Continuous Extraction Patents (Class 202/169)
  • Patent number: 11015142
    Abstract: An extraction system for obtaining oils and other constituents from raw botanical materials includes an array of separation chambers for fractionalized recovery of dissolved constituents in a supercritical solvent fluid. Collection of the dissolved constituents is facilitated with a pressure-stable collection vessel that is adaptable to sequentially collect precipitate from the array of separation chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Unified Science, LLC
    Inventors: Jon Thompson, Conor Smith, Yuri Gerner
  • Patent number: 10596486
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for extracting terpenes and cannabinoids from plant matter without use of volatile solvents and without use of lipids as solvents. The system uses heated air, drawn through plant matter for volatilizing desired compounds, where the air is at a predetermined temperature, followed by collecting the desired compounds in a condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Louis Phillip Nevitt
  • Patent number: 10570350
    Abstract: A cannabis oil extraction apparatus may include an extraction unit, condenser, winterization unit, micron filter, preheater, short-path distillation unit, and condenser. The extraction unit may utilize cellular disruption in a food grade solvent to extract cannabis oil from plant material. The short-path distillation unit may utilize molecular distillation. The short-path distillation unit may include a recirculation loop for multiple passes through the short-path distillation unit to separate extract components by weight. In one example, multiple short-path distillation units may be aligned is series to incrementally separate extract components by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Evello International, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Vanaman
  • Patent number: 10279281
    Abstract: A distillation head with fraction collector is disclosed. In embodiments thereof, the fraction collector has a bottom portal which is raised up from the floor or bottom thereof. Fractions which condense fall to the floor and a lip of the bottom portal, raised from the floor of the fraction collector, prevents condensed fractions from falling downwards through a path of entry. Rather, condensed fractions exit in liquid form out a side portal. The fraction collector further has side walls which are, in embodiments, partially vertical and/or partially curvilinear and/or partially bulbous. The distillation head also can have a top portal through which a vacuum can be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Elliot Kremerman
  • Patent number: 9926512
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for the facile extraction and purification of oils from plant material, including cannabis and hemp. The systems and methods herein are versatile, and may utilize a wide range of solvents to extract oils from a variety of plant-based material. Further, the provided systems and methods are closed loop, reducing the loss solvent and decreasing the risk of safety concerns such as human exposure to solvent chemicals or explosion of volatiles. In some embodiments, the systems and methods remove impurities from the extracted oils, for example waxes or other precipitates, and provide a higher purity and higher quality extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: MC Machinery, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Cumings, Max Eisler, Ryan Hubbell
  • Patent number: 9844740
    Abstract: Extraction devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. Example devices have a solvent chamber, a plant material chamber, a collection chamber, and a solvent return that create an active, passive, or combination extraction and/or solvent purification process. Any extractable plant material can be used in the disclosed devices, methods, and systems although in some examples some form of the cannabis plant is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: CONNOISSEUR HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Jones
  • Patent number: 9669328
    Abstract: Extraction devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. Example devices have a solvent chamber, a plant material chamber, a collection chamber, and a solvent return that create an active, passive, or combination extraction and/or solvent purification process. Any extractable plant material can be used in the disclosed devices, methods, and systems although in some examples some form of the cannabis plant is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: CONNOISSEUR HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Jones
  • Patent number: 9655937
    Abstract: Extraction devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. Example devices have a solvent chamber, a plant material chamber, a collection chamber, and a solvent return that create a sealed, closed-cycle extraction and/or solvent purification process. Any extractable plant material can be used in the disclosed devices, methods, and systems although in some examples some form of the cannabis plant is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Connoisseur Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Jones
  • Patent number: 8821696
    Abstract: Embodiments of extraction unit and an analysis method are provided. In one embodiment, the analysis method includes the steps of providing a feed stream and a species-selective solvent to the distillation column, drawing a vapor sample from the distillation column, condensing the vapor sample, and analyzing at least a portion of the condensed vapor sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Noe, Ian Horn, Lars Sullivan, Bruce R. Beadle, Edward M. Casey, James W. Harris
