With Means For Liquid Separation Patents (Class 55/421)
  • Patent number: 11384669
    Abstract: A base filter for a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) filter of a header assembly in a fluid reservoir is disclosed may include first and second semi-cylindrical holder portions having a semi-cylindrical walls concluding at abutment surfaces that face and engage when the base filter is assembled. The semi-cylindrical holder portions have one or more mounting tabs extending inward from inner surfaces of the semi-cylindrical walls. The header assembly may include a header with a cylindrical header boss having mounting recess defined therein. The mounting tabs may be circumferentially spaced about the semi-cylindrical walls to align with and be inserted into the mounting recesses of the header boss the base filter is assembled on the cylindrical header boss. Fasteners may be inserted through fastener bosses of the semi-cylindrical holder portions and into fastener bores of the header boss to hold the semi-cylindrical holder portions together and on the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Govind Swaroop, Raghuram Gaikwad, Scott Frederick Meyer, Bogdan Balea, Shawn Richard Herold
  • Patent number: 11255587
    Abstract: An oil separator includes a separation container. The separation container has a side surface portion to which an inlet pipe is attached. The separation container has an upper surface portion to which an outlet pipe is attached. An oil reservoir is provided in a lower portion of the separation container. The separation container has a lower surface portion to which an oil return pipe is attached. The separation container has an inner wall surface provided with a liquid passage section. The liquid passage section is provided with a groove. The groove is disposed to extend in a direction of gravity toward the oil reservoir. The groove is formed to be gradually increased in depth from an upper portion of the groove toward a lower portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Matsuda, Hiroki Ishiyama, Yusuke Shimazu
  • Patent number: 10307694
    Abstract: A phase splitter for separating a multiphase fluid into a relatively light phase and a relatively heavy phase includes a separator tube which comprises a fluid inlet through which the multiphase fluid enters the apparatus, a heavy phase outlet through which the heavy phase exits the apparatus and an inner diameter surface which defines a flow bore that extends between the fluid inlet and the heavy phase outlet. A swirl element positioned in the flow bore downstream of the fluid inlet causes the multiphase fluid to rotate and separate the heavy phase from the light phase. The light phase forms an elongated core which extends axially through the flow bore radially inwardly of the heavy phase from proximate the swirl element toward the heavy phase outlet. A core stabilizer is positioned in the flow bore between the swirl element and the heavy phase outlet and engages the distal end of the light phase core to thereby inhibit the light phase from exiting the apparatus through the heavy phase outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: FMC Separation Systems, BV
    Inventor: Mohamed Reda Akdim
  • Patent number: 9005327
    Abstract: A device for receiving and/or discharging a disposal medium from cleaning and/or rinsing processes of an application apparatus can comprise a separation equipment which is provided to receive the disposal medium discharged by the application device and to subject the disposal medium to a separation. The device can also comprise a receiving equipment which is provided to receive a disposal medium and a suction device which is provided to suction and/or suction off at least a part of the disposal medium led to or into the receiving equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Durr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Fritz, Marcus Kleiner, Michael Zabel, Benjamin Wöhr, Georg M. Sommer, Dietmar Wieland, Wolfgang Tobisch
  • Patent number: 8945285
    Abstract: A water separator reduces a water content of an air stream, which is used in an HVAC unit for a vehicle. The water separator includes a diverter wall and an adjacent wall spaced from the diverter wall to define an air passage. The diverter wall has a terminal end extending into the air passage for changing a direction of the air stream flowing through the air passage to separate water droplets from the air stream to reduce the water content of the air stream. A gutter is coupled to the terminal end of the diverter wall and extends into the air passage. The gutter defines a drainage channel configured to receive the water droplets that form on the diverter wall for preventing the water droplets from reentering the air stream flowing through the air stream passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Climate Control
    Inventor: Joseph Spryshak
  • Patent number: 8747523
    Abstract: A water separator reduces a water content of an air stream, which is used in an HVAC unit for a vehicle. The water separator includes a diverter wall and an adjacent wall spaced from the diverter wall to define an air passage. The diverter wall has a terminal end extending into the air passage for changing a direction of the air stream to reduce the water content of the air stream. A filter assembly is disposed through a receiving slot in the diverter wall and is within the air passage downstream of the terminal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Climate Control
