Filter Patents (Class 202/200)
  • Patent number: 9458022
    Abstract: A process for separating carbon dioxide from a fluid containing carbon dioxide, NO2, and at least one of oxygen, argon, and nitrogen comprises the steps of separating at least part of the fluid into a carbon dioxide enriched stream, a carbon dioxide depleted stream comprising CO2 and at least one of oxygen, argon, and nitrogen and a NO2 enriched stream and recycling said NO2 enriched stream upstream of the separation step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Gregoire Beasse, Sudhir S. Kulkarni, Madhava R. Kosuri, Mathieu Leclerc, Claire Bourhy-Weber
  • Publication number: 20150096880
    Abstract: A device for processing a non-compressed gas stream, particularly biogas, including a heat exchanger, liquid separator particularly for water, blower to blow and transport the gas stream to the first heat exchanger and the separator, and a filter operating as a coalescence filter for filtering out volatile impurities and/or substances in the form of aerosols. The filter must operate at a temperature between 0 and 10° C. and is located downstream of the liquid separator. The first heat exchanger, the liquid separator, and the filter are contained in a single common enclosure and are integrated into the same functional structure and placed immediately adjacent to each other. The device operates continuously by controlled, automatic “oscillation” of the temperature of the cooling device connected to the heat exchanger, in which “oscillation” is controlled by continuously measuring and checking temperature at the outlet of first heat exchanger compared to a preset value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Chiara FAVERO
  • Patent number: 8696873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of bilge and sludge water on a ship, especially at sea, using excess heat from the ship's engine(s) to a level of oil contamination of less than 15 ppm. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the method, and a vessel including such plant, as well as the use of the method and plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: PPM-Clean AB
    Inventors: Benny Karlström, Jan Hedkvist
  • Patent number: 8696870
    Abstract: Device for desalinating sea water comprising a unit (10) for spraying sea water in the form of droplets, a unit (20) for vaporizing the droplets into steam, a unit (30) for separating steam from salt particles, and a unit (40) for condensing steam into fresh water. The spraying unit comprises a sea water entry (12), an ambient-temperature dry air entry (14), and a device for generating acoustic waves at a frequency greater than 1 MHz focused by means of nozzles (17) receiving the sea water coming from the sea water entry so as to obtain microdroplets having a diameter comprised between about 2.5 microns and about 5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Charles Pallanca, Henri Renggli, Gil Ching
  • Patent number: 8512567
    Abstract: A desalination system wherein a latent heat of condensation produced by the temperature gradient across a membrane distillation (MD) module is transferred directly to a latent heat of vaporization during desalination of a liquid flow stream. The desalination system comprises the MD module disposed within an object and configured to receive an input feed stream for desalination and produce an output flow stream of a product. The system also comprises a vapor compressor in fluidic communication with the MD module and configured to introduce a hot steam to a high temperature side of the MD module and extract a cool steam, having a temperature less than the hot steam, from a low temperature side of the MD module, thereby creating a temperature gradient across of the MD module. A desalination method is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Andrew Philip Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8506762
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David F. Bednarek, Jason A. Demers, Timothy P. Duggan, James L. Jackson, Scott A. Leonard, David W. McGill, Kingston Owens
  • Publication number: 20130068689
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for liquid distillation which includes a vapor permeable-liquid impermeable microporous membrane having structures defining a plurality of pores, an oleophobic material that is applied to the structures of the membrane so as to leave the plurality of pores open, a means for supplying non-distilled liquid to the first side of the membrane, and a means for collecting distilled liquid from a second side of the membrane. In a further example, the present invention provides a method for the distillation of liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BHA Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Vishal Bansal, Christopher Keller
  • Patent number: 8394241
    Abstract: A distillation-type drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having a liquid-incoming end, a liquid-outgoing end and a heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit. The body has a heating room communicating with the liquid-outgoing end. A steam pipe has a first end and a second end, with the first end communicating with the heating room. A condensing unit has a condenser tube having one end communicating with the second end. A water-collecting container has a water-storing room communicating with another end of the condenser tube. An energy-saving heating unit includes an energy-saving heat-exchanging tube and a heating device. The energy-saving heat-exchanging tube includes a water-incoming end, a water-outgoing end and an energy-saving heat-exchanging room. An outlet valve communicates with the water-outgoing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Ariba Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Long-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 8263815
