Liquid Flow Slinger, Spreader, Deflector, Disperser, Or Rotation Modifier Patents (Class 96/204)
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Patent number: 11767747Abstract: The present invention provides a drain apparatus (200) for use in a subsea pipeline to remove liquid from a multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline. The drain apparatus comprises a first channel (20) for carrying a multiphase flow comprising liquid and gas phases; and liquid extraction means (11, 12, 14, 18) for extracting the liquid phase from the multiphase flow in the first channel (20). The internal diameter of the first channel (20) is substantially the same as an internal diameter of a subsea pipe arranged to carry the multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline, such that a pig travelling along the subsea pipe can pass through the first channel (20). The present invention also provides a subsea pipeline comprising a subsea pipe for transporting a multiphase flow subsea; and at least one drain. The at least one drain is disposed partway along a gradient in the subsea pipe to reduce liquid holdup.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Trevelyan Trading LtdInventors: Laura Liébana Yeste, Lee Trevelyan Thomas
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Patent number: 11573215Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a gas in a drilling fluid involves a degasser operable to separate the gas from the drilling fluid. A gas analyzer in fluid communication with the degasser receives a sample of the separated gas and determines a property of the gas. A controller in communication with the gas analyzer automates the operation of the gas analyzer by adjusting a parameter of the separated gas sample as the gas sample is supplied to the gas analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2018Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Markus Bernhard Dröge
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Patent number: 11406947Abstract: A rapid and continuous separator or equilibrator to separate a gas from a liquid includes a venturi and injector, a mixer and a free overfall stream to separate a gas from a liquid. The injector introduces a carrier medium into the liquid which provides a reservoir for the gas to diffuse into as the liquid and carrier make a single transit through the apparatus. The separator was developed to enable real-time estimation of methane concentrations in ground water during purging. Real-time monitoring allows evaluation of trends during water well purging, spatial trends between water wells, and temporal comparisons between sampling events. These trends may be a result of removal of stored casing water, pre-purge ambient borehole flow, formation physical and chemical heterogeneity, or vertical flow outside of well casing due to poor bentonite or cement seals. Real-time information in the field can help focus an investigation, aid in determining when to collect a sample, save money by limiting costs (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Christopher Ruybal, Dominic DiGiulio
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Patent number: 9808803Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Mehmet Toner, Dino DiCarlo, Jon F. Edd, Daniel Irimia
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Patent number: 9480769Abstract: A modular, integrated, combination air purification and aroma diffuser includes a UV and catalytic oxidation germicidal cell and multiple filtrations as pre-treatment of air diffusing essential oils or other liquids as ultra-fine droplets entrained in airflow into enclosed, habitable spaces. Liquid microbicide, insecticide, fumigant, or aroma therapy is kept cleaner by eradication of microbes. Comparatively larger droplets are separated out and recycled to the reservoir after initial atomization. An electrical module, between a purifier and filters upstream and a diffuser downstream, includes a pump, a fan, and a controller for both. Staged, double-eduction, triple-separation processes include a micro-cyclone for quiet, well diffused flow of ultra-fine droplets.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Earl Vaughn Sevy
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Patent number: 9415130Abstract: A modular, integrated, combination air purification and aroma diffuser includes a UV and catalytic oxidation germicidal cell and multiple filtrations as pre-treatment of air diffusing essential oils or other liquids as ultra-fine droplets entrained in airflow into enclosed, habitable spaces. Liquid microbicide, insecticide, fumigant, or aroma therapy is kept cleaner by eradication of microbes. Comparatively larger droplets are separated out and recycled to the reservoir after initial atomization. An electrical module, between a purifier and filters upstream and a diffuser downstream, includes a pump, a fan, and a controller for both. Staged, double-eduction, triple-separation processes include a micro-cyclone for quiet, well diffused flow of ultra-fine droplets.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Inventor: Earl Sevy
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Patent number: 9205350Abstract: A collection system for collecting samples from a flowstream (5) exiting a supercritical fluid chromatography system is provided. The collection system comprises: (i) a first back pressure regulator (10) on the flowstream as it exits the chromatography system, (ii) a gas-liquid separator (30) having a tapered and angled dripper (65), which introduces the flow into the separator at an angle tangential to the separator wall; and (iii) one or more fraction collectors (15), wherein the fraction collector is at a reduced pressure collection point, between 100 bar and atmospheric pressure. A collection system for HPLC is also provided, as well as a process for collection of samples from a flowstream.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Waters Technologies CorporationInventors: Harbaksh Sidhu, Ziqiang Wang, Steven L. Zulli
