Injector Directs Material Onto Deflector Patents (Class 366/175.2)
  • Patent number: 12036519
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a mixing device. In certain embodiments, devices of the invention include a fluidic inlet, a fluidic outlet, and a chamber, the chamber being configured to produce a plurality of fluidic vortexes within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: WIAB WATER INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Geir Hermod Almås, Bengt Olle Hinderson
  • Patent number: 11713633
    Abstract: A dry product additive system includes a skid, a hopper, a pickup funnel, a feeder system, a supply pump, and an eductor assembly. The feeder system may be configured to transport product from the hopper to the pickup funnel. The eductor assembly including a suction inlet, a motive inlet, and an outlet. The suction inlet may be coupled to the pickup funnel by a suction hose. The motive inlet may be coupled to the supply pump by a motive fluid hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: STEWART & STEVENSON LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Smith, Brian Sharp, Mark Payne
  • Patent number: 10731012
    Abstract: An anti-clogging microfluidic multichannel device comprising a first mixing chamber comprising a first and a second end, wherein the first end comprises at least one inlet connected in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber, and at least one first capillary element comprising a first and a second end, wherein the first end of the at least one first capillary element is connected in fluid communication with the second end of the first mixing chamber, at least one septum located within the at least one first capillary element, which divides the cross section of the at least one first capillary element in a plurality of channels, wherein the at least one first capillary element comprises a reduction of section along its longitudinal axis between a section of the at least one first capillary element and the second end of the at least one first capillary element. It is also described a microfluidics system and a method of production of emulsions using said microfluidics system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Juan Perez-Mercader, Yuandu Hu
  • Patent number: 9421288
    Abstract: Blood or other fluid can be treated with UV or other light, such as using an apparatus that can include a cuvette. The cuvette can include an elongated tube configured to permit passage of light of a desired wavelength into the tube, which can include a fluid inlet at a first end and a fluid outlet at a longitudinally opposing second end. A turbulator within the tube can include a helical baffle segment configured to induce mixing and rotation of fluid flow about a longitudinal axis of the tube. The method can include passing a fluid, from a fluid inlet at a first end of an elongated tube to a fluid outlet at a longitudinally opposing second end of the elongated tube. Mixing and rotational flow of the fluid can be induced within the tube about a longitudinal axis of the tube and light of a desired wavelength can be permitted into the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lowe
  • Patent number: 9248418
    Abstract: A stationary material mixing apparatus located within a cylindrically-shaped conduit. The material mixing apparatus includes a front face, rear face, cone-shaped module having a base and apex supported on said front face and extending toward an upstream end of the conduit. A channel for introducing an additive to the fluid stream is provided, the additive being introduced at the apex of the cone-shaped module, the material mixing apparatus further being provided with three circular openings positioned 120 degrees from each other and each having a baffle configured therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Smith, Nolan Smith, Seungsuk Lee
  • Patent number: 9039273
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to multiple emulsions, and to methods and apparatuses for making multiple emulsions. A multiple emulsion generally describes larger droplets that contain one or more smaller droplets therein. The larger droplets may be suspended in a third fluid in some cases. These can be useful for encapsulating species such as pharmaceutical agents, cells, chemicals, or the like. In some cases, one or more of the droplets can change form, for instance, to become solidified to form a microcapsule, a liposome, a polymerosome, or a colloidosome. Multiple emulsions can be formed in one step in certain embodiments, with generally precise repeatability, and can be tailored to include one, two, three, or more inner droplets within a single outer droplet (which droplets may all be nested in some cases).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: David A. Weitz, Darren Roy Link, Andrew S. Utada
  • Patent number: 9038666
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for providing an electromagnetic flow controller. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic flow controller can have two substrates, a permanent magnet, and two electrical traces. One of the substrates may deflect away from the other substrate upon applying an electrical signal to at least one of the two electrical traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Kevin McMahan, Shiva Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 9004744
