Maintaining Stream Pressure Or Flow Patents (Class 210/137)
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Patent number: 8277653Abstract: A power recovery chamber is used for a positive-displacement power recovery apparatus in the seawater desalination plant or system. The power recovery chamber includes a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder and capable of being reciprocated in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder, and a piston guide disposed in the cylinder and extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder for guiding the piston when the piston is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. At least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the piston is out of contact with an inner surface of the cylinder, and the piston is brought into contact with the piston guide at a part where the piston guide passes through the piston.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Masao Shinoda, Kenichi Hoshino, Akira Goto, Hideki Kanno
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Patent number: 8277407Abstract: Artificial kidney for gradual, and at least semi-continuous, blood treatment, wherein a blood stream is fed from a body of a living human or animal being into the artificial kidney, where anticoagulation is first effected, blood cells and molecules of large and medium molecular weight, such as proteins, are then primarily separated from plasma and fed back to the blood stream, regulating a water and salt balance by diverting excess plasma water and further removing from the blood stream, plasma or plasma water accumulated and toxic substances, by removal of specific electrolytes and waste products and wherein purified or partially purified plasma and plasma water is being carried back to the blood tract of the body.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Relitech B.V.Inventors: Henk van Middendorp, Jacobus Cornelis Musters, Franciscus Peter Houwen
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Publication number: 20120241380Abstract: Embodiments of a liquid-solid countercurrent extraction system are provided, as are embodiments of a method for reducing the likelihood of rotary valve cavitation during liquid-solid countercurrent extraction. In one embodiment, the extraction system includes an adsorbent chamber and a rotary valve fluidly coupled to the adsorbent chamber. The rotary valve directs a first net stream into a different section the adsorbent chamber in each of a plurality of indexed positions. A first flow control element is fluidly coupled between the rotary valve and the source of the first net stream, and a controller is operably coupled to the first flow control element. The controller is configured to modulate the first flow control element during indexing of the rotary valve to reduce the flow rate of the first net stream and thereby maintain sufficient pressure of the first net stream to prevent cavitation within the rotary valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: UOP LLC.Inventors: Franz-Marcus Nowak, Lewis Pettengill
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Patent number: 8268168Abstract: A filter unit for a shower system includes a filtering housing and a filter core. The filtering housing includes a main body having a water inlet and a plurality of water outlets, wherein the water inlet is arranged to connect with the water supply tube so as to allow water to flow into the filtering housing through the water inlet, wherein one of the water outlets is connected with the second end of an extension tube of a shower head. The filter core is received in the filtering housing, and is capable of filtering unwanted substances in the water flowing from the water supply tube, wherein the filtered water is guided to flow out of the filtering housing through one of the corresponding water outlet to the extension tube and the shower head.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Inventor: Hoi Kwan Henry Mang
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Publication number: 20120211436Abstract: An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: SUNCOR ENERGY INC.Inventor: Thomas Charles Hann
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Patent number: 8246840Abstract: A fuel removal device comprising: means for establishing releasable fluid communication with an interior volume of an engine-mounted diesel fuel filter; a first conduit affixed to the releasable communication means for conveying diesel fuel contained in the interior volume of the engine-mounted diesel fuel filter out of the fuel filter; a collection receptacle in fluid communication with the fuel conveying conduit, the collection receptacle having a plurality of walls and located external to the automotive vehicle associated with the engine-mounted diesel fuel filter and at least on pneumatic system controlling the removal of fuel from the diesel fuel filter.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventors: George R. Blundy, Ram D. Bedi
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Patent number: 8246843Abstract: The invention describes a process for the separation of an oil/water mixture into an oil rich phase and a water rich phase using an inline separation device, an inlet, a vortex generating chamber, a central separation chamber, and an outlet and providing an oil rich phase discharge pipe and a water rich phase discharge pipe. The process further also comprising a) the provision of an additional tangential or axial inlet into the vortex generating chamber or the central separation chamber and introducing an additional amount of oil/water mixture tangentially and/or axially into the vortex generating chamber or the central separation chamber, or b) adjusting the vortex generating means to control the rotation of the vortex, or a combination of a) and b). The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the above process and to the use of such a device in the separation of oil/water mixtures.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Wouter Koen Harteveld, Peter Veenstra, Paulus Henricus Joannes Verbeek