    Inventor: Joseph Spryshak
  • Patent number: 8657942
    Abstract: A trap device includes means for separating a liquid compound from a waste stream exhaust from a process chamber, means for collecting the liquid compound separated from the waste stream, means for selectively isolating the collected liquid compound from the waste stream, and means for evaporating the collected liquid compound to return the compound in gaseous form to the waste stream. This can enable a volatile liquid to be collected at a defined location, isolated from the waste stream, and, when so desired, returned to the waste stream in the form of a gas for subsequent abatement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Shaw, Graeme Huntley, Andrew James Seeley
  • Patent number: 8623119
    Abstract: A system and method for reclaiming compressor lubricants wherein a gas stream containing a lubricant contaminant is compressed to produce a compressed gas stream containing lubricant, the compressed gas stream being separated to produce a lubricant stream containing contaminant, the lubricant/contaminant stream being sent through a separator wherein the contaminant is separated from the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Daryl W. Hanson, David R. McCaslin, Robert M. Kranz
  • Patent number: 8613895
    Abstract: A method and system remove contaminants from a vapor. In one embodiment, the system includes a contaminant removal system having a vacuum box. A contaminated vapor from process equipment is introduced to the vacuum box. The contaminated vapor includes steam and hydrocarbons. The vacuum box includes a water removal device. The water removal device removes water from the contaminated vapor to provide water and a reduced water vapor. The water and the reduced water vapor are removed from the vacuum box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Global Vapor Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Finley, Doug Scott, Lisha Salathiel
  • Patent number: 8580022
    Abstract: The portable air purification device provides extreme portability such that the device can be placed virtually anywhere desired. Should an area need the device, one person can easily transport as needed. Also important is the separability of the vacuum canister and filtration canister. Often it may be advantageous to place the vacuum canister strategically, and the filtration canister supplying purified air in another location. The device provides for such via the separate canisters and the transfer hose, which can be almost any length needed. The device uses liquid filtration media, solid filtration media, and a HEPA filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jose F. Gallardo
  • Patent number: 8573407
    Abstract: A lubricant reclamation system having a moisture absorbent cartridge (140). The cartridge (140) is fabricated placing a Superabsorbant Polymer (SAP) (142) within a boundary of polyester mesh (143). Moisture is extracted from a lubricant or other fluid and absorbed by the SAP. The moisture latent SAP bonds to the polyester mesh (143), potentially turning into a gel. A layer of polypropylene sorbent (144) is placed about the exterior of the boundary material (143), ensuring any moisture remains exterior to the sorbent layer (144). A resin layer can optionally be placed within a fluid flow following the discharge from polypropylene sorbent extracting aerosol from within the lubricant and as a barrier of detrimental ions with an exchange of beneficial ions. The entire cartridge can be placed within an enclosure or pouch body (162). The body (162) is designed to expand, accommodating a resultant increase in SAP volume. The cartridges can be integrated into filters comprising commonly known filtration elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Puradyn Filter Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A Jacobs, William A Jacobs, Alan J Sandler
  • Publication number: 20130213223
    Abstract: A system adapted to separate a natural gas feed stream into a sweetened gas stream, at least one liquid waste stream and at least one gaseous waste stream, and to discharge, recover or destroy the at least one liquid waste stream and the at least one gaseous waste stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Paul Posa
  • Publication number: 20130025451
    Abstract: A device for phase separation of a multiphase mixture with at least one gas and at least two fluid phases may include a vessel including a tangential inlet via which the multiphase mixture is conveyed to the vessel, a tangential gas outlet above the inlet, via which a gas phase of the multiphase mixture separated from the multiphase mixture can be taken out of the vessel, and at least two outlets below the inlet at different vertical heights, via which one of the at least two fluid phases of the multiphase mixture respectively separated from the multiphase mixture can be taken out of the vessel. Further, a method for phase separation of a multiphase mixture using such device may include imparting an upwards-directed eddy flow to the multiphase mixture, during which fluid droplets are separated from the multiphase gas mixture, collecting the fluid droplets, and separately removing all phases formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Urs Peuker
  • Patent number: 8246705
    Abstract: A grease containment apparatus to remove grease and other contaminants from hot air exiting a kitchen area through a vent system which includes a vertical separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Charles E. Bain, David D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8206491
