Spray Patents (Class 261/98)
  • Patent number: 11192062
    Abstract: An air-liquid amine contactor for gaseous carbon dioxide extraction includes a manifold and a contactor. The manifold dispenses liquid amine into the contactor in a controlled manner. The liquid amine dispenses as a film that spreads over a plurality of plenum bodies mounted within the manifold. Each of the plurality of plenum bodies includes a plurality of V-shaped channels which increase the overall surface area of the plenum body. The plurality of V-shaped channels includes a first inner wall and a second inner wall positioned at an angle ranging from 24 to 28 degrees to each other. Further, each of the plurality of wedge-inserts includes a first fluid orifice, a second fluid orifice, and an inlet orifice. Each wedge-insert is positioned within a corresponding V-shaped channel. Finally, the contactor is mounted adjacent to the contactor which positions the plurality of V-shaped channels perpendicular to a bottom surface of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Giraldo Negrin Alvarez
  • Patent number: 10843124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and contactor vessel in which gas and liquid contact occurs to facilitate mass transfer therebetween. In one embodiment, the process includes a fluidised bed including mobile inert primary objects and secondary particles that facilitate turbulent mixing and enhanced gas/liquid surface area in the contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: REDEEM CCS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Barry Hooper
  • Patent number: 10744426
    Abstract: Structured elements with capabilities for stream flow division and distribution and mitigation of undesired species that exceed those of conventionally available materials are provided. The structured elements provide increased opportunities for surface attraction, retention and coalescence of undesired species in a process stream. The functional contact surfaces of the structured elements can include one or more of the faces of cells, the surfaces of struts connecting cells, the surfaces of nodes connecting struts, and the surfaces of asperities or irregularities caused by channels, flutes, spikes, fibrils or filaments in or on the material surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: CRYSTAPHASE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: John Glover, Austin Schneider, Peter Ham
  • Patent number: 10265676
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing packing includes: determining types of a gas and a liquid which are brought into gas-liquid contact and a main plate to be used; calculating a relationship between a contact angle and a liquid film length ratio; determining the arrangement (intervals) of a rib; determining rib conditions; calculating the minimum value of the flow direction length of the rib satisfying the contact angle and a strength requirement; confirming whether or not a liquid film length is greater than the minimum value; and determining the flow direction length of the rib within a range from the minimum value to the liquid film length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Iso, Jian Huang, Mariko Saga, Shinsuke Matsuno, Hiroyuki Uchida, Naoki Fujiwara, Kenji Takano, Kenji Tokuda
  • Patent number: 10197303
    Abstract: An air register drain, for draining liquid from a duct register opening, and having; a collector portion having a bottom wall, side walls, and a top wall and an end wall at one end; a duct connection (opening); an air register opening in the top; fastenings for fastening drain, the air register opening in position beneath a register opening in a floor, a liquid collection well wherein liquid can collect, and, a liquid drain in the well connectable to a liquid drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Danny Peticca
  • Patent number: 10160702
    Abstract: A process for removing a petroleum spirit fraction and also an oil fraction from a cracking gas stream in an oil scrub column, wherein, the ratio of the amount of substance of the petroleum spirit fraction recycled into the benzene section at the top per unit time to the amount of substance of the cracking gas introduced into the oil section per unit time is in a range from 1:16 to 1:10, preferably 1:12 to 1:10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Gerhard Alzner, Christian Matten
  • Patent number: 9982582
    Abstract: A cleaning system for reducing SOx and particulate matter in exhaust gases from a marine combustion engine, burner or boiler. The cleaning system comprises first and second scrubber process loops having first and second scrubber, respectively, and first and second water circulation tanks, respectively. Water from the first tank is evaporated to water vapor inside the first scrubber by contact with the exhaust gases, whereby the water vapor and the exhaust gases form humid exhaust gases. The humid exhaust gases are transferred to the second scrubber, wherein water from the second tank condensates the water vapor in the humid exhaust gases. A reflux of water from the second scrubber process loop to the first scrubber process loop is provided. At least 60% and more preferred at least 90% of a total amount of alkaline agent supplied to the cleaning system is supplied to the second scrubber process loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Soren Molgaard, Jens Peter Hansen
  • Patent number: 9603957
