Abstract: A gas elimination system includes a gas elimination device and a priming system. The gas elimination device includes a vortex chamber that forms a vortex in the fluid flowing into the chamber and a particulate filter that removes particles from the fluid. The particulate filter is located in the vortex chamber such that the vortex is formed in a substantial volume of the chamber before it encounters the particulate filter. When the fluid encounters the particulate filter, the vortex is generally stopped, and additional released gasses rise through the open top of the particulate filter. The device also includes an outlet chamber connected to the vortex chamber, and the particulate filter extends into the outlet chamber. A check valve is located at the outlet of the outlet chamber to shut off flow when the device contains excess gas. The priming system in the form of a pillow block is arranged to force air or fluid upward to dislodge the check valve, should it become stuck in the valve seat.

Abstract: The present invention especially for machine applications, also improves the invention air cleaning device, U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,599 dated Apr. 29, 1986. The present invention is the said air cleaning method U.S. Pat. No. 4,585.599 and which is in addition forming a multipurpose combinatory oil, air, gas, and pollution filtration system based on processing oil through purified water mixtures, includes water of hydration, in general, is based on the interaction of two liquid systems distinguished in nature and viscosity from each other. For example: oil as the solute which include polluted particles mixed within and purified water (H20) as the solvent and which are optionally charged electrostatically with opposite charges positive and negative. In addition, electro-magnetic separator is provided within for attracting magnetic particles from the oil into the water, for disposal.

Abstract: A water-soluble, biodegradable filter medium for removing entrained solid and/or liquid particles from an air stream, and a method of use thereof are disclosed. The filter medium is a solid solution of starch and a biodegradable, water-soluble synthetic polymer. After use, the filter medium is disposed of in an environmentally sound fashion. In particular, the filter medium is dissolved in water and the solid and/or liquid particles collected thereon are removed from the resulting aqueous solution of starch and polymer by decantation and the polymer and starch biodegraded using a conventional biological water treatment process.

Abstract: A grease filter system for use in connection with retaining viscous products of combustion in commercial food preparation environments includes a receptacle and a filter element removably supported within the receptacle. The receptacle has a lid covering one end thereof and a bottom. The lid includes an opening through which grease, condensed steam, water and other products of combustion enter the system. The receptacle further includes a plurality of apertures disposed spaced from the bottom about the perimeter of the receptacle such that the filter system retains grease and other viscous fluids while allowing condensed steam, water and other products of combustion to pass through the filter element and the receptacle out through the apertures.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of employing a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for wet material pick-up. By employing a hydrophobic and air permeable filter material, such as an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with a tight gasket around its edge in place of a conventional wet/dry vacuum filter, it has been determined that the filter can be retained in place at all times during operation, regardless of the material being collected.

Abstract: A device and method for separating oil from the vent of an oil reservoir, such as a sump of an oil-free compressor, includes a suction pump for drawing in air from the oil reservoir through a first venting line and delivering the air through a second venting line to a filter on the one hand, and a connection between the oil reservoir and the environment on the other hand. The suction pump always draws a flow at a rate which is greater than a normal venting flow to the sump such that flow through the connection is always from the environment to the oil reservoir in order to maintain a constant air content and pressure in the oil reservoir.

