Steven P Dougherty

US Patent:

6450006, Sep 17, 2002

Filed:

May 5, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/566208

Inventors:

Steven J. Dougherty - Sumner WA 98390

International Classification:

G01N 700

US Classification:

73 191, 73 1901

Abstract:

A method for the control of actuation force in apparatus for determining entrained gas-phase content of process streams wherein the apparatus comprise compression of the process stream, measurement of the compressive behavior, and calculation of the volume of the entrained gas phase. In the apparatus, a piston device is rapidly translated into the process stream. The inertia of the liquid adjacent to the end of the piston causes the volume of fluid close to the end of the piston to be compressed by the movement of the piston. A pressure sensor integrally incorporated in the end of the piston measures the pressure pulse caused by the rapid movement of the piston. The pressure pulse is inversely proportional to entrained gas phase content. An accelerometer incorporated within the piston measures the acceleration of the piston. Changes in acceleration due to factors such as actuator hysteresis and seal friction are compensated for by automatically changing power applied to the actuator device as necessary to maintain constant acceleration.

US Patent:

46328149, Dec 30, 1986

Filed:

Dec 20, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/811335

Inventors:

Steven J. Dougherty - Sumner WA
Ray E. Barker - Terre Haute IN

Assignee:

International Minerals & Chemical Corp. - Terre Haute IN

International Classification:

C01B 2516

US Classification:

423321R

Abstract:

An improved process for stabilizing wet process phosphoric acid is described in which the acid is treated with pressurized carbon dioxide and then is aged so as to enhance the rate of post-precipitation.

US Patent:

59327928, Aug 3, 1999

Filed:

Apr 28, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/067603

Inventors:

Steven J. Dougherty - Sumner WA

International Classification:

G01N 700
G01L 2308

US Classification:

73 191

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining entrained gas-phase content of process streams comprising compression of the process stream, measurement of the compressive behavior, and calculation of the volume of the entrained gas-phase. A piston device is rapidly translated into the process stream. The inertia of the liquid adjacent to the end of the piston causes the volume of fluid close to the end of the piston to serve as a dynamic containment vessel so that the liquid adjacent to the piston is compressed by the movement of the piston. A pressure sensor integrally incorporated in the end of the piston measures the pressure pulse caused by the rapid movement of the piston. The pressure pulse is inversely related to the volumetric fraction of gas phase in the liquid adjacent to the end of the piston. Processor electronics amplify and condition the pressure pulse, convert the pressure pulse to the equivalent gas-phase content by means of calibration tables, and provide output signals suitable for process control of the variables that influence the gas-phase content.

US Patent:

54549124, Oct 3, 1995

Filed:

Sep 25, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/951282

Inventors:

Steven J. Dougherty - Sumner WA

International Classification:

G01N 110

US Classification:

162263

Abstract:

A sample of slurry is withdrawn continuously from a pressure pipe through which the slurry flows by a diluting sample-extractor mounted on the pipe. Dilution water is added continuously to the extractor to mix with the withdrawn sample to provide dilute slurry, and the quality of the dilute slurry is evaluated by passing it through a viewing window chamber and taking periodic photographs of the dilute slurry passing through such viewing window chamber.