Mixing Of Plural Fluids Of Diverse Characteristics Or Conditions Patents (Class 137/3)
-
Patent number: 5880319Abstract: Discussed is a process for preventing clathrate hydrate masses from detrimentally impeding the possible flow of a fluid susceptible to clathrate hydrate formation. The process is particularly useful in the natural gas and petroleum production, transportation and processing industry where gas hydrate formation can cause serious problems. Additives preferably contain one or more five member, six member and/or seven member cyclic chemical groupings. Additives include polymers having lactam rings. Additives can also contain polyelectrolytes that are believed to improve conformance of polymer additives through steric hinderance and/or charge repulsion. Additional additives include alkoxy compounds, and particularly those comprising ethoxy and or propoxy polymer blocks. Further additives include alcohols and oxazoline polymers which are preferably used in combination with polymers having lactam rings. Additives are useful in controlling clathrate hydrates in highly saline aqueous liquids.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1994Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Colorado School of MinesInventor: Earle Dendy Sloan, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5874660Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid having hydrate forming constituents is disclosed. More specifically, the method can be used in treating a petroleum fluid stream such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe to inhibit the formation of a hydrate restriction in the pipe. The hydrate inhibitor used for practicing the method is selected from the family of substantially water soluble copolymers formed from N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide (VIMA) and one of three comonomers, vinylpyrrolidone (VP), vinylpiperidone (VPip), or vinylcaprolactam (VCap). VIMA/VCap is the preferred copolymer. These copolymers may be used alone or in combination with each other or other hydrate inhibitors. Preferably, a solvent, such as water, brine, alcohol, or mixtures thereof, is used to produce an inhibitor solution or mixture to facilitate treatment of the petroleum fluid stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1995Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Exxon Production Research CompanyInventors: Karla Schall Colle, Russell Harlan Oelfke, Malcolm A. Kelland
-
Patent number: 5873946Abstract: An installation for lubricating, cleaning and/or disinfecting conveyor belts for containers, more particularly for foods, such as bottles, glasses, cans, bags and the like, comprising a central metering station connectable to a water pipe used to dilute a concentrated lubricant, cleaner or disinfectant, and several distributing pipes connected to the metering station lead to the points of use. At each point of use there is a mixing valve (13-19) connectable to distribution line (52) and the water pipe (23) and individually adjustable for each point of use and a pressure reducer (50, 51) fitted upstream of each mixing valve. Varying concentration can be provided for each point of use (31-37) with little technical complexity. In another embodiment, the invention is the process carried out by the installation.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OhgInventor: Bernhard Hantmann
-
Patent number: 5862946Abstract: The present invention is directed to precise, accurate mixing two or more chemicals in a metered vessel to achieve a precise, accurate concentration of the chemicals. More particularly, the chemicals are mixed in a vessel having constricted vent tubes with level sensors to precisely and accurately determine the volume of chemical introduced into the vessel. Most specifically, the vessel is closed so that the introduction of the chemicals increases the vessel pressure to enhance the mixing of the chemicals, decrease turbulence and enhance the accuracy of the level sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Cynthia Elizabeth Roerty, Julia Man-Lai Hara
-
Patent number: 5855791Abstract: A method for detecting and controlling cooling system characteristics. A flow rate of make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of the make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of a recirculating cooling medium is measured. A treatment material feed rate is determined based upon the formula: ##EQU1## where X is a treatment feed rate of a treatment compound, .OMEGA. is a desired concentration of the treatment compound, and K is a constant. A corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is measured. A desired corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is determined. A feed rate of a corrosion inhibitor is calculated according to the following formula:Y=(X)?1+.alpha.(CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT)!,where .alpha. is a cascade factor that varies in a step-wise manner depending upon the value of CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT and has a value between about 0.1 and about 8.0. A corrosion inhibitor is then fed at the corrosion inhibitor feed rate.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Ashland Chemical CompanyInventors: George Hays, John Haaland
-
Patent number: 5826632Abstract: A system for filling gas cylinders with a gas mixture having a desired gas composition which includes (a) a gas conduit whose inlet end is connected to two or more gas component supply lines, each provided with a flow adjustment device, and whose outlet end is connected to a gas cylinder filling system, and which is equipped with a gas analyzer, a cumulative gas flow measuring device and, upstream of the gas analyzer, a gas mixing device; and (b) a controller which has provision for receiving signals from the flow measuring device and the gas analyzer and for sending signals to each flow adjustment device.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.Inventors: Andre Micke, Lesli B. Cosey