  • Publication number: 20140216915
    Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an aromatic selective solvent. A feed stream comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and a non-aromatic hydrocarbon is contacted with the aromatic selective solvent in an extractive distillation zone to produce a raffinate stream comprising the non-aromatic hydrocarbon, and a rich solvent stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon and the solvent. The rich solvent stream is separated in a second distillation zone to produce an extract stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon, and a lean solvent stream comprising the contaminant and the aromatic selective solvent. At least a portion of the lean solvent stream is washed with a non-aromatic hydrocarbon to produce a clean solvent stream, at least a portion of which is passed to at least one of the extractive distillation zone and the second distillation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Noe, Lawrence E. Sullivan, Bruce R. Beadle, Edward M. Casey, Thomas J. Stoodt
  • Publication number: 20140183131
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removal of dissolved organic compounds, in particular bioaccumulative substances, in process water (eg. of the petrochemial industry) and to a system for carrying out the inventive method. Process water containing toxic and/or bioaccumulative substances is mixed in the mixing vessel (2) with an extractant. The resulting emulsion is directed into a separation vessel (3) to separate the aqueous phase from the organic phase. The aqueous phase is directed into a first distillation unit (5), where vaporisation of the extractant is carried out. The organic phase is directed to a second distillation unit (7). The resulting distillate is recirculated via a condenser unit (8) into the mixing vessel (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: PURETEQ A/S
    Inventor: Dennis Søgaard
  • Patent number: 8696871
    Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an aromatic selective solvent. A feed stream comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and a non-aromatic hydrocarbon is contacted with the aromatic selective solvent in an extractive distillation zone to produce a raffinate stream comprising the non-aromatic hydrocarbon, and a rich solvent stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon and the solvent. The rich solvent stream is separated in a second distillation zone to produce an extract stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon, and a lean solvent stream comprising the contaminant and the aromatic selective solvent. At least a portion of the lean solvent stream is washed with a non-aromatic hydrocarbon to produce a clean solvent stream, at least a portion of which is passed to at least one of the extractive distillation zone and the second distillation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Noe, Lawrence E. Sullivan, Bruce R. Beadle, Edward M. Casey, Thomas J. Stoodt
  • Patent number: 8282788
    Abstract: The invention relates to extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils and essence and pigments from odorous raw materials by microwave radiation heating under sub-critical conditions, which has 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 unit is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas extractive flowing out of the extraction unit. Because both volatile aromatic compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave radiation heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method applied are really environmentally friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Bing-Nan Lee
  • Patent number: 8268131
    Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an apparatus and method for recovering acetic acid from an aqueous feed stream containing acetic acid, in particular a stream generated during terephthalic acid production. The apparatus includes: a liquid-liquid extraction column to which water-rich feed streams are fed, having a guard bed situated near the top and within the extraction column for conversion by reaction with acetic acid of alcohol within the mixture to the corresponding ester; and an azeotropic distillation column to remove residual water from acetic acid, to which water-poor feed streams are fed directly at a height of the azeotropic distillation column at which the mixture therein has a similar water concentration. The liquid-liquid extraction column produces an extract comprising an extraction solvent and acetic acid which is sent to the azeotropic distillation column to separate residual water and acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: AMT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ji-Young Jang, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Karl Tze-tang Chuang
  • Publication number: 20100331580
    Abstract: A biomass-based oil extraction process is disclosed. The process includes the recovery of biomass-based oil and other co-products, including but not limited to steam, electric power and chemicals, from various biomass processes and in particular, a process that involves dry biomass milling methods. The process involves extraction of oil from milled biomass-based products and residues from the fermentation step, including thick stillage, distillers wet grain, distillers dry grain and distillers dry grains with solubles, by the application of an alkyl acetate, phase separation and recovery of the separated matter. A process of drying wet co-product using ethanol and carbon dioxide from the production facility is also disclosed. Also a process for the production of syngas from oil containing or deoiled biomass-based products in a pressurized gasifier is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Growmark, Inc.
