Patents by Inventor Vesa Vikman

Vesa Vikman 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: 10968471
    Abstract: An arrangement for and a method of biomass hydrolysis includes a feed pump, a pre-hydrolysis reactor and a feed line there-between for feeding fresh biomass slurry to the pre-hydrolysis reactor. The feed pump is a centrifugal feed pump and the pre-hydrolysis reactor is an upflow reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SULZER MANAGEMENT AG
    Inventors: Janne Tamminen, Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman, Karl-Erik Röberg
  • Publication number: 20180216149
    Abstract: An arrangement for and a method of biomass hydrolysis includes a feed pump, a pre-hydrolysis reactor and a feed line there-between for feeding fresh biomass slurry to the pre-hydrolysis reactor. The feed pump is a centrifugal feed pump and the pre-hydrolysis reactor is an upflow reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Janne TAMMINEN, Reijo VESALA, Vesa VIKMAN, Karl-Erik RÖBERG
  • Publication number: 20170268170
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an arrangement for transferring a process liquid from a washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the method and the arrangement are applicable, for example, in transferring fibre suspensions or pulps from washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage in pulp and paper making industry such that the dilution of pulp after a washing and thickening device is performed in a stand pipe (18) below the surface level control range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Reijo VESALA, Vesa VIKMAN
  • Patent number: 9752916
    Abstract: A method of installing a probe for monitoring a surface level of a fluid in a vessel inside the vessel from outside the vessel, the method includes providing a vessel side wall with a first opening, providing the vessel side wall with a second opening, passing the second end of the probe, a second device for fastening the probe and a detection unit of the probe through the first opening and inside the vessel, orienting the second end of the probe towards the second opening, attaching the second end of the probe to the side wall of the vessel at the second opening, and fastening the first end of the probe to the side wall of the vessel at the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SULZER MANAGEMENT AG
    Inventors: Jussi Heinonen, Pasi Kvick, Anssi Lehtonen, Seppo Nyman, Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Patent number: 9708762
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an arrangement for transferring a process liquid from a washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the method and the arrangement are applicable, for example, in transferring fiber suspensions or pulps from washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage in pulp and paper making industry such that the dilution of pulp after a washing and thickening device is performed in a stand pipe (18) below the surface level control range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sulzer Management AG
    Inventors: Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Patent number: 9663897
    Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for introducing fiber suspension or pulp from a pulp vessel to a washing and/or filtering apparatus is based on simultaneous division and degassing of pulp at immediately upstream of the washing and/or filtering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SULZER MANAGEMENT AG
    Inventors: Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Publication number: 20160319484
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an arrangement for transferring a process liquid from a washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the method and the arrangement are applicable, for example, in transferring fibre suspensions or pulps from washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage in pulp and paper making industry such that the dilution of pulp after a washing and thickening device is performed in a stand pipe (18) below the surface level control range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Reijo VESALA, Vesa VIKMAN
  • Patent number: 9416491
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an arrangement for transferring a process liquid from a washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the method and the arrangement are applicable, for example, in transferring fibre suspensions or pulps from washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage in pulp and paper making industry such that the dilution of pulp after a washing and thickening device is performed in a stand pipe (18) below the surface level control range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Sulzer Management AG
    Inventors: Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Publication number: 20160215450
    Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for introducing fiber suspension or pulp from a pulp vessel to a washing and/or filtering apparatus is based on simultaneous division and degassing of pulp at immediately upstream of the washing and/or filtering apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Reijo VESALA, Vesa VIKMAN
  • Publication number: 20160202103
    Abstract: A method of installing a probe for monitoring a surface level of a fluid in a vessel inside the vessel from outside the vessel, the method includes providing a vessel side wall with a first opening, providing the vessel side wall with a second opening, passing the second end of the probe, a second device for fastening the probe and a detection unit of the probe through the first opening and inside the vessel, orienting the second end of the probe towards the second opening, attaching the second end of the probe to the side wall of the vessel at the second opening, and fastening the first end of the probe to the side wall of the vessel at the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Jussi HEINONEN, Pasi KVICK, Anssi LEHTONEN, Seppo NYMAN, Reijo VESALA, Vesa VIKMAN
  • Publication number: 20140190643
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an arrangement for transferring a process liquid from a washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the method and the arrangement are applicable, for example, in transferring fibre suspensions or pulps from washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage in pulp and paper making industry such that the dilution of pulp after a washing and thickening device is performed in a stand pipe (18) below the surface level control range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Reijo VESALA, Vesa Vikman
  • Publication number: 20090213686
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for feeding gaseous or liquid fluid into a medium. The method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention are especially suitable in various fields of industry for mixing gaseous and liquid chemicals and steams into a flow containing at least liquid. The method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention are most preferably suitable for feeding steam into the fiber suspensions of wood processing industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SULZER PUMPEN AG
