Spraying Patents (Class 159/48.1)
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Patent number: 12114675Abstract: Methods of making a powdered milk product as described. The methods may include providing an aqueous milk-sourced mixture, and evaporating water from the aqueous milk-sourced mixture to produce an evaporated milk-sourced mixture having a total solids concentration of 35 wt. % or more. The evaporated milk-sourced mixture may be dried to form the powdered milk product, which may have less than 6 wt. % water. Systems for making the milk powdered product are also described. The systems may include an evaporator to evaporate water from a supply of a milk-sourced mixture to form an evaporated milk-sourced mixture. They may also include a dryer to dry the evaporated milk-sourced mixture and atomize it into the powdered milk product.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2023Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Leprino Foods CompanyInventors: Neill Burt, Mark Cramer, Jiancai Li, Richard Merrill
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Patent number: 12016362Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and a device for processing flour. The method comprises: adding water to the flour to increase the moisture rate of the flour; generating superheated steam; and subjecting the moistened flour to the superheated steam for a predetermined period of time. With the inventive method, superheated steam is used for processing the flour, and the flour can be treated in an easy way and in much less time.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Xiaoyun Kui, Ming Li, Guangming Su
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Patent number: 11959046Abstract: A method of creating a protective coating on an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is provided. The method includes providing carbon dioxide to an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid and allowing the alkali metal hydroxide and carbon dioxide to react thereby forming a carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer on the exterior of the solid wherein the carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer is non-hygroscopic and water soluble, and wherein greater than 80% of the hydroxide in the hydroxide-containing solid does not react with the carbon dioxide, and further wherein the alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is substantially free of lithium hydroxide. A method of testing for the presence of carbonate-containing coating on an alkali metal hydroxide containing solid is also provided. The method includes exposing the coated solid to 95 weight percent ethanol, collecting the ethanol effluent and testing the effluent for alkali metal hydroxide.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark P. Peterson, Keith E. Olson
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Patent number: 11832629Abstract: Methods of making a powdered milk product are described. The methods may include providing an aqueous milk-sourced mixture, and evaporating water from the aqueous milk-sourced mixture to produce an evaporated milk-sourced mixture having a total solids concentration of 35 wt. % or more. The evaporated milk-sourced mixture may be dried to form the powdered milk product, which may have less than 6 wt. % water. Systems for making the milk powdered product are also described. The systems may include an evaporator to evaporate water from a supply of a milk-sourced mixture to form an evaporated milk-sourced mixture. They may also include a dryer to dry the evaporated milk-sourced mixture and atomize it into the powdered milk product.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Leprino Foods CompanyInventors: Neill Burt, Mark Cramer, Jiancai Li, Richard Merrill
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Patent number: 11383179Abstract: This disclosure concerns a system and a method for removing dissolved solids from liquids. Specific implementations concern desalinating water. The system may comprise a blower, such as a thermal fan/compressor, configured to atomize a solid-bearing liquid to produce a hot, humid gas containing dissolved solids; a gas-solid separator configured to receive hot, humid gas containing entrained dissolved solids from the blower to separate the solids from the humid gas and to transmit the humid gas with solids removed through an exit port; a heater configured to heat the hot, humid gas received from the exit port of the gas-solid separator; and a condenser configured to receive heated humid gas from the heater and to condense solids-free liquid therefrom. The thermal fan/compressor may comprise a plurality of nozzles with outlets positioned adjacent atomization apertures across which a solid-bearing liquid flows and through which gas exiting the nozzles passes.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Oregon State UniversityInventors: Bahman Abbasi, Xiang Zhang, Mohammed Abbas Elhashimi Khalifa, Deepak Sharma
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Patent number: 10694683Abstract: Methods to produce a spray-dried active tetrahydrocannabinol powder and/or cannabidiol powder are described. The methods include introducing a heated gas and a liquid mixture of water and active tetrahydrocannabinol and/or cannabidiol into a spray dryer and then separating powder from the spray-dryer in a two-step separation process. Counter-current spray dryers and co-current spray dryers are described followed by separation of the powders with a cyclone, filter, electrostatic precipitator, or sifter.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: INSECTERGY, LLCInventor: Daniel Michael Leo
