Tangential Flow Or Centrifugal Fluid Action Patents (Class 210/512.1)
  • Patent number: 10016702
    Abstract: An hydraulic separator for balancing varying flows in a primary liquid circuit and a secondary liquid circuit includes a housing which defines an inner space, an upper entry and an upper exit located in an upper region of the housing, and a lower entry and a lower exit located in a lower region of the housing. The upper entry and lower exit are constructed to be connected to a primary liquid circuit and the upper exit and lower entry being constructed to be connected to a secondary liquid circuit A fluid communication channel is provided between the upper region and the lower region, such that when in use the flow in the primary or secondary circuit suddenly varies, a leak flow is allowed to occur between the upper entry and lower exit or between the lower entry and upper exit, for balancing the flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Flamco B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Henk Cnossen, Terence Arthur Devlin
  • Patent number: 9997793
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separator includes a housing that draws in emission from a fuel cell unit. The gas-liquid separator separates water from the emission and drains the separated water out of the housing. The housing includes a case including an emission inlet, a cap including a drain port that drains the separated water out of the housing, and a filter fitted into the emission inlet from an inner side of the housing. The filter captures foreign matter entering the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kunihiro Yamaura
  • Patent number: 9987579
    Abstract: An oil separator includes a plurality of separation discs rotatable together with a spindle and layered in an axis direction of the spindle, a nozzle that protrudes from a lower circumferential face of the spindle and configured to rotate the spindle by injection of an oil, a lower case has a gas inflow part into which blow-by gas flows, an oil discharge part into which an oil after separation is discharged, an upper case that sections together with the lower case a housing chamber in which spindle, separation discs and nozzle are housed, and a sectioning member that sections the housing chamber into a primary separation chamber, configured to primarily separate the oil mist, and a secondary separation chamber that secondarily separates the oil mist included in the gas after primary separation, and forms between the nozzle and the separation discs a communication opening that guides the gas being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Tokyo Roki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosaku Ishida, Yoshitaka Watanabe, Kazuo Tanaka, Takayuki Hoshi, Takatsugu Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 9815002
    Abstract: A multi-phase separation apparatus shapes fluid flow in a flow shaping line preferably shaped to have a plurality of loops with consecutively decreasing diameters. Shaping the two-phase flow drives the heavier, denser fluids to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense fluids such as gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall, an exit port on the inner wall permits a majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a minimal amount of liquid, to be diverted to a conventional gas-liquid separator at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line. The remaining liquid flow in the flow shaping line is subsequently introduced into an adjustable phase splitter to separate different liquid components from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HAVEN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: David James Elms, Gregory Allen Hudspeth
  • Patent number: 9597442
    Abstract: An air trap for a blood circuit and method for removing air from blood in a dialysis unit. The air trap may include a blood inlet supply line, a blood outlet supply line, and a container having an approximately spherical internal wall, an inlet at a top end of the container connected to the blood inlet supply line, and an outlet at a bottom end of the container connected to the blood outlet supply line. The inlet may be offset from a vertical axis of the approximately spherical internal wall such that blood entering the container is directed to flow in a spiral-like path. The inlet port may be arranged to introduce blood into the container in a direction that is approximately tangential to the approximately spherical inner wall of the container and/or in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the vertical axis of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael J. Wilt
  • Patent number: 9579666
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cyclone for dense medium separation that includes an inverted conical shaped cyclone body which provides an interior space having an inner wall surface a vortex finder including a lower end that extends longitudinally into an upper region of the interior space of the cyclone body an overflow outlet associated with an upper end of the vortex finder a feed inlet that is in fluid communication with the upper region of the interior space of the cyclone body an outlet associated with a lower region of the interior space and the inner wall surface of the interior space curves inwardly and downwardly from the upper region curves inwardly and downwardly from the upper region of the interior space to the lower region of the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Tata Steel Limited