    Abstract: Processes for removing water from organic solvents, such as ethanol. The processes include distillation to form a rectified overhead vapor, compression of the rectified vapor, and treatment of the compressed vapor by two sequential membrane separation steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignees: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc., United States Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Yu Huang, Richard W. Baker, Ramin Daniels, Tiem Aldajani, Jennifer H. Ly, Franklin R. Alvarez, Leland M. Vane
  • Patent number: 8206558
    Abstract: A processing apparatus (1) for the processing of process or industrial wastewaters is provided. The processing apparatus (1) has an evaporator (4) in which a tube bundle heat exchanger is provided, whose pure distillate side is connected to a separating apparatus for separating the distillate from floating organic phase or similar free liquid constituents. This separating apparatus is intended to collect the floating organic phase from the condensate, in order that this phase can be sucked back into the evaporator (4). In addition, the vapor mixture is conducted from the separating apparatus (8) to a recuperator (3) and cooled to such an extent that the water, the volatile solvents and the organic material dissolved in the vapor can be condensed and discharged separately or can be sucked back into the evaporator (4). This allows significantly better distillate qualities to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: H20 GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Fickenscher, Daniel Ladenberger
  • Patent number: 8197693
    Abstract: Sea water is not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in sea water make it inconsumable. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration system, filtration system, crystallizer, hydrophobic membrane carrying filter and pressure retarded osmosis system are used in various combination to desalinate the sea water. Pressure retarded osmosis process is also used to produce pressurized diluted brine which is further decompressed to by the turbine and used by the generators to produce electricity. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide an economical means for producing electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: King Abdulazia City for Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventor: Saad A Al-Jlil
  • Patent number: 8187464
    Abstract: Water from underground and other sources is brackish and not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in water make it brackish. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration systems, filtration systems, crystallizers and hydrophobic membrane carrying filter are used to desalinate the brackish water. Pressure retarded osmosis process using an apparatus is also used to further purify water. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide a useful technology to eradicate water scarcity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology “KACST”
    Inventor: Saad A Al-Jlil
  • Patent number: 8147697
    Abstract: Water from underground and other sources of water are brackish and not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in water make it brackish. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration systems, filtration systems, crystallizers and hydrophobic membrane carrying filter are used to desalinate the brackish water. Solar energy and ceramic filters are used as add on to existing technology. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide a useful technology to eradicate water scarcity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventor: Saad A Al-Jlil
  • Publication number: 20110198287
    Abstract: Membrane modules, and contactor apparatuses that utilize these modules, comprise a membrane contactor layer and a condenser region and optionally a core. The modules comprise a membrane contactor layer comprising a membrane envelope and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed therein; a feed fluid pathway defined at least in part by lumens of the hollow fibers; and a permeate fluid pathway defined at least in part by an interstitial space between outer surfaces of the hollow fibers and inner surfaces of the membrane envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Simon Paul Dukes, Chan Mya Tun
  • Publication number: 20100224476
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for purifying a liquid, such as an impaired water. In some examples, seawater or brackish water is purified, such as to a potable level. Some configurations provide a system which includes a membrane-distillation unit, such as a vacuum-enhanced direct contact membrane distillation unit. The system also includes a forward-osmosis system, which may include one or more forward-osmosis units. A concentrated draw stream from the membrane-distillation unit, such as a concentrated brine solution, serves as a draw solution for a forward-osmosis unit, which may extract water from a source water, such as an impaired water. In some implementations, the forward-osmosis system includes a second forward-osmosis unit which uses the diluted draw solution from the first forward-osmosis unit as a draw solution to extract water from a source water. The system may include additional components, such as a heater or a buffer tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Tzahi Y. Cath, Amy E. Childress, Christopher R. Martinetti
