Liquid-flow Control Patents (Class 261/97)
  • Patent number: 11561016
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a storage water tank configured to accommodate a predetermined amount of water; a circulation water tank having a smaller capacity than the storage water tank and including a circulation low water level sensor; a supply pump configured to supply water from the storage water tank to the circulation water tank; a circulation pump configured to supply water from the circulation water tank to a humidifying member; a residual water tank configured to accommodate water discharged from the circulation water tank; a drainage member disposed between the circulation water tank and the residual water tank selectively to discharge water from the circulation water tank to the residual water tank and a processor configured to control the drainage member to discharge water from the circulation water tank to the residual water tank when a low water level signal is received from the circulation low water level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Beomseok Seo, Kyunghoon Kim, Sanghoon Lee, Seojeong Kim, Changmin Seok
  • Patent number: 11137155
    Abstract: A frame for an evaporative cooler includes a bottom channel including a bottom panel and two bottom-side panels, a top channel including a top panel and two top-side panels, and a pair of side channels disposed between, and engaged with, each of the bottom channel and the top channel. The side channels may include a vertical side panel, a flanged bottom, a flanged top, and a pair of flanged sides, where the flanged bottom is engaged with the bottom panel, the flanged top is engaged with the top panel, and each of the pair of flanged sides is engaged with a bottom-side panel of the bottom channel and a top-side panel of the top channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: INTEGRATED COMFORT, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Curtis Bourne
  • Patent number: 10982905
    Abstract: Helically coiled heat exchanger for the indirect exchange of heat between a two-phase first medium and a second medium has a shell surrounding a shell space, which extends along a longitudinal axis, an inlet for the admission of the two-phase first medium into the shell space, a tube bundle arranged in the shell space and having multiple helically coiled tubes for accommodating the second medium and a separating device for separating a gaseous phase from a liquid phase. The separating device has a tray arranged above the tube bundle which serves for collecting the liquid phase. The tray has a plurality of chimneys for separating the two phases. Each chimney projects from the tray from a side of the tray facing away from the tube bundle and is covered by a roof. An opening in the tray between the roof and an upper end of the respective chimney, there is provided an inlet opening via which the gaseous phase can flow into the respective chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred Steinbauer, Christian Matten, Christiane Kerber, Jurgen Spreemann, Ingomar Blum, Luis Matamoros, Florian Deichsel, Niels Treuchtlinger
  • Patent number: 10744422
    Abstract: Provided is a separation device, including: a gas-liquid contact flow passage having a distillate discharge port formed on one end side and a bottom product discharge port formed on another end side; a raw material liquid introduction port formed between the distillate discharge port and the bottom product discharge port in the gas-liquid contact flow passage; a stripping section, which is provided between the raw material liquid introduction port and the bottom product discharge port and is configured to heat a liquid in the gas-liquid contact flow passage; a rectification section, which is provided between the raw material liquid introduction port and the distillate discharge port and is configured to cool a gas in the gas-liquid contact flow passage; and a porous body arranged in the gas-liquid contact flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoki Sato, Kunihiko Nakano, Takuya Yoshinoya, Yuping Liu, Ryutaro Nakayama
  • Patent number: 10603648
    Abstract: A method for disposing a bed comprising particles in a burner through which a gas can flow, more particularly in a burner basket of an ammonia oxidation burner, where the particles are disposed such that the bed has a greater flow resistance in an edge region of the burner than in an inner region of the burner. Further, a burner basket for a burner may have a bed comprising particles, wherein the particles are disposed such that the bed has a greater flow resistance in an edge region of the burner basket than in an inner region of the burner basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Fuchs, Klaus Ruthardt, Rolf Siefert
  • Patent number: 10436515
    Abstract: A falling film evaporator includes a plurality of evaporator tubes through which a volume of thermal energy transfer medium is flowed, and a distributor to distribute a flow of liquid refrigerant over the plurality of evaporator tubes. The distributor includes a distributor box and a distribution sheet positioned at a bottom surface of the distributor box having a plurality of peaks and valleys, with sidewalls extending between each peak and each valley. A plurality of ports is located in the sidewalls to distribute the flow of liquid refrigerant downwardly over the plurality of evaporator tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abbas A. Alahyari, Jack Leon Esformes, Thomas D. Radcliff, Marcel Christians
  • Patent number: 9988330