    Inventors: Narasimha Mangadoddy, Pradip Kumar Banerjee, Debashish Bhattacharjee, T. Mukherjee, Peter Holtham, Matthew Brennan
  • Patent number: 9561453
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a fluid treatment apparatus for treating contaminated fluid. The apparatus comprises a container having base member and a peripheral containment wall and defining a total interior volume. The apparatus further comprises at least one container inlet to receive said contaminated fluid, at least one container outlet to discharge water separated from said contaminated fluid, a separation region suitable to receive said contaminated fluid, to allow separation of said contaminated fluids into less dense contaminants, water and denser contaminants, and to store said denser contaminants as a sediment layer on the base member. The apparatus further comprises a water collection region suitable to receive water from the separation region and direct said water to said at least one container outlet, and an oil collection region, suitable to receive less dense contaminants from the separation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventors: Keith Doell, Kyle Trainor
  • Patent number: 9527014
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for separating solids within a water carrier having different specific gravities. The apparatus includes an axial-flow pump with an impeller (13). The apparatus includes a hollow tube (11) sized and positioned to discharge a fluid stream where the solids within the fluid stream have a specific gravity less than one. The hollow tube (11) includes an inward facing opening that makes an oblique angle along its entire circumference with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hollow tube (11). This arrangement is especially useful in municipal and sanitary wastewater treatment applications for keeping lighter-than-water debris such as hair, food fiber, and synthetic fibrous materials from building up against the leading edge of the hollow tube (11) and clogging it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Eco Wastewater Concentrator, LLC
    Inventor: Paul L Culler
  • Patent number: 9487425
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating municipal and sanitary wastewater that uses only mechanical devices and processes, which eliminates biological processes and settling tanks. The system includes a three-output Richter-type separator that separates wastewater into three fluid streams according to the specific gravity of the solids within the fluid streams. The lighter-than-water and heavier-than-water solids streams are combined and the resultant sludge is mechanically dewatered without intermediary biological-process systems or sedimentation. The partially-clarified water component can be directly filtered by a membrane filter and optionally optically or chemically disinfected for reuse or disposal. The system advantageously simplifies municipal and sanitary wastewater treatment eliminating traditional primary and secondary treatment stages, and significantly reducing the system's operational footprint. The system and method can be scaled to very large municipal systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Eco Wastewater Concentrator LLC
    Inventor: Paul L Culler
  • Patent number: 9315394
    Abstract: A method for pre-separation of multi phase fluids of liquid-liquid phase and/or liquid-gas phases and/or gas-liquid phases, is disclosed, wherein one or more of the phases is suspended in water with bubble /drop/particle sizes in the sub micron and micron area and/or fine particular organic or inorganic matter is present in one or more of the phases, and where the device is placed in or in connection to a cyclone or flotation tank. The method is characterized by the fluid phases being made to flow through a tube which forms a spiral shape, in order to bring about an initial phase separation (coalescence) in the spiral shape, and the phases being led continuously tangentially out of the spiral shape in a cyclone—or flotation chamber wherein the further separation is generated. An apparatus to accomplish the method and applications thereof are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SORBWATER TECHNOLOGY AS
    Inventor: Atle Mundheim
  • Patent number: 9309132
    Abstract: A separation system includes at least a hydrocyclone and one or more membranes. In another aspect, a separation system includes a membrane having graduated and/or asymmetrical pore sizes. A further aspect of a separation system includes an inner membrane, an outer membrane and a hydrocyclonic flow between the membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Volodymyr Tarabara, Wenqian Shan
  • Patent number: 9242196