    Abstract: An evaporative media system having multiple media stages each served by a separate pump is disclosed. In one aspect, the evaporative media system has a first media stage and a second media stage. A first pump is provided that is configured to deliver water from the first compartment of the water storage tank to the first media stage. Additionally, a second pump is provided that is configured to deliver water from the first compartment of the water storage tank to the second media stage. Additional media stages and pumps may be provided as well. The disclosed configuration eliminates the need for individual staging valves, provides a higher level of operational redundancy, reduces electrical consumption, and can be provided at a lower cost, as compared to many existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dri-Steem Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Allen Kirkwold, Cole K. Farley, James M. Lundgreen
  • Patent number: 8919745
    Abstract: A foam generating apparatus provides a high-quality mixing of solution and air to produce foam without restricting the flow of liquid through apparatus. An air manifold has passages allowing the flow of water or solution through the apparatus and also features apertures that introduce pressurized air in a parallel flow with the water or solution introduced into the exit chamber. The cross-sectional area of the passages is at least as great as the water or solution inlet, and thus the device does not significantly restrict flow of liquid, even in the case where a straight flow of water or solution without mixed air is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Carroll G. Rowe
  • Patent number: 8602397
    Abstract: A cooling tower with a hot water distribution system includes a distribution lateral disposed above a hot water basin. The distribution lateral discharges fluid into the hot water basin, which in turn, releases the fluid through a plurality of orifices. As the fluid is released, it falls on heat-exchanging fill material that assists in increasing the cooling rate of the fluid. The distribution lateral is configured structurally to discharge the fluid through a plurality of outlets at one or more angles (as compared to the horizontal) into the hot water basins. In one embodiment, the outlets are arranged into one or more rows that extend along a substantial length of the distribution lateral. Discharging the fluid in this manner enhances and promotes a more even fluid flow within the hot water basin, which results in a more even fluid flow over and onto the fill material, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Composite Cooling Solutions, L.P.
    Inventors: Toby Daley, James A. Bland, Michael Bickerstaff
  • Patent number: 8343445
    Abstract: A solvent based flue gas processing system for removing CO2 from a flue gas stream is provided in which a catalyst coated on a support structure is provided. The catalyst selected is capable of retaining CO2, at least for a period of time, thereby increasing the residence time of CO2 and solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Zheng Liu, Naresh B. Handagama
  • Patent number: 8211375
    Abstract: The invention is a fluid distribution device for coupling with a fluid distribution conduit or chimney for improving the distribution of downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material. The fluid distribution device for receiving the liquid and gas phases has one or more openings in the top and/or upper portion of its height through which a gas phase can enter and has a gas conduit that opens to a mixing cavity within the device. The fluid distribution device further comprises one or more lateral openings for liquid ingress. The lateral opening or openings allow the liquid to enter a liquid conduit that opens to the internal mixing cavity. The mixing cavity allows intimate contact between the liquid and gas phases. Therefore the flow distribution device of the invention provides improved tolerance for tray out of levelness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Krishniah Parimi, Steven X. Song, Ralph E. Killen, Ronald K. Meeker, Steven A. Souers
  • Patent number: 8205863
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a distributor for a liquid in a gas-liquid contacting vessel. The distributor can include: a first member forming a plurality of apertures permitting a liquid to pass there-through; a first compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a first aperture of the plurality of apertures; and a second compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. Generally, the first compartment forms a hole at a first height and the second compartment forms a hole at a second height different from the first height with respect to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Daniel R. Monkelbaan
  • Patent number: 8088202
    Abstract: A heat exchange tower has an external structure including opposed sidewalls, a front barrier wall, an inlet opening below the front wall, and a rear barrier wall having an outlet at a generally upper region. A fill material generally spans the inside within the four walls, and is generally disposed above the top of the inlet and below the bottom of the outlet. A baffle protrudes inwardly from the rear barrier wall inside the tower and is located at a height above the top of the fill and below the bottom of the air outlet. A primary drift eliminator structure spans generally across the tower, and is located at the height of the baffle, so they connect to each other. A supplemental drift eliminator is provided above the primary drift eliminator, adjacent an inward edge of the baffle. At least one air turning vane angled in a generally vertical direction is provided below the fill media. An air inlet guide projects outwardly from the front wall above the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jidong Yang, Glenn S Brenneke, Eldon F Mockry
