Spray Patents (Class 261/111)
  • Patent number: 8020837
    Abstract: A splash bar includes a tubular splash bar body in a form of a lattice structure that has a plurality of openings formed therethrough. The splash bar body is positioned centrally along and about an imaginary three-dimensional coordinate system having a lengthwise axis defining a lengthwise direction, a widthwise axis defining a widthwise direction and a heightwise axis defining a heightwise direction with the lengthwise axis, the widthwise axis and the heightwise axis being oriented perpendicularly relative to one another. The splash bar body defines a hollow passageway extending in the lengthwise direction and has a top portion, a bottom portion disposed generally opposite the top portion and a pair of opposing side portions interconnecting respective ones of the bottom and top portions with the top and bottom portions spanning the opposing side portions. The top portion is generally upwardly arcuate in shape as viewed in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Evapco, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Jerome Byrne, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110049733
    Abstract: A water cooling tower having an improved water collection system. The cooling tower has an outer shell, legs, and one or more layers of fill material, through which the water to be cooled moves vertically downward. The water is distributed across the upper surface of the fill material by piping and nozzles. A fan underlying the fill material moves air vertically upward through the fill material. The water collection system, which is positioned below the fill material, has upper and lower troughs which receive water flowing vertically downward through the fill material. Preferably, the lower troughs are positioned beneath the spaces between upper troughs, to catch water falling between the upper troughs. A number of hinged baffles close off the spaces between lower troughs, but rotate upward in response to upward air flow and open the spaces between the lower troughs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: AGGREKO LLC
    Inventors: David Alan Ferree, Billy Wayne Childers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110007599
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for gassing liquids, in particular for aerating water, wherein gas is fed to a mixing tube (2) via a gas inlet (7) and liquid via a liquid inlet (13) such as to form a mixture of gas and liquid, which is characterised in that the liquid is introduced centrally via a feed pipe (12) and the mouth opening (13) of the latter into the mixing pipe (2) and is spread in the region of the mouth opening (13) by means of an impact onto a spreader (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Willi Brunner, Dan Tannenberg
  • Patent number: 7850150
    Abstract: A support grid having a longitudinal axis, having a frame. The frame includes a series of columns that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a series of girts that intersect the series of columns to form a plurality of windows. The support grid also includes a first retainer integral with the frame. The first retainer extends from the frame into at least one of the plurality of windows at a first axial location. The support grid also includes slider portions that extend in opposed relation for the frame into the at least one plurality of windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies
    Inventors: Eldon F. Mockry, Ohler L. Kinney, Jr., Kathryn L. Pullen
  • Patent number: 7815171
    Abstract: Method in which a gas and a liquid are mixed and distributed in a chamber that comprises a distribution means that consists of a compartment that is filled with liquid through which a gas stream passes. Said method is characterized in that liquid is injected either in gas countercurrent or in gas co-current into the gas passage section or sections through at least two orifices that are present in said compartment, whereby said two orifices are arranged approximately facing one another, and in that the diameter and the number of orifices and/or the speed V of the liquid at the outlet of each of the orifices and/or the distance d between two injection points placed facing one another are selected such that the Froude number Fr, defined by the equation: Fr = V g × d in which g is the gravitational constant, is greater than 0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Ludovic Raynal, Christophe Boyer
  • Publication number: 20100230830
    Abstract: Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kasra Farsad, Robert W. Elliott, Richard P. O'Connor, William Randall Seeker, Kyle Self, Justin Wall
  • Publication number: 20100109171
    Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Composite Cooling Solutions, L.P.
