Patents Assigned to Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
  • Publication number: 20220041475
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that utilizes the energy in the brine stream to improve the efficiency of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas
  • Patent number: 11203535
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbocharger housing having an impeller housing comprising a circular cross-section. A main nozzle is disposed within the turbocharger housing communicating a first portion of a fluid stream to a first volute. A first auxiliary channel and a first auxiliary nozzle communicating a second portion of the fluid stream to the first volute. The first auxiliary nozzle is downstream of the main nozzle. A second auxiliary channel and a second auxiliary nozzle communicate a third portion of the fluid stream to the first volute. The second auxiliary nozzle is downstream of the first auxiliary nozzle. A valve assembly is selectively coupling the first auxiliary channel to the first auxiliary nozzle and the second auxiliary channel to the second auxiliary nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11174176
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a multi-element membrane array having a plurality of membrane elements disposed in series and a plurality of permeate pipes receiving permeate from a respective one of the plurality of membrane elements. Each of the plurality of elements has an inlet and an outlet. A plurality of connectors coupling successive permeate pipes together. Each of the plurality of connectors includes one of a plurality of flow restrictors. Each of the plurality of flow restrictors is sized to further restrict permeate flow into a subsequent permeate pipe of the plurality of permeate pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11085457
    Abstract: A fluid machine and method of operating the same comprises a pump portion, turbine portion and a center bearing therebetween. The method includes communicating lubricant to a thrust bearing cavity disposed between a turbine impeller and a thrust wear ring, communicating lubricant from the thrust bearing cavity to a center axial shaft passage of a shaft through an impeller passage of the turbine impeller, communicating lubricant through the axial shaft passage to a bearing clearance between a shaft and a center bearing through a first radial shaft passage and a second radial shaft passage and communicating lubricant through the bearing clearance to a pump impeller chamber and a turbine impeller chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11046594
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbocharger housing having an impeller housing comprising a circular cross-section. A main nozzle is disposed within the turbocharger housing communicating a first portion of a fluid stream to a first volute. A first auxiliary channel and a first auxiliary nozzle communicating a second portion of the fluid stream to the first volute. The first auxiliary nozzle is downstream of the main nozzle. A second auxiliary channel and a second auxiliary nozzle communicate a third portion of the fluid stream to the first volute. The second auxiliary nozzle is downstream of the first auxiliary nozzle. A valve assembly is selectively coupling the first auxiliary channel to the first auxiliary nozzle and the second auxiliary channel to the second auxiliary nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11021377
    Abstract: A system and method of operating the same includes a membrane chamber comprising a membrane, an inlet, a concentrate outlet and a permeate outlet. The membrane chamber is located in a body of water at a predetermined depth. A turbocharger is disposed at about the predetermined depth and includes a pump portion coupled to the inlet of the membrane chamber and a turbine portion coupled to the concentrate outlet. A pump communicates pressurizing feed fluid and communicates the feed fluid to the turbine portion of the turbocharger though a feed pipe. A permeate pipe extends from the permeate outlet to about the surface of at the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11002181
    Abstract: A rotating machine has a stationary portion, and a rotating portion. The stationary portion and the rotating portion having a fluid passage therebetween. The stationary portion comprising a first fluid channel, a well, and a second fluid channel spaced apart from the first fluid channel. The first fluid channel fluidically is coupled to receive fluid from the fluid passage. A sensor is coupled to the stationary portion and is disposed at the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10933375
    Abstract: A fluid to fluid pressurizer includes an elongated stationary portion comprising a plurality of flow channels, said stationary portion comprising a first face at a first end and a second face at a second end. A first and second rotor housing are disposed adjacent to the end of the elongated stationary portion and have a fluid inlet fluidically coupled to respective first and second annular channels. A first and second rotary valve plates are in the housings and have inlet valve ports coupling the fluid inlet to the plurality of flow channels and outlet valve ports fluidically coupling the flow channels to adjacent the rotor faces. The rotary valve plates have sealing surfaces adjacent the stator faces. Annular seals are disposed between the rotor housings and the rotary valve plate between the annular channels. A motor or motors rotate the rotary valve plates within the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Eli Oklejas, Jr., Kevin L. Newcomer, Robert A. Oklejas
  • Patent number: 10933376
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a first pretreatment system and a fluid source located below a reservoir. A first membrane housing has a reverse osmosis membrane therein. A first turbocharger includes a first pump portion and a first turbine portion. The first pump portion receives feed fluid from the first pretreatment system, pressurizing the feed fluid and communicates the feed fluid to the feed fluid inlet. The first turbine portion receives brine fluid from the brine outlet. The system further includes a second and third turbocharger. A second turbine portion and the third turbine portion receive brine fluid from the first turbine portion. Second feed fluid is communicated through a booster pump, a second pretreatment system, and second pump portion to increase a pressure of the second feed fluid. The second feed fluid is communicated to the third pump portion which communicates the pressurized second feed fluid to the first pump portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10906000
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a membrane housing comprising a reverse osmosis membrane therein. The membrane housing comprising a feed fluid inlet, a brine outlet and a permeate outlet. A first turbocharger has a first pump portion and a first turbine portion. The brine outlet is coupled to a first pipe directing a first portion of brine to the first pump portion. The first pump portion is in fluid communication with the feed fluid inlet. A feed pump communicates feed fluid to the feed fluid inlet through the first turbine portion. The brine outlet is coupled to a second pipe directing a second portion of brine toward a drain through a brine control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Eli Oklejas, Jr., Michael Anthony Gisclair
  • Patent number: 10882765
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method includes a feed pump pressurizing a feed stream, a first and second membrane array that generates permeate and brine streams. A first turbocharger uses first energy from the second brine stream to pressurize the first brine stream. A first and second auxiliary and bypass valves are associated with the first and second turbocharger. A second turbocharger uses second energy from the second brine stream to increase a second pressure of the feed stream. A first flow meter generates a first flow signal for the first permeate stream. A second flow meter generates a second flow signal for of the second permeate stream. A third flow meter generates a third flow signal for the second brine stream or the feed stream. A motor drives the first turbocharger or the feed pump. A controller controls the motor in response to the flow signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10766002
