Heavier Constituent Trap, Chamber, Or Recess Patents (Class 210/532.1)
  • Patent number: 8801940
    Abstract: The invention provides several improvements in feedwells, one of which being a feedwell comprising a mixing zone for dissipating the kinetic energy of a fluid comprising pulp, a settling zone for promoting flocculation of the pulp and at least one inclined deflecting element for at least partially separating the mixing zone from the settling zone. Other improvements include a shelf at least partially defining an inclined path for removing material from the shelf into a feedwell chamber; at least two outlets arranged in a substantially concentric relationship with respect to each other; a portion of a second conduit varies in its cross-sectional size and/or shape so as to connect a feed inlet to a first conduit; and a partition for partially separating an outer mixing zone and an inner settling zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Richard Triglavcanin, Jian Dong Wang, Michael Andrew Brown
  • Patent number: 8790446
    Abstract: A removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a conduit system includes a housing (12) with an entry (14) and an exit (16) and a inter space (18) which is defined by the housing (12), wherein in the inter space a number of plates (20) are provided which extend substantially transversally to a main flow direction (58), wherein the plates (20) define a main ongoing flow channel (22), and wherein the plate define branch flow channels (21) which end in at least one quiet zone (44;48), and wherein at least one plate (50) defines a merge flow channel for a merge flow which merges with the main flow (22) at a merge point which is located downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Flamco B.V.
    Inventors: Abraham Zaanen, Jan Henk Cnossen
  • Patent number: 8784670
    Abstract: A multi-phase flow separation apparatus has a tank with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and an enclosure within the tank. The at least one inlet communicates an input flow into the enclosure. The enclosure has a sidewall defining an open bottom and at least one flow opening below the height of the inlet of the tank. The at least one outlet of the tank is outside the enclosure and above the at least one flow opening of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Rheaume Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald William Zylla
  • Patent number: 8771505
    Abstract: A trap for a catch basin, and means for mounting said trap to a catch basin wall, comprises a hollow trap body having an inner wall and an outer wall, and side walls joining the inner and outer walls. The trap body has a first aperture near the top of its inner wall, allignable with an outlet of a catch basin, and a second aperture at a lower level on said trap body than said first aperture. A mounting plate is secured to the inner wall of the trap body, and has an aperture allignable with the first aperture of the trap body. A retainer plate is provided, onto which the mounting plate can be mounted. The retainer plate also has an aperture allignable with the apertures on the mounting plate and trap body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: PVC Industrial Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Roch Lafond
  • Patent number: 8746463
    Abstract: A liquid separation system and related method for retaining floating and non-floating particulates within a storage chamber of a treatment tank. The tank may or may not include a bypass to allow a portion of liquid coming into the tank to bypass the storage chamber. The storage chamber includes an inlet and an outlet. The outlet may be positioned within the storage chamber to cause minimal disruption of the primary and secondary liquid flow patterns within the storage chamber. A circular or rotational flow pattern may be created within the storage chamber and an outlet port of the storage chamber may be centered on an axis of the circular flow pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Contech Engineered Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Daniel P. Cobb, Christopher S. Hersey, John E. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20140151310
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating water has a container having a clarification zone, a water entry arrangement for flowing water into the clarification zone, and skimmer elements mounted to the container for partial immersion in the water in the clarification zone. Each skimmer element has a transfer channel for transferring a flow of clarified water from a layer of the water to a predetermined depth in the clarification zone and to direct the received clarified water to a water exit arrangement. A height adjustment mechanism is used for differentially adjusting the heights of the skimmer elements and their transfer channels relative to the container so as to compensate for the clarifier being installed on sloping ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Newterra Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Downey, Jeff Kempson
  • Patent number: 8734053
    Abstract: An articulated baffle assembly is disclosed and claimed. The battle assembly includes a support and vanes connected to the support. The support holds the vanes in the flow of a liquid in order to promote sedimentation when the baffle assembly is in an operational configuration. The support includes an articulation that allows the baffle assembly to be reversibly converted to a retracted configuration that facilitates access to and removal of sediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Gerald L. Sackett