  • Patent number: 8047508
    Abstract: A cooling tower comprises a body provided with air-intake windows located above a catch basin, and a water distributor, which has a sprinkler, and an irrigators. Ring tubular units are connected to each other to form a ring-type evaporator fed from a pipeline, which is used for water supply from a water source independent of the water distributor, and are vertically arranged in the apertures of the air-intake windows. Equally spaced atomizing sprayers are mounted on each of the tubular units along the circumference of the unit. The invention makes it possible to enhance the operational performance of the cooling tower in a hot environment by improving operating, service and maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Aleksandr Vasilievich Shevtsov
  • Patent number: 7815700
    Abstract: A device, system and method of mixing two fluids are described herein. A gaseous first fluid is distributed through a distribution zone to a mixing zone by a bundle of pipes parallel to an axis inside which the first fluid is uniformly distributed. A second fluid is uniformly distributed outside the pipes in the distribution zone. The mixing zone is separated from the distribution zone by a pipe-plate supporting the pipes. The pipe-plate has slits or openings to uniformly discharge the second fluid in an axial flow direction into the mixing zone. The pipes extend beyond the pipe-plate into the mixing zone to partialize an outlet flow of the first fluid. In one aspect, the pipes have different lengths to partialize the outlet flow. In another aspect, a terminal portion of the pipes partializes the outlet flow axially, radially, transversally or a combination thereof in the mixing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Bartolini, Luca Basini, Alessandra Guarinoni, Antonio Bennardo, Nicola Onorati
  • Patent number: 7815171
    Abstract: Method in which a gas and a liquid are mixed and distributed in a chamber that comprises a distribution means that consists of a compartment that is filled with liquid through which a gas stream passes. Said method is characterized in that liquid is injected either in gas countercurrent or in gas co-current into the gas passage section or sections through at least two orifices that are present in said compartment, whereby said two orifices are arranged approximately facing one another, and in that the diameter and the number of orifices and/or the speed V of the liquid at the outlet of each of the orifices and/or the distance d between two injection points placed facing one another are selected such that the Froude number Fr, defined by the equation: Fr = V g × d in which g is the gravitational constant, is greater than 0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Ludovic Raynal, Christophe Boyer
  • Patent number: 7758819
    Abstract: A waste gases-neutralizing device comprises a filter installation with at least one filter unit with an inlet and an outlet between which a filter is received to remove undesired components from the waste gases. The installation has a modular construction and comprises a number of filter units which are placed in series in a flow path of the waste gases and/or a reactor vessel provided with a nozzle with mixing chamber in which waste gases are at least partially removed with a mixture of at least one neutralizing compound and oxygen under pressure. The filter units each comprise a filter adapted to a specific component or group of components to be removed from the waste gases. The waste gases-neutralizing device preferably also comprises, in addition to the filter installation, a neutralizing unit 21 comprising a neutralizing liquid bath or a fixed connection impregnated with a neutralizing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Stichting Rechtenbeheer Knauf
    Inventor: Gerrit Johannes Nagelhout
  • Publication number: 20090294997
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a distributor for a liquid in a gas-liquid contacting vessel. The distributor can include: a first member forming a plurality of apertures permitting a liquid to pass there-through; a first compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a first aperture of the plurality of apertures; and a second compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. Generally, the first compartment forms a hole at a first height and the second compartment forms a hole at a second height different from the first height with respect to the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel R. Monkelbaan
  • Patent number: 7595487
    Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure include: confining/focusing vortex flow transmission structures, mass spectrometry systems including a confining/focusing vortex flow transmission structure, methods of using the confining/focusing vortex flow transmission structure, methods of using mass spectrometry system, methods of transmitting droplets and ions, methods of evaporating droplets and desolvating ions, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventor: Andrei G. Fedorov
  • Patent number: 7389813
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Dikran S. Babikian, Bryan H. Wade
  • Patent number: 7288140
    Abstract: In a wet-process gas treatment method of treating an acid gas by using at least two treating columns connected in series, a ratio of the concentration of an acid gas at an outlet to a concentration of the acid gas at an inlet of a first treating column is set higher than a ratio of the concentration of the acid gas at an outlet to the concentration of acid gas at an inlet of at least one of the other treating columns, thereby preventing deposits from forming in the interior of connecting pipes between the columns and in the interiors of the treating columns, to prevent the connecting pipes from being blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Echizen, Hiroshi Izawa