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Patent number: 9080442Abstract: A modular liquid/liquid gravity separation device for separating the aqueous phase and the oil phase of a crude oil at the sea bottom. The device has a plurality of separation modules coupled to a common manifold device. Each separation module has a fluid delivery pipe coupled to at least one gravity separation pipe by a tubular bend device. The common manifold device has a first tank fed with crude oil by a feed pipe resting on the sea bottom via a first inlet orifice, a plurality of first outlet orifices feeding crude oil to said delivery pipes. The aqueous and oil phases are separated within the separation pipes before being delivered into a second tank via second inlet orifices of the second tank to which the separation pipes are coupled. The oil phase is conveyed to the surface from the second tank via a first removal pipe. The aqueous phase is conveyed to the sea bottom.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Saipem S.A.Inventors: Stéphanie Abrand, Raymond Hallot, Nicolas Butin
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Patent number: 8999046Abstract: A cell expansion system includes an air removal chamber to provide a bubble trap so that air and/or gas bubbles do not enter the bioreactor of the cell expansion system. The air removal chamber includes a pair of ports situated at the bottom of the air removal chamber. An entrance port allows fluid to enter the air removal chamber, and an exit port allows fluid to exit the air removal chamber. In one embodiment the air removal chamber forms an element of a premounted fluid conveyance assembly for use with a cell expansion machine.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. DiLorenzo, Edward Allan Stanton
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Patent number: 8974583Abstract: A swirl element is provided for an inlet valve of a brewing vessel for introducing a liquid, in particular a mash, a wort, a yeast suspension, a sparge water or the like into the brewing vessel, in particular into a mash tun, a mash vat, a combined mash/wort tun, a combined mash/wort/stripping tun, a wort tun, a combined whirlpool tun, a whirlpool, a clarifying device, an evaporating vessel or the like, comprising at least one flow-directing element by means of which an angular momentum can be imparted to the liquid flowing through the inlet valve. An evaporating device comprises a brewing vessel, also for evaporating highly volatile substances/gases, in particular highly volatile flavor substances, DMS, carbon dioxide, oxygen or the like from the aforementioned liquids. The brewing vessel comprises the swirl element and/or an inlet valve admitting the liquid. A brewing process evaporates highly volatile substances/gases from the aforementioned liquids.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Roland Feilner
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Patent number: 8968449Abstract: A spout, system, and method for producing a foam from a pressurized mixture of a liquid containing gas bubbles, e.g., air bubbles. The spout consists of a spout enclosure defining the body of the spout, and which receives the pressurized mixture and conveys the foam out of the spout enclosure. The spout enclosure houses a plurality of screens disposed in series that successively screen the pressurized mixture. Each screen is separated from a consecutive screen by a screen spacing. The screening of the pressurized mixture progressively transforms the gas bubbles in the liquid into foam bubbles of a smaller and generally uniform size. The system uses a manifold having a plurality of intakes which introduce under pressure into a chamber gas, and a solute, solvent or liquid, thereby generating the pressurized mixture containing gas bubbles. This mixture is conveyed out of the chamber via an outtake to the spout enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: VKI Technologies Inc.Inventors: Alain Boily, Jorge Barbales, Marc St. Germain, Marc-Andre Vaillant
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Publication number: 20150015857Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus is described in which a two-phase flow is separated into liquid-rich and gas-rich flows by causing the liquid-rich flow to preferentially flow along a surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Nicolaas Rudolf KEMPER, Nicolaas TEN KATE, Joost Jeroen OTTENS, Marcel BECKERS, Marco POLIZZI, Michel RlEPEN, Anthonie KUIJPER, Koen STEFFENS, Adrianes Johannes BAETEN, Anca Mihaela ANTONEVICI
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Patent number: 8906148Abstract: A bubble generator includes a housing engaged in a receptacle, and a casing engaged into the housing and having an outer peripheral fence and a bottom plate, and having a bulge extended upwardly from the bottom plate for forming an inner peripheral channel between the bulge and the peripheral fence, and having a passage formed in the peripheral fence and communicating with the inner peripheral channel of the casing for allowing a fluid to flow into the inner peripheral channel of the casing and to flow out through the passage of the casing and to flow into the compartment of the housing, and the casing includes a number of projections extended from the bulge for agitating the fluid and for generating air bubbles in the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventor: Shih Tang Liu