-
Patent number: 5823670Abstract: A chemical delivery and on-site blending system for producing multiple products is provided. Generally, chemical subcomponents are fed to a chemical blending system for making a multitude of products at the facility where the products are to be used. Also, a water line is connected to the system for blending with the subcomponents and for rinsing the system equipment. A microprocessor controls a series of inlet valves, a feed pump, and a mixer for formulating the products in a mixing tank. A flow meter monitored by the microprocessor measures the amounts of ingredients entering the tank. Once formulated, a product is discharged from the tank by a discharge pump also controlled by the microprocessor. Included with the system is a timed rinse cycle which rinses the tank after the product has been discharged.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1994Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Calgon CorporationInventors: J. Mitchell Rushing, Terry L. Scruggs, John J. Malone
-
Patent number: 5792342Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating nuisance odor streams is provided. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method and apparatus in which deodorizing chemical agents are applied to an evaporative reaction pack situated within a gas chamber having an air stream running therethrough. The evaporative reaction pack provides a reaction zone within which the chemical agent is evaporated to facilitate a gas-gas or vapor phase interaction between the chemical agent and odoriferous compounds contained in the air stream. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for batch processing of sewage treatment agents within a wet well to prevent the formation of undesired compounds. In one embodiment, a predetermined amount of chemical agent, sufficient for treating the amount of sewage that the well can hold, is added to an evacuated wet well in coordination with the pumping of sewage from the wet well.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: NuTech Environmental CorporationInventors: Jon D. Heller, Kenneth J. Heller, Timothy Reeves
-
Patent number: 5789635Abstract: The invention concerns a process for inhibiting or retarding hydrate formation, growth and/or agglomeration in a fluid comprising water and gases, by addition of a hydrosoluble copolymer which does not contain a heterocycle but contains at least one sulphonate group.The copolymer is generally introduced at a concentration of 0.05% to 5% by weight with respect to the quantity of water in the medium.The copolymer can also be mixed with an alcohol (monoalcohol or polyol). In this case, the proportions are generally 0.5% to 20% by weight of alcohol with respect to the water content, for 0.05% to 3% by weight of copolymer with respect to the quantity of water content of the medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Jean-Pierre Durand, Anne Sinquin, Marie Velly
-
Patent number: 5772697Abstract: Liquid caustic compositions for use in reactive dyeing, having total and alkaline activities approximating the total and alkaline activities of a predetermined liquid caustic composition are prepared by providing a source of water; providing a container of concentrated sodium hydroxide solution; providing a container of liquid buffered alkali solution; providing a mixer communicating with the containers; providing at least one liquid caustic solution storage tank in communication with the mixer; providing flow meters communicating with the mixer to monitor the quantities of sodium hydroxide and buffered alkali flowing to the mixer; determining the total and active alkalinities of the target liquid caustic composition; determining the quantities of sodium hydroxide and buffered alkali solutions required to provide a liquid caustic solution having total and active alkalinities approximating the total and active alkalinities of the target solution; diluting the concentrated sodium hydroxide with the water to forType: GrantFiled: March 7, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Burlington Chemical Co., Inc.Inventors: Samuel B. Moore, Edwin T. Turner, James F. Leuck
-
Patent number: 5759286Abstract: A method of recycling agricultural chemical rinse water is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a piece of equipment contaminated with an agricultural chemical, rinsing the agricultural chemical contaminated equipment with water to produce a rinse water containing the agricultural chemical, collecting the rinse water, supplying fresh water in a fresh water supply line of an irrigation system in fluid communication with a fresh water supply, injecting the rinse water into the fresh water supply line to produce irrigation water and irrigating vegetation with the irrigation water.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Inventor: Larry C. Sarver
-
Patent number: 5746238Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for diluting a chemical concentrate. More particularly, dilution control is achieved by monitoring two flow meters, comparing the flow rate information, and adjusting the diluent flow to achieve a predetermined dilution of the chemical concentrate. An air push is preferably used to deliver the chemicals to the utilization points. Also a controller is used to prioritize requests from the utilization points in a hierarchal fashion.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1995Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Brady, John E. McCall, Jr., Paul J. Mattia, John M. Lavorata, Matthew D. PeKarna, Robert David Stokes, Clyde Arthur Bailey
-