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for implementing water separation in the vacuum system of a paper machine. The apparatus includes a guiding baffle structure connected to an inlet pipe and a water trap vessel, and a droplet separation cell mounted at the mouth of an outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Runtech Systems Oy
    Inventor: Juha Karvinen
  • Publication number: 20120000643
    Abstract: The gas-liquid separator separates a variable multi-phase flow of gas and liquid in a gas dominated flow and a liquid dominated flow. The separator includes a housing which encloses a separation chamber, an inlet port for feeding the multi-phase flow into the separation chamber, a liquid outlet port for discharging the liquid dominated flow from the separation chamber and a gas outlet port provided at a position above both the inlet port and the liquid outlet port for discharging the gas dominated flow from the separation chamber. Both the inlet port and the liquid outlet port are positioned adjacent to an elongated lower bottom wall of the housing and define a flow direction into the and out of the separation chamber approximately aligned along the bottom wall, wherein the separation chamber extends above the bottom wall in between the inlet port and the liquid outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Tor Bruun, Torbjørn Fiveland, Bjørnar Werswick
  • Patent number: 8025860
    Abstract: Acid mist may be removed efficiently from a gas stream using at least one fiber bed mist eliminator operating at elevated pressure of typically at least 2 bar (0.2 MPa), e.g. at about 4 bar (0.4 MPa) to about 50 bar (5 MPa). The invention has particular application in methods for processing carbon dioxide flue gas in which SO2 and/or NOx contaminants are converted at elevated pressure to sulfuric acid condensate and/or nitric acid condensate respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Wayne Diamond
  • Patent number: 8016121
    Abstract: Disclosed is a droplet separator system which is disposed in or on a flow duct and is used for separating liquid and/or solid particles from the medium flowing in the flow duct. The system comprises a frame with a base plate, a cover plate, and a trough that is located at the bottom end of the frame and is used for collecting and discharging liquids/solids, a cap area and a lateral area. A plurality of profiled droplet separators (3) is retained by the frame. The frame is provided with at least one device for deflecting and/or increasing the resistance and/or reducing the rate of the flow, the device being arranged in and/or adjacent to the trough area, cap area and/or lateral area of the frame. This allows entrainments or leakage flows to be largely eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Munters Euroform GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Schmitz, Peter Wandres
  • Patent number: 7993426
    Abstract: In a moisture separator, a manifold that communicates with a steam inlet is disposed in a shell. A plurality of blowout outlets for steam is provided on a side of the manifold. A first support plate and a lower support frame are fixed to a lower part in the shell to compart a steam drift space and a drain path. A moisture separating element is provided corresponding to the manifold, and steam from which moisture is removed by the moisture separating element is heated by a group of heating tubes to flow as high-temperature reheat steam to the steam outlet. The moisture is led from the drain opening through the drain path to the drain outlet. A blocking plate blocks a part of the drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Issaku Fujita, Nobuki Uda, Jiro Kasahara
  • Patent number: 7862651
    Abstract: A contactor/separator is formed from a vessel; an inlet for receiving a vapor/liquid mixture; an inlet for receiving a superheated vapor; a hub located within the vessel, the hub including a plurality of vanes for imparting a centrifugal motion to the vapor/liquid mixture or the superheated vapor; an outlet in a bottom of the vessel for removing liquid; and an outlet for removing vapor from the vessel. A method is also provided for heating and separating liquid and vapor from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising introducing a hydrocarbon feedstock into a contactor/separator: introducing a superheated vapor into the contactor/separator such that it contacts and vaporizes a portion of the feedstock within the contactor/separator; separating unvaporized feedstock from vaporized feedstock in the contactor/separator; removing the vaporized feedstock and the superheated vapor through a first outlet; and removing the unvaporized feedstock through a second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Louis Edward Stein, Danny Yuk Kwan Ngan, Arthur James Baumgartner, Karl Gregory Anderson, Raul Jasso Garcia, Sr., Richard Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7799218
    Abstract: A paint reclamation clarifier system in communication with a sump tank in a paint booth containing a carrier fluid for capturing paint droplets and a conduit for transporting the carrier fluid mixed with paint droplets to the reclamation clarifier system is presented. The clarifier system includes an influent port, a detackification agent inlet, a sludge tank in a lower portion of the clarifier for collecting the dispersed carrier liquid, where the paint droplets bond with the agent and settle to the bottom of the sludge tank, a sludge outlet, and, at least one effluent port located on or near an upper portion of a sidewall of the clarifier system permitting unsettled material to exit from the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: John M. Spangler