    Inventors: James A. Bland, Jesse Q. Seawell, Dustin L. Troutman, Shane E. Weyant, Charles J. Bardo
  • Patent number: 7618026
    Abstract: A cooling tower fill support grid assembly and method of use which includes multiple cooling tower assembly fill hangers, each having a grid pattern that defines multiple grid openings of selected size. In one embodiment an anchor rivet pin extends from the horizontal grid members upwardly and disproportionally spaced-apart from the vertical grid members, into each grid opening. The anchor rivet pins are located off-center on the horizontal grid members between respective vertical grid members for engaging elliptical splash fills that are inserted in the aligned grid openings of adjacent assembly fill hangers in a first configuration. Once so inserted, the elliptical splash fills are rotated ninety-degrees into contact and engagement with the anchor rivet pins in a second, installed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Charles M. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7618025
    Abstract: A mixing device for mixing air and water in a water purifier includes a water inlet pipe (2) and an air inlet pipe (3). The air inlet pipe (3) extends coaxially within the water inlet pipe (2) and defines therewith an annular gap (4) for providing an annular water jet. Downstream of the annular gap (4) there is provided a mixing member (6) for mixing water and air. The mixing member (6) includes a water flow disturbing device (7) which is provided to be hit by the annular water jet. At least those parts (2a) of the water inlet pipe (2) and/or those parts (3a) of the air inlet pipe (3) which define the annular gap (4), are made of plastic material. The water flow disturbing device (7) includes at least one helical member (8) which extends along the inner side of the mixing member (6) around through-flow portions (6a) thereof within the helical member (8) such that helical movements are imparted to the annular jet of water when it flows downwards through the through-flow portions (6a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Anlager Svenska AB
    Inventor: Kurt Andersson
  • Patent number: 7584942
    Abstract: Ampoules for producing a reaction gas and systems for depositing materials onto microfeature workpieces in reaction chambers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an ampoule includes a vessel having an interior volume configured to receive a precursor with a headspace above the precursor. The ampoule further includes a carrier gas inlet for flowing carrier gas into the vessel, a conduit having an opening in the precursor and an outlet in the headspace, and a means for flowing precursor through the conduit and into the headspace to increase the surface area of the precursor exposed to the carrier gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Gealy, Ronald A. Weimer
  • Patent number: 7559541
    Abstract: A heat exchange splash bar for evaporative cooling. The splash bar includes a first serrated base along with a second serrated base. The splash bar additionally includes a first side wall connected to the first serrated base that extends at an angle away from the first serrated base, that includes a plurality of apertures disposed thereon. A second side wall is connected to the second serrated base that also extends at an angle away from the second serrated base. The second side wall additionally includes a plurality of apertures disposed thereon. The heat exchange splash bar additionally includes a top wall that extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein said top wall includes a plurality of openings having fingers extending therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Beltz, Ohler L. Kinney, Jr., Kathryn L. Pullen, Jason Stratman, Glenn S. Brenneke, Larry F. Burdick, Eldon F. Mockry
  • Publication number: 20090174090
    Abstract: A splash bar includes a tubular splash bar body in a form of a lattice structure that has a plurality of openings formed therethrough. The splash bar body is positioned centrally along and about an imaginary three-dimensional coordinate system having a lengthwise axis defining a lengthwise direction, a widthwise axis defining a widthwise direction and a heightwise axis defining a heightwise direction with the lengthwise axis, the widthwise axis and the heightwise axis being oriented perpendicularly relative to one another. The splash bar body defines a hollow passageway extending in the lengthwise direction and has a top portion, a bottom portion disposed generally opposite the top portion and a pair of opposing side portions interconnecting respective ones of the bottom and top portions with the top and bottom portions spanning the opposing side portions. The top portion is generally upwardly arcuate in shape as viewed in cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: EVAPCO, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. BYRNE, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080073801
    Abstract: A heat exchange splash bar for evaporative cooling. The splash bar includes a first serrated base along with a second serrated base. The splash bar additionally includes a first side wall connected to the first serrated base that extends at an angle away from the first serrated base, that includes a plurality of apertures disposed thereon. A second side wall is connected to the second serrated base that also extends at an angle away from the second serrated base. The second side wall additionally includes a plurality of apertures disposed thereon. The heat exchange splash bar additionally includes a top wall that extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein said top wall includes a plurality of openings having fingers extending therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Robert E. Beltz, Ohler L. Kinney, Kathryn L. Pullen, Jason Stratman, Glenn S. Brenneke, Larry F. Burdick, Eldon F. Mockry
