Processes Patents (Class 406/197)
  • Patent number: 4936870
    Abstract: The process for determining and controlling the fuel mass flow in partial oxidation and gasification of a fine-grained to powdery fuel includes particularly drawing the fuel from the supply vessel through a single outlet pipe and feeding the fuel to a distributor, in which a plurality of individual supply lines are connected to the individual burners, the fuel mass flow rate in the supply lines depending on the speed measured there and the radiometric density measurement being determined in the outlet pipe of the supply vessel. For control of the fuel mass flow a stepwise regulation depending on the crude gas flow produced in the gasification unit is thus provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Krupp Koppers GmbH
    Inventors: Hans R. Baumann, Adolf Linke, Eberhard Kuske, Hans-Reiner Schweimanns
  • Patent number: 4932594
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a controlled flow of pneumatically transported solid particles, in particular, pulverized coal, comprises a pulverizer or vessel for containing pneumatically suspended solid particles. A supply pipe is connected to the pulverizer or vessel for removing a mixture of pneumatic gas and solid particles from the vessel. A bend is provided in the supply pipe and an aspirator is connected to the supply pipe at a distance of from one to two pipe diameters from the bend. The aspirator is provided on the outer wall of the bend and is supplied with aspirating gas to draw off an amount of mixture from the supply pipe. This controls the amount of remaining flow of mixture through the pipe. The supply of the aspirator is connected to a bypass line which is connected to the mixture inlet of an injector which is supplied with injecting gas. The supply of the injector which carries the mixture is connected back into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Raymond K. Kim
  • Patent number: 4904128
    Abstract: An improved and the related system for pneumatically transporting a powder or granular material placed in an airtight storage container through a transport pipe in high density. The material is formed into a long column in a horizontal upper pipe of the transport pipe and is transported at very slow speed and in high density by being performed such operation that the material is first increased and then reduced in speed and again accelerated while being moved up through a vertical riser pipe connected to the horizontal pipe and is once more reduced in speed when the material enters the horizontal upper pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignees: Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Matsui Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Morimoto, Akikazu Iwamoto, Masuo Moriyama, Atsuroh Sonoda
  • Patent number: 4877419
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping and depressurizing fine particulates mixed with gas discharged from a vessel operated at elevated temperature and pressure conditions to a low pressure vessel using a purge gas injected into a conduit designed for significant frictional pressure loss per unit length of conduit while maintaining a substantially constant velocity of the mixture conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Thomas S. Dewitz
  • Patent number: 4871284
    Abstract: Large or small articles are hydraulically transported through a pipeline with the help of fibers that flocculate in the hydraulic liquid to form flocs and networks of flocs which cushion the articles against engagement with the wall of the pipeline pipe. The articles can be packed in capsules and the capsules provided with vanes to improve cushioning. Cushioning can also be improved by introducing stranded lattices into the fiber-floc-containing liquid to thus increase the flocculating action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Fibre Dynamics Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey G. Duffy
  • Patent number: 4863317
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for transporting particulate material through a pipeline. The particles have a size distribution which provides a solids density of at least 85%. The particular have a maximum size of 20% of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Bede A. Boyle
  • Patent number: 4844663
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for minimizing mass flow rate fluctuations of a particulate solid fuel and gas mixture having a coal mass flow rate ranging from about 50-800 kg/m.sup.3 and a corresponding frequency range of about 0.1 to 100 Hertz transported to a reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: James A. Salter, Thomas S. DeWitz, Hendricus A. Dirkse, Johannnes W. Van Der Meer
  • Patent number: 4834588
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for minimizing mass flow rate fluctuations of a particulate solid fuel and gas mixture having a coal mass flow rate ranging from about 50-800 kg/m.sup.3 and a corresponding frequency range of about 0.1 to 100 Hertz transported to a reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: James A. Salter, Thomas S. DeWitz, Hendricus A. Dirkse, Johannes W. van der Meer
  • Patent number: 4830546
    Abstract: An improved method for slurrying bulk dry powder material within a hopper car is described. The method includes providing a static web of individual strands extending through the interior of the hopper compartment so that when water is admitted to the bottom of the hopper car, the water will travel upwardly along the strands of the web and through the dry bulk material to wet the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: J. M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Withiam, Alvin E. Steelman
  • Patent number: 4830287
