Centrifugal Force Patents (Class 95/269)
  • Patent number: 7879123
    Abstract: An inertial separator comprising a tubular body, the tubular body comprises a composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of a cyclic olefin polymer and a cyclic olefin copolymer, and, a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and/or a flame retardant and/or an anti-static additive, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Lundquist, Allan Thomas
  • Patent number: 7870848
    Abstract: A system for managing fuel-vapor emission from a fuel tank of a vehicle using a vortex-effect flow separator coupled in the fuel-vapor purging system of the vehicle. The warmer-flow outlet of the separator is coupled to the engine intake, and the cooler-flow outlet is coupled to the fuel tank. In this way, less fuel vapor is delivered to the engine intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, Michael Igor Kluzner, James Michael Kerns
  • Patent number: 7846343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating a mixture containing solid particles, liquid and/or gas into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, the separator comprising:—a casing (2) defining a flow space through which the mixture is to flow;—an elongated flow body (5) arranged in the flow space along which the mixture to be separated can be carried;—at least one swirl inducing element (10) arranged between the flow body and the inner casing, the swirl inducing element being curved so as to set the incoming mixture into a rotating movement for the purpose of separating the mixture into the heavy fraction and the light fraction;—discharge means for discharging the separated heavy and light fraction, wherein the discharge means comprise at least one flow passage defined inside said at least one swirl element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: FMC Technologies C.V.
    Inventor: Robert Schook
  • Patent number: 7837752
    Abstract: A rigid or semi-rigid demister pad is positioned between an air turbine and an inertial water removal device such as extractor in an air conditioning system for an aircraft. The demister pad comprises packed fibers or strands whose diameter typically ranges from approximately 10 or fewer microns to approximately 280 microns. The demister is capable of catching very small droplets discharged from the air turbine that coalesce into larger droplets that exit the demister pad and enter an adjacent water removal device downstream from the pad to separate the larger water droplets from the stream of air. This avoids using a water separator containing a coalescer bag that requires frequent maintenance and is sensitive to dirt and freezing. The demister can operate at freezing temperature, is not dirt-sensitive and requires no maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ranjit R. Darke, Michael B. Faust, Allen K. MacKnight, Russell Johnson, Alexander M. Bershitsky
  • Patent number: 7837751
    Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a two-stage free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: BestRake, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Everett Dunning, Richard Bernard Saathoff
  • Patent number: 7833298
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for separating a mixture of gas and liquid into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, the system comprising:—a separation vessel having a vessel inlet for the supply of the mixture to be separated, an upper vessel outlet for the discharge of the light fraction and a lower vessel outlet for the discharge of the heavy fraction;—at least one inlet device for pretreatment of the incoming mixture, the inlet device, comprising a casing having a liquid outlet for the discharge of a first mixture part mainly containing liquid to a lower compartment of the separation vessel; and at least one demister element arranged at a position below the liquid outlet for separating liquid from the gas in the first mixture part flowing from the liquid output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: FMC Technologies C.V.
    Inventors: Per-Reidar Larnholm, Robert Schook
  • Patent number: 7771585
    Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a centripetal cyclone for separating particulate material from a particulate laden gas solids stream. The cyclone includes a housing defining a conduit extending between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. In operation, when a particulate laden gas-solids stream passes through the upstream housing inlet, the particulate laden gas-solids stream is directed through the conduit and at least a portion of the solids in the particulate laden gas-solids stream are subjected to a centripetal force within the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Southern Company
    Inventors: Pannalal Vimalchand, Guohai Liu, WanWang Peng
  • Publication number: 20100132557
    Abstract: Process to separate particles from a particles-containing gas stream, by subjecting the particles-containing gas stream to a centrifugal separation step, wherein the particles-containing gas stream is separated in a gas rich flow and a particles-rich flow and wherein the particles-rich flow is cooled from a temperature in the range from 600 to 800° C. to a temperature in the range from 200 to 450° C. before it is subjected to a second separation step, wherein particles are separated from the particles-rich flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Hubertus Wilhelmus Albertus Dries, Kee-Khoon Foo, Ferdinand Johannes Adriaan Geiger, Michiel Alexander Regelink
  • Patent number: 7704291
    Abstract: Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) exhaust gases from coal pre-mine gob wells, land fills and oil refinery (Installations) vent stacks are used, after adequate compression, for energizing a high-speed gas turbine. The convoluting gas discharge causes a first separation stage by stratifying of heavier non-combustible and lighter combustible gas components that exit from the turbine in opposite directions, the heavier components having a second stratifying separation in a vortex tube to separate non-combustible, heaviest pollutants from non-combustible medium-heavy components. The noncombustible, medium components exit a vortex tube open end to atmosphere. The lighter combustible, pollutants (high purity Methane) effected in the first separation are piped to the Installation's engine air intake for re-combustion, thereby reducing the Installation's Methane pollution and improving its fuel economy. The non-combustible, heaviest pollutants from the second separation stage are piped to air filter assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Ranendra Bose