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing fluids, such as beverage syrup and water, uses countercurrent injection to improve blending of the fluids. A mixing chamber has a first inlet through which a first fluid is fed to the mixing chamber, and a second inlet through which a countercurrent injection nozzle extends and is operative to inject a second fluid into a stream of the first fluid. The countercurrent injection nozzle is equipped with a check valve to control the flow of fluid into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber may include additional inlets that may be fitted with countercurrent injection nozzles to permit the countercurrent injection of other fluid, such as flavorings, into the stream of the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Techni-Blend, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Kemp
  • Patent number: 8992072
    Abstract: A nozzle system for mixing contents in a tank and scouring surfaces of debris and sediment is disclosed. The system is capable of use either below or above a tank's liquid content surface as well as being adaptable to flow channels and other surfaces which may become impeded with sediment and debris. The nozzle system includes at least one nozzle receiving fluid from a pump, and a splash plate positioned to deflect a discharged stream from the nozzle in a spread and downward direction. The number and positioning of additional nozzles in the system can be determined by mapping the discharge of each splash plate equipped nozzle and arranging for the desired area of coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Vaughan Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn R. Dorsch
  • Patent number: 8876365
    Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising the following: A) at least one extensional flow mixer comprising: a generally open and hollow body having a contoured outer surface and having: a single entrance port and a single exit port; a design for compressing a bulk stream, and a design for broadening the bulk stream and the at least one injected additive stream; B) a flow conductor; and C) a primary additive stream injector, as described herein; and wherein the extensional flow mixer is followed by D) a first helical static mixing element that is at least one half “flow conductor diameter (D1)” downstream of the exit port of the extensional flow mixer; and wherein the mixing system comprises at least four helical static mixing elements, placed such that the leading edge of the first helical static mixing element is located perpendicular to the main axis (major axis) of the exit port of the extensional flow mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Maria Pollard, Steven R. Strand, David A. Eversdyk, Matthias Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8746965
    Abstract: Methods are provided for achieving dynamic mixing of two or more fluid streams using a mixing device. The methods include providing at least two integrated concentric contours that are configured to simultaneously direct fluid flow and transform the kinetic energy level of the first and second fluid streams, and directing fluid flow through the at least two integrated concentric contours such that, in two adjacent contours, the first and second fluid streams are input in opposite directions. As a result, the physical effects acting on each stream of each contour are combined, increasing the kinetic energy of the mix and transforming the mix from a first kinetic energy level to a second kinetic energy level, where the second kinetic energy level is greater than the first kinetic energy level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Turbulent Energy, LLC
    Inventors: David Livshits, Lester Teichner
  • Patent number: 8635858
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a catalyst, and injector positioned upstream from the catalyst, and a fluid-spray atomizer positioned between the catalyst and the injector. The fluid-spray atomizer includes a plurality of horizontal slats, wherein each horizontal slat is a different size and a smaller horizontal slat is nested at least partially inside a larger horizontal slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Levin, Furqan Zafar Shaikh
  • Patent number: 8517595
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation, and components for the apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mixing and/or cavitation chamber with an element such as an orifice component that is located adjacent the entrance of the cavitation chamber. The apparatus may further include a blade, such as a knife-like blade, disposed inside the mixing and/or cavitation chamber opposite the orifice component. In one version of such an embodiment, at least some of the portions of the orifice component surrounding the orifice and/or the blade are made of a material or materials that have a Vickers hardness of greater than or equal to about 20 GPa. A process for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation in a fluid is also contemplated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lowen Robert Morrison, Jr., Ke-Ming Quan, Raul Victorino Nunes, Vesselin Nikolov Shanov, Paul Alfred Cimiluca
  • Publication number: 20130215706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for emulsifying a mixture. The device includes a body defining a cavitation chamber, the body comprising a first and second opening and the cavitation chamber comprising an entry port and an exit port. The first opening is connected to the entry port and the second opening is connected to the exit port. The device includes a replaceable nozzle positioned in the entry port and an adjustable counter baffle positioned in the cavitation chamber to impinge flow of solution entering the cavitation chamber from the nozzle. Also disclosed is a method of emulsifying a mixture. This method involves providing the device of the present invention, introducing a mixture into the first opening of the device, and recovering an emulsified solution from the second opening of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: CAVITRONIX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles D. Markert, Paul G. Delozier