    Abstract: In a process for the production of higher alcohols, i.e. C4+ alcohols, from syngas, the syngas is first reacted in a heterogeneous alcohol pre-converter (A) using an alcohol synthesis catalyst, whereby methanol as the main product in a concentration corresponding to or close to the equilibrium concentration is produced. Then the effluent from the pre-converter is mixed with unconverted wet recycle gas and reacted in a heterogeneous reactor for higher alcohols synthesis (B) containing a higher alcohols synthesis catalyst, and finally the effluent from the reactor for higher alcohols synthesis is separated into (i) unconverted syngas, which is recycled to the higher alcohols synthesis reactor, (ii) methanol and light alcohols, which are recycled to the higher alcohols synthesis reactor, and (iii) the final product consisting of higher alcohols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Hassan Modarresi, Christian Wix
  • Patent number: 9757663
    Abstract: Disclosed is a collector tray for collecting liquid in a pressure vessel such as a distillation column. The collector tray includes a liquid collecting surface having a curved shape such that the liquid collecting surface is generally upwardly concave or upwardly convex, and includes at least one chimney through the collector tray. The collector tray can be formed by attaching a plurality of collector tray panels to one another to form the collector tray having the liquid collecting surface. Methods for installing the collector tray and retrofitting a pressure vessel are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: Jaan Taagepera
  • Patent number: 9457336
    Abstract: Described herein are flexible seals for directing fluid flow in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, for enhancing heat transfer and reactor efficiency. The seals can be made of corrugated metal foil that is expandable in the radial direction for accommodating the expansion and contraction of reactor components in the tubular reactor during operation. The seals can block or redirect fluid flow through the reactor. Fluid is directed to the interior of the reactor by the seals and bypass around the outer circumference of the reactor components is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Todd A. Romesberg, Louis J. Zuponcic, Lorne W. DeYoung, Gordon W. Brunson
  • Patent number: 9346010
    Abstract: A liquid distributor and method for distribution of a liquid in a mass transfer column, the distributor includes at least one riser comprising at least one riser wall, the at least one riser wall extends from a first surface of the distributor in a first direction of the mass transfer column; at least one shield, the at least one shield extends from a second surface of the distributor opposite the first surface and extending in a second direction opposite the first direction; and at least one liquid distribution aperture extending from the first surface of the distributor through the second surface of the distributor, the at least one shield has a length extending in the second direction such that a gap is created between the at least one shield and a packing, the height of the gap between the shield and the packing is about 10 mm to 75 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Patrick Alan Houghton, Kenneth William Kovak, Andrew Weaver, Jonathan Wilson
  • Patent number: 9242188
    Abstract: A low-load distributor is disclosed for mass transfer columns for applying liquid onto the surface of packing stages of the mass transfer columns with at least one liquid supply, a plurality of liquid dispensing points and dwell time delay devices disposed between the liquid supply and the liquid dispensing points. An exemplery low-load distributor can be easily manufactured for a very low liquid flow rate and is characterized by high operation reliability. A dwell time delay devices can include absorbent open-pored storage material and the flow resistance of the storage material can increase in the liquid flow direction, starting from the liquid supply in the direction towards the liquid dispensing points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: RVT PROCESS EQUIPMENT GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Franz, Werner Geipel
  • Patent number: 9162202
    Abstract: A chimney tray for a reactor, wherein a gas reactant and a liquid reactant are mixed in chimneys to improve the dispersion performance of the liquid reactant on the catalyst bed of a fixed bed reactor thereby increasing the contact efficiency between the liquid reactant and the catalyst depending on the uniformity of flow of the liquid reactant, resulting in increased reaction efficiency, and which includes a tray having a plurality of through-holes, and a plurality of chimneys perpendicularly inserted into the through-holes of the tray and having one or more outlets penetrating there through and facing each other, wherein each of the plurality of chimneys includes a conical lower end which is formed such that it extends from the lower surface of the tray to make an angle of 10˜40° with respect to the direction of the normal line of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SK Innovation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung Jun Kim, Seong Jun Hong, Yong Woon Kim, Gyung Rok Kim, Kug Kyong Song, Jae Wook Ryu, Hong Chul Kim, Keun Seok Yang
  • Patent number: 9080780
    Abstract: Disclosed is a humidifier apparatus using a photocatalyst having an air-cleaning function, and more particularly, to a humidifier apparatus using a photocatalyst having an air-cleaning function, which is capable of performing an indoor air-cleaning function and a humidifier function while minimizing energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: LG HAUSYS, LTD.