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Patent number: 8225944Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.Inventors: Bradford E. Bjornson, Craig Aaron Strand, William Nicholas Garner, John Khai-Quang Diep, Darwin Edward Kiel, Thomas Charles Hann
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Publication number: 20120183947Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One exemplary method includes providing a first flow having a plurality of components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first cellular component of the plurality of components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second cellular component of the plurality of components in the first flow. The second flow having the first cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: ARRYX, INC.Inventors: Daniel MUETH, Joseph PLEWA, Jessica SHIREMAN, Amy ANDERSON, Lewis GRUBER, Neil Harris ROSENBAUM
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Publication number: 20120168360Abstract: A fluid flow channel includes a scavenging system to eject debris from the channel. The channel includes a back wall, channel floor, and upward ramp extending forward to an outer lip. The scavenging system includes a pivoted actuator with a face plate on a framework adapted for reciprocating rolling contact between retracted and forward positions relative to the back wall. The scavenging system rolls on tracks as it traverses the channel. The channel profile and scavenging system are configured to maximize the angle between face plate and ramp surface thereby minimizing the potential for jamming of the scavenging system during operation while economizing on channel width. The outer lip includes a flat top surface for transient support of the face plate framework at the end of its forward movement. The scavenging system further includes flexible wiper blades for sequential wiping contact with debris as it traverses the channel, and a forward-extending slider blade spring-biased toward the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Calvin A. Frelier
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Publication number: 20120168361Abstract: The cylindrical or conical shaped particle separator operates based on cyclone-induced flow sweeping the face of the cylindrical separator screen, creating inertial separation of suspended particles. The separator screen comprises of multitude of parallel, evenly spaced, asymmetrically profiled, linear, screen elements arranged in a cylindrical or conical grid-like shape parallel with the axis of the cylinder or cone. The cyclone effect is created by the rotational, helical path of the fluid inside or outside of the cylindrical or conical separator screen. The spinning, rotating fluid sweeps the inner or outer side of the stationary or rotating screen, passing approximately perpendicularly over the linear grid-like elements and gaps between the elements. The screen elements may be wires, bars, narrow strips, airfoil vanes or other similar linear elements with a flow separation edge on the trailing end of the profile of the element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Abbas Motakef
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Patent number: 8211312Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a separation system. The separation system can include an adsorption zone, a rotary valve, a transition zone, and one or more pipes. Usually, the transition zone includes one or more lines communicating the rotary valve with the adsorption zone. The rotary valve alternatively may distribute an input of a feed or a desorbent to the adsorption zone or alternatively can receive an output of a raffinate or an extract from the adsorption zone in a line, and a remnant may remain in the line from a previous input or output. One or more pipes outside the transition zone communicating with the rotary valve can form at least one pipe volume receiving an input for dislodging a remnant or for receiving a remnant from the line. The remnant may be different from the input or output.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Douglas George Stewart, Grace Chao, Braden E. Smith, Stephen W. Sohn, Robert J. L. Noe
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Patent number: 8206581Abstract: A high efficiency reverse osmosis system which utilizes a tuned injector in fluidic communication with a reverse osmosis membrane. The tuned injector includes an injector housing, an injector nozzle, a mixing chamber and an injector throat. The tuned injector utilizes line hydrostatic pressure to inject raw water with an injector nozzle into the mixing chamber to mix with recirculated concentrate water drawn into the mixing chamber by venturi effect and hydrostatic pressure to form feed water. The feed water is then discharged through the injector throat across a reverse osmosis membrane to produce permeate water using the line hydrostatic pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Inventor: Thomas E. Richetti