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Patent number: 10541060Abstract: A material in the form of an alveolar monolith consisting of a matrix of an inorganic oxide with a hierarchical and opened porosity comprising macropores, mesopores and micropores, said macropores, mesopores and micropores being interconnected, and nanoparticles of at least one metal cation exchange inorganic solid material being distributed in said porosity. A method for preparing this material and a method for separating a metal cation notably a cation of a radioactive isotope of a metal such as cesium using this material.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Jeremy Causse, Agnes Grandjean, Alexei Tokarev, Yves Barre
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Patent number: 10251988Abstract: A dialysis agent A including a mixture containing glucose, acetic acid, and acetate salt, but not sodium bicarbonate, wherein the molar ratio of acetic acid:acetate salt is 1:0.5 to 1:2, and wherein a total amount of the acetic acid and acetate salt contained in the dialysis agent A is between 2 mEq/L and 6 mEq/L when the dialysis agent A is dissolved in 1 L of a bicarbonate dialysate.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Tomita Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Noguchi, Michiko Myose, Junya Kikuishi, Mina Hashimoto, Hideyuki Aoyama
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Patent number: 10124330Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the removal of polyvalent cations, in particular divalent cations, from mono ethylene glycol. Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) is used to prevent hydrate formation in pipelines transporting gas, condensate and water. It may also contribute to pipeline corrosion control.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: EQUINOR ENERGY ASInventor: Baard Kaasa
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Patent number: 10016734Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of producing potassium sorbate particles, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a potassium sorbate solution; (2) spray drying; (3) spray forming; (4) indirectly drying with steam on a vibration fluidized bed; and (5) swing-type sifting; in step (3), a binder is obtained by spray drying after adding sorbitol to the potassium sorbate solution prepared in step (1), and the binder is mixed with the potassium sorbate powder obtained by spray drying in step (2) to undergo the spray forming process; based on weight ratio, the weight ratio of the sorbitol required to prepare the binder to the potassium sorbate solution required to prepare the binder is 0.05-0.1%:1. The beneficial effects of the present invention are: an appropriate binding effect of the powder particles, a good breaking effect and a good spheronization effect of the powder particles, and uniformity of granulation.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Inventors: Handong Wang, Gongnian Xiao, Guojun Wang, Lijun Chen, Anna Lu, Yuanzhe Chen, Conghui Huang
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Patent number: 9931453Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dialysis agent A, which is able to set the total acetate ion content in the dialysate to a low value, excellent in storage stability of glucose, able to reduce the acetic acid odor, and able to suppress the corrosion of the dialysate delivery system and the dialysis machine, as well as to provide a two pack type dialysis agent utilizing the dialysis agent A. In the dialysis agent A used in the preparation of a bicarbonate dialysate, which is used as one part of a two pack type dialysis agent, it becomes possible to prepare a bicarbonate dialysate having the total acetate ion concentration of between 2 mEq/L or more and less than 6 mEq/L by allowing to include glucose, acetic acid and acetate salt and to satisfy the molar ratio of 1:0.5 to 2 of acetic acid and acetate salt, and include acetic acid and acetate salt in a total amount of between 2 mEq or more and less than 6 mEq in the dialysis agent A required to prepare 1 L of the bicarbonate dialysate.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: TOMITA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Noguchi, Michiko Myose, Junya Kikuishi, Mina Hashimoto, Hideyuki Aoyama
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Patent number: 9763961Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for treating an estrogen receptor (ER) or estrogen related receptor (ERR) mediated disorder, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of Compound Nos. 1-9, 7-2, 7-4, 7-5, 7-7, 7-8, 8-2 and 3-15 set forth herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said compound modulates estrogen receptors and/or estrogen-related receptors and methods for use of said compositions.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: CITY OF HOPEInventor: Shiuan Chen
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Patent number: 9597649Abstract: Fluid bed granulation process of an appropriate substance, comprising the cooling in a second fluid bed of the granules obtained. The same flow of fluidification air is used to form and support both fluid beds.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Casale SAInventor: Gianfranco Bedetti
