Patents Assigned to L'Exploitation Des
  • Patent number: 6155079
    Abstract: The plant comprises, on site, a compressed-air provision and distribution system (L.sub.A) with at least one dedicated air compressor (CO2, CO3), an air-gas production and provision system (L.sub.G) comprising an air treatment unit (S), with a reservoir R of the said air gas and normally fed by a compressor (CO1). In temporary operating mode, with one air compressor (CO2) off-line, the compressed air from the compressor (CO1) of the air gas provision system (S) is at least in part diverted (C), typically with pressure reduction (D), to sustain the production of the compressed air system (L.sub.A), the air gas then being at least in part provided by the reservoir (R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Xavier Vigor, Patrice Ollivier, Antoine Willemot, Lionel Barry
  • Patent number: 6153167
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preparing gaseous compositions comprising a metal carbonyl, preferably at ppm concentration, are disclosed. The methods comprise placing metal, preferably in the form of filings, of the metal carbonyl to be produced into a first test vessel at a first temperature, and then pressurizing the first test vessel with a gas comprising carbon monoxide from a carbon monoxide source vessel. The contents of the first vessel are then heated to a second temperature and at a rate sufficient to initiate metal carbonyl formation, thereby forming a gas composition comprising a metal carbonyl. The reaction is then quenched by transferring some of the gas composition comprising a metal carbonyl from the first test vessel to a second test vessel which is at a third temperature, the third temperature being lower than the second temperature. Finally, the gas composition is diluted in the second test vessel with an inert gas (preferably argon) from an inert gas source container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignees: American Air Liquide, L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et, l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Tracey Jacksier, Reha Tepe, David N. Vassallo
  • Patent number: 6148637
    Abstract: The plant (1) comprises at least three assemblies (10, 11, 12) arranged one beside the other, namely a first assembly (10) comprising a medium-pressure column (2), a second assembly (11) comprising a low-pressure column (3), and a third assembly (12) comprising a heat-exchange line (5). The plant further comprises a liquid pump (6) for making a liquid flow between one of the columns (3) and the vaporizer-condenser (4). Application to the distilling of air using columns with structured interior packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alain Guillard, Patrick Le Bot, Jean-Marc Tsevery, Gilles Bracque, Benoit Rousseau
  • Patent number: 6146450
    Abstract: An installation for the separation of a gaseous mixture, particularly for the production of hydrogen, by pressure modulated adsorption, comprises at least one pair of adsorbers (I, II; III, IV) operating offset as to time according to a predetermined cycle comprising phases of adsorption, regeneration and pressure increase. Each adsorber is connected by an associated distribution conduit (6) and valved branch conduits (7) leading from one end to this distribution conduit (6), to at least three conduits (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) common to the assembly of the adsorbers (I, II; III, IV). The valved branch conduits (7) of the pair of adsorbers, adapted to ensure their connection to each common conduit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), are connected to each other at their opposite ends to the distribution conduits (6), by a T connection (20) and are connected by this T connection (20) and a common straight tube, to the common conduit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alain Duhayer, Yves Engler, Christophe Soulabail
  • Patent number: 6143162
    Abstract: Process for separating oxygen from a gas mixture containing it employs a solid-electrolyte electrochemical cell, where the cell includes a homogeneous structure of one or more BIMEVOX derivatives, with dynamic electrodes created "in situ" that are reversible and self-adaptive, and at least two current collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Boivin, Pascal Del Gallo, Jacques Fouletier, Michel Kleitz, Philippe Labrune, Gilles Lagrange, Gaetan Mairesse, Guy Nowogrocki, Marlu Cesar Steil
  • Patent number: 6141990
    Abstract: In order to allow more flexible operation of a column for separating air by cryogenic distillation, a first air stream (6) exchanges heat with a liquid (16) which vaporizes, while a second air stream (7, 7A) is drawn off from an intermediate level in the exchange line and sent to a column in order to be distilled therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignees: Air Liquide America Corporation, L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation des Percedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Francois De Bussy, Lasad Jaouani
  • Patent number: 6141988
    Abstract: A process for recovering olefins from a gas stream containing olefins and hydrogen. The process comprises compressing the gas stream in at least one compression stage to form a compressed gas stream, contacting the compressed gas stream with a membrane at conditions effective to obtain a permeate stream rich in hydrogen and a retentate stream depleted in hydrogen, and introducing the permeate stream into a pressure swing adsorption system at conditions effective to obtain a nonadsorbed stream rich in hydrogen and a desorbed stream comprising olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignees: Air Liquide America Corporation, L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Yves Engler, Gerard Dupuis