  • Patent number: 7691185
    Abstract: A recirculating water extractor includes a swirl vane, a converging nozzle, and two sumps. The recirculating water extractor may be designed to reintroduce uncollected water droplets back into the air stream upstream of both sumps, which may provide additional opportunities for separation. The Coanda effect may be exploited to increase the discharge of water along a surface. Utilizing a converging nozzle may intensify the centrifugal force applied to the air stream rich with entrained water and may move more of entrained water into contact with the wall of the nozzle, which, in turn, may enhance the liquid/vapor separation compared to prior art water extractors. The recirculating water extractor utilizing the Coanda effect and the method for removing entrained water from an air stream may be suitable for, but not limited to, applications in the aircraft and aerospace industries, for example, by being included in environmental control systems of aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ranjit R. Darke, Michael B. Faust, Dillon C. Sandoval
  • Patent number: 7682415
    Abstract: A device for intermediate storage of condensation water includes a swirl body which causes an inflowing air-water mixture to rotate, and a venturi tube through which the air-water mixture leaves the device. A ring groove in which water accumulates because of the swirl is arranged downstream of the swirl body, and water accumulated in the ring groove is sucked into the venturi tube via one more suction pipes. An expansion zone has an expanded cross-section and a step shaped interior for generating increased surface adhesion. Separating metal sheets in the expansion zone brake the swirl, bind the accumulated gushing water by adhesion forces, and guide it by capillary forces to the interior surface of the expansion zone. Gushing water accumulated at the ends of the separating metal sheets is drained by one or more suction pipes, into the venturi tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: EADS Space Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Mueller, Helmut Westermann, Ulf Wittkamp, Joachim Lucas, Klaus Bockstahler, Johannes Witt, Berengere Houdou
  • Publication number: 20100064893
    Abstract: A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Patent number: 7615091
    Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element, a frame construction secured to the filter element, and a handle member secured to the filter element. In preferred embodiments, the handle member is secured to the frame construction. Preferably, the filter element includes a central core member, wherein fluted filter media is coiled around the central core member. Preferably, the central core member includes a plurality of corrugations, wherein the corrugations mateably engage at least some flutes. Preferably, the handle member is integral with the central core member, and also includes a fastening member for connection to a frame construction on the filter element. Methods for cleaning air and servicing an air cleaner preferably include constructions as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Scott Gieseke, William M. Juliar, Edward A. Steinbrueck, Wayne R. W. Bishop, Patrick Golden, Wayne C. Musselman
  • Patent number: 7591866
    Abstract: Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) exhaust gases from coal pre-mine gob wells, landfills and oil refinery (Installations) vent stacks are used, after adequate compression, for energizing a high-speed gas turbine. The convoluting gas discharge cause a first separation stage by stratifying of heavier non-combustible and lighter combustible gas components that exit from the turbine in opposite directions; the heavier components having a second stratifying separation in a vortex tube to separate non-combustible, heaviest pollutants from non-combustible medium heavy components. The non-combustible, medium components exit a vortex tube open end to atmosphere. The lighter combustible Methane gas effected in the first separation is piped to the Installation's engine for combustion, thereby reducing its Methane pollution and improving its fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Ranendra Bose
  • Publication number: 20090101013
    Abstract: A powered air cleaning system has a flow path extending through the system from an inlet to an outlet. A motor-driven fan is located along the flow path to draw particulate debris laden air into the inlet and rotate it about an axis to form a rotating flow that stratifies the debris laden air with the heaviest particles in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow. An ejector port ejects particulate debris laden air from the stratified rotating flow in the system. At least one de-swirl component located within the rotating flow aerodynamically redirects clean air from the innermost orbits of the stratified rotating flow toward the outlet to provide a positive airflow pressure out of the outlet. The system has a variable speed fan motor and an integrated controller for adjusting the speed of the motor and thereby the flow rate of clean air through the outlet of the system. The controller receives a signal that is a function of airflow requirements of a device supplied with clean air by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: James G. Moredock
