Abstract: An air-operated, submersible pump features a bladder-controlled inlet applicable to water pumping or fluid separation, including the recovery of viscous hydrocarbon products. The inlet area fluidly penetrates through a portion of the wall of the pump, and the bladder, disposed within the pump body, is supported in overlying registration therewith. A pressure-operated valve in fluid communication with the discharge port facilitates a refill mode of operation, wherein fluid surrounding the pump flows into the pump body through the inlet area, and a discharge mode of operation wherein the air inlet is pressurized, causing the bladder to inflate and seat against and seal off the inlet area, and fluid which flowed into the pump body to be discharged through the discharge port. In the preferred embodiment, the inlet area comprises a plurality of apertures formed through the wall of the pump body arranged as one or more linear arrays lengthwise along the pump.

Abstract: A system tot the pulsation-free delivery of liquids, which system may be used for high-purity, liquid chemicals in the semiconductor industry.

Abstract: A fluid controlled pumping system includes a pumping unit disposed within a fluid cavity. The pumping unit includes a passage extending to a suction end of the pumping unit. The system also includes a pressure source coupled to the passage and operable to force a fluid outwardly from the passage proximate to the suction end of the pumping unit. The system includes a pressure sensor coupled to the passage and operable to determine a fluid pressure within the passage. The system further includes a controller coupled to the pumping unit and operable to regulate an operating parameter of the pumping unit using the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic pumping device for pumping liquids such as landfill leachates and polluted liquids or thick matter includes a tubular body (1) forming a pump body and defining a cylindrical main chamber (2) in the upstream and downstream ends of which respectively emerge an inlet (3) and outlet (4) for the liquid to be pumped. The pneumatic device further includes a sleeve valve (7) arranged in front of the inlet to control the passage of the liquid to be pumped through the orifice, elements (8) for controlling the opening and closure of the sleeve valve with a compressed gas, a delivery pipe (9) passing through the outlet and extending inside the tubular body over the major part of the length thereof, and elements for supplying the main chamber with compressed gas.

Abstract: A thermolysis reaction actuating pump system including a first set of walls defining a channel having a cross-sectional area less than one millimeter squared, and wherein a liquid is received in the channel. A second set of walls defining a reaction chamber and a thermolytic body carried in the reaction chamber. The first set and second set of walls are constructed and arranged to allow the flow of gas from the reaction chamber into the channel. A heater is positioned to provide heat to the thermolytic body and disassociate the thermolytic body to produce gas to pump the liquid through the channel.

Abstract: A manual/pneumatic oil pumping device including a housing having an upper cover equipped with a manual mechanism and a pneumatic air sucking mechanism. A closing means is disposed in the upper cover corresponding to the pneumatic air sucking mechanism. When the closing means is in an opened state, the oil reserving space communicates with the pneumatic air sucking mechanism so that the pneumatic air sucking mechanism can suck out the air in the oil reserving space and thus pump the oil. When the closing means is in a closed state, the oil reserving space does not communicate with the pneumatic air sucking mechanism and a user can manually pump the oil.

Abstract: An air-operated, submersible pump features a bladder-controlled inlet applicable to water pumping or fluid separation, including the recovery of viscous hydrocarbon products. The inlet area fluidly penetrates through a portion of the wall of the pump, and the bladder, disposed within the pump body, is supported in overlying registration therewith. A pressure-operated valve in fluid communication with the discharge port facilitates a refill mode of operation, wherein fluid surrounding the pump flows into the pump body through the inlet area, and a discharge mode of operation wherein the air inlet is pressurized, causing the bladder to inflate and seat against and seal off the inlet area, and fluid which flowed into the pump body to be discharged through the discharge port. In the preferred embodiment, the inlet area comprises a plurality of apertures formed through the wall of the pump body arranged as one or more linear arrays lengthwise along the pump.

Abstract: A liquid pump for pumping groundwater samples from small diameter sub-terrain wells, comprising a tubular casing having inlet apertures, a top cap provided with a fluid communication port and a liquid outlet port, a top bladder mandrel secured to the top cap, a mandrel sealing member disposed in a lower end of the casing, a bottom bladder mandrel secured to the mandrel sealing member, and a flexible bladder extending between the top bladder mandrel and the bottom bladder mandrel and defining a liquid chamber for receiving the liquid therein and a fluid chamber for receiving a fluid under pressure therein that surrounds the liquid chamber, with the bladder disposed therebetween. The fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid communication port connected to a source of the actuating gas, while the liquid chamber is in one-way fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet port.

