Gaseous Blast Or Current Patents (Class 159/16.1)
  • Patent number: 8361281
    Abstract: There is disclosed a desalinization apparatus, and methods related to desalinization. In an embodiment, a desalinization apparatus includes at least one port for receiving airflow therethrough, at least one port for receiving salt water therethrough, at least one output for providing outflow of pure water vapor, and at least one output for proving outflow of a mixture of water, salt and air; and a plurality of chambers for evaporating the salt water into the airflow, at least one of the chambers forming a plurality of ports arranged in a plurality of rows. In an embodiment, a method includes providing airflow to a desalinization apparatus; providing salt water to the desalinization apparatus; forming a vortex in the airflow to evaporate water vapor from the salt water; and providing the water vapor in the airflow to a condenser so as to obtain pure water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: LyteSyde, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly P. Rock, Bruce E. Nadeau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8343316
    Abstract: A vacuum dehydrator for processing an oil containing entrained contaminants such as water, air, and particulates comprises a tower enclosing upper and lower chambers. A random packing is contained in the upper chamber. The oil is preheated to a temperature above the boiling point of water and is introduced into the upper chamber for downward flow through the random packing into the lower chamber. Entrained air and water is retained as water vapor in the upper chamber, and particulates are retained in the random packing. Heated ambient air is introduced into the lower chamber for upward flow through the random packing into the upper chamber, and the upper chamber is cooled to condense the water vapor. Oil and condensed water are pumped respectively from the lower and upper chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Mortimer Daniel Williams, John G. Donnelly, Eric M. Laliberte, J. Rafael Lazo, Juan Alejandro Segrelles Sacristan, Anselmo Garcia Gracia
  • Patent number: 8317982
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and apparatus for utilization of waste heat of flue gas liberated from different heat sources to provide high quality water from sea/brackish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Subrahmanyam Kumar
  • Patent number: 8281500
    Abstract: A drying container insert that manages the evaporation rate of liquid solutions when subjected to blow-down gas flows. Certain gas flow separator baffles or framed inserts with vanes may be especially effective to enhance evaporation when combined with aggressive blow-down flow rates and centrifugal force. The centrifugal force applied to the evaporating liquid protects sample integrity by preventing the solution(s) from splashing out of the drying container. Such splashing, when high blow-down gas flow rates are directed into the sample containers, affects yield and purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Modular SFC, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert J. Hedberg, Brian A. Kangas, Michael A. Burns
  • Patent number: 8282772
    Abstract: A method for processing wastewater includes the steps of introducing air and a liquid into a pump, and subjecting the air and liquid to high heat and pressure; delivering the heated and pressurized air and liquid from the pump to a gas and liquid separator to separate the air from the liquid; expanding the air from the gas and liquid separator through a nozzle to accelerate the air as it expands; injecting at least some portion of the wastewater to be processed into the air from the nozzle in an entrainment section downstream from the nozzle to entrain the wastewater into the air; passing the liquid portion from the gas and liquid separator through a valve to lower the pressure of the liquid to achieve flash evaporation of the liquid to produce water and steam; introducing the water and steam produced from the valve into the air and entrained wastewater in the entrainment section, to enhance entrainment of water into the air; and delivering the air and entrained wastewater from the entrainment section to an i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: W Paul Jepson
  • Patent number: 8282789
    Abstract: Extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils, essence, and pigments from odorous raw materials (e.g., plant materials and Chinese medicinal herbs) by microwave radiation heating have advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas flowing out of the extraction cartridges. Because both volatile fragrant compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully by the top-down extraction fashion, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method are environmentally friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Bing-Nan Lee
  • Publication number: 20120168092
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of concentrating liquid waste streams including methods comprising drawing a fluidized gas liquid mixture containing water from a mixing cavity into a multi-stage cyclonic separator comprising a first cyclonic separation chamber and a second cyclonic separation chamber in fluid communication with the first cyclonic separation chamber; draining a liquid discharge from the cyclonic separator into a liquid sump; and supplying a liquid contained in the sump to the mixing cavity. Related methods comprise steps such as supplying a liquid waste feed to a concentrator having a mixing cavity and a first cyclonic separation chamber and feeding a supply gas to the mixing cavity. Evaporative concentrators configured to practice these methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Russell M. Keckler, III, Daniel K. DeArment
