Series Patents (Class 261/21)
  • Patent number: 11896941
    Abstract: An insert assembly for a foam generating device includes a first insert and a second insert with a channel defined therethrough. Inserts may be formed by two shell halves that are coupleable to one another to define the channel. A plurality of ribs extends along an interior surface of the channel. Pad structures defined by porous media are provided in the channel and gripped by the plurality of ribs. The pads receive cleaning solution passing through the channel and cause foam to be generated by breaking-up the cleaning solution and agitating. The ribs may be arranged horizontally relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert assembly and retain the pads within the device. Inserts may be arranged in series along a longitudinal axis of the foam generating device with the pad structures arranged within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Sonny's HFI Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Folk, Ryan Olson
  • Patent number: 11898580
    Abstract: The confined plunging liquid jet reactor with energy recovery includes a downcomer having an upper end, an open lower end, and a gas inlet for receiving gas, the downcomer extending into a liquid reservoir in a tank. A nozzle is mounted on the upper end of the downcomer for receiving a pressurized liquid to generate a liquid jet. The liquid jet impinges on liquid contained within the downcomer, creating turbulence and bubbles to entrain gas introduced through the gas inlet into the liquid reservoir as the jet travels downward in the downcomer. A riser is disposed around the downcomer and defines an annular air lift column. Unentrained gas and liquid exiting the downcomer rises in the air lift column with significant energy, the upper end of the riser being connected to a turbine coupled to a generator to recover energy from the air lift column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: KUWAIT UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Bader Shafaqa Al-Anzi
  • Patent number: 11155482
    Abstract: An aeration apparatus including a tank defining a cavity to receive a liquid, at least one aerator positioned within the tank, and a plenum connected to a bottom surface of the tank and in fluid communication with the at least one aerator, in which an air flow is directed from the plenum into the at least one aerator to deliver air to the liquid in the tank to oxidize the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Somerset Environmental Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Oliver
  • Patent number: 10788205
    Abstract: An atomizing system is provided to connect a liquid supply zone and a gas supply zone. In the atomizing system, a first pipeline is connected between the liquid supply zone and a first treatment tank, a second pipeline is connected between the first treatment tank and a second treatment tank, a third pipeline is connected between the gas supply zone and the second treatment tank. The end of each of the nozzles is connected to the other end of the third pipeline. The liquid supplied from the liquid supply zone is flowed into the second treatment tank through the second pipeline, the gas supplied from the gas supply zone is flowed into the second treatment tank through the nozzles, so that the liquid contacts the gas in the second treatment tank to produce the atomized liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: ASIA IC MIC-PROCESS, INC.
    Inventor: Hung-Hsin Hsu
  • Patent number: 10385364
    Abstract: A method of producing cellulose liquefaction and a cellulose liquefaction module that mixes and circulates cellulose material as a solid, and provides evaporative cooling in the module. The module includes a container having a vertically disposed tube that houses an auger conveyor that mixes and circulates solid cellulose material. Steam ports and activation agent injection ports are disposed within the tube to liquify the cellulose material. A forced air blower pushes air through the liquified cellulose material to provide evaporative cooling before discharge from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Mark K Gaalswyk
  • Patent number: 10329180
    Abstract: A self-cleaning fountain includes: a structure having two ends, defining a first flow way for a first fluid to flow along, wherein the structure defines holes for allowing a second fluid to flow through the holes; a pump system configured to pump the first fluid to a first end of the structure; a distributer located at the first end of the structure and configured to spray the first fluid received from the pump system onto the structure; a catch basin located at a second end of the structure for collecting the first fluid that has moved along the flow way to the catch basin; a photocatalytic coating on the structure; and a light source configured to direct light on the photocatalytic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: John B. Hayden
  • Patent number: 10247431
    Abstract: A fan coil apparatus includes an air flow path, a humidification unit, and a treatment applicator. The air flow path extends from a heating zone to a fan coil air outlet, and includes a humidification section. The humidification unit includes a humidification unit water droplet outlet and an air permeable water retaining member. The air permeable water retaining member and the humidification unit water droplet outlet are provided in the humidification section and the air permeable water retaining member is positioned downstream from the humidification unit water droplet outlet. The treatment applicator provides a disinfecting agent upstream from an air outlet of the humidification section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 10208970
