Introducing Liquid Tangentially Patents (Class 210/788)
  • Patent number: 7517944
    Abstract: Provided a process for producing a polycarbonate which comprises reacting an aqueous alkali solution of a dihydric phenol with phosgene in the presence of an organic solvent to produce a polycarbonate oligomer and subsequently polycondensing the oligomer, wherein an emulsion solution of a polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent obtained in the polycarbonate oligomer production step is introduced into a coalescer to separate the emulsion solution into a polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent phase and an aqueous phase, and the polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent phase is subjected to polycondensation. Thus the emulsion solution of a polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent obtained in the polycarbonate oligomer production step is efficiently separated to reduce the content of impurity-containing water in the oligomer for producing a polycarbonate having excellent quality and to a obtain wastewater having a low content of organic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kunishi, Eizo Saito
  • Publication number: 20090084738
    Abstract: There are provided a microchip provided with a liquid reagent retaining portion that retains the liquid reagent, and a usage thereof, wherein the liquid reagent is sealed into the liquid reagent retaining portion by a sealant inactive to the liquid reagent, exhibiting flowability at the time of using the microchip, and the microchip further has a separating portion to separate the liquid reagent and the sealant, connected to the liquid reagent retaining portion, and the separating portion is composed of a separation tank for separating the liquid reagent and the sealant, and an accommodation tank for accommodating a separated substance, connected to the separation tank by a first flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun Momose
  • Publication number: 20090026133
    Abstract: Systems and methods to treat wastewater are described herein. A wastewater treatment system may include a primary treatment system, a secondary treatment system, a disinfection treatment system, a solids treatment system, one or more fluid treatment systems, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Robert L. Kelsey, Qiwei Wang
  • Publication number: 20090026151
    Abstract: The separator has a cylindrical separator chamber and an impeller on the same axis and driven in rotation. The impeller has a core, an inlet for receiving an axial flow of fluid, an outlet for injecting the fluid into the separator chamber, and guide channels formed between the inlet and the outlet of the impeller at the periphery of the core. The core has a portion of diameter equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the separator chamber. In this portion, the guide channels extend longitudinally, and they then continue as far as the outlet from the impeller, which outlet is cylindrical in shape and of diameter equal to the inner diameter of the separator chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: YVES LECOFFRE, VINCENT PEYRONY
  • Patent number: 7481318
    Abstract: An aqueous aerated oil sand slurry is conditioned in a pipeline and then spun within an elongate vessel of circular cross-section, to cause bitumen droplets in the slurry to coalesce. This increases the probability that the droplets will become aerated by contact with air bubbles. The slurry is then subjected to separation of the sand and bitumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignees: AEC Oil Sands, L.P., Canadian Oil Sands Commercial Trust, Canadian Oil Sands Limited, Comocophillips Oilsands PartnershipII, Imperial Oil Resources, Mocal Energy Limited, Murphy Oil Company Ltd., Nexen Inc., Petro-Canada Oil And Gas
    Inventors: Barry Bara, Michael Lipsett, Waldemar Maciejewski, Samson Ng
  • Patent number: 7479231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating mixtures of fluids having different densities. According to one aspect of the invention, a lower density fluid is separated from a higher density fluid. A mixture of the two fluids is received in a tank. A centrifugation of the mixture is induced in the tank. The lower density fluid is evacuated from the tank until the level of an interface created at least in part by the centrifugation between the higher density fluid and the lower density fluid reaches a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Robert H. Bernard
  • Patent number: 7476317
    Abstract: Hydrocyclone (1) for separating an input stream (8) of two immiscible liquids having a stream inlet (18) an inner shell (3) and an outer shell (4) concentric with the longitudinal axis (5) of the hydrocyclone (1), a cyclone chamber is defined by the shells (3,4), encircles the axis (5) and has an entrance (7), an expansion chamber (9) which reduces the velocity of the input stream (8) by the time it reaches the entrance (7) is between the stream inlet (18) and the entrance (7). The dimensions of the hydrocyclone are selected so that the hydrocyclone (1) has a radius not more than 30% greater than the radius of the outer shell (4) and lies within a circle in a plane perpendicular to and centered on the axis (5), therefore the hydrocyclone (1) can be readily lowered into a well casing (2) in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Gnesys, Inc.