  • Publication number: 20130010569
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation, and components for the apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mixing and/or cavitation chamber with an element such as an orifice component that is located adjacent the entrance of the cavitation chamber. The apparatus may further include a blade, such as a knife-like blade, disposed inside the mixing and/or cavitation chamber opposite the orifice component. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be scalable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Erich William Gansmuller, Ke-ming Quan, Yunpeng Yang, Francesc Corominas
  • Patent number: 8328938
    Abstract: A buffer apparatus and a thin film deposition system are provided. The buffer apparatus is connected between a liquid material supply apparatus and a deposition machine. The buffer apparatus includes a container and a baffle. The container is used for containing a liquid material supplied from the liquid material supply apparatus. The top of the container has an input hole and an output hole. The baffle is disposed in the container and located under the input hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Cheng-Chung Lim, Zhao-Jin Sun, Jui-Ling Tang, Chin-Khye Pang, Yu-Heng Liu
  • Patent number: 8322910
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation, and components for the apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mixing and/or cavitation chamber with an element such as an orifice component that is located adjacent the entrance of the cavitation chamber. The apparatus may further include a blade, such as a knife-like blade, disposed inside the mixing and/or cavitation chamber opposite the orifice component. In one version of such an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be cleaned in place. The apparatus may, be provided with at least one drain in liquid communication with the mixing chamber. If the apparatus comprises a blade, the apparatus may further include a blade holder that is movable so that the distance between the tip of the blade and the discharge of the orifice can be varied. In this or other embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be scalable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Erich William Gansmuller, Ke-ming Quan, Yunpeng Yang, Francesc Corominas
  • Patent number: 8303163
    Abstract: An in-line mixing apparatus is especially useful for iodine extraction from brine. Three fluids (brine, an oxidant such as sodium hypochlorite, and an acid such as HCl) are mixed in the apparatus. The apparatus includes an inner tube and an outer tube. Openings are present in the sidewall of the inner tube to connect the interior volume of the inner tube with the annular volume between the inner tube and the outer tube. Fluid is passed into the inner tube and flows through the openings into the annular volume, causing immediate and vigorous mixing and chemical reaction to obtain elemental iodine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Charles A. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8281817
    Abstract: A laminar flow tool is for channeling water, air or other fluids through a down drill pipe or tubing for pressurization of other tools or other purposes. The tool provides a flow divider having an 180 degree twist separating a driven fluid chamber from a buffer fluid pocket. Fluid in the tool is calmed as it travels and loses some of the spin (“turbulence”) inherent in the water or other fluid. A buffer pocket on one side absorbs shocks and stabilizes the driven side. Ports in the buffer side help equalize pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools, LP
    Inventor: Donald W. Tinker
  • Patent number: 8262279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wet-type recirculation system for particle size analysis of sample including coarse particles (hundreds to thousands ?m). According to the wet-type recirculation system of the present invention, the mixture liquid is recirculated using not a single recirculation line but two recirculation lines between the mixer and the particle size analyzer and the recirculation lines are connected with the mixer at the upper inputting part side of the mixer to discharge the mixture liquid. Further, the rotatable baffle is attached to the inside of the mixer to generate vortex in a horizontal direction as well as a vertical direction within the reservoir of the mixer and the baffle is rotated by a pressure of the mixture liquid discharged from the two recirculation lines to form vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resouces
    Inventors: Chulwoo Rhee, Jaehwa Jin, Minjun Kim, Yikyun Kwon
  • Patent number: 8043501
    Abstract: The invention concerns a reactant injector for equipping a water treatment reactor, comprising a nozzle associated with a dispersing member, and a corresponding water treatment device. The invention concerns an injector (2) of a reagent into a reactor (2) of a water treatment device, characterized in that said injector (2) comprises at least one nozzle (21) for injecting a jet of said agent, said nozzle being associated with a member for dispersing (22) said jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: OTV SA
    Inventors: Abderrahmane Maloum, Abdelkader Gaid
  • Patent number: 7985019
