A ballast circuit for a Light Emitting Diode (LED) has a regulator element coupled to the LED and to an input voltage source. A control circuit is coupled to the LED and to an input voltage source. A first switching device is coupled in series with the regulator element. A second switching device is coupled to the input voltage and the control circuit.

The invention relates to a system for eliminating current surges that includes a first voltage regulator (7) having a current limit programmable to a value (I(limit)) that depends on the value of the intermittent current surges (IO(surge)) required by the intermittent load (3) and the relationship thereof to the work cycle, a second voltage regulator (9), a condenser (4) connected between the first and second regulators (7, 9), that loads when the current is no longer required and that unloads when there is a need for output current to provide current to the second regulator (9) which absorbs the changes in voltage produced by the loading/unloading of the condenser and provides a constant voltage for any value of the required output current surge, independently of voltage changes in the condenser (4), and a control loop between a sensor for the output current provided to the load and an input limit (15) for the input current (II) in the first regulator (7). Thus, the input current (I(limit)) (1) and the output voltage (VLoad) are constant for any value of the output current surge (IO(surge)).

A device (200) includes a circuit (202) and a driver stage (204) therefor. The circuit includes two sub-circuits (231 and 232). The driver stage includes switcher logic (206) that produces signals that control switching on and off of the sub-circuits. The switcher logic also produces other signals in advance of the signals that control the switching of the sub-circuits. The driver stage includes delay compensations circuits (221 and 222), coupled to the switcher logic and to the circuit, that produce timing signals for the switcher logic. The timing signals are closely aligned with moments that a changing voltage at a node between the sub-circuits passes through threshold voltages. The timing signals compensate for all delays of signals through the device such that a period that both sub-circuits are off is minimized, while ensuring that both sub-circuits are not on at a same time.

In various embodiments a controller for controlling the operation of a switched mode power supply is provided, the controller comprising: a first signal source configured to provide a first set of signals including a set signal and a clear signal, wherein the first set of signals may correspond to a first mode of operation of the switched mode power supply; a second signal source configured to provide a second set of signals including a set signal and a clear signal, wherein the second set of signals may correspond to a second mode of operation of the switched mode power supply; a selecting circuit coupled to the first signal source and to the second signal source, the selecting circuit being configured to select either the first set of signals or the second set of signals; a switching signal generating circuit coupled to the selecting circuit and configured to provide a switching signal to the switched mode power supply based on the set of signals received from the selecting circuit.

A synchronous DC-DC converter having a soft-stop function includes an output stage for supplying an output voltage, wherein the output stage includes a high-side transistor for charging the output voltage and a low-side transistor for discharging the output voltage; an output control circuit, coupled to the output stage, for controlling the high-side transistor and the low-side transistor of the output stage; at least one protection device, for controlling the high-side transistor to be turned off when a specific situation occurs, in order to stop supplying the output voltage; and a soft-stop control circuit, coupled to the output control circuit, for controlling the low-side transistor of the output stage to be turned on when the protection device controls the high-side transistor to be turned off or the synchronous DC-DC converter is disabled, in order to discharge the output voltage.

Systems and methods that provide control circuits having multiple sub-control inputs that control operation of a power electronics device (e.g., a power converter). Each of the multiple sub-control inputs are output from a separate sub-control circuit that includes a feedback circuit having an input tied to a common control node. The common control node is coupled to an input of a controller (e.g., a PWM controller). Outputs of each of the sub-control circuits are coupled to the common control node by a respective switch (e.g., diode, transistor, etc.) so that each of the sub-control circuits may be selectively coupled to the common control node to provide a control signal to a controller. Since components of each of the feedback compensations circuits are biased at a regulation voltage instead of a higher power supply voltage, the control circuit may switch between control modes with minimal delay.

An electronic apparatus includes a switching element which has a control terminal and is driven by controlling voltage of the control terminal, a driving power supply circuit which supplies voltage required for driving the switching element, an on-driving circuit which is connected to the driving power supply circuit and the control terminal of the switching element and is supplied with voltage from the driving power supply circuit, and which applies a constant current to the control terminal of the switching element to charge the control terminal, thereby turning on the switching element, and at least one diode which is connected between the on-driving circuit and the control terminal of the switching element. The on-driving circuit applies a constant current to the control terminal of the switching element through the diode.