Abstract: A return filter for hydraulic fluids comprises a filter head attachable to a container for fluid, a filter pot arranged on one side of the filter head, a cover releasably arranged on the other side of the filter head, a filter element arranged so as to extend continuously through the filter head and the filter pot, at least one inlet formed on the filter head for the returning fluid, an air port formed on the filter head, and a ventilation filter inserted into this port. Filter head, filter pot and filter cover consist of plastic; a hose nipple integral with the filter head is formed at the inlet for the returning fluid. The air port is surrounded by a housing which is integral with the filter head and is closable by a cover carrying the ventilation filter. The walls of the housing are provided with slots which are open towards the cover. On the one hand, these slots make provision for air to pass through and, on the other hand, they allow the cover to be releasably clipped into the housing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for dehydrating natural gas while filling a compressed natural gas storage vessel are provided. The natural gas is dehydrated through a process of compression, followed by expansion for cooling, and freezing or condensation of water from the cooled gas onto the surface of a moisture collecting material. The invention provides dehydrated compressed natural gas which can be used to supply natural gas vehicle filling stations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing unwanted fluid such as gas from a processed blood product are disclosed. Methods include the steps of passing a blood product from a closed first container through a functional biomedical device to produce a processed blood product, flowing the processed blood product and an unwanted fluid from the functional biomedical device to a second container through a conduit, separating the unwanted fluid from the processed blood product in the second container, preventing the flow of the unwanted fluid from the second container through the passage to the functional biomedical device by using a clamp and passing the unwanted fluid from the second container to the first container through an outlet providing fluid communication between the second container and the first container. The outlet includes a barrier medium which allows the passage therethrough of the unwanted fluid but prevents the passage therethrough of the processed blood product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a fluid pump (P) for circulation of a regenerated liquid absorber from a treating vessel or regenerator (R) to a liquid/gas contacting vessel (T) where the liquid absorber removes a predetermined component from a gas. The fluid pump (P) is driven by a shaft from fluid motor (M) and an auxiliary electric motor (E, E-1) assisting the fluid motor (M). The fluid pump (P) receives the entire output of regenerated liquid absorber from the regenerator (R) for pumping the regenerated liquid absorber to the contacting vessel (T). A bypass fluid conduit (49, 48) is utilized for initial circulation of glycol during the start up operation. A glycol measuring device (42) is effective for removing trapped air in conduits (18, 15) between the reboiler (R) and the contactor (T), and in bypass conduits (48, 49) in addition to measuring the flow rate for the liquid absorber.

Abstract: A sealing plate for sealing a cartridge containing a liquified gas under pressure and having a neck with an opening with a syphon tube thereof extending from the neck into the cartridge has mounted on a side surface thereof a powdered metal cylindrical filter having a blind bore with open end closed by the plate. An integral annulus centrally disposed on the plate and projecting outwardly from a side surface of the plate mounts the filter in fixed assembly with the sealing plate. The filter is press-fitted into the annulus with its open end against the plate so that an annulus inner cylindrical surface is circumferentially disposed about the open end of the cylinder. The plate is mounted in use on the neck closing it. The cylindrical filter and the annulus around it extend into the neck and the marginal peripheral surface portion of the plate around the annulus overlies the neck closing its opening and is welded thereto to effect a seal.

Abstract: A refrigerant filter/accumulator and an oil separator, both suitable for refrigerant recovery equipment, are disclosed. In the filter/accumulator (10) refrigerant enters (11), is filtered by cup-shaped filter (15), and liquid-refrigerant drains into accumulator section (20). Superheated refrigerant from compressor (17) passes through pipe (21, 22, 23) and vaporises refrigerant which leaves the unit via outlet (26). Accumulated oil can be drained when desired via oil port (35). In another embodiment refrigerant enters section (20) and passes upwardly through a coarse filter and baffle [both depending from ledge (30)] before encountering filter (15) and exiting from the upper section of the unit. In the oil separator (not shown) superheated refrigerant enters a vessel at a lowpoint and must flow up in a tortuous path through a mesh, thus prompting settlement of oil.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering liquid from liquid contaminated small articles of manufacture has a housing which defines upper and lower chambers separated by an inclined perforated plate. A vacuum producer withdraws air from the housing causing liquid contaminated articles discharged from a production machine to be drawn into the housing through a flexible suction hose. Liquid contaminated articles entrained within the incoming airstream enter the housing, strike a target plate, and drop onto the perforated plate. Liquid drains from the articles, passes through the perforated plate, accumulates in a sump in the lower portion of the housing and is pumped to a recovery station. An access opening in the housing facilitates removal of the articles from the housing.