    Inventors: Ju-Hyung Lee, Seong-Moon Jung, Joo-Hwan Seo, Dong-Il Lee
  • Patent number: 8925906
    Abstract: Provided is a device for diluting a viscous substance which is advantageous in spreading a viscous substance to increase its area and allow efficient dilution of the viscous substance with a diluent. The device comprises a base body having a treatment chamber to be supplied with a viscous substance and a diluent for diluting the viscous substance; a surface element having a coating surface to be attached by the viscous substance supplied to the treatment chamber of the base body; and a movable member movable along the coating surface of the surface element and a coating element. The coating element is provided on the movable member and mechanically spreads the viscous substance attached to the coating surface of the surface element on the coating surface of the surface element in association with movement of the movable member to increase area of the viscous substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Tsubouchi
  • Publication number: 20140361449
    Abstract: A liquid flow distributor for positioning above one or more packing sections in a packed exchange tower includes a plurality of troughs. At least one trough in the plurality of troughs has along a side thereto a deflecting member. The deflecting member is angulated to generally follow a shape of the at least one trough. A diffuser side of the deflecting member is positioned to deposit the liquid into a discharge region. A deflector side of the deflecting member is positioned for deflecting ascending vapor away from the discharge region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: GTC Technology US LLC
    Inventors: Ian G. Buttridge, SooWoong Kim, Gil Jong Kim, Michael J. Binkley
  • Patent number: 8888077
    Abstract: A liquid flow distributor for positioning above one or more packing sections in a packed exchange tower includes a plurality of troughs. At least one trough in the plurality of troughs has along a side thereto a deflecting member. The deflecting member is angulated to generally follow a shape of the at least one trough. A diffuser side of the deflecting member is positioned to deposit the liquid into a discharge region. A deflector side of the deflecting member is positioned for deflecting ascending vapor away from the discharge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GTC Technology US LLC
    Inventors: Ian G. Buttridge, Soo Woong Kim, Gil Jong Kim, Michael J. Binkley
  • Publication number: 20140239520
    Abstract: A packed tower for the absorption of water or SO3 in sulfuric acid includes a jacket and a domed grid disposed within the jacket. The domed grid is held on an L-shaped ring such that a gap is formed between an outside diameter of the domed grid and the jacket. A bed of packings is held on the domed grid through which the sulfuric acid charged from above trickles. A gas supply tube is disposed in a lower region of the tower. A gas outlet is disposed above the bed. An acid outlet is disposed in the lower region of the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Daum, Wolfram Schalk
  • Patent number: 8814148
    Abstract: The liquid distributor includes a channel for the reception of a liquid which is divided by a dividing wall into a first chamber and a second chamber. An inlet element for a liquid opens into the first chamber to fill the first chamber with the liquid. Openings are provided in the dividing wall so that the liquid can be distributed from the first chamber via the openings into the second chamber in the form of jets to create turbulent vortices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Christian Gottlieb Bachmann
  • Publication number: 20140232023
    Abstract: Embodiments of false downcomers are described having a lip extending inwardly from a bottom portion of the wall of the false downcomer. The lip has a length sufficient to deflect downward vapor from exiting through the bottom opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henry Kister, Carlos Trompiz
  • Publication number: 20140216690
    Abstract: A flow distributor for a liquid descending in a vertically elongated mass transfer column, a mass transfer column employing the same, and a method of treating a fluid stream in the mass transfer column is provided. The flow distributor includes a central distribution member for passing liquid to a plurality of outwardly extending side arm members, which, in turn, feed the liquid into a plurality of distribution troughs located below the elongated side members. The distribution troughs, which may be oriented substantially perpendicularly or substantially parallel to the elongated side members, include a bed of packing material disposed therein. Use of such distributors in vapor-liquid or liquid-liquid columns results in more uniform horizontal distribution of the liquid across the diameter of the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Darran Matthew Headley, Izak Nieuwoudt, Stephen Andrew Pile
