Liquid Level Sensed Patents (Class 95/24)
  • Patent number: 11315776
    Abstract: An analysis system includes a degassing cell, at least one first valve, and at least one second valve. The at least one first valve is fluidly coupled with a top of the degassing cell, the at least one first valve configured selectably connect the degassing cell to a displacement gas flow and to a vacuum source. The at least one second valve is fluidly connected with a lateral side of the degassing cell and separately fluidly connected with a bottom of the degassing cell. The at least one second valve is selectably coupled with any of a source of a sample-carrying fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver a sample to an analysis device, or a waste output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Austin Schultz, Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 11148095
    Abstract: A reclaiming apparatus includes: a reclaimer configured to extract a lean solution that is a part of an acid gas absorbing liquid regenerated in a regenerator in a recovery unit that recovers acid gas components in gas with the acid gas absorbing liquid, and introduce and receive an extracted lean liquid; an alkaline agent supply pipe configured to supply an alkaline agent to an inside of the reclaimer; a water supply pipe configured to supply supply water to the inside of the reclaimer; a recovered steam discharge pipe configured to introduce recovered steam discharged from the reclaimer into the regenerator; a thermometer that measures temperature in the reclaimer; a pressure guage configured to measure pressure in the reclaimer; and a reclaimer controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Takuya Hirata, Takashi Kamijo, Tatsuya Tsujiuchi
  • Patent number: 10655569
    Abstract: A leak detection and mitigation system includes a gas flow path extending from a gas outlet of a fuel degassing device and an orifice in the gas flow path. A sensor is positioned in the gas flow path upstream from the orifice. The sensor is configured to detect a fuel leak into the gas flow path. A method for leak detection and mitigation in a fuel degassing system includes removing gasses from a fuel stream with a fuel degassing device. The method includes directing gasses removed from the fuel stream through a gas flow path extending from a gas outlet of the fuel degassing device. An orifice is positioned in the gas flow path. The method includes detecting a leak from the fuel stream into the gas flow path by measuring a characteristic in the gas flow path upstream from the orifice with a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald P. Dyer
  • Patent number: 10041914
    Abstract: A degassing device 2 includes: a built-in absorbance measurement section 28 using an LED light source and measuring the intensity of light transmitted through a mobile phase passing through a flow cell; and a solenoid valve 26 switchable between two states with and without the mobile phase passed through a degassing tube 21. The passage-switching operation by the solenoid valve is performed so as to obtain detection signals of the transmitted light in the absorbance measurement section when the mobile phase drawn from a mobile phase container by a liquid-feeding pump 40 is passed through the degassing tube for degassing as well as when the mobile phase is not passed through the degassing tube for degassing. A signal processor 29 calculates the difference in absorbance based on those detection signals, estimates the degree of degassing based on that difference, and displays the result on a display unit 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kumiko Jingu, Keisuke Ogawa, Masato Watanabe, Yusuke Nagai, Masanori Fujiwara, Tomoyuki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9574799
    Abstract: Extraction units are constructed having at least one extraction chamber containing extractable material. The extract is continuously separated from the solvent in an expansion chamber where it is continuously or periodically removed from the unit. One or more means for fluid flow can be used to circulate the fluid through the extraction chambers and the expansion chamber, where the expansion chamber and a condenser or the output of the means for fluid flow are coupled as a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Mark A. Buese, Rudy Strohschein
  • Patent number: 9303658
    Abstract: A turbomachine system and method, with the system including a slug detector coupled to a main line to detect a slug flow in a multiphase fluid in the main line. The system also includes a compressor fluidly coupled to the main line and disposed downstream of the slug detector, and a bypass line fluidly coupled to the main line upstream of the compressor and downstream of the compressor. The system further includes at least an upstream control valve fluidly coupled to the main line upstream of the compressor and communicably coupled to the slug detector. The upstream control valve is configured to actuate between a normal position, in which the upstream control valve directs fluid to the compressor, and a bypass position, in which the upstream control valve directs fluid to the bypass line, according to when the slug detector detects a slug flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: William C. Maier, Pascal Lardy, Jose L. Gilarranz
  • Patent number: 8979977