    Abstract: The group of inventions relates to the technology for purifying liquids and gases by removal of contaminating multicomponent ingredients. The device comprises a housing comprising at least one hollow spiral element with a conical shape, with separation openings being formed in at least some of the turns of the spiral element, each of the openings communicating with a corresponding separation chamber. Arranged opposite the separation opening is a nozzle, which is intended for compensating for the mass and centrifugal moment of the fluid medium. A guide element around which a flow passes is mounted on the wall of the nozzle. The cross-sectional area and the radius of each successive turn is selected from the condition for maintaining an estimated value for the centrifugal moment of the substance to be purified. The method consists in that a flow of medium to be purified is spun by the above-described device. Contaminating components in each turn are positioned by coaxial layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventors: Alexandr Dzakhotovich Abayev, Marina Alexandrovna Abayeva, Taymuraz Khadzhismelovich Kokoyti
  • Patent number: 9238186
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a fluid treatment apparatus for treating contaminated fluid. The apparatus comprises a container having base member and a peripheral containment wall and defining a total interior volume. The apparatus further comprises at least one container inlet to receive said contaminated fluid, at least one container outlet to discharge water separated from said contaminated fluid, a separation region suitable to receive said contaminated fluid, to allow separation of said contaminated fluids into less dense contaminants, water and denser contaminants, and to store said denser contaminants as a sediment layer on the base member. The apparatus further comprises a water collection region suitable to receive water from the separation region and direct said water to said at least one container outlet, and an oil collection region, suitable to receive less dense contaminants from the separation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: RESIRKULERE CANADA LTD.
    Inventors: Keith Doell, Kyle Trainor
  • Patent number: 9079126
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator of the present invention comprises an upper inlet chamber and separation barrel connected thereto. The upper inlet chamber comprises an inlet through which a solids-laden fluid is introduced. An upper portion of the separation barrel extends into the upper inlet chamber below the inlet, such that the interior wall of the upper inlet chamber and the upper portion of the separation volume define a space, called the vestibular chamber. The vestibular chamber is defined at its upper end by a horizontally disposed plate larger in diameter than the separation barrel, but smaller in diameter than the internal diameter of the upper inlet chamber. The upper portion of the separation barrel comprises a plurality of generally axially-oriented slots which may penetrate through the wall of the separation barrel tangentially, so as to generally induce a tangential flow pattern to fluid entering the separation barrel from the vestibular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Claude Laval Corporation
    Inventor: Steven David Ford
  • Publication number: 20150143784
    Abstract: A form of crossflow filtration particle separator which receives a particle laden moving fluid surrounded by a clear moving fluid at a proximal end, and separates the particles into a collection zone, or collector, in response to vortices created by diagonal slits and baffles located from the center of the particle separator to its distal end. The filter operates horizontally in a small amount of space without use of physical filter media or the need of a high pressure flow, while allowing delicate particles to be separated without damage. Particle collection structures allow the separated particles to be carried away in a separate flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Raul H. Piedrahita, Tien-Chieh Hung
  • Publication number: 20150129491
    Abstract: A separator device is provided for removing particles from suspension in a fluid comprises a housing having first and second ports for ingress and egress of fluid into and out of the housing, the first and second ports being on the same vertical line; and at least one separation chamber for separating solid particles from the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Adey Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Adey, Simon Downie
  • Patent number: 9022231
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a separation barrel having a central axis, an upper end, a lower end, a bottom, and an interior wall that is an axially-extending cylindrical surface of rotation. An inlet may be provided extending through the interior wall, through which a solid/liquid mixture is injected into the upper end in a spinning motion to separate solids from the liquids by centrifugal force. A spin structure may be provided in axial adjacency to the lower end of the separation barrel. A filter may extend from the spin structure, the filter being centrally aligned within the separation barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Claude Laval Corporation
    Inventor: Steven David Ford
  • Patent number: 9022230