An integrated power quality control system includes a transformer with a primary winding, a secondary winding and a compensation winding wound on a magnetic core. A power electronic converter in the system provides a reference voltage to the compensation winding for injecting a series voltage in the secondary winding of the transformer. A controller is utilized to generate a reference control voltage for the power electronic converter based on a power quality control requirement.

A system that manages a supplemental energy source connected to a power grid uses a two stage control strategy to manage power transfers in and out of the power grid as well as in and out of an energy storage system, such as a battery bank. One stage uses a non-linear transfer function to control an output frequency of a DC-to-AC inverter to limit undesired effects of power transients that occur on the grid. A second stage uses control strategy for transferring energy between the energy storage system and an internal DC link based on a relationship between a voltage on a DC link connecting the first and second stages and a DC link reference voltage, the voltage on the DC link, and a voltage at the energy storage system. The control strategy includes rapid charging, over-charging protection, and grid transient stabilization.

There is provided a DC-DC converter which converts an input voltage into an output voltage for supply to a load, in which an input terminal receives the input voltage, an output terminal outputs the output voltage, power stages each includes: a high side switch, a low side switch and an inductor, the control unit executes a first mode and a second mode wherein the first mode controls the high side switch and the low side switch in each of the power stages so that a ratio of an output current in each of the power stages to a load current flowing through the load becomes a set value and the second mode controls the high side switch and the low side switch in each of the power stages so that duty ratios of the high side switch and the low side switch are equalized among the power stages.

A method and apparatus for lighting a flight deck on an aircraft. A status of the aircraft is identified by a processor unit. The processor unit controls the lighting on the flight deck in response to the status of the aircraft to indicate the status of the aircraft.

Systems and methods for performing airport surface collision-avoidance. A wingtip-mounted camera allows the pilot to positively ascertain that the wingtip will clear objects located in the video. An exemplary system implemented on an aircraft includes a wingtip module having a camera that generates a video stream and a communication device that transmits the generated video stream. A processor receives the video stream and generates a reticule for the video stream. A display device simultaneously presents the video stream and the reticule. The reticule includes a horizon line and is based on a focal length of a lens of the camera and height of the camera above ground. The reticule includes curved and/or straight distance lines and curved or straight travel lines. The travel line(s) correspond to at least one aircraft component or a zone of importance and are based on location of the camera and trajectory of the aircraft.

A rotor system is disclosed for a reactive drive rotary wing aircraft. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maintaining the rigidity of the rotor and eliminating play between flight controls and the rotor by mounting swashplate actuators to a flange rigidly secured to the mast. Methods are disclosed for modulating the temperature of oil pumped over one or more of the mast bearing, swashplate bearing, and spindle bearing. The temperature of air passively or actively drawn through rotor may also be modulated to maintain bearing temperature within a predetermined range. Structures for reducing pressure losses and drag on components due to air flow through the rotor are also disclosed. A rotor facilitating thermal management by oil and air flow is also disclosed. Surfaces interfacing between the swashplate and the mast and between control rods and the swashplate or pitch horn may bear a solid lubricant layer.

An unmanned, towable aerovehicle is described and includes a container to hold cargo, an autogyro assembly connected to the container and to provide flight characteristics, and a controller to control operation the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight. The container includes a connection to connect to a powered aircraft to provide forward motive force to power the autogyro assembly. In an example, the autogyro assembly includes a mast extending from the container, a rotatable hub on an end of the mast, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub for rotation to provide lift to the vehicle. In an example, an electrical motor rotates the blades prior to lift off to assist in take off. The electrical motor does not have enough power to sustain flight of the vehicle.

An assembly for shielding an aircraft from electromagnetic energy may include a window mounting configured to be conductively coupled to an aperture in a fuselage of an aircraft. The window mounting may include a window pane having an electromagnetically-reflective coating for reflecting electromagnetic energy. The window pane may remain electrically isolated from the fuselage prior to the electromagnetic energy exceeding a frequency of approximately 1 GHz. The window mounting may further include a capacitive gasket capacitively coupling the window pane to the fuselage after the frequency of the electromagnetic energy reflected by the window pane exceeds approximately 1 GHz.