    Abstract: A device for degassing aqueous media has a first container containing medium to be degassed. A first line connects the first container to a degassing module and a second line connects the degassing module to a second container for receiving the degassed medium. A first non-return valve in the first line prevents backflow from the degassing module to the first container. A hydrophilic membrane in the second line prevents the passage of gas, and a branch between the degassing module and the hydrophilic membrane has a hydrophobic degassing filter for letting out gas. A third line is connected to the first line between the first container and the first non-return valve and to the second line between the second container and the hydrophilic membrane. A second non-return valve in the third line between the first non-return valve and the hydrophilic membrane prevents a flow towards the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
    Inventors: Fabian Walter, Matthias Grabosch, Dennis Groesche
  • Publication number: 20150040755
    Abstract: A mud-gas separator is arranged for both well control and drilling process. In some aspects, the mud-gas separator includes a main vessel including a bottom portion and a side portion. The mud-gas separator also includes a gas vent associated with the main vessel and configured to vent gas from well returns introduced into the main vessel. It also includes a first mud outlet formed within the bottom portion of the main vessel and configured to pass mud from well returns introduced into the main vessel and includes a second mud outlet formed within the side portion of the main vessel and configured to pass mud from well returns introduced into the main vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Darcy Nott
  • Patent number: 8945290
    Abstract: A multi-cyclone collector includes a suction port for sucking an air flow including contaminating particles, a cyclone accommodation chamber allowing the air flow sucked through the suction port to be guided thereinto, a plurality of cyclones each accommodated in the cyclone accommodation chamber, for transforming the air flow taken in to a downward swirl flow, separating the contaminating particles, then reversing the swirl flow to the upward swirl flow and releasing the upward swirl flow as a purified air flow, a cyclone exit chamber provided above the cyclone accommodation chamber, that allows the purified air flow from the cyclones to be guided thereinto, and a drain discharge chamber provided below the cyclone accommodation chamber, for collecting the contaminating particles separated by the cyclones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventor: Yusuke Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140360361
    Abstract: A cyclone type liquid/gas or liquid/liquid separator having separation properties that are stabilized, even when the flow rate and the proportions of the liquid phases for separation vary, by means of a platform situated in the low portion of a cylindrical separation chamber that is fed at its top end via a tangential feed orifice. An installation and a method are also provided for separating the oil and water contained in crude oil, with the help of a cyclone separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Paul CHANTREL, Marc Bonnissel
  • Patent number: 8900343
    Abstract: A liquid hydrocarbon slug-containing vessel for incorporation into a system integrating a low-pressure separator with a vapor recovery process system, and a method for regulating the temperature of a gas to be compressed by a two stage compressor so as to prevent liquification of the gas and to prevent over-heating of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Rodney T. Heath, Forrest D. Heath, Gary Heath
  • Patent number: 8894741
    Abstract: A plant air purifier and associated method for purifying air, comprising: at least one grow container; a filter bed comprising a surface which is horizontal within 20 degrees of a horizontal plane; at least one plant which grows within the filter bed; a reservoir for containing water for watering the at least one plant; a mechanical watering device which waters the filter bed from the top down; a pump for pumping water from the reservoir to and through the mechanical watering device; and an air propulsion mechanism for propelling air through the filter bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Mittelmark
  • Patent number: 8840703
    Abstract: A liquid hydrocarbon slug-containing vessel for incorporation into a system integrating a low-pressure separator with a vapor recovery process system, and a method for regulating the temperature of a gas to be compressed by a two stage compressor so as to prevent liquification of the gas and to prevent over-heating of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: Rodney T. Heath, Forrest D. Heath, Gary Heath
  • Patent number: 8801832
    Abstract: Methods for removing sulfur from a gas stream prior to sending the gas stream to a gas separation membrane system are provided. Two schemes are available. When the sulfur content is high or flow is relatively high, a scheme including two columns where one tower is regenerated if the sulfur concentration exceeds a preset value can be used. When the sulfur content is low or flow is relatively low, a scheme including one column and an absorption bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Milind M. Vaidya, Jean-Pierre R. Ballaguet, Sebastien A. Duval, Anwar H. Khawajah
  • Publication number: 20140174289
