Recirculating Fluid Patents (Class 261/151)
  • Patent number: 4287938
    Abstract: An improved method of exchanging heat between combustion gases from combustion of fossil fuel with air and a fluid to be heated is obtained by initially introducing into the exhaust gases a volatile medium to be vaporized by said gases and subsequently condensing the vaporized medium by cooling the obtained mixture of combustion gases and vaporized medium to a temperature below the dew point. The cooling is performed by the fluid to be heated. The new method reduces the contents of polluting ingredients in the exhaust combustion gases and will keep the heat exchange structures clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Inventors: Sven G. R. Lagerquist, Yngve R. Kihlberg
  • Patent number: 4287138
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering and reclaiming heat from a source of relatively hot gases, which are preferably substantially vapor-saturated, by directly contacting the gases with a relatively cooler spray of liquid, such as water, in a heat exchange zone. The relatively warm liquid resulting from the contact of the sprayed cooler liquid with the vapor-saturated gases are collected in a receiver zone in the heat exchanger. This relatively warm liquid is then available for use. The hot gases which entered the heat exchanger will exit at a cooler temperature. They may be released to the atmosphere or returned to a process or room. The method is particularly suited for recovering heat from steam system condensate vents, dye fixation steamer exhausts, boiler exhaust stacks, and dry can enclosures such as those used in the textile and paper industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Inventor: Lynn A. Buckner
  • Patent number: 4283917
    Abstract: A closed chamber is provided for containing evaporative liquid fuel for a combustion engine and fuel supply structure is operatively associated with the chamber for maintaining a predetermined general level of liquid fuel in the chamber. The chamber includes engine induction air inlet structure opening thereinto below the aforementioned liquid level and a vaporized fuel and air outlet opening outwardly of the chamber from a level above the predetermined liquid fuel level. Duct structure is provided including an inlet portion communicated with the vaporized fuel and air outlet and an outlet end for communication with the induction passags of a combustion engine. Further, an air conditioner evaporator-type heat exchanger is provided and liquid fuel conduit and pump structure is operatively associated with the chamber and heat exchanger for circulating fuel within the chamber through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Inventor: Charles L. Proffer
  • Patent number: 4284128
    Abstract: In an evaporation type air cooler, the improvement comprising a heat exchanger wherein circulating liquid is cooled by the evaporatively cooled air and subsequently used to air condition occupant space without humidity increase, and associated air ducting and flow controls. The improvement is also adapted to be used as a space heater utilizing hot water in the heat exchanger, and to utilize hot attic or external air to aid in heating water for occupant use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Inventor: Donald A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4273733
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for maintaining the desired temperature of a fluid, or more specifically, to reducing the temperature of the fluid to a desired level. The apparatus generally relates to one including a heat exchange coil through which the fluid to be cooled passes and over which an air stream is moved to absorb heat from the coil. In such an arrangement, it is common to increase the heat transfer efficiency of the coil by maintaining the same in a wet condition by means of a water spray or cascade, for example. In this manner, evaporation of the water causes an accelerated transfer of heat from the fluid in the coil for a given amount of air flow thereover than would be the case if the coil surface was not drenched. The present invention is directed to the disposition of a propeller air moving means sufficiently downstream of the cooling coil so as to be substantially free of air flow obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Assignee: Niagara Blower Company
    Inventor: Walter Kals
  • Patent number: 4269796
    Abstract: A wet/dry cooling tower wherein a liquid to-be-cooled is flowed along channels of a corrugated open surface or the like, which surface is swept by cooling air. The amount of the surface covered by the liquid is kept small compared to the dry part thereof so that said dry part acts as a fin for the wet part for heat dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Leon R. Glicksman, Warren R. Rohsenow
  • Patent number: 4259269
    Abstract: Apparatus for handling, diluting and adding a biocide chemical to a water cooling system which includes a venturi device powered by the motive water in the cooling system and connected to a biocide chemical supply and to a control network, including flow control means and valve means for obtaining controlled feed of the chemical into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventor: William F. Flowers
  • Patent number: 4259268
    Abstract: An extremely simple and inexpensive heat exchanger utilizing evaporative cooling for heat removal but avoiding the entrainment of unwanted moisture in the cooled air delivered to the living area or other space being cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Inventor: James DiRoss
  • Patent number: 4256675
    Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for converting sensitive organic compounds such as acrolein, methacrolein, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid from liquid to vapor in admixture with a gas stream at super-atmospheric pressures with minimum decomposition and substantially without polymer formation. The acrolein and methacrolein partial pressures being up to super-atmospheric and those of acrylic and methacrylic acids up to about an atmosphere.An apparatus and a process are also disclosed for transferring a sensitive organic material in an energy-efficient manner from a low-pressure, high-temperature gas-vapor stream to a solvent for the sensitive material, and then to another gas stream at increased pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Vanderspurt, Paul D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4248609
    Abstract: Wet scrubbing gases containing undesirable constituents by passing the gases at a temperature above 500K. in contact with the melt of an inorganic substance to remove the undesirable constituents. The melt together with a portion of the purified gas as a propellant is introduced into a binary nozzle to atomize the melt into fine particles which contact the gases to be purified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Inventor: Ekkehard Weber
  • Patent number: 4246890
    Abstract: A device making use of the gravity generated imbalance within a portion of the system confined upward and downward flowing liquid. A condensed gas of lower boiling point is induced to the portion of the upward flowing heated liquid of higher boiling point. The formation of gas bubbles upon evaporation of the condensed gas within the upward flowing heated liquid, causing fluid displacement thereof, thereby causing a imbalance between the upward flowing liquid and gas mixture, and the downward flowing solid liquid after being separated from the gas. Thus, gravity causing the continuous pumping action of the liquid throughout the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Inventors: Robert A. Kraus, Edmund J. Kraus
  • Patent number: 4227897
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovery of condensible vapors as components in waste gases which are to be flared, comprising a flare system, including a flare gas line leading to a flare stack. Inserted in the flare gas line is a gas-to-liquid heat exchanger, to cool the flare gases prior to passage to the stack. The cooling is to be selected temperature, where condensible vapors in the waste gases, the dew points of which are above the selected temperature, will condense. Means are provided for separating the condensed vapors from the remaining flare gases. Thermostatic means are provided for stopping the circulation of said cooling liquid whenever the ambient temperature drops below the selected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: John Zink Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Reed
  • Patent number: 4207180
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for promoting gas-liquid reaction in a reactor comprise pumping the reacting liquid to a predetermined height in a flow conduit. Gas is admitted to the liquid flow course to affect entraining gas in the flowing liquid and forming a gas-liquid mixture in the flow conduit. Said gas-liquid mixture is then guided to flow downwardly in a sustaintially vertical tube and subsequently discharged in a submerged eductor means for inducing a secondary circulating flow in the reactor. The circulating flow of the reactor liquid disperses the discharged gas homogeneously throughout the reactor and promotes a effective gas-liquid mass transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Inventor: Shih-chih Chang
  • Patent number: 4190620
    Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for converting sensitive organic compounds such as acrolein, methacrolein, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid from liquid to vapor in admixture with a gas stream at super-atmospheric pressures with minimum decomposition and substantially without polymer formation. The acrolein and methacrolein partial pressures being up to super-atmospheric and those of acrylic and methacrylic acids up to about an atmosphere.An apparatus and a process are also disclosed for transferring a sensitive organic material in an energy-efficient manner from a low-pressure, high-temperature gas-vapor stream to a solvent for the sensitive material, and then to another gas stream at increased pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Vanderspurt, Paul D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4158680
    Abstract: This is a continuous process for producing a stream of purified and humidified fuel gas which may be burned in a gas turbine to produce mechanical work and electrical energy without contaminating the environment. In the process, a feed stream of raw fuel gas is preferably produced by the partial oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel with a free-oxygen containing gas, optionally in the presence of a temperature moderator. The raw fuel gas stream is then preferably saturated with water during cooling and cleaning operations. It is then passed in indirect countercurrent heat exchange with a stream of purified fuel gas containing substantially no water. The latter stream was produced by cooling and purifying said raw fuel gas stream. At least a portion of the water which is condensed out of the raw fuel gas during said cooling operation is separated and revaporized into said purified fuel gas stream. The resulting stream of purified and humidified fuel gas may be used as fuel in a gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney McGann
  • Patent number: 4131658
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for atomizing oil of high viscosity by a venturi tube, whereby pressurized air is introduced from the outside into a reservoir through said venturi tube, while the oil in the reservoir is transported to the venturi through a conduit, or a suction tube, by the pressure differential between the oil reservoir and the open end of a nozzle and is heated in a heating chamber just before the atomization nozzle which is open into said venturi so as to provide fluidity to the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Company Limited
    Inventors: Masakuni Hirata, Yukio Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 4129179