    Abstract: A fan coil apparatus includes a humidification unit having a water mist production member, and an air flow path. The water mist production member includes a chamber. In operation, a water mist produced by the water mist production member is present in the chamber. The air flow path extends from an air inlet to an air outlet and passes through the chamber. Air passing through the air flow path draws water mist from the chamber and out the air outlet. The air inlet includes a scoop positioned in a first portion of an air flow path of the fan coil apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 10159915
    Abstract: Devices for the removal of gases and/or volatilizable contaminants from liquids are described. In one example device, a liquid fluid containing dissolved gases and/or volatilizable contaminants are passed through at least one local constriction in a flow-through chamber at a sufficient pressure and flow rate to create cavitation bubbles in the liquid flow. The dissolved gases and/or volatilizable contaminants migrate into the cavitation bubbles. The velocity of the liquid flow is then reduced, which allows for the cavitation bubbles in the liquid flow to coalesce. The velocity of the liquid flow can then be reduced further, resulting in additional coalescing of the cavitation bubbles. The cavitation bubbles that contain the gases and/or volatilizable contaminants can then be separated from the liquid flow. The separation generally leaves a liquid flow product that may have a concentration of one or more gases or volatilizable contaminants lower than the starting liquid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: ARISDYNE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Oleg Kozyuk
  • Publication number: 20140134296
    Abstract: An apparatus of making high-oxygenated water includes an oxygen supply, an exchange tank, and a pressure tank. The oxygen supply respectively supplies pure oxygen to the exchange tank and the pressure tank. The pure oxygen is dissolved in water in the exchange tank in a normal pressure environment to obtain oxygenated water. A slow-down unit is provided in the exchange tank to extend the time of the pure oxygen staying in the exchange to raise the dissolved oxygen of the oxygenated water. Next, the oxygenated water is drained to the pressure tank, and then the pure oxygen is dissolved in the oxygenated water in the exchange tank in a high pressure environment to obtain high-oxygenated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Chien-An CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140116953
    Abstract: A method obtains metal-containing valuable substances from a suspension that contains metal-containing valuable substances. A corresponding suspension which is pressurized after passing through at least one pump device and which is mixed with a gas is fed to at least one jet device of at least one flotation cell via at least one feed line. The metal-containing valuable substances are separated in the at least one flotation cell. The suspension that contains the metal-containing valuable substances is charged with gas at least partially after passing through the pump device before entering the jet device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Stefan Blendinger, Robert Fleck, Gerold Franke, Lilla Grossmann, Werner Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8568669
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for cooling and distributing mixed charges on fixed catalyst beds for use in the cooling zone of descending flow reactors which comprises a flat tray fitted with collector and distributor tubes for liquid superimposed upon and connected to another flat tray of similar design to the upper tray. The device, which is of smaller size in comparison with other commercially available devices, is extremely simple to install industrially and compact, and has as its main characteristic the efficiency with which it promotes reduction of the temperature of the reaction medium when it receives the cooling fluid within the catalytic reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.—Petrobras
    Inventors: Wilson Kenzo Huziwara, Donizeti Aurelio Silva Belato, Jorge Roberto Duncan Lima, Rogério Michelan, William Victor Carlos Candido, Angelo Jose Gugelmin, Paulo Sérgio Freire, Nelson Patrício, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8453997
    Abstract: A method of conversion of a single-phase stream into a supersonic homogenous two phase medium includes flowing the stream into an inlet section of a nozzle at an initial pressure, boiling a portion of the liquid medium by accelerating a velocity of the stream through a multistage draw-down of an inner diameter of the inlet of the nozzle to form a mixture of liquid and boiled fluid; and accelerating the mixture to a second velocity by flowing the mixture through an outlet section that diverges along the flow direction. The outlet section includes a concave portion, a convex portion, and a transition between the concave portion and the convex portion in which the concave profile smoothly transitions to the convex profile. A velocity of the stream is equal to a velocity of sound in the stream at a critical section located in the outlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Fisonic Holding Limited
    Inventor: Vladimir Vladimirovich Fisenko
  • Publication number: 20130093108