Patent number: 5723524Abstract: A composition for preventing or retarding the formation of gas hydrates or for reducing the tendency of gas hydrates to agglomerate, during the transport of a fluid comprising water and a hydrocarbon, through a conduit, comprising, (a) a polymer or copolymer selected from a terpolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl caprolactam and an ammonium derivative monomer having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, selected from the group consisting of dialkyl aminoalkyl methacrylamide, dialkyl dialkenyl ammonium halide and a dialkylamino alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl caprolactam, and a homopolymer of vinyl caprolactam, and (b) a low molecular weight glycol ether containing an alkoxy group having at least 3 carbon atoms.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: ISP Investments Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cohen, Philip F. Wolf, William D. Young
-
Patent number: 5701924Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and handling liquid separation in a liquid emulsion disposed in a tank 1 by preventing separated liquid from entering a withdrawal conduit 3 disposed in the lower portion of the tank 1 by a apparatus comprising a pump 9 driven by an electric motor 15 and taking its suction form the lower portion of the tank 1 and discharging adjacent the central portion of the tank 1, a float 5, which sinks in the emulsion and floats on the high density liquid is cooperatively associated with a relay 17 to start the pump motor 15 when accumulated high density liquid raises the float 5 a predetermined amount, a time delay 21 runs the pump 9 a predetermined length of time sufficient to reemulsify the accumulated high density and preventing it from entering the withdrawal conduit 3.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Gerald N. Coleman
-
Patent number: 5639925Abstract: Discussed is a process for preventing clathrate hydrate masses from detrimentally impeding the possible flow of a fluid susceptible to clathrate hydrate formation. The process is particularly useful in the natural gas and petroleum production, transportation and processing industry where gas hydrate formation can cause serious problems. Additives preferably contain one or more five member, six member and/or seven member cyclic chemical groupings. Additives include polymers having lactam rings. Additives can also contain polyelectrolytes that are believed to improve conformance of polymer additives through steric hinderance and/or charge repulsion. Also, polymers having an amide on which a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 group is attached to the nitrogen and/or the carbonyl carbon of the amide may be used alone, or in combination with ring-containing polymers for enhanced effectiveness.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1994Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Colorado School of MinesInventors: Earle Dendy Sloan, Jr., Richard Lee Christiansen, Joseph P. Lederhos, Jin Ping Long, Vaithilingam Panchalingam, Yahe Du, Amadeu Kun Wan Sum
-
Patent number: 5632295Abstract: An arrangement for adding an odorant to a consumer gas which is distributed to a consumer site, in order to indicate to people in the vicinity of the risk of fire, explosion, poisoning, suffocation or some other danger, should consumer gas leak into the surrounding atmosphere. The odorant is dissolved in a condensed vehicle gas in a pressure vessel (3), to obtain a solution, master gas, which includes a liquid phase (6) and a gas phase (7). The consumer gas is diluted with an adapted quantity of the liquid phase of the master gas, which is vaporized prior to being mixed with the consumer gas. To this end, the arrangement includes means (18) for correcting the relationship between the two gas flows during the dilution process with respect to the increase in the concentration of odorant in the liquid phase (6) of the master gas that results from the decreasing relationship between the quantity of liquid gas and gas phase (7) in the pressure vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1994Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: AGA AktiebolagInventor: Erik Sm.ang.rs
-
Patent number: 5600044Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid having hydrate forming constituents is disclosed. More specifically, the method can be used in treating a petroleum fluid stream such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe to inhibit the formation of a hydrate restriction in the pipe. The hydrate inhibitors used for practicing the method are substantially water soluble polymers formed from a N-substituted acrylamide having two nitrogen substituent groups, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, where R.sub.1 is a hydrocarbon group having from one to ten carbon atoms and zero to four heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and combinations thereof, and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having from one to ten carbon atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; alternatively, R.sub.1 and R.sub.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Exxon Production Research CompanyInventors: Karla S. Colle, Christine A. Costello, Russell H. Oelfke, Larry D. Talley, John M. Longo, Enoch Berluche
-
Patent number: 5588992Abstract: A solid state method of converting a polycrystalline ceramic body to a single crystal body includes the steps of doping the polycrystalline ceramic material with a conversion-enhancing dopant and then heating the polycrystalline body at a selected temperature for a selected time sufficient to convert the polycrystalline body to a single crystal. The selected temperature is less than the melting temperature of the polycrystalline material and greater than about one-half the melting temperature of the material. In the conversion of polycrystalline alumina to single crystal alumina (sapphire), examples of conversion-enhancing dopants include cations having a +3 valence, such as chromium, gallium, and titanium.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Curtis E. Scott, Mary Sue Kaliszewski, Lionel M. Levinson