  • Patent number: 8715511
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for separating grit from liquid sewage while retaining organic solids in suspension. A sustained rotational liquid sewage first fluid flow, an induced upward liquid sewage second fluid flow, and a sustained rotational liquid sewage third fluid flow are employed in an apparatus having a cylindrical grit settling main chamber, a grit storage secondary chamber including a central grit settling access top mouth opening, a vertical shaft, a means for causing rotation of the vertical shaft, and a partition extending transversely through the main chamber and forming upper and lower subchambers. A fluid flow speed gradient is established between the liquid sewage third fluid flow and the liquid sewage first fluid flow. In this manner, grit is separated from liquid sewage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Marc Beliveau, Michel Bruneau, Martin Couture, Karim Essemiani
  • Patent number: 8715507
    Abstract: Some examples includes a flow-through stormwater sump having a bottom and defining an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a top access opening, an inlet conduit coupled to the flow-through stormwater sump at the inlet opening, an outlet conduit coupled to the flow-through stormwater sump at the outlet opening and a flow-path baffle disposed in the stormwater sump, the flow-path baffle being substantially planar and defining a plurality of openings, the flow-path baffle oriented such that a centerline of the inlet conduit intersects a major plane of the baffle at a point and a centerline of the outlet conduit intersects the major plane at a further point, the flow-path baffle disposed in the stormwater sump in a direct impingement inlet flow-path of the inlet conduit and a direct impingement outlet back-flow-path of the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: John Gulliver, Adam Howard, Omid Mohseni
  • Patent number: 8709257
    Abstract: A method and system for purifying liquid using waste heat is provided. Initially, a liquid is mixed with an anti-sealant agent in a first filtering unit to form a liquid mixture. Thereafter, the liquid mixture is filtered in the first filtering unit to separate foreign objects from the liquid mixture. Subsequently, the liquid mixture is heated in a pipe arrangement connecting the first filtering unit and one or more second filtering units to generate steam. The steam obtained from the heated liquid mixture is then purified in the one or more second filtering units. Thereafter, the purified steam is condensed in the pipe arrangement to obtain the purified liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventors: Mazen Abdullah Ba-Abbad, Hany Abdulrahman Al-Ansary
  • Publication number: 20140110335
    Abstract: The scum removal system for liquids is adaptable to wastewater treatment facilities, aquaculture facilities, oil spills, and/or other environments where the removal of a thin, buoyant layer of material from a liquid surface is desired. The system incorporates a geyser pump having one or more inlet pipes, with the inlet pipe(s) collectively having a larger diameter than the discharge pipe. This assures that the volume of water in the inlet pipe is always less than that in the discharge pulse, thus assuring that a steady, constant flow of liquid flows into the inlet opening to assure a uniform inertial flow of the floating contaminants into the inlet. The top of the inlet pipe(s) may be vertically adjustable for variable liquid level. The geyser pump may be submerged within the liquid or may be installed external to the liquid tank with the submerged inlet pipe communicating with the external pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: DANIEL M. EARLY, SCOTT F. EASTER
  • Publication number: 20140110334
    Abstract: A phase separation tank for separating an aqueous liquid from an organic liquid, the tank comprising: (A) A separation compartment having a sloped bottom wall and an aqueous liquid outlet; (B) An organic liquid compartment separated from the separation compartment by an organic separator of a height that allows for the overflow of organic liquid from the separation compartment to the organic compartment; (C) An aqueous liquid compartment separated from the organic liquid compartment by an aqueous separator and separated from the separation compartment by the organic compartment, the aqueous liquid compartment equipped with an aqueous liquid inlet; and (D) Means for transferring aqueous liquid from the aqueous liquid outlet of the separation compartment to the aqueous liquid inlet of the aqueous compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: KENNECOTT UTAH COPPER LLC
    Inventors: Shijie Wang, Daniel Kim, Kenneth Lee Moretensen
  • Patent number: 8702996
    Abstract: A feedwell for a thickener/clarifier includes a feedwell body (40), a feedwell inlet (41), a sidewall (42), and a discharge opening (48). At least one infeed conduit (21) is connected at an upstream end of the feedwell inlet (41). The sidewall (42) has a non-cylindrical curved peripheral surface defining a radially-outermost fluid boundary surface for an influent stream (60). The non-cylindrical curved peripheral surface may include portions of a volute surface, coil surface, helical surface, compound curve surface, spline curve surface, or spiral surface. Feedwells according to the invention provide a uniform settling tank feeding flux around exiting portions of the feedwell, control velocity gradients and shear rates, protect flocculated aggregates, normalize sedimentation conditions in the settling tank, and prevent large local accelerations and flow non-uniformities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: FLSMIDTH A/S
