the particulate filter to a combustion temperature of the particulate matter, and introducing hydrocarbon fuel to the particulate filter. The hydrocarbon fuel facilitates combustion of the particulate matter to regenerate the particulate filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for renovating a combined system consisting of a blast furnace supplied with an oxidant fluid received at least partly from an air/gas separation unit (ASU). The method consists in injecting, before renovation, at least 50% of the flow rate of the blower feeding the blast furnace into an ASU to produce oxygen whose purity is greater than 90% by volume of O2 which feeds the blast furnace, in controlling the blower airflow rate and the pressure of the air derived therefrom by a regulator which measures the flow rate and/or pressure at the input and/or output of a cleaning stage which is mounted upstream of the separation unit to control the flow rate and pressure of the air derived from the blower. The fluid feeding the blast furnace consists of pure oxygen or diluted by air produced by the cryogenic separation unit.

Abstract: A dry compressed air module is provided for attachment to the frame of commercial vehicle. The dry compressed air module includes a shell, an air compressor, an air dryer, and a reservoir. The air compressor, the air dryer, and the reservoir are disposed on the shell, and can be collectively attached to the frame using the shell. The air dryer is provided with compressed air from the air compressor, and the reservoir is provided with dry compressed air from the air dryer. The reservoir capable of storing and supplying the dry compressed air to the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for gas separation using high-speed permanent magnet variable-speed motors to accelerate and decelerate centrifugal compressors suitable for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes.

Abstract: A filter element includes a panel construction of filter media; a filter frame holds a periphery of the panel construction; and a bypass arrangement is adjacent to the panel construction. The bypass arrangement includes a door moveable between a closed position and an open position, and a force member holding the door in the closed position until restriction across the filter media reaches a predetermined amount to allow the door to move to the open position. An example force member is a magnet arrangement or a spring. The element is installable in an air cleaner assembly. A method of filtering air directs a flow of air into a housing holding a panel filter element, and prevents bypassing of the filter element by having a bypass door remain closed by exerting a first closing force on the bypass door.

Abstract: A gas fractionalization apparatus and methods for providing oxygen rich air to patients are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a variable output compressor, a PSA unit, a control system, and one or more pressure sensing devices. Pressure of the oxygen rich gas is maintained within a selected window by adjusting the output of the compressor in response to changes in the pressure of the oxygen rich gas. Methods of feedback control are further provided for calibration of the compressor under factory and in-service conditions, as well as under high-altitude conditions. Methods for providing diagnostic estimates and alarms of time to service are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust emission control apparatus for an internal combustion engine and a process for operating it. The exhaust emission control has a particulate filter for filtering particulate matter from the exhaust of the internal combustion engine, at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the exhaust, an evaluation unit for evaluating the detected temperature, particularly with regard to a particulate mass burned during a regeneration operation of the particulate filter. The temperature sensor is positioned inside the particulate filter.

Abstract: A method and system of coordinating an intensifier and sieve beds. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising coordinating control of an intensifier with cycles of a sieve bed fluidly coupled to the intensifier such that there is at least one low pressure stroke of the intensifier and at least one high pressure stroke of the intensifier during a fill cycle of the sieve bed.

Abstract: An active adsorbent pollutant reducing system includes a canister containing activated carbon, a pump and a series of valves connected to the canister and the pump. The valves and pump of the system are controlled so that vapor/air in the ullage of a gasoline storage tank is pumped to the canister/adsorbent material when tank pressure reaches a first level with vapor being adsorbed and air being discharged to atmosphere. When a second tank pressure level, lower than the first tank pressure level, is achieved, the valves are controlled to reconfigure the pump and canister so that continued pump operation pulls a vacuum on the canister resulting in adsorbed gasoline vapor being purged from the adsorbent material and returned to the storage tank. Tank pressure, HC content in the vapor flow and canister weight can be used for control of the system.

Abstract: A system and methods of reducing sulfur emissions are provided. In one embodiment, a method for reducing sulfur emissions is provided. The method includes routing at least a portion of an untreated gas to a low pressure absorber, removing at least a portion of sulfur from the untreated gas to create a low pressure absorber overhead gas, and further processing the low pressure absorber overhead gas.

Abstract: Data of a barometric pressure that a barometric pressure sensor outputs, and data of an air volume that an air-volume sensor outputs are input into a system control circuit. The system control circuit is provided with a table storing portion. In the table storing portion, a control table is stored. The control table is formed of a plus supplied-voltage value to fan power set by a barometric pressure value and an air-volume value, and a warning instruction. In a case that the warning instruction is selected based on the barometric pressure value and the air-volume value, the system control circuit turns on a warning-use LED so as to inform a user that a filter is clogged.

