Impinging On Baffle Patents (Class 95/262)
  • Publication number: 20100162891
    Abstract: Improved contacting modules and apparatuses containing the modules, for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. In representative contacting modules, liquid (and possibly vapor) are discharged into co-current flow channels in a non-uniform manner (e.g., from only one side of the channels). Particular contacting modules comprise at least one liquid downcomer and a demister, wherein the liquid downcomer and an inlet surface of the demister define a co-current flow channel and wherein liquid is discharged from an outlet of the downcomer. The use of one or more added liquid distribution devices to more uniformly distribute the discharged liquid improves vapor-liquid contacting efficiency in the co-current flow channel and consequently vapor-liquid mass transfer and approach to equilibrium for the contacting stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Zhanping XU, Dennis Bielinski
  • Patent number: 7717982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stackable packing element for use in degassing liquid ophthalmic lens monomer and a lens resulting therefrom. One or more stackable elements can be used to form a modular degasser and implement an in-line degassing process, employing same. The stackable packing element is comprised of a body module and a removable puck component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Young, Stephen C. Pegram, Kerry T. Sanders
  • Patent number: 7713335
    Abstract: A device for separating gas from liquid includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid and gas. The inlet is positioned such that the flow of liquid and gas enters the housing in a direction substantially tangential to a circumference of an inner surface of the housing. The housing also includes a first outlet for discharging an at least partially gaseous flow from the housing and a second outlet for discharging an at least partially deaerated flow of liquid from the housing. The device also includes a gas separating element disposed inside the housing downstream from the inlet and upstream from the second outlet. The gas separating element forms at least one opening to permit liquid to pass and form the at least partially deaerated flow and to permit the at least partially gaseous flow to separate from the at least partially deaerated flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rhett Dakota Ringenberger, Jason Frederick Jackson, Catalin Mugurel Tiru
  • Publication number: 20090229465
    Abstract: The present invention has as an object to render a photochromic coating layer free from air bubbles and obtain a uniform layer without film thickness unevenness in the coating layer. In the prevent invention, entrained air in a coating fluid stored in a vessel of a coating unit comprising the vessel, a check valve for preventing back-flow of the coating fluid connected to the vessel, and optionally an ejection nozzle connected to the check valve; air existing inside of the check valve; and optionally air existing inside of the ejection nozzle are removed by plugging an outlet of the coating fluid existing downstream of the check valve and then rotating the coating unit on an axis of the vessel and orbiting the coating unit on a revolution axis simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Tokuyama Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7559978
    Abstract: A system for gas-liquid separation in electrolysis processes is provided. The system includes a first compartment having a liquid carrier including a first gas therein and a second compartment having the liquid carrier including a second gas therein. The system also includes a gas-liquid separator fluidically coupled to the first and second compartments for separating the liquid carrier from the first and second gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik, David Brandon Whitt
  • Patent number: 7556715
    Abstract: An inline bitumen froth steam heater system is comprised of steam injection and static mixing devices. The steam heater system heats and de-aerates an input bitumen froth without creating downstream processing problems with the bitumen froth such as emulsification or live steam entrainment. The inline bitumen froth steam heater is a multistage unit that injects and thoroughly mixes the steam with bitumen resulting in an output bitumen material having a homogenous temperature of about 190° F. The heating system conditions a superheated steam supply to obtain saturated steam at about 300° F. The saturated steam is contacted with a bitumen froth flow and mixed in a static mixer stage. The static mixers provide a surface area and rotating action that allows the injected steam to condense and transfer its heat to the bitumen froth. The mixing action and the increase in temperature of the bitumen froth results in reduction in bitumen viscosity and also allows the release of entrapped air from the bitumen froth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Suncor Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Les Gaston, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand, Ian Noble, William Nicholas Garner, Mike Lam
  • Patent number: 7534354