  • Patent number: 6144898
    Abstract: A control device for operation of a system for treating a surface of a solid running substrate by dielectric-barrier electrical discharge in a controlled gaseous atmosphere, comprising (A) a system which includes (i) a treatment device through which a substrate to be treated runs at a speed, (ii) the system is connected to the treatment device for supplying the treatment device with a flow of gas, (iii) the system is connected to the treatment device for supplying the treatment device with electrical power in order to produce the electrical discharge and (iv) the system sucking out the gas, (B) a data processing unit capable of receiving, as input, a datum regarding the speed at which the substrate is running through the treatment device, the data processing unit further comprising an output side connected to the system for controlling the electrical power supply system, in order to regulate the flow of gas delivered by the or each of the gas supply system and/or the electrical power delivered by the electric
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Gilles Lagrange, Isabelle Hibon
  • Patent number: 6139603
    Abstract: Method for recovering oxygen from a medium containing O.sub.2 using polynitrogenated compounds that have five coordinating functions which are capable of binding a metal atom, particularly a cobalt atom. In the recovery method, oxygen is first absorbed by the metal complex and then desorbed from the complex and recovered in an appropriate vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Brigitte Boisselier-Cocolios, Roger Guilard, Christophe Jean, Laurent Taurin
  • Patent number: 6135366
    Abstract: The injector comprises a duct (31) through which a liquid fuel which forms a film lining its wall, and an atomizing fluid, are transmitted to its downstream part, from where the fuel is sprayed, forming a mist with the atomizing fluid.The downstream part has, from the duct (31) towards the free end of the injector, a chamber (32) for destabilizing the film which has a cross section that is larger than that of the duct, a throat (33) for detaching the film extending the destabilization chamber and having a cross section that is smaller than that of this chamber, and a spray orifice (34) which is open at the end of the injector, into which the throat opens, and which has a larger cross section.Use: heating furnaces, especially glass furnaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre Bodelin, Bernard Labegorre, Patrick Recourt
  • Patent number: 6132496
    Abstract: The device comprises an adsorber (1) and three outlet capacities (2-4), first (8, 9) and second (10, 11) structure to establish bidirectional communication between the adsorber and the elution capacity (2) and the repressurization capacity (3), respectively, and third structure (14A, 15; 16) to establish unidirectional communication from the adsorber to the production capacity (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George Claude
    Inventors: Pierre Petit, Philippe Andreani, Christian Monereau
  • Patent number: 6129335
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flow rate regulation apparatus capable of accurately measuring the flow velocity of air flowing through an exhaust duct and carrying out a flow rate regulation with high precision, though said exhaust duct may be short in length. The flow rate regulation apparatus according to the present invention comprises a means for regulating the sectional area of a passage in an exhaust duct, where the passage is formed at the center of said exhaust duct and said passage is shaped to be symmetrical with respect to the center axis AX of said exhaust duct as a basis. Since the passage formed in the exhaust duct by the passage sectional area regulation means is shaped so as to be symmetrical, no turbulence takes place in an air current flowing along the center axis AX of the exhaust duct. Flow velocity can be accurately determined and maintained by using air velocity measurements along the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: l'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedex Georges Claude
    Inventor: Kazuo Yokogi
  • Patent number: 6126438
    Abstract: A burner apparatus comprises a conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant and having outlet and inlet ends, and a conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel and having outlet and inlet ends. The conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel is substantially parallel to the conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant. The conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant is positioned substantially vertically above the conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel. The conduit adapted to convey preheated oxidant and the conduit adapted to convey preheated fuel each are positioned within its own respective elongate cavity in a refractory burner block. Each of the conduits are positioned in their respective cavity such that a substantially annular region is present between an outer surface of each conduit and its respective cavity. Each conduit inlet end extends through a respective plenum for receiving an ambient temperature fluid, the plenums adapted to pass the ambient temperature fluid into the respective annular regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignees: American Air Liquide, L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et, l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Arnaud Fossen, Harley A. Borders, Remi P. Tsiava, Olivier Charon