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Patent number: 9463266Abstract: Technology for preparing a dialysis fluid capable of flexibly changing bicarbonate ion concentration and maintaining concentrations of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium at constant levels during dialysis according to the disease state of a patient. A three-component dialysate containing an agent S containing sodium chloride, an agent B containing sodium bicarbonate, and an agent A containing electrolyte components other than sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, with suitable adjustment of the amount of the agent B during dialysis fluid preparation maintains concentrations of trace metal ions such as potassium ions, calcium ions, and magnesium ions in a dialysis fluid at constant levels and flexibly changes the bicarbonate ion concentration therein. Adjusting the ratio between the amount of the agent S and agent B when the dialysate is used also makes it possible to maintain the sodium ion concentration at a constant level or flexibly change the sodium ion concentration.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Tomita Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Noguchi, Junya Kikuishi, Hideyuki Aoyama, Mina Hashimoto
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Patent number: 9220678Abstract: A method of coating a material onto projections provided on a patch. The method includes applying a coating solution containing the material to at least the projections and drying the coating solution to at least the projections using a gas flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: The University of QueenslandInventors: Mark Anthony Fernance Kendall, Germain Fernando, Xianfeng Chen, Tarl Prow
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Patent number: 9044725Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a system and method for spray drying a fluid. The system comprises a fluid reservoir (2), a spraying device (3) that comprises at least one outflow opening (4) for projecting droplets of fluid (5) from the reservoir (2) out of the at least one outflow opening (4) and at least one energy source (6) for at least partially drying the droplets. The spraying device (3) is arranged to project the droplets into a determinable droplet trajectory and the at least one energy source (6) is arranged for providing energy focused substantially on the droplet trajectory. It is an object of the invention to provide a system and method for reducing the amount of energy required for spray drying.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST-NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNOInventors: René Jos Houben, Leonardus Antonius Maria Brouwers, Gerrit Oosterhuis, Frits Verhoeven, Gerben Pieterse
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Patent number: 9034224Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of preparing polyamide particles. The method include spray drying a solution containing a polyamide to form polyamide particles having an average diameter of between about 0.5 ?m and about 10 ?m and at least about 85% of the polyamide particles having a diameter distribution of no more than about 1.5 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Research Foundation of The City University Of New YorkInventors: Alexander Couzis, Jeffrey Morris, Ankur D. Shah, Vilobh Shete
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Patent number: 8974643Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying a liquid comprising liquid particles and residual particles. It is hereby possible to generate substantially pure water from, for instance seawater.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: High Voltage Water B.V.Inventors: Sybrand Jacob Metz, Gerrit Oudakker, Johannes Cornelis Maria Marijnissen
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Patent number: 8926792Abstract: A method for on-site dissemination and disposal of all wastewaters or leachate, that is generated by a landfill or other wastewater generating site includes collecting the wastewater or leachate which comprises an aqueous solution, having solids, elements and compounds of concern therein. The wastewater or leachate is directed to an “Integrated Mobile Aerosolization System (IMAS)” having a turbine and being integrated and mobile. The turbine is driven so as to generate a fully integrated and mobile system of highly accelerated air that moves through the IMAS. An integrated pump is utilized to move the leachate or wastewater to a series of nozzles that aerosolizes the leachate or wastewater into the path of the system of air to form an air-wastewater mixture or an air-leachate mixture.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Inventor: Kelly K. Houston
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Publication number: 20150000846Abstract: The invention relates to the field of preparing nanoparticles. In particular, the invention provides a method for preparing organic or inorganic nanoparticles by instantaneous evaporation or flash evaporation, e.g. for the manufacture of nanoparticles of fertilizers, pharmaceutical or phytopharmaceutical active ingredients, or insensitive energy materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Benedikt Risse, Dominique Hassler, Denis Spitzer
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Publication number: 20140284001Abstract: The present invention generally relates to microfluidics, and to spray drying and other drying techniques. By at least partially drying fluids within a microfluidic channel, instead of or in addition to conventional spray drying techniques, better control of the drying process can be achieved in certain aspects of the invention. In addition, various embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems and methods for drying fluids contained within a channel such as a microfluidic channel. For example, a fluid may be partially or completely dried within a microfluidic channel, prior to being sprayed into a collection region. In some embodiments, gases such as air may be directed into a channel containing a fluid, which may facilitate drying of the fluid. In some cases, the fluid may be accelerated due to the introduction of gases into the channel, and in certain embodiments, droplets of fluid may be disrupted to form smaller droplets as a result.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicants: President and Fellows of Harvard College, BASF SEInventors: Esther Amstad, Christian Holtze, David A. Weitz