  • Publication number: 20100206709
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the separation of volatile components from a feed material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: TD*X ASSOCIATES LP
    Inventors: Carl R. Palmer, Michael J. McElwee, Gregg S. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20100051549
    Abstract: A contactor module for separating a distillate from a feed solution includes an outer casing with an interior region, a distillate collection chamber, and pluralities of hollow fiber membranes and hollow tubes extending through the distillate collection chamber, where the hollow fiber membranes are configured to allow vapor transmission, and the hollow tubes are configured to substantially prevent vapor transmission, and further configured to allow transmission of thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Milton Roy Company
    Inventors: Zidu Ma, Xiaohong Liao, James R. Irish
  • Patent number: 7638059
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oxygen isotope separation system and a method therefor. More specifically, the invention relates to a newly invented pressure-driven AGMD (Air Gap Membrane Distillation) system applied to a multi-stage membrane distillation cells which can produce an oxygen isotope effectively and economically, and a method therefor. The invention provides an oxygen isotope separation system including a number of Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD) permeation cells connected in series to separate a feed into a product and a tail, wherein each of the AGMD cell is connected at a tail outlet with a reflux pump and at a product outlet, whereby the product from (i?1)th cell and the tail from (i+1)th cell are pumped as the feed into ith cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: JaeWoo Kim, Hwa-Rim Choi, Dae-Shik Chang, Yun-Young Choi
  • Patent number: 7604710
    Abstract: A floating water evaporation system for use in disposing of excess water from oil and gas drilling operations is provided. One or more nozzle arrays float on the surface of a wastewater pond a distance away from the pond shoreline. Each nozzle array includes a series of upright risers that extend above a water reservoir tank. Spray nozzles are mounted on each riser. The water reservoir tank is mounted between floating pontoons that elevate the nozzles a distance above the surface of the pond. Water from the pond is pumped through the nozzles to create a patterned spray of small evaporable droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: EvapoRite Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David J Haslem, Michael E. Dofelmire, Darrin N. Haslem, Michael T. Lawing
  • Patent number: 7597784
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David F. Bednarek, Jason A. Demers, Timothy P. Duggan, James L. Jackson, Scott A. Leonard, David W. McGill, Kingston Owens
  • Patent number: 7491298
    Abstract: A plant and process for efficient production of low deuterium water from seawater. The plant includes a solar still with a black pan for collecting solar heat, that vaporizes portions of the seawater and a porous sloped membrane positioned over the black pan to collect and condense the vapor and to direct the condensate via gravity to a condensate tank. The condensate water is separated into its atomic components, hydrogen and oxygen, in an electralizer; then the hydrogen and oxygen are combined in a reactor to produce heat and low deuterium water. In preferred embodiments the reactor is a fuel cell which in addition to the heat and water also produces electricity. At least a portion of the heat produced in the reactor is used in the solar still to assist in the vaporization of the seawater and to greatly increase the efficiency of the still.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Vladimir Z. Zlotopolski
  • Publication number: 20080314727
    Abstract: A microporous membrane for flash distillation comprising at least three layers having distinct properties is disclosed. Generally, the membranes contain outer layers of relatively small pore size, with an interior layer with relatively large pore size. The invention is also directed to a system for desalinization comprising a source of hot brine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Kirit Patel, Donald H. White, Andrew Dahlgren, Richard Brandimarte
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6887344
    Abstract: A compact, self-contained apparatus for treating wastewater containing as impurities and pollutants various non-volatile (at water boiling points) fluids such as greases, oils and soaps, a vessel for collecting the wastewater, a heating chamber including electric heating elements and a heat transfer liquid such as mineral oil to heat the wastewater admixture to boil off the water and to reduce the volume of liquid for disposal, and a wastewater supply tank positioned under the apparatus. The apparatus may further include a disposable liner to isolate the wastewater from the vessel itself and facilitate rapid and clean removal and disposal of waste material after evaporation of the water, and thermally-activated sensors to maintain a desired temperature differential between the heating elements and the heat transfer liquid contained in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Raymond E. VanKouwenberg