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously mixing two flows, a first, larger flow and a second, smaller flow. The second flow is introduced counter-directed into the first flow. The apparatus comprises a T pipe where a first connection constitutes an inlet for the first flow. A second connection, at 180° in relation to the first connection, constitutes an inlet for the second flow. The second flow is led into the first flow through a conduit within the T pipe. The first connection is provided with a conical portion in which are provided a number of holes, so that the first flow is throttled and divided up into a plurality of subflows immediately before the mixing operation. A third connection is oriented at 90° in relation to the other connections and constitutes an outlet for the intermixed flows, which implies that the intermixed flows are caused to change direction immediately after the mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA
    Inventors: Eric Lundgren, Bengt Palm
  • Publication number: 20110075507
    Abstract: A diffuser provides the ability to diffuse one or more infusion materials into a host material. A rotor and stator rotate relative to one another. The infusion materials are drawn through openings in the rotor and stator. These openings are also causing turbulence within the host material, which is flowing through an area between the rotor and stator. As aligned openings pass one another, succussion occurs, which provides energy to diffuse the infusion materials into the host material to an extremely high degree. The opening patterns in the rotor and stator can be designed to operate at a single frequency or at multiple frequencies. The frequencies of operation may affect bonding between the infusion materials and the host material and may also be effective in break down of complex molecular structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Revalesio Corporation
    Inventors: Norman L. Wootan, Anthony B. Wood
  • Patent number: 7665884
    Abstract: A mixing system should, while effecting a homogeneous mixing with a low loss of pressure, have a short intermixing distance. The mixing system contains mixing elements disposed in a flow channel and have mixing blades disposed around a respective central axis. Adjacent mixing blades each have an overlap in their plane of projection to the normal plane of the central axis. An injection location for supplying a reaction medium is connected upstream from some or all of the mixing elements. The injection location is dimensioned such that the reaction medium, at its discharge from the injection location, has a discharge velocity that is increased by an excess factor with regard to the flow medium inside the flow channel. The mixing elements are dimensioned such that the quotient of the degree of overlap of adjacent mixing blades (in percent) and of the excess factor ranges from 0.1 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignees: Areva ANP GmbH, Strabag AG
    Inventors: Dirk Walter, Richard Budin, Klaus Weigl, Ingo Ganzmann
  • Patent number: 7661872
    Abstract: An application for a device for mixing chemicals into a flow of a liquid includes a mixing chamber and an input port at a first end of the mixing chamber. The input port has an input connection for accepting a flow of the liquid and a plurality of input port channels. The input port channels direct the flow of the liquid from the input connection to the mixing chamber at an angle with respect to an inner wall of the mixing chamber. Located close to the input port is a chemical input orifice for accepting a chemical into the mixing chamber. Located at a distal end of the mixing chamber is an output port that has an output connection for discharging a mixture of the liquid and the chemical and a plurality of output port channels. The output port channels direct a flow of the mixture angularly with respect to the inner wall of the mixing chamber to the output connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Ray Daniels, Frank R. Daniels, Donald D. Dawkins, Dale Mayberry
  • Publication number: 20100008180
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for admixture and/or dissolution of solid particles and/or liquid substances in a liquid, said apparatus being connected to a field sprayer or the like and comprising a container part with lid, supply of water and discharge pipe for the admixture or the solution, wherein an outlet opening (101) for the supply (7, 10) of water is arranged along a central axis of the container part (2) and that, underneath and/or around the outlet opening (101) of the supply (7, 10) of water, an elevation is arranged or provided whose height decreases by a distance to the central axis of the container part (2) for forming a flow of liquid that extends up along the sides of the container part (2). The elevation may be provided with a number of guide blades (12, 13, 18) that curve such that, when most distant from the central axis of the container part (2), they essentially point in a direction which is tangential relative to the sides of the container part (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Soren Friis Krogh
  • Publication number: 20090213687
    Abstract: Multi Fluid Injection Mixer for injecting gas and/or liquid as admixture fluid to gas and/or liquid flowing through a pipe, and homogeneously mixing the admixture fluids and pipe fluids, said injection mixer constituting a section of the pipe, distinguished in that the injection mixer is comprising: at least one contacting element having at least one contacting surface facing and deflecting some of the pipe fluid flow, forming a constriction to the internal cross-section of the pipe, such that the pipe fluid flow is accelerated and fluid flowing in the vicinity of said surface is deflected to flow along the surface until the surface end over a sharp edge at the point of maximum constriction and flow velocity, at least one injection element arranged with a fluid connection to said surface of the contacting element, such that admixture fluid can be injected onto said surface and along said surface be entrained by the flowing pipe fluid over the sharp edge, but for a contacting element formed as a contracting pi
