Patents Examined by David A. Reifnsyder
  • Patent number: 7160394
    Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous process of raw mixed sugar juice clarification by means of the settlement of insoluble particles and juice precipitate in a cylindrical clarifier tank that permits non-turbulent vertical subsidation and short retention time of the sugar juice in a relatively large, non-turbulent settling sector of the contents of the cylindrical clarifier tank which is maintained by the continuous rotary advancement of the raw mixed sugar juice entry and clear sugar juice and precipitate extraction station arm that rotates within and around the center of the annular shaped cylindrical clarifier tank. The rotating arm has three internal radial compartments which provide for the introduction of raw mixed sugar juice and the extraction of clear sugar juice and precipitate, in and out of the annular clarifier tank in the immediate vicinity of the respective leading and trailing faces of the rotating arm, through adjustable slots on the leading and trailing faces of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Wilfred Wright
  • Patent number: 6797181
    Abstract: To optimally mix treatment additives to a contaminated liquid, treatment additives are selected. A mixing energy requirement of the contaminated liquid and treatment additives is then determined by mixing the treatment additives over a range of time and mixing speeds, and measuring turbidity to determine the mixing time and speed which results in the lowest turbidity. A low mixing energy requirement requires a lower mixing time and mixing speed than a higher mixing energy requirement. The contaminated liquid and selected treatment additives are then directed into a mixing system including at least one hydrocyclone. Each hydrocyclone has an inlet aspect ratio, a barrel length and diameter selected based upon the mixing energy requirement determination. Altering the aspect ratio, diameter, and length of the hydrocyclone results in different mixing speeds and mixing time, which can be optimized for the given contaminated liquid and treatment additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Dwain E. Morse, Wade O. Morse, Thomas G. Matherly