    Abstract: This application is directed to a fragrance dispenser attachably connected to a fan comprising: a housing having openings defined in the housing; a fragrance reservoir included in the housing for receiving a fragrance medium containing a fragrance; a cover operably associated with the opening for restricting airflow into the fragrance reservoir; and, a cover actuator operably connected to the cover having an open position allowing airflow into and out of the fragrance reservoir for dispensing a fragrance and a closed position for restricting airflow into and out of the fragrance reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Nathan A. Scolari
  • Patent number: 8387956
    Abstract: A reboiling jet apparatus includes at least two nozzles in series, configured to cause boiling of a hot liquid in the first nozzle, deceleration and reduction of the gas phase in the second nozzle, followed by acceleration and reboiling in the second nozzle. A second deceleration and reduction of the gas phase occurs at the outlet of the second nozzle. Each deceleration causes heating of the liquid by reduction of the gas phase; thus, energy of a pressurized input fluid is efficiently converted into heat by action of the nozzles. A convergent-divergent nozzle for steam injection with a mixing chamber may be used instead of the first nozzle to cause the first boiling. Another nozzle may be used to introduce a cold fluid at the outlet of the second nozzle for mixing with the hot flow prior to completion of the second deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fisonic Holding Limited
    Inventor: Vladimir Vladimirovich Fisenko
  • Publication number: 20120175304
    Abstract: A mass transfer device, such as a desorption device has fluid channels, to transfer a component one fluid to the other. A microsieve is provided separating the channels. The microsieve comprising a sieve layer with a thickness of less than two micrometer deposited on a substrate with openings to expose areas of the sieve layer with holes straight through the sieve layer. The remaining portions of the substrate form a support web to support the sieve layer. In an embodiment the liquid channel is provided on the side of the microsieve opposite the substrate portions. An efficient very low height (e.g. 25 micrometer) liquid channel may be realized in this way. Preferably the liquid is supplied using a channel plate facing the microsieve, with grooves opposite wider portions of the substrate, the liquid flowing out sideways from the grooves into areas where the low height liquid channel is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: FluXXion B.V.
    Inventors: Benjamin Brocades Zaalberg, Franciscus Antonius Pronk
  • Publication number: 20120042779
    Abstract: A method and system for dehumidifying flue gas from a flue gas-generating process that supplies the flue gas to a wet flue gas processor. A wet cooling tower supplies water to a wet flue gas processor to condense water from the flue gas and form a liquid mixture in the wet flue gas processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis K. McDonald, Douglas J. DeVault, Paul J. Williams
  • Patent number: 8104745
    Abstract: A reboiling jet apparatus comprises at least two nozzles in series, configured to cause boiling of a hot liquid in the first nozzle, deceleration and reduction of the gas phase in the second nozzle, followed by acceleration and reboiling in the second nozzle. A second deceleration and reduction of the gas phase occurs at the outlet of the second nozzle. Each deceleration causes heating of the liquid by reduction of the gas phase; thus, energy of a pressurized input fluid is efficiently converted into heat by action of the nozzles. A convergent-divergent nozzle for steam injection with a mixing chamber may be used instead of the first nozzle to cause the first boiling. Another nozzle may be used to introduce a cold fluid at the outlet of the second nozzle for mixing with the hot flow prior to completion of the second deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Vladimir Vladimirovich Fisenko
  • Publication number: 20110260344
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a carbonation system or gas delivery system including a liquid inlet, a gas inlet, a mixture outlet, and a mixing cartridge or membrane module. The mixing cartridge or membrane module can enhance the simultaneous absorption of gas and the transfer of heat out of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: John W. Shanahan, John H. Burban, Kenneth A. Peterson, Robert O. Crowder, Xijing Zhang, Michael Saveliev, Kevin Carlson
  • Patent number: 8038127
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing hydrogen-added water containing a large amount of microscopic bubbles and manufacturing equipment for the same so as to expand the industrial applicability of hydrogen-added water by injecting a large amount of microscopic bubbles. More specifically, a plurality of tubular structures, in which the diffusion chamber (5), having double tubes, is provided, and a porous element (6) having predetermined pore diameters, in the diffusion chamber (5) is provided and are substantially linearly arranged in a longitudinal direction. The raw water and hydrogen are supplied with one of the tubular structures, so as to form the mixture of raw water and hydrogen by mixing supplied raw water and hydrogen in the diffusion chamber (5). The mixture is passed through the porous element (6) and diffused therein. The mixture fluid of raw water and hydrogen is then supplied to an adjacent tubular structure under high pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignees: Hiroshima Kasei, Ltd., H4O Inc.