    Inventor: Luis Echeverri
  • Patent number: 8663466
    Abstract: A method of flow baffle installation is disclosed herein. The method, in various aspects includes the steps of orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support, bolting the side support to the sidewall of the sump following the step of orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support, orienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support, bolting the opposing side support to the sidewall of the sump following the step of orienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support, adjusting an adjustable cross-member to span between the side support and the opposing side support. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. ยง1.72(b) only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Upstream Technologies Inc
    Inventors: William F. Braunwarth, Bonnie Brewer, Aaron Gendler
  • Publication number: 20140057344
    Abstract: Separating apparatus, comprising a sedimentation settler and a collection vessel disposed underneath and being in fluid communication with the sedimentation settler, the collection vessel forming a receiving chamber having an outlet at or adjacent to the chamber bottom and having an inlet opening, wherein the collection vessel is arranged such the flow direction of the fluid in the area underneath the sedimentation settler is substantially in line with the direction of the channels of the sedimentation settler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Oskar Brauner-Sreuther, Alexander Jockwear, Torsten Klabuhn, Michael Pohlscheidt, Joerg Thiele
  • Publication number: 20140058121
    Abstract: A light-oil separator device includes a collector funnel having a downwardly directed stem portion having an outside diameter. The stem portion adapts to insert in an upward extending neck portion of a collection vessel. The neck portion includes an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the funnel stem. The neck also includes an oil port at a first height. The vessel includes a body having a hydrosol port at a lower portion of a body sidewall. This port connects to an evacuation tube having a proximal end and an S-shape. This conduit includes an air vent at a top portion at a second height lower than the first height, the air vent extends upward to a height higher than the first height. The S-shape conduit terminates with a downward facing end portion at its distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Seidel
  • Patent number: 8657896
    Abstract: A separator is disclosed. The separator includes a gas/liquid separator vessel, an enclosure, a coalescer and a demister. The gas/liquid separator vessel has a first end, a second end, a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first separation chamber. The first inlet can be adjacent to the first end. The enclosure is positioned within the first separation chamber of the liquid separator vessel. The enclosure has a second inlet, a second outlet, a drain positioned therebetween, and a second separation chamber. The second inlet can be directed towards the first end of the gas/liquid separator vessel. The second separation chamber defines a flow path for a gas stream in which the flow path passes sequentially through the second inlet, second separation chamber and the second outlet. The coalescer is positioned in the second separation chamber to intercept the flow path of the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence Gouy, Francis Allouche
  • Patent number: 8641909
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method (20) of separating pulp from a feed material within a tank (1), the method comprising the steps of (23) introducing the feed material (22) into the tank (1); (24) allowing the feed material (22) to settle in the tank (1); (25) allowing the pulp (21) to form into aggregates (13); (26) allowing the pulp aggregates (13) to settle towards the bottom of the tank (1) and form a networked layer (2) of pulp; and (27) causing a disturbance substantially uniformly across a disturbance zone (16) in an upper region of the networked layer (2), so as to disrupt the networked pulp in the disturbance zone within a predetermined period of time; thereby releasing entrained liquid from the networked pulp in the disturbance zone (16) and increasing the relative density of the pulp below the disturbance zone. The invention also provides a separation device (40) for separating pulp (21) from a feed material (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Ian Arbuthnot, Richard Triglavcanin, Loc Thanh Le
  • Patent number: 8623221
    Abstract: A sand separator for capturing sand and rock debris from recovered natural gas fracturing fluid includes a cylindrical, high-pressure-rated vessel disposed vertically and immediately downstream of the gas wellhead. High pressure fracturing fluid enters the top of the separator into an inner flue extending coaxially downward to terminate a spaced distance above the bottom of the vessel. Transverse baffles spaced apart along the length of the flue extend through the flue to the inner walls of the vessel to keep the flue centered within the separator. As the fluid enters the separator, openings through the flue near the vessel inlet permit lighter weight and gaseous constituents to escape the fluid and bypass the flue, thereby reducing the velocity of the fluid remaining inside the flue. As the remaining fluid falls to the bottom of the vessel, it further slows as it reverses direction to rise between the flue and the vessel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Keith L. Boyd, Scotty L. Whitsett, Kevin J. Kinder