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Publication number: 20140345459Abstract: The present invention relates to a removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system or for removing a second liquid from a first liquid in the conduit system. The removal device includes a main channel for a main flow, the main channel having an entry and an exit which are configured to be connected to the conduit system, a housing which defines an inner space, at least one supply channel extending from the main channel to the inner space, at least one return channel extending from the inner space back to the main channel, directly or indirectly via a return chamber, at least one quiet zone in the inner space in which in use the liquid has a substantially smaller velocity than in the main channel. The quiet zone is configured to allow dirt particles or a relatively heavy liquid to settle at a lower end of the housing and/or gas bubbles or a relatively light liquid to rise to an upper end of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventor: Jan Henk Cnossen
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Patent number: 8894755Abstract: A gas-liquid separator includes a housing which encloses a separation chamber, an inlet port for feeding the multi-phase flow into the separation chamber, a liquid outlet port for discharging the liquid dominated flow from the separation chamber and a gas outlet port provided at a position above both the inlet port and the liquid outlet port for discharging the gas dominated flow from the separation chamber. Both the inlet port and the liquid outlet port are positioned adjacent to an elongated lower bottom wall of the housing and define a flow direction into the and out of the separation chamber approximately aligned along the bottom wall. The separation chamber extends above the bottom wall in between the inlet port and the liquid outlet port. The liquid outlet port is provided with a gas seal to prevent entrainment of free gas from the separation chamber into the liquid outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Statoil Petroleum ASInventors: Tor Bruun, Torbjørn Fiveland, Bjørnar Werswick
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Patent number: 8894749Abstract: A microbubble reducer for eliminating and/or removing bubbles of gas from a flow comprising non-Newtonian fluids, wherein the microbubble reducer comprises an inlet at a low point, a curved duct means comprising a gas outlet at a high point, an outlet at a low point, and a lumen that runs through said inlet, said curved duct means, said gas outlet, and said outlet. Additionally, including various methods for removing gas from a flow comprising non-Newtonian fluid(s) using the microbubble reducer, an apparatus comprising the microbubble reducer, and uses of the microbubble reducer pertaining to dialysis or similar treatments, inter alia hemodialysis, plasma exchange, for infusion of blood and other non-Newtonian fluids, and in a heart-lung machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Embody ABInventors: Per Jonsson, Bernd Stegmayr, Ulf Forsberg, Christofer Stegmayr
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Patent number: 8864880Abstract: Described is an apparatus useful for mechanically delaying formation of or breaking a pocket and a method of delaying formation of or breaking a gas pocket employing the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLCInventors: Kishore K. Kar, Madan Somasi, Richard F. Cope, James J. Pressler, David J. Adrian
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Patent number: 8858791Abstract: Electrocoagulation and sludge control apparatus and feed controller assembly for effluent treatment are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary reaction chamber having electrodes mounted therein and a treated effluent output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet. The feed controller assembly is intermediate the primary reaction chamber and the sludge chamber and has a length selected for distribution of all effluent feed water across substantially an entire length of the primary reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Rockwater Resource, LLCInventor: Reginald A. Wiemers
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Patent number: 8858790Abstract: Electrocoagulation effluent treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary electrocoagulation reactor chamber having treatment electrodes maintained therein and an effluent inlet and treated effluent outlet. An integrated flotation chamber is located above the reaction chamber, a vacuum device connectable with a vacuum source being received in the flotation chamber and including a foam intake and an output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a settled sludge output.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Rockwater Resource, LLCInventors: Reginald A. Wiemers, Robert Kohlheb
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Publication number: 20140130671Abstract: A gas trap includes a sample enclosure, a bubbler enclosure, an agitator, and a brushless, DC motor. The sample enclosure has a liquid inlet, a gas sample outlet, and a sample enclosure wall with a sample enclosure wall portion and a shared wall portion. The bubbler enclosure has a bubbler air inlet, a bubbler air outlet, and a bubbler enclosure wall with a bubbler enclosure wall portion and the shared wall portion. The sample and bubbler enclosures are fluidly coupled through the shared wall portion so that sufficiently pressurized bubbler air entering through the bubbler air inlet maintains the drilling fluid in the sample enclosure at a level determined by the location of the bubbler air outlet when the liquid inlet and the bubbler air outlet are both submerged in the drilling fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Inventors: Jason Alexander DeGreeve, Sean William Lyons Unrau, Marceau Ernest van Beurden, Ryan Henricus van Beurden