    Abstract: A dehumidifier is disclosed comprising a base, a fast coupler disposed on the base, a water receiving tray, a water collection tank disposed below the water receiving tray, a water discharging tank connected to the water receiving tray, and a pump having an outlet connected to the fast coupler and an inlet connected to the water discharging tank, wherein a water level switch is provided in the water discharging tank and comprises a floater and a closed hollow rod, wherein the floater has a hole for passing through of the rod and a magnet, and the rod has a magnetic field response switch electrically connected with the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: Guangdong Kelon Air Conditioner Co. Ltd., Hisense Kelon Electrical Holdings Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yufeng TAN, Wei Tang, Xiaoqin Wei, Minzhu Huang, Bingxiang Liang, Zhongmin Liu
  • Patent number: 8728221
    Abstract: A modified wet scrubber for removing airborne toner particles including, increased recirculation pumping capacity, and controlling the operating fluid level by relating the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet air streams to proper operating fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Donald F. Laffler, Lacee L. Lamphere, Robert Vines, James T. Hardin
  • Patent number: 8663436
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a high-pressure water electrolysis apparatus and a gas-liquid separation device. The gas-liquid separation device includes a block member which includes a gas-liquid separation opening and a water-level detection opening. The gas-liquid separation opening and the water-level detection opening extend substantially vertically and includes respective bottom portions which integrally communicate with a discharge pipe. The discharge pipe is disposed at a lower side portion of the block member. The water-level detection opening includes a top portion and a top water-level detection section. The block member further includes an inlet hole in which the hydrogen is introduced from the high-pressure water electrolysis device. The inlet hole is disposed at an upper side portion of the block member. The inlet hole is positioned above the top water-level detection section of the water-level detection opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Taruya, Koji Nakazawa, Hisashi Nagaoka, Daisuke Kurashina
  • Patent number: 8652233
    Abstract: A fluid degasification system for a hydraulic circuit includes a gas/fluid separation tank, a fluid entry passage directing fluid into a small foam generating cup containing foam and a small amount of additional fluid, thereby stimulating foam formation. A separation screen is positioned below the foam generating cup to receive bubbles formed in the cup and to allow liquid to pass through the screen to a degasified-fluid collecting chamber below the screen as the bubbles resting on the separation screen decompose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Dustin Kramer, David Williams, Sterling Imfeld
  • Publication number: 20130333559
    Abstract: A CO2 recovering apparatus according to this embodiment includes a cooling tower; a CO2 absorber, a regenerator; an absorbing solution level meter for measuring the amount of liquid at a tower bottom of the CO2 absorber; and a level controller for performing automatic control or manual control for one or both of a supply amount of makeup water and a condensation amount of water contained in an exhaust gas based on the liquid amount of at the bottom of the CO2 absorber detected by the absorbing solution level meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yosuke Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8597402
    Abstract: A flushable device for capturing gas included within a produced-water stream is described. Gas and water pressure coordination is not required. Controls prevent liquid entry to the gas system and prevent gas entry into the water system. A gas/liquid separator receives an inner vessel lower end. A separator inlet receives a combined fluid stream. A liquid line passes into the inner vessel and down into the separator below the inlet so that liquid separated from the combined stream will flow up the liquid line. The gas line extends from the inner vessel upper end. The gas line conveys gas from the inner vessel upper end to a gas collection system. A top float in the inner vessel activates a gas line motor valve. A bottom float in the inner vessel activates the liquid line motor valve and a second gas vent for rapid expulsion of slugs of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: David A. Simpson and Janet K. Simpson
    Inventor: David A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8585907
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Raiford, Robert E. Hassard
  • Patent number: 8562716
    Abstract: A method for degassing a liquid of a substantially closed liquid circulation system at a working pressure may include passing at least a partial flow of the liquid through a restriction into a chamber in which a degassing pressure is maintained, the degassing pressure being higher than atmospheric pressure and lower than the working pressure; separating gas withdrawn from the partial flow of liquid from the partial flow; removing the gas from the chamber; and pumping the degassed partial flow of the liquid back into the substantially closed circulation system. The restriction may include a nozzle, and the step of passing at least the partial flow of the liquid through the restriction into the chamber may include spraying at least the partial flow of the liquid through the nozzle into the chamber for obtaining a jet and/or mist of the liquid in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Spiro Enterprises B.V.