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a controlled flow of pneumatically transported solid particles, in particular, pulverized coal, comprises a pulverizer or vessel for containing pneumatically suspended solid particles. A supply pipe is connected to the pulverizer or vessel for removing a mixture of pneumatic gas and solid particles from the vessel. A bend is provided in the supply pipe and an aspirator is connected to the supply pipe at a distance of from one to two pipe diameters from the bend. The aspirator is provided on the outer wall of the bend and is supplied with aspirating gas to draw off an amount of mixture from the supply pipe. This controls the amount of remaining flow of mixture through the pipe. The supply of the aspirator is connected to a bypass line which is connected to the mixture inlet of an injector which is supplied with injecting gas. The supply of the injector which carries the mixture is connected back into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Raymond K. Kim
  • Patent number: 4802796
    Abstract: A pressure-reducing device in a pneumatic transport system for particulate material having a first and a second transport channel which are arranged so that, at the transition between the two channels, the gas/particulate flow is bent through 180.degree.. After the bend, a throttling means is arranged. The throttling means consists of an annular nozzle, the inlet side thereof being rounded with an arcuate profile in radial section. The pressure-reducing device may be included in a transportation system for feeding particulate material out from a pressurized container to a container under a lower pressure, for example for removing dust from a dust separator in a PFBC plant to a collecting container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: ASEA-Stal AB
    Inventor: Roine Brannstrom
  • Patent number: 4789272
    Abstract: Upon transportation of synthetic rubber chips through a piping or by means of a conveyor, 2 wt. %-50 wt. % based on the weight of the synthetic rubber chips of steam of 160.degree. C. or lower, water or both steam of 160.degree. C. or lower and water is added to the synthetic rubber chips upon their transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignees: Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Incorporated, Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuyuki Matsubara, Norifumi Ito, Mune Iwamoto, Toshihiko Ando
  • Patent number: 4765781
    Abstract: A slurry of liquified gas such as carbon dioxide and finely pulverized coal particles is provided in a mixing chamber and discharged from the chamber into a pipeline for conveyance to a power plant. During discharge from the mixing chamber pressurized gas at a sufficiently high pressure is injected above the slurry mix to maintain adequate pressure during discharge and prevent cavitation at the inlet port of a pump employed in the pipeline. The slurry is depressurized at the downstream end of the pipeline by movement through a pressure reducer so that it is decompressed non-adiabatically and the coal and gas particles are separated. The gas remains at a low temperature and is passed in heat exchange relationship with cooling water from the power plant cooling tower to lower the temperature of same and consequently increase the efficiency of the power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Southwestern Public Service Company
    Inventors: David M. Wilks, Steven L. Mickna
  • Patent number: 4749312
    Abstract: A granular product to be dosed is introduced at the same time as a transfer liquid into a dosing chamber below a retaining grid, provided in the upper part thereof. The measurement of the pressure upstream of the dosing chamber makes it possible to detect the arrival of the product level with the grid and to stop the introduction thereof. An inverted U-shaped pipe forming a syphon then ensures the transfer of the dosed product into a tank, when the compressed air is injected into the dosing chamber above the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Technicatome, Societe Technique pour l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Jean Raibaud
  • Patent number: 4738770
    Abstract: A process and apparatus of preventing the plugging of the discharge and/or suction line of an internal recycle pump utilized in an expanded bed reactor of the type having a partition transversely extending through the lower portion thereof and defining a plurality of substantially regularly and uniformly disposed perforations and communicating with a reaction zone above the partition and plenum chamber therebelow. The reaction zone contains a mass of particulate catalyst contact matter supported by the partition and placed in randon motion above the partition by a pressurized mixture of a liquid carbon containing material and a hydrogen rich gas flow passing through the perforations from the plenum chamber and by the internal recycle pump having a pump suction line generally concentrically disposed with respect to the reactor and extending through the partition into the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Cities Service Oil and Gas Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Hastings, Harold J. Trimble
  • Patent number: 4735731
    Abstract: Industrial liquids containing viscoelastic surfactant compositions can be reversibly thickened and broken. For example, a thickened industrial liquid can exhibit good solids carrying capacity, and after the viscosity of the liquid is broken, using techniques such as change in pH, addition of a hydrocarbon, change in temperature, etc., the solids can be easily removed therefrom. Viscosity can be again provided to the industrial liquid without the necessity of adding substantial amounts of additional thickener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Gene D. Rose, Arthur S. Teot, Peter A. Doty
  • Patent number: 4721420
    Abstract: A method and composition are provided for transporting coarse particles of coal in a dense liquid CO.sub.2 media. The dense media contains fine particles of densifying material such as coal or magnetite which form a suspension in the liquid CO.sub.2. The suspension is capable of supporting large particles of coal for transportation in a liquid CO.sub.2 slurry pipeline. Use of the dense media allows the pumping of the coarse coal particles at slower velocities than if the fine densifying particles were not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Arthur D. Little, Inc.