A method and apparatus comprising a refueling controller. The refueling controller is configured to receive data about a current rate of movement of a refueling boom while the refueling boom is in contact with a receiver aircraft during flight. The refueling controller is further configured to disconnect the refueling boom from the receiver aircraft based on the current rate of movement of the refueling boom and a current position of the refueling boom.

A system has a plurality of spacecraft in orbit around the earth for collecting energy from the Sun in space, using stimulated emission to configure that energy as well defined states of the optical field and delivering that energy efficiently throughout the region of space surrounding Earth.

A method for simulating the movement behavior of a fluid in a closed moving container is provided. The simulation is based on the determination of the potential movement path of the center of gravity of the volume of the fluid as an elliptical trajectory situated in a disturbance plane having certain semi-axes.

A system and method for mitigating an aircraft incident is provided. The invention includes an aircraft panic component coupled to a terminal component. The aircraft panic component facilitates identification of a panic situation and communicates information associated with the panic situation to the terminal component. The aircraft panic component is further operative to at least partially disable a navigation system and/or operational system of an aircraft. The aircraft can then be sent to a safe zone, navigated remotely and/or a course of action for the aircraft can be determined. A safe zone component is adapted to facilitate identification of a course of action for the aircraft based at least in part upon aircraft positional information, aircraft condition information and/or aircraft resource(s). Further, aircraft navigational information and/or aircraft operational information can be sent via an aircraft communication component to a remote system having a remote communication component and a remote analyzing component facilitating transfer of information related to navigational and/or operational system(s) of the aircraft.

The invention is a projectile, device and system having a roll control device which may be fixed or deployable, for providing torque counter to the spin of the projectile and providing drag on the projectile. The roll control device includes a guidance collar rotatably attached to the projectile located near a front end of the projectile wherein the guidance collar includes one or more guidance collar aero-surfaces shaped to provide torque counter to the spin on the projectile. The guidance collar aero-surfaces may be controlled by a brake and guidance electronics on the projectile. The invention also includes a body collar fixedly attached to the projectile aft of the guidance collar, wherein the body collar includes one or more body collar aero-surfaces and fixed or deployable drag devices. Another embodiment use only a guidance collar aero-surfaces to orient a fixed drag device relative to an Earth inertial reference frame to create asymmetrical drag on the projectile and thereby altering its trajectory.

An actuation system and method includes a tubular defining a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular. The assembly includes a restriction operatively arranged to receive a restrictor for enabling actuation of the assembly. The restriction includes a degradable material with a protective layer thereon, the degradable material degrading upon exposure to a fluid in the passage and the protective layer isolating the degradable material from the fluid.

The well pump flow sleeve assembly provides a method of quickly fitting a flow sleeve to a well pump. The sleeve is made by cutting a pipe normal to the pipe centerline of the pipe surfaces, to a length appropriate for the well pump length. A pump centering bottom cap is inserted into the pipe lower opening and the well pump assembly is then inserted into the pipe upper opening and mates with the bottom cap to align the pump in the sleeve. The pump is now completely within the sleeve with the pump discharge and electrical connection extending through the pipe upper opening. Two flow sleeve cap halves are then fitted around the pump discharge and electrical connection/safety rope to form an upper cap which is inserted into the pipe upper opening. The submersible pump is then ready for service.

Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles. Optional further improvement of the heat resistance and environmental resistance of said particles via post-polymerization heat treatment; processes for the manufacture of said particles; and use of said particles in the construction, drilling, completion and/or fracture stimulation of oil and natural gas wells are described.

Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one friction reducing agent selected from the group consisting of guar gums, polyacrylamides, hydratable cellulosic materials, viscoelastic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for use in fracturing subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of metal oxides in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.

Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one scale control agent. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for treating aqueous compositions found in subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of calcium salts in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.