-
Patent number: 5583273Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid having hydrate forming constituents is disclosed. More specifically, the method can be used in treating a petroleum fluid stream such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe to inhibit the formation of a hydrate restriction in the pipe. The hydrate inhibitors used for practicing the method are substantially water soluble polymers formed from a cyclic imino ether. Such polymers may be ring closed cyclic imino ether ("CIE") polymers, ring opened CIE polymers, or combinations thereof. Some examples of ring opened CIE polymers include various N-acyl polyalkyleneimines produced by cationic polymerization, such as N-acyl substituted polyethyleneimine, N-acyl substituted polypropyleneimine, N-acyl substituted polybutyleneimine, N-acyl substituted polypentyleneimine and copolymers thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Exxon Production Research CompanyInventors: Karla S. Colle, Russell H. Oelfke
-
Patent number: 5551468Abstract: The density of a caustic solution is reduced by automatically adding water to the caustic solution when the specific gravity of the caustic solution is unacceptably high. The mechanism consists of a flow control valve that is controlled by an switch that monitors the position of a hydrometer. The switch is activated when the density of the caustic solution rises to unacceptable levels, causing the hydrometer to rise and activate the switch. The switch controls a valve that opens and allows water to enter the caustic solution reservoir, thereby diluting the caustic solution. When sufficient water has been added to the caustic, the hydrometer drops and the switch is deactivated, thereby closing the valve that allows water to enter the caustic solution reservoir. Excess caustic solution leaves the reservoir through an overflow on the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Inventor: Chris A. Lemke
-
Patent number: 5544961Abstract: A passive injector including, a flow generator having a first inlet for gas or vapor at a first pressure and an outlet for gas or vapor, a mixing region having an inlet for the gas or vapor leaving the flow generator at supersonic velocity and a second inlet for a liquid at a second pressure, wherein liquid is incorporated into the flow of gas or vapor while maintaining supersonic velocity and a primary flow tube section aligned with an outlet of the mixing region and having an inlet and an injector outlet, the inlet of the flow tube being preceded by a gap surrounded by a cavity, wherein the flow velocity of the mixture is supersonic at the inlet of the primary flow tube section and the supersonic flow changes to subsonic flow within the primary flow tube section.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: April Dynamics Industries Ltd.Inventors: Efim Fuks, Vadim Fuks, Vladimir Lunev, Sergey Lunev
-
Patent number: 5495875Abstract: A system for continuously filling a plurality of cylinders with a precise concentration of a vaporized liquid component blended into a gas is disclosed wherein the concentration of the liquid component of the resultant final blended mixture is continuously analyzed, and immediately adjusted, during the filling process. Due to the constant analysis and adjustment, any error in the concentration of a component is typically realized before the concentration is outside an acceptable range. The inventive system allows for a large number of cylinders to be accurately and quickly filled with the compressed, final blended mixture.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Scott Specialty Gases, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Benning, Stephen B. Miller
-
Patent number: 5491269Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid having hydrate forming constituents is disclosed. More specifically, the method can be used in treating a petroleum fluid stream such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe to inhibit the formation of a hydrate restriction in the pipe. The hydrate inhibitors used for practicing the method are substantially water soluble polymers formed from a cyclic imino ether. Some examples of such inhibitors include various N-acyl polyalkyleneimines, such as N-acyl substituted polyethyleneimine, N-acyl substituted polypropyleneimine, N-acyl substituted polybutyleneimine, N-acyl substituted polypentyleneimine and copolymers thereof. Also, such N-acyl substituted polyalkyleneimines can be used in various ratios with other substantially water soluble polymers and copolymers. Preferably, a solvent such as water, brine, alcohol, or mixtures thereof is used to produce an inhibitor solution or mixture to facilitate treatment of the petroleum fluid stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1994Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: Exxon Production Research CompanyInventors: Karla S. Colle, Russell H. Oelfke
-
Patent number: 5476320Abstract: A developer preparing apparatus for obtaining a developer containing a developer component having a definite content by mixing an undiluted developer solution containing 5 to 40% by weight of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and pure water, and a developer preparing method for preparing the developer using the developer preparing apparatus. The developer preparing apparatus comprising a mixing bath equipped with a means for receiving and mixing an undiluted developer solution and pure water, an ultrasonic densitometer for measuring the developer component contained in the developer in the mixing bath, a flow rate controlling means for controlling the supplying flow rate of the undiluted developer solution and/or pure water into the mixing bath by the output signal from the ultrasonic densitometer, and a storage tank for receiving and storing the developer containing the developer component having the definite content in the mixing bath.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1994Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Taguchi, Masumi Suetsugu, Tsutomu Nagase, Norikazu Nakagawa