  • Patent number: 7275736
    Abstract: A support grid having a longitudinal axis, having a frame. The frame includes a series of columns that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a series of girts that intersect the series of columns to form a plurality of windows. The support grid also includes a first retainer integral with the frame. The first retainer extends from the frame into at least one of the plurality of windows at a first axial location. The support grid also includes slider portions that extend in opposed relation for the frame into the at least one plurality of windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldon F. Mockry, Ohler L. Kinney, Jr., Kathryn L. Pullen
  • Patent number: 7128310
    Abstract: A cooling tower having a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes at least one heat exchanger pack having a generally diamond shape. The heat exchanger pack includes a first set of passageways for receiving a stream of warm, water laden air and a second set of passageways for receiving ambient air. The first set of passageways and second set of passageways are separate. Cooling tower configurations including the heat exchanger pack are disclosed for achieving effluent plume abatement, and capture of a portion of the effluent for replacement back into the cooling tower reservoir or as a source of purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldon F. Mockry, Jason Stratman, Jidong Yang
  • Patent number: 6880813
    Abstract: A sound attenuating apparatus for mounting on a heat exchanging apparatus such as a cooling tower, this apparatus having an attenuator housing with vertically extending sides, a top cover and a bottom adapted for mounting on the tower. There is an annular air inlet in the bottom and an air outlet is formed in at least one of the sidewalls. Perforated interior walls are mounted in the housing and define an /airflow passageway that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet. These walls include a first annular wall section extending about and defining an outer circumferential portion of the airflow passageway and a second wall section with that is annular and extends about a substantially vertical central axis. The latter wall section defines an inner circumferential portion of the passageway. The second wall section extends generally upwardly and outwardly from the air inlet. Sound absorbing material is arranged behind the perforated walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: M & I Heat Transfer Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Muammer Yazici, Ming Hui Han
  • Patent number: 6877726
    Abstract: A saturation vessel for treating waste water is provided with a hollow body member having a fluid inlet and outlet. A plurality of diffuser plates are positioned one above the other within the body member. A perforated screen member surrounds the diffuser plates. Waste water engages the diffuser plates and the screen to increase the saturation level of air within the waste water. The fluid outlet discharges the air-saturated water to a desired location. The level of waste water agitation is varied by changing the shape and configuration of the diffuser plates and screen member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: John R. Rindt, Don V. Mathsen
  • Patent number: 6877727
    Abstract: A cooling tower support grid includes a lattice frame having a first series of bars which intersect a second series of bars to form a plurality of openings. Splash bar retaining clips are integrally formed as part of the lattice frame extending in opposed relation into each of the openings. This eliminates the need to handle separate retaining clips and, thereby, simplifies the installation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Lloyd Olson, Nicolaos Papadopoulos
  • Publication number: 20040178521
    Abstract: The invention concerns inserts in the moist/wet region of cooling towers, which essentially consist of plastic. An additive that prevents or considerably reduces soiling through the formation and buildup on the inserts during subsequent use is added to the plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Martin Kienbock, Miroslav Podhorsky
  • Publication number: 20040099968
    Abstract: A cooling tower support grid includes a lattice frame having a first series of bars which intersect a second series of bars to form a plurality of openings. Splash bar retaining clips are integrally formed as part of the lattice frame extending in opposed relation into each of the openings. This eliminates the need to handle separate retaining clips and, thereby, simplifies the installation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Lloyd Olson, Nicolaos Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 6708960
    Abstract: A cooling tower support grid includes a lattice frame having a first series of bars which intersect a second series of bars to form a plurality of openings. Splash bar retaining clips are integrally formed as part of the lattice frame extending in opposed relation into each of the openings. This eliminates the need to handle separate retaining clips and, thereby, simplifies the installation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Integrid Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Olson, Nicolaos Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 6663087
