Aerated Column Patents (Class 417/108)
  • Patent number: 11519639
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes methods of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process. The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid. In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: David Alan McBay
  • Patent number: 11060385
    Abstract: An artificial lift system including a tubular extending into a wellbore. The tubular includes a first end arranged at a surface of a formation, a second end terminating in the wellbore, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion includes a plurality of gas lift valves. A jet pump is fluidically connected to the second end of the tubular. A liquid supply conduit includes a terminal end arranged at the first end of the tubular and a gas supply conduit includes a terminal end portion arranged at the first end of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Daniel VanDam, Brian Reeves
  • Patent number: 10989228
    Abstract: Non-clogging airlift pumps and associated systems and methods employing said pumps. The airlift pumps generally include an enclosed air tank within which is located a hollow cylinder having an open top and a closed bottom wall. A gas (e.g., air) line passes into the air tank for supplying gas thereto. A suction port is located in the bottom wall of the cylinder, and a substantially vertically-oriented discharge pipe passes through a top wall of the air tank such that an intake end of the discharge pipe resides within the cylinder. Multiple airlift pumps may be used in conjunction in a given application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: PULSED BURST SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Masao Kondo
  • Patent number: 9709074
    Abstract: An airlift pump comprising a hollow, cylindrical main body having an injection hole near the bottom end, a channel routed in the outside surface of the main body and extending continuously from the injection hole to the top end, and an air tube seated in the channel and bonded to the main body. The air tube comprises an injection end having an elbow forming an injection angle such that the air is injection into the main body in a downward direction toward the bottom end. The air tube further comprises a receiving end extending past the top end of the main body and connecting to air supply tubing. The pump has a restricted lateral width enabling the pump to fit inside the narrow monitoring wells typical in the groundwater monitoring industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Robert J. Burns
  • Patent number: 9618013
    Abstract: The compressor compresses gas in capillaries leading to a radially distant annular container space. Centrifugal force acts on gas bubbles entrained between liquid slugs moving radially outward through the capillaries which may be radial, tangential or continuously curved. Compressed gas is collected in the annular space. A gas-liquid emulsion is fed to the capillaries by an inboard emulsification device. The emulsification may include a vortex generator, an ejector or a venturi injector, all feeding the gas-liquid mixture into the inboard ends of the capillaries. The capillaries are formed in a series of discs, coaxially stacked with outer disc ends open to the annular space. Capillary inlets may be perpendicular, tangential or may define a venturi jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rotational Trompe Compressors, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cherry, Robert A. Alderman, D. Hans Shillinger
  • Patent number: 9169130
    Abstract: A component filter device which is added to a new or existing multi-chamber septic tank to filter the effluent of the septic tank to improve the quality of the water entering a method of dispersal. The device uses a spiral wound membrane filter to filter the effluent. The membrane filter contains open channel spacers to channel the bubbles which scour the membrane leaves. An air lift pump is used to pump permeate. A three-way actuator valve directs the airflow to either the pump or to a bubble diffuser. A two-way actuator valve directs the flow of permeate. A low water indicator directs the operation of the device. The device uses bubble scouring and back washing to clean the membrane leaves. A blower, two actuator valves and a low water indicator are the only moving parts of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventors: Ray Gauthier, Peter Michel
  • Publication number: 20150104333
    Abstract: A bubble pump is provided. The bubble pump has an interior formed from a material that is resistant to attack by molten aluminum. The interior surface may be formed from a ceramic. The ceramic may be selected from the following: alumina, magnesia, silicate, silicon carbide, or graphite, and the mixtures thereof. The ceramic may be a carbon-free, 85% Al2O3 phosphate bonded castable refractory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Yong M. Lee, James M. Costino, Igor Komarovskiy, Jerome S. Cap, Ramadeva C. Shastry
  • Patent number: 8998585