    Abstract: A combined degassing and flotation tank for separation of a water influent containing considerable amounts of oil and gas. A rotational flow is created in the tank which forces the lighter components such as oil and gas droplets towards an inner concentric cylindrical wall where they coalesce and rise to the surface of the liquid and are removed via the outlet. The heavier parts are forced down where the heavy particles sink to the lower part where they can be removed as a sludge. The water is discharged via an outlet in the lower part of the tank. The combined degassing and flotation tank is particular suited for use in oil production at sea for removal of oil and gases from water streams before the water is returned to the sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: M-I Epcon AS
    Inventor: Stein Egil Oserød
  • Patent number: 7531026
    Abstract: A deaeration device for deaerating coolant fluid flow in a recirculation cooling system, where the recirculation cooling system includes a cooling fluid reservoir adapted to receive the deaeration device submerged within cooling fluid therein, includes an elongated deaeration tube including a fluid outlet and a deaerating skimming shaped slot for skimming air bubbles and cooling fluid from cooling fluid flow flowing through the deaeration tube, and including a fluid inlet for allowing the same amount of fluid that is skimmed off and removed through the top fluid outlet to re-enter the deaeration tube to maintain mass balance in the cooling fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Follette, Kevin T. Stone
  • Patent number: 7507280
    Abstract: A portable degasser, flare tank and fluid storage system for use during oil well exploratory drilling which when connected to the fluid blow-out prevention hardware of an active drilling operation prevents the accidental spillage of liquid ejected under pressure from the drill bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Deren John Tomshak, Michael Andrew Lehmann, Dean William Falkenberg
  • Patent number: 7419531
    Abstract: A safety system for prevention of the escape of noxious media, such as explosive gas mixtures and/or ignitable substances, has at least one interception element (10; 30) which at least partly encloses and seals off a potential escape point (12) for the medium. The medium is precipitated onto the interception element (10; 30). Once the medium has been collected, it may be removed from the interception element (10; 30). In this way, both aggressive media and fuel-laden gases may be effectively controlled by safety engineering measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: ElringKlinger AG
    Inventors: Bruno Malinek, Beate Zika-Beyerlein
  • Patent number: 7318855
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for gas/liquid separation on an array of jets or streams of liquid is provided. Layers of structured packing material are configured to “quiet” high-velocity liquid flow with entrained gas to provide a flow at moderate or low velocity from which the gas has been substantially separated from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Clyde D. Newman, Albert D. Tomassian, Alan Z. Ullman, David L. Wait
  • Patent number: 6953499
    Abstract: Equipment for use in the physical refining and deodorization of edible oils and fats, including a shell containing a number of superimposed trays for degassing, heating, cooling and deodorization purposes. The equipment also includes a scrubber that is located at the lowest part inside the deodoriser shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: De Smet Engineering, Naamloze Vennootschap
    Inventors: Marc Kellens, Tony Harper
  • Patent number: 6929745
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a three-phase separation during treatment of wastewater and sludge, which includes a gas collector (1) which traps gases that rise in the settling basin during the treatment process. The gas collector has an inclined outer surface (2, 3) which ensures that sewage sludge can slide down unhindered. The angle of inclination (?) can be adjusted in order to adapt the apparatus to different sewage sludges. The gas collector has a flexible tube (4) which is guided around a plurality of reversing or bending surfaces (5, 6, 7, 8) so that sections (10, 11) of the tube form the inclined outer surfaces (2, 3). Another section (15) of the tube defines the interior volume (V) of the gas collector. The resulting gas collector is simple to produce and effectively prevents the separation apparatus from becoming clogged by particles of sewage sludge adhering to the outer surfaces of the gas collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Johan Verink
  • Patent number: 6860921
    Abstract: A tubular separation unit insertable into a caisson or tube for separating liquid from an upward flowing liquid/gas multi-phase stream, and including a centrifugal flow-induced liquid separator having a multi-phase gas/liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a gas stream outlet; a liquid transfer conduit connected to the liquid outlet of the flow separator; and a pump for pumping liquid, disposed below the separator and including a pump liquid inlet connected to the liquid transfer conduit and through which liquid separated in the separator is received, and a pumped liquid outlet through which separated liquid is, in use, caused to flow selectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: Hans P. Hopper