  • Patent number: 6797124
    Abstract: A solar distilling apparatus employs anthracite coal as a heat-absorbing medium. Greenhouse roof elements rest over a gutter that is isolated from the water-holding container to prevent deposit formation and algae growth from reaching the gutter. Bacterial growth is inhibited by ventilation and the use of titanium-laden magnetite mixed with the anthracite particles. The gutter is also isolated from the exterior of the unit, which prevents contamination from outside sources. The exterior side of the roof elements resting on the gutter are fitted with a metal skirt that provides a heat sink preventing the re-evaporation of condensation flowing toward the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: David M. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20040168901
    Abstract: A distillation apparatus for distilling a fluid comprising a boiling chamber for creating at least some vapour from the fluid, having at least one outlet (3, 3a) and a heat adding means (14), at least one condensing chamber (2) associated with the boiling chamber, the at least one condensing chamber (2) having at least one heat removal means (9, 9a, 18, 19, CL) wherein the at least one heat removal means (9, 9a, 18, 19, CL) in the at least one condensing chamber (2) is operable in two conditions, a first condition in which the at least one heat removal means (9, 9a, 18, 19, CL) is removing heat from the system and a second condition in which the at least one heat removal means (9, 9a, 18, 19, CL) is not removing heat from the system, at least one inlet (12) and at least one outlet (3, 3a) associated with the at least one condensing chamber, (2) and at least one pump means (FW, RW) for lowering the pressure to create a low-pressure or partial vacuum environment in the system and also to move the fluid around t
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Lester Payne
  • Publication number: 20030150704
    Abstract: One or more water distillation chambers are provided wherein water containing salt or other impurities enters an upper inlet at a chamber and flows down a solar heated evaporative surface. The evaporative surface may be the interior of a pipe or the surface of a bottom sheet enclosed by a cover. In this way, the steam produced in the process will be constrained and be guided into a steam drum. The steam drum interior has cooling tubes whereby vapor entering the steam drum will be condensed into fresh water and collected for use. The cover may be heated to limit the amount of vapor condensing back into water before entering the steam drum. Multiple evaporation chambers and steam collection stages limit the distance water vapor must travel before entering a steam drum of a given stage, thereby minimizing the loss of water vapor through re-condensation before the vapor enters the steam drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Juan M. Posada
  • Publication number: 20030024801
    Abstract: The present invention is a distillation system with individual fractionator tray temperature control, with the use of either a heating element or a cooling element, and in some preferred embodiments, the use of both a heating element and a cooling element in a plurality of fractionator trays. There is at least, and typically more than one distillation column having a plurality of fractionation trays, and having feed input, liquid removal, and vapor removal with the plurality of trays including at least one of a heating element and a cooling element. Controls are included for separate control of each of the heating element(s) and/or said cooling element(s). These controls may be regulated by a programmable microprocessor, and feedback from temperature sensors may be employed to provide discrete tray-by-tray temperature controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Li Young
  • Publication number: 20020092762
    Abstract: A distillation unit (10) includes a filter (116) through which feed water passes before it is introduced into a rotary heat exchanger (32) for evaporation and subsequent condensation. During a normal mode of operation, liquid that has not evaporated as a result of passage through the rotary heat exchanger's evaporation chambers (56) is recirculated for reintroduction into those chambers, together with a minor amount of feed liquid from the filter to make up for evaporation. At the same time, some filtered feed water is fed into one side of a transfer pump (166), where it slowly accumulates. Periodically, though, during short flushing-mode periods, the erstwhile recirculating liquid is redirected at a relatively high flow rate through the filter (116) in the reverse direction, thereby flushing it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: William H. Zebuhr
  • Publication number: 20020088703
    Abstract: A method to treat wastewater brines to remove the salts prior to discharge. The method includes evaporating the water component of the pretreatment effluent into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Jeffrey Walker