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Patent number: 8663368Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventors: Bret Hettinger Wolz, John Mayer Kaufman
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Patent number: 8657940Abstract: Assembly to separate a multiphase flow, comprising at least one compact separation unit chosen among an in-line deliquidiser and an in-line phase splitter, said compact separation unit is arranged to receive the multiphase flow for separation thereof to a gas flow and a mainly liquid containing flow, an outlet for gas, arranged to receive the gas flow from the compact separation unit and possible additional gas flows, one or more conduit separators, arranged to receive the mainly liquid containing flow from the compact separation unit and any additional liquid containing flows, having an outlet for liquid from the at least one conduit separator in a low-lying part thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Statoil ASAInventors: Eivind Aarebrot, Jan Høydal
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Patent number: 8632625Abstract: A gas trap includes a sample enclosure, a bubbler enclosure, an agitator, and a brushless, DC motor. The sample enclosure has a liquid inlet, a gas sample outlet, and a sample enclosure wall with a sample enclosure wall portion and a shared wall portion. The bubbler enclosure has a bubbler air inlet, a bubbler air outlet, and a bubbler enclosure wall with a bubbler enclosure wall portion and the shared wall portion. The sample and bubbler enclosures are fluidly coupled through the shared wall portion so that sufficiently pressurized bubbler air entering through the bubbler air inlet maintains the drilling fluid in the sample enclosure at a level determined by the location of the bubbler air outlet when the liquid inlet and the bubbler air outlet are both submerged in the drilling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Pason Systems CorporationInventors: Jason Alexander DeGreeve, Sean William Lyons Unrau, Marceau Ernest van Beurden, Ryan Henricus van Beurden
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Publication number: 20130340622Abstract: A separator of a mixture of liquid and gas, comprising an injection device, a separation chamber having a cylindrical internal surface and extending along a vertical axis, and a control chamber. The mixture is separated in the separation chamber into gas and liquid, with a cylindrical interface surface. The separation chamber comprises a first axial outlet for extracting the gas, a second outlet for extracting the liquid, and a third axial outlet in communication with the control chamber. The interface surface has, in normal operating conditions, a diameter lying between the diameter of the first outlet and the diameter of the third outlet. The control chamber is connected to the injection device by a return circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: TOTAL SAInventors: Jacques Marty, Yves LeCoffre, Guillaume Maj
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Patent number: 8574351Abstract: A two phase gas-liquid separation apparatus is provided that shapes the flow in a flow shaping line. Shaping the two-phase flow allows centrifugal force to send the heavier, denser liquid to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense vapor or gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall of the flow shaping line, an exit port on the inner wall will allow for the majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a low amount of liquid, to be sent to a conventional separator. A high ratio of vapor/liquid at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line is sent to the conventional separator. This allows for efficient separation of the vapor from the liquid with the use of a smaller conventional separator.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Haven TechnologyInventors: David James Elms, Gregory Allen Hudspeth
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Patent number: 8574350Abstract: A water separation system and method for treating multiphase hydrocarbon production streams is disclosed. The system may be employed to separate gas from the production stream, and then separate the liquid stream into its oil component and water component. A gas/liquid separator may be employed to separate a multiphase hydrocarbon production stream into a gas stream and a liquid stream. A liquid cyclone separator, positioned downstream from the gas/liquid separator, may be employed to divide the liquid stream into an oil dominated portion and a water dominated portion. The system may be used on land or on offshore platforms in locations where it is desirable to separate oil and water from hydrocarbon streams.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Vasudevan Sampath, Ivan Mantilla, Carlos Avila, Gene Kouba, John Strader, John D. Marrelli
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Patent number: 8568515Abstract: A water separation system and method for treating multiphase hydrocarbon production streams is disclosed. The system may be employed to separate gas from the production stream, and then separate the liquid stream into its oil component and water component. A gas/liquid separator may be employed to separate a multiphase hydrocarbon production stream into a gas stream and a liquid stream. A liquid cyclone separator, positioned downstream from the gas/liquid separator, may be employed to divide the liquid stream into an oil dominated portion and a water dominated portion. The system may be used on land or on offshore platforms in locations where it is desirable to separate oil and water from hydrocarbon streams.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Ivan Mantilla, Carlos Avila, Gene Kouba, John Strader, Vasudevan Sampath, John D. Marrelli