  • Patent number: 7488373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating a gas/liquid mixture, comprising: —an upright vessel (1) with a lower and upper compartment; —an inlet (2) for admitting the flow of mixture into the lower compartment; —an agglomerating unit (10) placed between the lower and upper compartment for enlarging the liquid droplets in the mixture; —a lower outlet (4) for discharging the substantially liquid-containing mixture part from the lower compartment; —an upper outlet (5) for discharging the substantially gas-containing mixture part from the upper compartment; characterized by —collecting means (11) for collecting on the downstream side of the agglomerating unit liquid droplets which have broken through the agglomerating unit; —recycling means (12) for recycling the collected liquid to the lower compartment from the collecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Trygve Håland, Per-Reidar Larnholm
  • Patent number: 7354466
    Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of twig-containing yard debris combining a frontally facing twig breaker with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: BestRake, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Everett Dunning, Richard Bernard Saathoff
  • Patent number: 7316733
    Abstract: A third stage separator vessel includes a diffuser to promote uniform flow among an array of separation cyclones in the vessel. The vessel has an inlet to receive a gas stream containing solid particles, and the diffuser is mounted at the inlet so that at least some of the stream passes through the diffuser. In an embodiment, a gap between the diffuser and the inlet causes some of the gas stream to flow over an outer surface of the diffuser. The diffuser preferably includes a perforated plate mounted across a wide end of a frustoconical portion. The plate has a plurality of openings through which the flow passes. The openings in the plate have various sizes and positions to direct a greater amount of flow through radially outward portions of the plate than from a central portion of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Brian W. Hedrick, Richard A. Johnson, II, Paul A. Sechrist, Hadjira Iddir
  • Patent number: 7306639
    Abstract: A structure and method of removing semi-rigid debris and demisting gas for use primarily in surface maintenance or conditioning machines, Demisting is accomplished by, a combination techniques including rapid pressure reduction and removal of semi rigid debris is accomplished by forcing the debris through a path with curvatures to great for the debris to follow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Larry David Wydra, Michael T. Basham
  • Patent number: 7273513
    Abstract: The use of turbulent contactors to simultaneously absorb selected acid gas components from a gas stream and flash off hydrocarbons entrained in a liquid stream which include a solvent or reagent for the selected gas component. In particular, the method comprises feeding the gas stream and liquid stream into a first contactor where they are contacted co-currently and subjected to turbulent mixing conditions, and passing the multi-phase flow from the first contactor to a second contactor. The multi-phase flow from the second contactor is subsequently separated into a gas phase and a liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Harald Linga, Inge Sverre Lund Nilsen, Finn Patrick Nilsen, Trond Olav Høyland
  • Patent number: 7258727
    Abstract: A separating apparatus which enables particles to be separated from a flowing medium by a preliminary separator which avoids the undesirably high pressure losses due to the flow resistance of known preliminary separators. The separating apparatus has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, in which a flow of air at the inlet end is caused to rotate by an inlet guide device, and is redirected again at the outlet end by an outlet guide device into a linear flow. The pressure recovery is achieved by a defined curvature and arrangement of the guide elements. The guide element curvature has an inlet contour, a retarding contour and a stabilizing contour. Preliminary separators of this type are used primarily in the air intake tracts of internal combustion engines exposed to heavy contamination, such as engines in farm machinery or construction machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Greif, Jens Haehn
  • Patent number: 7182803
    Abstract: A cyclone separator includes a body having a side entry fluid inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet both aligned substantially transverse to the fluid inlet, and has the first and second outlets opposing each other. A cyclone tube assembly is positioned within the body having at least a portion of the cyclone tube assembly positioned in a direct unobstructed alignment path with the fluid inlet. The cyclone tube assembly includes a plurality of cyclone tubes, each including a first tube section and a second tube section partially positioned within the first tube section. A ceramic material forms at least a portion of the second tube section of each cyclone tube. A first tube connection plate supports the first tube section of each of the cyclone tubes. A second tube connection plate supports the second tube section of each of the cyclone tubes. The first tube connection plate is angularly offset from the second tube connection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Albert E Stewart, Jeffrey A Mays, Kenneth M Sprouse
  • Patent number: 7108785
    Abstract: A blood conditioning device having a housing with a helical blood acceleration section which includes a helical flow path for impressing centrifugal forces on the entrained bubbles in the blood to concentrate them towards the center of the flow path, a bubble pick off tube aligned with the centerline of the acceleration section which collects and recirculates the bubbles to the cardiotomy reservoir upstream of the device during operation, and a blood filtration section to intercept the flow of particles in the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Convergenza Handelsanstalt
    Inventors: Hans Plechinger, Hans-Jürgen Tiedtke, Klaus Stevens