  • Publication number: 20140197556
    Abstract: A liquid flow distributor for positioning above one or more packing sections in a packed exchange tower includes a plurality of troughs. At least one trough in the plurality of troughs has along a side thereto a deflecting member The deflecting member is angulated to generally follow a shape of the at least one trough. A diffuser side of the deflecting member is positioned to deposit the liquid into a discharge region. A plurality of break bars are disposed on the diffuser side of the deflecting member. A deflector side of the deflecting member is positioned for deflecting ascending vapor away from the discharge region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: GTC Technology US LLC
    Inventors: Jae-Man Cho, Namsun Ku, Michael J. Binkley
  • Patent number: 8727322
    Abstract: An enclosure defines a confined space configured to store goods that can be advantageously maintained by controlling the water vapor levels to which the goods are exposed. A water vapor conversion element, at which liquid water is converted to water vapor, can be operably associated with the confined space to distribute that water vapor to the confined space. A water delivery unit is operatively associated with the water vapor conversion element and is configured to deliver water in liquid form to the water vapor conversion element. The water delivery unit can comprise a drip chamber configured to deliver the water essentially one drop at a time. The enclosure can comprise a drawer in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator. A sensor configured to determine the water vapor level present in the confined space can be operable to selectively control the distribution of water vapor to the confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Hall
  • Patent number: 8695953
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may be a distribution tray for a vessel. Generally, the distribution tray includes a member, a compartment, and an insert. The member can form a first side and a second side. Typically, the first side is adapted to receive a liquid thereon. Additionally, the member can form a plurality of openings. Usually, the compartment extends through the member with a first portion protruding from the first side and a second portion protruding from the second side, and is adapted to permit the passage of a fluid there-through. The insert may be positioned within the compartment to constrict and then expand the passage of the fluid there-through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Zhanping Xu, Richard S. Hatami, Lev Davydov
  • Patent number: 8678354
    Abstract: Bubble generator devices to produce a fluid stream of bubbles are described. Apparatuses that include any of the described bubble generator devices to treat waste and/or frac-water are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: William B Kerfoot
  • Publication number: 20140013946
    Abstract: A liquid distributor and method for distribution of a liquid in a mass transfer column, the distributor includes at least one riser comprising at least one riser wall, the at least one riser wall extends from a first surface of the distributor in a first direction of the mass transfer column; at least one shield, the at least one shield extends from a second surface of the distributor opposite the first surface and extending in a second direction opposite the first direction; and at least one liquid distribution aperture extending from the first surface of the distributor through the second surface of the distributor, the at least one shield has a length extending in the second direction such that a gap is created between the at least one shield and a packing, the height of the gap between the shield and the packing is about 10 mm to 75 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Patrick Alan Houghton, Kenneth William Kovak, Andrew Weaver, Jonathan Wilson
  • Patent number: 8602397
    Abstract: A cooling tower with a hot water distribution system includes a distribution lateral disposed above a hot water basin. The distribution lateral discharges fluid into the hot water basin, which in turn, releases the fluid through a plurality of orifices. As the fluid is released, it falls on heat-exchanging fill material that assists in increasing the cooling rate of the fluid. The distribution lateral is configured structurally to discharge the fluid through a plurality of outlets at one or more angles (as compared to the horizontal) into the hot water basins. In one embodiment, the outlets are arranged into one or more rows that extend along a substantial length of the distribution lateral. Discharging the fluid in this manner enhances and promotes a more even fluid flow within the hot water basin, which results in a more even fluid flow over and onto the fill material, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Composite Cooling Solutions, L.P.