    Inventors: Daigo Matsuoka, Maiko Takebe, Takahiro Hayama, Toshinori Harada, Yuuichi Takagaki, Hisakazu Matsui
  • Patent number: 7910074
    Abstract: A liquid transfer system for transferring liquid from a plurality of containers to a plurality of destinations comprises a plurality of inlet valves. Each inlet valve is operable between an open position allowing liquid from a container to be drawn into the system and a closed position blocking liquid from a container from being drawn into the system. Liquid drawn from each of the liquid containers is delivered to a buffer chamber designed to degas the liquid in the buffer chamber. The buffer chamber leads to a vented feeder chamber that is also adapted to retain a volume of liquid. A chamber connection valve is provided between the buffer chamber and the feeder chamber to allow or block the flow of liquid between the buffer chamber and the feeder chamber. The feeder chamber is connected to a plurality of distribution valves operable to deliver liquid to a plurality of destinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Li, Rongchang Xin, Elgardo Echevarria, John A. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20100018935
    Abstract: A multiphase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Liquid Separation Technologies and Equipment, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne W. Spani
  • Patent number: 7461834
    Abstract: A waste liquid treatment system includes a heat retaining/storage tank section adapted to store waste liquid, retaining the temperature thereof, an atomization chamber section capable of gasifying waste liquid by atomization and/or thermal vaporization, a heating/decomposition chamber section whose internal temperature is held in a thermal decomposition temperature range good for thermally decomposing harmful chemical substances contained in the mist and/or vapor gas of waste liquid when the mist and/or vapor gas of waste liquid passes through the inside thereof, a rapid cooling section for rapidly cooling decomposed exhaust gas and a vacuum pump section for drawing mist and/or vapor gas of waste liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Limited Private Company Hoshimoto
    Inventors: Minoru Hoshino, Keiji Hokari, Tamotsu Hoshino, Yoshihiro Kyotani
  • Publication number: 20080251453
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a liquid, particularly for aerating water in a wastewater treatment process, by: introducing the liquid into a primary pressurizable aeration tank; pumping liquid from the primary pressurizable aeration tank into a secondary pressurizable aeration chamber via a feed path; aerating the liquid in the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber; and recirculating aerated liquid from the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber back to the primary pressurizable aeration tank via a return path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Jeremy Weissman
  • Patent number: 6759018
    Abstract: A system for abating undesired component(s) from a gas stream containing same, such as halocompounds, acid gases, silanes, ammonia, etc., by scrubbing of the effluent gas stream with an aqueous scrubbing medium. Halocompounds, such as fluorine, fluorides, perfluorocarbons, and chlorofluorocarbons, may be scrubbed in the presence of a reducing agent, e.g., sodium thiosulfate, ammonium hydroxide, or potassium iodide. In one embodiment, the scrubbing system includes a first acid gas scrubbing unit operated in cocurrent gas/liquid flow, and a second “polishing” unit operated in countercurrent gas/liquid flow, to achieve high removal efficiency with low consumption of water. The scrubbing system may utilize removable insert beds of packing material, packaged in a foraminous containment structure. The abatement system of the invention has particular utility in the treatment of semiconductor manufacturing process effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose I. Arno, Mark Holst, Sam Yee, Joseph D. Sweeney, Jeff Lorelli, Jason Deseve
  • Publication number: 20030222360
    Abstract: A two-stage vaporizer includes two vaporizing stages joined by a vaporization chamber located gravitationally below the first vaporizing stage and gravitationally above the second vaporizing stage. A separator covering an outlet within the vaporization chamber allows vaporized precursor from both vaporizing stages to pass through the outlet to chemical vapor deposition system and prevents any remaining liquid precursor from passing through the outlet. The liquid precursor is premixed with carrier gas just prior to entry into the vaporizer. Additional flows of carrier gas pass through the two vaporizing stages in opposite directions to carry the vaporized precursor to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Rajul V. Randive, William J. Messner
  • Publication number: 20030080443
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for beverage dispensing are provided with a carbonator (12) that includes a plurality of hydrophobic hollow fibers (32). A pre-cabonation circuit (28) may also be included. A water treatment system (14) may be used to supply water to the carbonator (12) and/or the pre-carbonation circuit (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Robert S. Bosko