  • Patent number: 7077888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating dust from flue gases from combustion plants, especially solid fuel combustion plants, comprising at least one dust filter via which the flue gases are guided, and by means of which the dust from the flue gases can be filtered out as it passes through the dust filter. In order to produce a device which separates dust in a highly efficient manner and which can be operated in a highly reliable manner and be used to heat combustion air for the combustion plant, the at least one dust filter is embodied as a bulk material filter in whose bulk material heat from the flue gases can be collected when the bulk material is cross-flown by the flue gases and by means of whose bulk material heat collected from the flue gases when the combustion air of the combustion plant flows through the bulk material filter can be given off to said combustion air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Harald Dichtl, Thomas Hagen, Roland Klaus, Jörg Lengert
  • Patent number: 7066987
    Abstract: A separating cyclone for at least partially separating a mixture of fluids of different density into a light fraction with a relatively low density and a heavy fraction with a relatively high density, comprising a flow body in a flow space between the flow body and casing around the flow body wherein at least one bypass channel is provided in the distal part of the flow body, via which channels a part of the mixture flowing along the flow body in the flow space can be guided. Also, a method for separating the above stated mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: CDS Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: David Stanbridge
  • Patent number: 7056368
    Abstract: A powered air cleaning system (1) and air cleaning method are disclosed. The system has a flow path (22) extending through the system from an air inlet (4) to a clean air outlet (5). A motor-driven fan (24) located along the flow path draws particulate debris laden air into the inlet and rotates it about an axis (A—A) to form a rotating flow that stratifies the debris laden air with the heaviest particles in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow. An ejector port (25) is provided for ejecting particulate debris laden air from the stratified rotating flow in the system to the environment. An air filter (9) located within the rotating flow and across the flow path upstream of the outlet filters air from the innermost orbits of the stratified rotating flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Sy-Klone Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Moredock, Eric L. Ehrenberg
  • Patent number: 7048782
    Abstract: Disclosed is a third stage separator which includes two main clean gas outlets. One main clean gas outlet communicates with a power recovery unit such as an expander turbine while the second main clean gas outlet communicates with a conduit that bypasses the expander turbine. The present invention avoids use of the extra equipment, engineering and installation labor required to prevent the bypass conduit from placing a force load on the line to the power recovery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Leonard E. Bell, Richard A. Johnson, II
  • Patent number: 7048783
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner air/liquid separator is provided according to the invention. The separator includes an offset air/liquid airflow inlet for receiving an air/liquid airflow, with the offset air/liquid airflow inlet possessing a width and a height. The separator further includes a substantially cylindrical separator chamber communicating with the offset air/liquid airflow inlet, wherein the offset air/liquid airflow inlet is radially offset from the separator chamber. The separator further includes a lead-in track extending from the offset air/liquid airflow inlet and at least partially around the circumference of the separator chamber. The lead-in track tapers from substantially the width of the offset air/liquid airflow inlet into the separator chamber. The air/liquid airflow is entrained into a downward spiraling path in the separator chamber by the lead-in track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Ponjican, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson, Dennis T. Lamb, Bruce M. Kiern
  • Patent number: 6994743
    Abstract: A two stage air purification system is provided for the removal of airborne impurities from an airflow prior to the airflow entering a building's ductwork. In particular, a primary air filter is mounted within the hood of, for example, a cooking area and operable to receive grease-laden air and remove a portion of the impurities. The air is then sent to a secondary filter, also mounted within the hood, that removes additional impurities. The air is then sent through the building's ductwork and eventually out the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Greenheck Fan Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle A. Brownell, Scott W. Mathews, Alan Lorenz Breitenfeldt, Emery W. Neitzel
  • Patent number: 6932858
    Abstract: A method and system for processing of natural gas in which a gaseous natural gas stream which is made up of a mixture of hydrocarbons is introduced into a vortex tube, forming a hot fluid stream and a cold fluid stream. The cold fluid stream is introduced into the upper section of a distillation column and the hot fluid stream is introduced into the lower section of the distillation column, resulting in improved separation of the heavier hydrocarbon components in the natural gas stream from the lighter hydrocarbon components disposed in the natural gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Donald V. Nicol, Mark J. Lane
  • Patent number: 6929670
    Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of sand from an air stream in a thermal sand removal oven is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a plurality of members comprising two planar members joined to form “V” shaped members. The vertex of the “V” shape points generally in the direction of the air current. The apparatus is installed in the recirculated air stream of a thermal sand removal oven, in a location between the sand molds and the air circulation means. The present invention is also installed in ovens containing metal castings containing sand cores, and ovens containing metal castings both encased in a sand mold and containing a sand core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Can-Eng Furnaces Ltd.