Abstract: There is provided a gas separating device which is capable of being made compact and light. A part of an airtight container (2) is constructed by a gas separating membrane (13), and a gas separating membrane (13) is constructed to be able to separate and discharge at least a part of a gas g1 included in a gas G to the outside of the airtight container (2) from the gas G. A gas outlet valve is constructed to allow the inside of the airtight container and the outside to communicate with each other to be able to discharge a gas g2 remaining in the inside of the airtight container (2) to the outside when the total pressure of the inside of the airtight container (2) becomes P2 (P2>P1).

Abstract: Method of operating an oxygen-permeable mixed conducting membrane having an oxidant feed side, an oxidant feed surface, a permeate side, and a permeate surface, which method comprises controlling the differential strain between the permeate surface and the oxidant feed surface at a value below a selected maximum value by varying the oxygen partial pressure on either or both of the oxidant feed side and the permeate side of the membrane.

Abstract: A method and system of operating a trans-fill device. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising generating an enriched gas stream from atmospheric air, and operating an intensifier which, when provided the enriched gas stream, produces a cylinder fill gas stream. The operating continues in the absence of the enriched gas stream being provided to the intensifier.

Abstract: An integrated DPF loading and failure sensor with two particulate matter sensors one located upstream of the filter and the other located downstream of the filter. The sensors are integrated into the leading and trailing edges of the filter. Integrating two particulate matter sensors with the DPF will allow the proper interval between reconditioning of DPF, since the particulate matter collected on the filter is measured and not estimated. The upstream sensor determines the amount of particulate matter entering the filter. In addition to using the first sensor for loading, the second sensor, at the trailing face of the filter, can be used to determine break-through of the DPF. The second sensor measures the particulate matter escaping the filter.

Abstract: A sulfur-bearing residue treatment system is provided for the recovery of valuable organic components and the reduction of capital costs and operating costs. The treatment system involves the use of a stripping vessel in conjunction with a heating apparatus. All elements of the treatment system may be coupled together to form one integral piece of equipment.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of loading a filtering device includes measuring a metric indicative of an initial loading of the filtering device and desirably positioning a quantity of matter proximate the filtering device. The method also includes applying a negative pressure to the filtering device such that at least a portion of the quantity of matter is drawn into the filtering device. The method further includes measuring a metric indicative of a final loading of the filtering device.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator includes a pair of sieve beds having first and second ends, a compressor for delivering air to the first ends of the sieve beds, a reservoir communicating with the second ends of the sieve beds, and an air manifold attached to the first ends of the sieve beds. The air manifold includes passages therein communicating with the compressor and the first ends of the sieve beds. A set of valves is coupled to the air manifold, and a controller is coupled to the valves for selectively opening and closing the valves to alternately charge and purge the sieve beds to deliver concentrated oxygen into the reservoir. An oxygen delivery manifold communicates with the second ends of the sieve beds for delivering oxygen from the reservoir to a user. Pressure sensors may be provided in the reservoir and/or delivery line for controlling operation of the controller.

Abstract: Unless an abnormality exists in piping introducing a pressure from front and rear of DPF 22 into a differential pressure sensor 45, pulsations of pressure propagation through an exhaust passage 21 is offset in a detection value of a pressure difference of the differential pressure sensor 45, and an amplitude of the detection value of the DPF pressure difference resulting from pulsation of the pressure becomes small. If a crack exists in one of the piping 3a and 3b, the influence of a pulsation of the pressure appears in the DPF pressure difference and the amplitude of the detection value of the DPF pressure difference becomes large. The amplitude of the detection value of the DPF pressure difference is compared with the reference value and is detected as being abnormal when it is large, utilizing the phenomenon described above.

Abstract: An automatic shut off circuit for controlling the flow of a gas through a gas separation system is disclosed. The gas separation system includes a gas separation module for separating nitrogen from air, and a non-electric automatic shut off circuit for controlling the delivery of air to the gas separation module. The non-electric automatic shut off circuit includes a pneumatically operated valve that enables or inhibits a flow of air to the gas separation module, and a pneumatic pressure switch operatively coupled to the pneumatically operated valve, wherein the pneumatic pressure switch monitors a pressure indicative of a demand for nitrogen, and the pneumatic pressure switch commands the pneumatically operated valve to enable or inhibit the flow of air based on the monitored pressure.

Abstract: When a reaction liquid is passed through a gas-liquid separation pipe having a larger volume per unit length than the volume per unit length of a pipe, a headspace part into which gas can be released is formed above the gas-liquid separation pipe, and the byproduct gas generated by the reaction changes into bubbles, moves upward in the reaction liquid, and is continuously released from a gas-liquid interface into the headspace part. While the gas is removed in the gas-liquid separation pipe, the pressure of the headspace part is controlled so as to be constant by a pressure adjustment device.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing or minimizing false back pressure faults caused by a new particulate filter in an engine exhaust system. When a new particulate filter is placed in an engine exhaust system, the normal back pressure threshold for the fault detection system is increased by a new filter offset amount. Back pressure faults at the normal level are not recorded for a limited period of engine operation and only records back pressure faults that exceed the normal back pressure threshold by the value of the new filter offset.