    Inventors: Toby Daley, James A. Bland, Michael Bickerstaff
  • Patent number: 8540878
    Abstract: A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Izak Nieuwoudt, Michael James Lockett
  • Patent number: 8517352
    Abstract: A liquid flow distributor for positioning above one or more packing sections in a packed exchange tower includes a plurality of troughs. At least one trough in the plurality of troughs has along a side thereto a deflecting member. The deflecting member is angulated to generally follow a shape of the at least one trough. A diffuser side of the deflecting member is positioned to deposit the liquid into a discharge region. A deflector side of the deflecting member is positioned for deflecting ascending vapor away from the discharge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GTC Technology US LLC
    Inventors: Ian G. Buttridge, Soo Woong Kim, Gil Jong Kim, Michael J. Binkley
  • Patent number: 8408026
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting/redistributing a flow of liquid descending in an exchange column containing a layer of packing that includes: a plurality of horizontally spaced longitudinal members, each member having an inner side and an upper end adjacent a bottom of the layer of packing; at least one plate vertically spaced from the bottom of the layer of packing, each plate adapted to collect a portion of the flow of the descending liquid and having opposing ends connected to the inner sides of a pair of the longitudinal members; and at least one vapor riser in fluid communication with the plate and adapted to receive and transmit at least a portion of a stream of a vapor ascending in the exchange column from below to above the plate, each vapor riser having a cap vertically spaced apart from the bottom of the layer of packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth William Kovak, Clive Chalk, Stephen Graham Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8348246
    Abstract: A system for distributing a fluid via a packing disposed in a container, the packing configured to have the fluid trickle from a top to a bottom thereof, includes at least one distributor member including a pressure conduit having at least one nozzle configured to discharge the fluid therethrough and a distributor channel adjoining the distributor member. A width of the distributor channel does not substantially exceed a diameter of the distributor member. The distributor channel defines at least one outlet slot disposed at a lower end of the distributor channel. The at least one outlet slot has a specified width and is configured to discharge the fluid from the distributor channel to the packing via a guide member. The distributor channel is configured to receive the fluid discharged from the at least one nozzle so as to provide a specified level of the fluid in the distributor channel. The distributor channel forms a ventable chamber above the specified fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Daum, Wolf-Christoph Rauser, Wolfram Schalk
  • Patent number: 8317166
    Abstract: A liquid collection and distribution device is provided to support a bed of packing material and to collect liquid exiting the bed and redistribute it to an underlying bed of packing material with improved compositional and volumetric flow uniformity. The liquid collection and distribution device includes a liquid collector, a liquid distributor, and a lattice-type framework positioned between and supporting the liquid collector and the liquid distributor. In addition to supporting the liquid collector and liquid distributor, the framework has internal fluid passages that convey the liquid from the liquid collector to the liquid distributor while shielding the liquid from ascend vapor or gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Darran Matthew Headley, David Ray Ewy
  • Publication number: 20120245372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-continuous deodoriser comprising at least one stripping section, which stripping section comprises a feed buffer tray for liquids, a liquid flow regulating means, a liquid distributor, a structured packing, and a receiver tray, wherein the regulating means are regulating the liquid flow from the feed buffer tray to the distributor to distribute the flow of liquid over the structured packing. The liquid is in the packing contacted in counter-current flow to an already once-used stripping agent which is recovered from one of more of the trays installed in the apparatus. The invention relates further to a method for refining fats and oils in a semi-continuous deodoriser, a method for re-using stripping agent in a semi-continuous deodoriser, segregating the recovered distillate into high purity types matching the feed type, and a use of the semi-continuous deodoriser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Florivaldo Galina, Lucas Klettenhofer, William Younggreen, Steen Balchen, Preben Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8235362