Abstract: A drain separator in a gas analyzer is provided to rapidly remove drain or condensate from a gas flow by creating a rotary motion in the gas flow prior to introducing it into a separating chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, separating chamber 2, formed as a downwardly divergent conical space, connects with gas-inlet passage 6 at its upper end and an exhaust gas-outlet passage 3 at the periphery of its base. A sample gas-outlet passage 8 is disposed within separating chamber 2 in a coaxially aligned, vertically spaced opposing relationship to gas-inlet passage 6. Rotation of the gas flow may be accomplished by a vane 7, disposed within gas-inlet passage 6. Upon introduction of the rotating gas flow into separating chamber 2, the pressure on the flow is reduced causing the drain to condense and become distributed about the circumference of the low pressure gas flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air cleaner in the form of a cyclone separator comprising a cyclone chamber (2), a gas-feeding nozzle (11) which is directed tangentially to the wall (12) of the cyclone chamber, and a gas outlet (7). The invention is characterized in that the cyclone separator comprises a liquid trap (9, 13) arranged in the wall (12) of the cyclone chamber. Further the nozzle and the liquid trap extend along substantially the entire height of the cyclone chamber. The liquid trap comprises axial grooves (13) and a chamber (9) having an inlet gap (15) which connects the chamber (9) with the cyclone chamber (2) for diverting liquid droplets.

Abstract: An engine air filter housing having an integral fluid trap to prevent liquid fuel from contacting and clogging filter elements. A fluid trap is located within a filtration chamber along the flow path of fuel from an engine flame starter. An air filter differential pressure sensing mechanism is integrally constructed in the filter housing access opening cover.

Abstract: A receptacle for use in compacting liquid-laden asbestos-containing material to separate the liquids therefrom, the receptacle being adapted to be compacted within a compactor, wherein the receptacle is liquid permeable and capable of retaining a substantial portion of the asbestos-containing material when compacted within the compactor so that a quantity of the liquids are separated from the asbestos-containing material and expelled from the receptacle when the receptacle is compacted within the compactor. A method for separating liquids from liquid-laden asbestos-containing material comprising collecting liquid-laden asbestos-containing material in a liquid permeable receptacle capable of retaining a substantial portion of the asbestos-containing material when the receptacle is compacted, and then compacting the receptacle so that a quantity of the liquids are separated from the asbestos-containing material and expelled from the receptacle.

Abstract: In a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and a fuel tank and having a fuel vapor recovery system to collect fuel vapors from the fuel tank as the tank is filled with liquid fuel which includes a canister to collect vapors, an air inletting apparatus is provided to supply a flow of dry purge air to the canister during a purge of vapors therefrom. The apparatus includes a water separator device with an automatic water drain to first separate water from air, second collect the water and third drain the water from the separator.

Abstract: An efficient process for the production of nitrogen from air using a fuel cell to provide both electrical power and an oxygen depleted gas stream to a liquefaction apparatus is disclosed. An apparatus for the production of nitrogen incorporating a fuel cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spittle separation and disposal device is disclosed that incorporates a drainage pump and forms part of the suction equipment used in dentistry. The device comprises a separator vessel (1) fitted with a drain valve (2); the drainage pump (8), located downstream of the valve and kept normally at standstill, is set in motion by a control signal from level sensors (9, 10) within the vessel, whenever liquid in the vessel itself rises to a prescribed level. The vessel has a lid (3) provided with an element (14) in the form of a cone frustum the inside of which communicates with a port connected to an air pump, and the internal surface of which exhibits a number of helical starts (15) disposed in opposition to the helical pattern tern of movement of the air which is drawn up through the element by the air pump.

Abstract: A dimensionally compact centrifugal separator having no moving parts is described that is effective for separating entrained solids and gases from a liquid in order to cleanse the liquid. The internal configuration of the apparatus is such as to effectively clean the liquid while preserving the pressure energy available in the discharged media.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air cleaner which directs dirty air onto the surface of a scrubbing liquid (41, 141) plus recirculates the scrubbing liquid and air contaminants through a cleaning liquid (43, 143). Additionally, filters (17, 117) may be provided across the recirculation path of the scrubbing liquid. This two liquid system provides a sufficient volume to establish a good recirculation pattern for practical scrubbing and also minimizes the amount of scrubbing liquid; the two liquids may be oil (the scrubbing liquid) floating on water (the cleaning liquid).