    Abstract: A gaseous source of waste energy, including heat, is passed through a gas to liquid heat exchanger and then a chiller to agitate a water bath and produce evaporation of water for cooling. The heated transfer liquid is passed through a heat exchanger to heat makeup air or the like, while, alternatively, chilled water from the chiller is passed through the heat exchanger to cool the makeup air. The source of waste energy, including heat, is normally a grease extraction ventilator mounted to receive fumes and heated air from cooking equipment. Any other source of waste energy is normally suitable, such as heated air which has risen to the upper portion of a large room or enclosure, such as an auditorium, theater, meeting hall or the like. The heated air removed from such a position is adapted in part to be recirculated, but all of it may be used to furnish heat for heating fresh makeup air. Several forms of chiller, including specialized double compartment chillers, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Assignee: Stainless Equipment Company
    Inventor: Victor D. Molitor
  • Patent number: 4129627
    Abstract: A tornado protected cooling tower. The tower includes a plurality of enclosed cooling cells arranged about the periphery of an open cooling basin. Each of the cells includes a cool air inlet along the side thereof opposite the open cooling basin and a warm air outlet along the side thereof adjacent the open cooling basin. A plurality of fans are mounted within each of the cells along the side thereof adjacent the open cooling basin in direct communication with the warm air outlet. Each of the cells further includes an inner wall having an apron portion extending downwardly below the lowest component of the fans. Water distribution means is provided for carrying water upwardly from the open cooling basin into each of the cells for discharge in uniformly dispersed fashion within the cell. Each of the cells includes a perforate fill material supported by fill support means below the water distribution means and above the cool air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Assignee: Ceramic Cooling Tower Company
    Inventor: Dale D. Furr
  • Patent number: 4125148
    Abstract: A gaseous source of waste energy, including heat, is passed through a gas to liquid heat exchanger and then a chiller to agitate a water bath and produce evaporation of water for cooling. The heated transfer liquid is passed through a heat exchanger to heat makeup air or the like, while, alternatively, chilled water from the chiller is passed through the heat exchanger to cool the makeup air. Supplemental heating, as by a furnace, or supplemental cooling, as by refrigeration, may be utilized when called for.Separate heat exchangers, as for separate areas, are alternatively supplied with heated transfer liquid or chilled water, or one or more supplied with heated transfer liquid and one or more others supplied with chilled water.The source of waste energy, including heat, is normally fumes and heated air from cooking equipment passed through a grease extraction ventilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1978
    Assignee: Stainless Equipment Company
    Inventor: Victor D. Molitor
  • Patent number: 4121541
    Abstract: A process is provided for removing pollutants from flue gases generated in a steam generating power plant. The flue gases are partially cooled and directly contacted with a portion of the cooling water of a circulating cooling water system used to remove waste heat of the generated steam in a waste heat condenser. The pollutants are thereby washed out of the flue gases into the cooling water and thereafter removed from the cooling water. The heat exchange of the cooling water and the flue gases can take place in a cooling tower, wherein ambient cooling air is drawn in to cool the circulating cooling water. The flue gases can also be further cooled prior to the direct washing thereof by indirect heat exchange in the cooling tower with said upwardly moving cooling air and washed flue gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: Saarbergwerke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hannes Kneissl, Alexander Uebbing
  • Patent number: 4112027
    Abstract: A high efficiency, induced draft, combination counterflow-crossflow fluid cooling apparatus and method is provided which gives unexpectedly enhanced cooling of hot fluid by causing the fluid to pass upwardly through a series of serpentine heat exchange conduits in primarily countercurrent, indirect sensible heat exchange relationship with external cooling water gravitating from an overlying evaporative water cooling section. Crossflowing air currents are pulled through the apparatus to evaporatively cool the water not only in the upper cooling section but also in the sensible heat exchange area as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: The Marley Company
    Inventor: Robert E. Cates
  • Patent number: 4098854
    Abstract: Liquid used in a liquid-heating machine such as a turbine condenser is continuously circulated in an endless fluid flow path which passes through the machine and which is subdivided at a location spaced from the machine into a pair of parallel branches. A closed dry-type heat exchanger is provided in one branch and a wet-type evaporative cooler is provided in the other branch. A fan or the like is operated to form a pair of parallel streams of air one of which is passed over the closed heat exchanger for cooling the liquid purely by conduction, and the other stream is passed directly over the liquid in the evaporative cooler so as to cool it largely evaporatively. The heated air coming off the dry-type heat exchanger is mixed with the heated humid air coming off the wet-type evaporative cooler and liberated to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: GEA Luftkuhlergesellschaft Happel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hermann Knirsch, Hans-Bernd Gerz
  • Patent number: 4065527