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Patent number: 8544282Abstract: A closed loop geothermal system has a fluid circulation loop that includes in series: a heat pump, a ground loop heat exchanger, a tank flow center and a circulation pump. The tank flow center includes a tank, a first valve, a second valve and a tank bypass line all mounted in a common housing. The tank may include a refill inlet that opens through a top surface of the housing. A cap may be attached to close the refill inlet. The tank flow center has the regular geothermal operation configuration, a system flush configuration, and a refill configuration. The tank flow center may be elevated above the circulation pump a distance to produce a water column that is greater than a minimum cavitation avoidance head pressure for the circulation pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventors: Thomas Wyer, Demitri Gula
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Publication number: 20130233174Abstract: A separator with a helix assembly that includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventor: Ronald J. Hill
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Publication number: 20130199368Abstract: The system is provided for continuously separating landfill gas in a raw multi-phase stream coming from a landfill gas collector. The system includes an atmospheric tank and an elongated separator vessel mounted substantially upright above the tank bottom. The elongated separator vessel includes a mid-level inlet that is configured and disposed to be in fluid communication with the landfill gas collector pipe, an upper gas outlet located vertically above the mid-level inlet, and a bottom-opened discharge end that is located vertically below the mid-level inlet. A method of pretreating a raw multi-phase stream captured from a landfill site is also disclosed. The proposed concept provides a relatively simple arrangement that can be made sufficiently rugged to perform a pretreatment of the raw multi-phase stream in a continuous manner and with a very minimal intervention from landfill operators under almost any weather and operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Charles TREMBLAY, Alain ROY
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Patent number: 8491707Abstract: A fluid storage tank including an entrained air removal mechanism is provided. The entrained air removal mechanism assists in consolidating small air bubbles entrained within the fluid into larger bubbles such that the air bubbles have sufficient buoyancy to escape the fluid flow. The entrained air removal mechanism may be in the form of a plurality of saw toothed slots communicating different chambers within the fluid storage tank. The fluid storage tank can also be configured to direct fluid flow towards the sidewalls of the fluid storage tank as the fluid transitions from one chamber to another to promote heat transfer out of the fluid storage tank and to avoid the fluid within the tank acting as a thermal insulator.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Helgesen Design Services, LLCInventor: Bruce E. Knuth
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Patent number: 8470082Abstract: A system in one embodiment includes a barrier; an inverted cone in the barrier; and a member under the inverted cone and having dimensions that cause solids passing therealong between the member and the barrier to have about a constant velocity profile thereacross. A method for purging a gas from a solid/gas mixture according to one embodiment includes adding solids to a barrier having an inverted cone therein and a member under the inverted cone, wherein the solids passing along the member have about a constant vertical velocity profile thereacross; and injecting a purge gas into the solids from at least one point adjacent the member.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: William J. Blickley, Mark W. Blood, Glenn W. Baldwin
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Patent number: 8419833Abstract: A two phase gas-liquid separation apparatus is provided that shapes the flow in a flow shaping line. Shaping the two-phase flow allows centrifugal force to send the heavier, denser liquid to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense vapor or gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall of the flow shaping line, an exit port on the inner wall will allow for the majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a low amount of liquid, to be sent to a conventional separator. A high ratio of vapor/liquid at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line is sent to the conventional separator. This allows for efficient separation of the vapor from the liquid with the use of a smaller conventional separator.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Haven TechnologyInventors: David James Elms, Gregory Allen Hudspeth
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Patent number: 8366808Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids. In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbon is removed from water.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Hycap Energy LLCInventors: Bret Hettinger Wolz, John Mayer Kaufman
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Publication number: 20120318912Abstract: An example deaerator assembly includes a housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet. A conduit configured to communicate a deaerated coolant is located within the housing. A mixture of coolant and air is deaerated as the mixture is communicated from the housing inlet to the housing outlet within the housing and outside the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Melissa A. Bell, Christine Ingrid Schade