Abstract: A separator for incorporation into dental suction apparatus for separating from the suction stream liquid and solid materials coming from the mouth of a patient comprises a housing, a separation chamber in the housing, an inlet for the suction stream into the separation chamber and an outlet for cleaned suction air from the separation chamber. Below the separation chamber there is a smaller collecting chamber below which is a drainage chamber provided with a liquid-solid discharge opening. In the separation chamber there is a cyclone device into which the suction stream enters tangentially so as to provide a swirling movement. The suction air then passes up through a central opening defined by the cyclone means. Also in the separation chamber there is a rotating element in the form of a rotatable float having a stem extending up from the float and provided with vanes associated with the cyclone device so as to rotate the float.

Abstract: A safety system for eliminating the risk of liquids, rather than gases, being carried to a torch nose-piece or to a vent hole, during burning or dispersion of the gases associated with the production or treatment of hydrocarbons, particularly on off-shore installations. The gas flow line is connected to a storage volume or capacity, such as a torch foot tank. An overflow column is also connected to the gas flow line, and discharges below a liquid level, such as for example the sea, at a distance from the connection to the overflow column.

Abstract: The invention provides an artificial kidney extracorporeal circuit assembly including an artificial kidney having detachably attached multifunctional subassembly means for automatically venting gas bubbles from liquid flowing therethrough, for continuously sensing the liquid pressure of and for filtering said liquid, together with blood tubes for connecting a patient's artery to the kidney and the subassembly outlet port to a patient's vein.The subassembly includes means associated with a hydrophobic gas bubble vent which prevent clogging, minimize blood clotting and insure against ambient gas entry through the vent.

Abstract: A gas scrubbing tower is described which has a top region, a sump region and at least two washing stages between these regions. The tower comprises gas entry means between the the sump region and the lowermost of the washing stages; gas exit means in the top region; a first washing stage, in the direction of gas flow through the tower, constituted by a layer of packing elements resting on supporting means in a cross-sectional plane; a first circulating line for wash liquid from the sump region to the layer of packing elements; a second, packing-free washing stage above the first washing stage; a second circulating line for conducting wash liquid through the second washing stage; a sludge separator, and conduit means for introducing water from outside the tower into a washing stage or into the sludge separator of the tower.A process for operating the scrubbing tower is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to separator apparatus for an evaporator plant which is connectible to a heat exchanger and comprises a drop separator having an inlet at its upstream end receiving a liquid/vapor mixture from a heat exchanger, a liquid outlet, and a vapor outlet aperture downstream of the drop separator.

