Patents by Inventor Donald G. Lorentz

Donald G. Lorentz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20180214828
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a swirl is disclosed that is used to induce an axi-symmetric swirling flow to an incoming flow. The disclosed subject matter induces a uniform and axi-symmetric swirl, circumferentially around a discharge location, thus imparting a more accurate, repeatable, continuous, and controllable swirl and mixing condition of interest. Moreover, the disclosed subject matter performs the swirl injection at a lower pressure drop in comparison to a more traditional methods and devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Robert E. Haden, Donald G. Lorentz
  • Patent number: 9956532
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a swirl is disclosed that is used to induce an axi-symmetric swirling flow to an incoming flow. The disclosed subject matter induces a uniform and axi-symmetric swirl, circumferentially around a discharge location, thus imparting a more accurate, repeatable, continuous, and controllable swirl and mixing condition of interest. Moreover, the disclosed subject matter performs the swirl injection at a lower pressure drop in comparison to a more traditional methods and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Robert E. Haden, Donald G. Lorentz
  • Publication number: 20150124554
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a swirl is disclosed that is used to induce an axi-symmetric swirling flow to an incoming flow. The disclosed subject matter induces a uniform and axi-symmetric swirl, circumferentially around a discharge location, thus imparting a more accurate, repeatable, continuous, and controllable swirl and mixing condition of interest. Moreover, the disclosed subject matter performs the swirl injection at a lower pressure drop in comparison to a more traditional methods and devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Robert E. Haden, Donald G. Lorentz
  • Patent number: 4727826
    Abstract: A model steam generator including an improved feedwater system for monitoring the conditions of the heat exchange tubes within a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The feedwater system generally comprises a first conduit fluidly connected between the boiler vessel of the model steam generator and the feedwater of the nuclear steam generator via a first valve, and a second conduit which is fluidly connected between this boiler vessel and a feedwater reservoir by way of a second valve. The feedwater reservoir is in turn connected to a source of demineralized, deaerated water by means of a third conduit having a third valve. This reservoir is further fluidly connected to the feedwater of the nuclear steam generator by means of a fourth conduit having a fourth valve. The improved feedwater system of the invention gives the operator three running options. First, he may run the model steam generator directly off the feedwater used in the nuclear steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Draper, Donald G. Lorentz
  • Patent number: 4637346
    Abstract: An improved, compact model steam generator having multiple primary systems is described herein. The model steam generator of the invention is capable of simultaneously simulating a plurality of thermo-hydraulic conditions which may exist in various areas of a full-scale nuclear steam generator in order that the effect of these various conditions on the heat exchange tubes within the full-scale generator may be separately monitored. The model steam generator of the invention generally includes a boiler vessel having a primary side which houses a plurality of individually controllable primary systems, a tubesheet, a secondary side, and a plurality of sample heat exchange tubes for transferring heat between each of the individual primary systems and the secondary side of the boiler vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Draper, Donald G. Lorentz, Allen J. Baum, George Economy
  • Patent number: 4635589
    Abstract: A model steam generator including an improved feedwater system for monitoring the conditions of the heat exchange tubes within a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The feedwater system generally comprises a first conduit fluidly connected between the boiler vessel of the model steam generator and the feedwater of the nuclear steam generator via a first valve, and a second conduit which is fluidly connected between this boiler vessel and a feedwater reservoir by way of a second valve. The feedwater reservoir is in turn connected to a source of demineralized, deaerated water by means of a third conduit having a third valve. This reservoir is further fluidly connected to the feedwater of the nuclear steam generator by means of a fourth conduit having a fourth valve. The improved feedwater system of the invention gives the operator three running options. First, he may run the model steam generator directly off the feedwater used in the nuclear steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Draper, Donald G. Lorentz
  • Patent number: 4628870
    Abstract: A model steam generator including a system for facilitating the inspection of the sample tubes within the boiler vessel of the model generator is disclosed herein. The system includes means for detachably connecting the tubesheet from the primary and secondary sides of the boiler vessel. In the preferred embodiment, both end of the tubesheet and the abutting ends of the primary and secondary sides of the boiler vessel are circumscribed by tapered flanges. The tubesheet is detachably connected from the primary and secondary sides of the boiler vessel by means of Grayloc.RTM.-type annular clamps which are circumscribed by grooves for receiving the abutting flanges at the tubesheet joints. Additionally, the system includes a frame for suspending the secondary side of the boiler vessel, a wheeled cart having a jack for both laterally and vertically moving the primary side of the boiler vessel and the tubesheet into a clamping position onto the secondary side of the boiler vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Draper, Donald G. Lorentz
  • Patent number: 4557835
    Abstract: An improved process for removing oxygen from an aqueous medium used in a steam generating system, the aqueous medium having hydrazine added thereto, wherein hydrazine-containing aqueous medium condensate formed in a condenser is exposed to ultraviolet light in the condenser hotwell, prior to being recycled to the steam generator. The exposure to ultraviolet light is for a period of time sufficient to effect removal of the dissolved oxygen by the hydrazine without the need to add chemical additives or catalysts to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Donald G. Lorentz