  • Publication number: 20010042927
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a centrifugal vortex system for preparing a liquid, such as medicine, and includes a chamber housing defining a vortex chamber. An array of tangential apertures are formed in the chamber housing to permit fluid to be turbulently introduced into the vortex chamber to create a vortical flow of fluid through the vortex chamber. In one embodiment, a plurality of vortex chambers are arranged in series to allow the fluid to pass through several vortex chambers. In other embodiments, the chamber housing may be stepped, textured, or both to increase the turbulence of the flow through the chamber. This present invention may be used for nebulizing and vaporizing fluids, powders and liquids for inhalation by a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: LyteSyde, LLC
    Inventor: Kelly Rock
  • Patent number: 6113078
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a centrifugal vortex system for preparing a liquid, such as fuel and includes a chamber housing defining a vortex chamber. An array of tangential apertures are formed in the chamber housing to permit fluid to be turbulently introduced into the vortex chamber to create a vortical flow of fluid through the vortex chamber. In one embodiment, a plurality of vortex chambers are arranged in series to allow the fluid to pass through several vortex chambers. In other embodiments, the chamber housing may be stepped, textured, or both to increase the turbulence of the flow through the chamber. In yet another embodiment, a pressure differential supply jacket is provided to normalize the amount of flow through the tangential apertures according to the location of the apertures. A centrifuge chamber is also disclosed which has a plurality of output conduits on a bottom surface and a tapered extension member downwardly extending from a top surface to enhance the centrifugal flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: LyteSyde, LLC
    Inventor: Kelly P. Rock
  • Patent number: 5770167
    Abstract: This invention relates to a waste gas treating apparatus, especially for treating a waste gas containing sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. It includes at least one washing tower. At least one fluid inlet is disposed on a lateral wall of the washing tower, so that a fluid is pumped into the washing tower by constant amount and drained out from a draining opening of a base of the washing tower. At least one gas inlet is disposed on the wall of the washing tower below the fluid inlet. The waste gas is injected into the washing tower so as to contact with the fluid and form bubbles which buoy upward to a top of the washing tower and are exhausted from a gas outlet thereof. The fluid serves to react with and absorb the pollutants contained in the waste gas. The products of the reaction are discharged out of the washing tower along with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Chin-Ching Yen, Chih-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 5690896
    Abstract: A multi-bed, down-flow reactor includes several distributor assemblies, each having a centrally located mixing chamber and an annular collecting and mixing trough surrounding the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has an inlet at one side thereof, an outlet in its bottom wall, and a quench gas inlet in its top wall above the outlet. A divider wall traverses the annular trough adjacent to the inlet to cause the pool of liquid collected in the trough to flow in a circular pattern around the mixing chamber to the inlet. This ensures that the liquid circulating through the trough is well mixed with the liquid raining down from the catalyst bed. Turbulent and spiraling flow patterns generated within the chamber further mix the liquid and gas and entrain quench gas in the liquid and gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Stangeland, Krishniah Parimi, Dennis R. Cash
  • Patent number: 5653919
    Abstract: A humidifier for adding liquid from a mist source to a gas flow improves the evaporation of the liquid by reducing the quantity of larger water droplets from the mist introduced to the gas flow by slowing a diverted portion of the gas flow, routing the gas flow through a partitioned chamber and deflecting the gas flow from direct impact on the mist while catching splattered liquid droplets within the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Morgan & White, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. White, David B. White
  • Patent number: 5620593
    Abstract: An in-well system for simultaneously treating and extracting groundwater by injecting compressed gas through the groundwater in multiple successive stages as it is pumped out of a well. The process is usable for in-well aeration stripping of Volatile Organic Compounds from groundwater or for other applications in which it is desirable to pass compressed gas through groundwater to alter the physical, chemical, or radiological properties of the groundwater prior to its discharge from the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph C. Stagner