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Patent number: 8333828Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to degassing and cleaning of hydrocarbon fuel. Degassing of hydrocarbon fuel is a way to remove the dissolved gases which aid in the oxidation of the fuel as well as the removal of sulfur, water and other particulate matter through radial cavitation. This process allows for both improvements in efficiency as well as decrease in emissions of standard fuel and the re-refining of fuels which have broken down. University of Idaho did a study on the breakdown of diesel fuel and found out that 26% of the efficiency is lost by the 28th day after fuel processing. In one embodiment, the fuel is subjected to fluid-shear forces and cavitation.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Donnelly Labs LLCInventor: Joseph L. Donnelly
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Patent number: 8322434Abstract: A Vertical Annular Separation and Pumping System (VASPS) utilizing a outer annulus liquid discharge arrangement to replace a standard pump shroud associated with an electrical submersible pump. The outer annulus liquid discharge arrangement directs produced wellbore liquids around the electrical submersible pump motor to provide a cooling medium to prevent overheating and premature failure of the electrical submersible pump.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Brian J. Fielding, Tracy A. Fowler
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Patent number: 8313658Abstract: The present invention relates to a removal device for removing gas, dirt and/or particles from a contaminating liquid from a liquid in a liquid conduit system. The removal device includes a housing, a supply opening and a discharge opening, a resistance zone, at least one quiet zone and at least one return opening. The quiet zone allows dirt and/or particles of a relatively heavy contaminating liquid to settle to a bottom of the housing, and/or gas bubbles and/or particles of a relatively light contaminating liquid to rise to an upper end of the housing at least one bifurcation opening in the resistance zone and subsequently returns into the main flow at the merge point through the return opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Flamco B.V.Inventor: Jan Henk Cnossen
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Patent number: 8282711Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsea installation for treatment of hydrocarbons from a subsea well, having a pipe system comprising a first manifold (2) connected to at least one well (1) and at least two first pipe segments (3) with an inlet connected to the manifold (2) and where the first pipe segments (3) comprise at least two outlets, where the first manifold (2) and the first pipe segments (3) are arranged in a first plane and where one of the outlets from the first pipe segments leads to a second manifold (7). According to the invention a second of the outlets from the first pipe segments (3) leads to at least two second pipe segments (9) arranged in a second plane and where at least one of the outlets forms an inlet to the second pipe segments (9), where the second pipe segments (9) comprise at least one outlet leading to a third manifold (12).Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventors: Jens Grenstad, Marit Mork, Odd Marius Rosvold, Magnus Bernt
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Patent number: 8273151Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Saipem S.A.Inventors: Giorgio Miotto, Massimo Chiarotti
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Patent number: 8241409Abstract: A bubble trap for separating and collecting air and bubbles from a high flow rate stream of infusate includes multiple flow chambers to collect air, a sensor support mounted to one of the chambers, an air vent disposed in one of the chambers, and a valve in fluid communication with the chambers to control the flow of infusate therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Arizant Healthcare Inc.Inventors: Randall C. Arnold, Mark T. Bieberich, Gary L. Hansen, Andrew J. McGregor, Christopher A. Miller
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Publication number: 20120199000Abstract: A two phase gas-liquid separation apparatus is provided that shapes the flow in a flow shaping line. Shaping the two-phase flow allows centrifugal force to send the heavier, denser liquid to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense vapor or gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall of the flow shaping line, an exit port on the inner wall will allow for the majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a low amount of liquid, to be sent to a conventional separator. A high ratio of vapor/liquid at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line is sent to the conventional separator. This allows for efficient separation of the vapor from the liquid with the use of a smaller conventional separator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: Haven TechnologyInventors: David James Elms, Greg Allen Hudspeth
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Patent number: 8202357Abstract: A bubble trap is especially suitable for separating gas bubbles from liquid fuel supplied from a fuel tank in a spacecraft. The bubble trap includes a rotationally symmetrical collecting container forming a container wall, plural liquid guide vanes extending radially and longitudinally along the inside of the container wall, a perforated conical gas separator that tapers conically toward an outlet of the collecting container, and screens arranged between the gas separator and the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Astrium GmbHInventors: Kei Philipp Behruzi, Dennis Haake, Mark Michaelis