  • Patent number: 8623202
    Abstract: A method and system for wastewater treatment comprising a first treatment zone (11) fluidly connected to one or more further treatment zones (12, 13, 14), a membrane module (16) comprising a filter membrane positioned in or fluidly connected to the further treatment zone (14), a gravity settling device (15) fluidly connected to the first treatment zone (11) to receive overflow therefrom; and a flow control device (23) between the first treatment zone (11) and the gravity settling device (15) to control the flow of liquid therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Dennis J. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20130327724
    Abstract: A system and method for filtering sediment from water prior to disposal. According to some aspects, water is provided to a trough which feeds a settling pool via a port. The settling pool may comprise one or more blocks disposed in one or more corresponding channels which restricts flow of the water. In some embodiments, this restriction of flow may cause sediment to collect on a bottom of the settling pool and/or residual oil to collect on a surface of the water. The residual oil may be pumped or skimmed from the surface and the water may be pumped from the settling pool into one or more external holding tanks The one or more blocks may then be removed from the settling pool and the sediment may be collected via a frontloader or other device accessing the sediment via an access ramp formed in the settling pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Willard G. McAndrew, III
  • Patent number: 8603343
    Abstract: The device described in the present invention can separate fine solid particles in suspension in a viscous liquid, withdrawing a clear liquid from the top of the device, and a dense liquid charged with solid particles is withdrawn from the bottom. The invention also concerns the application of this device to the separation of catalyst particles in a liquid phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: IFP Energies Nouvelles, Eni S.p.A.
    Inventors: Jean Christophe Viguie, Willi Nastoll, Francois Hugues, Elsa Mignone, Giuseppe Belmonte
  • Patent number: 8597506
    Abstract: A large diameter subsea gravity separator for ultra deep water conditions of 2000 to more than 4000 m includes a vessel having a shell which defines a cylindrical tubular portion and closure portions at axially both ends of the tubular portion. The shell is a sandwich shell which is dimensioned to provide for a predetermined collapse resistance of at least MPa and includes an inner steel layer, an outer steel layer and a concrete layer completely filling the space between the inner steel layer and the outer steel layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventors: Hรฅvar Ilstad, Hroar Andreas Nes
  • Patent number: 8591732
    Abstract: Three flow paths within a single container are provided for the separation of contaminates, such as floating debris, heavy trash, lighter fluids and heavier fluids, from an effluent stream. A first flow path is provided for low flow conditions wherein the effluent stream pools in a first chamber within the container and the surface of the pooled fluid is drawn off, leaving heavy contaminates within the first chamber. The drawn fluid, with lighter and/or floating contaminates, enters a second chamber. The fluid is drawn from the second chamber below the surface level of the fluid, leaving the lighter and floating contaminates within the second chamber. In moderate flow conditions, a second flow path is established from the first chamber and out the container, bypassing the second chamber. Fluid for the second flow path is drawn from below the surface of the fluid in the first chamber to exclude light and floating contaminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Baysaver Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Pank
  • Patent number: 8585896
    Abstract: A filter or clarification system for removing impurities from a liquid to be treated, i.e., influent. The system preferably includes a chamber for receiving a liquid to be treated. The chamber has a settling assembly including a plurality of inclined settling members forming a plurality of inclined liquid passageways through which the liquid to be treated is directed to remove impurities from the liquid to be treated. Preferably, the headloss of the settling assembly is solely controlled by one or more orifices formed in the settling members, i.e., the settling assembly is free of gaps formed between the settling members that appreciably affect the headloss of the settling system. Support members are provided for each of the settling members to allow the settling members to be easily and readily removed. Preferably, the support members provide sufficient stability to allow an individual to walk on the tops of the settling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Roberts Marketing DE, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, Mark Kevin Addison
  • Patent number: 8567306