  • Patent number: 8151482
    Abstract: An energy-efficient method and apparatus for drying pelletized, moist organic material is described. The method consists of a rapid, high temperature static drying process in a shallow bed, followed by traditional vertical static drying in a deep bed. Hot exhaust gas from the shallow-bed, hot-temperature static dryer is then recirculated to provide thermal energy to the deep-bed, warn-temperature static dryer. This invention can be used to convert wet, organic waste materials such as animal and poultry waste, municipal wastewater sludge, urban post-consumer food waste, or manufactured food byproducts and residuals into solid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: William H Moss, Richard J Romanek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8137504
    Abstract: A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Flavor & Food Ingredients, Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgen D. Scheide, John M. Stefanicha
  • Patent number: 8092646
    Abstract: A vaporization apparatus and related vaporization method is provided that relies on thermocapillary convection. The apparatus of a thermocapillary evaporator has three sections: an evaporation section, a displacement section, and a storage system for storing the liquid to be evaporated. The evaporation section is operable to distribute thermal energy substantially along the entire liquid-gas interface. The method of the present invention includes providing a thermocapillary evaporator. Advantageously, the present invention provides substantial evaporation from relatively low temperature heat sources, compared to conventional evaporators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Ward Charles Albert
  • Publication number: 20110311433
    Abstract: A process and system for production of concentrated sulphuric acid from sulphuric acid by stripping the sulphuric acid with dried air. The concentration of the sulphuric acid is 90-98% by weight, and the concentration of the concentrated sulphuric acid is 95-98.8% by weight. The air is dried in a dehumidifier. The sulphuric acid can be formed by cooling and condensing of a sulphur trioxide/water containing off-gas thus forming the sulphuric acid. The cooling and condensing can take place in an air cooler, and if an absorption dryer is used, it can be regenerated by warm air being cooling air transferred from the outlet of the air cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Mads Lykke, Morten Mejlholm, Per Morsing
  • Publication number: 20110308740
    Abstract: A fluid cleaning system (12) including a fluid supply port (76), a fluid return port (78), an evaporator (24) including an air intake vent (62) and an air exhaust vent (62), a ventilation system (60) connected to the evaporator (24), and a fluid line (34). The evaporator (24) includes a ventilation air path through the evaporator (24) and connected to the intake vent (62) and the exhaust vent (62) in the evaporator (24). The evaporator (24) also includes an active airflow device (64) located along the ventilation path. The fluid line (34) connects the evaporator (24) between the fluid supply port (76) and the fluid return port (78). The fluid cleaning system (12) comprises also at least one filter 20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Oil Purification Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Lawrence Priest, Gregory Allen Slawson
  • Patent number: 8080127
    Abstract: A carbon foam evaporator is described which can be used in a wide variety of operating conditions. The evaporator utilizes a carbon foam with a bi-model pore distribution. The carbon foam is thermally stable up to temperatures of at least 300° C., is rigid, and has a compressive strength of at least 100 psi. The carbon foam is also resistant to chemical attacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: GrafTech International Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Chong Chen
  • Patent number: 8052847
    Abstract: A system and method for removing water from a liquid desiccant such as a glycol used to dry cooled air in order to restore the desiccant to a purity up to around 97% in a closed continuous flow process. Liquid desiccant can be sprayed into cooled air in a conditioner where it gains moisture. The wet or gained desiccant can be optionally preheated in an economizing heat exchanger and then routed into a concentrator. Desiccant pure to around 97% can be removed from the concentrator, passed through an economizing heat exchanger to provide the preheating and returned to the conditioner holding area. The concentrator can be heated by steam or other means such as natural gas to boil the wet desiccant causing mixed vapor to enter a vertical distillation column where most of the glycol condenses out on the column packing or plates and returns to the concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Niagara Blower Company
    Inventors: Matthew Koban, Phillip Rowland, Michael Harvey, Peter Demakos
  • Patent number: 8043479
    Abstract: A desalination system in the form of a submerged gas evaporator that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a fluid inlet that provides a fluid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of fluid within the vessel. A weir is disposed within the vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch
  • Publication number: 20110226685
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing volatiles from fluid systems. The apparatuses and methods include evaporator sections. The apparatuses and methods may furthermore include a heater disposed at least in part in the evaporator section, which may have a ridge on its surface. The apparatuses and methods may furthermore include an evaporation tube positioned around the heater, which may have a conically shaped outer surface. The apparatuses and methods may also include an air inlet and an air outlet in the evaporator section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Next Generation Filtration Systems, LP
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Geiger
  • Patent number: 7988819
    Abstract: A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Flavor & Food Ingredients, Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgen D. Scheide, John M. Stefanicha
  • Publication number: 20110172383
    Abstract: Provided is a vacuum devolatilizer for use in a polymer manufacturing or processing plant. The devolatilizer comprises a vacuum chamber having an inlet for a polymer melt, an outlet for a polymer melt, a vacuum port through which volatiles may be removed and a stirrer shaft port for the entry of a stirrer shaft. The stirrer shaft passes through the at least one stirrer shaft port and extends into the vacuum chamber and carries an agitation means. The stirrer shaft seal is associated with each stirrer shaft port for sealing against the stirrer shaft and each stirrer shaft seal has an external portion outside the vacuum chamber. The devolatilizer is provided with a motor located outside of the vacuum chamber for rotating shaft and comprises means for blanketing the external portion of the stirrer shaft seal with a low oxygen content gas or vapor, e.g., nitrogen, helium, steam, or carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Cheng-Ming Yeh, Vetkav R. Eswaran
  • Patent number: 7931782
    Abstract: A method of recovering a liquid medium from a mixture containing the liquid medium, the method including: (a) blowing a first gas into the mixture containing the liquid medium to vaporize the liquid medium, in a first vaporizing means, thereby to form a second gas containing which is a mixture of the first gas and vaporized liquid medium; (b) continuously dropwise feeding the mixture containing the liquid medium into a second vaporizing means and counter-flowingly contacting the mixture containing the liquid medium, with the second gas to vaporize additional liquid medium to form a third gas which is a mixture of the second gas and additional vaporized liquid medium; and (c) feeding the third gas into a condensing means to condense the vaporized liquid medium into a liquid and separate the first gas, which is then blown into the first vaporizing means in step (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: The Institute of Creative Chemistry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sigeru Torii, Kouichi Miki
  • Patent number: 7922872
    Abstract: A distillation apparatus of the present invention includes a distillation column group in which a plurality of distillation columns including a condenser and a reboiler is connected in the form of a cascade; a gas-feeding line which feeds gas from the distillation column to a latter distillation column; a gas line which introduces the gas from the distillation column to the condenser attached to the distillation column; a liquid-line which withdraws a condensed liquid from the condenser; a liquid-reflux line which introduces a part of the condensed liquid from the liquid-line to the distillation column; a liquid-return line which returns the remainder of the condensed liquid from the liquid-line to a former distillation column; a valve provided on the liquid-return line; and a bypass line which connects the liquid-return line and the gas line so as to flow an evaporated gas generated in the liquid-return line to the gas line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Kihara, Takashi Kambe
  • Patent number: 7897019
    Abstract: Systems and methods for desalting seawater by distillation are disclosed. Warm air is fed into the bottom of a natural draft tower. The warm air passes through seawater in an exchange means to increase the water content of the air. The moisture-laden air then rises and is drawn through a condensing means. The condensing means is cooled by cold water drawn from deep ocean depths. Desalted seawater is collected from the condensing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Alan Dayton Akers
  • Publication number: 20100326604
    Abstract: A covered sample plate with wells holding samples to be dried. The cover has through holes that communicate with only a portion of each well. The covered plate is inserted into a cradle of an assembly of cradles that is rotated. The cradle assembly fits into a tub and when rotated the cradles present a solid wall that functions as a centrifugal fan that drives air out through an opening in the tub. The air is dried of solvent and re-circulated back through the through holes in the cover to the sample wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert J. Hedberg
  • Patent number: 7857940
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid radioactive waste treatment system. The liquid radioactive waste treatment system includes a plurality of evaporation plates and each of the evaporation plates has an uneven surface, in a housing comprised of a glass. A liquid radioactive waste is dispersed via a liquid waste dispersing unit to the evaporation plate, and the liquid radioactive waste is evaporated using solar heat and airflow in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Tae-Kuk Kim, Jong-Sik Shon, Kwong-Pye Hong, Han-Seok Cho