Abstract: An air-operated pump for groundwater sampling and other applications includes a removable cartridge coupled to a manifold configured to receive air-inlet and fluid-discharge tubes from an above-ground location. The removable cartridge may be in the form of a bellows or bladder, and may be removably attachable to the pump body through a press fitting. In contrast to prior implementations, the pump body features a manifold with fittings enabling the air-inlet and fluid-discharge tubes to be respectively inserted and sealed into the air-inlet and fluid-discharge ports. In the preferred embodiment, the fittings are such that the associated tubes cannot be removed without modification. For example, the fittings may include a grab plate associated with one or both of the air-inlet and fluid-discharge ports. Each grab plate includes an aperture with finned serrations such that through proper sizing of the plate features and associated tubing, the tube(s) may be inserted and sealed through appropriate compression.

Abstract: The fluid pump of the present invention includes an upper enclosure for holding fluid (typically a liquid) from a fluid input source, and a lower enclosure for outputting the fluid to an output line. A first valve (a) controls the fluid input flow into the upper enclosure. A second valve (b) is engaged in a line between the upper enclosure and the lower enclosure to control the fluid flow from the upper enclosure to the lower enclosure. A second fluid input line is engaged to the lower enclosure to input a second fluid (typically a pressurized gas) into the lower enclosure, and a third valve (d) is engaged in a line between the lower enclosure and upper enclosure to control the flow of the second fluid into the second enclosure. A fourth valve (c) is engaged in a fluid output line to control the flow of the second fluid out of the upper enclosure. In the preferred embodiments, each of valves a, b, c and d is controlled by an automated pump system controller.

Abstract: A drywall taping and texture system for pumping drywall mastic material from a container filled with the drywall mastic material to a work surface includes a pump housing, an air compressor, a tool for applying the drywall mastic material to the work surface, material and control lines, an inflatable bladder, an air release mechanism, and an airway. The pump housing is immersed in the container filled with the drywall mastic material, and the air compressor is connected to the pump housing. The material and control lines are connected between the pump housing and the tool such that there is material and air flow communication, respectively, therebetween. The bladder is mounted within the pump housing between upper and lower valves for controlling the flow of the drywall mastic material. The airway connects the air compressor, the control line, the bladder, and the air release mechanism, such that there is air flow communication therebetween.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit for a motor-vehicle braking system comprises a pump (32) delivering hydraulic fluid under pressure, said pump being capable of being controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) and supplying the hydraulic fluid for at least one braking device (22) which is coupled to a wheel of the vehicle, and also a first reservoir (34) for pressureless hydraulic fluid, which is assigned to the pump (32) on the input side, and a second reservoir (36) for hydraulic fluid under pressure, which is assigned to the pump (32) on the output side. In order to design the control unit in such a way that it is not unshapely and problems [sic] as regards installation space arise in not uncritical manner, the pump (32), the first reservoir (34) and the second reservoir (36) are arranged in a common casing (60), integrated as an electrohydraulic modular unit.

Abstract: A pump having a pump chamber arranged to receive liquid to be pumped and air, a delivery pipe for delivery of the liquid by the air to a location remote from said pump chamber, an air pipe for flow of air therein. The delivery pipe and pump chamber are in fluid communication, as are the air pipe and said pump chamber. A first air flow control to control air flow via said air pipe during first and second stages of a pumping cycle of the pump. A timer controls the operation of said first air flow control to thereby set the durations of said first and second stages of said pumping cycle. A first valve allows liquid to enter said pump chamber. Wherein in said first stage of the pumping cycle of the pump, the first air flow control allows air to be directed via said air pipe to said pump chamber for a time period set by said timer to cause liquid to be pushed from said pump chamber into said delivery pipe with the air for delivery via said delivery pipe to said location.