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide liquid pump apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an immersion assembly comprising at least one immersion member having a liquid conduit provided therein along at least a portion of a length thereof, the immersion assembly being arranged whereby in use at least a portion of the immersion assembly is immersed in liquid to be pumped, the apparatus being arranged to provide a supply of gaseous fluid to liquid in the tank through the at least one immersion member at one of a plurality of vertically spaced apart locations of the assembly thereby to cause passage of liquid through the assembly from a liquid inlet aperture to a liquid outlet aperture of the assembly, the apparatus being configured whereby a location at which gaseous fluid is supplied to the immersion assembly is selected to be a location at which a head of pressure of liquid in the tank is within a prescribed range of values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Coldharbour Marine Limited
    Inventor: Gary Short
  • Publication number: 20140248161
    Abstract: A buoyant force pump is disclosed. A material which is buoyant relative to a non-solid material is used to cause a movable surface to move thereby causing the non-solid material to be pumped. The device can be used to move non-solid material in hazardous conditions or materials in biological reactors. The pumps can be used for mixing ingredients external to the pump by repeatedly moving materials into and out of the pump. The pumps can also be used to gently move materials from an inlet to an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth James Hintz
  • Patent number: 8721297
    Abstract: The multistage pulsating airlift pump includes a lowermost air injector stage and at least air injector stage above the lowermost stage installed in a lift pipe. Each stage includes a multifunction timer. The stages above the lowermost stage have sensors along the lift pipe communicating with the respective timers of those stages. The timers are adjusted to provide time delays in accordance with a number of parameters, e.g., the height of the pipe, pressure head, etc. When a sensor detects a rising gas slug, the sensor sends a signal to its timer to start an elapsed delay time. When the delay time has elapsed, the timer opens a control valve to send another volume of gas into the injector in the pipe. The sequentially spaced series of gas slugs rising in the pipe provide constant lifting for the liquid to a much greater height than using a single-stage airlift pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Wael Hasan Ahmed, Amro Mohamed Al Qutub, Hassan Mohamed Badr
  • Patent number: 8641894
    Abstract: A Water and Wastewater Treatment Aerated Mini-Dosing air-lift pump System and filter housing, that replaces the conventional dosing pump, controls and additional Tank. It is adaptable to all access ports and uniquely smaller than a 3? inspection port and is integrally positioned in an existing or new raw water pretreatment or pump tank. It aerates the source pool thereby mitigating: H2SO4 gases, odors and source pool BOD5. The system communicates with an above ground aerator and optional controls and in it's plurality supplies dissolved and free oxygen to the pump, housing, effluent and the source pool, with surge protection and scum mitigation. Mini-metering and, low pressure, extended cycle durations increase the average microbial production balance and microbial Ratio to nutrients BOD. The raw sewage tank no longer requires gas removal prior to inspection due to oxic and anoxic microbial processes that mitigates H2SO4 gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ted Arthur Bennatt
  • Patent number: 8596989
    Abstract: The dual injection airlift pump has a hollow tubular body through which the liquid being pumped passes upward from the lower intake end to the upper outlet end. Air or other gas is injected into the liquid in the pump body, the less dense gas adding buoyancy to the liquid and entraining the liquid to rise toward the outlet end. The dual injection airlift pump includes two air injection stages, with the first or lower stage having a perforated interior sleeve allowing the gas to pass therethrough to be injected radially into the liquid. The second, upper stage has an impervious sleeve defining a gap between the sleeve and the interior surface of the pump wall, the lower end being sealed and the upper end open. Air is injected between the sleeve and pump wall, the air exiting at the upper or downstream end in an axially peripheral flow pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Hassan Mohamed Badr, Wael Hasan Ahmed
  • Publication number: 20130266456
    Abstract: A buoyant force pump and surge apparatus is disclosed. A material which is buoyant relative to a non-solid material is used to cause a movable surface to move thereby causing the non-solid material to be pumped in surges. One use of the device is to create water surges in aquariums through the use of conventional low pressure, low volume air pumps and without the need for mechanical pumps or control electronics. A second use of the device is to move non-solid material in hazardous conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth James Hintz
  • Publication number: 20130160688
    Abstract: Gas lift pump apparatus comprising a column through which a liquid medium may be pumped by gas lift, the apparatus comprising a delivery device for delivering a flow of a gaseous fluid into the liquid medium, the device comprising means for generating ultrasonic energy therein by the flow of gaseous fluid therethrough, the device being operable to launch the ultrasonic energy into the liquid medium in the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Eric Whiteside, David Benjamin Redgate, Tobias Mark Wells
