Other

Chemtrac Systems, Inc.

Charles R Veal

Robert L Bryant

A streaming current measurement flow cell, free from potential piston-to-electrode contact, with a flexible, but close-fitting piston and sleeve set, wherein a housing-defined bushing, as it encircles the piston's active segment near its upper end, does so with a short, cylindrical sidewall, the inside diameter of which, in comparison to the active segment's diameter, creates a narrower&#x2014;but by only 0.002 inch&#x2014;capillary-sized flow channel between the bushing and the active segment than exists between it and the sleeve. Even so, physical contact between piston and sleeve&#x2014;a major wear factor&#x2014;is completely eliminated; and larger particles known to scratch/gouge dielectric surfaces are kept out of the piston/sleeve flow channel. Moreover, a limitation on the piston's downward travel wherein the active segment's upper end is brought just flush with the upper electrode's flat, annular face makes possible a novel system, critical in self-cleaning this electrode where its inner edge and setback are exposed atop the bushing.

Wear resistant streaming current measurement flow cell with piston centering

An improved method and apparatus for monitoring, in real time, the quality of a flowing fluid stream and of automatically taking samples therefrom when the level of particulate matter in the flow stream exceeds an acceptable limit for a predetermined period of time. The apparatus includes a particle monitor and at least one three-way valve electronically linked via a programmable logic controller to the particle monitor. Not only is the latter an instrument for continuously measuring, on-line, numbers known as particle indices which are indicative of particulate matter concentrations in the flow stream, but also the particle monitor generates electronic signals. Both these signals and the particle index are proportional to fluctuations in the intensity of a light beam traversed by particles which are present in a portion of the flow stream during a fixed interval of time. Importantly, the particle monitor can detect relatively short-lived 'spikes' in the level of 0.50 micron or larger particles which may be present in the flow stream. Utilizing this sensitivity of the particle monitor to such 'spikes', the apparatus can be set to automatically take samples when excursions in the levels of particulate matter occur rather than at random intervals. As a result, the method can facilitate the diagnosis of an impending process equipment breakdown/malfunction in its early stages, while its observable effect is only an infrequent 'spike'.

Method for monitoring and selectively sampling a fluid flow stream

An improved method of monitoring condensate quality in a condensate return system and of controlling the level of particulate matter in the condensate flow so that when this level exceeds an acceptable limit, valves for discharging the condensate flow from the system open automatically or, alternately, an alarm is sounded. Utilization of the method facilitates the conservation of hot steam condensate for reuse in a boiler while preventing water contaminated with particulate matter from returning to the boiler, thereby protecting it from certain types of deposits and corrosion. The improved method includes measuring, on a continuous basis, relative numbers of particulate-type impurities under conditions in which rust or other particles large enough to block flow into a particle counter can be produced in sudden surges. Tests show that a suitable instrument for measuring the impurities under such conditions is a particle monitor. In the improved method, the only restriction on the size of the particles to be monitored is that the particles be small enough to pass through vinyl tubing having an inner diameter of about 3 millimeters.

Method of monitoring and controlling condensate quality

A streaming current detector having a probe with an electrode holder which can be removed and replaced within only about one minute, allowing the probe to be kept on line nearly continuously even in highly contaminated wastewater. The probe also includes a reciprocating piston and a housing with both a cylindrical void and a transverse passageway. In assembled relation, the electrode holder is slidably disposed within the cylindrical void; and the piston is slidably engaged with an inner wall of the electrode holder. Capillary-sized channels formed between this inner wall and the piston communicate fluidly with the transverse passageway. From it, any test flow stream present is partially sucked into the capillary-sized channels during an upstroke of the piston and then expelled from them, back into the transverse passageway, during the succeeding downstroke. Lacking any low velocity or stagnate areas in the transverse passageway or in the capillary-sized channels, solids cannot accumulate in the probe, making it almost self-cleaning. But, in severely contaminated waters, the electrodes in the probe still tend to foul. With the detector, electrode replacement is readily accomplished: a retaining fitting is removed, the electrode holder is slid out of the flow member, a clean electrode holder is slid into position, and the retaining fitting is replaced.

Growing community of inventors

Gwinnett County, GA, United States of America

Charles R Veal