    Abstract: An oil separation device having an outer cylinder that extends in an axial direction; an inner cylinder that passes through the interior of the outer cylinder in the axial direction; a pair of end plates provided at both ends of the outer cylinder in the axial direction; an inlet port connected to the outer cylinder near one of the end plates and that introduces an oil-containing fluid discharged from a compressor into a space formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder so as to swirl about the axis; an outlet port connected to the outer cylinder near the other end plate and that expels the fluid, from which the oil has been centrifugally separated, out of the space; and an oil discharge port, provided in the outer cylinder, for discharging the separated oil out of the space. A partition plate that extends over at least part of a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction to partition the space in the axial direction is provided in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Matsukura, Tatsuru Nagai
  • Patent number: 8998000
    Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases within a collection container is disclosed. The mechanical separator may have a separator body having a through-hole defined therein, with the through-hole adapted for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The separator body includes a float, having a first density, and a ballast, having a second density greater than the first density. A portion of the float is connected to a portion of the ballast. Optionally, the float may include a first extended tab adjacent a first opening of the through-hole and a second extended tab adjacent the second opening of the through-hole. In certain configurations, the separator body also includes an extended tab band disposed about an outer surface of the float. The separator body may also include an engagement band circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the separator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Jamieson W. Crawford, Ravi Attri, Christopher A. Battles, Benjamin R. Bartfeld, Gregory R. Hires
  • Patent number: 8991621
    Abstract: An energy diffusion sealing ring [872] for use with a hydrocyclone or pump is provided. The energy diffusion sealing ring [872] comprises a sacrificial suspension matrix [872A] comprised of a polymer, elastomer, or combination thereof, and a number of packed inserts [872B] suspended in the matrix [872]. The matrix [872] serves as delivery means for the inserts [872B] into one or more recessed portions [833, 841]. The inserts [872B] comprise a hard material (e.g., ceramic or carbide) and form wear bodies which slow and dissipate kinetic energy of escaping slurry by way of creating paths of resistance. As the suspension matrix [872A] erodes over time, a plurality of interstices [872C] between the inserts [872B] are formed. Escaping slurry [852] slows as it traverses three-dimensional serpentine paths defined by said interstices [872C], thereby reducing its potential to wear surrounding components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Flsmidth A/S
    Inventors: Travis Harwell, Robert G. Moorhead
  • Publication number: 20150068975
    Abstract: A system includes a wear-resistant liner that includes a matrix material and a plurality of inserts embedded within the matrix material. One or more inserts of the plurality of inserts includes a retention feature. The retention feature is configured to increase adhesion between the one or more inserts of the plurality of inserts and the matrix material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Prem Krish
  • Publication number: 20150053600
    Abstract: A gas flotation tank is provided that includes a series of adjacent chambers which impart a rotational current therein. Each chamber is separated from a skim oil trough by a skimming weir. Each chamber comprises an alternating fluid communication device between adjacent chambers allowing fluid communication between adjacent chambers in the form of a communication port in the dividing wall between adjacent chambers and a chamber outlet in conjunction with a perforated plate and the outlet is positioned in fluid communication with the final chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: EXTERRAN WATER SOLUTIONS ULC
    Inventors: Todd William Kirk, Daniel Clifford Whitney, Douglas Walker Lee
  • Patent number: 8960450
    Abstract: Filter assemblies and fluid flow inhibitors that are particularly well suited for use in centrifugal separation enhanced filtration devices are described. Moreover extensible filter assemblies are described. In one aspect of the invention, extensible filtration assemblies can be used to operate in circulating fluid filtration devices. Such extensible filter elements can use fluid manifold to reduce the effects of fluid circulation inside filter elements and to reduce reverse flow problems in such filters. Additionally, indexable filter elements and invertable filtration elements can be used to extend filter life in filtration in filtration devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: George D. Caffell, Steven E. O'Reilly, John H. Mallard
  • Publication number: 20150048014