  • Patent number: 8418768
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method provided to selectively produce petroleum fluid from multiple production zones well. The apparatus comprises a casing running downwardly into the well and a tubing string running in the casing. The upper and lower sealing mechanisms are provided for sealing the annular space between the casing and the tubing string, therefore, dividing the well into upper and lower production zones. Moreover, the invention comprises a bypass gaslift system provided with a tubular member, tubing string, connecting means and side pocket mandrels for injecting lifting gas into the multiple production zones well. The system and apparatus according to this invention can selectively operate to simultaneously or separately produce petroleum fluid from vertical apart multiple zones well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Somchai Manopinives, Pramote Phloi-montri, Suraphong Iamchula, Kanit Sangwongwanich, Pairoj Rangponsumrit, Suwan Umnuayponwiwat, Thamarat Pairintra, Pattana Pittrapan, Suwin Sompopsart, Wararit Toempromraj, Kittithuch Hnuruang, Nithipoom Durongwattana, Amnuay Prayadsup, Potchara Promwikorn, Thanawee Kreethapon, Chatchai Kongdachudomkul
  • Publication number: 20120091071
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide liquid pump apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an immersion assembly comprising at least one immersion member having a liquid conduit provided therein along at least a portion of a length thereof, the immersion assembly being arranged whereby in use at least a portion of the immersion assembly is immersed in liquid to be pumped, the apparatus being arranged to provide a supply of gaseous fluid to liquid in the tank through the at least one immersion member at one of a plurality of vertically spaced apart locations of the assembly thereby to cause passage of liquid through the assembly from a liquid inlet aperture to a liquid outlet aperture of the assembly, the apparatus being configured whereby a location at which gaseous fluid is supplied to the immersion assembly is selected to be a location at which a head of pressure of liquid in the tank is within a prescribed range of values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Short
  • Patent number: 8047808
    Abstract: A system pumps liquid. The system includes a compressed air source and a pump for vertically moving the liquid upward. The pump is powered by the compressed air source. The pump includes a first container, a second container disposed interior to the first container, and a U-shaped tube disposed interior to the first and second containers. The compressed air source supplies compressed air to the U-shaped tube at a vertical portion of the U-shaped tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Geyser Pump Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Masao Kondo
  • Publication number: 20090047140
    Abstract: An airlift pump comprising a hollow, cylindrical main body having an injection hole near the bottom end, a channel routed in the outside surface of the main body and running continuously from the injection hole to the top end, and an air tube seated in the channel and bonded to the main body. The air tube comprises an injection end having an elbow forming an injection angle such that the air is injection into the main body in a downward direction toward the bottom end. The air tube further comprises a receiving end extending past the top end of the main body and connecting to air supply tubing. The pump has a restricted lateral width enabling the pump to fit inside the narrow monitoring wells typical in the groundwater monitoring industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Burns
  • Publication number: 20080112817
    Abstract: A liquid container aeration system for replenishing gases dissolved in a selected liquid present in an interior of said liquid container that checks on an electrical power source capability to continue operation and allows selected liquid substitution in the interior of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Sylvester
  • Patent number: 7086417
    Abstract: Invention is of an improvement to seat of gate valves used for gas-lift producing oil wells, consisting of a seat lower part of which is curved there being a straight vertical art and a sloping straight lower part, central spacing consisting of a first part in the shape of a tapered nozzle at which gas is gradually speeded up, a second part which is the main restriction to flow, and a third part in the shape of a conical diffuser at which gas is gradually slowed down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventor: Alcino Resende De Almeida
  • Patent number: 6780335
    Abstract: A process for the separation and extraction of liquid from a multi-component fluid within a conduit in which said liquid tends to settle, said process comprising introduction of a coil tubing into a predetermined settlement region within said conduit, said tubing having an inlet at said settlement region and being operatively connected to aspirating means, whereby the said liquid is separated within the settlement region and aspirated into the tubing and thereby extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ingen Process Limited
    Inventor: Paul William Gayton
  • Patent number: 6638024