Methods are provided for identifying the location and height of induced subterranean formation fractures and the presence of any associated frac-pack or gravel pack material in the vicinity of the borehole using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The proppant/sand used in the fracturing and packing processes is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material. When proppant is present, increases in detected PNC formation and/or borehole component cross-sections, combined with decreases in measured count rates, are used to determine the location of the formation fractures and the presence and percent fill of pack material in the borehole region. Changes in measured formation cross-sections relative to changes in other PNC parameters provide a relative indication of the proppant in fractures compared to that in the borehole region.

Methods of treating a wellbore in a subterranean formation including providing an oil-external treatment fluid, wherein the oil-external treatment fluid is a 3D-network comprising a chemical interaction between a hydrocarbon fluid, an aqueous fluid, and a surface modification agent; providing proppant particulates; suspending the proppant particulates in the oil-external treatment fluid; and introducing the oil-external treatment fluid comprising the proppant particulates into the wellbore in the subterranean formation.

A method may include determining a first particle size distribution for particulate additives in a first wellbore fluid circulated through a wellbore through an earthen formation, and determining a second particle size distribution for drilled cuttings resulting from drilling of the wellbore. The first and second particle size distributions may then be compared to determine a third particle size distribution for the combined particulate additives and the drilled cuttings. A lost circulation material having a fourth particle size distribution may then be selected based on the third particle size distribution and the selected lost circulation material may be pumped into the wellbore.

A pourable aqueous cement composition is disclosed. The cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, water and a selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof. An article, including a downhole article, and more particularly a reconfigurable downhole article is disclosed. The article includes a hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has at least partially set into a permanent form. The article also includes a selectively removable material dispersed within the cement, the selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof, wherein the selectively removable material is configured for removal in response to a predetermined wellbore condition.

In an embodiment, the cement compositions comprise: (i) hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has a ratio of CaO to SiO2 in the range of 2.0 to 4.0; and (ii) a water-soluble metaphosphate in a concentration of at least 2.5% bwoc. In another embodiment, the cement compositions comprise: (i) hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has a ratio of CaO to SiO2 of less than 2.0; and (ii) a water-soluble metaphosphate; wherein any alkali nitrate is in a concentration of less than 2% bwoc; and wherein any alkali hydroxide, alkali carbonate, or alkali citrate is in a concentration of less than 0.2% bwoc. Methods of cementing in a well comprising forming either of such cement compositions and introducing it into the well are provided.

An oxygen scavenger for completion brines effective and stable in high temperature subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the scavenger contains erythorbate and alkylhydroxlyamine.

Systems and methods for managing umbilical lines and one or more jumpers are provided. An example of a system includes a deployment platform carrying a winch and spool assembly, a tether management assembly, and an integrated electrical and/or hydraulic umbilical line extending between a spool on the winch and spool assembly and the tether management assembly. The winch and spool assembly is configured to deploy and to support the umbilical line. The tether management assembly includes a winch and spool assembly for deploying a flying lead and/or annulus jumper adapted to connect to an emergency disconnect package of a well control package for a well. A set of buoyant modules are connected to or integral with a portion of the umbilical line to be used to form an artificial heave compensation loop.

A tool for actuating a blow out preventer includes one or more connections for receiving hydraulic power from a remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”), a first pump for increasing pressure of an operating fluid for the blowout preventer (“BOP”), a second pump for increasing flow rate of the operating fluid, and a conductor for transporting the operating fluid to the BOP. The tool rapidly increases the pressure and flow rate of the fluid flowing to the BOP, and the BOP may be rapidly closed.

A method for determining position of a wellbore in the Earth's subsurface includes actuating a plurality of seismic energy sources each disposed at a known geodetic position. Seismic energy from the sources is detected at a selected location along the wellbore. The geodetic position at the selected location is determined from the detected seismic energy. A corresponding method includes actuating a seismic energy source at a selected position within the wellbore. The seismic energy is detected at a plurality of known geodetic positions. The geodetic position of the source is determined from the detected seismic energy.