    Abstract: A separator module for a stormwater gully chamber is disclosed, the separator module comprising: a partition arrangement which, in use, divides the chamber into an upper region and a lower region, the partition arrangement comprising: an inlet chute having an opening which, in use, provides an inlet to the lower region from the upper region; an outlet chute having an opening which, in use, provides an outlet from the lower region to the upper region; and a weir separating the outlet chute from the inlet chute; wherein at least a portion of the partition arrangement is flexible so as to allow an external diameter of the partition arrangement to be adjusted to fit different sized chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Scott Anastasio, Anthony Tadek Leslie Kolanko, Kevin John McKee, Andrew Stephen Kane, David Andrew Scott
  • Patent number: 8955691
    Abstract: The invention comprises a hydrocyclone separator which includes a first segment including a fluid inlet, an overflow outlet and a spiral fluid ramp having a first and second end. The first end of the spiral fluid ramp is in fluid communication with and extends from the fluid inlet. The second end of the spiral fluid ramp is connected in fluid communication with the wider end of a frustoconical second segment and the narrower end of the frustoconical second segment is connected in fluid communication with a first end of a third segment comprising a tubular element. An underflow outlet is located at the second end of said tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Roy D. Lister
  • Patent number: 8951421
    Abstract: For purifying a liquid, the liquid is caused to evaporate in a cyclone in a recirculation circuit. Vapor is discharged via a discharge channel in which a compressor is included. In a heat exchanger downstream of the compressor, supplied vapor condenses and heat thereby released is transferred to liquid in the recirculation circuit. A liquid inlet of the cyclone is placed and directed for delivering a jet having a directional component tangential with respect to an inner surface of the cyclone. The liquid inlet has a section shaped such that in operation the delivered jet is a flat jet having a cross section which in a direction parallel to a nearest generatrix of the inner surface of the cyclone is greater than in a direction perpendicular thereto. The jet contacts the inner surface of the cyclone before drop formation occurs in the jet. A method for purifying a liquid is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Convex B.V.
    Inventor: Geert Jan Zanstra
  • Patent number: 8951422
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for the separation of liquid-liquid phase and/or a liquid-gas phase where one or more of the phases is suspended in water and has a bubble/drop/particle size in the sub micron and micron range, and/or fine particular organic or inorganic material is present in one or more of the phases. There is also disclosed a method and use for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sorbwater Technology AS
    Inventor: Atle Mundheim
  • Patent number: 8951418
    Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vulco S.A.
    Inventor: Eduardo Francisco Olivares Castro
  • Patent number: 8950589
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for the separation of liquid-liquid phase and/or a liquid-gas phase where one or more of the phases is suspended in water and has a bubble/drop/particle size in the sub micron and micron range, and/or fine particular organic or inorganic material is present in one or more of the phases. There is also disclosed a method and use for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sorbwater Technology AS
    Inventor: Atle Mundheim
  • Patent number: 8945402
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention disclosed is an apparatus for separating a solid material from a mixture containing oil, water, clay, sand, soil and drill cuttings. The apparatus comprise a series of processing cells and wash tanks. Hydrocyclonic devices are also used to further purify the solid mixture for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Larry Saik
  • Patent number: 8945399
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating sand and other solids from oil and other fluids produced from a well. The present systems and methods introduce the fluids at relatively high speed into a generally cylindrical separation chamber. The fluids flow in a generally circular path within the chamber, causing the solids and higher density fluid/media to be urged outward from the axis of the chamber as the fluids flow from the upper portion of the chamber. Because the solids become concentrated at the outer wall of the chamber, the fluid in a central portion of the chamber is substantially free of the solids, and can be removed from the chamber via a fluid outlet. The solids concentrated at the outer wall of the chamber continue to move downward into an accumulation chamber in which the fluid speed is reduced, allowing the solids to settle out of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Taper-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Erik M. Howard
  • Patent number: 8936722