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Publication number: 20120145642Abstract: A method of fluid treatment of a feed comprising oil and water, the method comprising: supplying the feed into a flotation cell, the feed having an oil concentration, the flotation cell containing a working fluid and the working fluid having a surface; removing an oil phase from the surface of the working fluid; removing fluid from the flotation cell through one or more outlets below a working fluid level in the flotation cell; and controlling flow through the one or more outlets to maintain the working fluid level in the flotation cell within a predetermined range independent of variations in the oil concentration of the feed. A related apparatus is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: RJ OIL SANDS INC.Inventor: Wade R. Bozak
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Publication number: 20120145610Abstract: Disclosed is a fresh water generator for fresh water production, which is effective to prevent a membrane life from becoming worse by suppressing the load on the membrane of a second semi-permeable membrane treatment facility when the concentrated water produced by the treatment of a first semi-permeable membrane treatment facility, and water to be treated with different osmotic pressure there from are mixed and treated with the second semi-permeable membrane treatment facility by the fresh water generator which comprises a means for storing the concentrated water produced from the first semi-permeable membrane treatment facility and water (B) to be treated, which is separately supplied in a storage tank A and a storage tank B in such a manner that the flow rate (mixture ratio) of the concentrated water to the water (B) to be treated is maintained constant, and supplying the concentrated water and the water (B) to be treated from each of the storage tanks to the second semi-permeable membrane treatment faciliType: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hironobu Suzuki, Yuji Tanaka, Hiroo Takabatake, Yoshisuke Nakamura
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Publication number: 20120145609Abstract: Filter assemblies and fluid flow inhibitors that are particularly well suited for use in centrifugal separation enhanced filtration devices are described. Moreover extensible filter assemblies are described. In one aspect of the invention, extensible filtration assemblies can be used to operate in circulating fluid filtration devices. Such extensible filter elements can use fluid manifold to reduce the effects of fluid circulation inside filter elements and to reduce reverse flow problems in such filters. Additionally, indexable filter elements and invertable filtration elements can be used to extend filter life in filtration in filtration devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: CLEAN FILTRATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: George D. Caffell, Steven E. O'Reilly, John H. Mallard
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Patent number: 8197697Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for thickening liquids carrying suspended particles, such as slurry containing minerals, by using a thickening apparatus (1) comprising a tank (2) whereby pulp of higher relative density tends to settle towards the bottom of the tank, forming a bed of thickened pulp (3), and dilute liquid (9) of lower relative density is thereby displaced towards the top of the tank, a feedwell (4), which includes a chamber having means for receiving fed material (5), such as slurry and at least one outlet in fluid communication with the tank and means for distributing the material in the tank, at least one feedpipe (8) for feeding the material (5), at least slurry, into the feedwell, when the feedpipe cross-sectional area for the fed material (5) is constantly varying when the flowrate inside the feedpipe (8) varies.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Outotec OyjInventor: Richard Triglavcanin
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Patent number: 8192588Abstract: Water is removed from oily water produced during operation of a separation column by withdrawing the oily water from the column during separation into an external separator where the oily water is separated into a water phase and an oily phase. The oily phase is then heated to a temperature effective to produce a density differential that drives the oily phase back into the operating column.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Fluor Technologies CorporationInventor: John Mak
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Publication number: 20120118801Abstract: Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus and methods including a main treatment unit and an auxiliary treatment unit, along with one or more sensors for determining a parameter related to a pressure drop across the auxiliary treatment unit, and a control unit configured to control a flow regulator at least based on the parameter value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Hiram Rada, Nicolas Semenzato
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Publication number: 20120111804Abstract: An apparatus for purifying thermoplastic polymers, including a means for generating and conveying a polymer melt, the means including a first heating unit and a filter means, and the filter means including a second heating unit. And a method for purifying thermoplastic polymers, including a step of filtering a polymer melt by way of a filter means, wherein the filter means is at least temporarily heated to a temperature which is higher than that of the polymer melt.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: KRONES AGInventors: Thomas Friedlaender, Klaus-Karl Wasmuht, Jörg Zacharias, Stephan Mayr