    Abstract: A fryer is provided which, during a standby for cooking, can keep the temperature of a cooking oil slightly lower than a cooking temperature and, during cooking, can quickly raise the oil temperature to the cooking temperature. The fryer also has capabilities of easily performing a heat exchange operation on the cooking oil, preventing degradation of the cooking oil, securing a good kitchen environment and enhancing a work efficiency. The fryer comprises a fryer tank having oil and water for cleaning the oil stored in two layers one upon the other; and a heater installed in the oil layer; wherein the water in the water layer is drawn out from a water suction opening at a bottom of fryer tank, cleaned by a filtering water tank and then delivered into the fryer tank almost horizontally in an off-centered direction from a water supply opening formed in a lower, side wall of the fryer tank, thus rotating the water in the fryer tank in a swirl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mermaid Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Kimura, Haruo Tanaka, Koji Yamada
  • Patent number: 8550258
    Abstract: A feedwell for a gravity separation vessel for introducing a feed stream such as oil sand slurry to the gravity separation vessel is provided comprising a walled member having an upper perimeter edge, a lower perimeter edge and a substantially continuous wall extending from the upper perimeter edge to the lower perimeter edge; an inlet for introducing the feed stream into the walled member positioned adjacent the substantially continuous wall; and a bottom floor having an opening and extending generally beneath the lower perimeter edge; whereby a perimeter of the opening is less than a perimeter of the walled member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Syncrude Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Bara, Jonathan Spence, Jim Lorentz, Trevor Lloyd Hilderman, Chadwich Robert Larson, Darwin Edward Kiel
  • Patent number: 8551345
    Abstract: A convenient, cost effective and efficient solid separation apparatus and method of removing solid material from production fluid is disclosed. The solids separation apparatus includes a fluid inlet pipe; a fluid outlet pipe; a vessel that is a fluid velocity driven solid settlement inducement structure and/or a fluid vector driven solid settlement inducement structure; at least one solid discharge opening within the vessel longitudinally spaced between the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid outlet pipe; and, a tank disposed below the vessel with at least one solid entry opening communicated with the at least one solid discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A.
    Inventors: Juan Brown, Alvaro Quezada
  • Patent number: 8545696
    Abstract: A fluid drainage system configured for draining a basin impounding fluid and sediment, solids or the like of varying density and turbidity. The system includes a first conduit and a second conduit within or adjacent to the first conduit to form a fluid receiving chamber between the first and second conduits, each conduit having apertures therethrough, with the apertures of the first and second conduits being sized and arranged relative to one another and so configured as to preferentially discharge fluid from the top of a basin, thus providing flow conditions which inhibit the entry of sediment into the system so as to maximize the retention of sediment within the basin and reduce turbidity and Total Suspended Sediment in the discharged fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: John Tyner, Daniel C. Yoder, Brent Pilon
  • Patent number: 8540887
    Abstract: The invention provides several improvements in feedwells, one of which being a feedwell (100) comprising a mixing zone (49) for dissipating the kinetic energy of a fluid comprising pulp, a settling zone (50) for promoting flocculation of the pulp and at least one inclined deflecting element (101) for at least partially separating the mixing zone from the settling zone. Other improvements include a shelf (3) at least partially defining an inclined path (4) for removing material from the shelf into a feedwell chamber; at least two outlets (111, 112) arranged in a substantially concentric relationship with respect to each other; a portion (123) of a second conduit (121) varies in its cross-sectional size and/or shape so as to connect a feed inlet (110) to a first conduit (120); and a partition (133) for partially separating an outer mixing zone (131) and an inner settling zone (132).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Richard Triglavcanin, Jian Dong Wang, Michael Andrew Brown
  • Publication number: 20130233414
    Abstract: A quiescent zone fluid filter. A reservoir communicates via upstream and downstream communication ports with a fluid flow tube. At the upstream communication port, liquid flowing in the fluid flow tube enters a quiescent zone of the reservoir, whereupon particles therein descend. The liquid then rejoins the fluid flow tube at the downstream communication port free of particles therein. The quiescent zone fluid filter is advantageously implemented within a fluid flow control valve, as for example at the valve barrel of a barrel valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Pablo Valencia, JR., Brian K. Bartnick
  • Patent number: 8529756
    Abstract: A settling system may be used to separate and/or remove solid particles, such as sand, from fluids produced by wells. The container of the settling system may be cleaned without need for manned-entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Occidental Oil and Gas Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Joel R. Lehman, Verlin Frazier
  • Patent number: 8512556
    Abstract: A hood that mounts around an outlet of a catch basin with a cover having a proximal end and distal end; the proximal end being pivotally attached to the hood. The cover pivots between a closed sealed position that substantially prevents water born contaminants from passing through the access opening and an open position that allows access to the access opening. The cover is made from a flexible material to allow the cover to be lifted from the closed sealed position in a substantially vertical path that allows access to the outlet of a catch basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Best Management Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Duran, Thomas J. Mullen, III