    Inventor: Naji Nassif
  • Publication number: 20090008342
    Abstract: A separator apparatus for separating immiscible fluid components of different specific gravities. A body includes an internal flow channel for a mixture of fluid components to be separated. A rotation generating device brings the fluid mixture to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the flow channel. An extraction device withdraws a central part of the rotating fluid mixture flowing through the flow channel. A bubble introducer introduces micro-sized gas bubbles into the fluid mixture so as to thereby enhance the separation of the fluid components. Also a method for separating immiscible fluid components of different specific gravities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: AIBEL AS
    Inventors: Pal J. Nilsen, Matteo Chiesa
  • Patent number: 7473374
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that introduces rapidly spinning vortices in a fluid, including water. It incorporates a fluid system, or fluid source, with a vortex creation apparatus and a frequency generation device. The vortices prepare the fluid to have memorized electromagnetic frequency signatures of harmful materials erased, and a new, desirable signature introduced. The desirable frequency can be introduced though a number of means, such as electricity, sound waves, and magnetic fields, using such devices as power leads, speakers, transducers, and magnets. Frequencies from desirable materials can also be applied by contacting the fluid with the material, such as metallic strands of copper and silver. The desirable frequencies make the fluid an inhospitable environment for the biological contaminants, such as bacteria, algae, and fungi, reducing their numbers in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ralph Suddath
  • Patent number: 7468136
    Abstract: A vortex grit trap comprising a generally vertically extending tank of circular cross-section including a separation zone having an inlet and an outlet for liquid flow to and from the tank, and in which liquid is circulated about a longitudinal axis of the tank, and, a grit collection zone positioned beneath the separation zone in use, the trap being characterized by a generally circular tank divider centered on the vertical longitudinal axis of the tank and extending transverse thereto, the divider defining a notional boundary between the separation and collection zones of the tank and being of smaller diameter than the adjacent region of the tank so as to define with the adjacent tank wall an annulus through which grit passes from the separation zone to the collection zone in use, and, means for generating a cloud of gas bubbles migrating in use upwardly through substantially the whole of said annulus whereby substantially all grit passing from the separation zone into the collection zone passes through the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: GL&V Management Hungary Kft.
    Inventor: John C. Bache
  • Patent number: 7465391
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid matter from a liquid stream, where the apparatus includes a generally cylindrical separation panel surrounding an interior space, which is oriented so as to have a substantially vertical longitudinal axis. The separation panel has a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced openings which are adapted to remove solid material larger than a predetermined size from liquid passing through the separation panel. The apparatus also includes a chamber surrounding the separation panel and providing a chamber portion into which the liquid passes after passing through the separation panel. The apparatus may further include an inlet positioned below the separation panel, through which the liquid stream is delivered from a bottom opening of the separation panel to the interior space and which is arranged such that the liquid circulates about the axis so as to pass the separation panel, and an outlet extending from the chamber portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: CDS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Heist, Alex Davey, David Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20080272067
    Abstract: The teachings of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for removing substances from a process fluid. The system may include a centrifuge body rotatable around a longitudinal axis, the centrifuge body having a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured for receiving a process fluid. The second end may be configured for dispensing a clarified fluid. The centrifuge body may include a first working space and a second working space. The working diameter of the second working space may be greater than the working diameter of the first working space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: William A. Cavaliere, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20080251469
    Abstract: A method for cyclonic separation of gaseous and liquid fractions from a multiphase fluid mixture comprises: providing a cyclonic separation vessel (1) having a bottom section (4), a top section (3) and a tubular midsection (2), which is co-axial to a central axis (5); injecting the multiphase fluid mixture into the vessel via an inlet conduit (6) which has a substantially tangential orientation relative to said central axis (5); inducing the fluid mixture to swirl within said tubular mid-section (2) of the vessel at such a speed that liquid and gaseous fractions are separated by cyclonic separation and gravity forces induce the liquid fraction to drop to the bottom section (4) of the vessel; —removing the gaseous fraction from the interior of the top section of the vessel via a gas outlet conduit (8) which has an entrance opening which is located at or near the central axis (5); removing the liquid fraction from the interior of the bottom section (4) of the vessel via a plurality of liquid outlet openings (11
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Lih-Der Tee, Paulus Henricus Joannes Verbeek
  • Patent number: 7431932
    Abstract: Reovirus can be used to selectively remove ras-mediated neoplastic cells from a cellular composition. It is of particular interest to purge autographs which may contain neoplastic cells with reovirus before transplanting the autographs back into the recipient, thereby reducing the risk of introducing or reintroducing neoplastic cells into the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, Bradley G. Thompson, Matthew C. Coffey