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Harald Linga, Finn P. Nilsen, Ronan Abiven, Bernt H. Kalgraff
  • Patent number: 7547134
    Abstract: An arrangement for mixing fluid streams in a duct, said arrangement comprising: at least one mixing device having front side and back side and positioned within said duct through which a first major stream travels, the at least one mixing device determining a total cross-sectional area which is significantly lower than that of the duct so as to allow for the passage of said first major stream, in which the at least one mixing device is a solid plate provided with one or more protrusions extending outward from the main solid plate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventor: Michael Bo Hansen
  • Patent number: 7416404
    Abstract: A feed injector for use in a gasification apparatus comprising plural concentric tubes converging at an outlet tip, at least one interior tube of the plural concentric tubes having a plurality of static, helically-twisted mixing elements fixed to an exterior surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Henry Choisun Chan
  • Patent number: 7350962
    Abstract: A catalytic hydrocracking reactor vessel includes enhanced components for the conversion of a hydrogen gas and fossil fuel feedstream to light liquid hydrocarbons. The reactor vessel comprises one or more of a reactor cup riser with a helical cyclonic separator conduit for separating a liquid and vapor product stream to provide an essentially vapor-free liquid recycle stream; a grid plate bubble cap with wall housing having serrated edges for producing small hydrogen bubbles of increased total surface area of bubbles at lower pressure drop; a feedstream inlet pipe sparger containing rows of downward directed slots for even distribution of the feedstream across the cross-sectional area of the reactor and providing free drain of solid particles from the sparger; and optionally a liquid recycle inlet distributor containing vertically curved plates for creating a whirling motion in the liquid recycle stream for better mixing with the feedstream with minimal solids settling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hydrocarbon Technologies Innovation Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kao, Robert Chang
  • Patent number: 7229207
    Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jayce L. Graham, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7125162
    Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jayce L. Graham, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6960293
    Abstract: A system and method for pre-treating grease and other similar wastes prior to introducing them into a waste water treatment facility so that the grease, etc., does not clog the waste water treatment facility equipment. The system includes a tank for receipt of the grease that has an inlet pipe equipped with water jets and emulsifying blades that emulsify and dilute the grease in hot water as it enters the tank. The dilute waste then can be drawn through a drain pipe by opening a valve to allow it to enter the waste water processing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Richard G. Middleton
  • Patent number: 6919381
    Abstract: A process for preparing a solution of a liquid additive in a liquid base wherein the liquid additive tends to gel when mixed with the liquid base at temperatures less than a gelling temperature TG includes the steps of providing a stream of the liquid base at a temperature TC which is greater than ambient temperature and less than the gelling temperature TG; feeding the stream to a mixer having a mixer inlet so as to impart energy to the stream; and adding the liquid additive to the stream downstream of the inlet, whereby the liquid additive mixes with the liquid base and the energy inhibits gelling of the liquid additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Gustavo A Nú{overscore (n)}ez, Clara E Mata, Carolina Blanco
  • Patent number: 6903138
    Abstract: A process for preparing a bimodal emulsion of viscous hydrocarbon in water includes providing a stream of water at ambient temperature; providing a liquid additive that tends to gel when mixed with water at temperatures less than a gelling temperature TG; heating the stream to provide a heated stream at a temperature TC which is greater than ambient temperature and less than the gelling temperature TG; feeding the heated stream to a mixer having a mixer inlet so as to impart energy to the heated stream; adding the liquid additive to the heated stream downstream of the mixer inlet, whereby the liquid additive mixes with the stream and the energy inhibits gelling of the liquid additive to provide a substantially homogeneous solution of additive in water. The solution is then divided and used to make two different droplet sized emulsions which are mixed to form the bimodal emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Gustavo A Nú{overscore (n)}ez, Clara E Mata, Carolina Blanco, Manuel Segundo Chirinos, Gerardo Alonso Sánchez, Tulio Rafael Colmenares, Hercilio Jose Rivas, Felix Abraham Silva
  • Patent number: 6854874
    Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jayce L. Graham, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6830368