    Inventors: Chakra J. Santhanam, Richard W. Hanks, R. Peter Stickles
  • Patent number: 4707162
    Abstract: A pumpable slurry of material particles in water comprises coarse mineral particles having a particle size in the range 5 to 50 mm and fine mineral particles having a size less than 200 micron. The slurry contains 82 to 85%, preferably 83-85%, by weight of mineral particles based on the combined weight of the mineral particles and water. At least 30% by weight of the mineral particles are in the form of coarse particles, 10 to 40% by weight are in the form of fine particles and the balance to 100% by weight are intermediate sized particles.The mineral particles are preferably coal.Slurries of this concentration have special properties in that they are sufficiently fluid to be pumped through a pipeline, yet sufficiently solid when static to be handled by grabs and similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.
    Inventor: David A. Brookes
  • Patent number: 4702182
    Abstract: A pneumatic mixture which has a relatively high content of pulverulent materials in the propulsion air is formed in a single metering means. This mixture is propelled through a common primary pipe to a distribution head in which the mixture is divided into secondary currents which are delivered respectively to each of the injection points. A supercritical speed is imparted to the mixture in the distribution head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Leon Ulveing, Joseph Linden, Matthias Bohnet, Georges Wies, Raymond Mack
  • Patent number: 4692169
    Abstract: Carbonaceous slurries are provided in which the carbonaceous slurry stabilizer is selected from the group of(1) the alkyl ether of a polygalactomannan alone, or in combination with xanthan gum or(2) the hydroxyalkyl ether of a polygalactomannan in combination with xanthan gum, or(3) a mixture of said alkyl ether, said hydroxyalkyl ether and said xanthan gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Henkel Corp.
    Inventors: Warren W. Howland, Robert E. Arquette, Shang-Ren Wu
  • Patent number: 4689173
    Abstract: Slurries of pentaerythritol in a liquid oil in which pentaerythritol is substantially insoluble are disclosed. The slurries can contain up to 70 percent by weight or more of solid pentaerythritol. Suitable oils include propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, vegetable oils, glycerin and tall oil fatty acid. The slurries are stable and flowable allowing for shipment in bulk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: International Minerals & Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Paul E. Eckler
  • Patent number: 4688588
    Abstract: A method for facilitating the flow of material in fines. The fines are selected from silica based materials and coals; and the level of impurity in the fines and comprising metal oxide, carbonate and sulphides in the case of silica materials, and coal ash in the case of coals, is determined. A thick slurry of the fines in water is prepared, and a quantity of dispersant proportional to the determined level of impurity is added to the slurry to form a pumpable slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignees: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Limited, Western Australian Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Richard R. Horsley, Robert L. Jones, Robert J. Snow
  • Patent number: 4685842
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for withdrawal and replacement of solid particles slurried in a fluid employing L-valves is disclosed. The flow through the L-valves is controlled by the control of the flow of separated fluid and the replacement and withdrawal functions are configured so as to permit removal of the solids from the system and addition of fresh material. Control of the fluid flow by means of exerting or controlling pressure on the gas phase in association with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: David S. Smith, Harold W. Kamins
  • Patent number: 4685840
    Abstract: A method of transporting large diameter solids, such as coal having a diameter of greater than 1 inch, preferably eight to twelve inches, predicated on pipe diameter, in the form of a slurry through a pipeline is disclosed. The method comprises the step of placing large diameter solids in a vehicle and pumping it through a pipeline. The specific gravity of the vehicle is substantially equal to the specific gravity of the solids so that the coal remains in suspension over a wide range of pipeline velocities. A lubricant is added to the vehicle to reduce friction and enhance energy efficiency of the process. The coal is pumped from a pumping tank into which the solids and vehicle are introduced, the pumping tank, after filling, is pressurized with a fluid such as air or inert gas to propel the mixture through the pipeline. This pump and its valving allows large diameter solids to be pumped through the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Inventor: Robert C. Wolff
  • Patent number: 4666462
    Abstract: Control process for producing an aqueous slurry of solid carbonaceous fuel having a desired solids concentration for feed to a partial oxidation gas generator by grinding together in a size reduction zone a recycle aqueous slurry stream comprising carbon-containing particulate solids, a stream of solid carbonaceous fuel, and a specific amount of make-up water. No valves are in the line or path between the size reduction zone and the feed tanks for the solid carbonaceous fuel and recycle aqueous slurry. A system control unit automatically calculates the amount of make-up water and provides a corresponding signal to control the flow rate. Input signals that are provided to the system control unit include those corresponding to the weigh belt feeder speed and moisture content for the solid carbonaceous fuel; and pump speed, weight fraction, temperature, and density of the solids for the slurry of recycle particulate solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Martin