  • Publication number: 20080223796
    Abstract: A process and a device implementing the process, for separating fluids in emulsion and/or in solution, and/or for low pressure distillation, in particular of water and/or gaseous hydrocarbons dissolved in crude petroleum, and/or for separation of crude petroleum droplets emulsified in water, to obtain water with necessary characteristics for its injection without pollution of underground aquifers, and/or when the mixture is dominant in crude petroleum, acceleration of settling of the water in the lower part of the mixture, and/or for low pressure distillation of crude petroleum. The method creates a localized zone of reduced pressure on part of the free surface of a liquid to be processed, within a closed processing tank, without the overall pressure inside the closed processing tank being affected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: PARTEX SERV. PORTU-SERV. PARA A INDUS. PETRO. S.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Jose Silva Valente
  • Patent number: 7425268
    Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, a device for purifying water in a water water garden or fish pond comprises a filter medium configured to clean the water flowing through the device, and a housing configured to contain the filter media. The housing includes a wall configured to whirl the water flowing through the device to remove suspended particulates from the flow. Liquid flows into the housing, is turned by the wall to whirl the water about an axis, and exposed to elements held by the filter medium for cleaning the liquid. The liquid then flows out of the housing. Cleaning the medium is performed by opening a drain port and adding water to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: John A. Russell
  • Patent number: 7422695
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 7422688
    Abstract: An aerated treatment of water is performed using a serially coupled reactor and flotation tank and is performed using so much activated sludge in the water that small bubbles from an aerator are entrained in the activated sludge, leading some of or all the activated sludge to flotate in the flotation tank. A reactor (1) and a flotation tank (36) for performing the process are equipped with at least one aerator (19, 20, 21, 22). A number of preferred processes and designs elaborate on the invention, including how the invention may be incorporated into existing wastewater treatment facilities and exploited there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Lars Ekeroth
  • Publication number: 20080210646
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a centrifuge rotor (10) having a rotor housing (14) with a substantially cylindrical in shape and having a substantially uniform opening extending through the center of the housing and along a length thereof, a rotor core (16) having a substantially cylindrical shape and sized and shaped to fit within the opening of the rotor housing. The rotor core further has at least two channels (30) in an outer surface thereof such that the channels, along with an interior wall of the rotor housing, define two sample spaces into which sample is delivered while the rotor is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Marcus J. Horn
  • Patent number: 7413669
    Abstract: A separator including a conical member having a base; a substantially cylindrical member extending from the base; a separator inlet for introducing liquid to be separated into the conical member in a substantially tangential direction with respect to a sidewall of the conical member; a heavy phase outlet communicated with an apex portion of the conical member; and a light phase outlet communicated with the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Rafael Gonzalez, Jorge Ramirez
  • Patent number: 7399412
    Abstract: A guide means of a centrifugal force separator or cyclone separator for separating at least one substance from a gaseous or liquid medium under the action of centrifugal forces has two or more baffle plates (2) with a radius which decreases from the center axis of the guide means, viewed in the direction of rotation of the medium. Between these baffle plates (2) entry openings (16) into the guide means are formed for the medium from which the substance has been largely removed into the guide means. There is a bottom plate (3) on the end of the guide means which projects into the interior of the device. To improve incident flow or inflow of the medium into the guide means, the bottom plate (3) in the area of the entry openings (16) has recesses (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: EJK Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Keuschnigg
  • Publication number: 20080121594
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element consisting of a molded body of porous concrete, which element is arranged in the water stream of a purification system. In particular, the filter element (10) is a molded pervious concrete layer arranged as a partition between a lower compartment (9) and an upper compartment (11) of a treatment chamber (8), wherein the water inlet (12) opens into the lower compartment (9) and a water outlet (17) issues from the upper compartment (11). The pervious concrete filter layer may contain one or more additives to enhance adsorption of pollutants, such as heavy metal ions, phosphorous, hydrocarbons or other target soluble pollutants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Royal Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Carsten Dierkes
  • Patent number: 7374692
    Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocyclones for ballast water treatment. The invention further relates to ballast water treatment systems comprising such hydrocyclones and methods of operating such hydrocyclones and ballast water treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Klaus Hesse, Peilin Zhou, Tony Leigh
  • Publication number: 20080099410
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of liquids by generating hydroxyl radicals through the dissolution of water molecules by hydraulic cavitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: FLUID-QUIP, INC.