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Publication number: 20120091067Abstract: A filter assembly is provided for collecting samples in a fluid environment, the assembly utilizing a laminar convective flow to cause the flow of a preservative/fixative and a filtrate through a filter. A substantially concave dead space around the filter is flushed free of the preservative and the differential in density of the preservative and filtrate causes the more dense fluid to collect in the reservoir and preserve the collected specimen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: MCLANE RESEARCH LABORATORIES, INC.Inventors: Craig D. TAYLOR, Kenneth W. DOHERTY, Susumu HONJO
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Patent number: 8157990Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Sailesh B. Kumar, Richard S. Hatami, Robert Crismyre
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Patent number: 8153012Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering a fluid, in particular a liquefied plastic, with a housing with backflush channel and screen carrier and filter element whereby, in order to accelerate and improve the backflush effect, one or more displacement cylinders are provided that guide material removed from the production at adjustable high pressure and speed to the screen to be cleaned from the clean screen side to the dirty screen side, whereby an additional pressure generator ensures constant process pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Kreyenborg Verwaltungen und Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stefan Woestmann, Dirk Bussmann
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Patent number: 8142663Abstract: An apparatus and methods for producing purified drinking water are disclosed. A hand pump is used in a closed system to generate pressure sufficient to pass the untreated water through a system of filters and a reverse osmosis membrane. The system preferably includes an ultrafiltration filter. The resulting water is substantially pure, being free of bacteria and having a significant amount of minerals and salts removed to make it safe for drinking. The system can produce enough potable water to supply the daily needs for a small village.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Acuity/Sparkle, Ltd.Inventors: Michael H. Francisco, Subhash Mehra, Sumeet Mehra
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Publication number: 20120061300Abstract: According to one embodiment, a membrane filtration system includes a raw water tank, a pretreatment membrane module, a raw water feed line, a high-pressure RO membrane module, a high-pressure line, a preceding power recovery unit which pressurize the pretreated water by transmitting the pressure of the concentrate to the pretreated water, a succeeding power recovery unit which pressurize the raw water by transmitting a remaining pressure of the concentrate to the raw water, a concentrate discharge line, a first pressure transmission line communicating to the power recovery unit by being branched from the high-pressure line, a second pressure transmission line communicating to the power recovery unit by being branched from the raw water feed line, and a valve provided in the drain line to regulate a discharge of the concentrate from the power recovery unit in accordance with a pressure loss in the pretreatment membrane module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Takeshi Matsushiro, Katsuya Yokokawa, Futoshi Kurokawa, Ryo Namba, Koichi Matsui, Hideaki Yamagata, Yuka Hiraga, Seiichi Murayama, Hiroyuki Tokimoto
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Patent number: 8128821Abstract: A reverse osmosis system 110 includes a membrane chamber 112 having a feed line. The chamber 112 generates a permeate stream 114 and a brine stream 116 from the feed line 118. A feed pump 120 pressurizes the feed line 118. A first flow meter generates a first flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the permeate stream 214. A booster device 172 has a turbine 176 in fluid communication with the brine stream 116 and a pump 174 in fluid communication with the feed line 118. A motor 178 is coupled to the turbine device 176 and a variable frequency drive 182 is attached to the turbine device 176 operating in response to the first flow signal. A second flow meter 218 generates a second flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the brine stream 116 and a variable size nozzle 240 operates an opening in response to the second flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLCInventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
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Patent number: 8114276Abstract: A dialysis machine includes a dialysis instrument having a pump actuator and first and second valve actuators, and a disposable cassette operable with the dialysis instrument, the disposable cassette including a pump portion operable with the pump actuator, first and second valve chambers operable with the first and second valve actuators, the first and second valve chambers communicating fluidly with each other, at least the first valve chamber communicating fluidly with a compliance chamber, the compliance chamber negating a first backpressure due to a pneumatic closing pressure used to close the first valve chamber to help to ensure the pneumatic pressure applied to the first valve chamber will close the first valve chamber against a second backpressure from an existing closure of the second valve chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Thomas D. Kelly, Rodolfo Roger