    Inventor: Antonius Gerardus Wilhelmus Maria Lamers
  • Publication number: 20130269411
    Abstract: A method for gas analysis can include continuously diverting a portion of drilling fluid into a sample chamber from a drilling fluid stream, creating a bidirectional drilling fluid circulation to liberate gas from the drilling fluid, applying a suction to a gas capturing chamber, and allowing a sample of the liberated fluid to continuously flow through the gas capturing chamber, continuously be filtered, and continuously flow into a gas analyzer. The method can include maintaining the sample chamber in an open configuration or decompressing the gas capturing chamber by closing off one or more sample inlets and sample outlets and exhausting portions of the liberated fluid that do not flow to the gas analyzer. The method can include simultaneously providing analysis data to client devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: SELMAN AND ASSOCIATES, LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings, Stephen M. Bergman
  • Patent number: 8551225
    Abstract: The invention is a separator designed to separate an incoming stream of liquid, gas, and some particulate matter into a separate gas stream, and a separate liquid stream containing the particulate matter. This is achieved through cyclonic action and the use of a float to operate internal valves within the cyclone. The float is mounted on a shaft which is rotated by the motion of the incoming fluid stream and this motion is used to agitate the solids in the liquid so as to prevent the outlet port from becoming jammed. The outlet port also has an auger contained therein that removes particulate matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Ian Gray
  • Patent number: 8540875
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Levin, Wayne Raiford
  • Publication number: 20130220117
    Abstract: A flushable device for capturing gas included within a produced-water stream is described. Gas and water pressure coordination is not required. Controls prevent liquid entry to the gas system and prevent gas entry into the water system. A gas/liquid separator receives an inner vessel lower end. A separator inlet receives a combined fluid stream. A liquid line passes into the inner vessel and down into the separator below the inlet so that liquid separated from the combined stream will flow up the liquid line. The gas line extends from the inner vessel upper end. The gas line conveys gas from the inner vessel upper end to a gas collection system. A top float in the inner vessel activates a gas line motor valve. A bottom float in the inner vessel activates the liquid line motor valve and a second gas vent for rapid expulsion of slugs of gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: DAVID A. SIMPSON
  • Patent number: 8470080
    Abstract: A high pressure horizontal vessel separator for separating petroleum mixtures. An inlet on one end of the vessel and gas, water, and oil outlets provided on an opposite end, with each outlet having a vortex breaker. The inlet communicating with a momentum absorbing, flow distributing inlet diverter that causes the gas to separate into the top of the main section of the vessel and the fluids to flow to the bottom of the main section. Sediment collects in the bottom of the main section and is removed via a sand trap. Water remains at the bottom of the vessel, and the fluids flow through a perforated baffle then through a bent lamella demister before entering a settling portion of the vessel where gas and water exit via the gas and water outlets and oil flows over an oil weir and exits downstream of the weir via the oil outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Shale Oil and Gas Technologies Ltd, Midstream Equipment Fabrication LLC
    Inventors: Will D. Ball, IV, Lester J. Broussard, Lucas C. Broussard
  • Patent number: 8454725
    Abstract: A method and an equipment for improving global warming and air pollution are proposed, wherein hot exhaust gas generated by a thermal machine is injected into an exhaust boosting unit to be compressed and mixed with a liquid medium for atomization. Pollutants in the hot exhaust gas and heat generated due to combustion are adsorbed by the liquid medium. After the liquid medium passes a dust collecting unit, the pollutants adsorbed by the liquid medium will adhere to the dust collecting unit. Humid and hot clean air is extracted to the atmosphere, and rises to high altitudes and is cooled there. Water will drop to the ground in the form or rain or snow to cool the ground temperature and remove other pollutants in the air. Heat circulation and water circulation can be sped up to improve the situation of global warming and render more water resource to the Earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Rey-Chin Chu
  • Publication number: 20130118347
    Abstract: A device for degassing aqueous media has a first container containing medium to be degassed. A first line connects the first container to a degassing module and a second line connects the degassing module to a second container for receiving the degassed medium. A first non-return valve in the first line prevents backflow from the degassing module to the first container. A hydrophilic membrane in the second line prevents the passage of gas, and a branch between the degassing module and the hydrophilic membrane has a hydrophobic degassing filter for letting out gas. A third line is connected to the first line between the first container and the first non-return valve and to the second line between the second container and the hydrophilic membrane. A second non-return valve in the third line between the first non-return valve and the hydrophilic membrane prevents a flow towards the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Fabian Walter, Matthias Grabosch, Dennis Groesche
  • Patent number: 8439999
