Patents by Inventor Paul C. Broussard
Paul C. Broussard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 6337023Abstract: A dissolved gas flotation apparatus and process for removing oils and other contaminants from produced water generated in the production of crude petroleum and natural gas. The invention is particularly designed for offshore applications, where space is limited and natural gas is readily available. The invention includes a vessel for receiving and maintaining a liquid level therein and a circulating pump for introducing tiny flotation gas bubbles into the vessel. Natural gas is used as a blanket gas for the vessel and as a source of gas fed into the pump, wherein the gas is mixed with the pumped liquid. The liquid/gas mixture is transferred into the vessel, wherein the gas releases from the liquid, thereby forming tiny, finely dispersed gas bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Inventors: Paul C. Broussard, Sr., Paul C. Broussard, Jr.
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Patent number: 5942111Abstract: An apparatus and method for clarifying a contaminated fluid mixture containing contaminating fluid, principal liquid and solids. The apparatus comprises a vertically standing cylindrical vessel for separating the contaminants from the principal liquid; a preliminary separator for tangentially introducing the contaminated fluid into the vessel; sparging tubes to aerate the contaminated fluid mixture, thereby separating the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; and a reservoir for collecting the contaminating fluid. The reservoir and preliminary separator are located in the upper portion of the vessel. The sparging tubes are located in the lower portion of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Jr.
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Patent number: 5725764Abstract: An apparatus for clarifying a contaminated fluid mixture containing contaminating fluid, principal liquid and solids, comprising a vertically standing cylindrical vessel for separating the contaminants from the principal liquid; a preliminary separator for tangentially introducing the contaminated fluid into the vessel; sparging tubes to aerate the contaminated fluid mixture, thereby separating the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; and a reservoir for collecting the contaminating fluid. The reservoir and preliminary separator are located in the upper portion of the vessel. The sparging tubes are located in the lower portion of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Jr.
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Patent number: 5707530Abstract: The method of the present invention comprises introducing a contaminated fluid mixture containing solids, liquid and contaminating fluid into a preliminary separator to separate the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; tangentially introducing the contaminated fluid mixture into a vertical cylindrical vessel in a circular motion to further separate the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; introducing air into the contaminated fluid mixture to further separate the contaminating fluid from the liquid and solids; maintaining the circular flow of the contaminated fluid mixture within the vessel to separate the fluid into contaminating fluid, clean liquid and solid contaminants; collecting the contaminating fluid in a reservoir; removing the contaminating fluid from the reservoir; and, discharging the clean liquid from the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Jr.
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Patent number: 5522999Abstract: A method for clarifying a contaminated fluid comprising a separator vessel having therein a pair of cyclonic flow chambers; preliminary spiral separators introduce the contaminated fluid to be separated into the cyclonic flow chambers by tangential inlets so as to establish a swirling body of fluid in each chamber; the cyclonic flow chambers have a shell positioned below their respective tangential inlets for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil arid water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chambers and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by sparging tubes; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chambers to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Inventor: Paul C. Broussard
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Patent number: 5492622Abstract: An apparatus and method for clarifying a contaminated fluid comprising a separator vessel having therein a pair of cyclonic flow chambers; preliminary spiral separators introduce the contaminated fluid to be separated into the cyclonic flow chambers by tangential inlets so as to establish a swirling body of fluid in each chamber; the cyclonic flow chambers have a shell positioned below their respective tangential inlets for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil and water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chambers and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by sparging tubes; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chambers to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Inventor: Paul C. Broussard
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Patent number: 5458789Abstract: Apparatus and process for removing relatively low levels of components, particularly organic components found in an aqueous stream in one or more stripping zones located in a process unit. An eductor means extending into each stripping zone is used to provide micro-fine gas bubbles which will dissolve the volatile components and carry them from the aqueous stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1993Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Inventors: J. Rodney Dickerson, Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
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Patent number: 5407584Abstract: A method for clarifying a contaminated fluid in a main separator vessel having therein a cyclonic flow chamber. A spiral preliminary spinner introduces the contaminated fluid to be separated in a stratified condition into the cyclonic flow chamber by a tangential inlet so as to establish a swirling body of fluid; the cyclonic flow chamber has concentric shells positioned below the tangential inlet for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil and water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chamber and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by eductors; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chamber to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
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Patent number: 5376266Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-stage separator vessel through which the to-be-cleaned fluid flows. Aeration assemblies within the inner cells disperse micro-fine gas bubbles into the fluid for cleaning purposes. Additionally, the inlet piping contains a separator that begins the separation process before this fluid is discharged into the first cell. An L-shaped passageway interconnects the various flotation cells of this separator with the entrance of each such passageway being at an elevation below its exit. A weir is located within each flotation cell that is adjustable as needed. This weir empties into a channel alongside the separator vessel that collects the separated contaminants flowing over the weir for later disposal.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1994Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Inventor: Paul C. Broussard