A technique includes processing seismic data indicative of samples of at least one measured seismic signal in a processor-based machine to, in an iterative process, determine basis functions, which represent a constructed seismic signal. The technique includes in each iteration of the iterative process, selecting another basis function of the plurality of basis functions. The selecting includes based at least in part on the samples and a current version of the constructed seismic signal, determining a cost function; and interpreting the cost function based at least in part on a predicted energy distribution of the constructed seismic signal to select the basis function.

When conducting cementing operations within confined locales, such as the annular space within a wellbore, it can sometimes be difficult to successfully deliver an uncured cement composition to a desired location. Cementing methods can comprise: providing a cement composition comprising a cement and a property control package, the property control package comprising: a filtration control agent; a friction reducer; and a setting accelerator; introducing the cement composition into a mineral exploration wellbore; and setting the cement composition in the wellbore.

A steam assisted gravity drainage process that includes the addition of oxygen for recovering hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon reservoir is described. Steam and an oxygen-containing gas are separately and continuously injected into the hydrocarbon reservoir to heat hydrocarbons and water to drain, by gravity, to a horizontal production well. The process can include controlling the ratio of oxygen and steam from about 0.05 to about 1.00 (v/v). The steam assisted gravity drainage process can further include removing non-condensable combustion gases from the reservoir to avoid undesirable pressures in the reservoir. The non-condensable combustion gases can be removed from the reservoir by at least one separate vent-gas well.

A device for compensating deviations from a coaxial arrangement of components of a regulating organ, said regulating arrangement being comprised of a regulating organ, a crown pipe, and an immersion cup which serve for controlling the gas pressure of a coke oven chamber, with the regulating arrangement being comprised of an immersion cup with a water immersion that seals the gas space of a coke oven chamber versus the gas collecting main and/or plant units downstream, and wherein the height of the water level of the water immersion represents a regulating means to control the gas pressure, and wherein said regulating arrangement is furthermore comprised of an immersion pipe that configures a specially shaped crown pipe at its end submerging into the water of the immersion cup, and that is comprised of a regulating organ to regulate the water level.

There are provided a dividing wall distillation column for producing high-purity acrylic acid, and a fractional distillation method using the same. The dividing wall distillation column includes a condenser, a reboiler and a main column having a dividing wall. Here, the main column is divided into a column-top zone, an upper feed zone, an upper outflow zone, a lower feed zone, a lower outflow zone and a column-bottom zone. Accordingly, since one distillation column can be used to realize the same effect as that obtained from the use of two distillation columns, the dividing wall distillation column can have an effect of reducing the costs of equipment to produce high-purity acrylic acid, as well as an energy-reducing effect, compared to a conventional process system.

A method for creating laboratory-scale reactive distillation apparatus from provided modular components is described. At least two types of modular distillation column stages are provided. A first type of modular stage comprises two physical interfaces for connection with a respective physical interface of another modular stage. A second type modular stage comprises one such physical interface. At least one type of tray is provided for insertion into the first type of modular stage. A clamping arrangement is provided for joining together two modular stages at their respective physical interfaces for connection to form a joint. The invention provides for at least three modular stages can be joined. At least one sensor or sensor array can be inserted into each modular stage. At least one controllable element can be inserted into each modular stage. The invention provides for study of traditional, advanced, and photochemical types of reactive distillation.

Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

An electrical heating coal material decomposition apparatus includes a closed kiln body with a feed inlet, a discharge outlet, and an electrical heating device arranged in the kiln body. A propulsion and decomposition path of coal material is formed between the electrical heating device and the inner wall of the kiln body. A coal decomposition gas collecting pipe communicates with the propulsion and decomposition path of coal material, and is connected with a gas dust-trapping and liquefying device arranged outside the kiln. The electrical heating device transfers heat to the pulverized coal inside the propulsion and decomposition path of coal material by conduction and irradiation. The pulverized coal absorbs sufficient heat and decomposes into fuel gas, tar gas and coal. The fuel gas and tar gas enters the gas dust-trapping and liquefying mechanism through the decomposed gas collecting tube, where they are collected, dust-trapped, separated and liquefied under pressure.