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Publication number: 20140205713Abstract: The present invention relates to spray-dried compositions capable of retaining volatile compounds and methods relating to the same. The present invention also relates to the powders produced by such methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES INC.Inventors: Keith Thomas Hans, Lulu Henson, Christopher Thomas Lavallee, Michael Popplewell, Eric Jesse Wolff, Maria Wright
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Publication number: 20140174673Abstract: A method for increasing the evaporation rate of an evaporative pond containing pond liquor comprising water and at least 1% by weight of sodium carbonate, said evaporative pond being in contact with an ambient air at an ambient air temperature of more than 0° C., the method comprising the following steps: feeding part of the pond liquor to a heat exchanger; heating the pond liquor in the heat exchanger with heat and producing a heated pond liquor; feeding the heated pond liquor into a spraying device at an operating temperature of at least 10° C. above the ambient air temperature; and spraying the heated pond liquor into an open area of the evaporative pond with the spraying device, so as to evaporate at least part of the water of the pond liquor when sprayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: SOLVAY SAInventors: Alain VANDENDOREN, Jessica A. MOTE
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Patent number: 8709204Abstract: A wood pulping process includes producing weak black liquor and cooling the liquor as well as recovering heat therefrom by directing the weak black liquor through a spray film evaporator. A feed or condensate is directed into the spray film evaporator and the feed or condensate is sprayed onto the outer surfaces of a bundle of tubes. This results in the feed or the condensate being vaporized and producing a vapor that can be utilized as a heat source for other processes in a pulp mill.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies North America Inc.Inventor: Michael S. Begley
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Patent number: 8696873Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of bilge and sludge water on a ship, especially at sea, using excess heat from the ship's engine(s) to a level of oil contamination of less than 15 ppm. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the method, and a vessel including such plant, as well as the use of the method and plant.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: PPM-Clean ABInventors: Benny Karlström, Jan Hedkvist
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Patent number: 8696870Abstract: Device for desalinating sea water comprising a unit (10) for spraying sea water in the form of droplets, a unit (20) for vaporizing the droplets into steam, a unit (30) for separating steam from salt particles, and a unit (40) for condensing steam into fresh water. The spraying unit comprises a sea water entry (12), an ambient-temperature dry air entry (14), and a device for generating acoustic waves at a frequency greater than 1 MHz focused by means of nozzles (17) receiving the sea water coming from the sea water entry so as to obtain microdroplets having a diameter comprised between about 2.5 microns and about 5 microns.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventors: Charles Pallanca, Henri Renggli, Gil Ching
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Publication number: 20140014276Abstract: Disclosed herein is an external mixing pressurized two-fluid nozzle for atomising a liquid by means of liquid pressure and gas, comprising an inner feed liquid pipe (1) extending axially between an upstream end and a downstream end, having a feed liquid conduit (2), a feed liquid inlet (3) positioned at the upstream end and a feed orifice (4) positioned at the downstream end, and a co-axial first gas pipe (5) extending radially outside the inner feed liquid pipe (1) and forming a first gas conduit (6) between the first gas pipe (5) and the inner feed liquid pipe (1), the first gas pipe (5) having a gas outlet slit (7) positioned at the downstream end. Said external mixing two-fluid nozzle provides a swirling motion of the gas, which combined with a pressurized feed liquid enables the production of spray dried powder at industrially applicable capacities with low energy consumption and a small particle size.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: GEA PROCESS ENGINEERING A/SInventors: Per Bo Sorensen, Anders Bo Jensen, Soren Fredsted
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Patent number: 8617359Abstract: A method for distilling a starting material that includes a liquid Fd to be distilled, uses a gas-tight container system that is resistant to excess and/or negative pressure. The container system includes a condenser for condensing the liquid Fd, which has turned to vapor and whose temperature can be adjusted, to give the condensation product, and a vapor chamber connecting the evaporator and the condenser. The pressure and temperature in the vapor chamber are monitored and controlled so that distillation is always carried out in a range close to the saturation vapor pressure of the liquid Fd to be distilled. If the pressure is too high, it is reduced so that especially foreign gas is removed. An installation includes a container for distillation according to method.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventors: Markus Lehmann, Markus Braendli