  • Publication number: 20100199618
    Abstract: An effluent collection and filter apparatus with drainage designed to collect effluent discharged from a cooking exhaust system, separate water from grease and allow only water to escape. The ECFAD is attached at a point below the lowest area where effluent needs to be collected. The apparatus is secured to either the exhaust duct or roof. In the apparatus is an absorbent padding designed to absorb grease and repel water. Below the absorbent is a grate that allows water to flow under the padding. In the corners are water only release fittings to let water out and keep grease in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Ernest L. Tomkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20100064893
    Abstract: A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Patent number: 7662220
    Abstract: A driving section is provided for a housing. A fan is rotated in the housing by the driving section. Saturated steam, which is supplied to the housing, is separated into a liquid component and a gas component by applying the centrifugal force to the saturated steam by the fan to make the saturated steam pass through a cylindrical separating wall. The liquid component is discharged from an outlet port of the housing by the separating wall and a shielding section. On the other hand, the gas component is discharged from a discharge port formed at an upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Takayuki Murai
  • Publication number: 20090293724
    Abstract: A water extraction system having a cooling system adapted to cool air to below the dew point, the cooling system including an absorption chiller 1.002 including a heat source 1.004, the system includes an air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 1.016, and a water collector 1.022 arranged to collect water from the air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger. The air/heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 1.016 is adapted to cool the air below the dew point. The chiller can include a heat input in the form of a gas burner or a solar collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Walter IVISON
  • Patent number: 7503950
    Abstract: Assembly to separate out liquid frotfi a multiphase fluid flow, comprising a scrubber, a column, a separator or other conventional separation equipment, combined with a deliquidizer that is connected as a preseparator to the fluid inlet. in that the deliquidizer functions according to a cyclone principle. With the assembly according to the invention the deliquidizer is modified such that it can be combined with conventional separation equipment such that a surprising improved technical effect is achieved. More specific the improved technical effect is achieved for assemblies where the deliquidizer is vertically oriented placed outside conventional separation equipment, with main flow direction upwards or downwards, or with the deliquidizer placed within conventional separation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventor: Trygve H{dot over (a)}land
  • Patent number: 7404837
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a natural solar distillation cycle (comprised of maritime trade winds being elevated over mountain formations to form orographic clouds) includes enabling the low cost harvesting of freshwater during time periods when weather conditions permit, despite the absence of rain. The cloud-catching wind management structures preferably incorporate minimal pressure drop gas cyclones to centrifuge condensate particles out of the air stream, and jet pump-like flow guide structures to help overcome pressure drop, for efficient, energy-passive production of freshwater utilizing only the stagnation pressure of natural wind velocity. The permanence (design and anchoring against natural disasters) of the structures provides for incorporation of water treatment means, and connection with permanent collection reservoirs and distribution systems, for large volume supply of potable freshwater for public and industrial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: David L. Killion, James E. Carr, Jesse D. Killion, Joan A. Killion, Steven L. Bruno
  • Patent number: 7338545
    Abstract: A liquid separator includes a housing, a separation chamber disposed within the housing, a drain, an inlet channel, a swirler disposed within the inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The drain has a drain passageway for draining liquid from the separation chamber. The inlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first inlet end to a second inlet end disposed within the housing and proximate the separation chamber. The outlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first outlet end positioned proximate the second inlet end, to a second outlet end remote from the separation chamber. The drain passageway has an inner diameter sized such that the interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the inner passageway causes some liquid to be retained in the drain passageway, to form a low pressure gas seal of the drain passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: Ricardo Bazzarella, Todd A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7332004