    Abstract: A gas compression system including a body of fluid and a down pipe. A first end of the down pipe is positioned to receive a fluid from a source above a surface of the body of fluid and a second end is positioned at a lower level of the body of fluid. A gas inlet is coupled to the down pipe, above the surface of the body of fluid for mixing a gas to be compressed with the fluid from the source to form a mixture. A chamber is positioned at the lower level of the body of fluid and coupled to the second end of the down pipe for receiving the mixture and collecting a compressed gas therefrom. A conduit is coupled to the chamber for transferring the compressed gas therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Jay Hancock
  • Patent number: 6357530
    Abstract: A system for producing production fluids from a wellbore while removing gas that collects in pockets within the wellbore. The system includes an electric submergible pumping unit. The unit includes a submergible pump powered by a submergible motor. The fluid discharged by the pump is forced through a pressure reduction device, such as a jet pump, to create a low pressure area. This low pressure area is coupled via a conduit to a gas pocket creation area within the wellbore. For example, gas pockets may develop beneath a packer disposed above the electric submergible pumping system. The low pressure area at the pressure reduction device draws the gas into the discharged production fluid and delivers the mixture to a collection at the earth's surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Camco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Kennedy, Roy R. Fleshman, Nathan Thompson
  • Publication number: 20010025651
    Abstract: Invention is of an improvement to seat of gate valves used for gas-lift producing oil wells, consisting of a seat lower part of which is curved there being a straight vertical art and a sloping straight lower part, central spacing consisting of a first part in the shape of a tapered nozzle at which gas is gradually speeded up, a second part which is the main restriction to flow, and a third part in the shape of a conical diffuser at which gas is gradually slowed down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventor: Alcino R. Almeida
  • Patent number: 6224342
    Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the flow of liquid in a conduit provides a barrier positioned in the conduit to prevent flow of liquid past the barrier in a lower region and defining a gap region above that lower region and adjacent the barrier. A duct having a first end for positioning within the lower region of the conduit upstream of the barrier and a second end for positioning in the gap region of the conduit to direct the flow of liquid through the duct from an area upstream of the barrier through the gap region to an area downstream of the barrier. An air pump communicates with the duct to force air into the first end of the duct under sufficient pressure to mix with water in the area of the first end of the duct and rise with the water through the duct and out the second end of the duct to the downstream side of the barrier. A plurality of apparatuses may be located at pre-determined intervals along the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: City of Richmond
    Inventors: Samuel Oliver Russell, Arthur James Louie
  • Patent number: 5849079
    Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing diamond film. The method involves forming a carbonaceous vapor, providing a gas stream of argon, hydrogen and hydrocarbon and combining the gas with the carbonaceous vapor, passing the combined carbonaceous vapor and gas carrier stream into a chamber, forming a plasma in the chamber causing fragmentation of the carbonaceous and deposition of a diamond film on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Dieter M. Gruen, Alan R. Krauss, Shengzhong Liu, Xianzheng Pan, Christopher D. Zuiker
  • Patent number: 5743717
    Abstract: A gas flow control device for injecting gas into a production string for recovering pressure and reducing frictional losses, so that critical flow can be reached at lower pressure drops and higher production pressure, includes a nozzle having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween, and a Venturi having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween. The first end of the Venturi is disposed adjacent to the second end of the nozzle. The Venturi flow path is aligned with the nozzle flow path to provide a continuous flow path through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Fluid Flow Engineering Company
    Inventor: Zelimir Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5707214
    Abstract: A gas flow control device for injecting gas into a production string for recovering pressure and reducing frictional losses, so that critical flow can be reached at lower pressure drops and higher production pressure, includes a nozzle having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween, and a Venturi having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween. The first end of the Venturi portion is disposed adjacent to the second end of the nozzle. The Venturi flow path coaxially aligned with the nozzle flow path to provide a continuous flow path through the valve. A method to increase the production rate, improve the lift efficiency, and eliminate or suppress instability in continuous-flow gas lift wells by use of a flow control device that has a gas flow rate performance that is independent of the tubing pressure even when the tubing pressure is as high as 80% to 93% of the casing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Fluid Flow Engineering Company