    Inventors: Toni Heikkilae, Vesa Vikman
  • Patent number: 6551054
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for pumping a material, especially thick, gas-containing, fiber suspensions for wood processing. The apparatus includes a centrifugal pump with a rotor having blades twisted such that the pitch of the blade changes along the length of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Sulzer Pumpen AG
    Inventors: Kari Peltonen, Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Patent number: 6491787
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating cellulose pulp with steam are provided. Low-pressure (e.g. 3-5 bar (abs.)) steam is supplied into the pulp flowing as a plug flow in such a way that in the flow direction of the pulp, before supplying the low-pressure steam, the pulp is pressurized so that the pulp pressure at the point of the steam introduction is lower than the pressure of the available steam. After the steam is introduced the pulp is mixed with a pressure-raising mixer (such as a fluidizing centrifugal pump) to divide the steam evenly into the pulp and/or to equalize the temperature of the pulp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz Oy
    Inventors: Kari Peltonen, Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Publication number: 20020040771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating cellulose pulp with steam are provided. Low-pressure (e.g. 3-5 bar (abs.)) steam is supplied into the pulp flowing as a plug flow in such a way that in the flow direction of the pulp, before supplying the low-pressure steam, the pulp is pressurized so that the pulp pressure at the point of the steam introduction is lower than the pressure of the available steam. After the steam is introduced the pulp is mixed with a pressure-raising mixer (such as a fluidizing centrifugal pump) to divide the steam evenly into the pulp and/or to equalize the temperature of the pulp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: KARI PELTONEN, REIJO VESALA, VESA VIKMAN
  • Patent number: 6120252
    Abstract: A centrifugal and vacuum pump combination in which the impeller of a centrifugal pump is disposed on the same shaft as a rotor of the vacuum pump, with a gas outlet extending between the centrifugal and vacuum pumps, is operated by positively controlling the flow of gas passing through the gas outlet duct, for example by changing the effective cross-sectional flow area of the outlet duct. The fluent material handled by the pump is preferably a cellulose fiber slurry having a solids consistency of between about 6-15%. The control can be effected automatically in response to solids consistency, inlet pressure, and/or gas content of the slurry being pump. The vacuum pump housing includes an eccentric inner wall, and operation of the pump may be primarily controlled by moving the vacuum pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Corporation
    Inventors: Voitto Reponen, Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Patent number: 5842833
    Abstract: A centrifugal and vacuum pump combination in which the impeller of a centrifugal pump is disposed on the same shaft as a rotor of the vacuum pump, with a gas outlet extending between the centrifugal and vacuum pumps, is operated by positively controlling the flow of gas passing through the gas outlet duct, for example by changing the effective cross-sectional flow area of the outlet duct. The fluent material handled by the pump is preferably a cellulose fiber slurry having a solids consistency of between about 6-15%. The control can be effected automatically in response to solids consistency, inlet pressure, and/or gas content of the slurry being pump. The vacuum pump housing includes an eccentric inner wall, and operation of the pump may be primarily controlled by moving the vacuum pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Voitto Reponen, Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Patent number: 5228829
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dividing the flow of fiber suspensions of the pulp and paper industry in which the fiber suspension is caused to flow into a space uniting the inlet and the outlet flows and in which space a vortex flow is created to prevent the suspension from forming a strong fiber network and from causing blockage of the system. The pressure of the suspension further is increased so that the suspension flowing into the apparatus need not be pressurized. The apparatus includes a vortex chamber provided with one inlet and several outlets, at least one of the outlets is preferably provided with a device for regulating the flow through the outlet. The apparatus further includes a rotor for moving the suspension through the several outlets towards further processing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Toivo Niskanen, Voitto Reponen, Jukka Timperi, Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Patent number: 5167678
    Abstract: A pump for pumping an air containing medium includes rear vanes (11) on the propeller back plate of the pump and a back ball arranged so that a radially widening space is created between the impeller back plate and the rear wall for guiding the flow of the medium, generated by the combined effect of forces with different directions and different intensities directed at the medium in the spaces between the rear vanes, past gas discharge opening (12) in the rear wall of the pump or for retarding the flow thereby preventing the flow from entering the gas discharge opening (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Jorma Elonen, Jukka Timperi, Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • Patent number: 5156750
    Abstract: In the inventive method and apparatus for the continuous discharge of water and fine particles from a suspension, particularly fibrous pulp, the pulp or suspension is thickened without forcing the removal of water through a relatively thick, uncontrollably gathered fiber mat. In the method, the suspension to be thickened is fed into a filtering chamber, the suspension is continuously mixed for equalizing consistency differences, the liquid is continuously removed from the suspension through a filter and the thickness of a fiber mat which forms on the filter surface is controlled by subjecting the mat to shear stresses. In a thickening apparatus for practicing this method, at least one of co-operating surfaces--i.e. the filtering surface (8) and its counter-surface (10)--is provided with loosening members (12) for non-mechanically limiting the thickness of a fiber mat forming on the filtering surface and thereby preventing the uncontrolled formation of such a mat on the filtering surface (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Kaj Henricson, Mika Makela, Toivo Niskanen, Olavi Pikka, Vesa Vikman