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Patent number: 8197577Abstract: A passive hydrocarbon containment system for containing hydrocarbons in a fluid comprises a subsea separator dome, an oil pathway in fluid communication with a hydrocarbon collector disposed within the collection dome, and a gas outlet pipe having a discharge height dimensioned and adapted in relation to the height of the oil pathway sufficient to keep a portion of the oil pathway submerged into a fluid such as seawater present in the collection dome interior void. The hydrocarbon containment system can be moored subsea and used to collect oil and gas coming out of the ocean floor. One advantage of the hydrocarbon containment system is that there are no moving parts. A further advantage is that the hydrocarbon containment system requires limited maintenance to pump out the collected oil as needed.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.Inventor: W. Jack Couch
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Publication number: 20120139135Abstract: A volatile organic compound removal device includes a cabinet having first and second slidable drawers movable between inserted and extended positions. A downcomer tube is downwardly and slidably received in an aperture of the first drawer. A sealing flange extends horizontally outward from a downcomer tube perimeter and extends beyond the aperture when the downcomer tube is received in the aperture. The sealing flange faces an upward facing surface of the first drawer and supports the downcomer tube to the first drawer using only a weight of the downcomer tube applied through the sealing flange to the upward facing surface. A removable seal pot pan is supported on an upward facing surface of the second drawer, which is aligned directly below and receives a lower end of the downcomer tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: QED ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Bryan D. Spicer
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Publication number: 20110303090Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids. In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbon is removed from water.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Bret Hettinger Wolz, John Mayer Kaufman
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Patent number: 8070944Abstract: A groundwater radon reduction apparatus is provided. The groundwater radon reduction apparatus includes: a housing in which groundwater falls down; a rotating member installed in the housing and rotated by a falling force of the groundwater to form the groundwater into water drops; a plurality of power transmission members connected to both ends of the rotating member to transmit power, and receiving the rotating force of the rotating member; and a plurality of ventilation units coupled to one ends of the power transmission members inside the housing, respectively, and rotated together with the power transmission members by the rotation force of the rotating member to discharge radon gases within the water drops to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral ResourcesInventors: Kil Yong Lee, Yoon Yeol Yoon, Kyung Seok Ko
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Patent number: 8070141Abstract: A fluid inlet device (1) suitable for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a vessel, which fluid inlet device comprises a guide member having a surface on which surface a liquid film is present during normal operation, and having a main direction of gas flow along the surface; and wherein the guide member (20) is provided with a liquid catcher channel (40) extending from an upstream position with respect to the guide member (20) to a downstream position, and wherein a virtual line along the guide member between the upstream position and the downstream position deviates from the main direction of gas flow; the use of the fluid inlet device for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a gas-liquid contacting vessel; and a method of retrofitting a fluid inlet device.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Hendrik Adriaan Kooijman, Johannes Lambertus Nooijen
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Patent number: 8025718Abstract: A fluid inlet device (1) suitable for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a vessel (5), which fluid inlet device (1) comprises an inlet flow channel having an inlet end (12) for receiving the mixture of liquid and gas; and a plurality of curved guiding vanes (20), wherein each vane (20) comprises an intercepting part (22) extending towards the inlet end of the inlet flow channel, and an outwardly directed deflecting part (25) defining a generally convex side and a generally concave side of the curved vane, wherein the deflecting parts (25) of two consecutive vanes form an outlet channel of the inlet device and define a main direction of gas flow in the outlet channel, and wherein at least one of the vanes (25) is provided with a liquid catcher (40) oblique to the gas flow direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Hendrik Adriaan Kooijman
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Patent number: 8025716Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes a fluid disposable configured to hold and transport a medical fluid and an air separation chamber in fluid communication with the fluid disposable. The air separation chamber includes at least one fluid baffle floating within the air separation chamber and configured to separate air from medical fluid traveling through the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventors: Michael R. Prisco, Atif M. Yardimci, Serhan Acikgoz, James C. Laird, Shincy J. Maliekkal, Justin B. Rohde