A method of separating a high boiling component from a mixture containing organic and/or inorganic boiling components which method involves providing an induction heated screw conveyor having an auger and passing the mixture through the induction heated screw conveyor while inductively heating the auger so as to heat the mixture in the induction heated screw conveyor. The mixture is heated to a temperature that is sufficient to cause the boiling component(s) to separate from the mixture as a vapor and the boiling component is removed from the induction heated screw conveyor.

A method of removing organic components from a mixture containing organic and inorganic components which method involves providing an induction heated screw conveyor having an auger and passing the mixture through the induction heated screw conveyor while inductively heating the auger so as to heat the mixture in the induction heated screw conveyor primarily from the center of the induction heated screw conveyor. The mixture is heated to a temperature that is sufficient to cause the organic components in the mixture to separate from the mixture as a vapor. The oxygen concentration in the induction heated screw conveyor is controlled so as to gasify the organic components. The gasified organic components are removed and the remaining inorganic components are collected.

A reactor for the continuous production of charcoal, having a substantially vertical structure, comprising, in sequence, a top charging zone, a drying zone, a carbonization zone, a cooling zone, and a discharge zone, wherein the charging zone has a smaller cross section than the drying zone and has an extension into the drying zone , forming an annular space around the extension, which space comprises, in the wall of the drying zone, an outlet to a gas extraction line for the recirculation of these gases into the reactor. The reactor reduces sawdust drag by the gases extracted from the preheating zone, without substantially altering the shape and the size of the reactor, which is achieved due to the fact that the charging zone is arranged eccentrically relatively to the drying zone, and that the outlet to the gas extraction line of the drying zone is located substantially on the larger area section of the annular space.

A solar distillation apparatus utilizing a substantially vertical reactor assembly is disclosed. The reactor includes a tubular outer shell, a base, a cap, and a central tension member. The annular space between the outer tube and the central tension member forms the reactor chamber. Seawater or other feed liquid enters the reactor chamber through the base plate. Reflected or direct solar energy heats the feed liquid, generating low pressure vapor. The vapor exits the reactor through the cap structure or the base. The concentrate left behind settles by gravity to the bottom region of the reactor's liquid column. Extension tubes on the feed openings allow feed liquid to enter the liquid column above the concentrate layer and avoid excessive mixing of the feed liquid and the concentrate. The concentrate exits the reactor through one or more openings in the base.

This invention relates to a high efficiency apparatus for manufacturing an aqueous wood smoke solution in the form of a liquid smoke desired concentration by burning wood, wooden chips or sawdust in a limited amount of air. Wood consumption per unit of liquid smoke is significantly smaller comparing to conventional methods, while the air pollution is reduced to a negligible level.

An improved rapid thermal conversion process for efficiently converting wood, other biomass materials, and other carbonaceous feedstock (including hydrocarbons) into high yields of valuable liquid product, e.g., bio-oil, on a large scale production, is disclosed. In the process, biomass material, e.g., wood, is fed to a conversion system where the biomass material is mixed with an upward stream of hot heat carriers, e.g., sand, that thermally convert the biomass into a hot vapor stream. The hot vapor stream is rapidly quenched with quench media in one or more condensing chambers located downstream of the conversion system. The rapid quenching condenses the vapor stream into liquid product, which is collected from the condensing chambers as a valuable liquid product.

A pyrolytic conversion assembly for processing biomass including: a rotary kiln including a tube for heating the biomass at pressure having a sealable inlet at a first, higher end for ingress of the biomass, and a sealable outlet at a lower end for egress of charcoal formed from the biomass; and heating elements disposed around the kiln to provide a localized source of heating at a predetermined distance from the sealable inlet for reflux condensation of gas from the biomass.

One exemplary embodiment can be a system for separating a plurality of naphtha components. The system can include a column, an overhead condenser, and a side condenser. Generally, the column includes a dividing imperforate wall with one surface facing a feed and another surface facing at least one side stream. Typically, the wall extends a significant portion of the column height to divide the portion into at least two substantially vertical, parallel contacting sections. Typically, the overhead condenser receives an overhead stream including a light naphtha from the column. Usually, a side condenser receives a process stream from the column and returns the stream to the column to facilitate separation. A cooling stream may pass through the overhead condenser and then the side condenser.