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Patent number: 5300222Abstract: An apparatus and method for clarifying a contaminated fluid comprising a separator vessel having therein a cyclonic flow chamber; a spiral preliminary separator introduces the contaminated fluid to be separated into the cyclonic flow chamber by a tangential inlet so as to establish a swirling body of fluid; the cyclonic flow chamber has concentric shells positioned below the tangential inlet for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil and water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chamber and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by eductors; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chamber to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1993Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
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Patent number: 5277803Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-st vessel through which the to-be-cleaned fluid flows. Aeration assemblies within the inner cells disperse micro-fine gas bubbles into the fluid for cleaning purposes. Additionally, the inlet piping contains a separator that begins the separation process before this fluid is discharged into the first cell. An L-shaped passageway interconnects the various flotation cells of this separator with the entrance of each such passageway being at an elevation below its exit. A weir is located within each flotation cell that is adjustable as needed. This weir empties into a channel alongside the seprator vessel that collects the separated contaminants flowing over the weir for later disposal.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
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Patent number: 5158678Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-stage separator vessel through which the to-be-cleaned fluid flows. Aeration assemblies within the inner cells disperse micro-fine gas bubbles into the fluid for cleaning purposes. Additionally, the inlet piping contains a separator that begins the separation process before this fluid is discharged into the first cell. An L-shaped passageway interconnects the various flotation cells of this separator with the entrance of each such passageway being at an elevation below its exit. A weir is located within each flotation cell that is adjustable as needed. This weir empties into a channel alongside the separator vessel that collects the separated contaminants flowing over the weir for later disposal.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1990Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
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Patent number: 5100546Abstract: A system for removing dissolved and undissolved oil from contaminated water which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. An absorbing fluid (CCl.sub.2 FCClF.sub.2) is used in a wet-spiral mixer-absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier oil absorbing fluid from the oil-decontaminated water. Unspent absorbing fluid is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the decontaminated water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent absorbing fluid is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is used as fuel oil or stored. The absorbing fluid's vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by a jet eductor pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1990Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
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Patent number: 5009787Abstract: A system for removing dissolved and undissolved oil from contaminated water which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. An absorbing fluid (CCl.sub.2 FCClF.sub.2) is used in a wet-spiral mixer-absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier oil absorbing fluid from the oil-decontaminated water. Unspent absorbing fluid is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the decontaminated water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent absorbing fluid is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is used as fuel oil or stored. The absorbing fluid's vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by a jet eductor pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1988Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
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Patent number: 4839043Abstract: A system for removing dissolved and undissolved oil from contaminated water which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. An absorbing fluid (CCl.sub.2 FCClF.sub.2) is used in a wet-spiral mixer-absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier oil absorbing fluid from the oil-decontaminated water. Unspent absorbing fluid is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the decontaminated water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent absorbing fluid is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is used as fuel oil or stored. The absorbing fluid's vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by jet eductor pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1988Date of Patent: June 13, 1989Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
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Patent number: 4728428Abstract: A water degreaser system which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. Freon absorbing fluid is used in a wet spiral absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier freon from the decontaminated water. Unspent freon is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the clean water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent freon is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is drained off and stored. The freon vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by a jet pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1986Date of Patent: March 1, 1988Assignee: Paul C. Broussard, Inc.Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
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Patent number: 4627922Abstract: This invention involves a process and apparatus for removing dissolved and undissolved oil and chemical additives from waste and/or produced water streams. The process involves contacting a selected gas with the produced water stream, the selected gas utilizing hydrogen bonding and dipole interactions with the contaminants to remove them from the water. The rise rate of the selected gas is accelerated by mixing natural gas with the selected attractive gas. The selected gas and natural gas are recovered by the application of vacuum to the waste stream after treatment. The selected gas is separated from the natural gas by compressing and cooling the combined gas stream, venting the majority of the natural gas stream while the selected gas is liquified, then expanding the selected gas before returning it to the flotation vessel. Means are also provided for mixing the selected and natural gases with the contaminated water stream at line pressure so that mixing is intimate and flotation is accelerated.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1984Date of Patent: December 9, 1986Assignee: Gilley and AssociatesInventors: Carrol L. Viator, Glenn E. Gilley, Paul C. Broussard, Sr., Curtis Broussard, Dennis Gracy