  • Patent number: 4645514
    Abstract: Coal-aqueous slurries having improved shear stability and lower viscosity are described. The use of a plurality surfactants each having hydrophilic portion with each surfactant hydrophilic portion having a different molecular weight are utilized in sufficient amounts to wet and disperse particulate coal and water. When two surfactants are utilized, coal-aqueous mixtures may be formulated having up to or over 70% by weight coal when the first surfactant has a hydrophilic portion comprising a relatively large number of ethylene oxide units and the second surfactant has hydrophilic portion comprising a relatively small number of ethylene oxide units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Oxce Fuel Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Lane
  • Patent number: 4634451
    Abstract: Aqueous carbonaceous mixtures such as water slurries of solid particulate carbonaceous materials having reduced viscosity, a stabilized network of carbonaceous materials in water and improved pumpability are obtained by using a condensation product of an aldehyde in aldehyde liberating composition, ketone and sulfur dioxide in a sulfur dioxide liberating composition as dispersant, the dispersant being present in an amount sufficient to reduce viscosity of the slurry, stabilize the network of carbonaceous materials in water and improve pumpability. An improved process for the condensation product is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Chemicals Company
    Inventors: Stanley A. Lipowski, Jose L. Villa, John J. Miskel, Jr., Reuben H. Grinstein
  • Patent number: 4605329
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulically transporting objects, including particulate material such as coal, along a conduit. A supporting material such as a quantity of flexible fibres are mixed into a liquid and their tendency to flocculate therein is utilized to create a network which will support the objects in the liquid. The objects can be supported in the mix while it is pumped along a conduit, for example a pipe, to thus transport the objects. At the outlet a separation means removes the objects from the mix of liquid and supporting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Fibre Dynamics Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey G. Duffy
  • Patent number: 4592679
    Abstract: In a process and apparatus for pneumatically conveying loose material in grain or dust form by discharge thereof from a conveyor container, through a conveyor conduit disposed downstream thereof, after the conveyor container has been emptied and before the conveyor conduit is also emptied of the loose material being conveyed, the conveyor conduit is closed at both ends, to maintain that existing condition. After the conduit is thus closed off at both ends, leakage losses of conveying gas are compensated for by supplying a leakage make-up amount. The apparatus has a conveyor conduit which is provided at each of its end portion towards the conveyor conduit and its discharge end portion with at least one closure member to act as inlet and outlet valves respectively. At least one gas feed line from a leakage make-up valve opens into the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Alb. Klein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans H. Boiting, Bernd Federhen, Gerhard Muller-Spath
  • Patent number: 4570552
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for delivering carbon i.e., coal dust, to be combusted in a furnace is presented. The furnace is of the type having plural combustion points and may include a shaft furnace such as, for example, a blast or cupola furnace. The carbon dust is delivered in dosed quantities to each of the individual combustion points in a separate air stream which is under a predetermined pressure. The carbon (coal dust)/carrier gas (air) is delivered to each combustion point in the furnace at super critical speed, i.e., the speed of sound, the carrier gas having a relatively high proportion of solid material therein. The actual quantity of carbon material delivered to each combustion point is directly detected and monitored as a consequence of volumetric measurement and is appropriately corrected by means of a secondary air supply when the carbon quantity either exceeds or falls below a predetermined nominal value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Hans-Gunther Rachner, Hans-Herrmann Boiting
  • Patent number: 4564371
    Abstract: A dispersant for an aqueous coal slurry, comprising as an active ingredient a water-soluble salt of a polymeric substance having a sulfonic acid residue bonded through an acid imide linkage or an acid amide linkage in the molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Nippon Zeon Co Ltd
    Inventors: Tsunehisa Ueda, Tadao Natsuume
  • Patent number: 4563196
    Abstract: In a coal-gasification reactor installation, carbon dioxide gas is added into a liquid coal suspension in the form of fine bubbles of gas to improve the flowability and dispersion of the liquid coal suspension. In a preferred embodiment, carbon dioxide is separated from the gaseous reactor products, dissolved in an ammonium solution, reacted to form solid ammonium carbonate salt; the solid chemical salt is added to the liquid coal suspension where it is made to decompose and generate carbon dioxide gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Ruhrkohle Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jurgen Seipenbusch
  • Patent number: 4552568