-
Patent number: 5455076Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for effectively proportioning a mixture of compressible and non-compressible fluids, wherein the resulting mixture has an almost constant density. The present invention is particularly useful for admixing supercritical fluids with polymeric coating compositions for various spray applications.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1993Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology CorporationInventors: Chinsoo S. Lee, Richard A. Engelman, James A. Condron
-
Patent number: 5450870Abstract: According to the present invention, the changing rate of the predetermined component concentration is determined, based on the difference between the predetermined component concentration in a chemical treating solution (a plating solution) which is analyzed this time and the predetermined component concentration analyzed last time, both measured by an analytical means, and the difference of each sampling time for analysis of each component concentration by the analytical means (140). Subsequently, the correction amount for the analyzed result of this time based on the changing rate obtained above and the elapsed time from the sampling point of time of the plating solution of this time for analysis of the plating solution by the analytical means to the current point of time (150), and then the analyzed result is corrected based on the resulting correction amount to compute or calculate the current concentration (160).Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1993Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Suga, Masashi Niwa, Fumio Kojima, Nobumasa Ishida, Koji Kondo
-
Patent number: 5439020Abstract: A fluid handling apparatus and method for combining dissolved solid and liquid phase detergent constituents with water from an external source in predetermined proportions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dissolution tank for dissolving powdered detergent constituents deposited therein and a number of other supply containers each filled with a discrete liquid chemical. A manifold, connecting the dissolution tank and at least one liquid chemical supply container, is in fluid communication with a venturi chamber. When pressurized water from the external source is directed or jetted through the venturi chamber, detergent constituents in the dissolution tank and the chemical supply container are drawn into the venturi chamber in proper proportion for mixing with pressurized water and discharged into a holding tank for subsequent use.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1994Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Inventor: Barton Lockhart
-
Patent number: 5435332Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for mixing gases with each other, said apparatus comprising at least two channels (1, 2) for flowing a gas therein and regulating elements (10, 11) fitted in these channels for controlling a flow progressing in the channels. One channel includes a restricting element (12) connected in series with regulating element (11) for adjusting a maximum value for a gas flowing there through, said restricting element being linked through the intermediary of a coupling assembly (15) to regulating element (10) in one channel such that the operations of regulating element (10) and restricting element (12) are linked together.The invention relates also to a method for combining gases together at a desired ratio, said gases flowing in at least two different channels (1, 2).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1994Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Assignee: Instrumentarium Corp.Inventor: Erkki Heinonen
-
Patent number: 5432292Abstract: Discussed is a process for preventing clathrate hydrate masses from impeding the flow of fluid in a fluid system. An additive is contacted with clathrate hydrate masses in the system to prevent those clathrate hydrate masses from impeding fluid flow. The process is particularly useful in the natural gas and petroleum production, transportation and processing industry where gas hydrate formation can cause serious problems. Additives preferably contain one or more five member, six member and/or seven member cyclic chemical groupings. Additives include poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and hydroxyethylcellulose, either in combination or alone. Additives can also contain multiple cyclic chemical groupings having different size rings. One such additive is sold under the name Gaffix VC-713.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1993Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Colorado School of MinesInventor: Earle D. Sloan, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5420370Abstract: Discussed is a process for preventing clathrate hydrate masses from impeding the flow of fluid in a fluid system. An additive is contacted with clathrate hydrate masses in the system to prevent those clathrate hydrate masses from impeding fluid flow. The process is particularly useful in the natural gas and petroleum production, transportation and processing industry where gas hydrate formation can cause serious problems. Additives preferably contain one or more five member and/or six member cyclic chemical groupings. Additives include poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and hydroxyethylcellulose, either in combination or alone.