Patents by Inventor H. Rodolfo Akel

H. Rodolfo Akel 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).

  • Patent number: 5320652
    Abstract: A liquid-vapor separator for two-phase fluids in general and specifically a steam-water separator in a steam drum of a steam generator includes axial or radial spinner blades to create a centrifugal motion which causes liquid to be forced outward against the outer wall and the vapor to be concentrated in the center. Conical extraction skimmers systematically extract and discharge the liquid outwardly and downwardly through the side walls such that it impinges on an optional discharge screen surrounding the skimmers. The vapor flows out the top through a central opening and enters a secondary separator packed with crimped wire mesh encased in a perforated enclosure. The conical extraction skimmers include an outwardly protruding rim portion which forms an enlarged annular chamber between the rim and the underlying conical extraction skimmer. This forms a converging-diverging flow path out between skimmer sections and an outwardly extending ring forms a tortuous path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Rodolfo Akel, John M. Banas, Brian P. DeMarey, Gary W. Gralton, Bard C. Teigen
  • Patent number: 5275644
    Abstract: A liquid-vapor separator for two-phase fluids in general and specifically a steam-water separator in a steam drum of a steam generator includes axial or radial spinner blades to create a centrifugal motion which causes liquid to be forced outward against the outer wall and the vapor to be concentrated in the center. Conical extraction skimmers systematically extract and discharge the liquid outwardly and downwardly through the side walls such that it impinges on an oval discharge screen surrounding the skimmers. The vapor flows out the top through a central opening and enters a secondary separator packed with crimped wire mesh encased in a perforated enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Bard C. Teigen, H. Rodolfo Akel, Paul S. Zymba, John M. Banas, James S. Tollo, Craig Bradley, Joe B. Lindsay, Jr., Benjamin F. Love
  • Patent number: 5271753
    Abstract: A liquid-vapor separating drum has a screen dryer mounted in the upper portion between the primary separators and the vapor outlet. The screen dryer is constructed and mounted in such a way that only minimal access is required in the space above the screen dryer whereby the space can be minimized. A central pair of dryer rows is installed first when there is easy access. The two outside rows are then merely clipped in place which does not require any access. The bottoms of the rows are joined by drain panels which form a flow barrier and which serve to collect the liquid extracted by the screens. Hanging rods are used to support these drain panels and thereby indirectly support the bottoms of the rows. Vortex breakers in drain apertures of the drain panels improve the drainage rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Rodolfo Akel, Bard C. Teigen, Gary W. Gralton, Peter Acimovic