  • Patent number: 7131639
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler, including one or more media modules, distributes water from a source of water to each module through a constant flow valve. A distribution unit at each media module includes a spray bar for spraying water through a plurality of uniformly spaced holes having an aggregate area equivalent to or less than twenty five percent (25%) of the internal cross sectional area of the spray bar. A distribution cap distributes the streams of water to the underlying media module(s) and the water dripping from the media module(s) is drained. A fan or other air moving device draws air through the media module(s) to obtain cooled air resulting from evaporation of water flowing downwardly along the media module(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Donald L. Kammerzell, Charles Russo, Larry Lee Kammerzell
  • Patent number: 7104529
    Abstract: A vapor horn device for use in an elongated, generally upright mass transfer and/or heat exchange column having an internal region comprises an elongated, generally arcuate wall arranged to be located within the internal region and disposed to extend around a longitudinal axis of the column. The arcuate wall includes an inlet area positioned for being contacted by a vapor or mixed phase stream entering the column and causing the stream to flow along an outer surface of the arcuate wall and generally around the axis. The device also includes a primary elongated vane extending outwardly from the outer surface of the arcuate wall. This primary vane has an inner end located adjacent the outer surface of the inner wall and an outer end disposed in spaced relationship relative to the outer surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Dana G. Laird, Azardokht Hajiloo, Dennis Schmude
  • Patent number: 7100906
    Abstract: A water distribution system for wetting an evaporative media pad includes a nozzle spraying a stream of water onto a water distributor that diverts the stream into at least two different portions. A plurality of fingers extend in at least two different directions to direct the two portions onto different locations of the media pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: AdobeAir, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Kucera
  • Patent number: 7101425
    Abstract: In a washer for cleaning gases that contain particulate and/or gaseous impurities, the gases are conveyed through an absorption column that is sprayed with washing fluid. An additionally provided jet pump (7) operates with the washing fluid, wherein said jet pump is arranged in the gas flow serially with the absorption column and generates a negative pressure. The jet pump is preferably arranged in the gas flow upstream of the absorption column. The negative pressure generated in the gas flow by the jet pump should be at least so high that it compensates the pressure loss in the absorption column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Thermoselect AG
    Inventor: Günter H. Kiss
  • Patent number: 6969495
    Abstract: For use in a separation column, a mat element or a beam element has at least: an upper part 2; at least one distributor-collector part (3) having one or more secondary orifices (7i) and at least one main orifice (6), whereby the passage sections of orifices (8) and (7i) are different; and a lower part (4). The distributor-collector part or parts (3) arranged between the upper part (2) and the lower part (4). A sealing element (5a) arranged between the distributor-collector part (3) and the upper part (2), and a sealing element (5b) arranged between the distributor-collector part (3) and the lower part (4). A separation element (8) arranged at distributor-collector part (3), thus delimiting two spaces (3a, 3b) for circulation of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Gérard Hotier, Pierre Renard, Xavier Decoodt
  • Patent number: 6966364
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Dikran S. Babikian, Bryan H. Wade
  • Patent number: 6880813
    Abstract: A sound attenuating apparatus for mounting on a heat exchanging apparatus such as a cooling tower, this apparatus having an attenuator housing with vertically extending sides, a top cover and a bottom adapted for mounting on the tower. There is an annular air inlet in the bottom and an air outlet is formed in at least one of the sidewalls. Perforated interior walls are mounted in the housing and define an /airflow passageway that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet. These walls include a first annular wall section extending about and defining an outer circumferential portion of the airflow passageway and a second wall section with that is annular and extends about a substantially vertical central axis. The latter wall section defines an inner circumferential portion of the passageway. The second wall section extends generally upwardly and outwardly from the air inlet. Sound absorbing material is arranged behind the perforated walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: M & I Heat Transfer Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Muammer Yazici, Ming Hui Han
  • Publication number: 20040194622