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1992Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: Colorado School of MinesInventor: Earle D. Sloan, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5409615Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for maintaining the temperature of waste water entering a grease trap below a preset temperature. The apparatus is useful to prevent grease which has collected in the grease trap from being washed into the sewer system by persons attempting to flush the grease from the trap with hot water. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of waste water flowing into the grease trap. Cold water is introduced directly into the waste water conduit, upstream of the trap, through a valve controllably coupled to the temperature sensor whenever the temperature of waste water in the waste water conduit exceeds a threshold temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Le-Ron Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Lloyd Wallman, Leon B. Watts
-
Patent number: 5398733Abstract: A readily cleaned liquid transfer system is designed for use with an associated vessel or container, such as a barrel, having therein a liquid to be removed. The system comprises a recirculation loop, a transfer manifold, and a transfer hose for providing flow communication between the transfer manifold and the recirculation loop. The transfer manifold has an inlet port which is located at about the bottom of the barrel, and an outlet port. The recirculation loop which has water flowing therethrough which is used as a diluent, also includes an eductor pump. The eductor pump hydrodynamically drives or draws the liquid in the barrel, through the transfer manifold and the transfer hose, into the recirculation loop. The recirculation loop discharges a blended product to a product tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1994Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: VQ CorporationInventor: Elmer S. Welch
-
Patent number: 5368059Abstract: This invention is useful in a plural component system which utilizes sequential metering of multiple fluids. In such a system for dispensing component fluids such as paint, the controller dispenses a given amount of a first fluid, and then part way through dispensing of the second fluid, calculates the amount of the second fluid required in view of the actual amount of the first fluid dispensed and then dispenses that amount. The desired tolerance maybe subtracted from the amount of second fluid dispensed so that the overrun which always takes place from the valves on the second fluid will place the mixture in the middle of the range for the dispensed fluid. During subsequent cycles, the ratio is checked in view of the actual amounts dispensed and an alarm set off if the actual ratio falls outside of tolerance.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1992Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Assignee: Graco Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Box, Lawrence S. Kelly
-
Patent number: 5346725Abstract: Running and tearing of nylon hosiery and other hydrophobic fabrics are prevented by immersing the hosiery and fabrics in a special aqueous treatment comprising a film-forming polymeric solution, a wetting agent, a substantive quaternary compound and fabric softener to encourage attachment to the substrate, and an elasticity enhancing plasticizer.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Inventor: Eugene F. Targosz
-
Patent number: 5313973Abstract: An installation for the supply of oxygen including an oxygen source and an oxygen generating unit, where oxygen is supplied simultaneously to a mixing frame from the oxygen source and oxygen generating unit. An emergency frame may be included as well.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1990Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Dessarollos, Estudios & Patentes, S.A.Inventor: Francisco B. Fabregat
-
Patent number: 5304390Abstract: A process for delivering a predetermined ratio of a compressible fluid and a non-compressible fluid which comprises the measurement of only the flowrate of the compressible fluid, the activation of an air-driven positive displacement pump at appropriate times, the pumping of a non-compressible fluid with the air-driven pump, mixing the supercritical fluid and non-compressible fluid and depositing the mixture onto a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1992Date of Patent: April 19, 1994Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology CorporationInventors: James A. Condron, Edmond J. Derderian, Alan E. Wang
-
Patent number: 5293892Abstract: An apparatus and method for injecting a fluid such as a chemical corrosion inhibitor into a pipeline is provided. A solar panel is supported by a support structure in the vicinity of the pipeline location for converting solar energy to electrical current. The solar panel is electrically connected to an electrical storage battery through a voltage regulator that regulates the current generated by the solar panel to the battery for charging or recharging the battery. An electrically operable fluid pump is electrically connected to the battery through a selectively operable relay that controls electrical current from the battery. A fluid inlet of the pump can be connected to a reservoir of a fluid and a fluid outlet of the pump to a pipe. The relay can be selectively controlled to operate the pump, thereby pumping fluid from the reservoir into the pipe. In another aspect, the relay can be selectively preprogrammed with a central processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1992Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Inventor: George E. Fourqurean
-