  • Publication number: 20100314051
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlled evaporation of solvent from a solution are provided. In one embodiment, the device can control evaporation of different solutions comprising solvents of dissimilar volatilities simultaneously. In another embodiment, control over the flow of solvent vapor out of the device is provided by selecting the pressure at an inlet port and an exhaust port of the device. In yet another embodiment, control over the flow of solvent vapor out of the device is provided by selecting the size of a disk flow control orifice positioned between the wells and a vapor removal outlet of the device. In still another embodiment, control over the flow of solvent vapor out of the device is provided by the opening and closing of the vapor removal outlet of the device. In yet a further embodiment, the rate of evaporation of solvent is controlled by controlling the temperature of the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack Barger, James Sinclair, Michael P. Emery
  • Publication number: 20100247429
    Abstract: Provided is a microchip capable of integrating liquid evaporation as an operation on the microchip. In the microchip 10 having a gas flow path 13 inside, liquid is dispersed by capillary action and pooled in a pool portion 12 at a bottom of the gas flow path 13, and at least a part of the liquid pooled in the pool portion 12 is evaporated. As the capillary action is used, the liquid can be dispersed and pooled in the pool portion 12 at the bottom of the gas flow path 13 inside the microchip 10. Besides, the liquid pooled in the pool portion 12 remains in the pool portion by a surface tension even if gas is made to flow in the gas flow path 13 or the gas flow path is evacuated for evaporation. This enables highly efficient evaporation inside the microchip 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicants: JFE ENGINEERING CORPORATION, KANAGAWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Ohsaki, Shigeki Yamazaki, Takehiko Kitamori, Masaharu Ueno, Kazuma Mawatari, Yoshikuni Kikutani
  • Publication number: 20100230057
    Abstract: Water evaporation devices, systems and methods are used to evaporate large quantities of water from water impoundment ponds or other waste water sources. Water evaporation devices include a water evaporation barrel having an air acceleration chamber that creates venturi suction so as to draw water from a water source into a venturi chamber. Fast moving air and water create fine water droplets within a water atomization chamber, which droplets are then emitted from the water evaporation barrel through a discharge nozzle and into the air as a spray or cloud of fine water droplets. Water evaporation devices and associated systems and methods can be used to efficiently evaporate waster water produced by a wide variety of industrial processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: REFORMWATER, LLC
    Inventors: J. Keith Reidhead, Tyson P. Cox
  • Patent number: 7722739
    Abstract: A self-contained evaporation system for use in disposing of excess water from oil and gas drilling operations is provided. The system includes a water holding tank in which the wastewater is preheated, an evaporation chamber mounted over the holding tank and having an open top, a nozzle system located within the chamber for producing a fine liquid mist, and fans disposed within the chamber for producing an air flow that carries the mist out the open top of the chamber. The system can be set up and taken down by one person in an hour or less, can be used with pond or tank operations, and is capable of operating in high winds and sub-zero temperatures. The system can be carried and mounted on a trailer for easy transport to and from various drilling sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Evaporite Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin Niles Haslem, Michael Talmadge Lawing
  • Publication number: 20100101109
    Abstract: This disclosure reveals a combination of embodiments that increase the evaporation rate of liquid solutions when subjected to blow-down gas flows. Certain gas flow separator baffles or framed inserts with vanes may be especially effective to enhance evaporation when combined with aggressive blow-down flow rates and centrifugal force. The centrifugal force applied to the evaporating liquid protects sample integrity by preventing the solution(s) from splashing out of the drying container. Such splashing, when high blow-down gas flow rates are directed into the sample containers, affects yield and purity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Herbert J. Hedberg, Brian A. Kangas, Michael A. Burns
  • Publication number: 20100012278
    Abstract: A vessel 1 comprises a container 2 for storing a sample solution containing a volatile substance and a stopper 3. The stopper 3 is formed with a through-pore 3a at the center, through which a vaporized volatile substance is discharged with exhaust gas. The stopper 2 is formed with a gas inlet port 3b and a gas outlet port 3c at the upper and lower edges, respectively, and a groove 3d connecting the both ports 3b and 3c at the side surface. On reducing pressure in the container 2, an external gas is blown into the container 2 from the gas outlet port 3c through the groove 3d at high speed and spirally rotates by centrifugal force along the inner wall of the container 2. This kicks up the sample solution to stir it, increasing the surface area of the solution and thus promoting vaporizing of the volatile substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Takashi Ohnuki, Mutsuo Nakajima, Kazumasa Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20090218051