    Inventor: Allison Sprague
  • Publication number: 20080087608
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inline, controlled water separation from a multiphase hydrocarbon production stream. The method includes the steps of directing the multiphase hydrocarbon production stream to a gas/liquid separator in order to separate into a gas stream and a liquid stream. The level of liquid in the gas/liquid separator is monitored and controlled. The liquid stream removed from the gas/liquid separator is directed to an enlarged pipe section in order to separate into an oil portion and a water portion. The level of the oil portion in the enlarged pipe section is monitored and controlled. The water portion from the enlarged pipe section is directed to a liquid-liquid cyclone centrifugal separator in order to separate into a water stream and a hydrocarbon concentrated stream. The water stream from the liquid cyclone centrifugal separator is directed to at least one de-oiling hydrocyclone separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: MULTIPHASE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION
    Inventors: Shoubo Wang, Luis Gomez, Ram Mohan, Ovadia Shoham
  • Patent number: 7347939
    Abstract: An adjustable contaminated mixing apparatus includes a reactor head and a down tube extending from the reactor head. A plurality of ports are formed in the reactor head and configured to impart a spinning motion to the contaminated liquid as it passes from the reactor head into the down tube. Each port is adapted to receive a flow restrictor to permit selectively control of velocity and flow volume of the liquid through the down tube. Typically, the flow restrictors are removable flow restriction plugs inserted into in a removable cartridge of the reactor head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Clean Water Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwain E. Morse, Wade O. Morse, Thomas G. Matherly
  • Patent number: 7338608
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of achieving a solid-liquid separation of an oil-based mud comprising the step of contacting said oil-based mud with a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a polymer derived from at least one water-soluble monomer, where the polymer is not dissolved prior to contact with the oil-based mud, mixing the water-in-oil emulsion and the oil-based mud and separating the solid phase from the liquid phase in the oil-based mud. In addition, this invention also relates to a composition comprising an oil-based mud with a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a polymer derived from at least one water-soluble monomer, wherein the polymer is not dissolved prior to contact with the oil-based mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Kemira Oyj
    Inventors: Jorge Adams, Henry Masias, Sun-Yi Huang, Raymond Farinato
  • Patent number: 7335313
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vortex-based centrifugal separator for removing solids from a liquid/solids fluid stream in two stages. A fluid stream under pressure is introduced at the top of the cylindrical separator at a tangential angle forming helical downward flow. The first stage uses a centrally-located spin plate for reversing the cleaner interior flow of the vortex back upward, while the heavier solids settle at the bottom of the chamber for periodic removal. In the second stage, a plurality of louvered slots in an upper discharge pipe remove finer solids from the exiting upward fluid flow prior to discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Griswold Controls
    Inventor: Emmanuel G. Moya
  • Patent number: 7332097
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating solid particles from a fluid. One preferred embodiment includes a tank for settling particles out of the fluid, a conical chamber at the bottom of the tank, an outlet connected to conical chamber, and a conical auger within the conical chamber. The tank may have a tangential inlet that creates a fluid circulation that exerts a centrifugal force on the solid particles to increase the settling of particles out of the fluid. The tank may have a static spiral on the inner wall that helps small particles coalesce into larger particles that settle faster out of the fluid. The fluid content of the solids removed from the tank may be controlled by varying the rotational speed of the conical auger. The rotational speed of the conical auger may be varied depending on the torque required to rotate the conical auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gary Fout, Neale Browne
  • Publication number: 20080035586
    Abstract: A coalescer is used in series with a hydrocyclone to enhance the removal of a dispersed phase from a continuous phase by first using a coalescer that lacks removal of any separated dispersed phase prior to cyclonic action in the hydrocyclone. The coalescer has no oil outlet and serves to coalesce the droplets or particles of the disperse phase together thereby increasing contaminant size distribution. The second hydrocyclone functions as a separator operating at higher removal efficiency. The method and apparatus are useful to clarify produced water from hydrocarbon recovery operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: James C.T. Chen, Shaya Movafaghian
  • Publication number: 20080011692