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering and containing grease or other effluent discharged from a drain spout of an exhaust fan includes a hollow housing and top and bottom portions covering each end thereof. A filter element disposed within the housing for filtering the effluent. A first aperture is provided in a top portion for enabling entry of the effluent into the housing and a plurality of second apertures is provided in a bottom portion for enabling passage of a filtered effluent. An apparatus is adapted for attachment to a roof surface or to a duct housing attached to the exhaust fan. The housing may include a transparent portion for visually identifying the saturation magnitude of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7326266
    Abstract: A coalescing type gas filter includes a filtering element enclosed in an inner chamber which is housed in an outer chamber and a drain device to simultaneously drain accumulated liquid in both the inner chamber and the outer chamber. The drain device contains a pressure sensitive valve that regulates opening of the drain in response to a drop in pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Flair Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Barnwell
  • Patent number: 7186282
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle air cleaner provided with a check valve mechanism on the lower cap of the air cleaner for drainage and ventilation, and a protection disposed on the outer edge; the check valve being closed as the engine runs to prevent from taking in water vapor and dust; and check valve being opened to dismiss water logging and excessively dense air and fuel admixture; the protection is related to a protection cap to prevent the check valve mechanism from direct contact with the ambient air for keeping off water and dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Yu Su
  • Patent number: 7081146
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneous cleaning of a liquid and a gas includes a centrifugal rotor delimiting in a casing a separation chamber that is arranged for through flow and cleaning of the liquid. On the outside of the casing separation discs are mounted for rotation with the centrifugal rotor. Between the separation discs there are formed axially extending separation passages formed for through flow and cleaning of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Ingvar Hällgren, Leif Larsson, Rolf Ljungtström
  • Patent number: 6926760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning a particle filter (1) by means use of a fluid, whereby the filter material is alternately treated with pressure and high flow rate. By means of the above using this method, the ash is washed out of the filter material, essentially more effectively; namely, and more completely and more gently for the filter material (2) than previously possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Deutz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rolf Miebach
  • Patent number: 6896713
    Abstract: A liquid separator for separating liquid from gases, comprises a water trap (1) that includes a container (3), a connector (5) for incoming gas flow, a separation chamber (4) that includes a filter and at least one connection passageway for leading separated gas to an analysis instrument. The water trap (1) can be removably fitted in a holder unit (2) connected to the analysis instrument, and the holder unit (2) includes connection devices (15, 16) for receiving the connection passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Artema Medical AB
    Inventors: Anders Eckerbom, Per Lindestam
  • Patent number: 6773492
    Abstract: A system for separating an entrained liquid component from a gas stream employing at least one vortex tube having a liquid outlet end and a wet gas inlet tangential to its sidewall and arranged so that wet gas rotates within the vortex tube to cause the liquid components to be forced against the interior wall surface by centrifugal action. An orifice plate closing the vortex tube first end has a concentric gas outlet opening therein. A vortex finder tube extends concentrically within the vortex tube providing an annular area between itself and the vortex tube internal wall. A gas deflector positioned within the annular area has a downwardly spiraled surface that diverts wet gas downwardly away from the wet gas inlet. In one embodiment, an outlet tube is affixed to the orifice plate central opening and is configured to divert outlet gas downwardly. In another embodiment, an energy absorbing housing surrounds the vortex tube liquid outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: National Tank Company
    Inventor: Hugh M. West
  • Patent number: 6723205
    Abstract: The invention relates to a degassing centrifugal apparatus such as a pump having energy recovery means and to a process for degassing a fluid. The apparatus has a rotatable hollow rotor connected to a fluid inlet at one end and a liquid outlet at the opposite end. A gas exhaust is connected to the center of the apparatus. The apparatus has at its inlet end means for bringing a fluid to rotate on the inner wall of said rotor. The apparatus comprises a turbine at its outlet end recovering excess dynamic energy from the rotating fluid. The apparatus is especially useful for centrifugal degassing of backwater in the production of paper or board machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: FOM Technology Oy AB