    Inventor: William S. Ridgley
  • Patent number: 7528290
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering 1-butene from a feed steam comprising n-butane, isobutane and butene isomers using a single, divided wall distillation column. The disclosed process includes introducing the feed steam into an inlet of a first side of a distillation column, wherein the distillation column comprises a top, a bottom and a center dividing wall extending between the bottom and the top of the column and dividing the column into the first side and a second side. The process includes taking off an isobutane stream from the top of the second side of column, taking off a 1-butene stream as a bottoms stream from the second side of the column, and taking off a combination 2-butene and n-butane stream as a bottom stream from the first side of column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Zimmermann, Dennis E. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7485207
    Abstract: A closed-loop biomass extraction apparatus using HFC solvents including an extraction vessel, an evaporator for the solvent, a compressor and a condenser connected in series in a closed loop extraction circuit; a solvent recovery loop constituted by a bypass line; a plurality of flow control valves that are selectively operable for connecting the solvent recovery loop in parallel with the closed loop extraction circuit; and at least one container containing an adsorbent for organic contaminants and a desiccant, the container being connected in the solvent recovery loop to which solvent in the extraction circuit may be supplied through selective operation of the flow control valves whereby solvent used in the extraction circuit may be supplied through the adsorbent and the desiccant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ineos Fluor Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Corr, Paul A. Dowdle, Robert E. Low, James David Morrison, Frederick Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 7241365
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the preparation of anhydrous or substantially anhydrous formic acid. This apparatus is constructed partly or entirely of substantially zirconium-free materials. The extractant employed is a liquid of the general formula I where the radicals R1 and R2 are alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl groups, or R1 and R2 jointly, together with the N atom, form a heterocyclic 5- or 6-membered ring, and only one of the radicals is an aryl group, and where R3 is hydrogen or a C1–C4-alkyl group. The apparatus has a synthesis reactor (6), a hydrolysis reactor (1), three distillation devices (2,4,5) and an extraction device (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Auer, Bernd Bessling, Hans Hammer, Hans Hasse, Friedrich Sauer, Maximilian Vicari, Gerhard Wagner, Till Adrian
  • Publication number: 20040226812
    Abstract: In an apparatus capable of distilling and refining an easily polymerizable substance, piping is performed so that when a strainer in action is switched to a backup strainer, the strainer can be switched after removing the air in the backup strainer to replace the air in the backup strainer to a discharge liquid of a pump. According to the apparatus, switching the strainers installed on the upstream side of the pump for extracting a liquid of a vacuum distillation column which distills and refines the easily polymerizable substance can be performed with no trouble in the operation of the distillation column. When the apparatus comprises a means measuring a differential pressure between the upstream side and the downstream side of the strainer in action, the two or more strainers installed in parallel can be switched at proper times and the easily polymerizable substance can be produced efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Shuhei Yada, Yasushi Ogawa, Hirochika Hosaka, Yoshiro Suzuki, Mitsuo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6790318
    Abstract: A process for removing contaminants and/or leachables from polymeric materials useful in the manufacture of biocompatible medical devices such as intraocular lenses, corneal inlays and contact lenses using continuous soxhlet extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Yu-Chin Lai, Dominic V. Ruscio, David P. Vanderbilt
  • Patent number: 6514387
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rectifying column for extractive distillation, comprising a column main section (204) and a raffinate section (205) above said main section, an evaporator (208) situated on the lower end of the column, an inlet (214) disposed between the main section of the column and the raffinate section and a solvent inlet (215) arranged on the top side of the raffinate section (205) for feeding an extracting agent. According to the invention, the main section (204) has two chambers (216, 217) connected in parallel. A stripping section (222) is disposed between the bottom of the column (221) and the main section (204), in which concentration of the extracting agent occurs from the top down. The bottom (221) is connected to the solvent inflow (215) by a device (223) for recycling the extracting agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Krupp Uhde GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Emmrich, Bärbel Kolbe, Helmut Gehrke, Frank Ennenbach, Uwe Ranke
  • Publication number: 20020066662
    Abstract: A process for the purification of crude N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD), which comprises extracting crude DPPD with a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon mixtures thereby forming an extract solution containing DPPD, passing the extract solution over an adsorption layer, and recovering purified DPPD from the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Albert-Johannes Frings, Michael Horn, Peter Jenker, Jaroslaw Monkiewicz, Hans-Guenther Srebny, Burkhard Standke, Bertram Trautvetter