    Abstract: A cyclonic separator (10) separates contaminants from liquid fuel. The separator includes a body (12) having a base portion (14) and sidewall structure (16) extending from the base portion. The base portion and sidewall structure define an internal volume (V). An inlet port (18) in the body communicates with the internal volume, and an outlet port (20) in the body also communicates with the internal volume. The sidewall structure is constructed and arranged to cause fuel, containing a mixture of liquid fuel and contaminants, that enters the inlet port, to move in a generally circular manner in the internal volume so that the contaminants (P) separate from the liquid fuel, with the contaminants settling in the base portion and the liquid fuel (F?) moving through the outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery John Milton
  • Publication number: 20080006588
    Abstract: A cyclonic flotation system may be used to separate oil, grease, solids and other suspended matter from produced water by a combination of flotation and centrifugation in a separator cyclone. The cyclonic flotation system has a higher capacity-to-footprint ratio compared to conventional apparatus resulting in reduced weight and cost. The system is motion independent and suitable for use on floating structures such as offshore plafforms and vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Shaya Movafaghian, James C.T. Chen
  • Patent number: 7314559
    Abstract: A separator for separating multiphase flow, the separator comprising: an inlet for multiphase fluid; a plurality of outlets at least one for each selected separator phase; and a main annular tubular bore through which the multiphase flow is caused to flow and to separate into lighter and heavier fluids, the bore having an outlet for each of the lighter and heavier fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Publication number: 20070289911
    Abstract: A process line for separating oil sand slurry comprising coarse solids, fines, bitumen and water, into a first product comprising bitumen, fines and water and a second product comprising coarse solids, fines and water is provided comprising a plurality of countercurrently operating solid/liquid separators arranged in series along a pipeline, wherein the underflow of one separator is fed to the next separator in series and the overflow of each separator is fed to the preceding separator, the underflow of the last separator being the second product and the overflow from the first separator being the first product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicants: CANADIAN OIL SANDS LIMITED, CANADIAN OIL SANDS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, CONOCOPHILLIPS OILSANDS PARTNERSHIP II, IMPERIAL OIL RESOURCES, MOCAL ENERGY LIMITED, NEXEN OIL SANDS PARTNERSHIP, MURPHY OIL COMPANY LTD., PETRO-CANADA OIL AND GAS
    Inventors: GEORGE J. CYMERMAN, JESSICA VANDENBERGHE
  • Patent number: 7309445
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring slurry from a vessel having a plurality of slurry collection points. The apparatus includes a manifold having a plurality of inlets in flow communication with one or more outlets and a plurality of pressure-reducing cyclones. Each cyclone is associated with a respective one of the collection points and a respective one of the manifold inlets and each cyclone has an inlet port and at least one outlet port. In use, each duct being brings a respective one of the slurry collection points of the vessel into flow communication with an inlet port of a respective one of the cyclones, and/or each duct brings an outlet port of a respective one of the cyclones into flow communication with a respective one of the inlets of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Axsia Serck Baker Limited
    Inventors: Neville Ernest Lange, Geoffrey John Christopher Childs
  • Patent number: 7306730
    Abstract: A cyclone-type separator comprises a hollow cylindrical main body in to which liquid containing foreign matter is introduced, a clean room provided in an upper end of the main body, a communication pipe which connects the clean room to an interior of the main body, and a porous separating pipe arranged in the clean room. As the liquid swirls in the main body, an eddy stream is generated. A columnar air layer and a clean liquid layer are formed, both aligned with the centerline of the eddy stream. The air layer and the liquid layer are guided via the communication pipe into the separating pipe. At the bottom of the clean room, there are provided a first reservoir for storing the liquid coming through the separating pipe, a second reservoir for storing the liquid flowing from the first reservoir, and a coolant outlet port for discharging the clean liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Bunri Incorporated
    Inventors: Minoru Tashiro, Makoto Tashiro
  • Patent number: 7288202
    Abstract: A separator and method according to which substances having relatively high densities are separated from a pressurized flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: William C. Maier
  • Patent number: 7255790