    Inventor: Paul Meinander
  • Patent number: 6702876
    Abstract: An ion exchange scrubber has a housing, and a partition plate installed within the housing. The partition plate partitions an inner space of the housing in longitudinal direction into two chambers that are filled with a predetermined amount of aqueous solution. The upper end portions of the two partitioned chambers communicate with each other. At least one cartridge is installed at the upper portion and has an ion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin removes a harmful substance contained in the gas. By repeatedly pumping the aqueous solution from one side chamber to the other side chamber, and immersing and cleaning the contaminated ion exchange resin in the aqueous solution, the contaminated gas can be effectively processed even with a small amount of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignees: M.A.T. Co., Ltd., Encoco Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Kim, Dong Won Kim
  • Patent number: 6702877
    Abstract: Disclosed device for separating a mixture of gas with liquid and/or solid, which comprises a gravity separation vessel and a processing vessel which can be mounted in the gravity separation vessel. The processing vessel comprises a flow body which is provided with one or more swirl elements which set the feed mixture into rotation. The processing vessel also comprises a resistance element which is positioned between an outlet for the heavier fraction of the mixture and the flow body. The processing vessel may also comprise counter-swirl elements which are positioned in the discharge channel for the lighter fraction of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignees: Spark Technologies and Innovations N.V., Koch-Glitsch N.V.
    Inventor: Rombout Adriaan Swanborn
  • Patent number: 6689322
    Abstract: The present invention includes free-standing, shaped ceramic-bearing bodies useful in fluid sensors, filters, and catalyst devices. The invention also includes methods and processes for using such devices. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shaped metallic foils are converted into free-standing, porous rutile foils having an open pore structure by oxidation at an elevated temperature. The exposure of such foils to increasing concentrations of reducing gases such as carbon monoxide results in an increase in the steady-state electrical resistance. The resultant ceramic-bearing bodies may be used as effective sensors of reducing gas species in such applications as automobile and industrial emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Michael John Mills, Kenneth Henry Sandhage, Pelagia-Irene Gouma
  • Patent number: 6676723
    Abstract: A grease containment assembly to collect grease discharged from a grease exhaust system that has an exhaust duct extending upwardly from a roof top and interconnected to a fan base that connects to an exhaust fan. The grease containment includes a plurality of interconnecting channels positioned around the exhaust duct to form a frame surrounding the exhaust duct. The channels further include a water channel running along the bottom portion defined therein. A sorbent material is further received within the interconnecting channels, having properties that absorbs grease and repels water. A plurality of egresses positioned in the interconnecting channels permit water running along the water channels to drain out of the interconnecting channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Omni Containment Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Chwala
  • Patent number: 6673135
    Abstract: A system and a method for separating interdispersed gas and liquid components of an inlet stream includes introducing the inlet steam into a vessel having a dry gas outlet and a liquid outlet, passing the inlet stream into at least one vortex tube supported within the vessel, the vortex tube having a gas outlet and a liquid outlet, rapidly rotating the inlet stream within the vortex tube to separate entrained liquid and passing reduced moisture outlet gas from the vortex tube into the interior of the vessel and passing the outlet gas through a mist eliminator within the vessel to provide gas that is passed out the vessel dry gas outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: National Tank Company
    Inventor: Hugh M. West
  • Patent number: 6648937
    Abstract: A ventilation assembly (10) for venting fluid impregnated fumes and separating the fluid for collection is disclosed. The ventilation assembly (10) broadly includes a curb (12), a curb cap (14), a fan (16), and a disposable grease collection cannister (18) removably coupled to the fan (16). The fan (16) generates an airstream and separates any grease entrained in the airstream from the airstream. The separated grease is collected in the cannister (18). The entire cannister (18) can be quickly and cleanly removed, disposed of, and replaced. The cannister (18) broadly includes an open top receptacle (52) for receiving the grease, an absorbent core (54) in the receptacle (52) for absorbing and storing the grease, a funnel (56) for directing the grease into the core (54), and a lid (58) for covering the open top and removably coupling the cannister (18) to the fan (16) for removal therefrom without contacting the receptacle (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Tung Kim Nguyen, Richard Evers
  • Patent number: 6623631