    Inventors: Mohamed S. Hamed, Alan Van Geyn
  • Patent number: 6797041
    Abstract: A two stage air purification system is provided for the removal of airborne impurities from an airflow prior to the airflow entering a building's ductwork. In particular, a primary air filter is mounted within the hood of, for example, a cooking area and operable to receive grease-laden air and remove a portion of the impurities. The air is then sent to a secondary filter, also mounted within the hood, that removes additional impurities. The air is then sent through the building's ductwork and eventually out the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Greenheck Fan Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle A. Brownell, Scott W. Mathews, Alan Lorenz Breitenfeldt, Emery W. Neltzel
  • Publication number: 20040177755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating cyclone for at least partially separating a mixture of fluids of different density into a light fraction with a relatively low density and a heavy fraction with a relatively high density, comprising a flow body in a flow space wherein one or more bypass channels are provided in the distal part of the flow body, via which channels a part of the mixture flowing along the flow body can be guided. The invention also relates to a method for separating the above stated mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: CDS Engineering
    Inventor: David Stanbridge
  • Patent number: 6752856
    Abstract: An assembly for removing aerosol from crankcase gasses being returned to an air intake manifold is generally shown at and includes a housing having a housing wall defining a top portion and a base with at least one drain. An inlet line extends through the housing wall communicating with a crankcase. An outlet line extends through the top portion for communicating with an air intake manifold. An inertial separator generally shown at is attached to the inlet line and has a screen through which the crankcase gasses pass and an impacter plate for obstructing aerosol suspended in the gasses. A sheet wound in spaced convolutions to define a spiraled path from the exterior to a central space conveys gasses from the inertial separator to the central space. A thermal interception tube located in the central space receives gasses and has a tube wall for gasses to pass therethrough and an opening at one end for egress of gasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Russell R. Graze, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040079229
    Abstract: A vehicle air cleaner system 10 includes a cyclone chamber 14 and a variable inlet 30. The variable inlet 30 communicates airflow to the cyclone chamber 14 at a relatively constant velocity by varying an opening 32 in response to airflow which enters the inlet 12. During a relatively low airflow condition the variable inlet 30 directs airflow closer to a center of the cyclone chamber 14 which increase the angular velocity of the airflow by directing airflow toward smaller radii 42s within the cyclone chamber. During a relatively high airflow condition the variable inlet directs airflow toward the outer diameter of the cyclone chamber 14 and larger radii 42 L to assure an angular speed sufficient to separate out undesirable particles yet prevent an undesirable pressure drop across the air cleaner system 10. By varying communication of airflow to particular radii within the cyclone chamber 14, a relatively constant pressure drop across the air cleaner system 10 is provided regardless of airflow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Desmond Daly
  • Publication number: 20040065200
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for the removal of particulate matter from a fluid stream such as particulate matter from the exhaust of diesel engines. The device provides an enlarged diameter primary chamber and deflector plates adjacent an inlet end to swirl the fluid stream around the interior of the outer walls of the primary chamber. An exhaust outlet is directed to draw fluid substantially centrally from the swirling gas flow in the primary chamber such that heavier particulate matter is centrifuged away from the exhaust outlet and may be collected through a particulate matter collection means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kok-Keung n.a. Lo, Ronald M.C. So, James H. Whitelaw
  • Patent number: 6702877
    Abstract: Disclosed device for separating a mixture of gas with liquid and/or solid, which comprises a gravity separation vessel and a processing vessel which can be mounted in the gravity separation vessel. The processing vessel comprises a flow body which is provided with one or more swirl elements which set the feed mixture into rotation. The processing vessel also comprises a resistance element which is positioned between an outlet for the heavier fraction of the mixture and the flow body. The processing vessel may also comprise counter-swirl elements which are positioned in the discharge channel for the lighter fraction of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignees: Spark Technologies and Innovations N.V., Koch-Glitsch N.V.