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and a method of operating the same includes a membrane housing comprising a reverse osmosis membrane therein. The membrane housing has a feed fluid inlet, a brine outlet and a permeate outlet. A first turbocharger has a first pump portion and a first turbine portion. The brine outlet is coupled to a first pipe directing a first portion of brine to the first pump portion. The first pump portion is in fluid communication with the feed fluid inlet. A feed pump communicates feed fluid to the feed fluid inlet. The brine outlet is coupled to a second pipe directing a second portion of brine away from the first pump portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventors: Eli Oklejas, Jr., Michael Anthony Gisclair
  • Publication number: 20200246752
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and a method of operating the same includes a membrane housing comprising a reverse osmosis membrane therein. The membrane housing has a feed fluid inlet, a brine outlet and a permeate outlet. A first turbocharger has a first pump portion and a first turbine portion. The brine outlet is coupled to a first pipe directing a first portion of brine to the first pump portion. The first pump portion is in fluid communication with the feed fluid inlet. A feed pump communicates feed fluid to the feed fluid inlet. The brine outlet is coupled to a second pipe directing a second portion of brine away from the first pump portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventors: Eli OKLEJAS, JR., Michael Anthony GISCLAIR
  • Patent number: 10710024
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method of operating the same includes a membrane housing comprising a reverse osmosis membrane therein. The membrane housing has a feed fluid input, a brine outlet and a permeate outlet; The system further includes a charge pump, a plurality of valves and a tank having a volume comprising a movable partition dividing the volume into a first volume and a second volume. The plurality of valves selectively couples the charge pump to the first volume or the second volume and the brine outlet to the second volume or the first volume respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10703651
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method includes a pump pressurizing a feed stream, a first and second membrane array that generates permeate and brine streams. A first energy recovery device uses first energy from the second brine stream to pressurize the first brine stream. A first and second auxiliary and bypass valves are associated with the first and second energy recovery device. A second energy recovery device uses second energy from the second brine stream to increase a second pressure of the feed stream. A first flowmeter generates a first flow signal for the first permeate stream. A second flowmeter generates a second flow signal for of the second permeate stream. A third flowmeter generates a third flow signal for the second brine stream. A motor drives the first energy recovery device. A controller controls the in response to the flow signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200131056
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method includes a pump pressurizing a feed stream, a first and second membrane array that generates permeate and brine streams. A first energy recovery device uses first energy from the second brine stream to pressurize the first brine stream. A first and second auxiliary and bypass valves are associated with the first and second energy recovery device. A second energy recovery device uses second energy from the second brine stream to increase a second pressure of the feed stream. A first flowmeter generates a first flow signal for the first permeate stream. A second flowmeter generates a second flow signal for of the second permeate stream. A third flowmeter generates a third flow signal for the second brine stream. A motor drives the first energy recovery device. A controller controls the in response to the flow signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli OKLEJAS, JR.
  • Patent number: 10618006
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a multi-element membrane array having membrane elements disposed in series. Permeate pipes receive permeate from respective membrane elements. The connectors coupling the permeate pipes have a flow restrictor. The restrictors have an effective area that increases in subsequent connectors. The body has an outer wall and an orifice plug within a longitudinal passage. The orifice plug is separated from the body. Each orifice plug has a carrier body with a plug passage therethrough. Each carrier body has an orifice plate having an orifice disposed within the plug passage and a spring disposed within the carrier body resisting movement of the orifice plate, whereby movement of the orifice plate changes an amount of fluid flowing through each connector. Each spring in subsequent connectors provides a reduced amount of spring force for resisting movement of the orifice plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: FLUID EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190291053
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a multi-element membrane array having membrane elements disposed in series. Permeate pipes receive permeate from respective membrane elements. The connectors coupling the permeate pipes have a flow restrictor. The restrictors have an effective area that increases in subsequent connectors. The body has an outer wall and an orifice plug within a longitudinal passage. The orifice plug is separates from the body. Each orifice plug has a carrier body with a plug passage therethrough. Each carrier body has an orifice plate having an orifice disposed within the plug passage and a spring disposed within the carrier body resisting movement of the orifice plate, whereby movement of the orifice plate changes an amount of fluid flowing through each connector. Each spring in subsequent connectors provides a reduced amount of spring force for resisting movement of the orifice plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli OKLEJAS, JR.
  • Patent number: 10336630
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method includes a pump pressurizing a feed stream, a first and second membrane array that generates permeate and brine streams. A first energy recovery device uses first energy from the second brine stream to pressurize the first brine stream. A first and second auxiliary and bypass valves are associated with the first and second energy recovery device. A second energy recovery device uses second energy from the second brine stream to increase a second pressure of the feed stream. A first flowmeter generates a first flow signal for the first permeate stream. A second flowmeter generates a second flow signal for of the second permeate stream. A third flowmeter generates a third flow signal for the second brine stream. A motor drives the first energy recovery device. A controller controls the in response to the flow signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190184339
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method of operating the same includes a membrane housing comprising a reverse osmosis membrane therein. The membrane housing has a feed fluid input, a brine outlet and a permeate outlet; The system further includes a charge pump, a plurality of valves and a tank having a volume comprising a movable partition dividing the volume into a first volume and a second volume. The plurality of valves selectively couples the charge pump to the first volume or the second volume and the brine outlet to the second volume or the first volume respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli OKLEJAS, Jr.