Plural Separate Treatment Chambers Or Zones Patents (Class 204/666)
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Patent number: 11686010Abstract: The present disclosure provides a carrier liquid leakage preventing device and an electrochemical deposition apparatus. The carrier liquid leakage preventing device is used for containing liquid medicine dripping from a carrier; the carrier liquid leakage preventing device comprises: a guide rail disposed along a first direction, the first direction is a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane or a direction at an angle to the horizontal plane; a leakage preventing groove provided on the guide rail and capable of performing a lifting movement along the guide rail so as to move above or below the carrier; and a driver for driving the lifting movement of the leakage preventing groove.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chengfei Wang, Junwei Yan, Guangcai Yuan, Shaodong Sun, Guocai Zhang, Shihao Dong, Pengcheng Dong
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Patent number: 11299682Abstract: A system for crude oil desalting and dehydration in a single vessel is disclosed. The system comprises a pressure vessel defining a cavity and comprising a sealed bulkhead separating the cavity into a first compartment and a second compartment. Disposed within the first compartment is a first distributor disposed within the first compartment, a first electrical grid assembly, and a transfer conduit that passes through the bulkhead from the first compartment to the second compartment, the second compartment being in fluid communication with the first compartment via the transfer conduit. The pressure vessel may further comprise an overflow weir in the first compartment and a second electrical grid assembly disposed within the second compartment and aligned substantially transverse to a flow path extending from the transfer conduit to the crude collection header.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: VME Process, Inc.Inventors: Michael Thomas, Chad Tomlinson
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Patent number: 11224828Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the break-up of at least one emulsion and separation of the light and heavy phase with at least an de-emulsification rate of more than 95% in only one apparatus (module) within less than 5 min by applying at least one time dependent or temporal changeable electrical field wherein the at least one electrical field is a high frequency (HF) singular alternating current (AC) field with an electrical field strength between 2,000 and 100,000 V/m and a frequency (HF) between 12,000 Hz and 200,000 Hz. The present invention relates furthermore to a method for the treatment of at least one emulsion by applying at least one direct current (DC) field and at least one high frequency alternating current—HF/AC field wherein the at least one DC field, in particular a pulsed DC-field, and the at least one HF/AC field are applied in series to the emulsion to be treated. The present invention refers further to a device for conducting said methods.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2021Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Borealis AGInventors: Andreas Leitner, Michael Schadenböck, Udo Muster
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Patent number: 10870592Abstract: An electrostatic separator including a separator vessel having an oil collection portion at its upper end, a water collection portion at its lower end, at least one electrode generating an electric field, and an inlet through which an emulsion mixture enters the separator vessel before exposure to the electric field in the upper part of the vessel, wherein the separator vessel further comprises at least one routing blade located proximate to the at least one electrode to route coalesced water droplets downwardly and away from the electric field.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK LimitedInventors: Andrew Jeremiah Hench, John Joseph Byeseda
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Patent number: 10597589Abstract: Low-water content organic phases can be difficult to achieve at high fluxes when water is present in an emulsified form, such as in a water-in-oil emulsion. Processes for de-emulsifying a fluid stream containing emulsified water, such as water-in-crude oil emulsions, include introduction of the fluid stream into a vessel that defines a coalescence zone. The vessel is configured to provide for simultaneous application of a centrifugal force and an electric field to the fluid stream within the coalescence zone. The simultaneous application of the centrifugal force and the electric field to the fluid stream provides for the coalescence of a portion of the emulsified water into a bulk aqueous phase. Continuous phases of the organic component and the bulk aqueous phase form in the coalescence zone and are separately removed from the vessel. The bulk aqueous phase is removed from the underside of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANYInventors: Robert Paul Adamski, Gautam Chandrakanth Kini, Santhosh Kumar Shankar, Gregory Kent Bethke
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Patent number: 10207202Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating water from an oil-water influx are provided. The apparatus includes a separation vessel having an inlet, an oil collection portion at its upper end, and a water collection portion at its lower end. Multiple high voltage tubes, each containing an electrode, are located within the oil collection portion. These high voltage tubes are staggered in length and held in place by perforated plates. The oil-water influx flows through the inlet of the vessel into the high voltage tubes, where it is subjected to an electrostatic field. The electrostatic field causes water droplets in the influx to coalesce and form a water out-flux which flows downwardly into the water collection portion of the vessel. The remaining stream of dehydrated oil flows upwardly to the upper outlet end. The oil collection portion of the separation vessel may be oriented vertically or at an angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Cameron Solutions, Inc.Inventors: S. Pavankumar B. Mandewalkar, Gary W. Sams