  • Patent number: 6126717
    Abstract: A method wherein air is separated in an air separation unit (9), the oxygen thus generated is consumed during at least one step (2, 12, 13) of the steel-making process, the resulting gas is at least partially decarbonated, and the at least partially decarbonated gas is used (at 13) in a reduction reaction of the steel-making process. The partial decarbonation step cyclically includes a CO.sub.2 fixation step using a fixation agent, and a regeneration step in which the agent is regenerated in a reactor. Nitrogen generated by the air separation unit (9) is fed into the reactor during the fixation agent regeneration step. The method is useful in combined coal gassification/direct iron ore reduction processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre Gauthier, Jerome Jutard, Xavier Vigor
  • Patent number: 6125876
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering abrasive suspensions includes a reservoir containing an abrasive suspension, a loop for delivering the abrasive suspension to a point of use, the loop being connected to the reservoir, a pumping arrangement for circulating the abrasive suspension in the loop and for ensuring its return into the reservoir, the loop and the reservoir being arranged for recovering the abrasive suspension after circulation in the loop at a recovery point of the reservoir, and a control system for controlling the pumping arrangement so as to maintain a continuous circulation of the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Thierry Laederich, Georges Guarneri, Herve Dulphy
  • Patent number: 6126858
    Abstract: A plasmagenic gas comprising a ternary mixture of helium, argon and hydrogen. The gas contains less than 30% helium, at least 55% argon, and from 5.5 to 15% hydrogen. The gas is useful in a thermal treatment process, such as the plasma projection of a refractory or metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Vincent Gourlaouen, Francois Remy
  • Patent number: 6125655
    Abstract: Process for purifying an air flow containing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and water vapour, in which at least some of the CO.sub.2 and water vapour impurities are removed by adsorbing the impurities on at least one calcined alumina containing at most 10% by weight of at least one alkali or alkaline-earth metal oxide, the adsorption being carried out at a temperature of between -10.degree. C. and 80.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Cyrille Millet, Philippe Bourgeois, Georges Kraus, Jean-Pierre Gabillard
  • Patent number: 6122932
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the combined operation of a furnace and an air distillation apparatus. The air distillation apparatus comprises at least one medium pressure column and a mixing column supplying oxygen to the furnace. The furnace and the distillation apparatus are supplied by a same blower, the mixing column receiving air compressed by a compressor coupled to a cryogenic turbine expanding with work a fluid from the distillation apparatus. The compressor/turbine assembly is coupled to and receives auxiliary power from an auxiliary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Alain Guillard
  • Patent number: 6123542
    Abstract: A self-cooled oxidant-fuel burner consisting novel fuel and oxidant nozzles and three compartment refractory burner block design is proposed. The new oxidant-fuel burner can fire in high-temperature (2200.degree. F. to 3000.degree. F.) and high-particulate (or high process volatiles/condensates) furnaces without over-heating or causing chemical corrosion damage to it's metallic burner nozzle and refractory burner block interior. Using various embodiments of nozzle and block shape, the burner can offer a traditional cylindrical flame or flat flame depending on the heating load requirements. The new features of this burner include unique fuel nozzle design for the streamline mixing of fuel and oxidant streams, a controlled swirl input to the oxidant flow for desired flame characteristics, a controlled expansion of flame envelope in the radial and axial dimensions, and efficient sweeping of burner block interior surface using oxidant to provide convective cooling and prevent any build up of process particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignees: American Air Liquide, L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et, l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Mahendra L. Joshi, Harley A. Borders, Ovidiu Marin, Olivier Charon
  • Patent number: 6119482
    Abstract: The combined plant comprises at least one furnace (FM) fed by a blowing machine (S), at least one air distillation device containing at least one medium-pressure column (MP) and a mixing column (CM) which has an oxygen outlet line (O) to feed the furnace (FM), the distillation device being fed via the blowing engine (S), at least the compressed air directed to the mixing column (CM) being given a positive pressure in at least one compressor-turbine group (C2-T2), the turbine (T2) of which is located in a circuit (Fi) for a pressurized fluid which is available at the plant site, for example steam or a gas originating from the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Oswaldo Bianchi, Alain Guillard