Patent number: 5294045Abstract: A temperature and flow rate controller consisting of a first bank of three-port solenoid-actuated valves for temperature control in series with a second bank of two-port on/off solenoid valves for flow rate control. Each three-port valve has two input ports connected to a cold and a hot stream source, respectively, and an output port connected to a common discharge chamber wherein the throughput from all valves is mixed and reaches an average temperature. These valves are always open, either to the cold or the hot source, and the temperature of the combined discharge is set by the relative position of each valve in the bank; therefore, the total flow rate through the first bank of valves remains constant regardless of the valve settings required to yield the desired temperature. The output of the first bank of valves is regulated by the second bank of on/off valves, which is disposed in series therewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1993Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Inventor: Kevin R. Harris
-
Patent number: 5276248Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of hydrocarbon-rich gels as a safe storage or transportation form for liquid hydrocarbons and to a process for the safe storage and safe transportion of liquid hydrocarbons, characterised in thata) the hydrocarbon is converted into a hydrocarbon-rich gel by addition of a surfactant and water andb) after storage or transportation has taken place, the hydrocarbon-rich gel is broken down again.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Cassella AktiengesellschaftInventors: Fritz Engelhardt, Gerlinde Ebert, Heinz Hoffmann, Gerhard Platz, Werner Ritschel, deceased
-
Patent number: 5275189Abstract: A system and method for mixing a first grade of fuel with a second grade of fuel to create a third, intermediate grade of fuel includes a blend valve and a novel shut-off system for stopping fuel from flowing from the blend valve to a dispensing meter when either the first grade of fuel of the second grade of fuel is not being supplied to the blend valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Ensign Petroleum Equipment Company, Inc.Inventor: William H. Ensign
-
Patent number: 5275486Abstract: A two-phase mixture of at least two fluids which is supplied with subsonic velocity through associated feed lines (4, 3) is accelerated to sound velocity by means of a nozzle (2). Upon the exit from the narrowest cross-sectional area (6) of the nozzle (2) the two-phase mixture is expanded in an expansion chamber (10) to supersonic velocity. The two-phase mixture expanded to supersonic velocity is thereafter brought to ambient pressure substantially as a one-phase mixture after flowing off through a diffuser passage (9) by means of a shock wave built up in an outlet channel (8). The outlet channel (8) has a constant cross-sectional area the hydraulic diameter of which is as great as the hydraulic diameter of the narrowest cross-sectional area (6) of the nozzle (2) or amounts to up to the three-fold of this hydraulic diameter. An outlet (11) provided with a relief valve (22) is connected to the expansion chamber (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1993Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Transsonic Uberschall-Anlagen GmbHInventor: Vladimir V. Fissenko
-
Patent number: 5273583Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous coating of charge transport solutions onto a substrate to form an electrophotographic imaging member, including a pump to a flow of a first highly doped charge transport solution and a pump to a flow of a second undoped or lowly doped charge transport solution at predetermined rates to a common junction at which the flows intermix into a common flow upon contacting each other; piping connecting the pumping means to the common junction; and mixing device associated with the junction for continuously mixing the common flow during its movement through the mixing device, the mixing device having a short spiral flow path of less than about 200 cm for the solutions sufficient to substantially complete mix the common flow during its movement through the mixing means.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Edouard E. Langlois, Kathryn T. Kehoe, Warren R. Smith, Mark Muscato, Barbara D. Ceglinski, Alan C. Kirchoff, Robert F. Dunham, Michael D. Stair
-
Patent number: 5265635Abstract: A hot feed gas is controlled by utilizing a nuclear magnetic resonance analyzer to analyze the composition of the gas and to provide at least one corresponding composition signal. A valve controls the flow of the gas in accordance with a control signal. A network connected to the analyzer and to the valve provides the control signal to the values in accordance with the composition signal so as to control the flow of the gas as a function of the composition of the gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1992Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Giammatteo, Richard J. Trocino, Gregory Marsh
-
Patent number: 5247957Abstract: Method and apparatus for including within a carrier fluid to be utilized in different areas at least one additive in a constant predetermined concentration and at least one other additive in varying concentration depending on the particular area of use. For example, this invention allows various concentrations of one chemical such as a lubricant in a carrier liquid such as water to be delivered to selected different areas while maintaining a constant concentration of other chemicals such as chelates and the like in the carrier liquid. Thus, the invention lends itself to an apparatus and method of treating a plurality of zones of a processing line with a liquid, the liquid comprising a treatment liquid and a stock liquid in combination such as to maintain the concentration of one or more constituents constant while varying the concentration of one or more other constituents. The invention particularly concerns the lubricating of conveyors as in bottling lines and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1991Date of Patent: September 28, 1993Assignee: H. B. Fuller CompanyInventor: Harley A. Weisse