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Patent number: 8591704Abstract: A fractionation process for producing at least two concentration fractions of a fluid including a solute, suspended or dissolved content using at least two fluidly connected evaporator units is provided. The process includes the steps of: feeding a feed fluid including a solute, suspended or dissolved content into at least a first evaporator unit; evaporating a first amount of fluid from the feed fluid in at least the first evaporator unit to produce a first concentrated fluid; feeding at least a portion of the first concentrated fluid into at least a second evaporator unit; and evaporating a second amount of fluid from the first concentrated fluid in at least the second evaporator unit to produce a second concentrated fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Creative Water Technology Ltd.Inventor: Stephen Shelley
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Patent number: 8533972Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
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Publication number: 20130206342Abstract: Low temperature process and apparatus generally includes separating whole stillage into thin stillage and wet distillers grains, wherein the thin stillage comprises water soluble proteins in an amount greater than the wet distillers grains, and wherein the wet distillers grains has a higher solid content than the thin stillage; atomizing the thin stillage at an elevated temperature to remove at least a portion of moisture in the thin stillage and form particles and granules of the thin stillage; and removing additional moisture from the particles and granules in a fluidized bed to form dried distillers solubles. The apparatus includes an atomization section and a fluidized bed section configured to dry the thin stillage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: GS CLEANTECH CORPORATIONInventor: GS Cleantech Corporation
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Patent number: 8496787Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating brine effluent from desalination plants by distillation, is disclosed. To eliminate the brine the salt is converted into a solid and all of the water in the brine is converted to distilled water. The key to achieving this is reducing or eliminating the scale formation in the heating chamber. In one embodiment the process can be used to reduce or eliminate scale formation in a vapor compression sea water desalinization system and there-by use this system to produce drinking water. This process requires no chemical additives but relies entirely upon separation of the process of vaporization of the fluid involved, from the process of heating of the fluid. In one embodiment of this apparatus sea water can be desalinated and the resulting products can be dry salt and pure water leaving no brine return to the ocean.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Inventor: Michael John Lord
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Publication number: 20130165371Abstract: A spray-drying apparatus includes a drying chamber that has a first end, a second end, and at least one side wall extending between the first and second ends to define an interior of the drying chamber having a center axis. A nozzle can be positioned at the first end of the drying chamber and be configured to atomize liquid and spray the atomized liquid into the interior of the drying chamber at a maximum spray pattern angle relative to the center axis. A heating device can be provided to heat the liquid prior to introduction into the drying chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: BEND RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Daniel E. Dobry, James M. Mullin, Douglas L. Millard, Dwayne T. Friesen, David D. Newbold, John M. Baumann, Devon B. Dubose
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Publication number: 20130153157Abstract: A spray-drying apparatus includes a drying chamber that has a first end, a second end, and at least one side wall extending between the first and second ends to define an interior of the drying chamber having a center axis. A nozzle can be positioned at the first end of the drying chamber and be configured to atomize liquid and spray the atomized liquid into the interior of the drying chamber at a maximum spray pattern angle relative to the center axis. A ratio of the length between the first end and second end to a maximum width between opposing internal surfaces of the interior of the drying chamber can be at least 5 to 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: BEND RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Daniel E. Dobry, James M. Mullin, Douglas L. Millard
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Patent number: 8465628Abstract: A solar energy conversion and distillation apparatus floats on a body of saltwater and includes a matrix of buoyant distillation modules that produce and collect distilled water for on-shore usage. The distillation modules and other buoyant structures are mutually joined within a peripheral seawall to form an atmospheric barrier, and each distillation module includes a submerged energy absorber layer to form an energy conversion chamber that confines a shallow volume of solar-heated seawater. Water vapor in the air above the confined water condenses on chilled heat exchanger conduits, and the energy absorber layer is water permeable so that confined water lost to evaporation and condensation is replenished with water from a thermal reservoir underlying the energy conversion chamber. Buoyant mistifier units in each distillation module enhance the evaporative surface area of the water vapor subject to condensation.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: Richard L. Henderson