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for handling a gas and a liquid in a manner to cause a specific interaction between them. The gas is placed into circulation to cause it to make a liquid circulate in a vortex fashion to present a liquid curtain. The gas is then passed through the liquid curtain by angled vanes to cause the interaction between the two fluids, such as the heating of the liquid, scrubbing of the gas, adding a chemical to the liquid and the like. The vanes are spaced apart and project inwardly from the inner periphery of an annular support so that the circulating liquid readily moves into the spaces between the vanes to create the liquid curtain. A number of embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Inventor: David A. Graber
  • Patent number: 4054623
    Abstract: A cooling system for circulating a fluid past a heat-exchanger comprises a vertical surge column and a cooling tower to reduce the heat level of a circulating fluid for delivery to the surge column. The cooling tower is mounted on the surge column which is adapted to support substantially the entire weight of the cooling tower. Heat-exchanger coils are provided which are coupled to the surge column to receive the circulating fluid therefrom and to return the circulating fluid to the cooling tower. There is also provided a circulating device which is operatively coupled to the surge column, cooling tower, and heat-exchanger coils to circulate the circulating fluid therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1977
    Inventor: Michael Ouska
  • Patent number: 4044078
    Abstract: An air handler especially for use with a produce storage room has a housing with an air inlet near the bottom and an air outlet near the top. A fan or blower supplies air above atmospheric pressure to the inlet for flow through the housing and discharge from the top thereof and through a duct leading to the storage room. Adjacent the housing there is a water cooler, usually operated in a refrigerator circuit, into which water is introduced from a collector near the bottom of the housing and from which the cooled water is discharged into a distributor in the housing near the top thereof. The distributor, preferably a number of sprays, discharges the cooled water to fall over and through a water and air baffle unit within the housing between the inlet and the outlet thereof and into the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1977
    Assignee: N.P.I. Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Curtis, Robert H. Dench, Victor J. Dervin
  • Patent number: 4031030
    Abstract: Process for treating raw gas produced by the gasification of coal under elevated pressures and temperatures by a treatment with oxygen and steam and, if desired, additional gasifying agents such as carbon dioxide. The raw gas leaving the gas producer is cooled in a first condensing stage to a temperature which is in the range of 150.degree.-220.degree. C and 3.degree.-25.degree. C below the dew point temperature of the raw gas. The resulting condensate is withdrawn and the raw gas is conducted through at least one additional condensing stage. The condensate of the first condensing stage is treated independently of the condensate from the further stage or stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1977
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Paul Rudolph
  • Patent number: 4028441
    Abstract: A flow regulator is disclosed for controlling liquid flow, for example, from a supply source to a receiving tank according to the liquid level in the tank. Specifically, a fluid interaction device communicating with the receiving tank causes a fluid pressure signal to be developed in response to departure of the liquid in the tank from a predetermined level. A differential pressure responsive valve adjusts liquid flow from the supply source to the receiving tank in response to the fluid pressure signal. Several embodiments and other features including a bypass for enhancing stable flow and a preferred valve structure are disclosed.A beverage dispensing system incorporating the aforesaid flow regulator is also disclosed. A cold carbonated liquid is continually circulated past dispensers from a pressurized chill tank having a carbon dioxide atmosphere. The flow regulator admits further liquid to the system from a supply source whenever liquid is tapped from the system by the dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: Fluid Device Corporation
    Inventor: George B. Richards
  • Patent number: 4018859
    Abstract: A vessel is provided for a liquid, and a centrifugal aerating arrangement is provided in the vessel. The aerating arrangement includes a hollow substantially disc-shaped rotor mounted for rotation in the vessel and having a hub, a periphery which is formed with a plurality of outlet openings communicating with the interior of the rotor, and a Venturi-shaped inlet opening formed in an axial end of the rotor and communicating with the interior. A passage extends in part through the hub and communicates the interior with a source of gas. A drive is provided for rotating the rotor so that centrifugally created suction aspirates liquid through the inlet opening and gas through the passage, both of them entering the interior wherein they become mixed to be subsequently ejected centrifugally through the outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1977
    Inventor: Hans Muller
  • Patent number: 3962381
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for the humidification of a gas, and it comprises an outer container having an inner chamber and a top cover. Within the inner chamber is a helix-shaped gas bubble conveyer. Water is introduced into the container, which in turn, fills the chamber. Gas bubbles are introduced into the chamber, and as they traverse the helix pathway, they are saturated with the water. Means are provided for recirculating the water and maintaining it at any desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1976
    Assignee: Sandoz, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean T. Farrish, Dalton E. Templeton