    Abstract: A method for assembling turbomachinery having combined particle separation device and flow regulating device is provided. The turbomachinery includes a casing; a compressor attached to an inside of the casing, the compressor having a shaft supported by bearings; and a cooling system mounted inside the casing and configured to cool the bearings of the compressor with a cooling fluid. The cooling system includes a particle separation device configured to separate particles from the cooling fluid, and a flow regulation device that fluidly communicates with the particle separation device without contacting the particle separation device. The flow regulation device is disposed adjacent to the particle separation device within a wall of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Cirri, Luciano Mei
  • Patent number: 8932472
    Abstract: A separator system and method are provided in which the separator has two outlets for different components of mixed fluid. An energy harvester is provided on one of the outlets, wherein harvested energy is transferred to a pump located on an inlet of the separator. As a result, the differential pressure across the separator is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Mark E. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8926838
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of contaminated fluid and wastewater containing residuals from food processing and waste and residuals from animal feeding operations and effluent from the digestion of these residuals is disclosed. The process is carried out in an enclosed tank using a separation procedure that maintains the state of the separated solids in the same state as they were upon introduction to the system, i.e., aerobic, anaerobic or anoxic, based on the condition of the solids upon introduction to the system. The system utilizes rotary flow instead of rakes to harvest the solids from the effluent. The process has applications in the recovery of emulsion in wastewater treatment and the operation of digesters for re-feeding to the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Environmental Stewardship Solutions
    Inventor: Mark Stoermann
  • Patent number: 8919574
    Abstract: A water purifier includes an outer tube having a partition wall dividing the outer tube into lower and upper storage chambers, an intermediate tube defining a guide receiving space and a plurality of angularly spaced-apart inclined through holes to fluidly communicate the guide receiving space and the upper storage chamber, and an inner tube defining a water-exit passage and a plurality of angularly spaced-apart inclined guide holes to fluidly communicate the guide receiving space and the water-exit passage. A guide unit includes a plurality of flow guide plates disposed at positions corresponding to the inclined through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Jung-Kuei Wu
  • Patent number: 8919573
    Abstract: A system for purifying non-potable water to make said water potable includes an intake pump for bringing the non-potable water into the system. At least one centrifugal separator separates the non-potable water into suspended solids, saline water and oil. At least one ozone contact chamber injects ozone into a water stream being injected into at least one of the at least one of the centrifugal separators. A series of progressive filtration components are used for progressively filtering the saline water from the at least one centrifugal separator. The salinization filters then desalinate the progressively filtered saline water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: David Capehart
  • Publication number: 20140367349
    Abstract: A Hydrodynamic separation device using curved channels is provided. High aspect ratio channels improve the focusing dynamics of the hydrodynamic separator and leads to improved channel design choices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Armin R. Volkel, John S. Paschkewitz, Huangpin B. Hsieh, Kai Melde
  • Publication number: 20140367348
    Abstract: Hydrodynamic separation of suspended particles using curved channels offers advantages in many applications, since it is a fast continuous flow technology that can handle neutrally and near neutrally buoyant particles without the need of a physical barrier or the addition of chemical aids. Designs are provided for a flow splitter at the end of the separation channel, to maintain smooth, counter-vortex-free laminar flow and improve particle separation efficiency while reducing clogging and fouling propensities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Armin R. Volkel, Kai Melde, Ashutosh Kole, Huangpin B. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8911635
    Abstract: It is disclosed a hydrocyclone type separator having small dimensions for possessing high capacity for fluid processing by virtue of structural characteristics for feeding, of an upper outlet orifice (overflow) and of a lower outlet orifice (underflow). The feeding comprises two equal channels (18), diametrically opposed and curved, wherein the transverse cross sectional area gradually diminishes for accelerating the two phase fluid stream in a moderate manner. The possibility of the connection of interchangeable devices (2) and (6) to the upper outlet orifice (13) permits changing the diameter of said outlet orifice and, in this manner, altering the hydrodynamic characteristics of the hydrocyclone and increasing the capacity of same to operational ranges suitable for fluid flows having high oil content, medium oil content and low oil content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.—Petrobras