    Abstract: A device for capturing gas included within a produced-water stream is described. Gas and water pressure coordination is not required. Controls prevent liquid entry to the gas system and prevent gas entry into the water system. A gas/liquid separator receives an inner vessel lower end. A separator inlet receives a combined fluid stream. A liquid line passes into the inner vessel and down into the separator below the inlet so that liquid separated from the combined stream will flow up the liquid line. Motor valves are in the liquid line and in a gas line. The gas line extends from the inner vessel upper end. The gas line conveys gas from the inner vessel upper end to a gas collection system. A top float in the inner vessel activates the gas line motor valve. A bottom float in the inner vessel activates the liquid line motor valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: David A. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20130087041
    Abstract: In a reclaiming apparatus (106) that includes an airtight container (106a) as an absorbent storing unit that stores a part of an absorbent that absorbs CO2 included in an exhaust gas and a heating unit that heats the absorbent stored in the airtight container (106a), a part of the absorbent stored in the airtight container (106a) is distributed, and a gaseous body is brought into counterflow contact with the absorbent that is distributed. As a result, since the gaseous body is brought into counterflow contact with a part of the absorbent stored in the absorbent storing unit, an absorbent component volatilizes and is separated from a degraded material, and the absorbent component can be extracted from the degraded material, whereby a loss of the absorbent can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicants: THE KANSAI ELECTRIC POWER CO., INC., MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Iijima, Masahiko Tatsumi, Yasuyuki Yagi, Kouki Ogura
  • Publication number: 20120291627
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a pressure dispense package includes a connector having separate and distinct liquid and extraction conduits, and having a pressurization gas conduit. A liner fitment adapter may include a longitudinal bore to receive a probe portion of a connector defining a liquid extraction conduit, and may include a lateral bore to enable removal of gas. Insertion of a connector into a dispensing assembly simultaneously makes fluidic connections between (a) a gas extraction conduit and a dispensing volume; (b) a liquid extraction conduit and the dispensing volume, and (c) a pressurization gas conduit and a space to be pressurized within a pressure dispense vessel. Presence of fluid or change in phase of flowing fluid within a fluid circuit may be sensed by comparing outputs of first and second temperature sensing elements, with one sensing element including a heater to increase temperature of the sensing element in exposure to gas but not in exposure to liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Tom, Joseph Patrick Menning, Matthew Kusz, Amy Koland, Donald D. Ware, Richard D. Chism
  • Patent number: 8292988
    Abstract: The invention relates to a washing column (T) for implementing a physical gas washing. Gas (1) is sent from the bottom to the top and washing agent (2) is sent from the top to the bottom through the washing column. At least two washing sections (WS1, WS2) are arranged on top of one another in the washing column (T). The top section (WS2) is bounded at the bottom by a riser base (K), from which a portion of the washing agent that is charged into the top washing section can be introduced as washing agent into the lower washing section (WS1). Another portion of the washing agent can be removed from the washing column (T) via a lateral drain (4). The top washing section (WS2) is connected to the lower washing section (WS1) by an overflow (U), via which charged washing agent from the riser base (K) can be introduced into the lower washing section (WS1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Seliger
  • Publication number: 20120247324
    Abstract: A fluid degasification system for a hydraulic circuit includes a gas/fluid separation tank, a fluid entry passage directing fluid into a small foam generating cup containing foam and a small amount of additional fluid, thereby stimulating foam formation. A separation screen is positioned below the foam generating cup to receive bubbles formed in the cup and to allow liquid to pass through the screen to a degasified-fluid collecting chamber below the screen as the bubbles resting on the separation screen decompose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Dustin Kramer, David Williams, Sterling Imfeld
  • Patent number: 8273151
    Abstract: A liquid/gas separator device for separating liquid and gaseous phases of a fluid, in particular crude oil, the device comprising a network of first and second separator pipes disposed horizontally, said first and second separator pipes being connected together by vertical link third pipes. The first separator pipes are fed from and connected upstream to a horizontal cylindrical diffuser and are connected downstream to a first horizontal cylindrical manifold. The second separator pipes are connected upstream to the same diffuser and downstream to a second horizontal cylindrical manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Saipem S.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Miotto, Massimo Chiarotti
  • Patent number: 8226742
    Abstract: A liquid/gas separator device for separating the liquid and gaseous phases of a fluid, the device having first and second vertically-disposed elongate reservoirs. The first reservoir has a first bottom orifice connected to an arrival pipe for the fluid that includes a pressure-lowering device, at least one first top orifice, and a plurality of first intermediate orifices. The first reservoir is connected to a plurality of second reservoirs via a plurality of first transfer pipes, and via at least one second transfer pipe. Each of second reservoirs has a second top orifice connected to a common gas discharge pipe, and a second bottom orifice connected to a common degassed fluid discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Saipem S.A.