    Inventor: Rombout Adriaan Swanborn
  • Patent number: 6692552
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel separator for use in a hydrocarbon cracking process and a novel spent catalyst stripping device and process wherein the separator includes a downcomer pipe having a vertical window for allowing the separated vapor to proceed upwardly through a vapor outlet duct and a bath tub container for containing and facilitating stripping of the separated spent catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Process Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly Benham
  • Patent number: 6632370
    Abstract: A method for entraining and mixing gas with liquids within a conduit or drop structure, comprising the channeling of one or more liquid flows into spiral flows of predetermined radius (radii), reducing the predetermined radius (radii) to increase the centrifugal forces acting upon the spiral flow(s) as the spiral flow(s) enter the conduit, and allowing gas access to the conduit to mix with and entrain within the spiral flow within the conduit or drop structure. The method can facilitate the mixing of gas with one or more fluid flows and/or reduce the release of gas emissions from the fluid(s) into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Vortex Flow, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene M. Natarius
  • Patent number: 6630014
    Abstract: Improved mist eliminator (50) for use in pulp washers, deinking cells and the like, and methods of use are disclosed. A cyclonic gas/liquid separator (50) is provided that includes an elongated housing (100) with a cyclonic flow inducing vane assembly (108) disposed at a medial location along the length of the housing (100) to divide the separator (50) into two tandem cyclonic action zones (150, 152) of approximate equal volume within the housing (100). An initial separation is effected in the first cyclonic action zone (150) followed by final separation in the downstream or second cyclonic action zone (152).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Kadant Black Clawson Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton R. Parks
  • Patent number: 6613129
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a container having an inlet for dirty air, an outlet for clean air, a coarse dust chamber and a fine dust chamber. The coarse dust chamber includes a filtering tube disposed within a rotary cylinder. The fine dust chamber includes a rotary cone. Air containing dust is drawn into the coarse dust chamber and supplied into the gap between the cylinder's inner surface and the filtering tube's outer surface. The air is rotated within the coarse dust chamber to force coarse dust to travel away from the chamber's center and air containing only fine dust travels through the filtering tube. This air is supplied into the rotary cone within the fine dust chamber and is rotated to force fine dust away from the chamber's center. Dust free air, which is travelling in the center of the rotary cone, is supplied out of the filter as clean air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Corporation
    Inventor: Ni Zu Gen
  • Publication number: 20030140788
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating dirt and debris in flowing media by making use of centrifugal forces, said device comprising a separation chamber (1), and a dirt collection chamber (3) connected with said separation chamber (1) by at least one dirt discharge opening (2). Arranged in the region of dirt discharge opening (2) within dirt collection chamber (3) are one or more flow guide elements (4, 5, 6), which make the backflow of dirt and debris into separation chamber (1) difficult.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Gordon Anderson, Joergen Ferber
  • Patent number: 6562108
    Abstract: A method of removing a liquid entrained in a gas moving at a velocity in an upward direction from a base to a top of a stack comprising the steps of imparting a swirling direction to the velocity of the gas adjacent the base of the stack and then recovering at least some of the liquid adjacent the top of the stack. Also disclosed is an apparatus for removing a liquid entrained in a gas in a stack having a base and a top comprising at least one duct having a longitudinal axis entering the stack adjacent said base and at least one vertical vane disposed at and angled to the longitudinal axis of the duct and a collector adjacent the top of the stack for recovering liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: AEP Emtech, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Durner, Scott J. Kutzley
  • Patent number: 6551385
    Abstract: A separator for substantially resolving at least one component of a process stream, such as from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. The separator includes a body defining a chamber therein. A nozzle housing is located proximate the chamber. An exhaust inlet is in communication with the nozzle housing and the chamber. A nozzle assembly is positioned in the nozzle housing and includes a nozzle moveable within and relative to the nozzle housing. The nozzle includes at least one passage formed therethrough such that a process stream entering the exhaust inlet connection passes through the passage formed in the nozzle and imparts a substantially rotational flow to the process stream as it enters the chamber. A positioning member is configured to position the nozzle relative to the nozzle housing in response to changes in process stream pressure thereby adjusting flowrate of said process stream entering into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Michael G. McKellar, Kevin T. Raterman