  • Patent number: 6398917
    Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of crude N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD) in which there is an extraction unit containing a liquid permeable container and an adsorption layer downstream of the container, a solvent evaporator downstream of the adsorption layer, a filter unit, a line for returning the filtrate to the solvent evaporator, and a condenser for returning solvent to the extraction unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Degussa-Huels Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Albert-Johannes Frings, Michael Horn, Peter Jenker, Jaroslaw Monkiewicz, Hans-Guenther Srebny, Burkhard Standke, Bertram Trautvetter
  • Publication number: 20020053506
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for condensing moisture from an air stream. The apparatus is a heating, extracting and condensing system and method for efficiently recovering an ingredient from a raw material. The condenser is a housing having one or more fins or the like that are efficiently cooled by one or more thermoelectric coolers. A plurality of condensers can be arranged in series to improve efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Kuboyama
  • Patent number: 6375802
    Abstract: An improved process for the recovery of aromatic compounds from a mixture containing aromatic and non-aromatic compounds and method for retrofitting existing equipment for the same is provided. The improved process comprises the steps of recovering aromatic compounds via parallel operation of a hybrid extractive distillation/liquid-liquid extractor operation and variations thereof. Methods of quickly and economically retrofitting existing recovery process equipment for use with the improved aromatics recovery process are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: HFM International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Gentry, Fu-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 5961787
    Abstract: A solvent extraction apparatus which includes a heating plate, a vessel for containing a solvent, an extraction thimble to obtain a sample to be extracted from said vessel and a cooler for condensing evaporated solvent vapors. The cooler is connected to the vessel for containing the solvent, preferably by an adaptor. A lifting rod is provided which passes through the cooler which, at its lower portion, is provided with a drip rim on which the extraction thimble is detachably fixed. The thimble can be moved vertically by the lifting rod and the flow of solvent into and out of the cooler can be regulated by the lifting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Foss Tecator AB
    Inventors: Goran Persson, Finn Alstin
  • Patent number: 5776317
    Abstract: Extractor (21) has extraction vessel (24) to which reflux line (26) is molded in one piece. Valve (1) which can be opened to allow the extract to flow back from extraction vessel (24) into distillation vessel (22) is sealed into reflux line (26). Valve (1) can be triggered depending on the height of the solvent level in extraction vessel (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Buchi Labortechnik AG
    Inventors: Arthur Spring, Stefan Hungerbuhler, Marco Sanwald, Erwin Bossart
  • Patent number: 5776319
    Abstract: A method for continuously extracting a solute from a carrier medium. A volatile solvent is placed in a lower distillation chamber of a vessel, the vessel including a convergent baffle disposed to separate the vessel into a lower distillation chamber and an upper extraction chamber. The convergent baffle is contoured to converge to define a conduit riser projecting upwardly into the extraction chamber and terminating in a vaporized solvent port placing the distillation chamber in fluid flow communication with the extraction chamber. A carrier medium containing a solute to be extracted is placed in the extraction chamber. The volatile solvent in the distillation chamber is then vaporized. The vaporized solvent flows upwardly and is converged through the convergent baffle and conduit riser. The converged vapor stream passes through the vaporized solvent port into the carrier medium, flowing through the carrier medium and inducing a linear-torroidal flow in the carrier medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: H-O-H Research Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Mar
  • Patent number: 5677193
    Abstract: A method of processing a test sample to concentrate an analyte in the sample from a solvent in the sample includes: a) boiling the test sample containing the analyte and solvent in a boiling chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the solvent boiling temperature and less than the analyte boiling temperature to form a rising sample vapor mixture; b) passing the sample vapor mixture from the boiling chamber to an elongated primary separation tube, the separation tube having internal sidewalls and a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being angled between vertical and horizontal and thus having an upper region and a lower region; c) collecting the physically transported liquid analyte on the internal sidewalls of the separation tube; and d) flowing the collected analyte along the angled internal sidewalls of the separation tube to and pass the separation tube lower region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company
    Inventors: Terry D. Turner, Laurence S. Beller, Michael L. Clark, Kerry M. Klingler