Abstract: An air-operated pump for groundwater sampling features a corrugated bellows as opposed to the traditional bladder used for fluid collection. The preferred embodiment includes an air-supply line and a fluid-discharge line, each coupled to the pump body through a controller disposed at an appropriate above-ground location. The bellows is operable between a refill state, wherein fluid is drawn into the pump body through the fluid inlet, and a discharge state wherein fluid is forced out of the pump body through the discharge line. An apparatus disposed within the pump body governs the air received through the air-supply line to, at least, semi-automatically cycling the bellows between the refill and the discharge states. To assist in cycling, the pump may further include one or more magnets for latching the bellows in the refill or discharge state, and an electrical sensor for detecting whether or not the bellows is latched.

Abstract: An air-operated, submersible pump features a simplified inlet design applicable to water pumping or fluid separation, including the recovery of viscous hydrocarbon products. The inlet area fluidly penetrates through a portion of the wall of the pump, and a flexible seal, disposed within the pump body, is supported in overlying registration therewith. A pressure-operated valve in fluid communication with the discharge port facilitates a refill mode of operation, wherein fluid surrounding the pump flows into the pump body through the inlet area, and a discharge mode of operation wherein the air inlet is pressurized, causing the seal to seat against and seal off the inlet area, and fluid which flowed into the pump body to be discharged through the discharge port. In the preferred embodiment, the inlet area comprises a plurality of apertures formed through the wall of the pump body arranged as one or more linear arrays lengthwise along the pump.

Abstract: An automatic pneumatic pump system includes a fluid reservoir, at least one fluid tank connected to the reservoir through an inlet conduit and discharge fluid through an outlet conduit, a pressure sensing unit mounted on each fluid tank and containing a high pressure sensor and a low pressure sensor, a fluid level sensing unit mounted on each fluid tank and containing a high fluid level sensor and a low fluid level sensor, a microprocessor for controlling an operation of the pump system, an air supply conduit connected to the fluid tank to a compressor and the fluid level sensing unit, with the interior of the fluid level sensing unit being configured to communicate with the fluid tank, an air discharge conduit extends from the fluid tank, and an auxiliary air tank connected to both the air supply conduit and the air discharge conduit for automatically cleaning a fluid level sensing unit, improving pumping capacity, and recyclining discharged and compressed air.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for forming and transporting precise small volumes of liquid samples by means of controlled gas pressures. As the controlled gas pressures are changed at a multiplicity of control points in the fluid circuit, transitions take place involving the transport of small liquid samples. This transport is arrested by the geometry of the fluid circuit to produce a new state, which state remains stable until another transition is initiated by a change in the multiplicity of controlled gas pressures. Various combinations of control elements are described for effecting formation of fixed liquid volumes, transporting, mixing, and removing entrained bubbles from small liquid samples.

Abstract: A fluid change system (10) for use in changing fluid, i.e. motor oil from machinery. The system has a portable "suitcase" unit (12) and a unit (14) for recharging the suitcase unit. The suitcase unit (12) has a used fluid tank (22) for collecting and storing used fluid under vacuum, a new fluid tank (20) for storing and delivering new fluid, and a compressed air tank (18). A four-way valve (56) controls the inflow of used fluid into and new fluid out of the suitcase unit (12). The suitcase unit (12) has recharge ports (58, 60, 62, 64, and 66) through which the new fluid tank (20) will be refilled with new fluid and recharged with pressurized inert gas, the used fluid tank (22) will be emptied of used fluid and placed under a vacuum, and the compressed air tank (18) will be refilled with compressed air. A venturi operable by air from the compressed air tank (18) permits the user to put extra vacuum on the used fluid tank (22) as the need arises.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pump for discharging hot corrosive liquids, in particular molten salts, consisting of a pump pipe (1), a discharge pipe (2) dipping into the liquid and at least two valves (3, 4), whereby the liquid is discharged periodically by pressurisation.

Abstract: In a fluid displacement system having a pressure vessel, an expansion vessel, first and second tubes in fluid communication with the two vessels, and an energy source, fluid contained within the system is transferred from one vessel to the other by activating the energy source, which in turn generates pressure in the pressure vessel. The generated pressure in the pressure vessel, in turn, displaces the fluid in the expansion vessel, and the system advantageously has no moving parts.