    Abstract: In a washer for cleaning gases that contain particulate and/or gaseous impurities, the gases are conveyed through an absorption column that is sprayed with washing fluid. An additionally provided jet pump (7) operates with the washing fluid, wherein said jet pump is arranged in the gas flow serially with the absorption column and generates a negative pressure. The jet pump is preferably arranged in the gas flow upstream of the absorption column. The negative pressure generated in the gas flow by the jet pump should be at least so high that it compensates the pressure loss in the absorption column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Gunter H. Kiss
  • Patent number: 6575436
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler (10) includes a housing having aligned upper and base panels (40, 50), and one or more air pervious side panels (70) peripherally disposed therebetween. An air inlet (52) is formed in the upper panel and the base panel collects excess water. An air pervious evaporative pad (80) formed of a fibrous material is enclosed within the housing and has a recess (82) formed therein which opens toward the air inlet. A fan (30) secured to the top panel delivers air ambient the fan into the housing and through the evaporative pad where it is cooled by an evaporative process, and the cooled air is discharged through the air outlets. A conduit and flow control system (21, 26, 27, 28, 29) is provided to supply evaporation water (25) to the evaporative pad at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the water evaporates from the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Koolrayz Ind., LLC
    Inventor: Raymond A. Litz
  • Publication number: 20020041040
    Abstract: The counterflow column (1) contains a liquid distributor (2) having a plurality of tubular or trough-like distributor members (21). These distributor members are arranged in a column above a packing (3) in such a manner that a plurality of partial flows (40) develop in an upwardly flowing gas (4) at the level of the distributor members. Stagnation zones (45) are present between the packing and the distributor members. Through additional means (24), which are not required per se for a liquid output, the stagnation zones and/or the flow of a liquid (5) to be distributed are influenced in such a manner that a liquid (50), after emerging from the distributor members and prior to entry into the packing, traverses in free fall the stagnation zones and where appropriate also further regions in which the gas flow is largely free of horizontal velocity components. The gas flow can also be influenced by means of a suitable shaping of the distributor members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: MARKUS FISCHER, FELIX MOSER
  • Patent number: 6367277
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling apparatus (20) includes a housing (22) and cooling media (48) contained in the housing (22). The cooling media (48) has an air inlet portion (46) and an air outlet portion (60). The air inlet portion (46) is positioned adjacent an air entry side (42) of the housing (22). A fresh water delivery system (54, 136) delivers fresh water (34) to a face (126) of the air inlet portion (46) of the cooling media (48). A recirculated water delivery system (56) delivers sump water (38) from a sump (40) to the air outlet portion (60). A fan section (26) is proximate an air exit side (44) of the housing (22). The fan section draws outside air (50) through the air entry side (42) of the housing (22) and into the cooling media (48) from the air inlet portion (46) through the air outlet portion (60) to produce cooled air (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen W. Kinkel
  • Patent number: 6209570
    Abstract: An automatic flush water distribution system for use in an evaporative cooling system includes a water distribution pipe adapted to be connected to a source of pressurized water. The pipe has a plurality of water distribution ports formed therein and a vertical flush pipe is connected at a first end to the water distribution pipe in liquid communication therewith. The flush pipe includes a second lower end and contains at least one valve seat and at least one buoyant float valve located therein between the valve seat and the water distribution pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Munters Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick B. DeBello
  • Patent number: 6068686
    Abstract: A scrubber for removing pollutants from a fluid and having an inlet for receiving the fluid and an outlet for emitting the fluid, the scrubber comprising a first scrubber coupled with the fluid intermediate the inlet and the outlet for removing a first measure of pollutants from the fluid, a second scrubber coupled with the first scrubber intermediate the inlet and the outlet, the second scrubber for removing a second measure of pollutants from the fluid, and a third scrubber coupled with the second scrubber intermediate the inlet and the outlet, the third scrubber for removing a third measure of pollutants from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Ian W. Sorensen, Edward A. Lamb
  • Patent number: 6019818
    Abstract: Quenching and scrubbing are accomplished simultaneously in a single downflow apparatus which functions both as an adiabatic quencher and a packed bed scrubber. A special feature of the quencher/scrubber is a hot-cool interface which is effective in controlling corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: G.F.K. Consulting, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gerhard F. Knapp
  • Patent number: 5884658