  • 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: 6258215
    Abstract: The system for the recovery of water from urine aboard spacecraft includes a urine intake and pretreatment unit, a unit for water reclamation from urine and a condensate purification unit. The unit for water reclamation from urine is made on the basis of a rotary multistage vacuum distiller, each stage of which is formed by at least one heat-transfer plate and comprises an evaporation zone and a condensation zone. The stages of the distiller are separated from each other by separation plates, a chamber for collecting condensate and noncondensable gases being disposed downstream of the last stage and communicated with all the condensation zones of all the stages through water seals of condensate overflow and openings for the removal of noncondensable gases in disks mounted in the condensation zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Otkrytoe aktsionernoe obschestvo “Nauchno-Issledovatelsky I Konstruktosky Institut Kkhimicheskogo Mashinostroenia (A. O. Neikhimmash”)
    Inventors: Nikolai Mikhailovich Samsonov, Leonid Sergeevich Bobe, Vladimir Gustavovich Rifert, Petr Alexeevich Barabash, Vladimir Viktorovich Komolov, Vadim Iliich Margulis, Vladimir Mikhailovich Novikov, Boris Yakovlevich Pinsky, Nikolai Nikolaevich Protasov, Valentin Vasilievich Rakov, Nikolai Sergeevich Farafonov
  • Patent number: 6117275
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for regenerating a contaminated solvent wherein said solvent is first separated from higher-boiling contaminants in an evaporator, and then contaminants having a lower boiling point than said solvent are separated out in a condenser in which the temperature of said lower-boiling contaminants coming out of said condenser and the temperature of said solvent coming out of said condenser are separately controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Didda Maria Janina Baumann
    Inventor: Walter Baumann
  • Patent number: 6099693
    Abstract: A movable water distiller capable of use in conjunction with a water heater includes a frame having a top which supports the water heater. The distiller components are supported on a tray having a guide assembly engaging a track assembly horizontally positioned in the bottom region of the frame. The guide assembly allows the distiller components to be inserted within, and extracted from, the frame interior while the track assembly maintains alignment of the tray. Alternatively, the guide assembly may be attached to the top surfaces of the track assembly. Paneling surrounds the sides and back of the frame, while a front cover is attached to the front of the tray. The front cover and the paneling enclose the interior of the frame and prevent access to the distiller components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Pure Water, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Palmer, Mark W. Napier
  • Patent number: 6080280
    Abstract: Contaminated glycol in a natural gas dehydration plant is refined by vacuum distillation. The equipment to perform the refining by vacuum distillation is mounted upon a trailer. The equipment on the trailer is connected by an inlet line to the dehydration plant to receive the contaminated glycol from the plant. The refined glycol is continuously pumped back to the dehydration plant by a conduit. Detergents may be added to the glycol unit so that the circulating glycol cleans the equipment of the dehydration plant as the hazardous materials is separated from the glycol. The dehydration plant remains in operation during the time that the glycol is refined and the dehydration plant equipment cleaned. When the process is complete at one dehydration plant the trailer is towed to another dehydration plant for refining the glycol and cleaning the dehydration plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: John W. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5882486
    Abstract: Contaminated glycol is refined by vacuum distillation. Specifically the evaporator is heated to a temperature below the degradation temperature of the glycol. The vacuum is used to bring the flashpoint down sufficiently so that glycol evaporates or flashes at that temperature. The glycol is condensed and filtered through activated granular carbon. The principal use of refining the glycol is to refine the triethylene glycol used in natural gas dehydration plants. For such purposes the equipment is mounted upon a trailer to be taken to the plant for cleaning glycol. In such instance, in addition to refining the glycol, a cleaning agent (which contains a degreaser) is added to the refined glycol. The glycol is refined while the natural gas dehydration plant is in normal operation and therefore it is not necessary to stop the natural gas dehydration plant for refining the glycol used therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: John W. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5846386
    Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Startec Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scott Clark
  • Patent number: 5808159