    Abstract: Heat exchanger packs having a first set of passageways for receiving a stream of ambient air and a second set of passageways for receiving a stream of warm water laden air is disclosed. The first set of passageways and second set of passageways being separate and permitting the warm water laden air stream to be cooled by the stream of ambient air so that water can condense out of the warm water laden air stream. Cooling tower configurations including the heat exchanger pack are disclosed for achieving effluent plume abatement, and capture of a portion of the effluent for replacement back into the cooling tower reservoir or as a source of purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Marley Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Hubbard, Eldon F. Mockry, Ohler L. Kinney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6663694
    Abstract: Heat exchanger packs having a first set of passageways for receiving a stream of ambient air and a second set of passageways for receiving a stream of warm water laden air is disclosed. The first set of passageways and second set of passageways being separate and permitting the warm water laden air stream to be cooled by the stream of ambient air so that water can condense out of the warm water laden air stream. Cooling tower configurations including the heat exchanger pack are disclosed for achieving effluent plume abatement, and capture of a portion of the effluent for replacement back into the cooling tower reservoir or as a source of purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Marley Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Hubbard, Eldon F. Mockry, O. L. Kinney, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030071373
    Abstract: Heat exchanger packs having a first set of passageways for receiving a stream of ambient air and a second set of passageways for receiving a stream of warm water laden air is disclosed. The first set of passageways and second set of passageways being separate and permitting the warm water laden air stream to be cooled by the stream of ambient air so that water can condense out of the warm water laden air stream. Cooling tower configurations including the heat exchanger pack are disclosed for achieving effluent plume abatement, and capture of a portion of the effluent for replacement back into the cooling tower reservoir or as a source of purified water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: The Marley Cooling Tower Company
    Inventors: Bryan J. Hubbard, Eldon F. Mockry, O. L. Kinney
  • Patent number: 6523604
    Abstract: The present invention is an indirect evaporative cooling module preferably made from extruded, twin-walled, corrugated, fluted plastic sheeting. Sheets of this corrugated material are cut into plates which are preferably laminated together to form the primary and secondary passages that comprise the heat exchanger core. These passages can be configured any number of ways, from vertical to horizontal to diagonal, and flow through these passages can be cross-flow, counter-flow and even baffle-flow. Increased heat exchange efficiency is achieved through a variety of ways, for example, by including an efficient water distribution means at the top of the heat exchanger, evaporative mesh extending through and below the heat exchanger for water distribution and pre-cooling, the creation of top and bottom heat exchange chambers by channeling water directly to the bottom zone of the heat exchanges passages, and roughening the surface of the sheets to increase heat transfer and to increase surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventors: Barry R. Brooks, Dan L. Field
  • Publication number: 20030011083
    Abstract: A cooling tower support grid includes a lattice frame having a first series of bars which intersect a second series of bars to form a plurality of openings. Splash bar retaining clips are integrally formed as part of the lattice frame extending in opposed relation into each of the openings. This eliminates the need to handle separate retaining clips and, thereby, simplifies the installation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Lloyd Olson, Nicolaos Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 6499728
    Abstract: A cooling tower is provided including a cooling chamber with a bottom-to-top cooling air flow and a water injection system having spray nozzles horizontally distributed within the cooling chamber. A first air intake and a second air intake lead into the cooling chamber from below and, respectively, laterally from above the water injection system. The second air intake is implemented by a pipe, protruding into the interior of the cooling chamber, the pipe having at least two stages, beginning with a first stage next to a wall of the cooling chamber, the stages having progressively reduced flow cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Balcke-Durr Energietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Knut Menzel, Michael Kaatz
  • Patent number: 6488774
    Abstract: A trap apparatus is optimum for trapping a material gas discharged from a vapor deposition apparatus for depositing in a vapor phase thin films of high-dielectric or ferroelectric such as barium/strontium titanates on substrates. The trap apparatus is disposed downstream of a vacuum process chamber. The vacuum process chamber is for processing a substrate. The trap apparatus is for trapping a component having a low vapor pressure contained in a gas discharged from the vacuum process chamber. The trap apparatus includes a trap container for introducing the gas discharged from the vacuum process chamber, and a cooling device provided in the trap container for cooling the gas to a temperature equal to or lower than a condensing temperature of a gas component which is contained in the gas and easily liquidized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Kuniaki Horie, Masahito Abe, Tsutomu Nakada, Yuji Araki
  • Publication number: 20020047219