  • Patent number: 6811592
    Abstract: The invention is a stackable packing element for use in degassing liquid ophthalmic lens monomer, and to a modular degasser and process, including an in-line degassing process, employing same. The stackable packing element is comprised of a body module and a removable puck component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Young, Stephen C. Pegram, Kerry T. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6800116
    Abstract: Discloses apparatus and method to deaerate and condition bitumen froth obtained from a primary tar sands bitumen extraction process comprising a vessel containing a plurality of inclined plates, called a static deaeration conditioner. The inclined plates of the static deaeration conditioner are substantially equidistantly spaced from each other and are inclined at an angle to the horizontal. The plates form a corresponding plurality of channels there between for the froth to be deaerated to flow along. The declination angle is selected to obtain a gravity induced froth flow rate in the channel that exhibits a lamella effect near laminar flow characteristics, which promotes the creation of a water-enriched froth region near the lower plate of the channel. A braking pump can be provided on an outlet port of the vessel to control the rate of flow through the vessel of the froth to be deaerated and conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Stewart Stevens, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
  • Patent number: 6758886
    Abstract: A three-phase separator for separating off from a fluid gas and particles contained therein, includes at least one pair of two gas collection caps extending in a horizontal longitudinal direction (L) and each having a plate section. The plate sections converge in the downward direction. At the bottom ends the plate sections leave an inlet passage, elongated in the longitudinal direction, for the fluid containing particles and an outlet passage, elongated in the longitudinal direction, for settled particles. A discharge opening for fluid, opening into the settling chamber, is provided at a level higher than the inlet and outlet passages. The inlet passage and the outlet passage are located in the extension of one another, viewed in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Paques Water Systems, B.V.
    Inventor: Sjoerd Hubertus Jozef Vellinga
  • Patent number: 6726743
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for deaerating a liquid layer such as a coating solution using electrostatic forces. A flow of charged particles is created above and moved towards a low conductivity liquid layer. The flow of charged particles causes localized thinning of the liquid layer which facilitates the removal of bubbles of entrained gas from the liquid by bringing those bubbles closer to the exposed surface of the liquid and rupturing them at that surface. This electrostatic deaeration technique is combined with other non-electrostatic liquid layer thinning techniques or degassing techniques to further facilitate removal of bubbles from the liquid in preparation of further processing of the liquid. The liquid layer may be stationary or flowing with respect to the application of charge particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John W. Louks, Steven H. Gotz, Luther E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6709488
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly and a method for separating gas from gas-containing liquids handled in a process industry. For separating the entrained gas, particularly air, or partial removal thereof, from a liquid flow, the apparatus includes a liquid-flow guide adapted substantially close to the lower end of an inlet pipe discharging the gas-containing liquid into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Ecopump Oy
    Inventors: Leo Lunden, Jouni Mussalo
  • Publication number: 20040011201
    Abstract: Discloses apparatus and method to deaerate and condition bitumen froth obtained from a primary tar sands bitumen extraction process comprising a vessel containing a plurality of inclined plates, called a static deaeration conditioner. The inclined plates of the static deaeration conditioner are substantially equidistantly spaced from each other and are inclined at an angle to the horizontal. The plates form a corresponding plurality of channels there between for the froth to be deaerated to flow along. The declination angle is selected to obtain a gravity induced froth flow rate in the channel that exhibits a lamella effect near laminar flow characteristics, which promotes the creation of a water-enriched froth region near the lower plate of the channel. A braking pump can be provided on an outlet port of the vessel to control the rate of flow through the vessel of the froth to be deaerated and conditioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Geoffrey Stewart Stevens, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
  • Publication number: 20030221557