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone which includes a main body having a chamber therein, the chamber including an inlet section, and a separating section, the separating section having an inner side wall which tapers inwardly away from the inlet section, the hydrocyclone further including a feed inlet feeding a particle bearing slurry mixture into the inlet section of the chamber, an overflow outlet at one end of the chamber adjacent the inlet section thereof, and an underflow outlet at the other end of the chamber remote from the inlet section of the chamber. The hydrocyclone further includes an overflow outlet control chamber adjacent the inlet section of the chamber of the hydrocyclone and in communication therewith via the overflow outlet, the overflow outlet control chamber including a tangentially located discharge outlet and a centrally located air core stabilising orifice which is remote from the overflow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Weir Warman Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Leslie Rogers, Kerry John Lawrence, Oscar Miguel Castro, Paul Martin Yexley, Anthony Ronald Przybylek
  • Patent number: 7241393
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating components of a slurry comprising solid particles and liquid components, particularly where the slurry is under pressure. The components are separated in a hydrocyclone such that a solids-enriched slurry exits the separator via an underflow outlet while a solids-depleted slurry exits the separator through an overflow outlet and passes into a products vessel. Fluid communication is provided between the products vessel and the underflow outlet so that gas can circulate through the hydrocyclone. This gas circulation pathway may be achieved by enclosing the separation system in a housing or providing a gas circulation conduit between the products vessel and the underflow outlet of the separator or an optional solids vessel connected to the underflow outlet. Pressure within the separator apparatus may be adjusted and controlled at a negative, neutral or positive pressure while operating the hydrocyclone in balanced mode to achieve efficient separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Stoy, Lee D. Rhyne, Ming He, Lalit S. Shah
  • Patent number: 7232525
    Abstract: An automatic tank cleaning system includes a water recycling unit having a weir therein and a conically-shaped bottom, a cutting box having a portable weir therein, a hydrocyclonic separator, and a mud tank. Tank slop is pumped from the mud tank to the water recycling unit where solids collect at the bottom. The solids are removed and collected in the cutting box. Water in the recycling unit may be pumped through the hydrocyclonic separator. Solids removed by the separator are collected in the cutting box and the water is directed into a clean water compartment defined by the weir within the recycling unit. Water in the cutting box is collected by the portable weir therein and pumped to the clean water compartment. Water from the clean water compartment is pumped to one or more rotary jet heads within the mud tank. Overflow from the water recycling unit may be directed to the cutting box. A chemical inductor may be used to add cleaning chemicals to the water prior to being directed through the wash nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Eriksen
  • Patent number: 7223344
    Abstract: A method of separating, recovering and reusing components of an exhausted slurry used in slicing silicon wafers from a silicon ingot. In the method, the solid particles and lubricating fluid of the exhausted slurry are separated without decreasing the viscosity of the exhausted slurry. The separated lubricating fluid may be collected and reused in the preparation of a fresh slurry. Additionally, the silicon particulate and metal slicing wire particulate are dissolved and separated from the abrasive grains. The abrasive grains are separated into spent abrasive grains and unspent abrasive grains. The separated unspent abrasive grains are suitable for reuse in the preparation of a fresh slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, SpA
    Inventors: Carlo Zavattari, Guido Fragiacomo, Elio Portaluppi
  • Patent number: 7182874
    Abstract: A stormwater treatment device for removing floatables, solids and suspended particles and the like from stormwater run off, whereby a removable assembly is provided for installation into a manhole basin, the assembly including a pass-through member which receives stormwater from an incoming drainage system, and diverts low flows to at least one or more vortex separators, while allowing for high flows to bypass the separators and flow through the assembly untreated to exit the basin without diversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: KriStar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Paul Allard, Jonathan McDonald
  • Patent number: 7179386
    Abstract: Sand is discharged from a vessel at an elevated pressure and is delivered at a lower pressure. The sand is subjected to the following steps before delivery: I) dilution with a dilution fluid, ii) passage through at least one pressure reducing cyclone, the dilution being such that flashing is reduced, and iii) delivery as a slurry at the delivery pressure. This results in less wear of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Axsia Serck Baker Limited
    Inventor: Neville Ernest Lange
  • Patent number: 7172706
    Abstract: A liquid separator for separating water from a mixture of water and fuel includes a flow dispersion member which serves to control the flow of the mixture into, through, and out of the liquid separator. The flow dispersion member is placed between a flow inlet channel and a separation chamber and includes a plurality of flow paths that significantly reduces turbulence into and through a separation chamber of the liquid separator thereby improving the separation of the water from the mixture. Further improvement of the separation is provided by the unique arrangement of an inlet port so as to induce a circulatory motion to the incoming mixture and thereby separate some water by centrifugal action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Geoffrey John Ross, Linda Ann Ross