    Abstract: A cooling tower incorporates a cooling chamber (1) with a bottom-to-top cooling air flow and a water injection system (12) consisting of spray nozzles (13) horizontally distributed within the cooling chamber. A first air intake (11) and a second air intake (19) lead into the cooling chamber (1) from below and, respectively, laterally from above the water injection system (12). To arrive at a cooling tower with laterally added cooling air and combining a good coolant mixing pattern with low structural height, the second air intake (19) is implemented via a two-stage or multi-stage pipe (16), protruding into the interior of the cooling chamber (1), whose stages (17a, 17b, 17c), beginning with the first stage next to the wall (9) of the cooling chamber, feature progressively reduced flow cross-sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Knut Menzel, Michael Kaatz
  • Publication number: 20020033542
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an induced aeration device which utilizes a housing containing a plurality of slats having an air inlet on its bottom and an air outlet on its top. The housing contains a horizontally rotatable water distribution arm having horizontal water outlets directed in a reverse direction to that of rotation so that the distribution arm turns in response to the force created by the water outlet jets. A fan is disposed on top of the water distribution arm so that the fan turns with the water distribution arm. Further, the fan is effectively sized to induce the flow of air through the housing in sufficient quantity to aerate the influent water flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Gary S. McMillan
  • Patent number: 6293527
    Abstract: A splash bar for direct heat and mass transfer method and apparatus are disclosed utilizing grids of elongate splash bars which bars are arranged generally vertically and parallel with one another and wherein each splash bar includes both flat and curvilinear surfaces all of which are substantially perforated with holes. In one embodiment, the splash bar has a short first curvilinear surface that extends laterally and which changes to an extended first straight surface that in turn changes to a short second curvilinear surface which extends toward the vertical downward direction. In a second embodiment, the first straight portion is shorter and the second curvilinear surface changes to a third curvilinear surface with a reverse incline which changes to a second short straight surface which in turn changes to a fourth curvilinear surface that extends towards the vertical downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: John C. Ovard
  • Patent number: 6284019
    Abstract: A scrubber for removing pollutants from a gas comprising a housing for conducting the gas therethrough, a mechanism for introducing pollutant-reactive filtering agent into the housing, a sump for collecting the filtering agent and having a first volume, and an intermediate sump for collecting the filtering agent and channeling the filtering agent into the sump, the intermediate sump having a second volume that is less than the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Ian W. Sorensen, Edward A. Lamb
  • Patent number: 6283459
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gas-liquid processing apparatus having a high contact efficiency of a gas and a liquid and a high reaction efficiency at a low production cost. A static type fluid mixer includes a passage pipe for the passage of a fluid and a spiral blade body arranged in the passage pipe with the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicularly but being absent in the center portion of the passage pipe. A liquid and a gas are supplied into the static type fluid mixer and a fluid is returned from the bottom portion of the static type fluid mixer to the upper portion via the pipe for the fluid circulation. The fluid is maintained in the static type fluid mixer at a pressured state higher than the atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Hisao Kojima
  • Patent number: 6237900
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger has structural members made of fiber reinforced resin material. These structural members include vertical columns and walls. The walls are bonded to the columns to create rigid joints. The bonded joints have large surface areas. The walls are defined by individual panels that may be bonded together along abutting horizontal box beam sections. The panels have additional box beam sections to strengthen the panels, and connecting webs extending between the box beam sections. Both the box beam sections and connecting webs are bonded to the columns. Mechanical fasteners are used to hold the walls and columns together until the bonding material cures. The heat exchanger is an evaporative heat exchanger with a basin with a sloping floor having a low point. The sloping floor may be made of panels bonded together. The panels are similar in structure to the wall panels, although the box beams may be of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Drew, John E. Rule
  • Patent number: 6209856
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gas-liquid processing apparatus having a high contact efficiency of a gas and a liquid and a high reaction efficiency at a low production cost. A static type fluid mixer includes a passage pipe for the passage of a fluid and a spiral blade body arranged in the passage pipe with the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicularly but being absent in the center portion of the passage pipe. A liquid and a gas are supplied into the static type fluid mixer and a fluid is returned from the bottom portion of the static type fluid mixer to the upper portion via the pipe for the fluid circulation. The fluid is maintained in the static type fluid mixer at a pressured state higher than the atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Hisao Kojima