    Abstract: Device, system and operation method to perform functions in a semiautomatic manner, which permits the most favorable condition to evaporate a plurality of environmental samples that are diluted in solvents, by means of gas sweeping, preferably nitrogen, and a control electronic system that permits the superficial evaporation of the solvent thanks to exposing a cold sample kept at a constant temperature to a controlled gas flux. Furthermore, safety measures are considered to protect the extract, such as: acoustic and luminous signals that inform when it has been reached a critical moment in the process, reduction of gas flux during the last stage of the evaporation and valves to completely shut off the gas flux if a determined time period is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Francisco Cereceda Balic, Manuel Olivares Salinas, Hector Carrasco Espinosa, Gabriel Cereceda Balic
  • Publication number: 20090191099
    Abstract: The evaporator (10) efficiently evaporates solvent and/or introduces gases to multiple samples. The evaporator (10) contains a top plate (20) and a bottom plate (30). The top plate (20) is mated to the bottom plate (30) to define a main chamber (130) for distribution of gas. An input port (80) is defined within the bottom plate (30) of the evaporator (10) is in fluid communication with a gas distribution channel (100). The gas distribution channel (100) has a series of gas distribution ports (110A-C) increasing in diameter, in proportion to a distance from the input port (80), that provide for an even distribution of gas into the main chamber (130). Gas exits the main chamber (130) through exit ports (120A-C) defined within the bottom plate (30). Screws (50) respectively control gas flow to exit ports (120A-C) for delivery to an array of nozzles (90) on the bottom plate (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: BROWN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Yongsong Huang
  • Patent number: 7527711
    Abstract: A continuous supply of fresh water achieved through desalinization by a system of Venturi shafts to increase the velocity and pressure of air flow allowing for increased condensation and processing of evaporated water through a structure (1) that incorporates a blackened evaporation surface (16), concave Venturi wind walls (50), a vertical Venturi wind shaft (10), condensation chambers (5) connected by horizontally stacked hollow cylinders (61), a heat transfer duct (40) that draws cool air from a water body, vents hot air through an air exhaust port (48), and a water drainage port (35) that flows water to a reservoir (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Desal, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ciudaj
  • Patent number: 7504005
    Abstract: A condensing chamber and a heating chamber are arranged in an enclosure. Liquid is fed into the condensing chamber where it is pre-heated. The pre-heated liquid flows to the heating chamber where it is boiled to produce vapor. Gas sparging in the condensing chamber enhances heat transfer and absorbs additional vapor generated by pre-heating. The condenser is a helical or other horizontal tube heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Naisin Lee, Stephen F. Sporer
  • Patent number: 7501046
    Abstract: An evaporation sleeve is placed within a solar distillation loop apparatus to increase the amount of water evaporated by the apparatus. The evaporation sleeve is rotationally attached within the above ground portion of the solar distillation loop so the sleeve lifts impure water into the air flow within the system. The evaporation sleeve significantly increases the water surface area available to the air flow within a solar distillation loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of American, as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventor: James Edward Constantz
  • Publication number: 20080311672
    Abstract: A sample concentrator for concentrating analytes in a solvent-containing liquid sample stream, including concentrator housing having a sample stream flow channel and a gas stream flow channel having an inlet and an outlet, a heater for gas in the gas stream conduit, and a hydrophilic ion exchange or non-ionic membrane barrier separating said gas stream flow channel and said sample stream flow channel. Solvent is evaporated from the liquid sample stream in said sample stream flow channel in or at the interface with said membrane, when the gas stream is at an elevated temperature. A regeneration step is used to regenerate the ion exchange membrane barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Purnendu Dasgupta, Masaki Takeuchi, Kannan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 7465376
    Abstract: The invention provides for the removal of impurities from treatment fluid including a base liquid and a variety of impurities contained in the base liquid by conveying the treatment fluid to at least one preheating separating device, including a preheating heat exchanger and a separator unit, before the admixture of a carrier gas to the treatment fluid. The treatment fluid is preheated by the preheating heat exchanger to a temperature below the boiling temperature of a base liquid so that the liquid impurities with lower boiling temperatures than the base liquid are evaporated and expelled thermally, whereby the evaporated and expelled impurities are separated in the separator unit of the preheating separator device. The treatment fluid is then evaporated and separated from impurities having a higher boiling point than the base liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventors: Joachim Neubert, Karl-Ferdinand Staab