    Abstract: The invention is a stackable packing element for use in degassing liquid ophthalmic lens monomer, and to a modular degasser and process, including an in-line degassing process, employing same. The stackable packing element is comprised of a body module and a removable puck component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Kent A. Young, Stephen C. Pegram, Kerry T. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6620221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating gas and liquid from a medium flowing in a line, and to a method for separating such a medium, in particular a gas-liquid mixture, in the device, which separates gas and liquid particles from one another at high and low flow speeds. High-quality phase separation that is independent of the flow speed is achieved in that both a surface tension of the liquid and different forces of inertia of the liquid and gas prevent a flow of the liquid through openings of a separator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lenzing, Uwe Konzelmann
  • Patent number: 6616719
    Abstract: An air-liquid separating method and apparatus for compressed air. The high pressure air output from an air compressor is transferred through a transfer tube to pass through the cooling tube of a cooling tank. The cooling tube has a diameter larger than that of the transfer tube so that the high pressure air goes from a smaller room into a larger room and the pressure is relieved. The temperature of the high pressure air is lowered due to relief of the pressure and the pressure of the vapor is, approximately the saturated vapor pressure. The cooled high pressure air is further transferred to an air-liquid separating tank. The temperature of the air is lowered to the dew point due to further relief of pressure. At this time, the vapor contained in the high pressure air is condensed into liquid water which drops onto the bottom of the air-liquid separating tank and separates from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Yung Yung Sun, Chuan Ching Cheng
  • Patent number: 6613128
    Abstract: An aromatic polycarbonate extruder which is a twin screw extruder for kneading components into a molten aromatic polycarbonate, the extruder having at least one module consisting of a kneading unit, a material seal unit, a back kneading unit and full-flight unit which are arranged from an upstream side to a downstream side and a method of kneading components into an aromatic polycarbonate by using the above extruder. The present invention also provides a kneading apparatus and method for producing an aromatic polycarbonate which has an extremely small content of foreign matter and is free from residence deterioration such as coloration, crosslinking or gelation when the aromatic polycarbonate is to be kneaded with various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Masasi Simonaru, Toru Sawaki, Katsushi Sasaki, Kazuki Hatono, Eiji Ito
  • Publication number: 20030150786
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a three-phase separation during treatment of wastewater and sludge, which includes a gas collector (1) which traps gases that rise in the settling basin during the treatment process. The gas collector has an inclined outer surface (2, 3) which ensures that sewage sludge can slide down unhindered. The angle of inclination (&agr;) can be adjusted in order to adapt the apparatus to different sewage sludges. The gas collector has a flexible tube (4) which is guided around a plurality of reversing or bending surfaces (5, 6, 7, 8) so that sections (10, 11) of the tube form the inclined outer surfaces (2, 3). Another section (15) of the tube defines the interior volume (V) of the gas collector. The resulting gas collector is simple to produce and effectively prevents the separation apparatus from becoming clogged by particles of sewage sludge adhering to the outer surfaces of the gas collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Johan Verink
  • Patent number: 6547855
    Abstract: A mass transfer machine removes dissolved gases or volatile organic compounds from air or a liquid. The mass transfer machine includes a vessel capable of containing a liquid and having a liquid inlet and an air inlet at a near end. It further includes a liquid outlet at a far end. Two or more baffles are located transversely inside of the vessel. The baffle located nearest to the far end of the vessel has a window. Two or more diffusers are located near a bottom surface of the vessel. The diffusers are in communication with the air inlet and have two or more orifices through a wall. An adjustable plate is releasably mounted over the window of the baffle located closest to the far end of the vessel. The plate is adjustable in a vertical direction. In one embodiment, an air source supplies air to the air inlet located on the near end of the vessel. In another embodiment, an air source is connected to the an air exit located on the far side of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Aeromix Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy D. Schmidtke
  • Publication number: 20020117053