  • Patent number: 6193849
    Abstract: A fractionator has a fractionation vessel, a reactor effluent vapors inlet, a vapor feed contacting zone, a baffled contacting section above the vapor feed contacting zone, a tops section above the baffled contacting section, a heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section below the vapor feed contacting zone, a bottoms outlet, a bottoms recycle system with a heat exchanger. Recycled, cooled bottoms is fed back to the fractionation vessel at the heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section and above the vapor feed contacting zone. The improvements involve providing a separation tray and downpipe for separating cooler bottoms liquid from hotter product vapors within the fractionation vessel: to avoid condensation and absorption of product vapors by the liquid pool; to have more rapid and uniform quenching of hot liquid entering the pool; and substantially reduce costly onstream maintenance to clean fouled bottoms recycle exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: William Lockett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6083441
    Abstract: An elongated tubular structure of plastic strands is bisected along its axis to form open-topped self-supporting half-shells that can be used in cooling towers. The half-shells are stackable and can be transported in densely packed bundles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: NSW Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Ptaschek, Everitt Stump, Jr., Charles Boxler
  • Patent number: 6068686
    Abstract: A scrubber for removing pollutants from a fluid and having an inlet for receiving the fluid and an outlet for emitting the fluid, the scrubber comprising a first scrubber coupled with the fluid intermediate the inlet and the outlet for removing a first measure of pollutants from the fluid, a second scrubber coupled with the first scrubber intermediate the inlet and the outlet, the second scrubber for removing a second measure of pollutants from the fluid, and a third scrubber coupled with the second scrubber intermediate the inlet and the outlet, the third scrubber for removing a third measure of pollutants from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Ian W. Sorensen, Edward A. Lamb
  • Patent number: 6042090
    Abstract: The distributor device for a column includes a system of distributor tubes and nozzles for a fluid. The outlet apertures of the nozzles are preferably all arranged at the same height. At least a portion of the nozzles are manufactured of similar glass tube pieces. Each outlet aperture has a border which is formed by an edge produced by a milling cut and is otherwise untreated or by an untreated, broken glass edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Nikolaus Zablonier, Felix Moser
  • Patent number: 6032932
    Abstract: A contacting grate or panel for mass transfer or heat exchange comprising a substantially rectangular supporting framework having two connecting frame members extending along opposite side edges and a number of elongate supporting frame members extending between the connecting frame members. A series of small, parallel plates are mounted along each of the supporting frame members and each plate is relatively short. The grate has two relatively large and opposite sides and the planes in which the plates lie are perpendicular to these two opposite sides. Preferably, each plate lies in a plane which extends at an acute angle of less than 90 degrees to a longitudinal central axis of its respectively supporting frame member. A number of these grates can be connected together at their corners to form a module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Sixsmith
  • Patent number: 6012708
    Abstract: A cooling tower includes a cover and a heat exchanger positioned within a water circulation channel in order to exchange heat between water and air through contact with air. A closed housing is positioned within the cover, and the heat exchanger is positioned within and maintained in an airtight state within the housing. An air supply duct is in communication with the housing for supplying air, and an exhaust duct is in flow communication for exhausting air from the housing. A blower generates air flow in the air supply duct, the housing, and the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Shigeru Nagano
    Inventor: Shigeru Nagano
  • Patent number: 6007055
    Abstract: A gas and liquid contact apparatus is disclosed having a vertically orientated containing vessel including a sidewall. At least one grid assembly is positioned within the containing vessel transverse to and concentric about a vertical center line of the vessel. Liquid and gas are injected into the vessel at specified flow rates whereby a fluidized zone results. Various techniques are disclosed for rotating the fluidized zone resulting from the interaction of the gas and liquid in the direction of the Coriolis rotational effect at the geographical point of use of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Schifftner
  • Patent number: 5945039
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gas-liquid processing apparatus having a high contact efficiency of a gas and a liquid and a high reaction efficiency at a low production cost. A static type fluid mixer, includes a passage pipe for the passage of a fluid and a spiral blade body arranged in the passage pipe with the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicularly but being absent in the center portion of the passage pipe. A liquid and a gas are supplied into the static type fluid mixer and a fluid is returned from the bottom portion of the static type fluid mixer to the upper portion via the pipe for the fluid circulation. The fluid is maintained in the static type fluid mixer at a pressured state higher than the atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Hisao Kojima