Abstract: A portable system of inter-connected smaller and larger canisters for near simultaneous vacuum and liquid transfer free from any external power. Captured vacuum in the canisters is employed for waste liquid extraction and a subsequent pressure transfer may take place without any liquid being exposed to the atmosphere. A mechanical manifold is adapted to receive the canisters, and one or more canisters may be physically connected to the manifold and are left in place as a user drives to another site location. An intermediate canister in the system is fitted with either manual or a self tending valve for the vacuum and pressure modes of the system.

Abstract: A pneumatic pump is provided including a housing with an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture. A one way valve is mounted on the inlet aperture. A tube has a first end connected to outlet aperture and a second end positioned distant the housing. An air compressor resides in communication with the housing via a conduit. The air compressor serves to continuously elevate the pressure of air within the conduit. A solenoid valve allows the flow of the pressurized air to the housing only upon the actuation thereof. When the solenoid is actuated, the pressure within the interior of the housing is elevated above that of the exterior such that the valve is closed and the water within the housing is excreted through the outlet pipe. Finally, a timer is connected to the solenoid valve to actuate the same at user selected time intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use thereof includes a rechargeable, pre-charged vacuum canister used to remove viscous fluids, e.g., waste oil, from containers such as engine crankcases through an opening, such as a dipstick tube. The self-contained canister is first pre-charged with a near absolute vacuum. Due to the compressibility characteristics of air, conventional, active, continuous pumping techniques, which rely on partial vacuums, do not achieve the pulling force of the near absolute vacuums achieved by the invention. The use of a self-contained, pre-charged near absolute vacuum canister system significantly increases the force applied to the viscous fluid to be extracted. Furthermore, the fluid can be simultaneously contained in a proper disposal container. As a result shortcomings of manual and electric pumping systems are overcome with the added advantage that no external pumping force is required at the site of fluid removal.

Abstract: A pump assembly for the accurate transfer of water to an above ground elevation includes a tubular housing having an upper extremity equipped with a gas inlet port, and a lower extremity equipped with a water inlet port having a first check valve. A second check valve divides the housing into upper and lower chambers. A sampling port located within the lower chamber communicates with a conduit that extends to an above-ground elevation. A third check valve, disposed within the conduit, permits upward flow but not downward flow of water in the conduit. A pumping apparatus is provided by combining the pump assembly with a gas controller located above ground level and which supplies gas at controlled pressure, volume and timed intervals to the gas inlet port.

Abstract: Process for generating a vacuum and separating the condensable components of the vapors of melt-phase polycondensation in the production of polycarbonate, where at least one or two vapor jets with a downstream spray condenser are connected to the intake side of the polycondensation reactor to be evacuated, and the motive vapor is diphenyl carbonate vapor, and the spray liquid is liquid diphenyl carbonate.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping liquids to a destination includes a pipe of a first cross-sectional area extending from the liquid to be pumped to the destination. A body having a cross-sectional area less than twice the first cross-sectional area also has an upper portion, a lower portion, an inlet in the upper portion and an outlet to the pipe in the lower portion, a gas injection port, and a normally open valve between the gas injection port and the inlet, closeable upon an injection of gas through the gas injection port. Gas injection apparatus injects gas through the gas injection port from time to time. When no gas is being injected, liquid may enter the upper portion of the body through the inlet and fall by gravity toward the outlet in the lower portion and the pipe. Upon injection of gas, the valve closes, trapping liquid in the body below the valve, and trapped liquid is forced out the outlet and into the pipe toward the destination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing compressed air includes sealing air in a container capable of reducing its volume by external hydraulic pressure. A weight having a larger specific gravity than water is attached to the container to sink the container deep under water. Compressed air is produced when the volume of the container is reduced by hydraulic pressure, and is transferred into a recovery vessel connected to the container via a check valve. The weight is then separated from the container use and cause the container to float on the water by the action of buoyancy. The compressed air can then be recovered from the recovery vessel.