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly and a method for separation of gas-containing liquids handled in a process industry. The invention is characterized in that, for the separation of entrained gas, particularly air (9), or partial removal thereof, from a liquid flow (7), the apparatus includes a liquid-flow guide (2) adapted substantially close to the lower end of an inlet pipe (1) discharging the gas-containing liquid into a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Leo Lunden, Jouni Mussalo
  • Patent number: 6375718
    Abstract: Connected in a water circuit for cooling or heating gaseous fuel in a fuel system for a gas turbine plant is a gas/liquid separation apparatus which serves to separate gases contained in the water from the water, and to detect them. The container of the separation apparatus is split up by a partition into a water entry chamber and a water exit chamber. The incoming water flow is split up in the water entry chamber into an upward-flowing and a downward-flowing water flow. Located above the water is a gas-filled space into which gas bubbles disperse. The upward-flowing water flows over an overflow weir, and the downward-flowing water flows into the water exit chamber through openings in the lower region of the partition. The separation apparatus thus includes a calm, free water level in the water entry chamber, and an irrotational flow from the water exit chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventors: Francisco Blangetti, Stephan Werner Doehler, Erhard Liebig, Rainer Schlageter
  • Patent number: 6372024
    Abstract: The system removes contaminating gases, such as radon, from water using a bubbling action. Contaminated water is sprayed together with air through a duct to a bottom region of a bubbling container. The water and air move generally in the same direction through the system, allowing the flow rate to be varied while maintaining forced air/water contact. The aerated contaminated water bubbles upwardly through the bubbling container and passes through one or more diffusing or mixing plates causing the aerated contaminated water to further break out contaminating gases into the air. At the top region of the bubbling container, the contaminating gases are vented while the decontaminated water flows into a tank. The decontaminated water can then be pumped to a desired location, for example, to a house water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Russell E. Prescott, Perrin T. Prescott
  • Patent number: 6214092
    Abstract: A separator apparatus for separating flush effluent from an oil and gas well following a fracture stimulation process, the separator having a vessel that maintains the effluent at a selected liquid level, an inlet is connected to the vessel at a location below the liquid level so that the effluent enters the vessel at a location therebelow. A plurality of baffles within the vessel slow the effluent so that solids settle out to a drain which is periodically opened to transfer the solids to an appropriate disposal. An upper outlet permits the venting of gases that percolate from the liquid constituent, a backpressure valve disposed in communication therewith to maintain a positive pressure within the vessel. A liquid drain withdraws the liquid constituent from the vessel at a rate determined by a level assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Larry G. Odom, Ronnie L. Stovall
  • Patent number: 6187079
    Abstract: A motion insensitive phase separator for separating oilfield production fluid phases includes a tank having a pair of opposing inlets and three generally centrally arranged outlets for different phases of a production fluid mixture fed into the tank simultaneously through the inlets. Separation media is disposed in the tank for separating the different phases of the production fluid, The separation media include antifoam media at opposite ends of the tank and further includes demisting media proximately to the median plane, on opposite sides thereof. Flow regulators, such as perforated plates, are disposed substantially vertically in the tank between the antifoam media and the demisting media. The separation media and the flow regulators are disposed generally symmetrically about a central transverse plane, thereby providing for a symmetrical flow and weight distribution for motion insensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Philip J. Bridger
  • Patent number: 6176252
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a liquid in a semiconductor manufacturing process includes a container storing the liquid therein, and having a gas inlet for introducing a gas and a liquid outlet for discharging the liquid pressurized by the gas, and a first filter connected to the liquid outlet of the container for removing an impurity of the liquid. The container is slopingly positioned so that the liquid outlet of the container is inclined downwardly to allow the liquid to be totally discharged therefrom. The first filter includes a plurality of plates extending outwardly form an inner surface of the first filter for allowing the liquid to be agitated therein, an outlet arranged at the bottom of the first filter for discharging a precipitated impurity, and a plurality of exhaust valves respectively arranged adjacent to the plates for allowing a gaseous impurity to be released therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Jui-Hung Peng
