Patents Examined by Douglas Theisen
  • Patent number: 8784538
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unit (3) for deaeration of drainage water from a paper machine, said unit comprising an inlet (8) for receiving the drainage water in a first flow direction, an outlet (39) for removing the drainage water to a subsequent deaeration channel, and a first chamber (5) that is arranged downstream of the inlet, said first chamber comprising a first chamber part (18), which comprises a guide wall portion (37) for redirecting the drainage water in a second flow direction that differs from the first flow direction, said guide wall portion being formed by a plurality of curved guide walls (10, 23) which interact with the drainage water so that the drainage water is decelerated and air is forced out of the drainage water, and two end walls (25, 26) which are arranged on respective sides of the guide walls, wherein each end wall of at least one of the flow channels exhibits an opening (27) that communicates with the flow channel for removing air that has been released from the drainage water in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Valmet AB
    Inventors: Jan Malm, Rune Skogsberg, Leif Videgren, Christian Ako
  • Patent number: 8778052
    Abstract: First and second multi-phase streams are processed in first and second trains that are structurally different from each other such that the first and second trains have different operating conditions. The first and second trains produce first and second gaseous hydrocarbon streams and first and second liquid hydrocarbon component streams. The first and second gaseous hydrocarbon streams are combined downstream of the first and second trains to provide a combined gaseous hydrocarbon component stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Willem Dam, Dirk Willem Van Der Mast, Johan Jan Barend Pek
  • Patent number: 8758492
    Abstract: A Sonotrode for generating an ultrasonic field in industrial production processes such as chemical, food, petroleum, pharmaceutical, beverage or mining-related processes for reducing and eliminating foaming of liquid products has a compact one-piece form, wherein the sonotrode is provided with a main body part having a connector for connection with a high frequency generator and having a front face from which the ultrasonic field is directed to the desired spot or area of the product to be de-foamed, wherein the main body part has the shape of a compact block element and in that the front face is concave in shape in relation to a product surface such that the ultrasonic field is focused and directed to a specific area of a product foam to be treated in a concentrated form compared to a non-focused ultrasound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Telsonic Holding AG, Cavitus Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Albert Büttiker, Holger Keller, Darren Bates
  • Patent number: 8753431
    Abstract: A bubble removal method is for removing a bubble from liquid whose viscosity is reduced when shear occurs. A vessel, including a liquid inlet and multiple liquid outlets, whose volumetric capacity is variable and a means for giving resistance to the passage of liquid between the inside and the outside of the vessel are used. The liquid is passed through the vessel against resistance and the volumetric capacity of the vessel is increased and reduced. The interior of the vessel is depressurized and pressurized by the means for giving resistance to the passage of liquid in conjunction with increase and reduction in the volumetric capacity of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: National University Corporation Nagoya Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Shuichi Iwata, Hideki Mori
  • Patent number: 8663368
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Bret Hettinger Wolz, John Mayer Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8652233
    Abstract: A fluid degasification system for a hydraulic circuit includes a gas/fluid separation tank, a fluid entry passage directing fluid into a small foam generating cup containing foam and a small amount of additional fluid, thereby stimulating foam formation. A separation screen is positioned below the foam generating cup to receive bubbles formed in the cup and to allow liquid to pass through the screen to a degasified-fluid collecting chamber below the screen as the bubbles resting on the separation screen decompose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Dustin Kramer, David Williams, Sterling Imfeld
  • Patent number: 8636837
    Abstract: A sedimentation separator for separating solid fractions from a mixture consisting of air, liquid and solids fractions comprises a sedimenting vessel to which an air-separating unit is connected upstream. In an intermediate vessel arranged between the air-separating unit and sedimenting vessel there is arranged a float which closes off an air duct when the level of sediment in the sedimenting vessel has reached a predetermined height. Liquid purified by sedimentation is suctioned off from the upper end of the sedimenting vessel by means of a jet pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Duerr Dental AG
    Inventor: Eberhardt Nonnenmacher
  • Patent number: 8632624
    Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David E. Cassidy, Eric E. May, Garrett Austin Sheffer
  • Patent number: 8608840
    Abstract: A choke assembly comprises an inlet (48) for a multiphase fluid stream, the stream comprising a first relatively heavy fluid phase and a second relatively light fluid phase; a first fluid outlet (116); a choke element (22) disposed between the inlet and the first fluid outlet operable to control the flow of fluid between the inlet and the first fluid outlet; a separation chamber (40, 114) disposed to provide separation of phases in the fluid stream upstream of the choke element; and a second outlet (118) for removing fluid from the separation cavity. The choke assembly is of particular use in the control of fluid streams produced from a subterranean well, in particular oil and gas produced from a subsea well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Paul Hopper, Derek Meek
  • Patent number: 8597402
    Abstract: A flushable device for capturing gas included within a produced-water stream is described. Gas and water pressure coordination is not required. Controls prevent liquid entry to the gas system and prevent gas entry into the water system. A gas/liquid separator receives an inner vessel lower end. A separator inlet receives a combined fluid stream. A liquid line passes into the inner vessel and down into the separator below the inlet so that liquid separated from the combined stream will flow up the liquid line. The gas line extends from the inner vessel upper end. The gas line conveys gas from the inner vessel upper end to a gas collection system. A top float in the inner vessel activates a gas line motor valve. A bottom float in the inner vessel activates the liquid line motor valve and a second gas vent for rapid expulsion of slugs of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: David A. Simpson and Janet K. Simpson