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Patent number: 9914073Abstract: A process train for a floating production storage and offloading installation includes a crude oil storage tank that is equipped with at least one set of electrostatic internals arranged to provide a treatment flow path isolated from a surrounding volume of the electrostatic separator section of the tank. An oil-and-water stream or mixture entering the set of electrostatic internals travels along the treatment flow path and is subjected to an electric field. The treatment flow path is in an upwardly direction toward the oil outlet section and in a downwardly opposite direction toward the water outlet section of the tank. Employing electrostatic internals within the tank permits an allowable inlet water content into the tank of up to 80%, significantly reducing the required topside processing equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Cameron Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Marcus D. Sprenkel, Gary W. Sams, S. Pavankumar B. Mandewalkar, Luis Eduardo Caires Fernandez
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Patent number: 9180400Abstract: An electrified desorption device, including a conductive water-absorbing material containing titanosilicates, wherein a ratio of silicon atoms to titanium atoms in the titanosilicates of the conductive water-absorbing material is 1 ? Si Ti ? 10 ; a conductive layer selected from the group consisting of a metal component, an alloy material, a conductive oxide component, and a mixture including either (a) more than one of the foregoing components or (b) the metal component, the alloy material, and graphite, attached to end surfaces at two sides of the water-absorbing material; a pair of electrode structures, coupled to two sides of the water-absorbing material respectively, and each having multiple sub-electrodes insulated from each other; and a voltage source, coupled to the pair of electrode structures.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ming-Shiann Shih, Jau-Chyn Huang
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Patent number: 9056200Abstract: A hazardous fluid transport container and a hazardous fluid delivery system are disclosed. The hazardous fluid transport container includes a housing enclosing an at least partially shielded enclosure. First and second fluid path elements are disposed within the housing, with the first fluid path element and second fluid path element fluidly coupled together. A pump unit may be provided for dispensing fluid from the first and second fluid path elements optionally into a third fluid path element. Also, methods for priming the hazardous fluid transport container and for mitigating laminar flow injection bolus spreading are disclosed. Additionally, disclosed is a radioactive fluid transport container for a syringe or other container. The radioactive fluid transport container allows the syringe or container to be used in an injection procedure without removal from the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Bayer Medical Care Inc.Inventors: Arthur E. Uber, III, Mark Trocki, Marc A. Mabie, Larry McCutchan, L. George Siddoway, Kevin P. Cowan, Lisa M. Coates, John F. Kalafut, Aaron Hughes, David M. Griffiths, Peter Twichell, Julie Gulick, Frederick W. Trombley, III
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Publication number: 20150122654Abstract: A system for improving oil-water separator performance wherein an electrostatic coalescer (15) is located upstream of a cyclonic oil-water separator (16). Preferably, the electrostatic coalescer is able to be bypassed and/or is located in parallel with a mechanical coalescer (17). In the case of parallel arrangement, selection of the flow path route between the electrostatic coalescer (15) and mechanical coalescer (17) is determined by use of an upstream phase detector (18).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: Caltec LimitedInventors: Mirza Najam Ali Beg, Carl Wordsworth
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Publication number: 20150090596Abstract: The present invention provides a system for solvent extraction utilizing a first electrode with a raised area formed on its surface, which defines a portion of a microfluidic channel; a second electrode with a flat surface, defining another portion of the microfluidic channel that opposes the raised area of the first electrode; a reversibly deformable substrate disposed between the first electrode and second electrode, adapted to accommodate the raised area of the first electrode and having a portion that extends beyond the raised area of the first electrode, that portion defining the remaining portions of the microfluidic channel; and an electrolyte of at least two immiscible liquids that flows through the microfluidic channel. Also provided is a system for performing multiple solvent extractions utilizing several microfluidic chips or unit operations connected in series.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLCInventors: Artem Gelis, Candido Pereira, Kevin Paul Flood Nichols