    Inventors: Stéphanie Abrand, Marc Bonnissel, Roberto Di Silvestro, Raymond Hallot
  • Patent number: 8202356
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a degassing centrifugal apparatus (10), such as a degassing centrifugal pump (10) for use in a pulp- or papermaking process. The degassing centrifugal apparatus (10) according to the present invention comprises a rotatable hollow rotor (20) connected to a stationary fluid inlet (14) at one end portion and a stationary liquid outlet (18) at the opposite end portion, and having a gas exhaust (36) for removing gas from the centre thereof. The apparatus further comprises at said inlet end portion means (24) for rotating said fluid and directing it to the inner wall of said rotor (20). The apparatus further comprises a rotatable sensor (42) arranged to measure the layer thickness of a liquid (40) rotating in said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Pom Technology Oy AB
    Inventors: Paul Olof Meinander, Tom Cichoracki
  • Publication number: 20120103188
    Abstract: A device for separating liquid from gas in a well flow when compressing the well flow comprises a liquid separator having an inlet for the well flow, an outlet for gas and an outlet for liquid. According to the invention separated liquid from the liquid separator is fine-divided in connection with the liquid outlet, and fine-divided liquid is supplied into the gas outlet at a mixing point downstream the liquid separator and upstream a compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: AKER SUBESA AS
    Inventors: Kjeli Olav Stinessen, Geir Inge Olsen
  • Patent number: 8152897
    Abstract: A gas liquid separator system for a hydrogen generating apparatus includes a collection area for collecting liquid from the generated gases. To empty the collection area occasionally so that liquid does not build up and become entrained again in the dried gas, a vent solenoid is provided in communication with the collection area and a pump is used to create a vacuum periodically on the electrolysis cells. Such arrangement is used to open the liquid gas filter and possibly just the sump to atmosphere occasionally and vacuum generated to draw the liquid from the sump back to the electrolysis cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Blutip Power Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Harland Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20120079937
    Abstract: A device for capturing gas included within a produced-water stream is described. Gas and water pressure coordination is not required. Controls prevent liquid entry to the gas system and prevent gas entry into the water system. A gas/liquid separator receives an inner vessel lower end. A separator inlet receives a combined fluid stream. A liquid line passes into the inner vessel and down into the separator below the inlet so that liquid separated from the combined stream will flow up the liquid line. Motor valves are in the liquid line and in a gas line. The gas line extends from the inner vessel upper end. The gas line conveys gas from the inner vessel upper end to a gas collection system. A top float in the inner vessel activates the gas line motor valve. A bottom float in the inner vessel activates the liquid line motor valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: DAVID A. SIMPSON
  • Publication number: 20120073435
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas scrubbing process, as well as a method for the operation thereof, in which during normal operation in an absorber column, gas components are separated from a gas mixture (feed gas) by scrubbing with a scrubbing liquid. The scrubbing liquid, loaded with separate gas components during the scrubbing process, is regenerated in a regeneration system that comprises at least one regeneration device equipped with a liquid level control. The regenerated scrubbing liquid is then recycled into the absorber column. When the feed gas is lost/reduced, the nominal value of the liquid level control is raised, and the resultant additional storage volume provided in the regeneration device is used for storing scrubbing liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Andreas SELIGER
  • Publication number: 20120024151
    Abstract: The invention is a separator designed to separate an incoming stream of liquid, gas, and some particulate matter into a separate gas stream, and a separate liquid stream containing the particulate matter. This is achieved through cyclonic action and the use of a float to operate internal valves within the cyclone. The float is mounted on a shaft which is rotated by the motion of the incoming fluid stream and this motion is used to agitate the solids in the liquid so as to prevent the outlet port from becoming jammed. The outlet port also has an auger contained therein that removes particulate matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Ian Gray
  • Patent number: 8080087
    Abstract: A method of drying liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons by contacting a feed stream of the hydrocarbon with an aqueous solution of a salt drying agent prior to passing the stream through a salt dryer to remove part of the water in the stream. The aqueous solution of the salt drying agent is generated in the salt dryer when the partly dried stream comes into contact with the drying salt and forms the solution. The solution is circulated in a loop from the salt dryer to the incoming feed and then through a liquid/liquid coalescer which removes a portion of the water together with dissolved salt from the mixture before the mixture is passed on to the salt dryer where further removal of water occurs. The salt dryer is off-loaded by a substantial factor by the initial partial dehydration and does not require to remove such a large amount of water; the salt consumption is therefore reduced in proportion to the amount of water removed in the treatment steps which precede the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Falkiner, Bal K. Kaul