  • Patent number: 8501018
    Abstract: A process vessel is provided for separating a multi-component stream. The process vessel includes an inlet for permitting introduction of reaction water stream into the vessel and an outlet for withdrawing a water-rich phase from the vessel. The vessel further includes a plurality of draw-off points for drawing off a phase rich in suspended hydrocarbons from the vessel, the draw-off point(s) being located above the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Meintjes, Johannes Buys
  • Patent number: 8496814
    Abstract: A system designed to control and filter runoff water in storm drains is presented. Drain water frequently carries trash, organic matter, suspended solids, hydrocarbons, metals, nutrients and bacteria collected from streets and parking lots into a storm drain inlet, which enters storm water drain pipe systems. The present invention supplies a series of baffle boxes inserted in the drain water stream with a final box possessing an upflow filter and a hydrocarbon absorbing boom. The system can also support a storm flow bypass that directs high-flow storm runoff water directly to the outlet to protect the filter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Zachariha Kent
  • Patent number: 8496840
    Abstract: A grease containment apparatus arranged to receive grease discharged by a fan-type rooftop grease exhauster includes multiple sumps and at least one trough disposed between the sumps. An apparatus may be disposed along two, three, or four sides of a rooftop grease exhauster, including corner sumps assemblies and/or end sump assemblies, preferably including associated rain shields, and optionally including one or more end caps. Components may be fabricated of UV-resistant polymeric materials such as ABS. Use of grease absorbent media may be avoided. A drain conduit may receive water from a sump, with at least a portion of the drain conduit being disposed at a level above a bottom edge of the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: DunnWell, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Dunn, Darren Scott Jameson
  • Patent number: 8491854
    Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventor: Abdullah Khalid Al-Rasheed
  • Patent number: 8485368
    Abstract: An arrangement in a liquid treatment space clarifying liquid by gravity. A feed assembly leads the liquid to be treated into the treatment space by a fixed distribution channel. The feed assembly includes at least two elongated and in a longitudinal direction thereof straight feed channels being fixed stationary in the distribution channel and extending therefrom sidewards, in order to achieve in the treatment space a radially widened feed zone in respect with the distribution channel by an efflux assembly provided with the feed channels the efflux assembly discharging the liquid to be treated into the treatment space through full length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Finnketju Invest Oy
    Inventor: Pekka Tuomikoski
  • Patent number: 8480908
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Charles Hann
  • Patent number: 8475664
    Abstract: The overflow and underflow effluents of a conventional hydrocyclone are discharged into enclosed vessels, so that the operating pressure may be manipulated for each effluent independently of other operating parameters. Each of the effluent vessels is equipped with a source of pressurized gas to form a gas blanket over the effluent at a controllable pressure. Such variable pressures in each vessel, in combination with the pressure of the incoming feed stream, provide the necessary parameters to implement pressure-differential-ratio control, thereby improving the efficiency of separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Paul Martin Keyser, Timothy John Olson
  • Publication number: 20130140243
    Abstract: A method of purifying raw water comprises the steps of supplying the raw water to a generally vertical, open-ended inlet cylinder (23) in a reservoir (20), exposing the water in the inlet cylinder (23) to air for accomplishing oxidizing of matter, such as iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulphide in the water and/or agitation of the water, allowing the oxidized matter to fall down by gravity to the bottom of the reservoir (20), allowing the purified water to flow upwards past the inlet cylinder (23) and through a distribution disc (24) in the reservoir (20), and removing the purified water from the upper part of the reservoir (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Bert Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 8454843
    Abstract: A convenient, cost effective and efficient solid separation apparatus and method of removing solid material from production fluid is disclosed. The solids separation apparatus includes a fluid inlet pipe; a fluid outlet pipe; a vessel that is a fluid velocity driven solid settlement inducement structure and/or a fluid vector driven solid settlement inducement structure; at least one solid discharge opening within the vessel longitudinally spaced between the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid outlet pipe; and, a tank disposed below the vessel with at least one solid entry opening communicated with the at least one solid discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A.