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum filtration device for aqueous media that includes a hydrophilic tubular filter element in a cylindrical housing and at least one hydrophobic gas-permeable membrane, coupled with a gas bleed-off valve to allow the escape of air entrained in the filtration medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Andreas Graus, Christian Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20030121241
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a flotation machine in which a drive shaft for mixing slurry and transporting air is driven by a drive arrangement and the drive shaft is provided with a bearing assembly and the drive shaft is at least partly hollow in the interior for transferring air to a rotor. According to the invention the drive shaft (7) is provided with at least one bearing (11) in a housing separated from at least one element (12) forming an air transfer chamber (13) around the drive shaft (7). Further, the drive shaft (7) has at least one opening (16) in order to create an essentially continuous connection between the air transfer chamber (16) and the interior (17) of the drive shaft (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey Belke
  • Patent number: 6444015
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention for treating a gas containing a substance to be decomposed comprises an adsorption unit equipped with an adsorbent for adsorbing the substance to be decomposed, a steam introduction unit for bringing steam into contact with the adsorbent, a condensation unit for obtaining a condensed liquid containing the substance to be decomposed from the steam containing the substance, a reaction tank, a condensed liquid supply unit for supplying the condensed liquid to the reaction tank, a hypochlorous acid supply unit for supplying a solution containing hypochlorous acid to the reaction tank, and a light irradiation unit for irradiating the reaction tank with light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kinya Kato
  • Patent number: 6409803
    Abstract: Amalgam and other particles of four microns or more in size are removed with at least 95% efficiency from a particle-containing fluid line, preferably connected to a single dental operatory. Desirably a plurality of parallel centrifugal separators have their inlets connected to the fluid line, and gas outlets connected to a dental vacuum pump. The bottom liquid and particle outlet drains to a particle filter. The filtered water can be reintroduced into the gas flow to the vacuum pump, and the collected particles are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: RAMVAC Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Tremel, Chenoa J. Jensen, Garland P. Krabbenhoft, Daniel F. Dolan, Robert A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6206953
    Abstract: A fluid separator for separating a liquid such as oil/water from air delivered from a compressor during the condensate drain cycle of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Jonathan F. Bangs
  • Patent number: 6171368
    Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method of operation are disclosed for removal of gaseous contaminants, particularly oxygen, from closed containers. The apparatus is economical, simple to install and operate, of convenient size, and highly effective. A gas extractor communicates with a container for a gas-sensitive product. A high gas concentration in the container causes operation of the extractor until the gas concentration is reduced to a desired low level, when the extractor operation stops. Separate sensors and controllers responsive to concentrations can be present, or the extractor can be self-actuated by use as a power source of a battery which operates on gas generated by operation of the extractor. The system preferably is used for oxygen extraction from containers holding oxygen-sensitive contents. The preferred extractor includes an electrochemical cell which has a ion-permeable membrane disposed between two electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Med-E-Cell
    Inventors: Henri J. R. Maget, Robert J. Rosati
  • Patent number: 6146435
    Abstract: In a biofilter, in particular for installation in discharge systems, with a collecting funnel and with an adjoining filter housing (13), the collecting funnel is to have a mounting ring (1), into which the filter housing (13) is inserted removably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Hans Stork
  • Patent number: 6019819
    Abstract: Disclosed is a contaminated waste steam heat recovery apparatus 10 and method therefore which includes a primary condensing unit 38, a low pressure water washing unit 26, a liquid to liquid heat exchanger 36 and a vent fan 31. Waste gas is ducted from fryer 11 to a de-super-heating chamber 14 wherein superheated steam is converted to saturated steam by spraying water into the steam using spray nozzles 15. The gas is then introduced into a vertically disposed air to liquid heat exchanger 16 and is drafted downward therethrough. As heat is removed from the waste gas, water vapor in the steam condenses and in the process, collects some of the oil and hydrocarbons present. A plurality of condensate trays 19 are disposed below the bottom end of heat exchanger 16 in a cascading fashion to collect hold the condensate in the airflow path such that it will absorb some of the heat still present in the remaining waste gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Alpha Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Eddy A. Williams