  • Patent number: 5672250
    Abstract: A solar seawater desalination system is designed to operate in a self-sustaining manner without the need for any moving parts. Seawater is converted to steam in a solar heat collector panel and the steam is led in a steam pipe through a series of primary cooling chambers where it is condensed by incoming seawater in tanks jacketing the steam tube. The tanks are connected in series between an inlet air-lock regulator and the solar collector panel so that the seawater is caused to flow successively through the tanks from the inlet to the collector panel as make-up water, solely by pressure differentials created in the system by the steam generation. Excessively saline seawater which collects in the collector panel is dumped from the system in a similar manner through an outlet air-lock regulator. Secondary cooling chambers may be provided to condense steam generated from the seawater in the primary cooling chambers by heat received from the steam pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventors: Husein Ambadar, Zantar Ambadar, Zeky Ambadar
  • Patent number: 5549794
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for continuously extracting a solute from a carrier medium (102) is provided. The apparatus is formed from a vessel (12) including a convergent baffle (22) separating the vessel into a lower distillation chamber (24) and an upper extraction chamber (26). The convergent baffle is configured as an inverted funnel such that it defines a conduit riser (28) projecting upwardly into the extraction chamber and terminating in a vaporized solvent port (30) placing the distillation chamber in fluid-flow direct communication with the extraction chamber. A vapor rotating spheres-condenser (34) is mounted on the upper end of the vessel and opens into the extraction chamber. Solvent is placed in the distillation chamber while the carrier medium containing the solute is placed in the extraction chamber. Solvent is vaporized in the distillation chamber, rises upwardly through the conduit riser, and passes through the carrier medium, thereby extracting solute in a continuous linear-toroidal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: H-O-H Research Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Mar
  • Patent number: 5492603
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for recovering acetic acid from an acetic acid/water waste stream which includes a dehydration column into which the stream is fed and a liquid-liquid extraction system for recovering acetic acid from the condensate of the overhead stream of the dehydration column. Optionally, low pressure and/or high pressure absorber systems are provided to process vapor and/or liquid streams associated with the recovery system and/or the plant in which the acetic acid is used to further the recovery of acetic acid and reduce atmospheric pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Glitsch, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Gualy, Wiston Lamshing, Joseph C. Gentry, Fernando Varela
  • Patent number: 5268150
    Abstract: A concentrator/extractor apparatus for employing solvent to extract a substance from a sample in order to increase the concentration of the substance in less time than prior art apparatuses is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus, and kits including the disclosed apparatus and compatabile components, is provided with a sample containing body in which a hydrophobic membrane is utilized to prevent the sample liquid from migrating to the concentrator portion of the combination extractor/concentrator apparatus. Solvents having densities greater than, or lower than, the sample may be used to process such samples by the disclosed apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: David T. Burkitt
  • Patent number: 5188709
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preparing and treating a heavy oil extraction solvent. A solvent fraction is separated from a crude oil and combined with a slip stream of rerun solvent taken from an extraction process solvent recycle system. The solvent fraction and rerun solvent are fractionated to provide a purified extraction solvent. The purified extraction solvent is then utilized in the heavy oil extraction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Kuerston, Ronald E. Brown
  • Patent number: 5156812
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to laboratory glassware apparatus and particularly to laboratory apparatus and kits thereof. Disclosed apparatus is used to extract and/or concentrate specific substances for analytical purposes from sample liquids by passing a predetermined solvent through the sample. The invention includes a modular sample container body for holding a sample to be processed. The container body has a variety of disconnect joints for receiving a variety of disconnectable attachments that are used in the extraction and/or concentration process of the specific substance. The invention also includes a universal modular container body having a variety of disconnect joints that may be used with solvents having a density lesser or greater than the density of the sample liquid being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Bruce A. Killough
  • Patent number: 5098662