    Abstract: A liquid distributor for use within a cylindrical tower containing tower packing to provide dispersed liquid to the packing comprising (a) a plurality of cordially disposed feed liquid conduits interconnected one to another to form, at least, one coplanar essentially continuous loop, (b) a feed entry for feeding the liquid to the conduits, and (c) sprayers for dispersing the liquid onto the packing. The distributor is of particular value in the sulfric acid manufacturing field as a drying tower, sulfur dioxide stripping tower, sulfur trioxide absorption tower and an oleum tower. The distributor provides improved irrigation across the tower and, particularly, adjacent the tower wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Gordon M. Cameron
  • Patent number: 5839271
    Abstract: A quench cooler for cooling a hot flowing gas includes a cylindrical shell which is connected to a hot-gas line and to a cold-gas line and which has a device for injecting water. A packed column filling the cross-section of the shell through which flow occurs is arranged downstream of the water-injection device. The packed column is designed as a cartridge which can be pushed into the cylindrical shell and has a separate casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventor: Holger Illbruck
  • Patent number: 5776316
    Abstract: A liquid redistribution system for redistributing liquid descending in a packed distillation column in which liquid is distributed from one side of the column to the other side of the column and vice-versa. To this end, a plurality of parallel, spaced apart liquid distributor elements provide inlet openings for receiving the liquid as it descends and outlet openings located on the underside of the distributor elements for discharging the liquid from the inlet openings. Channels provide flow communication between the inlet and outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Potthoff, Alan C. Burton
  • Patent number: 5707563
    Abstract: High capacity, low cost fractionation trays are formed from a number of adjacent triangular (v-shaped) downcomer modules. The trays are free of the horizontal perforated decking surface of conventional trays. The downcomer modules have perforations only in a bottom region for liquid passage and in an upper region for vapor passage, with the central portion of the two inclined downcomer sidewalls being imperforate. The difference in elevation between the bottom region and upper region is considerably larger than a ripple tray. A layer of packing material may be provided close to or adjacent the bottom surface of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Daniel R. Monkelbaan, Michael R. Resetarits, Robert J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5707410
    Abstract: A system for removing contaminants from a gas in an exhaust stack. A cone structure having a plurality of stacked cones is located in the exhaust stack in combination with a spray system including a water input pipe with a misting spray nozzle. Air or gas containing contaminants flows in the exhaust stack. The water from the nozzle system mixes with the air or gas to form a mist. The cones of the cone structure are stacked and held by rods to create slight changes in the flow direction of the mist. The flow of the gases drive the condensed liquid to the outside perimeter of the cones and to the inner wall of the stack or chimney where it is collected in a trough and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Northrup Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence V. Puls
  • Patent number: 5679290
    Abstract: An improved packed tower for effecting the absorption of a gas into a liquid, comprising a cylindrical tower wall defining a packing zone; a plurality of packing pieces contained within the packing zone; a liquid distributor above the packing zone for distributing liquid onto the packing pieces; a gas feed inlet below the packing pieces for feeding gas through the packing zone, the improvement wherein the plurality of packing pieces comprises a first plurality of packing pieces, of a first packing piece size, disposed within a first region of the packing zone defining an annulus adjacent at an upper part of the tower wall, and a second plurality of packing pieces of a second packing piece size greater than the first packing piece size, within a second region of the packing zone. The packed tower provides higher efficiencies in gas absorption over prior art towers as to offer reduced tower and/or packing heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Gordon M. Cameron, Dahya Bhaga
  • Patent number: 5620503
    Abstract: A humidifier system includes a spray apparatus in a housing which sprays a mist of water droplets onto a mist eliminator to intercept the mist of water droplets. The mist of droplets is captured in a liquid phase by the mist eliminator and is substantially completely converted into a vapor phase in the form of increased humidity in the air stream. A humidity sensor located downstream of the mist eliminator senses the humidity of the stream of air. A controller controls the quantity of water sprayed in response to the humidity sensed to maintain a predetermined humidity in the humidified stream of air. A second humidifier includes a heater which creates a region of intense heat to instantaneously evaporate water mist directed thereon in a stream of air. In a third embodiment, water and pressurized air are simultaneously injected into a region of intense heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Tom Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Miller, Joseph M. Maceri
  • Patent number: 5586995