Abstract: There is provided a dual pump floating layer recovery apparatus for pumping a floating layer of contaminant out of a well. The apparatus comprises an upper pump and a lower pump. The lower pump creates a cone of depression which increases the amount of the floating layer within the well. The upper pump pumps the contaminant from the well or cone of depression. The upper and lower pumps preferably are gas-actuated pumps. The lower pump preferably includes an automatic switching device to activate the lower pump upon sensing a predetermined amount of fluid within the pump. A gas conduit interconnects the actuation chambers on both pumps such that when the lower automatic pump is provided with pressurized gas, the upper pump is simultaneously provided with the identical pressurized gas. Upon deactivation, both pumps relieve the activation pressure through the lower pump.

Abstract: An automobile coolant extractor/injector comprises a tank assembly, an air pressure control assembly and a hose assembly. The air pressure control assembly creates a vacuum in the tank assembly by using the venturi effect. The air pressure control assembly does this by connecting to a compressed air hose. The air from the air hose flows through a venturi chamber creating a vacuum. The vacuum forces air out of the tank, creating a vacuum in the tank. A transfer hose is also connected to the tank. The transfer hose is inserted into an automobile radiator, and opened. The vacuum in the tank pulls coolant out of the radiator through the transfer hose and into the tank. Coolant is injected or reinjected into the radiator by increasing the air pressure inside of the tank. A Schraeder valve on the tank connects to a compressed air hose. Air flows into the tank through the Schraeder valve until the inside of the tank reaches the necessary air pressure.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump comprises a mass such as a liquid filled pressure chamber or an annular ring which is rotated at high speed about a first axis so that centrifugal force acting on the liquid or ring creates zones of differential pressure within the interior of the pressure chamber or along the wall of the ring. At least one pumping unit having a pressure-responsive member is oscillated or rotated between the zones of differential pressure while the center of gravity of the pressure chamber or ring is maintained at a fixed distance from the first axis. In the course of moving into one zone having one pressure, the pressure-responsive member of the pumping unit is effective to intake a fluid such as air into the pumping unit. Air is discharged from the pumping unit by the pressure-responsive member in the course of moving from such one zone into another zone having a different pressure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an air pump for a natural mineral water bottle. The pump comprises a cover member, a bellows member disposed within the cover member and a stopper member fixed to the mouth of the bottle by screwing a locking nut so that the bottle may be stood up and the supply of water can be freely adjusted at user's option.

Abstract: To provide smoother operation of a gas-operated purge pump, the pump housing receives a standpipe closed by a low-density, floatable check valve element at the inlet of a standpipe within the housing. Periodically, at timed intervals, air is forced through an air conduit into the housing. If there is liquid in the housing, a check valve element floats upwardly because it is less dense than the liquid and mounted for movement to and away from the valve seat. While it is off of the valve seat, the air forces water into the standpipe and it moves upwardly until the chamber of the tubular pump housing is free of the liquid, at which time the check valve drops back into position and seats to prevent further flow of liquid. Upon termination of the pumping of gas pressure, the check valve in the pump housing inlet is free to move under the pressure of water in the well and the pump housing chamber again fills with fluid, causing the valve element to lift and permitting flow of water into the standpipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous perfusion of a liquid in cell culture, hydroponic and breeding processes includes a container having a sealed lower portion and an open upper portion, a hollow tube having an upper end in the open upper portion and a lower end in the sealed lower portion of the container for introducing liquid to be perfused into the sealed lower portion, a blast pipe for introducing perfusing gas into the sealed lower portion of the container, and a hollow U-shaped pipe extending from above the sealed lower portion of the container and thereinto. The relative positioning of the ends of the hollow tube and hollow pipe at a particular height differential provides for a piston like movement of air and liquid to perfuse the liquid without requiring any electricity or motors.

Abstract: To provide smoother operation of a gas-operated purge pump, the pump housing receives a standpipe closed by a low-density, floatable check valve element at the inlet of a standpipe within the housing. Periodically, at timed intervals, air is forced through an air conduit into the housing. If there is liquid in the housing, a check valve element floats upwardly because it is less dense than the liquid and mounted for movement to and away from the valve seat. While it is off of the valve seat, the air forces water into the standpipe and it moves upwardly until the chamber of the tubular pump housing is free of the liquid, at which time the check valve drops back into position and seats to prevent further flow of liquid. Upon termination of the pumping of gas pressure, the check valve in the pump housing inlet is free to move under the pressure of water in the well and the pump housing chamber again fills with fluid, causing the valve element to lift and permitting flow of water into the standpipe.