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Publication number: 20120031844Abstract: A flow-switch controlled, zero waste reverse osmosis water treatment system having a first conduit for providing a supply of water, a second conduit having an inlet in fluid communication with the first conduit for selectively receiving a flow of water from the first conduit, a reverse osmosis element positioned along the second conduit, the reverse osmosis element separating the flow of water within the second conduit into a purified water stream and a reject water stream, a purified water conduit having an inlet configured to receive the purified water stream and a reject water conduit having an inlet configured to receive the reject water stream and an outlet in fluid communication with the first conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: ATLAS WATER SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: MARK J. ST. HILAIRE
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Publication number: 20120024784Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and processes for fluid gasification and degasification are disclosed. A fluid gasification/degasification apparatus includes housing having a central axis and at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet positioned at different axial locations along the housing. A membrane unit that includes a plurality of bundled microporous hollow membrane strands is disposed within the housing and extends in parallel to the central axis of the housing. The fluid gasification/degasification apparatus further includes one or more gas addition/removal apparatuses for facilitating at least one of: a gas addition operation and a gas removal operation. An orientation of the fluid inlet(s) and fluid outlet(s) results in a substantial portion of a carrier fluid introduced to the housing traveling in parallel along exterior surfaces of the membrane unit thereby allowing for an extended interface time between the carrier fluid and micro-bubbles of a gas supplied to the membrane unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Christopher Clark, Joseph Bonazza, Navin Kadakia, Peter Ritchey, Richard Dennis
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Patent number: 8096425Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.Inventors: Bradford E. Bjornson, Craig Aaron Strand, William Nicholas Garner, John Khai-Quang Diep, Darwin Edward Kiel, Thomas Charles Hann
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Patent number: 8097153Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Publication number: 20120000835Abstract: A fluid strainer is disclosed for use in a fluid piping system, the fluid strainer having a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber. The first valve chamber can have a strainer inlet and contain first and second angled members, and the second valve chamber can have a strainer outlet and contain third and fourth angled members. A first pivotable seal can be movable within the first valve chamber into sealing engagement against either of the first or second angled members, and a second pivotable seal can be movable within the second valve chamber into sealing engagement against either of the third or fourth angled members. A first strainer chamber can be in communication with the first angled member and the third angled member, and a second strainer chamber can be in communication with the second angled member and the fourth angled member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventor: Ashvin D. Desai
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Publication number: 20110315638Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that enable the control of a screening operation based on a calculated screen blockage percentage and the velocity throughput of the screen. The apparatus includes an upstream level detector, a downstream level detector and flume or weir placed downstream of the screen. The apparatus may further include a blockage determination unit which determines the percent screen blockage based on the flow level upstream of the screen and the flow level downstream of the screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: JWC ENVIRONMENTALInventors: Scott KELLY, Kenneth OYLER, James BURKE
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Patent number: 8083706Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Nina C. Shapley, Zhongliang Tang
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Publication number: 20110303615Abstract: Disclosed herein are a ballast water treatment system having a back-pressure formation unit and a control method thereof. Back pressure in a filtering unit is checked and formed during a back washing operation for a filter of a filtering unit, thus enabling efficient back washing operation. Both a method of physically filtering ballast water using the filter and a method of sterilizing ballast water using ultraviolet rays are used to treat ballast water, thus preventing secondary contamination due to byproducts, and preventing the contamination of a ballast tank. A flow rate of ballast water introduced into an ultraviolet treatment unit is controlled such that the efficiency of the ultraviolet treatment unit is not reduced, while back pressure is formed in the filtering unit, thus increasing the overall treatment efficiency of the ballast water treatment system. Further, the filtering unit or the ultraviolet treatment unit may be automatically washed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: PANASIA CO., LTD.Inventors: Soo-Tae Lee, Tae-Sung Pyo, Sang-Gyu Cheon