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Patent number: 8460509Abstract: A fluid evaporation system includes a housing bounding a fluid reservoir and an air flow path that is disposed over top of the fluid reservoir. The housing has an inlet opening and a spaced apart outlet opening that both provide communication between the outside environment and the air flow path. A fan is positioned to draw the air out of the air flow path through the outlet opening. A baffle projects into the air flow path at a location between inlet opening and the outlet opening so as to constrict the area of the air flow path thereat. A plurality of spray nozzles are positioned within air flow path between the baffle and the first end of the housing. A pump is configured to draw fluid from the reservoir and deliver it to the plurality of spray nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Total Water Management, LLCInventors: Janos I. Lakatos, Edward Clay Slade, Clayton R. Carter
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Publication number: 20130126102Abstract: Provided are a novel vacuum-pressure spray-drying method and a novel vacuum-pressure spray-drying apparatus suitable for drying and powdering a liquid raw material containing a substance susceptible to heat denaturation, such as a food raw material and a medicine raw material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: TANABE ENGINEERING CORPORATIONInventors: Yutaka Kitamura, Kazuhiko Yamazaki, Yoshitsugu Yamano
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Patent number: 8444830Abstract: A desalination process including heating brine in a preheating chamber and transferring the brine to a rotary kiln to be sprayed against the wall structure of the rotary kiln to boil to steam and a residue of salt/impurities, the exiting steam being pressurized in a compressor and passed to an externally powered heater to be heated and then fed to a hollow wall structure of the rotating kiln in which the steam condenses to pure water to be transferred to the preheating chamber to preheat the incoming brine, the rotating kiln being arranged to rotate past a scraper to remove salt/impurities from the wall structure for collection at the base of the kiln.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Inventor: Garth Davey
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Patent number: 8430993Abstract: A fluid evaporation system includes a housing bounding a fluid reservoir and an air flow path that is disposed over top of the fluid reservoir. The housing has an inlet opening and a spaced apart outlet opening that both provide communication between the outside environment and the air flow path. A fan is positioned to draw the air out of the air flow path through the outlet opening. A baffle projects into the air flow path at a location between inlet opening and the outlet opening so as to constrict the area of the air flow path thereat. A plurality of spray nozzles are positioned within air flow path between the baffle and the first end of the housing. A pump is configured to draw fluid from the reservoir and deliver it to the plurality of spray nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Total Water Management, LLCInventors: Janos I. Lakatos, Edward Clay Slade, Clayton R. Carter
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Publication number: 20130056158Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: VELICO MEDICAL, INC.Inventor: Velico Medical, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130025798Abstract: A process for separation of solid and liquid components in a distillation whole stillage utilizing airless spray drying is disclosed, which is more efficient and economical than conventional processes. In the process, distillation whole stillage resulting from distillation of fermented biomass is first subjected to an evaporation step for separating the whole stillage into a condensate and a concentrate including water, dissolved solids and suspended solids. The concentrate is then subjected to airless steam spray drying for converting the concentrate into dried solids, steam and vapors. All steam and vapors resulting from the airless steam spray drying step are then redirected as energy source to a processing step upstream of the airless spray drying step. At least some of the steam generated in the airless spray drying step is airless steam.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: GREENFIELD ETHANOL INC.Inventors: Richard Romeo LEHOUX, Christopher Bruce BRADT
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Patent number: 8347525Abstract: The invention relates to a spray drying system and a method for its operation that provides a composition of dry. or essentially solvent free, particles from a solution of an agent. The system comprises a generally vertical tube reactor arranged for counter-current removal of solvent from a process flow fed with aerosol droplets of solution descending from the top said reactor with an ascending gas flow. The reactor includes a perforated process tube for transportation of the process flow from the outlet of an aerosol generating device to a dry particle collecting device. A membrane sleeve essentially surrounds the peripheral area of said process tube and separates the descending process stream from the ascending gas stream. Vaporized solvent is transported from the process stream to the ascending gas stream. A reactor housing is sealingly covering said process tube and membrane sleeve and is provided with means for introducing and/or removing the process fluids.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Inhalation Sciences Sweden ABInventor: Per Gerde