Abstract: A liquid pump, particularly though not exclusively suitable for use in flow injection analysis, and comprising a reservoir 3 an outlet tube 6 for conducting liquid 2 from the reservoir and a device for introducing gas into the liquid in the reservoir to displace liquid therefrom through the tube. The gas may be introduced in the form of a series of rapid pulses of controlled duration and frequency and is introduced at a fixed level relative to the entrance to the outlet tube.

Abstract: A convertible and variable-length groundwater device permitting conversion of one type of groundwater sampling device to another, and vice versa. Conversion between a bailer device and a gas-drive pump, or a bailer device and a bailer pump, for example, is readily accomplished by substituting particular components from an assortment of universal, unique and multi-use components adapted to mate one with another and to be assembled substantially without the use of tools. Variable-length bladder devices, gas-drive pumps and bladder pumps are also provided, each being convertible between at least a single- and double-length assembly merely by adding or removing various components.

Abstract: Well pumping system that uses pressurized air as power fluid and operates simultaneously as a positive displacement pump and as a gas lift pump, to pump well fluids intermitently; and also may be used in combination with fluid actuated pumping devices to pump well fluids continuously, extracting them by suction from the pores of a geologic formation through the screen of a monitoring well, as often is required for remediation purposes in hazardous wastes projects, or soil stabilization purposes in foundation engineering projects. Solid particles in the well fluids are filtered prior to entering the pumping system. Well fluids are separated from the pressurized air by passing the well fluids-pressurized air mixture through separators upon discharge.

Abstract: A method for rapid and efficient cleaning of an internal combustion engine cooling system includes:(a) forcing the coolant liquid from the cooling system to the exterior of that system,(b) treating the coolant liquid from the cooling system to the exterior of that system,(b) treating the coolant liquid in a zone or zones outside the cooling system, such treating including removing contaminant from the coolant liquid,(c) returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system,(d) the forcing step including supplying pressurized gas to the cooling system to drive coolant liquid therefrom,(e) the cooling system including a heat radiator including a container having a coolant liquid fill opening, and the forcing step including employing the gas to drive coolant liquid from the radiator via the container fill opening,(f) and including the step of controllably venting fluid including gas from the container via the fill opening, during the step of returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system.

Abstract: A water well and storage tank control system for use in isolated areas that utilizes a solar power source in conjunction with pneumatic pump apparatus for lifting well from a well bore hole for surface deposit in a storage tank. A solar power panel functions to continually charge into a storage battery which, in turn, is periodically applicable to energize a pump/compressor to generate air at increased pressure for conduction down the well bore. An airjet chamber immersed beneath the water level in the well bore receives input of the air at increased pressure and evacuates well water upward through a delivery pipe to a surface storage tank.

Abstract: In a device for elevating liquids a heat exchanging vessel to be neated by an exterior source of heat is connected with a discharge pipe arranged to elevate doses of liquid, so that for performing a thermodynamic cycle the liquid to be elevated is used as a working medium, the liquid is introduced into the heat exchanger after an end or before a beginning of each thermodynamic cycle in a quantity which does not exceed a quantity required for one thermodynamic cycle and is heated in the heat exchanger, and issuance of the elevated liquid is performed under the action of pressure difference which acts on the discharge pipe and which has a value not exceeding a value of pressure difference which elevates a dose of liquid.

Abstract: A sample stored in a reservoir is introduced into a flow chamber having a pair of panel electrodes interposed by an insulating flat plate spacer having an opening. After electro-fusion is completed or while electro-transfection is being conducted by the application of a suitable voltage between the panel electrodes, fused cells or cells that have been transfected with nucleic acids are discharged out of the flow chamber, and the sample in the reservoir is simultaneously introduced into the flow chamber. This cycle of operations is repeated.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the removal of liquid hydrocarbons from ground water in perforated well casings consists of a plurality of pump chambers and a control system which is powered by compressed air. The pump chambers are positioned above a liquid hydrocarbon recovery device which is positioned in the well casing at the oil/water interface. The pump chambers are evacuated, causing the ground water and the liquid hydrocarbons to be drawn into separate chambers through respective check valves. The pump chambers are then pressurized with air to push out the water and liquid hydrocarbons through check valves in the chamber discharge conduits, thereby removing the fluids from the well casing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for raising liquids from one level to a higher level by means of a centrifugal pump operating in air for minimum drag, is described. A sealed tank is half filled with liquid and the remaining space is subjected to an externally applied pressure, thereby raising the liquid in a tank exit tube to a height determined solely by the pressure in the tank. Further liquid is introduced into the tank, against the pressure therein, by means of a rotating inlet tube provided with a plurality of radially extending exit tubes which rotate about a vertical axis in the air space above the liquid in the tank. The inlet tube is rotated by means of an electric or other power source located either internally or externally of the tank.