    Inventor: David A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8597417
    Abstract: A blood reservoir (1) including a venous blood filter (40) and a cardiotomy filter (5). The cardiotomy blood filter includes a first cardiotomy blood filter member (51) and a second cardiotomy blood filter member (52). The filter member (52) is equipped with a first filter portion (52a) and a second filter portion (52b). The first filter portion (52a) forms the wall portion and the second filter portion (52b) forms the bottom portion. Specifications of the first filter portion (52a) and the second filter portion (52b) are different. A guide member (60) of the blood storage tank (1) is made of a foam material. The blood from which bubbles have been removed is guided while permeating the guide member (60). Consequently, the guide member (60) can lead the blood from which bubbles are removed to a predetermined position at a suitable liquid impact speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Kobayashi, Takashi Arai, Yuji Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 8591635
    Abstract: A separator may include a body, an inlet portion, and an outlet conduit. The body may include a conical interior surface defining a conical cavity. The cavity may have a first outlet at a tip of the body. The inlet portion may be connected to the body and may include an outer surface, a cylindrical inner surface, and a first inlet passage extending between the outer surface and the inner surface. The inner surface may be defined by the longitudinal axis. The first inlet passage may be positioned relative to the inner surface such that a fluid flow through the first inlet passage is generally tangent to the inner surface. The outlet conduit may extend through the inlet portion and into the cavity. The outlet conduit may include a second inlet passage disposed inside of the cavity and a second outlet disposed outside of the body and the inlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: E. Timothy Pawl
  • Patent number: 8574350
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Vasudevan Sampath, Ivan Mantilla, Carlos Avila, Gene Kouba, John Strader, John D. Marrelli
  • Patent number: 8574351
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Haven Technology
    Inventors: David James Elms, Gregory Allen Hudspeth
  • Patent number: 8568515
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Mantilla, Carlos Avila, Gene Kouba, John Strader, Vasudevan Sampath, John D. Marrelli
  • Patent number: 8562716
    Abstract: A method for degassing a liquid of a substantially closed liquid circulation system at a working pressure may include passing at least a partial flow of the liquid through a restriction into a chamber in which a degassing pressure is maintained, the degassing pressure being higher than atmospheric pressure and lower than the working pressure; separating gas withdrawn from the partial flow of liquid from the partial flow; removing the gas from the chamber; and pumping the degassed partial flow of the liquid back into the substantially closed circulation system. The restriction may include a nozzle, and the step of passing at least the partial flow of the liquid through the restriction into the chamber may include spraying at least the partial flow of the liquid through the nozzle into the chamber for obtaining a jet and/or mist of the liquid in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Spiro Enterprises B.V.
    Inventor: Antonius Gerardus Wilhelmus Maria Lamers
  • Patent number: 8551224
    Abstract: A pipe system comprising i) an exploratory pipe extracting a fluid containing gas from waterways, ii) an injection pipe returning fluid depleted of gas and iii) a plurality of gas traps, wherein I) the gas traps are connected to the exploratory pipe and to the injection pipe such that the fluid is transferred from the exploratory pipe through the gas traps to the injection pipe, II) the gas traps disposed at specific distances vertically one above the other and relative to the fluid deposits to be depleted and connected together such that rising fluid passes from the exploratory pipe to a first gas trap located at a first pressure level at which a first gas/gas mixture is separated, whereupon depleted fluid passes to a second gas trap at a predefined pressure level in which a second gas/gas mixture is separated, wherein the first pressure and the second pressure are different from one another, and III) the gas traps are connected to one or more gas extraction devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Detlef Lazik, Dieter Lazik, Matthias Remmler
  • Patent number: 8540799
    Abstract: A method is provided for degassing a transport chamber (1) of a metering pump. The method is based on performing impulse generation, wherein gas bubbles arising from the gas-forming fluid and adhering to the inner surfaces in the transport chamber (1) are released from the surfaces, wherein the gas bubbles (4.4?, 8.8?) present in the transport chamber (1) accumulate, perform a motion (c) in the direction of the pressure valve (6), and form an accumulated gas bubble (7) on the transport chamber side of the pressure valve (6). An increase in pressure causes the accumulated gas bubble present at the pressure valve (6) to escape from the transport chamber (1) as discharged gas bubbles (7?) into the pressure line. A metering pump having a device present in the transport chamber for performing the impulse generation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Grundfos Management a/s
    Inventors: Klaus Mueller, Sergej Gerz
  • Patent number: 8529668
    Abstract: A deaerator includes a case defining a vortex chamber and a fluid inlet for allowing a mixture of lubricating liquid and air to pass through the case into the vortex chamber. An air outlet allows air flow out of the deaerator, and a liquid outlet allows lubricating liquid flow out of the deaerator. A porous diffuser is positioned proximate the liquid outlet for slowing the flow of lubricating liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Short, Timothy A. Johnson, Michael R. Blewett
  • Patent number: 8518159
    Abstract: A process and process line for treating water containing hydrogen sulfide for use as a hydraulic fracturing fluid is provided, to practice the following steps: separating a gaseous portion containing hydrogen sulfide from the water to form a first degassed water product; introducing the first degassed water product into a mechanical gas stripping unit and treating the first degassed water product with a stripper gas; recovering from the mechanical gas stripping unit at least one overhead vapor stream containing hydrogen sulfide and a stripped water stream as a bottom stream; degassing the stripped water stream in a degassing tank to produce a second degassed water product; and treating the second degassed water product with a hydrogen sulfide scavenger to produce a sweet water product having substantially reduced hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Encana Corporation
    Inventors: Lois Louise McCorriston, Jennifer N. Pond