    Abstract: A method for preparing a coal-water slurry is described, comprising the divided addition of dispersing agent or multi-step addition of dispersing agent during grinding in a process for preparing a coal-water slurry by the wet grinding of coal in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Nippon Oil and Fats Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taizo Igarashi, Hisao Higuchi, Shingo Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 4551041
    Abstract: Method for unplugging a pipeline filled with fluid and solid material by blocking the pipeline below the plugged portion, injecting pressure pulses into the pipeline on both sides of the plugged portion until the plugged portion becomes fluidized and then forcing water into and through the plugged portion to remove the plug. The method further contemplates controlling the frequency and the phase of the injected pressure pulses to best match the length of the pipeline between the injected pulses so that the pulse applied to each side of the plug is out of phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Julian B. Coon, Eston F. Petry
  • Patent number: 4548529
    Abstract: Coal powder is transported from a low pressure zone to an elevated pressure zone bypassing the powder from the low pressure zone to the top of the first one of a number of vertical vessels;passing the powder in each vessel by gravity as a moving bed from the top of the vessel to the bottom thereof;passing the powder from the bottom of each vessel but the last one to the top of the subsequent vessel by mechanical or pneumatic means;discharging the powder from the bottom of the last vessel to the elevated pressure zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Maarten J. van der Burgt
  • Patent number: 4546612
    Abstract: A process as disclosed forming a non-agueous, free-flowing composition. The process involves treating a finely divided inorganic or organic material with liquid carbon dioxide to form a slurry. The treated material is separated from the slurry and shows suprising free-flowing, nonagglomerated behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Arthur D. Little, Inc.
    Inventor: Chakra J. Santhanam
  • Patent number: 4526584
    Abstract: A process for pumping a carbonaceous slurry which contains at least about 60 volume percent of solids is disclosed. The slurry used in this process has a carbonaceous consist with a particle size distribution in substantial accordance with a specified CPFT formula. The slurry is pumped in a substantially laminar regime, at a Reynolds number of less than about 2100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Alfred University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Funk
  • Patent number: 4525173
    Abstract: A pumpable slurry of mineral particles, e.g., coal, in water contains 50 to 85% by weight of mineral particles based on the combined weight of mineral particles and water. The mineral component contains at least 30% by weight of coarse particles having a particle size in the range 5 to 50 mm, 10 to 40% by weight of fine particles having a particle size less than 200 micron and the balance to 100% of intermediate sized particles.The slurry is stable without the use of additives and can be pumped through a pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.
    Inventors: Peter J. Baker, David A. Brookes, Martin Johnson
  • Patent number: 4507022
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for transporting a slurry along a pipeline having a number of downstream delivery points along its length and a plant at each delivery point for burning or otherwise using a part of the solids, such as coal, obtained from the slurry. In the practice of the method, the pipeline is filled with a carrier fluid, such as water, and batches of slurry are introduced between batches of the carrier fluid for movement along the pipeline. Each batch of slurry is separated from the batches of carrier fluid by a cap and a tail, the cap and tail being formed from a liquid suspension of fine solids. At each downstream delivery point, each batch of slurry and its cap and tail are directed out of the pipeline into a holding tank. A portion of the contents of the holding tank is removed from the holding tank and dewatered to produce a large mesh solids cake and a centrate defined as a liquid suspension of fines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Bechtel International Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Carney
  • Patent number: 4505716
    Abstract: Combustible fuel slurry compositions and methods for producing such compositions. The compositions comprise mixtures of particulate coal, water, wetting/dispersing agents for the coal and suspending agents for stabilizing the slurries. The suspending agents include clays such as attapulgite, sepiolite, bentonite and montmorillonite. The wetting/dispersing agents include anionic and non-ionic surface active agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Edgar W. Sawyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4502868
    Abstract: Coal-water slurries having high solids contents and improved pumpability containing a viscosity improving additive comprising a sulfonated product of humic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Farrokh Yaghmaie, Ronald J. Mc Keon
  • Patent number: 4501205
    Abstract: A process for burning a carbonaceous slurry is provided. In this process, a high-solids content carbonaceous slurry with a specified particle size distribution and specified other properties is provided. Thereafter, the slurry is atomized and burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: Alfred University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Funk
  • Patent number: 4498906