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering amines from acid amine salt solutions by the addition of bases and evaporating the solution at a pH of 11 to 13 in a kneading drier until a useful solid is obtained as the distillation residue and a device for separating sludges and suspensions into a solid and a plurality of liquid fractions separated according to their boiling point. The low-water-content amine phase separated out by distillation is dehydrated with calcium oxide or potassium hydroxide and then separated into pure amine fractions by rectification. The process described makes it possible to utilise all the secondary flows and completely recycle the amines and the absorption medium (sulphuric acid). The flows for the recycling process are amine-charged washing acids from absorbers obtained from the cleaning of amine-containing exhaust gases, produced for instance in the cold box process for hardening core sand in foundries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: TRG Technologie Und Recyclingservice GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Giebeler
  • Patent number: 5785820
    Abstract: A system for purification and generation of hydrofluoric acid on-site at a semiconductor device fabrication facility. An evaporation stage (optionally with arsenic oxidation) is followed by a fractionating column to remove most other impurities, an Ionic Purifier column to suppress contaminants not removed by the fractionating column, and finally the HF Supplier (HFS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Startec Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 5755934
    Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in processes for the production of high-precision electronic components is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Startec Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe G. Hoffman, R. Scot Clark
  • Patent number: 5665208
    Abstract: A quantitative enrichment of volatile compounds from substances of the macro- to submicro field in a short time is realized by capillary distillation in a system which includes an evaporator vessel, on the bottom of which one or more filter plates are provided and which is connected to a condensing vessel by means of a capillary tube. The presence of filter plate(s) guarantees a uniform and constant boiling which facilitates the quantitative isolation of the volatile compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Eppendorf-Netheler-Hinz GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Giesselmann
  • Patent number: 5632864
    Abstract: A splash shield for the boiler of a distillation type water purification apparatus includes at least two grades of porous media which cooperatively inhibit bubble formation and splashing, thereby preventing transfer of contaminants from the boiler water to the upper, interior surfaces of the boiler and into the distilled, contaminant free water. A first porous media is open cell reticulated foam having relatively large cells. Typically, at least a portion of the open cell foam is disposed above the operating liquid level of the boiler. The second porous media is fabric or screen having pores preferably smaller than about one thousand microns. The screen is disposed above the liquid level of the boiler. The open cell foam inhibits bubble production and breaks down bubbles and the screen intercepts drops and droplets that might otherwise travel to, contact and contaminate the upper boiler chamber surfaces and output to a condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Kuss Corporation
    Inventor: Brian J. Enneper
  • Patent number: 5614066
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting seawater or other contaminated water into pure water for reuse including: a source of the contaminated water; a first horizontal housing connected to the source of contaminated water and having a heat exchanger therein for vaporizing the contaminated water therein; a vertical housing connected to the distal end of the first horizontal housing for fluid communication therebetween; a second horizontal housing connected at its proximate end to the vertical housing for fluid communication therebetween, the second horizontal housing having a heat exchanger therein for condensing vapor therein; a weir vertically mounted in the first housing for retaining a portion of the contaminated water in the first housing and allowing the other portion of the contaminated water to pass through the heat exchange evaporator from the proximate to distal end of the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: William R. Williamson
  • Patent number: 5595662
    Abstract: A water purification device comprises a compartment for holding a supply of impure water; a purified water collection zone; and a dense hydrophilic membrane between the compartment and the purified water collection zone. The membrane is capable of functioning by membrane distillation. A water vapour condensing surface is provided in the purified water collection zone. The condensing surface is spaced from the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Water Research Commission
    Inventor: Ronald D. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 5445731