    Inventor: Zelimir Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5382137
    Abstract: A multiple stage airlift pump apparatus for elevating water or other liquids using only a single air pressure source. The functioning portion of the airlift mechanism is enclosed within a casing which is submerged into a body of water. The casing is connected to a pump via an air line and fitting so that air is forced into the casing and the working portion of the invention. The lift is comprised of a plurality tubular stage members being connected at their upper ends to a nozzle-type member. Each tubular stage member other than the initial one has an inner tubular separating member therein which functions to separate air and water and store the same at the next stage. The inner tubular separating member for each stage member is positioned within the same and is securely connected thereto. The separating members are opened at a lower end which encompasses the nose of the nozzle member and are closed at the upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: James K. Lane
  • Patent number: 5312232
    Abstract: A pump having no moving parts which can be used to pump high temperature molten metal or other fluids in a vacuum or low pressure environment, and a method for pumping such fluids. The pump combines elements of a bubble pump with a trap which isolates the vacuum or low pressure region from the gas used to create the bubbles. When used in a vacuum the trap prevents the pumping gas from escaping into the isolated region and thereby reducing the quality of the vacuum. The pump includes a channel in which a pumping gas is forced under pressure into a cavity where bubbles are formed. The cavity is in contact with a reservoir which contains the molten metal or other fluid which is to be pumped. The bubbles rise up into a column (or pump tube) carrying the fluid with them. At the top of the column is located a deflector which causes the bubbles to burst and the drops of pumped fluid to fall into a trap. The fluid accumulates in the trap, eventually forcing its way to an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: James A. Horton, Donald L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5014789
    Abstract: A method of startup of oil production in a gas-lift well in which inlet flow (22) of gas is controlled (46, 42) while means (34, 28) controlling fluid flow from the well is progressively opened. Preferably, fluid flow rate from the well is monitored and valve means (28) opening rate reduced on detection of a greater than predetermined increase in flow rate. A method of controlling the oil production is also provided wherein flow rate from the well is monitored and a flow regulating device (28) in the flow path from the well controlled in accordance with that monitored flow rate which is indicative of the onset of slugging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventors: Neville Clarke, Thomas H. Winter
  • Patent number: 4767938
    Abstract: A fluid dynamic device is provided which includes a fluid holding and U-shaped conduit having a first leg and a second leg, an electrical generating device positioned between and in flow communication with the first and second legs and being motivated by passage of the fluid therethrough, and injection means for injecting a substance of substantially less density relative to the normal density of the fluid within the second leg and at a location spaced below the top end of the first leg. The second leg diverges substantially where the low density substance is injected thereinto so as to accommodate expansion of the fluid occasioned by injection of the low density substance thereinto. In one embodiment, the device utilizes a compressible gas, such as air, as the low density substance which is provided by gas compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Inventor: Dale R. Bervig
  • Patent number: 4756671
    Abstract: A submersible rotary impeller fish pump augmented by the release of large volumes of pressurized air into the pump's discharge stream during pump operation enables the pumping of fish or other water-borne articles to the same or greater heights at materially lower impeller speeds and with less impeller damage than the same pump unaided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Marco Seattle, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldon L. Grimes, deceased, by Monterey Grimes, executrix
  • Patent number: 4671741
    Abstract: A device for elevating liquids in which liquid is raised in a pipe under the action of a pressure difference which is smaller than a pressure difference of a solid liquid column having a height equal to a height of elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventor: Iosif Baumberg
  • Patent number: 4645427
    Abstract: An air lift pump delivers liquid from a sump to an elevated tundish. The tundish is divided by weirs into a plurality of compartments in cascade. Surplus liquid overflows from the upper compartments back to the sump to produce a constant depth in the lowest compartment. A second air lift pump operating at a predetermined immersion depth delivers a steady flow of liquid from the lowest compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: William J. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4643650