    Abstract: A mixing valve comprises a valve body and a plurality of helical members. An agitation chamber is formed in the valve body. The plurality of helical members are disposed substantially in parallel in the valve body and have a number corresponding to a number of fluid supply ports. The plurality of helical members have helical passages on their outer circumferential surfaces and have ends facing the agitation chamber. Fluids are supplied from the fluid supply ports and pass through the helical passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Fukano
  • Publication number: 20040081015
    Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jayce L. Graham
  • Publication number: 20040062141
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing aqueous foam with a slurry of gypsum and water. A cylindrical housing includes, in its upper end, an inlet for a slurry and a helical diverter for directing the slurry in a downward spiral flow path. An inlet for aqueous foam in located in said diverter and directs the foam into the incoming slurry. An annular flow restrictor is located in the lower end of the housing. Turbulence resulting from diversion of the incoming slurry from linear flow to a downward spiral flow path and from changes in spin diameter and speed through the flow restrictor uniformly mix foam with the slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gaylon Bruce Shrader, James W. McNeer, Craig L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6677387
    Abstract: A process for preparing a hydrocarbon in water emulsion, comprising the steps of providing a liquid additive that tends to gel when mixed with water at temperatures less than a gelling temperature TG; providing a stream of water at a temperature TC less than the gelling temperature TG; feeding said stream to a mixer having a mixer inlet so as to impart energy to the stream; adding the liquid additive to the stream downstream of the mixer inlet, whereby the liquid additive mixes with the stream and the energy inhibits gelling of the liquid additive so as to provide a substantially homogeneous solution of the liquid additive in the water; and mixing the solution with a hydrocarbon in a mixer so as to form a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion. In further accordance with the invention, different emulsions can be formed and combined so as to provide a combined emulsion having desired properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Mariano E Gurfinkel Castillo, Franzo Agustin Marruffo Rodriguez, Manuel Segundo Chirinos, Felix Abraham Silva, Gustavo Padron, Gustavo A Nú{overscore (n)}ez, Clara E. Mata, Carolina Blanco
  • Patent number: 6672755
    Abstract: There is described a method of mixing a powder with a liquid comprising forming the liquid into a flowing film and dispersing the powder and directing it at the flowing liquid film so that it impinges thereon and mixes therewith. There is also described equipment (10) for mixing a powder with a liquid, comprising a mixing chamber (28), liquid inlet means (48) in the upper part of the chamber for directing the liquid on to an upper part of a supporting surface (31) in the chamber, the liquid inlet means (48) and the supporting surface (31) being so arranged that the liquid flows downwardly in adherence with the surface in use, and means for introducing the powder (13, 25) to the chamber (28) at a position spaced from the liquid inlet flow, for dispersing the powder within the chamber (28) and for directing it toward the said surface (31) so that it impinges on the liquid flowing down it, in use, and mixes therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Klean Earth Environmental Company Inc.
    Inventors: Clive Potter, Brian Piper
  • Patent number: 6672756
    Abstract: A multi-entry fluid mixer is provided, e.g. for mixing and injecting liquid rocket propellants, which mixer has a first set of passages for receiving fluid A and a second set of passages for receiving fluid B, the passages being separated by porous walls for mixing of fluids A and B therethrough as the fluids flow through such passages and then through a porous end wall, for further mixing and then discharge, as in, say, fuel injection into the combustion chamber of a rocket. The inventive mixer can also be employed in filtrated mixing of gases or gas/liquid combinations as well as for liquid rocket propellant injection, jet engine propellant injection, chemical mixing, aerosol formation and numerous other mixing and dispersion operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: David E. Barland
  • Publication number: 20030170156
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for mixing mineral acid (e.g. sulfuric acid), and hydroxide bases (e.g. calcium hydroxide) to produce various useful mixtures (e.g. cleaning products, food production, etc.). The present invention provides an apparatus for reproducibly injecting an acid and a base to form a mixture in a controlled environment. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a chamber having a distribution-blending-cooling dish suspended above the mixing chamber, an acid delivery system for introducing diluted acid into the chamber above the distribution-blending-cooling dish, and a base delivery system for introducing the base into the chamber by passing the base through the distribution-blending dish. The acid is injected preferentially and circumferenceially to provide, enhance, and cause thorough blending. The injectors or eductors are in the mixing chamber, and the blending dish is secondary to the initial introduction of acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Mionix Corp.