    Abstract: Coal-water fuel slurries having long-term storage stability and improved viscosities and comprising finely-divided coal within efficient combustion size range, water, and minor amounts of alkali metal salts of organic dispersants and alkaline earth metal salts of organic dispersants, and process for making such slurries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventor: Robert S. Scheffee
  • Patent number: 4496367
    Abstract: A pumpable aqueous slurry of a solid fuel in the form of a pulverized, carbonaceous material and a process for the production of such slurry are described. The aqueous slurry comprises a component which consists of coarse grains of carbonaceous material having a particle size of up to 25 mm, and a further component which consists of a carrier liquid in which the coarse-grained carbonaceous material is suspended. The carrier liquid proper has a solids content of 65-90% by weight and consists of water and pulverized, carbonaceous material having a particle size of at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 350 .mu.m, and 0.02-2% by weight of at least one additive including a water-soluble surface active compound which consists of an alkylene oxide adduct having a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part, said hydrophilic part consisting of a polyalkylene oxide chain, preferably a polyethylene oxide chain, having a length of 40-200 alkylene oxide units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignees: AB Carbogel, Berol Kemi AB
    Inventors: Mait M. Mathiesen, Lars I. Gillberg, Karl M. E. Hellsten, Gunvor B. T. Karlsson
  • Patent number: 4494959
    Abstract: A deashed coal-water slurry and process for preparing the same containing 65-85 percent of solids and 0.01-2.4 weight percent of dispersing agent. The slurry is comprised of a coal compact whose coal particles have a particle size distribution in substantial accordance with a specified formula. The coal-water slurry has a relatively low viscosity of less than 4,000 centipoise at a 75 percent solids content and, when it is pumped at either a constant or an increasing shear rate, its viscosity decreases. Also disclosed are a pumping process and an electrophoretic deashing cell and process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Alfred University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Funk
  • Patent number: 4492589
    Abstract: Aqueous carbonaceous slurries having reduced viscosity, a stabilized network of carbonaceous material in water and improved pumpability are obtained by having present as a dispersant an alkali or ammonium bis-alkyl sulfosuccinate. An example is the sodium salt of bis-2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Chemicals Company
    Inventors: Martin J. Schick, Edwin L. Kelley
  • Patent number: 4480560
    Abstract: A method for pneumatically conveying solvent refined coal to a burner under conditions of dilute phase pneumatic flow so as to prevent saltation of the solvent refined coal in the transport line by maintaining the transport fluid velocity above approximately 95 ft/sec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: International Coal Refining Company
    Inventor: Dennis R. Lennon
  • Patent number: 4470727
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for preparing a substantially uniform, gas-containing cement slurry by directing two pressurized streams of a gas-containing hydraulic cement slurry to a common in-line focal point in a generally opposed fashion so that good mixing is achieved by the contact of the two streams. The process is particularly adapted for use in preparing "foamed" cement slurries for cementing subterranean voids such as well boreholes, groutholes, natural cavities and similar voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: James C. Ritter
  • Patent number: 4468232
    Abstract: A process for providing a clean coal-water slurry, which contains from 60-80 volume percent of coal and has a relatively low viscosity, is provided. In one embodiment of this process, a coal-water mixture which contains 60-80 volume percent of solid material is ground until a slurry whose particle size distribution is in accordance with a specified CPFT formula is produced, and the coal is cleaned; in this embodiment, the coal is cleaned either by cleaning the coal-water mixture before grinding it, or by cleaning the coal-water slurry. In another embodiment of this process, a coal-water mixture is blended with at least one additional coal fraction(such as coal, coal-water mixture, or mixtures thereof) until a slurry is produced which contains 60-80 percent of solids and which has the aforementioned particle size distribution; and the coal is cleaned; in this embodiment, it is preferred to clean the coal by cleaning the coal-water slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: Alfred University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Funk
  • Patent number: 4466759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequence control of vertical movement of slurried particulates from a lower level to the upper levels, more particularly a vertical hoist system for movement of slurry from a subterranean mine area upward through an earthen or cased borehole to a surface station. The vertical pump system includes series-connected pumps having variable speed capability to transport slurry particulate from an underground sump upward to a surface surge tank or other repository. The logic sequence system exercises control over valving sequence between the underground pumps and the vertical borehole in order to control slurry surges during start-up, shut-down and emergency dump operations. Thus, the pump input to the vertical conduit utilizes energy dissipator units as selectively controlled by automated block and by-pass valves to control flow of fluids from the pumps upward through the vertical conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Sweeney, Rick L. Shaw, Frederick A. Webb