    Abstract: A fluid-raising apparatus includes a compression chamber which receives liquid, from an elevated source, such that gas in the chamber is pressurized and used to lift fluid through a vertical conduit. When the chamber fills with liquid, a float lifts a drain plug so that draining commences automatically. The effluent passes through a discharge tube wherein, during draining, the liquid pushes on a piston. The piston, in turn, holds a liquid inlet valve closed until draining is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventor: Abdol-Hossein Khakzad-Ghomi
  • Patent number: 4583918
    Abstract: An arrangement for elevating liquid by the use of solar and/or wind energy having a pipe immersed in a liquid, a pipe directed upwardly from the surface of liquid and interconnection for entrapment of liquid, with a pressure differential and an air passage formed alternately and repetitively during presence of solar and/or wind energy, is additionally provided with an air purging element formed as a hydraulic valve with upper and lower interconnected pipes of which the upper pipe has an outlet located above the liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Danmine Siftware and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Iosif Baumberg
  • Patent number: 4508971
    Abstract: Using a two Reservoir System, a portion of the water moves from Reservoir to Reservoir. In its path, it collects air, which is expanded by Solar Energy, which helps to move weights, by an expanding and contracting float method to create substantial Hydro Power, after which it returns back to the path of which it started, without causing any pollution and without using any outside fuel whatsoever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Inventor: Wayne E. Bailey
  • Patent number: 4397612
    Abstract: A gas lift method for lifting a well fluid from a well, the method comprising feeding a liquid lifting medium into a first well conduit of the well to maintain a liquid column of liquid lifting medium in the first well conduit to provide a significant liquid column pressure at the downhole region of the well for lifting medium to pass into a second well conduit to mix with well fluid therein and cause lifting of well fluid in the second well conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Inventor: Alexander I. Kalina
  • Patent number: 4392062
    Abstract: A fluid dynamic device is provided which includes a fluid holding and U-shaped conduit having a first leg and a second leg, an electrical generating device positioned between and in flow communication with the first and second legs and being motivated by passage of the fluid therethrough, and injection means for injecting a substance of substantially less density relative to the normal density of the fluid within the second leg and at a location spaced below the top end of the first leg. The second leg diverges substantially where the low density substance is injected thereinto so as to accommodate expansion of the fluid occasioned by injection of the low density substance thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Inventor: Dale R. Bervig
  • Patent number: 4390061
    Abstract: Apparatus for production of liquid from wells such as petroleum wells includes well pipe that extends from the surface downwardly to the level of liquid standing within the well. A string of production tubing is positioned within the well pipe with the annulus between the production tubing and well pipe defining gas supply means that is interconnected with a source of compressed gas. At the lower portion of the production tubing is located aspirator means having a gas injection element defining a gas jet passage which is in communication with the gas supply annulus. The gas injection element is oriented to direct an upwardly flowing jet of pressurized gas which is directed into the lower restricted portion of a venturi that extends upwardly from the aspirator means into the production tubing. The aspirator means also defines a liquid flow passage that is in communication with liquid standing within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Inventor: Charles Short
  • Patent number: 4385871
    Abstract: An improved pump for lifting water from an underground source utilizes a wind motor for driving an oil-less air compressor eliminating oil contamination of ground water which is forced to the surface. The wind motor is movable to face the wind by means of a novel swivel assembly which also eliminates the formation and freezing of condensate within the airline from the compressor. The propeller blades of the wind motor and the tail section are formed from a pair of opposed convex air foil shaped surfaces which provide the propeller blades and the tail section with fast sensitivity to slight changes in wind direction and speed. A novel well tower for supporting the wind motor and compressor and for lifting the water from the underground source is an optional modification which requires no welding and eliminates the problem of condensate freezing in the airline going to the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Inventor: Victor A. Beisel
  • Patent number: 4365666
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a heat-dissipating element, a heat-receiving element and a circulating means for circulating a liquid in a closed cycle between the heat-dissipating element and the heat-receiving element. The circulating means includes an air/liquid siphon consisting of one of the elements, an air moving pump and an air supply means connecting the siphon to the pump. The heat-receiving element is located in a sealed air-exchange relationship with a cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Inventor: Rolf Seifert