  • Patent number: 6531066
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reverse flow cyclone separator including a container closed at one end, a component for introducing a fluid mixture swirling about an-axis at a region of the container remote from said end, a barrier between said region and said end, the barrier having a surface facing the introducing component and extending towards the outer wall of the container leaving a gap therebetween, and an outlet for lighter phases of the mixture, the outlet opening from the region, the barrier having an outer perimeter which extends in the axial direction a distance not less than the radial extent of the gap. Since the outlet opens from the region, the flow of fluid from the fluid introducing component to the outlet is not obstructed by the barrier and does not pass through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: B.H.R. Group Limited
    Inventors: David Henry Saunders, Emil Gyorgy Arato, Owen Matthew Davies
  • Patent number: 6524373
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting water droplets from a water-laden airstream includes introducing the airstream into an extractor duct, imparting a swirling motion to the airstream at a first axial location in the duct, removing water droplets from the airstream that have been thrown to the inner surface of the duct at a second axial location downstream of the first location, and at a third axial location downstream of the second location removing water droplets not removed at the second location. The water removal mechanism at the second location includes a first collection chamber and a first array of apertures circumferentially positioned about the duct and communicating the interior of the duct with the first collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: George N. Afeiche, Michael B. Faust
  • Patent number: 6514322
    Abstract: A system for separating an entrained immiscible liquid component from a wet gas stream, the system including a vessel having an interior in communication with a wet gas inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet, at least one vortex tube supported within the vessel interior, the vortex tube having an inlet end and an outlet end and a tubular wall having an internal wall surface through which fluids pass as the gas flows between the vessel wet gas inlet and gas outlet, a vortex generator supported within the vortex tube near the inlet end, the vortex generator causing gas within the vortex tube to rotate to thereby cause at least some of the liquid component to be forced against the interior wall surface of the vortex tube by centrifugal action, a circumferentially positioned liquid outlet in the vortex tube downstream of the vortex generator configured to strip liquid and bypass gas from the stream flowing through said vortex tube, stripped liquid and bypass gas entering a central chamber of the vessel and a rec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: National Tank Company
    Inventor: Hugh M. West
  • Publication number: 20030000386
    Abstract: A system for separating an entrained immiscible liquid component from a wet gas stream, the system including a vessel having an interior in communication with a wet gas inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet, at least one vortex tube supported within the vessel interior, the vortex tube having an inlet end and an outlet end and a tubular wall having an internal wall surface through which fluids pass as the gas flows between the vessel wet gas inlet and gas outlet, a vortex generator supported within the vortex tube near the inlet end, the vortex generator causing gas within the vortex tube to rotate to thereby cause at least some of the liquid component to be forced against the interior wall surface of the vortex tube by centrifugal action, a circumferentially positioned liquid outlet in the vortex tube downstream of the vortex generator configured to strip liquid and bypass gas from the stream flowing through said vortex tube, stripped liquid and bypass gas entering a central chamber of the vessel and a rec
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Hugh M. West
  • Publication number: 20020189452
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel separator for use in hydrocarbon cracking process and a novel spent catalyst stripping device and process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Kelly Benham
  • Patent number: RE40407
    Abstract: A method for entraining and mixing gas with liquids within a conduit or drop structure, comprising the channeling of one or more liquid flows into spiral flows of predetermined radius (radii), reducing the predetermined radius (radii) to increase the centrifugal forces acting upon the spiral flow(s) as the spiral flow(s) enter the conduit, and allowing gas access to the conduit to mix with and entrain within the spiral flow within the conduit or drop structure. The method can facilitate the mixing of gas with one or more fluid flows and/or reduce the release of gas emissions from the fluid(s) into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Vortex Flow, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene M. Natarius