    Inventors: Juan Brown, Alvaro Quezada
  • Patent number: 8449779
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a collection receptacle and a method for reclaiming backflow from a wellbore. The collection receptacle, in one embodiment, includes an enclosure configured to collect solid and liquid matter, and an elevated auger extending into the enclosure and configured to remove the solid matter from the enclosure. In this embodiment, the auger includes a housing and a flighting, the housing and flighting configured in such a way as to promote separation of the solid matter from the liquid matter as the solid matter travels up the auger and out of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Granbury Thompson Group, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130118962
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing abrasive slurry used in cutting operations. The slurry is mixed with a first solvent in a tank. The slurry is vibrated and/or ultrasonically agitated such that abrasive grain contained in the slurry separates from the other components of the slurry and the first solvent. After the abrasive grain has settled to a bottom portion of the container, the other components of the slurry and the first solvent are removed from the tank. The abrasive grain may then be washed with a second solvent. The abrasive grain is then heated and is suitable for reuse in an abrasive slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130118998
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for separating a first substance from a mixture of the first substance and a liquid. The apparatus comprises inlet means adapted to receive a portion of the mixture into a separator tank; a separator tank for holding a collected portion of the mixture and allowing the first substance to separate from the liquid due to the first substance having a different specific gravity to the liquid; and outlet means adapted to discharge the separated liquid and/or the first substance from the separator tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Wood
  • Patent number: 8440087
    Abstract: A thickening tank has a peripheral overflow launder and a centrally disposed feed well. Feedstock slurry is fed to a mixing box which also receives supernatant liquid and is supplemented by flocculated material flowing into the interior of the feed well onto a distributor baffle plate. The supernatant liquid is delivered at a controlled rate from a receiving vessel formed by an upright cylinder provided at its lower end with an impeller of a lift pump which is operated by a controller positioned at the upper end of a vertical drive shaft extending axially through the receiving vessel. The feed well is surrounded by a second launder which is closed at its base and formed with a cup. The lower end of the receiving vessel is spaced from the floor of the cup to draw supernatant liquid exclusively from the second launder rather than from the thickener tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Delkor Pty., Ltd
    Inventor: Rhett McElvenny
  • Patent number: 8431019
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes an outer tank, an aeration chamber partition located within the outer tank and forming an aeration chamber, and a draft tube located within the outer tank and vertically extending into the bottom of the aeration chamber to communicate the aeration chamber with an outer chamber formed. A submerged aerator is located within the draft tube. An inlet communicates influent into the aeration chamber and an outlet communicates effluent out of the outer tank. A scum baffle prevents floating solids from entering the outlet. The outer tank has an effluent weir which supports the scum baffle and the scum baffle has an upward facing flange that supports the aeration chamber partition. An air intake pipe extending to the aerator through an upper end of the draft tube has support members engaging a top of the draft tube to support the aerator within the draft tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Consolidated Treatment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Coomer, David Clinkscales, Jeff Luthman
  • Publication number: 20130087514
    Abstract: First and second liquids are separated from mixtures thereof in a holding tank that holds quantities of the two liquids after they have been separated and a quantity of the mixture that has not been separated. A first transfer conduit receives a pressurized mixture of the first and second liquids which is discharged into the holding tank. A venturi passageway is located in the first transfer conduit. A liquid conductor has an entry opening positioned so that at least a portion of the entry opening is located within the quantity of the mixture that is held in the holding tank and an exit opening that is in fluid communication with the venturi passageway. The increase in the velocity of the pressurized mixture flowing through the venturi passageway and the accompanying reduced pressure causes the mixture held in the holding tank to flow through the liquid conductor into the venturi passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: ZEBRA SKIMMERS CORP.
    Inventor: Steven Davidian
  • Publication number: 20130056427
    Abstract: A multi-phase flow separation apparatus has a tank with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and an enclosure within the tank. The at least one inlet communicates an input flow into the enclosure. The enclosure has a sidewall defining an open bottom and at least one flow opening below the height of the inlet of the tank. The at least one outlet of the tank is outside the enclosure and above the at least one flow opening of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: RHEAUME ENGINEERING ING.
    Inventor: Ronald William ZYLLA
  • Publication number: 20130032531
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a fluid treatment apparatus for treating contaminated fluid. The apparatus comprises a container having base member and a peripheral containment wall and defining a total interior volume. The apparatus further comprises at least one container inlet to receive said contaminated fluid, at least one container outlet to discharge water separated from said contaminated fluid, a separation region suitable to receive said contaminated fluid, to allow separation of said contaminated fluids into less dense contaminants, water and denser contaminants, and to store said denser contaminants as a sediment layer on the base member. The apparatus further comprises a water collection region suitable to receive water from the separation region and direct said water to said at least one container outlet, and an oil collection region, suitable to receive less dense contaminants from the separation region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Doell Keith, Kyle Trainor