  • Patent number: 5558819
    Abstract: Plant for briefly heating a free-falling liquid in a pressure chamber (9) by stream which is also supplied to the pressure chamber. The liquid is supplied to the pressure chamber through a supply plate (42) provided with channels (44) and the resulting liquid jets are brought into contact with the steam. Over the thickness of the plate a temperature gradient is maintained at the level of the difference between the steam temperature and the supply temperature of the liquid. The flow direction of the steam in the pressure chamber is essentially equal to the flow direction of the liquid jets. The plate is of plastic so as to have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity. Alternatively, the plate can have cooling channels to keep its upper surface desirably cooler than its under surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Den Hollander Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: Adriaan G. Den Hollander
  • Patent number: 5262091
    Abstract: A steam injector system comprises a plurality of steam injectors each being provided with with a check valve adapted for water supply, a check valve adapted for steam supply, a check valve adapted for overflow and a check valve adapted for discharge and the respective water check valves, steam check valves, overflow check valves and discharge check valves are connected. In another aspect, a steam injector system comprises a plurality of first to last stage steam injectors arranged in series with each other, the last stage steam injector being provided with a relief valve disposed at a last stage overflow drain port, and a pressure pulsation absorbing device is disposed at least between the last stage overflow drain valve and the relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tadashi Narabayashi, Hiroshi Miyano, Osamu Ozaki, Wataru Mizumachi, Akira Tanabe, Akio Shioiri, Hiroshi Tonegawa, Takenori Ishiyama
  • Patent number: 5160707
    Abstract: After aerating sewage sludge in a composting process, a stream of process air is treated to remove odors therefrom by injecting into the airstream an atomized mixture of dilute sulfuric acid and dilute surfactant to remove ammonia and odorous organic compounds therefrom. The airstream is then oxidized with bleach to remove sulfides and treated with a hydrogen peroxide solution to remove chlorine introduced by the bleach while maintaining the oxidation reaction. A dilution fan is used to further dilute the scrubbed airstream as the airstream is exhausted to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
    Inventors: Charles M. Murray, Joel L. Thompson, Lawrence H. Hentz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5133941
    Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for hydrogenating a stream of hydrocarbons is provided. The pressure and temperature of the stream are elevated and the stream is passed through two or more serially connected hydrogenation reaction zones. While passing through the reaction zones hydrogen is dispersed in the stream and the stream is caused to flow along successive downward and upward paths. The reacted stream is cooled prior to reducing the pressure exerted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: George E. Hays, Theodore M. Classen
  • Patent number: 5009816
    Abstract: A gas-liquid mixing process and apparatus employing two or more stacked impeller-draft tube assemblies adapted to enable effective gas ingestion into a recirculating body of liquid by vortex development to be continued upon an appreciable variation in liquid level during the course of the mixing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Union Carbide Industrial Gases Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mark K. Weise, Jeffery P. Kingsley, Lawrence M. Litz
  • Patent number: 4834955
    Abstract: An inhibitor formulation for inhibiting corrosion and deposition of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and silt in a cooling water system and calcium sulphate (gypsum) scaling in a flue gas desulfurization system. The inhibitor formulation comprises polyacrylate, polymaleic anhydride, and phosphonate in a active weight ratio range between about 1 to 40:1 to 40:0.1 to 15, respectively. The inhibitor formulation is employed to inhibit corrosion and scaling in a combined cooling water/flue gas desulfurization process wherein at least a portion of cooling water blowdown is supplied to make up at least a portion of reagent makeup and/or mist eliminator wash water in the flue gas desulfurization system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: R. J. Mouche, M. L. Lin, E. W. Ekis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4834782