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to laboratory glassware apparatus and particularly to laboratory apparatus and kits thereof. The disclosed apparatus is used to extract and/or concentrate specific substances for analytical purposes from sample liquids by passing a predetermined solvent through the sample. The invention includes a modular sample container body for holding a sample to be processed. The container body has a variety of disconnect joints for receiving a variety of disconnectable attachments that are used in the extraction and/or concentration process of the specific substance. The invention also includes a universal modular container body having a variety of disconnect joints that may be used with solvents having a density lesser or greater than the density of the sample liquid being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Bruce A. Killough
  • Patent number: 5078974
    Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture and recovery of alkali-metal tetraorganylborates. A mixed solvent and liquid/liquid contactor configuration is used in the system which aids in the recovery of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: AFF, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene C. Ashby, Laurence L. Earnhart, Daniel W. Tedder, Jagvir Singh
  • Patent number: 5069755
    Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventors: Larry L. Durr, B. Jan Clay, Larry J. Durr
  • Patent number: 5015337
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices such as integrated circuits and discrete transistors are mounted on cards and the cards are installed on raised racks extending up from the bottom of a tank forming a burn-in chamber. The racks are individually lowered to immerse the cards and operating devices in a bath of liquid heat exchange medium at an elevated temperature. The racks are individually accessible through aligned segments of a segmented cover to reduce the intrusion of room water vapor into the burn-in chamber. The elevated temperature of the medium is maintained during the procedure by pumping the medium over mechanical cooling coils to remove excess heat produced by the operating devices. A lead screw and lever mechanical combination provide variable speed pumping, to accommodate changes in medium viscosity, from a fixed speed motor. The pumping also mixes the medium around the cards and devices to produce uniformity in the medium temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: Douglas S. Fraser
  • Patent number: 4938845
    Abstract: A dry cleaning apparatus utilizing perchlorethylene recovery process for striping spent filter cartridges in which virtually all of the perchlorethylene is recovered from the spent cartridges so as to increase the economic efficiency of the system while at the same time reducing the hazardous to both environment and the operator's health. As a result the instant invention leaves the spent filtering cartridges so entirely free of perc that these cartridges can be discarded with regular trash without any health hazard to the general public at large et cetera. In one embodiment of the invention a set of valves are ganged together by linkage so that two separate set of filter cartridges may be kept connected to the system so that a fresh set may be immediately switched into a cleaning cycle while a spent set is being stripped of any perc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Richard L. Miller
    Inventor: Tilo Kohler
  • Patent number: 4917042
    Abstract: An apparatus for degreasing plastic automobile parts has a degreasing tank with a liquid degreasing agent reservoir in the bottom thereof and a degreasing vapor space thereabove, a heater in the reservoir for heating degreasing agent for vaporizing it, and a parts conveyor extending through the tank and having a downwardly inclined portion extending downwardly into the degreasing vapor space from one end to a nadir within the degreasing vapor space and an upwardly inclined portion extending out of the degreasing vapor space. Several cooling coils extend around the inside of the tank with an uppermost cooling coil at a level corresponding to the top of the degreasing vapor space and the remaining coils being spaced downwardly into said degreasing vapor space at intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA) Corporation
    Inventors: Tadayoshi Kuronaga, Yuji Tanaka, Kikuo Kato
  • Patent number: 4874472
    Abstract: A method for a perchlorethylene recovery process for dry cleaning equipment in which virtually all of the perchorethylene is recovered from the process so as to increase the economic efficiency of the system while at the same time reducing the hazardous to both environment and the operator's health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Richard L. Miller
    Inventor: Tilo Kohler
  • Patent number: 4842693
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing water from a liquid mixture of water and ethanol contacts it with liquid carbon dioxide so that the ethanol is preferentially transferred into solution, dries the solution using an adsorbent, and then recovers dry ethanol by distilling off the carbon dioxide. This process is particularly energy efficient especially when it includes a fermentation process to generate the ethanol and uses the carbon dioxide generated during the fermentation as the source of liquid carbon dioxide. In this case the method and apparatus provide an additional product of dry carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: The Distillers Company PLC
    Inventor: Alfred G. Wheldon
  • Patent number: 4814021
    Abstract: A method for cleaning and reclassifying electrical apparatus designed for use with PCB fluid electrolytes is described which is capable of operation on the site of the equipment being cleaned and while said equipment is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: ENSR Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Massey, David R. Hopper
  • Patent number: 4567020