    Inventors: Maurice Clarence Kemp, Robert H. Carpenter, Robert Blaine Lalum, Gregory L. Townsend, Thomas G. Dandurand, William W. Norman, Bob A. Palme, Judy Rae Dandurand
  • Patent number: 6612731
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a fluid feed stock, such as a heavy oil, and particles of a catalyst for gasifying the heavy oil in a reactor, comprises the reactor having in the upper portion a circular port through which the particles are fed, a moving bed-forming section disposed on and in communication with the reactor for forming the particles into an annular or cylindrical high-velocity moving bed by dropping the particles downwardly into the reactor, while dispersing the particles radially, an external fluid feed section located so as to spray the feed stock over the entire upper outer periphery of the annular or cylindrical moving bed passing through the reactor, and an internal fluid-feed section located so as to spray the fluid over the entire upper inner periphery corresponding to the outer periphery of the annular moving bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignees: Nippon Oil Co., Ltd., Petroleum Energy Center
    Inventors: Shozo Nishida, Yuichiro Fujiyama
  • Patent number: 6604850
    Abstract: A static fluid mixer includes a cylindrical flow conduit and at least two inclined, axially spaced, and circumferentially offset internal baffle members for creating counter-rotating vortices in fluids passing through the conduit. The baffle members each have upstream edges spaced from an inner surface of the conduit by a first distance less than a radius of the conduit and downstream edges that are spaced from the inner surface of conduit by a second distance that is greater than the first distance. The baffle members can each have a trapezoidal shape with the downstream edge being smaller in length than the upstream edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Gottlieb Schneider, Shaffiq Jaffer
  • Publication number: 20030072214
    Abstract: The pipe member (1) having an infeed point (2) for an additive (20), or having a plurality of such infeed points includes a pipe wall (11) and a static mixing element (12). The infeed points are provided for introducing the additives into a flowing, low viscosity fluid (10). The static mixing element consists of a pair of vanes (5a, 5) and of a third vane (6). The vane pair (5), which forms a restriction deflecting the flow (10′) of the fluid, is formed with substantially mirror symmetry with respect to a central plane (15) extending in the direction of the flow. The third vane is arranged in a crossing manner with respect to the vane pair and in a lying manner in the region of the central plane. It has a rear side (60) with respect to the flow which extends from a base at the pipe wall to a downstream end. Each infeed point is arranged at the rear side of the third vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Markus Fleischli, Peter Mathys, Albert Breiter
  • Publication number: 20030031087
    Abstract: A mixing valve comprises a valve body and a plurality of helical members. An agitation chamber is formed in the valve body. The plurality of helical members are disposed substantially in parallel in the valve body and have a number corresponding to a number of fluid supply ports. The plurality of helical members have helical passages on their outer circumferential surfaces and have ends facing the agitation chamber. Fluids are supplied from the fluid supply ports and pass through the helical passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Fukano
  • Patent number: 6513965
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing at least two reactants is taught wherein a first reactant is delivered to a reaction zone through a first annular flow path and a second reactant is delivered to the reaction zone through a second annular flow path. The first and second annular flow paths are concentric with one another and the two reactants intermix with one another in the reaction zone. There is a rotating disc having a surface, defining one boundary of the reaction zone. The flow of the first and second reactants across the rotating disc and through the reaction zone is generally radial and has a residence time in the reaction zone of not more than about 100 msec, and preferably not more than about 50 msec. The reaction zone resides in a main reactor vessel and there is a driven agitator residing in the main reactor vessel to stir the contents thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dirk J. Hasberg, Rajesh V. Mehta, Michael Bryan, Ramesh Jagannathan
  • Patent number: 6491423
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing particles in a liquid or semi-liquid medium, such as ceramic reinforcing particles in a molten metal or metal alloy matrix for the production of stir-cast metal matrix composite (MMC) materials. The particles can be introduced under the surface of the matrix by feeding the particles through the inner passage of a rotatable hollow impeller tube. The impeller tube is terminated at its lower end by an impeller head that includes teeth positioned proximate to an impeller base. The particles enter the matrix through a shear region in and around the volume between the impeller base and the impeller head. The rotating impeller and the high shear force thereby created wet the particles in the composite matrix and effect homogenization of the composite matrix. The present invention may be practiced either under vacuum or atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: MC21, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael D. Skibo, David M. Schuster
  • Publication number: 20020149995
    Abstract: A invention mixes chemicals in the form of gases, into a fluid stream. The mixing system withdraws a side stream of fluid from a main fluid stream. The side stream is pressurized and directed through a convergent nozzle, producing a high-velocity jet. This jet is directed onto a deflector plate located on the center line of the conduit that carries the main fluid stream and is thereby diverted in the radial directions normal to the flow direction of the main fluid stream. The deflector is provided with a gas diffusion port for injecting the chemicals that are to be mixed into the main stream. The even distribution of the injected chemicals is ensured by the hydrodynamic forces generated by the flow of the high-velocity jet over the deflector. The invention is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 09/399,390.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: John Stewart Lang