  • Patent number: 8075668
    Abstract: A drainage system is for a compressor assembly that includes at least one separator with a chamber. The system includes a drain valve fluidly coupled with the separator chamber and adjustable between open and closed states. An actuator is operatively coupled with and adjusts the valve between the open and closed states or/and a sensor senses when the valve is open. A pressure sensor is configured to sense pressure within the chamber and a logic circuit is coupled with the pressure sensor and determines when the valve either has been or should have been adjusted to the open state. The logic circuit also generates an output signal or/and operates a device when the chamber pressure remains substantially constant or varies by less than a predetermined amount subsequent to the valve being opened and/or when the chamber pressure varies by at least the predetermined amount after the valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: Scott J. Delmotte, Jon T. Vine, Thomas D. O'Leary
  • Publication number: 20110290108
    Abstract: A system includes a controller and an apparatus that includes a housing having a volume and an inlet. The inlet can receive a fluid that includes a gas and a liquid. The apparatus also includes a baffle that partitions the volume into a first portion and a second portion. The baffle extends from a base of the housing. The first portion can receive the liquid and separate the liquid into a first part and a second part. The second portion can receive the second part of the liquid from the first portion. The controller regulates an amount of the second part of the liquid in the second portion such that a level of the second part of the liquid is higher than a height that the baffle extends from the base of the housing, thus enabling the use of the extra surge capacity in the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Ravi Nath
  • Patent number: 8034167
    Abstract: A buffer tank for use in a liquid treatment apparatus applying a liquid treatment to a substrate surface by supplying thereto a treating liquid from a nozzle, the buffer tank is provided in a flow path of the treating liquid from a supply tank of the liquid to the nozzle, the buffer tank including an inlet port for introducing the treating liquid supplied from the supply tank into a buffer tank body, a first accumulation region in the buffer tank body for holding the treating liquid introduced into the buffer tank, a first vent port for discharging bubbles accumulated in the first accumulation region, a filter through which the treating liquid in the first accumulation region passes, the filter filtering the treating liquid, and a supplying port for supplying the treating liquid filtered with the filter to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yoshio Kimura
  • Publication number: 20110233144
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid. Entrained gasses can also be removed. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid to be treated is directed through a conduit within the separator. Preferably the conduit within the separator is configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Derald L. McCabe
  • Patent number: 7998245
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for unblocking a perforated rotary filter screen. In the invention, at least one jet of high pressure air is directed at a surface of the filter screen as the filter screen is rotated and the or each jet of air is moved in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the perforations in the screen in order to cause the or each air jet to trace a spiral or helical path over the surface of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Lode A. Demonie, Yvan C. C. Vandergucht
  • Publication number: 20110168017
    Abstract: Method and device for degassing a liquid of a substantially closed liquid circulation system at a working pressure. The method comprises passing at least a partial flow of the liquid through a restriction into a chamber in which a degassing pressure is maintained, the degassing pressure being higher than atmospheric pressure and lower than the working pressure, separating gas withdrawn from the partial flow of liquid from the partial flow, removing the gas from the chamber, and pumping the degassed partial flow of the liquid back into the substantially closed circulation system. The restriction comprises a nozzle, and the step of passing at least the partial flow of the liquid through the restriction into the chamber comprises spraying at least the partial flow of the liquid through the nozzle into the chamber for obtaining a jet and/or mist of the liquid in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: SPIRO ENTERPRISES B.V.
    Inventor: A. Lamers
  • Patent number: 7935323
    Abstract: The invention describes a system and method for hydrogen sulfide decontamination of natural gas using a scavenging reagent. The system uses a scavenging reagent within two reactors wherein the consumption of scavenging reagent is optimized by the control of flow of clean and partially-consumed scavenging reagent within and between the two reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Cody Liners Ltd.
    Inventors: Marc Schulz, Leonard McKeary