  • Publication number: 20080251215
    Abstract: A carbon foam evaporator is described which can be used in a wide variety of operating conditions. The evaporator utilizes a carbon foam with a bi-model pore distribution. The carbon foam is thermally stable up to temperatures of at least 300° C., is rigid, and has a compressive strength of at least 100 psi. The carbon foam is also resistant to chemical attacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Chong Chen
  • Patent number: 7357849
    Abstract: A method and system for treating feedwater includes evaporating a portion of the feedwater in a first evaporation chamber so as to separate water vapor from the remaining feedwater. Droplets of the remaining feedwater are dispersed into a stream of hot air produced in a second evaporation chamber. The droplets evaporate and solids in the feedwater precipitate. The precipitated solids are collected in the lower section of the second evaporation chamber. Water vapor discharged from both evaporation chambers can be treated in a cyclone separator to remove residual solids therefrom. The cleansed water vapor output from the cyclone separator can be condensed to recover clean water. Dry solids can be discharged from the second evaporation chamber and the cyclone separator for recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Watervap, LLC
    Inventor: Robert R. Wright
  • Publication number: 20070204962
    Abstract: A flameless evaporator for vaporizing a liquid, comprising a tank for receiving the liquid to be vaporized thereinto; a manifold disposed in the tank for the flow of hot gas therethrough, the manifold having an inlet for the supply of the hot gas and an outlet for the discharge of the hot gas from the manifold; an inlet into the tank for the supply of the liquid thereinto for thermal contact with the manifold for heating and vaporizing the liquid; and a vapour outlet for the discharge of the vapour from the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Leader Energy Services Corp.
    Inventors: Rodney Hauser, Guy Comeau, Swen Theil
  • Patent number: 7144473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an evaporator for respirators, including a storage tank for a liquid, a gas intake flange and a gas outlet flange as well as an apparatus for heating the liquid, which is formed such that it can heat a small portion of the liquid and inject the formed vapor into the gas to be humidified, with the gas to be enriched with the liquid being passed through the upper part of the storage tank over the surface of the liquid, which may be located in the lower part of the storage tank, so as to provide a simple evaporator for respirators having a low consumption of energy. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of evaporating liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Martin Baecke
  • Patent number: 7115186
    Abstract: A liquid material evaporation apparatus including a mixing chamber, a flow control unit, a first flow passage for introducing a liquid material, a second flow passage for introducing a carrier gas connected to the mixing chamber through a first nozzle, the first nozzle inhibiting backflow from the mixing chamber into the second flow passage. A third flow passage for discharging evaporated mixed gas is connected to the mixing chamber through a second nozzle, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas being forced through the second nozzle by the flow control unit, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas depressurizing after passing through the second nozzle to evaporate into a mixed gas in the third flow passage. Heat is applied to the mixing chamber and the second and third flow passages to enhance mixing in the mixing chamber and to avoid condensation in the third flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: STEC Inc.
    Inventors: Hideaki Miyamoto, Wataru Nishida, Tetsuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6984289
    Abstract: Process for generating a homogeneous gas mixture of o-xylene and air for the production of phthalic anhydride wherein o-xylene is completely evaporated in the absence of oxygen, superheated and then mixed with air and supplied to a phthalic anhydride reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: MG Technologies AG
    Inventors: Helmuth Domes, Thomas Gutermuth, Herbert Feisel, Lutz Urban
  • Patent number: 6837969
    Abstract: A method for the concentration of liquid mixtures includes the step of causing a continuous stream of the liquid mixtures to flow in the form of a turbulent thin layer in contact with a heated wall; for that purpose, a continuous stream of liquid mixture is fed into a turbo-concentrator including a cylindrical tubular body (1), a heating jacket (4) and a bladed rotor (8) rotatably supported in the cylindrical tubular body (1), and is centrifuged to form a dynamic and tubular thin layer, the thin layer advancing inside the cylindrical tubular body (1) then being discharged continuously in the form of a stream of concentrated liquid mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Vomm Chemipharma S.r.l.