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Publication number: 20110290721Abstract: This method improves and controls ex-situ or in-situ, aerobic or anaerobic digestion of organic materials and toxic or damaging compounds through increased control of multiple chemical and biological settings and conditions. The ability to control flow, natural processes, and biological activity while adjusting to individual site conditions modify results. Large quantities of modified or adjusted organisms are developed and utilized. Identification and strategic manipulation of the multiple elements of the system result in performance modifications. Energy is utilized to manipulate characteristics of a natural degradation system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventor: Richard Lee Aho
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Publication number: 20110284476Abstract: The output of a flow restricting ozone generator assembly is connected across a check valve to a low pressure port of a venturi nozzle which is connected in series in the water circulating plumbing of a pool or spa. The conveying chamber then stores the water vapors from the water flow through the nozzle which are communicated to the ozone generator to promote the reaction products hydroxyradical OH that is then drawn through the port to mix with the circulating water flow. The check valve at the outlet of the ozone generator is urged to close upon the instance when the flow through the nozzle ceases, terminating the low pressure at its throat and thereby fully confining the reaction products from inadvertent escape.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: Edward R. Otero
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Publication number: 20110278207Abstract: A water filter system including a base configured for receiving water from a faucet and a filter cartridge seated in the base. The filter cartridge defines a first chamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably inserted in the second chamber and includes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water. The enhancement cartridge is removable from the system separate from the filter cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: Paragon Water SystemsInventor: David Swain
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Publication number: 20110278208Abstract: According to one embodiment, a seawater desalination apparatus includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of seawater which is supplied to a reverse osmosis membrane that is configured to separate seawater into fresh water and condensed seawater and to discharge the fresh water and the condensed seawater, a sensor configured to measure a flow amount of the fresh water which is discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane, a sensor configured to measure a flow amount of the condensed seawater discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane or a flow amount of the seawater discharged from a booster pump, a sensor configured to measure a flow amount of the seawater which is supplied to a power recovery device, and a controller configured to execute control based on values measured by the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Ryo NAMBA, Katsuya Yokokawa, Hideaki Yamagata, Koichi Matsui, Futoshi Kurokawa, Takeshi Matsushiro
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Patent number: 8048315Abstract: Fluid treatment arrangements and methods involve a plurality of fluid treatment modules and a core assembly that extends through the plurality of fluid treatment modules. Each fluid treatment module has a feed region, a permeate region, and a fluid treatment medium separating the feed region from the permeate region. The feed region extends along a feed surface of the fluid treatment medium, and the permeate region extends along a permeate surface of the fluid treatment region. Feed fluid is directed along the feed region of each module, and a portion of the feed fluid passes as permeate through the fluid treatment medium, into the permeate region, and then into the core assembly. One or more control mechanisms are fluidly coupled to the permeate region of one or more fluid treatment modules to control a flow parameter in the permeate region of the module.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Pall CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Fendya, Xianyao Shen, Tanweer ul Haq, Mark F. Hurwitz, Stephen A. Geibel
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Patent number: 8043512Abstract: Fluid treatment arrangements and methods involve a spirally wound fluid treatment pack. The fluid treatment pack includes a fluid treatment medium, a feed region, and a permeate region. The feed region extends along a feed surface of the fluid treatment medium and the permeate region extends along a permeate surface of the fluid treatment medium. The fluid treatment pack is spirally wound around a core assembly to form a plurality of windings of the feed region, a plurality of windings of the fluid treatment medium, and a plurality of windings of the permeate region.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Pall CorporationInventors: James A. Bair, Thomas J. Fendya, Mark F. Hurwitz, Tanweer ul Haq, Stephen A. Geibel
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Patent number: 8038875Abstract: A practical treatment apparatus for ship ballast water, which can kill aquatic organisms contained in the ballast water, is provided by being easily incorporated in an existing ballast-water system piping in a ship.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuwo Fukuyo, Takeaki Kikuchi, Jun Waki, Seiji Kino, Kazunobu Hirao, Katsumi Yoshida, Syuji Ueki
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Publication number: 20110247979Abstract: Provided is a process and apparatus for separating a multi-component feed stream wherein a porous separator is used to effectively create, via permeation and phase change, at least three fractions of differing compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Wei Cao, Vladimir Yliy Gershtein