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Publication number: 20150076001Abstract: Apparatus for purifying a fluid, which comprises an ion absorption cell (2) traversed by a fluid to be treated (F1) containing cationic particles and/or anionic particles, provided with a containment structure (3) defining at its interior two operating chambers (4, 5) traversed by the fluid to be treated (F1), and each delimited by a respective electrode (10, 11) that can be power supplied to opposite polarities. Between the two operating chambers (4, 5), a third evacuation chamber (13) is interposed, containing a porous electrical conductor (18) traversed by a washing fluid (F2) and delimited by two opposite walls (16, 17) which together with the electrodes (10, 11) define the aforesaid operating chambers (4, 5). The aforesaid walls (16, 17) have at least one ion-selective area associated, which is susceptible to being traversed by charged particles with corresponding polarity contained in the two contiguous operating chambers (4, 5) subjected to the action of the electric field generated by the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: IDROPAN DEL'ORTO DEPURATORI S.r.l.Inventor: Tullio SERVIDA
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Publication number: 20150060282Abstract: System and methods are disclosed for filtering wastewater. In one embodiment, a water filtering system comprises a first filtering stage and a second filtering stage. The first filtering stage receives a flow of wastewater, and uses electrocoagulation to separate suspended particles from the wastewater and produce filtered wastewater. The second filtering stage receives the filtered wastewater from the first filtering stage, and uses mechanical filtering to remove suspended particles from the filtered wastewater and produce filtered water that is substantially free from suspended particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventor: Curt Johnson
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Publication number: 20150060286Abstract: Water treatment systems and associated methods are generally described. Certain of the water treatment systems and methods described herein can be used to pre-treat an aqueous stream that is subsequently transported to a desalination apparatus and/or post-treat an aqueous stream that has been produced by a desalination apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Gradiant CorporationInventors: Prakash Narayan Govindan, Steven Lam, Maximus G. St. John
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Patent number: 8940166Abstract: An electrocoagulation apparatus is disclosed integrated with a plate clarifier and sludge chamber for effluent treatment. The clarifier includes first and second tanks, an electrocoagulation reactor positioned in the first tank. The sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Rockwater Resource, LLCInventor: Reginald A. Wiemers
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Publication number: 20140291257Abstract: A water treatment device and related method of operation may include receiving used, dirty and/or waste water from a well or other source of water. The water may then be prepared for a voltage treatment by injecting a gas into the water, treating the water with pH adjustments and then applying a voltage to the water in order to remove the sediment from the water to provide a recycled water for continued use.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: HOWARD SCHACHTER
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Publication number: 20140209465Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a system and methods for separating oil and water streams. The method includes separating a fluid stream into an oil continuous stream and a water continuous stream using a cyclonic separator, flowing the oil continuous stream to a first gravity separation vessel, and flowing the water continuous stream to a second gravity separation vessel. The method also includes separating the oil continuous stream in the first gravity separation vessel into an oil stream and a water stream and separating the water continuous stream in the second gravity separation vessel into an oil stream and a water stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Scott M. Whitney, Per-Reidar Larnholm
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Publication number: 20140197030Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density is controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a primary separation chamber containing the dense slurry, and a multiple number of secondary separation chambers used to separate cuttings from the drilling fluid. The invention also contains inlet hardware allowing the mixed mineral suspension to enter the first separation chamber, and hardware allowing the three outlet (separated) streams to exit the device. One of the three outlet streams carries the minerals that have a density greater than the user selectable density set point, while the second carries the minerals that have a density less than the density set point, and the third carries clean drilling fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.Inventor: Thomas R. Larson
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Publication number: 20140183046Abstract: Disclosed are microfluidic devices and systems for the desalination of water. The devices and systems can include an electrode configured to generate an electric field gradient in proximity to an intersection formed by the divergence of two microfluidic channels from an inlet channel. Under an applied bias and in the presence of a pressure driven flow of saltwater, the electric field gradient can preferentially direct ions in saltwater into one of the diverging microfluidic channels, while desalted water flows into second diverging channel. Also provided are methods of using the devices and systems described herein to decrease the salinity of water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Richard A. Crooks, Kyle N. Knust, Robbyn K. Anand
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Patent number: 8758604Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for integrated waste foam/gas evacuation from an electrocoagulation unit. The electrocoagulation unit has a primary electrocoagulation reaction chamber with processing electrodes maintained therein. A flotation chamber is integrated above the reaction chamber and a vacuum hood is affixed over the flotation chamber. A vacuum nozzle device is connectable with a vacuum source and received through the hood and in the flotation chamber, a height adjustable foam intake provided at one end of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Rockwater Resource, LLCInventor: Reginald A. Wiemers