    Inventors: Carlos Alberto Capela Moraes, Darley Carrijo De Melo, Luiz Philipe Martinez Marins, Fabricio Soares Da Silva
  • Patent number: 8906243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for continuous treatment of two immiscible molten liquids having different densities. The apparatus comprises at least one open-ended helical reaction channel (3) arranged inside a substantially vertical housing (1), means for the continuous supply of the liquid with the higher density to the upper open end of said at least one reaction channel (3) and means for continuous supply of the liquid with the lower density to the lower open end of said at least one helical reaction channel (3), means for continuous removal of the liquid with the higher density at the lower open end of said helical reaction channel and means for removal of the liquid with the lower density from the upper open end of said helical reaction channel (3). The invention further relates to a method for continuous treatment of two immiscible molten liquids having different densities using the apparatus of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Elkem Solar AS
    Inventors: Karl Forwald, Jesse White
  • Patent number: 8905960
    Abstract: A device for the filtration of a complex fluid composition such as blood, includes a base (12) with a bottom (18), a top (14) with a bottom (30), and a membrane (16) that is arranged between the base and the top so as to define a low chamber C1 and a high chamber C2, with an input tap (26) of the complex composition that is to be filtered emptying into the low chamber C1, an output tap (28) of the retentate with elements for adjusting the flow rate emptying into this same low chamber C1, and an output tap (36, 36-1) of the high chamber C2, whereby this output tap (36, 36-1) of the permeate is subjected to negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Direction et Priorites
    Inventors: Francis Gadrat, Bertrand Chastenet
  • Patent number: 8906203
    Abstract: A system enables the use of solar heat energy together with electromagnetic energy and optionally energy produced during fermentation of organic products to produce fresh water from salt water, wastewater and water vapor contained in the atmosphere. The resulting fresh water can optionally be rendered drinkable by adding mineral salts at the desired concentration. A method and reactors combine electromagnetic and solar heating steps and optionally heat exchanges with a hot gas originating from combustion, to evaporate droplets of a spray produced from salt water or wastewater. The vapor obtained is separated from the salt particles or agglomerated impurities during evaporation using a cyclone system. The vapor can then be transported over a large distance before being condensed by bearings, in order to separate the water from any additives or impurities that may be present. Additives can be used to lower the vapor pressure of the liquid water and to facilitate droplet fractionation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Nicolas Ugolin
  • Patent number: 8900448
    Abstract: A treatment device for stormwater is provided that comprises a container which in use contains a growing medium and a hydrodynamic separator located within the container. The hydrodynamic separator comprises a separation chamber, an inlet duct extending from the outside of the container to the separation chamber, a solids outlet; and a liquid outlet that opens into the container. In use, liquid flow containing solids enters the separation chamber through the inlet duct and is caused to swirl within the separation chamber, thereby causing solids to exit the separation chamber through the solids outlet and liquid to exit the separation chamber through the liquid outlet and to flow into the growing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro International PLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Fink, Andrew Pearson Nancollis, Robert Yaw Gyamfi Andoh, Keith Garry Hutchings
  • Patent number: 8889002
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning fluid media containing particulate matter, particularly from livestock husbandry, by means of ozonization in a closed ozonization container (11) and subsequent separation of the particulate matter portions. A vertically extending hollow cylindrical fixture (17) is disposed in the closed ozonization container (11). The fixture (17) is operatively connected to a rotating agitator shaft (16), wherein agitation means (18, 19) are associated with the agitator shaft (16), and the fixture (17) is equipped with supply lines (22, 23) by means of which ozone can be fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Entwicklungsges. Frank Mohr U. Gerhard Kreger, Jun.GBR
    Inventors: Frank Mohr, Gerhard Krüger
  • Patent number: 8888999