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for intimately mixing and contacting first and second fluids for purposes of scrubbing and cleaning one of the fluids with the other. The apparatus includes a venturi mixer device having a nozzle and feed conduit for mixing two fluid streams together. In addition, the venturi mixer device has an impingement member upon which the mixed stream of fluids impinge immediately following the mixing of the streams of fluid. The venturi mixer devices are preferably arranged in a cascade arrangement with subsequent devices being spaced a vertical distance from the previous respective devices. First and second fluids are mixed together in the initial venturi mixer device. The mixed effluents from the initial and intermediate venturi mixer devices are used as the drive fluid for subsequent, respective, downstream venturi mixer devices to further mix additional second fluid to the mixed effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: Robert E. Silva
  • Patent number: 4662993
    Abstract: A bleach system for blending gaseous chlorine with a paper pulp slurry flow stream by mixing the chlorine with a larger quantity of steam prior to blending the chlorine/steam gas mixture with bleach washer filtrate which serves as carrier water for a multiplied number of gas bubbles entrained in the filtrate. As the cooler filtrate water extracts heat from the mixed gas bubble, the steam constituent condenses to collapse each bubble to a fraction of the original volume thereby providing a larger number of smaller chlorine bubbles than otherwise available from conventional phase mixing injectors.The mixed phase flow stream of chlorine and filtrate is thereafter blended with the pulp slurry flow stream by shear induced turbulence resulting from a greater injection velocity of the mixed phase stream into the center of the slower moving slurry stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Ernst H. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 4359331
    Abstract: Contactor-separator units of a sub-assembly in which an isotopic exchange between two immiscible phases takes place are associated in m lines and n columns. One of the phases leaving a contactor-separator unit is directly directed to the adjacent contactor-separator unit in the same line, whereas the other phase leaving the same contactor-separator unit, is directed directly to the adjacent contactor-separator unit in the same column. Each of the m lines and n columns is provided with a single pump. The instantaneous flow rates of each phase are substantially equal at the input and the output of each of the contactor-separator units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean Beaujard, Jean-Claude Menes, Jean Ravoire
  • Patent number: 4356009
    Abstract: A scrubber device for removing finely divided contaminants including gases from a gas stream is disclosed. The device comprises a housing defining a pretreatment section, an implosion section, and a diffusion section. The pretreatment section includes an inlet for directing a gas stream therein and means which define an annular flow path between the pretreatment section and the implosion section for the gas stream. The implosion section is disposed in the housing and is configured such that as the gas stream flows through the annular passage, it is directed radially inward. Means for supplying a liquid to the implosion section is also included, such that as the gas stream passes through the implosion section, finely divided liquid particles are entrained in the gas stream. The diffusion section is configured to receive the gas stream from the implosion section and includes means for removing the finely divided liquid particles. The now clean gas stream is then directed out of the diffusion section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Air Pollution Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Seymour Calvert
  • Patent number: 4308037
    Abstract: High temperature thermal exchange between molten liquid and a gas stream is effected by generating in a confined flow passageway a plurality of droplets of molten liquid and by passing a gas stream through the passageway in heat exchange relationship with the droplets. The droplets are recovered and adjusted to a predetermined temperature by means of thermal exchange with an external source for recycle. The process provides for removal of undesired solid, liquid or gaseous components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: Institute of Gas Technology
    Inventors: Herman P. Meissner, Frank C. Schora
  • Patent number: 4296049
    Abstract: Washing fluid is distributed in a scrubber or a stripper to treat a countercurrent gaseous or vaporous stream by spigots receiving fluid from a tray for discharge onto spray pipes underneath a nozzle at the end of the spigot. A casing surrounds the spigot in a concentrically-spaced relation to a point where slots in the spigot discharge fluid onto a spray plate carried on the lower end of the spigot above the nozzle. The spray plate on the spigot includes a base section with a slotted edge section having some of the slotted portions bent upwardly and others bent downwardly while others are completely removed. The base section supports downwardly-extending fingers that extend into space. A frame carried by the casing supports an upper and smaller spray plate above a lower and larger spray plate all beneath the nozzle in the spigot. The upper and lower spray plates each have upwardly- and downwardly-bent edge portions carried by a base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Assignee: Dr. C. Otto & Comp. G.m.b.H.