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Patent number: 8740600Abstract: An apparatus for charging particles in non-conductive liquids, so they agglomerate and can be removed by filtering, is comprised of a housing which contains a non-conductive insert having a multiplicity of channels. The incoming stream is divided into two halves, each of which is flowed through a set of charging channels which contain electrodes, preferably metal brush-like electrodes. One set of electrodes is charged to a high positive voltage; the other set is charged to a high negative voltage. The liquid streams are then merged and flowed trough a set of mixing channels, along the path of which are one or more reversals in flow direction. The mixing channel path length is substantially longer than the charging channel path length.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Isopur Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Raymond K. Gomes
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Patent number: 8715506Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density is controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a primary separation chamber containing the dense slurry, and a multiple number of secondary separation chambers used to separate cuttings from the drilling fluid. The invention also contains inlet hardware allowing the mixed mineral suspension to enter the first separation chamber, and hardware allowing the three outlet (separated) streams to exit the device. One of the three outlet streams carries the minerals that have a density greater than the user selectable density set point, while the second carries the minerals that have a density less than the density set point, and the third carries clean drilling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventor: Thomas R. Larson
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Publication number: 20140083857Abstract: A method and system for treatment of flow-back and produced water from a hydrocarbon well in which fracturing operations are carried out using a phase separation and creating of positive charge in the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: MBJ Water PartnersInventor: Joseph G. Munisteri
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Patent number: 8663444Abstract: Prolongation of the lifetime for reduced water is attempted. Production water that presents alkalinity is produced by utilizing raw water with ionized metallic minerals being dissolved therein and hydrogen gas H2. When inpouring the hydrogen gas together with the raw water into an electromagnetic portion in the apparatus, the hydrogen gas is bubbled and ionized to produce ions. The gas bubbles of the ionized hydrogen-ions are miniaturized. By making a metallic mineral as a core, hydrides (H?), which are negative ions in the hydrogen ions, coordinate on the periphery of that core. The metallic minerals which are complex-ionized (complex-ionized metallic minerals) based on a fact that the hydrides coordinate are dissolved in the water stably for long period of time, so that production water which presents alkalinity, that is, reduced water can be obtained. The reduced water can be utilized as drinking water. A metal container is preferable for a refilling container.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Kuki-Shoukou, Co., Ltd. and Panet Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashige Nabeshima
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Patent number: 8663445Abstract: An electrochemical desalination system includes a first and a second electrochemical device and a controller. The first and second electrochemical devices each comprises a electrochemical desalination module comprising at least one pair of electrodes and a compartment between each pair of electrodes for receiving an electrolyte solution. Each of the first and second electrochemical desalination devices comprises a plurality of successive operation cycles. Each cycle comprises a charging mode of operation for charging each pair of electrodes and for adsorbing ions in the electrolyte solution on the electrodes, and a discharging mode of operation for discharging the pair of electrodes and for desorbing ions from the pair of electrodes. The controller is configured to control the system that the first and second electrochemical desalination devices have interleaved charging and discharging modes of operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ran Niu, Hai Yang, John H. Barber, Min Hu, Rihua Xiong, Wei Cai, Xin Gao, Yufeng Liu
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Publication number: 20140048418Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions from water. The apparatus may include a stack having a first electrode including a first current collector, a spacer on top of the first electrode, and a second electrode on top of the spacer. The stack may have a tray to hold and position the stack within a housing of the apparatus and thus may improve the manufacturability of the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: VOLTEA B.V.Inventors: Albert Van Der Wal, Hank Robert Reinhoudt, Diederik Geert Femme Verbeek, Lucas Johannes Cornelis Kouters
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Publication number: 20140034504Abstract: An apparatus for separating water from a water-in-oil mixture having an elongated inlet vessel with a lower outlet end and an upper inlet end, the length thereof being a multiple of the largest vessel cross-sectional dimension. A separation vessel having an oil outlet and a divergent water outlet has an inlet passageway in communication with the inlet vessel lower outlet end. At least one electrode is positioned within the inlet vessel by which a mixture flowing therethrough is subjected to an electric field.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Cameron Solutions, Inc. (formerly National Tank Company)Inventors: Gary W. Sams, Harry G. Wallace, Davis L. Taggart, David R. Manen
