Abstract:
Perovskite materials have a composition of the formula La.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x Cr.sub.1-y Ru.sub.y O.sub.3 wherein 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.5 and 0.01.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.10. The materials are used in catalysts for carbon monoxide oxidation, unsaturated hydrocarbon oxidation and/or nitrogen oxide reduction.
Abstract:
The power efficiency of an electric motor driven load including an adjustable speed drive is improved through use of a fuzzy logic controller to provide a power efficiency signal. A fuzzy rule base controls sequential power changes based on a determination of the effect of previous changes to meet load demands on a reduced power input basis.
Abstract:
Solid particulate waste material is coated with a thermosetting resin which is compressed and cured to form a rigid core. The rigid core is coated with a flexible thermoplastic resin to provide a sealed encapsulated waste agglomerate which can withstand moderate compressive loads.
Abstract:
Solid particles comprising combustible matter (e.g. coal) associated with or contaminated by inert matter (e.g. ash, rock) is segregated in a segregation zone into low density/small size and high density/large size fractions. The low density/small size fractions are passed to a utilization zone for conversion of the combustible matter. The high density/large size fractions are size reduced (e.g. by grinding) and either returned to the segregation zone, or passed at least in part, directly to the utilization zone. The conversion of the combustion matter proceeds more efficiently as a result. The segregation zone may operate by fluidized size/density segregation and in the utilization zone, the combustible matter may be at least partially combusted, preferably in a fluidized bed.
Abstract:
A pollutant such as SO.sub.2 is removed from a pollutant-containing gas stream by passing the stream to a drying zone to which a solution and/or dispersion of pollutant-reactive material (such as CaO) is supplied, the drying zone operating to evaporate the liquid (e.g. water) and at least some pollutant reacting with the material to form an innocuous disposable solid which is removed, the pollutant-depleted gas stream being scrubbed in a scrubbing zone by a solution and/or dispersion of pollutant-reactive material to form substantially pollutant-free gas which is vented to atmosphere, the solution and/or dispersion being recovered from the scrubbing zone, some being recirculated back to the scrubbing zone after the addition of required make-up liquid and/or pollutant-reactive material, and some being passed to the drying zone preferably after concentrating the pollutant-reactive material therein. Preferably, the drying zone is a bed of solids fluidized by the incoming hot pollutant-containing gas stream.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for treating residuals or waste streams from a plant, such as a drinking water treatment plant. The method includes the steps of obtaining plant residuals or waste streams from a water treatment plant and irradiating the plant residuals or waste streams using microwave radiation from a microwave source. The method also includes the step of drying the plant residuals or waste streams to a predetermined moisture, volume, or weight content reduction and disposing of the same.
Abstract:
The method of the invention provides a simple, reproducible reference, or set of reference standards, as a validation of a calibration standard for filter-based measurements of light absorbing aerosol particles (black carbon and brown carbon) and organic carbon and elemental carbon particles found in indoor and outdoor environments, and in emission streams. The set of reference standards comprise grayscale images deposited by a mist or print at a known density on a substrate material. The reference standards may be made by a printer using as a substrate either paper or another material such as glass fiber, quartz fiber, polypropylene, or cellulose.
Abstract:
A double bottom test tube has a first tubular section having an open end and a rounded closed end. A second tubular section has an open end and a rounded closed end. The open end of the first tubular section is couplable to the open end of the second tubular section.
Abstract:
Fail-safe methods for utilizing an over-center pump/motor in a hydraulic hybrid vehicle are disclosed. A high-pressure fluid shutoff valve and an optional electrically or manually operated valve are additionally provided as means to ensure disconnection of the high pressure source in the event of a failure. Displacement stroke position and pressure differentials across the pump/motor are continually monitored. On detection of various modes of failure or irregularity in control of displacement, actions are taken including any of: the high pressure and low pressure accumulators are shut off automatically or manually, a check valve between the high and low pressure ports of the pump/motor is activated, and a small amount of pressurized fluid is released from the high pressure circuit to depressurize the captive fluid. Safe startup and shutdown procedures are also specified. The system provides for safe operation of a hydraulic hybrid vehicle that includes an engine pump and drive motor, at least one of which operates over-center. The system optionally provides a displacement control valve that is controlled by feedback from an actuator or displacement position sensor and that on loss of electric power to the displacement control valve will cause the controlled pump/motor to stroke to a zero displacement position.