Abstract: A bladder pump is suspended in a tubular air lift pump housing which is closed at its lower end by a check valve, and which is connected at its upper end by a first conduit and a separator selectively to a supply of air under pressure. Two additional conduits extend from the upper end of the bladder pump in either side-by-side relation, or coaxially one within the other, through the bore in the left pump housing and first conduit and the separator to control means. A first one of the two additional conduits is secured in the upper end of the bladder pump to communicate with an upper check valve chamber, which is connected by a perforated discharge tube to a lower check valve chamber in the bladder pump. The discharge tube is surrounded by a flexible bladder, which is separated from the bladder pump housing by an air chamber which communicates with the other of the two additional conduits to the control means.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recovery of petroleum origin hydrocarbons and other liquids from underground at sites of refineries, oil, gasoline and other liquid storage and distributing facilities, tie creasoting plants, and the like. Pursuant to the invention, for petroleum origin hydrocarbon recovery, separate liquid handling devices, each in the nature of a vessel or canister and having liquid trapping and ejecting facilities that are free of mechanical pumping action, are employed for raising the ground water and liquid hydrocarbons that accumulate on the ground water table, respectively, through which the well or wells extend, and under the static pressure of the compressed air.

Abstract: Ground water pollutant floating above the water table in a water-bearing formation is removed through a well penetrating the formation by lowering the water level so that pollutant from the region surrounding the well will flow into the well due to gravitational force, and lowering a liquid-retaining vessel into the well to a depth whereby a liquid entry port in the vessel is in the pollutant layer above the water level. The vessel is constructed to receive the liquid pollutant by gravitational flow through the liquid entry port, the displaced gas leaving through a vent. A compressed air line feeds the vessel to purge its interior of accumulated liquid through an exit port on an intermittent basis. Check valves associated with each port are actuatable by the influence of the compressed air to prevent leakage of discharged pollutant back into the vessel and to provide complete and efficient purging when the compressed air is flowing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recovery of petroleum origin hydrocarbons from ground water tables at sites of refineries, oil and gasoline storage and distributing facilities, and the like. Pursuant to the invention, separate liquid handling devices, each in the nature of a vessel or canister and having liquid trapping and ejecting facilities that are free of mechanical pumping action, are employed for raising the ground water and liquid hydrocarbons that accumulate on the ground water table, respectively, through which the well or wells extend, and under the static pressure of the compressed air.

Abstract: A de-watering pump is designed for eliminating liquids in small diameter holes. An expandable air sack is designed such that the outer walls of the air sack can expand to interface with the inner walls of the hole which is to be de-watered. Pressurized air is forced into the hole. The pressurized sack prevents the escape of air up through the hole and directs the pressurized air and water from the hole out through the escape line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recovery of petroleum origin hydrocarbons from ground water tables at sites of refineries, oil and gasoline storage and distributing facilities, and the like. Pursuant to the invention, separate liquid handling devices, each in the nature of a vessel or canister and having liquid trapping and ejecting facilities, are employed in a well or wells at the site for separately raising the ground water and liquid hydrocarbons that accumulate on the ground water table, respectively, through which the well or wells extend, under the static pressure of compressed air and free of mechanical pumping action on the liquids.

Abstract: A pipe for elevating a liquid by liquid portions separated by gas gaps has a plurality of passages each having an inner diameter selected so as to form a stable meniscus film at the borders between the liquid portions and the gas portions and each having a plurality of successively arranged wall portions wettable and non-wettable by the liquid.