-
Patent number: 5246026Abstract: A device for automatic dilution of chemical additives and water utilizing a single pump (20) drawing water and other chemical additives through a dilution manifold (24). The chemicals are fed through adjustable orifices and valves, and a microprocessor based controller oversees and controls system operation. Two digital flow meters are arranged wherein the controller compares the difference between the flow meters and delivers a desired volume of the chemical additive and water.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1992Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Assignee: Proudman Systems, Inc.Inventor: Donald L. Proudman
-
Patent number: 5242664Abstract: To prepare a flow of gas at a high temperature of operation, a flow of gas which has previously been heated to a temperature much lower than the operating temperature is divided into two elementary flows, which are thereafter individually heated at higher temperatures, one of which is higher than the operating temperature and the other being lower than the operating temperature. The two flows thus differently heated are each sent to a buffer container which is heat insulated and two elementary gas flows are withdrawn from the containers and are thereafter combined in regulated proportion by means of a mixing valve adjusted at a control mixing position by means of a correcting signal which differentiates between the effective temperature of the gas prepared and a control temperature. Application for example to the manufacture of articles made of expanded foam material utilizing carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1991Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Inventors: Fabien Willot, Jean Senckeisen
-
Patent number: 5205648Abstract: A two-phase mixture of at least two fluids which is supplied with subsonic velocity through associated feed lines (4, 3) is accelerated to sound velocity by means of a nozzle (2). Upon the exit from the narrowest cross-sectional area (6) of the nozzle (2) the two-phase mixture is expanded in an expansion chamber (10) to supersonic velocity. The two-phase mixture expanded to supersonic velocity is thereafter brought to ambient pressure substantially as a one-phase mixture after flowing off through a diffuser passage (9) by means of a shock wave built up in an outlet channel (8). The outlet channel (8) has a constant cross-sectional area the hydraulic diameter of which is as great as the hydraulic diameter of the narrowest cross-sectional area (6) of the nozzle (2) or amounts to up to the three-fold of this hydraulic diameter. An outlet (11) provided with a relief valve (22) is connected to the expansion chamber (10).Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1991Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Assignee: Transsonic Uberschall-Anlagen GmbHInventor: Vladimir V. Fissenko
-
Patent number: 5203366Abstract: A modular apparatus (10) for preparing dilute chemical compositions at the point of use, e.g., a customer's plant, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1992Date of Patent: April 20, 1993Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Czeck, Douglas S. Hoerning, Richard J. Mehus, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Richard O. Ruhr
-
Patent number: 5199453Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for preventing or minimizing scale deposition from hard water onto heat transfer surfaces in atmospheric cooling towers, such as those used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, where evaporative cooling of water provides the necessary heat sink to the atmosphere. An electrical/mechanical control system responsive to changes in density of the water in the evaporative cooling system operates to permit discharge of water containing dissolved and suspended solids from the system when its density reaches a predetermined maximum value and to discontinue the discharge of cooling system water when its density reaches a predetermined minimum value. Water drained from the cooling system is replaced by fresh water, preferably by water containing chemical additives to increase solubility of hard water minerals in the cooling water.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1991Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: Khodabandeh AbadiInventors: Khodabandeh Abadi, Craig A. Hunt
-
Patent number: 5197800Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and dispensing a coating material formulation containing a liquid coating composition and a supercritical fluid as a diluent comprises a closed vessel having a hollow interior; a system for supplying fluid diluent into the vessel interior and for transforming the fluid diluent into supercritical fluid within the vessel; and, a system for introducing liquid coating composition into the vessel interior in such a way that it is sufficiently exposed to the supercritical fluid to form a fluid diluent rich phase and a liquid coating composition or resin rich phase which is saturated with supercritical fluid up to or near its saturation point for the temperature and pressure conditions within the vessel. The resin rich phase has a higher density than the fluid diluent rich phase and therefore collects on the bottom of the vessel from where it is withdrawn and supplied to coating dispensers for deposition on a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1991Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Laurence B. Saidman, James C. Smith