    Abstract: Filters and methods of filtering debris from fluid are detailed. A vortex of debris-laden fluid may be created within a filter, causing certain debris (including, for example, leaves) to settle therein. Some versions of the filters may include two stages, one having a perforated tube and a second having a generally frustoconically-shaped tube, which may or may not be perforated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hendrikus Johannes Van der Meijden
  • Patent number: 8882999
    Abstract: Cleaning assemblies and particulate tolerant fluid bearings that are particularly well suited for use in centrifugal separation enhanced filtration devices are described. In one aspect of the invention, at least one bearing is arranged to carry a circulating cleaning assembly such that the cleaning assembly can rotate around a filter membrane during filtering operation of the filtration device. The bearing is preferably arranged to maintain the circulating cleaning assembly in a substantially coaxial alignment with the filter membrane and in a substantially stable longitudinal position relative to the filter membrane as the circulating cleaning assembly is rotated around the filter membrane. In another aspect of the invention a variety of particulate tolerant bearings are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: David J. Levitt, George D. Caffell, John H. Mallard, Steven E. O'Reilly
  • Publication number: 20140319052
    Abstract: A closing valve unit for a centrifugal cleaner arrangement including first and second connecting members configured to connect a cyclone to a centrifugal cleaner group, and a movable valve sandwiched between the first and second connecting members, the moveable valve including apertures commensurate with openings to feed and reject conduits of the cyclone and to openings to feed and reject conduits of the cyclone cleaner group, wherein the movable valve has a first position in which the apertures are aligned with the cyclone and cleaner group feed conduits and with the cyclone accept and cleaner group accept conduits, and a control element connected to the moveable valve and configured to move the moveable valve between the first position and the second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Andritz OY
    Inventors: Jarmo Immonen, Marito Jarvinen, Simo Suortti
  • Patent number: 8834716
    Abstract: A water treatment system, for example for treating grey water from domestic appliances comprises a water treatment device containing a filter media through which the water passes to remove particulates and bio-matter. The device has a lid provided with a spraying device. The spraying device may, for example, receive treated water along a line, possibly with the addition of an anti-foaming agent. Operating of the spraying device thus serves to collapse any foam generated within the water treatment device. Filter media can be cleaned periodically in a cyclone, after being drawn up through a pipe by means of a jet pump, receiving treated water along a line. Treated water is stored in a storage tank for subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Aquacyc Limited
    Inventors: David J. Parkinson, James E. Delves, Kam L. Wong
  • Patent number: 8828224
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device for purifying oily wastewater, including a vertical tank of an atmospheric pressure, inside which a central coagulation reaction tube, a reverse cone-shaped cyclone flocculation stage, a suspended sludge filtering zone and a purified water commutation stage of inclined plates are included from bottom to top sequentially, oily wastewater is sequentially subjected to a coagulation reaction, suspended sludge filtering and a purified water commutation process and then discharged, a sludge collecting groove collects and guides the suspended sludge to a sludge concentrating zone for further sedimentation and concentration processes and then discharges it to external to the tank, in this way, the purification reaction, flocculation and fine filtration of wastewater and the sludge concentration process are integrated within the same wastewater purifying device. Thus, the device is equivalent to the existing wastewater pretreatment system plus a fine filtration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Beijing OTC Energy & Environment Engineering Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Xuewen Jiang, Yukai Zhang, Yangshan Wu
  • Patent number: 8828228
    Abstract: An in-line strainer 1 includes: a cylindrical-shaped housing 2 having an inflow port 6 for liquid and an outflow port 7 which are coaxial with each other; and a strainer element 22 disposed in the housing 2. A cyclone cylindrical body 28 having a diametrically-reduced cylinder portion 30 whose inner diameter is reduced toward one end, and having a cyclone inflow port formed on the other end, is arranged inside the housing 2 such that the diametrically-reduced cylinder portion 30 is close to the inflow port 6, and that the cyclone inflow port is close to the outflow port 7. A cylindrical-shaped strainer element 22 having a closed first end and an open second end is in the cyclone cylindrical body 28, and an open second end 25 of the strainer element 22 is connected to the outflow port 7 of the housing 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaho Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinari Imagawa, Naruki Yukura