    Inventor: Corrado Vezzani
  • Publication number: 20040129389
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for forming by evaporation a volatile substance comprising at least a predetermined number of elementary constituents, wherein are provided means (205) for circulating in parallel fluxes of a gas controlled or regulated in flow rate through receptacles containing each at least an elementary constituent to be evaporated, and means (208) for the mixing gas streams loaded with evaporated contituents derived from said receptacles, so as to obtain an output gas stream containing predetermined or controlled concentrations of said evaporated constituents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Yves Lecoffre
  • Publication number: 20040079491
    Abstract: A low temperature process for the dehydration and reconstitution of aqueous diluted glycol bearing deicing fluids using induced airflow (3a,3b,3c) and low temperature thermal sources (4a,4b,4c, 21a,21b,21c) to reduce the water concentration in aqueous diluted glycol bearing deicing fluids (22a,22b,22c). The invention employs the ability for air to vaporize water at low vapor pressures and temperatures in a direct contacting device (5a,5b,5c). The relative vapor pressure of glycol to water at low temperatures assures the preferential vaporization of water rather than glycol, thereby providing dehydration and effective reconstitution of the dilute fluids. The invention further defines a configuration wherein the degree of reconstitution accrues through a sequential series of contacting stages (5a, 5b, 5c). The effect is a net reduction of the glycol vapor pressure, thereby affording improved energy efficiency and reduced glycol carryover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: James Jeffrey Harris, James William Harris
  • Publication number: 20040069414
    Abstract: An evaporation apparatus for solvent fuel comprises an evaporation tank containing the solvent fuel. A blower is installed on the top of the tank with its one end connected to an air inlet pipe, which has a blower switch associated with a check valve. The air inlet pipe is deeply extended to the bottom of the tank for introducing the air into the tank so as to evaporate the solvent fuel. The other end of the blower is connected to a pressure switch for controlling operation of the blower by detecting inner pressure of the tank. A constant temperature rod is provided nearby the bottom of the tank with its one end in connection with a temperature control switch to maintain the tank at a constant temperature. Besides, a scale graduation tube is provided for measuring the fuel quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ta-Ming Chuang, Chih-Ping Lee
  • Patent number: 6716320
    Abstract: A liquid sample 3 held in an open container 2 and including a volatile solvent, is evaporated by continuously removing inert gas rich in vapor by means of a suction tube 5 whose open end is held close to the top surface of the liquid. Vapor in the gas is then extracted in a refrigerated condensing vessel 6, from where the purified gas is fed by a pump 7 for recirculation back into a sealed chamber 1 in which the container is mounted. In a modification, the inert gas is fed directly through a nozzle 17 into the container 2 wile the gas/vapor mixture is extracted from the chamber 1 for recirculation, after passing through a condenser 6 or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Cole
  • Publication number: 20040060808
    Abstract: A solar still apparatus is described for the multi-effect distillation of a fluid such as water. A transparent condenser air duct overlies an evaporator air duct having a light-absorbing floor, both sharing a transparent plastic film wall. Air, blown by a fan, flows through the lower duct, where it progressively warms and evaporates a feedstock fluid. At the hot end of the lower duct, the air enters the upper duct where it flows in a reverse direction, progressively cooling and condensing its vapor, a portion of the heat of condensation being transferred through the shared wall to the lower duct. Thermal gradients established within the still facilitate the evaporation and condensation of the fluid with minimal heat loss to the environment and maximal recuperation of the heat of condensation for fluid evaporation. A working fluid may be used to extract useful power from the still's thermal gradients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Alex LaViolette
  • Patent number: 6699369
    Abstract: A method for removing dissolved solids, particularly salts, from water. An apparatus for performing the inventive method is disclosed. The aqueous solution to be treated, for example sea water, is atomized using special non-pneumatic nozzles, and sprayed into an evaporation chamber through which air, heated by waste heat, is blown. The micro-droplets undergo rapid evaporation in the chamber, resulting in the separation of the salt solids from the vapor phase of the water. The mixture of suspended solids and water vapor is filtered to remove and collect the salts, and the water vapor is condensed to collect the salt-free water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Aquasonics International
    Inventors: William Francis Hartman, Larry Joe Kepley, Jerry Van Fox
  • Publication number: 20030196763
    Abstract: A liquid material evaporation apparatus including a mixing chamber, a flow control unit, a first flow passage for introducing a liquid material, a second flow passage for introducing a carrier gas connected to the mixing chamber through a first nozzle, the first nozzle inhibiting backflow from the mixing chamber into the second flow passage. A third flow passage for discharging evaporated mixed gas is connected to the mixing chamber through a second nozzle, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas being forced through the second nozzle by the flow control unit, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas depressurizing after passing through the second nozzle to evaporate into a mixed gas in the third flow passage. Heat is applied to the mixing chamber and the second and third flow passages to enhance mixing in the mixing chamber and to avoid condensation in the third flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Hideaki Miyamoto, Wataru Nishida, Tetsuo Shimizu