    Abstract: Fluid distribution systems, and particularly those for distributing liquids into apparatuses containing parallel flow trays for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. Representative fluid distribution systems comprise one or more extended troughs having a plurality of outlet spouts that are aligned for distribution to a vapor-liquid contacting deck zones of a parallel flow stage. The trough(s) may be orthogonal to liquid distribution pans which are in alignment with outlet spouts (e.g., in discrete outlet spout zones) of the trough(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Patent number: 8235361
    Abstract: A structured packing for a reactor is formed from a metal sheet to promote heat and mass transfer near the wall of the reactor. The structured packing causes lateral flow of fluids flowing through the packing such that jet impingement of at least one reactor wall is promoted. The packing may be used in a cylindrical, annular or plate-type reactor, e.g., a catalytic reactor, or a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Tribute Creations, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan Jay Feinstein
  • Patent number: 8205863
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a distributor for a liquid in a gas-liquid contacting vessel. The distributor can include: a first member forming a plurality of apertures permitting a liquid to pass there-through; a first compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a first aperture of the plurality of apertures; and a second compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. Generally, the first compartment forms a hole at a first height and the second compartment forms a hole at a second height different from the first height with respect to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Daniel R. Monkelbaan
  • Patent number: 8206657
    Abstract: An enclosure includes at least one packed bed and a mixture supply line for delivering at the bottom of the enclosure a mixture of a liquid with a gas. The enclosure includes a system for separating the liquid phase and the gas phase of the mixture, the system being arranged between the bed and the mixture supply line, and this system including a housing having a flow passage for the degassed liquid and discharge passages for the disengaged gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Frédéric Augier, Robert Beaumont, Christophe Boyer, Denis Darmancier
  • Patent number: 8181942
    Abstract: A liquid distribution device is presented for the collection and distribution of liquid between reactor or adsorbent beds. The device includes a liquid collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the liquid collection tray, a rough distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a liquid distribution tray in fluid communication with the rough distribution tray, and a plurality of vapor pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 8177198
    Abstract: A liquid distribution device is presented for the collection and distribution of liquid between reactor or adsorbent beds. The device includes a liquid collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the liquid collection tray, a liquid distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a plurality of nozzles for delivering the liquid over the top of a reactor or adsorbent bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 8157990
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Sailesh B. Kumar, Richard S. Hatami, Robert Crismyre
  • Publication number: 20120055337
    Abstract: The gas-liquid contact column comprises at least an upper tray 10 and a lower tray 10, as well as a downcomer 2 for sending the liquid from the upper tray to the lower tray. The trays comprise gas ports. A packing 11 is arranged between the upper tray and the lower tray. The upper tray comprises means 12 for withdrawing liquid from the upper tray, the liquid withdrawn being distributed over the packing. The gas-liquid contact column is particularly well suited for absorption of the CO2 and of the H2S contained in a natural gas or in a syngas, and for capture of the CO2 contained in combustion fumes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Bénédicte Chommeloux, Viep Hoang Dinh, Ludovic Raynal
  • Patent number: 8118284
    Abstract: A collector-distributor combination in a column, which is filled with a random packed bed or with a structured packing, is disclosed. The liquid phase is guided over a collector with inclined planes to a central opening, which is connected to an ascending pipe, from which the liquid phase is distributed to the plane underneath via the distributor pipes. By guaranteeing a constant filling level of the liquid phase in the ascending pipe, the distributor functions as a pressure distributor. The liquid phase is distributed independent of the inclination of the column over the entire length of the distributor pipes. The gaseous phase passes through the collector via the chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Alzner, Ludwig Bauer
  • Patent number: 8104748
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hollow fiber system for a humidifier, including hollow fibers that are permeable to steam. A first air flow can be conducted within the hollow fibers while a second air flow can be conducted outside the hollow fibers. The hollow fibers are located at least in part at a distance from each other via a device (6) that is disposed between the hollow fibers, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Klaus Leister