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Publication number: 20130005863Abstract: A preferably pulverulent dispersing agent comprising as the component having a dispersing action the combination of (a) at least one representative of polycarboxylate ethers with a weight content of from 0.1 to 20%, (b) at least one representative of polycarboxylate esters with a weight content of from 0 to 20% and (c) at least one representative of non-charged copolymers with a weight content of from 0.1 to 20%, which is accessible by co-spray drying the individual components and which is suitable for controlling the flowability of aqueous chemical construction suspensions is claimed. By the dispersing agents which form in situ according to the invention, a controllable subsequent dosing of dispersing agent can be achieved without an additional process step.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Manfred Bichler, Silke Flakus, Christoph Hofheinz
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Patent number: 8317982Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and apparatus for utilization of waste heat of flue gas liberated from different heat sources to provide high quality water from sea/brackish.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Subrahmanyam Kumar
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Patent number: 8282772Abstract: A method for processing wastewater includes the steps of introducing air and a liquid into a pump, and subjecting the air and liquid to high heat and pressure; delivering the heated and pressurized air and liquid from the pump to a gas and liquid separator to separate the air from the liquid; expanding the air from the gas and liquid separator through a nozzle to accelerate the air as it expands; injecting at least some portion of the wastewater to be processed into the air from the nozzle in an entrainment section downstream from the nozzle to entrain the wastewater into the air; passing the liquid portion from the gas and liquid separator through a valve to lower the pressure of the liquid to achieve flash evaporation of the liquid to produce water and steam; introducing the water and steam produced from the valve into the air and entrained wastewater in the entrainment section, to enhance entrainment of water into the air; and delivering the air and entrained wastewater from the entrainment section to an iType: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventor: W Paul Jepson
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Patent number: 8177936Abstract: Evaporation of calciferous water is performed by an evaporator using electrical heating. An injection nozzle is connected to a spray hose arranged in an upper third of the evaporator, immediately above a thermostat that is disposed on the bottom side of the evaporator. A distance between the injection nozzle and the thermostat is less than 15 mm. A steam hose is connected to the evaporator via a steam connector. The steam connector has an inside diameter of at least 5 mm. The steam hose leads to a collector situated at an angle of inclination of 5° to 10°.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Inventor: Dietmar Berghaenel
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Patent number: 8173025Abstract: Water evaporation devices, systems and methods are used to evaporate large quantities of water from water impoundment ponds or other waste water sources. Water evaporation devices include a water evaporation barrel having an air acceleration chamber that creates venturi suction so as to draw water from a water source into a venturi chamber. Fast moving air and water create fine water droplets within a water atomization chamber, which droplets are then emitted from the water evaporation barrel through a discharge nozzle and into the air as a spray or cloud of fine water droplets. Water evaporation devices and associated systems and methods can be used to efficiently evaporate waster water produced by a wide variety of industrial processes.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: ReformWater, LLCInventors: J. Keith Reidhead, Tyson P. Cox
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Patent number: 8173026Abstract: Pressurized water evaporation systems and methods are used to evaporate large quantities of water from water impoundment ponds or other waste water sources. Water evaporation systems include one or more water evaporation barrels having an air acceleration chamber, water atomization chamber, and pressurizable air and water lines in fluid communication with the barrel. Fast moving air and water create fine water droplets within the water atomization chamber of each barrel. A fine spray or mist of tiny water droplets is emitted from a discharge nozzle of each barrel. Water evaporation systems and methods can be used to efficiently evaporate waster water produced by a wide variety of industrial processes, including waste water produced at oil or gas wells.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: ReformWater, LLCInventors: Rodney Rasmussen, Paul C. Cox
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Publication number: 20120103536Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: VELICO MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, JR., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
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Patent number: 8114249Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring an evaporator (2), whereby a liquid is applied onto a heating unit (3) and evaporated and the temperature drop caused by the evaporation heat in the heating unit (3) is detected. In the absence of a predetermined temperature drop, a signal is generated. In this way, the evaporation process can be controlled in a simple manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Rupert Meinzinger, Manfred Ziegler