  • Patent number: 4355513
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing useful energy from a large body of water having cold subsurface water and water at the surface which is warmer than the subsurface water. The apparatus comprises a tubular pump to air-lift in a manner to be described cold subsurface water to the surface and which tube is open at the surface and open at the colder subsurface water and wherein a vertically adjustable air jet assembly is arranged within the tube and connected to a compressed air source to release bubbles from the air jet assembly which rise within the tube, entraining cold subsurface water, making it buoyant and cooling the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Inventor: Barney B. Girden
  • Patent number: 4316680
    Abstract: A pump system for being set up to work in deep water, for use in sea bed mining; the system including three pipes, a first of which carries compressed air downward and to a lower portion of a main second or eduction pipe through which mined material is carried upwardly with sea water, and a third pipe also carrying bouyancy media downward to the lower portion of the main pipe, so to assist the upward flow of the water carrying the mined material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Inventors: Peter Phipps, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4248043
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for storing energy and generating electricity. The apparatus comprises (1) first means (10) for storing energy in the form of compressed gas and (2) second means (12) for generating electricity by allowing the gas compressed by the first means to expand, doing useful work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Inventor: Donald E. Stewart, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4245475
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed whereby cold subsurface water in a large body of water is upwelled by air-lifting in vertical jet streams to the surface of the body of water. The cold subsurface water eminates radially in all directions from the vertical jet streams, while floating on top of the body of water. The cold water then descends in vertical jet streams to the subsurface allowing the cycle to be repeated. The cold subsurface water brought to the surface in a number of places over a relatively large area of the body of water allows the temperature differential between the cold surface water and the warm surface water adjacent thereto and at the periphery thereof to be used by a fluid in a heat engine cycle to drive turbines and thereby generate electricity. The cold surface water also allows the production of electricity of air turbines which may be placed adjacent to the area having cold water thereon. The cold water cools the air above it creating strong winds which drive the air turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Inventor: Barney B. Girden
  • Patent number: 4183400
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a heat-dissipating element, a heat-receiving element and a circulating means for circulating a liquid in a closed cycle between the heat-dissipating element and the heat-receiving element. The circulating means includes an air/liquid siphon consisting of one of the elements, an air moving pump and an air supply means connecting the siphon to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Inventor: Rolf Seifert
  • Patent number: 4180980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasing for use, air that has been absorbed under pressure in sea water or in any other large free body of water. An elongated conduit, or equivalent means, is vertically disposed so that air released from its upper end is collected by an open-bottom container serving as a reservoir. The interface of the collected air and the submersion level of water within the reservoir is substantially below the free water surface level. A small amount of gas is introduced at the lower end of the conduit so as to rise upwardly through the conduit, thereby carrying water behind it, and to initiate a continuous process in which the rising water is under decreasing pressure, at times increasing temperature, thereby releasing more air, which in turn carries more water behind it, and so on. Air from the reservoir can be used as an energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Inventors: Ronald A. Marks, John O. Dorius
  • Patent number: 4171187
    Abstract: An air injection sub for use with a dual conduit drill pipe string is provided having inner and outer concentric tubular members which are connected to the corresponding inner and outer conduits of a dual conduit string to provide isolated annular and central passageways and is particularly characterized by improved injection means in the inner tubular member which allows fluid to pass from the annular passageway into the central passageway through a plurality of apertures which open into the central passageway at a plurality of levels and angular positions, is field adjustable and provides improved erosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: Walker-Neer Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Reed