  • Patent number: 6171465
    Abstract: A longitudinally horizontal pressure vessel desalts a fluid mixture of oil, an emulsion of oil globules encapsulated in salt water casings, gas and/or free water. A vertical wall splits the vessel into a double length flow path extending from an inlet to separate outlets for discharging the gas, the free water and the oil. A plurality of vertical baffles at intervals between the inlet and the outlets are divided along horizontal lines into a lowermost perforated zone for passing free water, a lower central zone for blocking passage of the emulsion, an upper central perforated zone for stripping the salt water casing from the oil globules and for passing oil and an uppermost open zone for passing gas. The line dividing the lower and upper central zones of each baffle are higher than the corresponding line of each preceding baffle along the flow path extending from the inlet to the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Bill E. Compton
  • Patent number: 6056806
    Abstract: An apparatus for the heating-up and degassing of make-up water by means of steam in a power station plant. The apparatus includes a steam condenser having a casing wall and a second casing wall mounted on the steam condenser. The casing walls are spaced apart and form a mixing chamber and a separation column, with the mixing chamber being located above the separation column. The mixing chamber includes a means for spraying oxygen-rich make-up water. A receiver is positioned to collect water from the separation column and includes a water outlet opening in fluid communication with an interior of the steam condenser. The steam condenser casing wall has a steam-inlet opening located between the receiver and the separation column through which steam flows into and through the separation column and into the mixing chamber due to a lower pressure prevailing in the first stage mixing chamber relative to a pressure in an interior of the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventor: Mustafa Youssef
  • Patent number: 6053967
    Abstract: An air separator for liquid containing gas bubbles having an essentially cylinder-shaped chamber through which liquid, such as blood, flows essentially in helical flow paths, with the result that air bubbles are driven in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the chamber because of pressure differences produced by centrifugal forces. The inlet and outlet of the chamber of the air separator are coaxial relative to each other in the longitudinal axis of the chamber. The air separator also includes a flow-deflection component or influx distributor, which includes a rotation-symmetrical base body element whose outer surface faces inflowing liquid as a first deflection surface, which is geometrically defined by rotation of a curve section about the longitudinal axis of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Bernd Knierbein
  • Patent number: 6004470
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a first liquid phase from second liquid phase and entrained air and solids. More particularly, the apparatus removes tramp oil, metal shavings and other solids from coolant used in metal-working machines. The apparatus can also be used to remove air and solids from a single liquid phase. The apparatus is compact and simple to use. It overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art devices, including their tendency to become plugged with oily material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Tim Abril
  • Patent number: 5997284
    Abstract: A flare tank (10) comprises a container (12) having a fluid inlet (14), a fluid outlet (16) and a fluid flow path between the inlet (14) and the outlet (16). A baffle plate (20) is provided in the container (12) between the inlet (14) and the outlet (16). The baffle plate (20) extends transversely relative to the flow path for forming at least a partial barrier to fluid flow in the flow path. A gas outlet, e.g., a chimney stack (18), is located on the container (12) for the discharge of gas separated from the fluid. A burner (46) is provided for the combustion of combustible gas passing through the outlet (18). A holding tank (201) may be provided for holding the fluid following passage through the flare tank. In addition, safety features (240, 244, 250, 206) can be provided to prevent or disable the explosion or rupture of the holding tank (201).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Altex Oilfield Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Brian Gustafson, Evert Todd Gustafson, Alfred James Gustafson, Paul Wierzba, Glen Darrell Worm
  • Patent number: 5882187
    Abstract: A flare tank 10 comprises a container 12 having a fluid inlet 14, a fluid outlet 16 and a fluid flow path between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16. A baffle plate 20 is provided in the container 12 between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16. The baffle plate 20 extends transversely relative to the flow path for forming at least a partial barrier to fluid flow in the flow path. A gas outlet, e.g., a chimney stack 18, is located on the container 12 for the discharge of gas separated from the fluid. A burner 46 is provided for the combustion of combustible gas passing through the outlet 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Modern Industrial Rentals (1978) Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Brian Gustafson, Glen Darrell Worm