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Patent number: 8636889Abstract: A solid electrolyte producing system includes a supercapacitor desalination device comprising a power supply and a supercapacitor desalination unit. The supercapacitor desalination unit includes a pair of electrodes electrically coupled to the power supply and operable in a charging mode of operation and a discharging mode of operation. A feeding source is configured to provide a feed liquid to the supercapacitor desalination unit when the supercapacitor desalination unit is in the charging mode of operation. The feed liquid comprises at least one determined electrolyte. A crystallization device is providing for receiving a concentrated liquid from the supercapacitor desalination device in the discharging mode of operation, the concentrated liquid being a saturated liquid or supersaturated liquid of the at least one determined type of electrolyte. The at least one determined type of electrolyte precipitates in the crystallization device as solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wei Cai, Rihua Xiong, Chang Wei, Robert Lee Solomon, Rengarajan Ramesh
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Patent number: 8623209Abstract: Fluid head height and foam/gas level control apparatus associated with a primary reaction chamber of an effluent processing electrocoagulation assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of rotatable disks each having an orifice located therethrough toward an outer circumference of the disk. The disks are mounted in a horizontal array of openings located at an upper portion of the primary reactor chamber, the orifices communicating through the openings, height of the orifices in the chamber being selectable by rotation of the disks. Rotatable restrictor plates are mounted on the disks for selective restriction of flow through the orifice.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Rockwater Resource, LLCInventor: Reginald A. Wiemers
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Publication number: 20130327646Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating water from an oil-and-water mixture includes at least two elongated separator vessels oriented at an incline and connected to one another so that an upwardly flowing oil predominant fluid passes from the first separator vessel to the second separator vessel where further electrostatic separation of water from the oil predominant fluid occurs. Each vessel has an electrode at its upper end preferably connected to a different voltage source. The inlet to each vessel is located relative to the electrode to provide an up flow or a down flow vessel. Additionally, the first vessel may be at a different elevation than the second vessel. An additional vessel may be included with output from the first vessel bypassing the additional vessel, the second vessel, or both. Baffles may be added in the water collection portion of each vessel to reduce turbulence and settling distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Gary W. Sams, Harry G. Wallace, Davis L. Taggart, David R. Manen, David A. Trevas
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Patent number: 8580098Abstract: Electrostatic filters, systems and methods having separate positively and negatively charged filter elements within electrically isolated filter tanks for electrostatically filtering particles from a fluid flow. Both positive charged connections biased to earth ground and negative charged connections biased to earth ground are made to the respective positive and negative charged filter elements, along with triboelectric induced charge accumulations from the fluid flow, for separating charged particles within the fluid flowing parallel through these oppositely charged filter elements. Variable resistors of a power supply connected to such filters, systems and methods provide for controlling and adjusting for any undesired voltage excesses and/or shortfalls within these filter tanks so that the fluid flowing exiting these filter tanks is unbiased to generate a filtered fluid having balanced electrostatic charges.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: McCormick and Munson Technologies, LLCInventors: Gerald L. Munson, Daniel P. McCormick, David M. Butler
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Patent number: 8574417Abstract: The invention relates to a method for two-step separation of water, salt and particles from a hydraulic fluid by the use of a control unit. The hydraulic fluid is carried into a return oil tank with an electrostatic coalescer provided with a high-voltage transformer with direct current to two electric grids whose electrostatic field gathers water into drops which settle into a collecting tank. The hydraulic fluid is circulated to a filter module for removing any remaining water, salt and particles in filter elements connected in parallel, having hygroscopic cellulose fibers which swell until saturation, the swelling being measured by a sensor measuring the degree of saturation, alternatively conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Tool-Tech ASInventor: Egil Eriksen
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Patent number: 8460532Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: William L. Bourcier, Roger D. Aines, Jeffery J. Haslam, Charlene M. Schaldach, Kevin C. O'Brien, Edward Cussler