    Abstract: Apparatus for breaking or separating a liquid mixture or emulsion having two or more components. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having one or more sequentially connected filtering compartments holding a filtering element such as a membrane assembly capable of achieving a multi-stage pervaporation to separate out a vaporous component of the solution. The apparatus further includes a bypass facility which interconnects adjacent filtering compartments. To compensate for the loss of heat energy during the vaporization segments, the residual liquid solution is bypassed into a second vaporization phase, the bypass facility including heating means for maintaining the residual solution of a predetermined liquid temperature prior to its entering the second or subsequent filtering phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: David Tuohey, Craig R. Bartels, Vatsal M. Shah
  • Patent number: 5372680
    Abstract: A plant for processing vegetal stock includes a container mounted on a twheel trailer, and provided with bubblers for live steam which are arranged under a net for accommodation of the vegetal stock, and a detachable cover communicating through a steam pipe with a cooler which communicates with a separator through a distillate admission pipe provided with a splitter for preventing plug-shaped formation of oil therein. The bubblers for live steam are arranged in two planes perpendicular to the axis of the container and mounted in the cover is an additional bubbler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Aktsionernoe obschestvo "Sistemy novykh tekhnology" (SINTO Ltd)
    Inventors: Nikolai I. Bezdolny, Vladimir P. Kostylev
  • Patent number: 5300197
    Abstract: A distillation apparatus includes a distillation unit for distilling feed water. The distillation unit includes an evaporation part, a condensation part and a hydrophobic porous membrane interposed between the evaporation part and the condensation part, which are integrated with one another. A heating unit for heating the feed water and a cooling portion for cooling distillate produced by distillation of the feed water are provided apart from the distillation unit. One or both of the heating unit and the cooling unit are provided with a heat pump. With this construction, an additional heater does not need to be provided, and the distillation unit and both of the heating unit and the cooling unit can be changed in size and performance independently of each other, so that the overall size of the distillation apparatus can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Mitani, Akira Ashida, Katsuya Ebara, Hideaki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 5281309
    Abstract: A water purification device mounted within a housing adapted to be positioned on an existing water cooler/dispenser has a valve control member extending from the base of the housing and is positionable within the water reservoir of the dispenser to control the release of purified water from the device to the reservoir. The device includes a feedwater tank into which supply water is fed, either automatically, or manually. The feedwater tank, when the water is above a minimal level, feeds water to an anti-backflow control housing which communicates the water from the feedwater tank to the bottom of a boiler which is maintained at the same level as the water in the feedwater tank without the use of a float within the boiler. The anti-backflow housing includes a check valve in the form of a ball that prevents the backflow of heated water from the boiler into the feedwater tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Market Design & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph G. Greene
  • Patent number: 5248393
    Abstract: A compact solvent reprocessing system for use in a limited physical area. Solvents to be reprocessed is contacted by deionized water in a water wash column and delivered to a distillation column where waste solvent is separated from materials that boil at a higher temperature than the waste solvent. Distilled solvent is delivered to a drying column and final filters for removal of any other foreign materials. The modular solvent reprocessing system to reclaim/recycle high purity solvents on-site at a manufacturing facility. A system includes a pumpless pressurized tank solvent transfer units, storage tanks, liquid-liquid extraction column, distillation columns, submicron filtration units, and water and acid adsorption columns arranged as necessary to produce ultra-high purity solvents from waste solvent streams. The systems are packaged in modular assemblies with secondary containment to meet U.S. EPA requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: S&K Products International, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Randolph Schumacher, Gregory E. Carr, Martin J. Striefler
  • Patent number: 5236580
    Abstract: A device and a related method are provided for reclaiming or recovering dry cleaning solvent from otherwise disposable fluid contained within a separator or other suitable receptacle of a dry cleaning machine. The device includes an evaporator and a fluid transfer mechanism for transporting fluid evaporated by the evaporator through a filter that removes substantially all of the solvent present within the evaporated fluid. Alternatively, a filter can be interposed between the separator or other suitable receptacle and the evaporator so that solvent is filtered before reaching the evaporator. Consequently, the device substantially reclaims or recovers dry cleaning solvent that may still be present within the fluid that is to be otherwise disposed of from the separator or other suitable receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Kelleher Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Kelleher