  • Patent number: 5878841
    Abstract: A pump apparatus for a milking machine is provided with an oil container for the supply of lubricant to the pump. A joint device is inserted in the container. The joint device comprises a casing enclosing an inlet conduit for bringing back oil to the container and an outlet conduit for the removal of oil from the container and supply to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Agri AB
    Inventors: Krzysztof Malecki, Waldemar Szymanski
  • Patent number: 5858071
    Abstract: A water-purifying apparatus, for reducing the radon content of radon-contaminated water, includes a reactor tank for treating the radon-contaminated water, a radon-releasing structure arranged in the upper part of the reactor tank to receive water from a first pump adapted to supply water from a source of water containing radon-contaminated water, the water from the radon-releasing structure accumulating in the reactor tank, an inlet duct extending between the first pump and the radon-releasing structure, an outlet duct from the reactor tank, the outlet duct being connected to a water consumption system, and a radon-gas outlet from the reactor tank. In a mixing structure, water from the first pump is mixed with water from the reactor tank with the aid of a second pump in order to produce such a water flow in the radon-releasing structure as results in effective radon release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Libradon AB
    Inventor: Bror Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5849064
    Abstract: A sample handling system provides an evenly-suspended, small volume, bubble-free sample to an analyzer such as a light scattering particle size analyzer. A flow of suspension is forced through an elongate channel below the surface of the liquid in the channel, along a downwardly sloping path, into impact with an end wall, and through an abrupt downward turn. Controlled turbulence created in the flow disperses particles and releases bubbles from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: William P. Marco, John M. Ward, James P. Olivier, Preston P. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 5807095
    Abstract: A flare tank (10) comprises a container (12) having a fluid inlet (14), a fluid outlet (16) and a fluid flow path between the inlet (14) and the outlet (16). A baffle plate (20) is provided in the container (12) between the inlet (14) and the outlet (16). The baffle plate (20) extends transversely relative to the flow path for forming at least a partial barrier to fluid flow in the flow path. A gas outlet, e.g., a chimney stack (18), is located on the container (12) for the discharge of gas separated from the fluid. A burner (46) is provided for the combustion of combustible gas passing through the outlet (18). A holding tank (201) may be provided for holding the fluid following passage through the flare tank (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Altex Oilfield Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Brian Gustafson, Evert Todd Gustafson, Alfred James Gustafson
  • Patent number: 5665141
    Abstract: A method of degassing utilizing a degassing faucet having a first portion which includes a liquid inlet with a first cross-sectional area and a liquid outlet with a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area, the liquid outlet being disposed adjacent a conduit portion having a cross-sectional area larger than the second cross-sectional area and the degassing faucet having a second portion with an impact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Arjo Hospital Equipment AB
    Inventor: Robert E. Vago
  • Patent number: 5660618
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel gas-liquid separating apparatus which is installed directly on a hot-water heating line independently from a gas boiler. The gas-liquid separating apparatus has a body provided with an air vent hole opened to outside, wherein the liquid flows, and a bubble collecting device for collecting the bubbles from the liquid to vent out the collected bubbles through the air vent hole. The bubble collecting device has a plurality of cylindrical bubble collecting rods for collecting bubbles contained in the liquid, a round projected portion for supporting upper portions of the bubble collecting rods, the round projected portion having a space portion for collecting bubbles collected by the bubble collecting rods being supported by the air vent hole and a conical vent portion having a conical space portion connected to the space of the round projected portion. At an upper portion of the conical vent portion, an air vent for venting out the bubbles is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Kyeong Park
  • Patent number: 5582271