    Inventor: Horst Ritter
  • Patent number: 4238462
    Abstract: A process for reacting a circulating liquid reaction solution with a gas in separate reaction zones within a single reaction vessel wherein the liquid reaction solution is continuously circulated between a first reaction zone and a second reaction zone within the reaction vessel but providing at least two side-by-side reaction chambers in open flow communication at their upper and lower ends with a gas supply means associated with each said chamber for introducing a gas in a finely divided form into the lower ends of each said chamber, and said gas supply means including flow control means whereby the rate of upwardly flow of gas in one of the chambers is greater than the rate of upwardly flow of gas in the other chamber so as to lower the density of the liquid reaction solution in the one chamber and provide continuous upwardly flow of liquid reaction solution and gas in the one chamber and downwardly flow of liquid reaction solution countercurrent to the flow of gas in the other chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: Air Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie C. Hardison
  • Patent number: 4235607
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing an impurity from a gas by means of selective absorption of a gas impurity by a suitable absorbent. The absorbent and gas are contacted in a contacting zone which is divided into a plurality of compartments with the absorbent and gas flowing cocurrently in each individual compartment. The overall system, however, is a countercurrent flow system wherein the absorbent flows downwardly and the gas flows upwardly. The process and the apparatus can be used for the removal of carbon dioxide from natural gas with the use of salt water as the absorbent. The invention is especially useful for a natural gas well located in offshore waters that produces a gas with a high concentration of carbon dioxide as the apparatus can be erected on the ocean floor and use the surrounding sea water as absorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Kinder, Fred T. Sherk
  • Patent number: 4187279
    Abstract: A device for recovering chemicals from flue gases and green liquor obtained from burning the waste liquor of sodium based pulping processes, which device comprises a precarbonation reactor, a H.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Assignee: OY Tampella AB
    Inventor: Pertti K. Rimpi
  • Patent number: 4152196
    Abstract: The column employs a head section with a counterflow column, a bottom section with a counterflow column and a plurality of reaction stages for stripping metal salts via steam from ammoniacal solutions or suspensions. Each reaction stage has a floor, a pipe defining a laterally confined chamber, an outlet and a valve in the outlet to control the discharge of liquid. At least one steam line communicates the upper end of each stage with the pipe in the next uppermost stage. Incrustation of the column by the stripped salts is reduced by the high velocity of flow in the bubble bed in each stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Ulrich Buhlmann
  • Patent number: 4124660
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of, and equipment for, thorough mixing of gases and liquids.Equipment in conformity with the invention comprises one or several sequences arranged in same-sense or counter-sense flows, and each in turn comprising: an emulsifier followed by a tapered conduit and an expanding conduit; then, by a pressurized vessel equipped with an exhaust orifice for the liquid and an exhaust orifice for the gas. The gas and the liquid in such a vessel are in contact the moment they are at the maximum pressure reached in the sequence.The invention applies to chemical reactions, to dissolutions and wherever there is significance in achieving intimate contact between a gas and a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: CEM-Compagni Electro-Mecanique
    Inventor: Jacques Sterlini