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Patent number: 8449750Abstract: A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Syed Hamid, Beegamudre N. Murali, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 8414777Abstract: A coalescing apparatus including a casing having an inner chamber for accommodating insulating fluid. At least one tube of electrically insulating material extends through the casing and the chamber. Each tube forms a flow channel for emulsion to be treated. A set of electrodes is mounted in the chamber. The tube is allotted at least one pair of electrodes of the set. A voltage set is configured to apply mutually different electric potentials to the electrodes of each electrode pair so as to form an electric field between them and thereby an electric field inside the respective tube. A heater is configured to heat the insulating fluid so as to allow the insulating fluid to transfer heat to emulsion flowing through at least one tube and thereby raise the temperature of the emulsion. An emulsion treatment system includes a coalescing apparatus. A coalescing method.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Hamworthy PLCInventors: Erik Bjørklund, Pål J Nilsen
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Patent number: 8357283Abstract: An electric separating apparatus has a separating tank and an electrical control. The separating tank has at least one first electrode panel, a second electrode panel, an upper separating region and a lower separating region. The electrode panels are vertically mounted in the separating tank to form the separating regions. The electrical control is electrically connected to the separating tank and has a transformer, a high-power resistor, a first A/C transformer, a second A/C transformer and a control unit. The transformer is electrically connected to an A/C source and the electrode panels. The high-power resistor is electrically connected to the transformer and the at least one first electrode panel in series. The A/C transformers are respectively connected to the high-power resistor and the electrode panels. The control unit is electrically connected to the A/C transformers to determine an electrical impedance of a liquid mixture in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Inventor: Tze-Ming Kao
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Patent number: 8293091Abstract: Electrostatic filters, systems and methods having separate positively and negatively charged filter elements within electrically isolated filter tanks for electrostatically filtering particles from a fluid flow. Both positive charged connections biased to earth ground and negative charged connections biased to earth ground are made to the respective positive and negative charged filter elements, along with triboelectric induced charge accumulations from the fluid flow, for separating charged particles within the fluid flowing parallel through these oppositely charged filter elements. Variable resistors of a power supply connected to such filters, systems and methods provide for controlling and adjusting for any undesired voltage excesses and/or shortfalls within these filter tanks so that the fluid flowing exiting these filter tanks is unbiased to generate a filtered fluid having balanced electrostatic charges.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: McCormick and Munson Technologies, LLCInventors: Gerald L. Munson, David M. Butler, Daniel P. McCormick
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Patent number: 8211284Abstract: A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Syed Hamid, Beegamudre N. Murali, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120018307Abstract: An oil cleaning device is provided with: at least a first electrostatic cleaner comprising at least one voltage source, and at least two metal plates connected to said voltage source; and at least one free radical sensor for determining the content and/or type of free radicals in the oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: ANSALDO ENERGIA S. P. A.Inventors: Fabrizio D'AGOSTINO, Hans OVERGAAG
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Patent number: 8062517Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventor: Hal Alper
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Publication number: 20110203930Abstract: The present invention relates to bead incubating and washing on a droplet actuator. Methods for incubating magnetically responsive beads that are labeled with primary antibody, a sample (i.e., analyte), and secondary reporter antibodies on a magnet, on and off a magnet, and completely off a magnet are provided. Also provided are methods for washing magnetically responsive beads using shape-assisted merging of droplets. Also provided are methods for shape-mediated splitting, transporting, and dispensing of a sample droplet that contains magnetically responsive beads. The apparatuses and methods of the invention provide for rapid time to result and optimum detection of an analyte in an immunoassay.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Ramakrishna Sista, Arjun Sudarsan
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Patent number: 7981268Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: William L. Bourcier, Roger D. Aines, Jeffery J. Haslam, Charlene M. Schaldach, Kevin C. O'Brien, Edward Cussler
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Patent number: 7964079Abstract: An electrical appliance including at least one sheet-shaped electrode and a connecting device for electrically connecting the at least one electrode to a voltage source. The connecting device includes a casing having two or more tubular casing parts. Each casing part enclosing a channel filled with a dielectric medium, and an elongated conductor for feeding electric power from the voltage source to the at least one electrode. The conductor extends through the channels of the casing parts and is surrounded by the dielectric medium therein. The conductor extends through a hole in an electrically conductive member of each individual electrode. The conductor is electrically connected to the conductive members of the electrodes and each individual electrode has a part arranged between two of the casing parts with the two casing parts clamped against opposite sides of the intermediate electrode part.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Hamworthy plcInventors: Rune Strand, Svein Tryti, Svein Jørgensen