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a liquid-liquid extraction process by co-current contact between an extraction liquid and a liquid from which impurities are to be extracted includes a mixing compartment in the form of a vertical column having an open lower end and equipped in its interior and substantially throughout its length with a rotary element having surfaces extending perpendicularly or obliquely to the axis of the element. The open lower end of the column extends into a settling compartment in the form of a leak-proof container provided with means for determining the level of the extraction liquid in the container. The extraction liquid is recycled from the container by being converted to a gas and then reintroduced into the column. Compressed air is controlled electronically to supply make-up extraction liquid and any necessary reagents into the settling container to ensure that the level of the extraction liquid is maintained constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Societe Lyonnaise des Eaux et de l'Enclairage
    Inventors: Louis Cognet, Christian Argoud, Francois Matray, Joel Mallevialle
  • Patent number: 4375387
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for extracting an organic liquid from an organic liquid solute/solvent mixture. The mixture is contacted with a fluid extractant which is at a temperature and pressure to render the extractant a solvent for the solute but not for the solvent. The resulting fluid extract of the solute is then depressurized to give a still feed which is distilled to form still overhead vapors and liquid still bottoms. The enthalpy required to effect this distillation is provided by compressing the still overhead vapors to heat them and indirectly to heat the still feed. The process is particularly suitable for separating mixtures which form azeotropes, e.g., oxygenated hydrocarbon/water mixtures. The energy required in this process is much less than that required to separate such mixtures by conventional distillation techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Assignee: Critical Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. deFilippi, J. Edward Vivian
  • Patent number: 4337121
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from an aqueous metal-cleaning solution. The apparatus includes a first conduit, or pipe, for removing portions of the contaminated aqueous solution from its tank. The solution enters an extractor which permits intimate contact between the contaminated solution and an organic solvent. A second tube, or conduit, returns the aqueous solution, purified by this contact, to the original tank. A third conduit removes the organic solvent from the extractor after its contact with the aqueous solution, by which time it will contain organic components from the aqueous solution. This solvent, with the contaminants, enters a separator, such as a still, which removes the contaminants from it. The purified organic solvent then returns to the extractor along a fourth conduit. The cleansing operation proceeds intermittently or, preferably, continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Assignee: Earl J. Kintz
    Inventor: Joseph J. English
  • Patent number: 4311561
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting bitumen from tar sand utilizes a plurality of individually sealed pressure adjusted interconnected extraction chambers in which the tar sand flows countercurrent to the flow of solvent with mixing in each extraction chamber of solvent and tar sand. Tar sand is provided to the first of the extraction chambers and after removal of a portion of the bitumen is carried by a conveyor and disposed into the next chamber where further bitumen is extracted and so on through the plurality of chambers until all the bitumen is extracted and the sand and remaining solvent then conveyed into a last chamber where the sand and solvent is treated with hot water to remove solvent and pure sand is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: Tarco Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry W. Hastings
  • Patent number: 4265860
    Abstract: The numerous advantages of a Soxhlet apparatus are combined with the nice pressure and temperature controls afforded by a pressure vessel to enlarge the scope and efficacy of both pieces of equipment. A judicious selection of solvent, such as CO.sub.2, provides a solvent-free extract which is ideal for gas chromatographic studies and can advantageously be used in an ever-widening spectrum of analyses including research, food and flavor, pheremone analysis and essence extraction. The extraction of oil from coal and oil shale, in comminuted form, is also facilitated by the use of the apparatus operated under reflux conditions, controlled pressure-temperature relations and appropriate choice of extractant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: J & W Scientific, Incorporated
    Inventors: Walter G. Jennings, Robert H. Wohleb, Norman W. Wohlers
  • Patent number: 4257945
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for high-speed production of aromatic essential oils from perfume-generating plants. The device comprises at least one enclosure 1 provided with means 2 for crushing said plants into a slurry, heating means 5, means 6 for feeding said plants thereto, means 7 for drawing off said slurry, a distillation column 9 and at least a condensing apparatus 15, 20 to form at least one condensate of essential oils. This device is applicable for industrially recovering essential oils from perfume-generating plants such as jasmine, orange flower, mint, ginger, aniseed, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Agence Nationale de Valorisation de la Recherche (ANVAR)
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Martel