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Publication number: 20110247987Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for thickening liquids carrying suspended particles, such as slurry containing minerals, by using a thickening apparatus (1) comprising a tank (2) whereby pulp of higher relative density tends to settle towards the bottom of the tank, forming a bed of thickened pulp (3), and dilute liquid (9) of lower relative density is thereby displaced towards the top of the tank, a feedwell (4), which includes a chamber having means for receiving fed material (5), such as slurry and at least one outlet in fluid communication with the tank and means for distributing the material in the tank, at least one feedpipe (8) for feeding the material (5), at least slurry, into the feedwell, when the feedpipe cross-sectional area for the fed material (5) is constantly varying when the flowrate inside the feedpipe (8) varies.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJInventor: Richard Triglavcanin
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Publication number: 20110240555Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus for treating blood outside the human body, with a view to improving the operation of the apparatus, the apparatus including a semi-permeable membrane carrying out an exchange of solutes, referred to as dialysis, and of liquid, referred to as ultrafiltration, with the blood, the method including at least one iteration of the following steps: determination of a so-called instantaneous value, of an ultrafiltration coefficient corresponding to the ratio of an ultrafiltration flow rate to a difference in pressure, the so-called transmembrane pressure, on either side of the semi-permeable membrane, comparison of the instantaneous value with at least one previously determined characteristic value; and control of the treatment apparatus to reach a maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient, the control including a variation of the ultrafiltration flow rate up to a value corresponding to the maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Alain Ficheux, Angel Argiles Ciscart
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Publication number: 20110240524Abstract: A method of demulsifying an emulsion is provided, the method comprising an initial step of supplying the emulsion to a fluid processor passage (14) having an inlet (16) and an outlet (18), wherein the cross sectional area of the passage (14) between the inlet (16) and outlet (18) does not reduce below the cross sectional area at the inlet (16). A transport fluid is supplied from a transport fluid source (60) to a transport fluid nozzle (34) which circumscribes the passage (14) and opens into the passage (14) intermediate the inlet (16) and the outlet (18). The transport fluid is accelerated through a throat (38) of the transport fluid nozzle (34), the throat (34) having a cross sectional area which is less than that of either the nozzle inlet (36) or nozzle outlet (40).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventor: Marcus Brian Mayhall Fenton
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Patent number: 8029664Abstract: A variable wash flow filter assembly includes a wash velocity control cone movable between a minimal position and a maximum position.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Kevin Gibbons, Francis P. Marocchini, Tomas R. Leutwiler
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Patent number: 8025633Abstract: Arrangement for extracorporeal circulation of blood having a generally uniform flow diameter where the risk for stagnation of blood is avoided or reduced. The arrangement comprises a generally circular cylindrical means for temporary expanding the flow diameter, a means for flow expansion (9). The means for flow expansion (9) is arranged connecting the bloodline (5) and a component (6, 8) for circulation of the blood. The means for flow expansion (9) comprises a first part with a first flow diameter, d1 and a second part downstream the first part with a second flow diameter d2 where d2/d1?1.5. The first part has a length extension L1 and the second part has a length extension L2 where L2/L1?0.5.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventors: Helmut Hildwein, Jens Schiele, Jutta Kiener
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Publication number: 20110220586Abstract: Fluid filtration devices and methods of filtering fluids are described. The devices generally include a housing and an annular filter assembly, wherein the filter assembly is located inside the housing and comprises a filter material. The filter material may be, for example, an electroformed nickel screen having a smooth working surface and expanding pores. A rotating cleaning assembly comprising a distributor and wipers may be located inside the filter assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventor: David J. Levitt
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Patent number: 8017002Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a device for filtering a fluid, particularly for plastic processing plants, wherein the pressure drop, or the flow rate reduction, created by the withdrawal of material from the process is sensitively balanced in that pressure constancy and flow rate constancy are achieved at the discharge duct (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Kreyenborg Verwaltungen und Beteiligungen GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Stefan Woestmann