Abstract: A system is provided for extinguishing accidental fires in paint spray booths of the type wherein oil is used as the medium for eliminating extraneous paint mist and overspray, said system providing control over both the oil and the medium used for extinguishing the fire. In such a spray booth, oil from a self-contained reservoir located at the bottom of the booth is circulated over a plurality of baffles within the booth. Paint mist is drawn by flow of air into contact with the oil covered baffles, and the paint solids are thereby entrained in the oil and collected in the oil reservoir. An appropriate fire extinguishing system for such spray booth comprises a plurality of water fog nozzles within the booth that are activated in response to a fire, and which therefore discharge water into the reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid-vapor separation device and method, including a generally horizontally-disposed arcuate passageway which interconnects the outlet of the tube side of a heater component of an evaporator to a condensor or subsequent effect heater. A floor plate is disposed in the arcuate passageway in spaced-away relation from the side walls thereof so as to permit drainage of liquid collected on the interior walls of the passageway into a liquid-collecting section which is provided with a suitable drain for removal of the thus-collected liquid. The floor plate is of sufficient size to minimize re-entrainment of the collected liquid. Adjacent the outlet end of the device anti-swirl baffles are provided to eliminate turbulence in the vapor adjacent such outlet end.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump is disclosed with a vertical axis adapted for pumping harmful liquids. Such pump embodies fixed body means being closed at its lower end and having a widened upper portion which includes a truncated cone surface. The widened portion acts as a seat. The pump envisions removable means which includes a pump wheel, a cage, and a driving motor with a shaft for the pump wheel and which rests on the seat. The cage of the wheel being provided with at least three generally horizontal partitions which define in conjunction with the pump body a lower suction chamber, a middle delivery chamber, and an upper venting chamber, said suction, delivery and venting chambers being, respectively, connected to a suction pipe, a delivery pipe, and a venting pipe adapted to be connected to an apparatus for the treatment of gases substantially at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum system includes a vacuum pump, means to provide a flow of lubricant oil to the vacuum pump, and an oil reclaimer and muffler assembly to remove oil that becomes entrained in the gas stream leaving the pump and to permit such oil to be resupplied to the means providing the flow of lubricant to the pump. The oil reclaimer and muffler assembly includes an outer casing having an inlet for the gas stream from the vacuum pump. Wall means are provided within the outer casing to form a passageway to circulate the gas stream adjacent the inner wall of the casing. Entrained oil and water from the gas pump are collected on the inner walls of the assembly and flow under the influence of gravity to a collection pipe at one end of the assembly. The inner wall means also forms a passageway from adjacent the bottom of the assembly to its top from which the cleaned gas passes.

Abstract: An arrangement for separating paint residuals and solvents from the exhaust air of a paint spray chamber comprises a device for blowing a stream of supply air through the spray chamber to take along exhaust air containing paint and solvent particles, a filtering conveyor located below the chamber for intercepting from the exhaust air paint particles and discharging continuously the same, and a second conveyor arranged below the filtering conveyor and adapted for receiving and discharging a layer of adsorptive material that intercepts solvent particles remaining in the filtered exhaust air.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning gases, especially those generated by the pressurized gasification of coal, to remove impurities therefrom, especially tar, dust and salts, in which the gases are washed with a liquid, preferably water, in a scrubbing unit and the wash liquid is cleaned to yield a major clean liquid stream which is recycled by a circulating means to the scrubbing unit and a minor impurities concentrate stream from which the impurities are removed, in a separator unit. Preferably the wash liquid is cleaned using a plurality of hydrocyclones which may be arranged in series or in parallel. Optionally the liquid recovered from the impurities concentrate stream is returned to the scrubbing unit, although if the quantity of this liquid is equal to the quantity of liquid required for the de-salting of the wash liquid, no recovered liquid is returned to the scrubbing unit.

Abstract: A gas scrubbing system comprising a plurality of water-fed scrubber units each coupled to a respective exhaust stack of a conventional hot-air dryer and each receiving its water supply from a common, centralized, skimmer-type water treatment facility. Non-aqueous gaseous pollutants, such as hydrocarbons, extracted in vapor form from wood or other material within the dryers by a stream of heated drying gas, is condensed from the drying gas prior to exhausting such gas to the atmosphere by conducting the gas through a plurality of scrubber stages in the presence of cooling spray water until the temperature of the gas, due to the effects of heat transfer, has dropped below the condensation temperature of the gaseous pollutants. The condensed liquified pollutants are then removed from the gas by contact with the water spray and conveyed from the scrubbers along with the spray water while the cleansed gas stream is vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for separating gaseous pollutants and particles from a gas with a foam layer wherein the apparatus includes means for monitoring the foam layer composition and/or height of the foam layer, dispensing means for dispensing a liquid to said foam layer, and means responsive to said monitoring means for activating said dispensing means to control the dispensing of liquid through the dispensing means. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the pressure drop and/or height of the foam layer and dispensing a liquid to the foam layer, when its composition and/or thickness varies beyond a predetermined point, for a time sufficient to bring the composition and/or level of the foam layer back to said predetermined point.