  • Patent number: 5919406
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for cooling and cleaning surface elements of a plate heat exchanger to recover heat from outgoing air by spraying water into a stream of outgoing air. Wetting nozzles are used to spray a fine stream of processed water into the outgoing airflow channels of the plate heat exchanger at equal time intervals. This entails no trickling off of sprayed water and the surface elements swept by outgoing air remain moist until the next spraying. Scouring nozzles are used at the end of a daily cooling period to spray a stream of tap water into the outgoing airflow channels. The wetting device comprises a back-and-forth nozzle rail with wetting and scouring nozzles, the axes of which are preferably located in one plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Polybloc AG
    Inventor: Friedrich Bachofen
  • Patent number: 5902522
    Abstract: A cooling tower is disclosed that is resistant to lateral displacement while minimizing the number and type of parts, and while limiting the amount of horizontal bracing. The cooling tower has a fiber reinforced material skeletal frame. Moment-transferring connections are provided in the connections between the elements of the skeletal frame and between the skeletal frame and the base on which it sits. Further cost savings may be realized by using separable parts made of wood instead of fiber reinforced material. The moment-transferring connections between the frame members are made by bonding the joined elements to a mounting plate. The moment-transferring connections between the frame and the base are made by bonding the frame members and the base to footings. A method of constructing such a cooling tower is also disclosed. Diagonal bracing may be provided at preselected joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Q. Seawell, Toby L. Daley, Charles J. Bardo, James A. Bland, Gregory S. Mailen
  • Patent number: 5865242
    Abstract: A modular heat exchanging element including a frame, vertical plates and ribs. The individual heat exchanging elements can be coupled together and/or layered on top of each other and can be manufactured by one single thermal fusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Bruno Neri
  • Patent number: 5853624
    Abstract: A cooling tower having a housing for forming droplets of hot water in an air stream which causes a small portion of the hot water issuing from said oscillating spray nozzles to evaporate and remove heat from the remaining water thereby cooling said remaining water. A sump collects the remaining water and returns the remaining water to the heat source. The low pressure fluidic oscillating nozzles: (a) form large sized droplets of hot water uniformly over a large area, (b) reduce the quantity of droplets of hot water that are less than 2 mm diameter, (c) issue a spray pattern that reduces aerodynamic interference with air flow from said air blower, and (d) reduce sediments getting into the spraying of said hot water. In a preferred embodiment, the fluidic oscillator is a cusped island oscillator having an outlet with diverging sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Surya Raghu, Ronald D. Stouffer
  • Patent number: 5851446
    Abstract: A cooling tower is disclosed that is resistant to lateral displacement while minimizing the number and type of parts, and while limiting the amount of horizontal bracing. The cooling tower has a fiber reinforced material skeletal frame. Moment-transferring connections are provided in the connections between the elements of the skeletal frame. The moment-transferring connections between the frame members are made by bonding the joined elements to a mounting plate. The mounting plate may be held in place by mechanical fasteners that bear construction loads until the bonding material cures. The mounting plate, columns, beam and mechanical fasteners define construction joints that are capable of bearing construction loads until the bonding material cures. The mounting plate, columns, beam and cured bonding material define post-construction joints that are capable of transferring moments from the beam to the columns and are capable of bearing post-construction loads on the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Bardo, Jesse Q. Seawell, Toby L. Daley, James A. Bland, Gregory S. Mailen
  • Patent number: 5811035
    Abstract: A pultrudable, fiber reinforced synthetic resin multiple purpose panel for cooling towers is provided of construction such that when a series of the panels are mounted in side-by-side relationship on supporting structure of the tower, they may be used to form either a deck or wall of the tower. Each of the panels has an elongated main panel section, and two longitudinally extending end sections which project from the main panel section in the same direction. A flange extending outwardly from the outer margin of one of the end sections is adapted to receive a series of self-tapping fasteners for securing each of the panel sections to the tower supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Marley Cooling Tower Company
    Inventor: Eldon F. Mockry
  • Patent number: RE41723
    Abstract: A cooling tower support grid includes a lattice frame having a first series of bars which intersect a second series of bars to form a plurality of openings. Splash bar retaining clips are integrally formed as part of the lattice frame extending in opposed relation into each of the openings. This eliminates the need to handle separate retaining clips and, thereby, simplifies the installation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Integrid Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Olson, Nicolaos Papadopoulos