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement in a circulation lubrication including a lubricating oil tank, pressure pipe lines for supplying oil to parts to be lubricated, and return pipe lines for returning the oil from the parts to be lubricated to the oil tank. To remove air and dirt from the oil, the flow returning from the parts to be lubricated to the lubricant tank is divided into at least two superimposed flow portions, using a plate member, so that the oil flow portion containing air bubbles forms the upper flow portion and the flow portion containing water and heavy particles forms the lower flow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Safematic Oy
    Inventor: Ari Mielo
  • Patent number: 5534047
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for degassing a mix of cement and a polymeric binding agent including filler material and/or fiber. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber and a mechanism for adjusting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber has an upper inlet zone including an inlet port, a lower discharge zone including a discharge port and an intermediate zone therebetween. Structure is provided adjacent to the inlet port which is open to the atmosphere for guiding the mix toward the inlet port. Structure is also positioned in the intermediate zone of the vacuum chamber for receiving, distributing and expediting the degassification of the free falling mix entering the vacuum chamber through the upper inlet port. A vacuum seal is provided by the mix entering the inlet port and by the degassed mix exiting the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventors: Jerry A. Gisko, Larry J. Farrell
  • Patent number: 5509954
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for degassing a high viscosity fluid wherein a vacuum chamber is oriented vertically and adapted for receiving a fluid at its top end and discharging it from a reservoir at its bottom end, the chamber having an assembly having a slotted wide-mouthed nozzle and a channel slide member mounted within the top end so as to receive a fluid fed into the chamber. The nozzle is adapted for spreading the fluid onto the surface of the slide member which is angularly positioned downwardly towards the reservoir such that fluid on the slide member surface exhibits laminar flow as it moves downwardly. A vacuum drawn on the chamber effects a release of any gaseous materials contained within the fluid as it moves down the slide surface and into the reservoir where it may be drawn out for application by one or more nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Derian, Herman E. Turner, Jr., Robert D. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5507858
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating the liquid phase and the gas phase of a liquid/gas mixture and for substantially eliminating slug flow is provided. The apparatus includes a housing containing a separation table positioned in an inclined position within the housing. The liquid/gas mixture flows into the housing through an inlet and spreads over the surface of the separation table. As the mixture spreads over the table, entrained gas is released and the liquid is decelerated. The separated liquid and gas then pass through orifices in the separation table and are separately discharged from the housing. In a second version, a plurality of separation tables may be contained in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: William P. Jepson
  • Patent number: 5500039
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separating apparatus for separating gas and liquid of a gas-liquid mixture includes a drum, and a separator disposed in the drum. The gas-liquid enters the separator into a cylinder of the separator in a tangential direction, and thus flows along the inner wall surface of the cylinder so that centrifugal separation of the gas and liquid is effected. The gas is discharged into a gas-phase section of the drum. At least part of the primary isolated liquid is decelerated by a perforated plate of the separator from which the liquid flows into a liquid-phase section of the drum. Because the primary isolated liquid flowing into the liquid-phase section of the drum has a slow outflow velocity, it tends to flow upwardly in the vicinity of the cylinder due to the buoyancy of gas still entrained in the liquid. Accordingly, the gravitational separation of the entrained gas and liquid is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Mori, Tokuji Matsuo, Nobuhiro Hokao, Akihiko Fujimoto, Tsuyoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 5454860
    Abstract: A system and method of use for providing nearly one-hundred (100%) percent of volatile component(s) present in a liquid solution as a gaseous phase volatile component(s) sample to a sample analysis system, at relatively sequentially constant buffered pressure and flow rate, is disclosed. The present invention also provides for quick, immediate and active removal of a remaining liquid solution mixture entered thereto to reduce carry-over contamination. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with flame and plasma based sample analysis systems and its use serves to greatly increase achievable stability of their operation, and sensitivity to volatile component(s) such as, As, Se, Sb, Sn, Hg, B and Te.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Cetac Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jianzhong Zhu