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Publication number: 20110139624Abstract: A compact desalting system for use in a process of desalting crude oil comprises a plurality of separation stages. Each separation stage includes a compact electrostatic coalescer (42, 62) for coalescing water droplets carried with the crude oil and settling means (91, 92; 95, 96) for settling separated oil and coalesced water droplets. The system includes a vessel (46) comprising a plurality of compartments containing the settling means and the compact electrostatic coalescers are each mounted in a housing on top of the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Aker Kvaerner Process Systems A.S.Inventors: Jon Liverud, Arne Myrvang Gulbraar
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Patent number: 7901570Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for supplying electrical power to a device, such as a filter element, located within a housing. In one embodiment, a conductive coil is embedded into the housing base, and a second coil is embedded into the filter element. Current is then passed through the coil in the housing base. Through induction, a current is created in the second coil in the filter element, in much the same way as a transformer functions. This inductive field may interfere with the operation of the various electronic functions, such as communications, sensing or other activities. To overcome this issue, an energy storage component, such as a capacitor, is included in the filter electronics. In this way, the power generated by the inductive field can be stored, and used when the inductive field is no longer present.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventors: Michael T. Grzonka, Aaron Burke
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Publication number: 20100219077Abstract: A ballast water electrolytic apparatus for treating ballast water comprising a ballast water electrolytic chamber and an oxygen supply chamber, the ballast water electrolytic chamber including an anode for producing chlorine oxides by electrolyzing ballast water and an oxygen cathode for separating the ballast water electrolytic chamber and the oxygen supply chamber and for producing water by reacting hydrogen ions in the ballast water electrolytic chamber with oxygen flowing into the oxygen supply chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Chester Sohn
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Publication number: 20100200426Abstract: An improved nutrient separator for separating various solid components from liquid manure includes two coaxial containers that communicate at the bottom and provide for separate extraction of the solid manure components and liquids. The phase separator includes an outer container having a partially open frusto-conical bottom and an open top and an inner container being concentric with and contained within the outer container and having an open bottom communicating with the outer container's bottom. A space is formed between the outer container's inner side walls and the inner container's outer side walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: VERMONT ORGANICS RECLAMATION INCInventor: TIMOTHY CAMISA
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Publication number: 20100126869Abstract: Electrocoagulation and sludge control apparatus and feed controller assembly for effluent treatment are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary reaction chamber having electrodes mounted therein and a treated effluent output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet. The feed controller assembly is intermediate the primary reaction chamber and the sludge chamber and has a length selected for distribution of all effluent feed water across substantially an entire length of the primary reaction chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventor: Reginald A. Wiemers
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Publication number: 20100126868Abstract: Fluid head height and foam/gas level control apparatus associated with a primary reaction chamber of an effluent processing electrocoagulation assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of rotatable disks each having an orifice located therethrough toward an outer circumference of the disk. The disks are mounted in a horizontal array of openings located at an upper portion of the primary reactor chamber, the orifices communicating through the openings, height of the orifices in the chamber being selectable by rotation of the disks. Rotatable restrictor plates are mounted on the disks for selective restriction of flow through the orifice.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventor: Reginald A. Wiemers
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Patent number: RE43332Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting and purifying liquids and gasses comprising; a) passing said liquids or gasses through a reactor or a combination of reactors, having a truncated compounded concentrator geometry; and b) simultaneously delivering and concentrating diversified electromagnetic and acoustic energies into a specific predetermined inner space of said compounded concentrator reactor, forming a high energy density zone in said reactor or reactors over a predetermined period of time. The reactor according to the present invention is preferably a compounded parabolic concentrator or a compounded ellipsoidal concentrator. The electromagnetic energy delivered and concentrated into and inside the reactor can be of any range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, microwave etc., or combination thereof. The acoustic energy is of any suitable frequency.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Atlantium Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Zamir Tribelsky, Michael Ende