  • Patent number: 7169305
    Abstract: A liquid vortex separator including a vortex tube (16) with an impeller (13) in the feed end to impart a rotational motion to liquid within the tube, a feed cylinder (12) connected to the vortex tube by a reducing cone (14). The separator has a separating cone (17) at the outlet end, an annular collecting ring (18) for heavy solids and a liquid discharge pipe extending axially from the separating cone. A feed tank (31) and circulating stream arrangement ensures operation of the system at varying feed rates. The liquid vortex separator may also be fitted with microwave generators (40), electrodes (51)powered from a DC source or magnets (60) to produce desired effects or chemical reactions in the material being processed through the liquid vortex separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Rodolfo Antonio M Gomez
  • Patent number: 7166230
    Abstract: A device (1) for separating and filtering particles and organisms from a high volume flowing liquid operating under low pressure. The device (1) includes a conical or cylindrical shape inlet chamber (3) were liquids enter tangentially creating a circular flow without creating a vortex, the liquids accelerate into a separation and filter chamber (14) where the liquids spin around a longitudinally disposed filter element (11) in the center of the chamber (14), with the centrifugal forces separating out larger and heavier particles towards the perimeter of the separation and filter chamber (14), and where smaller particles having a specific gravity closer to that of the liquid are filtered when the liquid penetrates through the filter element wall into the center of the filter element and flows out one of the longitudinal outlets of the unit. Ultraviolet light irreparably damages bacteria, microorganisms and pathogens contained in processed ballast water and may be incorporated as part of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Halvor Nilsen, Birgir Nilsen
  • Patent number: 7166218
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating an effluent comprising phases of different density and conductivity, the device comprising a pair of electrodes (12, 13), means (10) for introducing the effluent between said electrodes, means intended for separation (3) and discharge (4) of said separated phases. The separation means comprise at least one centrifugation element including a helical channel (19) in which the effluent is centrifuged after passing between the electrodes. An opening extends over the entire periphery of said centrifuged effluent so as to discharge part of the centrifuged effluent. The discharge means further comprise sealing means for limiting discharge of the less dense phase through said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean Trapy, Christine Noïk
  • Patent number: 7163626
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating a gas/liquid mixture, comprising: an inlet opening for the mixture; an outlet for the mixture located downstream; rotating means arranged in the tube for setting the mixture into rotating movement; one or more outlet openings arranged downstream relative to the rotating means for allowing a part of the mixture to flow laterally out of the tube; a return conduit arranged in axial direction through the rotating means for reintroducing into the tube the flow which has exited via the outlet openings; and divergence means arranged close to the outlet opening of the return conduit for allowing the reintroduced flow to diverge laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignees: Spark Technologies and Innovations N.V., Koch-Glitsch N.V.
    Inventors: Cindy Thérèse Cornelia Cuypers, David Ian Stanbridge
  • Patent number: 7147788
    Abstract: A separation method and apparatus are disclosed having particular application for effecting removal of sand from a production wellstream, enhancing the quality of recovered oil, gas and water output streams (12, 13, 14) and reducing erosion caused by entrained sand. The wellstream is passed initially through a cyclone separator (4?) which separates substantially all the water and sand as underflow and substantially all the oil and gas as overflow. A gravity separator (11) separates the overflow from the cyclone separator (4?) into oil, gas and water, and a further cyclone separator (17) separates the underflow from the first cyclone separator (4?) into water and sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Magnar Tveiten
  • Patent number: RE40407
    Abstract: A method for entraining and mixing gas with liquids within a conduit or drop structure, comprising the channeling of one or more liquid flows into spiral flows of predetermined radius (radii), reducing the predetermined radius (radii) to increase the centrifugal forces acting upon the spiral flow(s) as the spiral flow(s) enter the conduit, and allowing gas access to the conduit to mix with and entrain within the spiral flow within the conduit or drop structure. The method can facilitate the mixing of gas with one or more fluid flows and/or reduce the release of gas emissions from the fluid(s) into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Vortex Flow, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene M. Natarius