    Abstract: A filter for separating pollutants from flue gases with a filter housing and with a plurality of filter boxes arranged therein at spaced locations horizontally one on top of another or vertically next to one another. These filter boxes contain the filter medium, which may be activated carbon, open-hearth furnace coke or a similar material. The filter boxes are sprayed with water via nozzles. The sprayed surfaces of the filter boxes are correspondingly designed as surfaces permeable to water. Flue gases flow into the filter boxes from the bottom. These surfaces of the filter boxes are correspondingly permeable to gas. A water collection box with vertical gas flow pipes, from which the collected water is pumped off and reused for spraying with water, is located under the filter boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Man Gutehoffnungshutte Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frohmut Vollhardt, Jurgen R. Heering
  • Patent number: 5558687
    Abstract: A vaporizer (film evaporator) (13) for halide-free, silicon-containing liquid reactants used in producing preforms is provided. The vaporizer includes a plurality of packed-bed columns (22) surrounding a central tube (24). A mixture of liquid reactant, e.g., octamethyl-cyclotetrasiloxane, and gas, e.g., oxygen, is sprayed onto the top surfaces (54) of the columns (22) by a set of spray nozzles (32). The liquid reactant and the gas flow downward together through the columns and are heated by hot oil (28) which flows around the columns' walls (50). The liquid reactant evaporates into the gas until the dew point temperature is reached, at which point all of the liquid reactant will have been converted into vapor. The vapor/gas mixture exits the bottom surfaces 56 of columns (22), where its direction of flow changes from downward to upward. This change in flow direction separates higher molecular weight species (46) from the vapor/gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael B. Cain
  • Patent number: 5554329
    Abstract: High capacity, low cost fractionation trays are formed from a number of adjacent triangular (v-shaped) downcomer modules. The trays are free of the horizontal perforated decking surface of conventional trays. The downcomer modules have perforations only in a bottom region for liquid passage and in an upper region for vapor passage, with the central portion of the two inclined downcomer sidewalls being imperforate. The difference in elevation between the bottom region and upper region is considerably larger than a ripple tray. A layer of packing material may be provided close to or adjacent the bottom surface of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Daniel R. Monkelbaan, Michael R. Resetarits, Robert J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5407605
    Abstract: High capacity, low cost fractionation trays comprise a flat perforated decking surface sectioned into parallel contacting areas by triangular downcomers. The bottom edges of two inclined sidewalls join together to form V-shaped downcomers having a limited number of perforations in their sidewalls to allow downward liquid passage. An imperforate zone is present in the central region of each sidewall. A layer of packing material may be provided close to or adjacent the bottom surface of the tray. The packing is located in the disengagement zone under the tray but does not extend downward to the next tray below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Michael R. Resetarits, Daniel R. Monkelbaan, Robert J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5403561
    Abstract: The uniform distribution of mixed phase fluid stream on to the top of a contact bed in a reactor chamber is provided by a horizontal tray with a plurality of spaced-apart, vertically disposed chimneys extending through the tray. These chimneys have a first end to receive liquid and gas above the tray and a second end for distributing the liquid and gas downwardly below the tray. Importantly, the second end is provided with a spray generating device located below the tray for producing a conical downward spray of the mixed fluid phase onto the top surface of a bed of contact material positioned below the tray. The spray generating devices for producing the conical spray are located at positions so that the spray of the mixed fluid stream from one spray generating device as it impinges on the top surface of the fixed bed, will overlap the spray from an adjacent spray generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Robert M. Koros, Yiu W. Wong, John T. Wyatt, David C. Dankworth
  • Patent number: 5273687
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and the method to treat process water of heat exchange systems with fluid flow through the system at an idling or inoperative system mode, which system may have a biocidal treatment arrangement coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company
    Inventor: William T. Osborne
  • Patent number: RE35234
    Abstract: A modular air scrubber system is provided for removal of pollutants from air and includes a plurality of modular scrubbing towers adapted for side-by-side interconnection to provide multiple stage filtering of air to be treated, each tower having a lower reservoir portion for a scrubber solution, and an upper portion containing contact media, each modular tower also provided with air inlets outlets and scrubber solution inlets and outlets.A specific arrangement of these modules adapted to accommodate a counterflow arrangement of air and scrubber solution for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from air is disclosed, in conjunction with a scrubber solution feed and control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Davis Water & Waste Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Forbes Davis