  • Patent number: 8096533
    Abstract: A stacked packing column for heat and/or mass transfer has individual horizontal layers including a lower layer that has a greater density that initiates an accumulation, in particular flooding, and that is 1.5 to 10, preferably 2 to 3 times, greater than the density of an overlying upper layer. The upper layer forms oblique flow channels having lower sections that are more vertically aligned than respective upper sections. The lower sections of the flow channels have a larger cross section than the upper sections, and the sections of larger cross section open into the lower layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Julius Montz GmbH
    Inventors: Egon Zich, Helmut Jansen, Thomas Rietfort, Björn Kaibel
  • Patent number: 8096534
    Abstract: A water distribution tray having an improvement including a first downwardly inclined surface therein commencing at a base of a water impingement pedestal within a first of a plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding first of a plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the first downwardly inclined surface has a first declension angle associated therewith, and a second downwardly inclined surface commencing at the base within a second of the plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding second of the plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the second downwardly inclined surface has a second declension angle associated therewith different from the first declension angle. A method of manufacturing is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Geethakrishnan Vasudevan, Robert B. Uselton, Jesse Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20110241230
    Abstract: Bubble generator devices to produce a fluid stream comprising bubbles are described. Apparatuses that include any of the described bubble generator devices to treat waste and/or frac-water are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 7997562
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Composite Cooling Solutions, L.P.
    Inventors: James A. Bland, Jesse Q. Seawell, Dustin L. Troutman, Shane E. Weyant, Charles J. Bardo
  • Patent number: 7988928
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment or hydrotreatment reactor comprising at least one granular bed (12), an essentially liquid phase (L) and an essentially gaseous phase (G) present in the bottom of the reactor and separated by an interface (38), and a distribution plate (20) with at least one main chimney (32) allowing circulation of liquid phase (L) towards the bed and at least one passage (30) for feeding gas phase (G) into said bed. According to the invention, plate (20) also comprises at least one mixed chimney (34) for circulation of the liquid phase towards the bed or for feeding the gas phase into said bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Frédéric Augier, Christophe Boyer
  • Patent number: 7950631
    Abstract: A water distribution tray having an improvement comprising a first downwardly inclined surface therein commencing at a base of a water impingement pedestal within a first of a plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding first of a plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the first downwardly inclined surface has a first declension angle associated therewith, and a second downwardly inclined surface commencing at the base within a second of the plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding second of the plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the second downwardly inclined surface has a second declension angle associated therewith different from the first declension angle. A method of manufacturing is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Geethakrishnan Vasudevan, Robert B. Uselton, Jesse Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7901641
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Sailesh B. Kumar, Richard S. Hatami, Robert Crismyre
  • Patent number: 7892335
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the transfer of organic compounds from a first liquid phase to a gaseous phase and from said gaseous phase to a second liquid phase, comprising a packed stripping column (2), a housing (5), a shell (1), a means for introducing the gaseous phase at the bottom end of said packed stripping column (2), a distributor (4) for distributing said first liquid phase onto said packed stripping column (2), causing said first liquid phase to trickle down said packed stripping column (2) counter-currently to the flow of the gas phase and causing the gas stream leaving said packed stripping column (2) at its top end to have a higher content of organic compounds than the gaseous phase introduced at the bottom end of said packed stripping column (2), one or more ducts (9/26) allowing the gaseous phase leaving said packed stripping column (2) to flow downwards to the bottom end of a packed scrubber (3) enclosed in a housing (25), a distributor (12) on top of said packed scrubber (3) ca
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: N.V. DeSmet Ballestra Engineering S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Kellens, Anthony Harper