Of Pumping One Fluid By Contact Or Entrainment With Another Patents (Class 417/54)
  • Publication number: 20120237365
    Abstract: A selectively operable vacuum source is disclosed. In one example, vacuum source supplies as much air to an engine as is drawn by the vacuum source from a vacuum reservoir. The approach may provide vacuum to a vehicle vacuum system efficiently and with less weight than other vacuum sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8246315
    Abstract: A system and method for pumping an underground drip includes a pump barrel housing with a plunger and an elongated stroke actuator cylinder sealed to the pump barrel that vertically reciprocates the plunger. The pump barrel and plunger are preferably vented to avoid vacuum lock during pumping. The plunger pumps the fluid located in the drip upwardly to a low pressure tank or a pressurized surface vessel. A ball valve may be screwed onto the siphon line to allow for insertion and removal of the pump barrel and seals the siphon line if the pump is removed. A stuffing box seals the pump barrel to the upper end of the siphon line to prevent air from entering the system. The stuffing box also allows the pump depth to be easily adjustable by sliding the pump in until the pump tags bottom and then tightening at any point needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: T. Leon Brown
  • Publication number: 20120205293
    Abstract: This disclosure features a system for processing microspheres. A vessel contains a suspension of solidified microspheres comprising polymer and an active agent. A hydrocyclone has a fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet. The fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the vessel and receives the suspension. The second fluid outlet contains a flow of the suspension having concentrated microspheres. The first fluid outlet contains a flow of a relatively large amount of liquid compared to the flow from the second fluid outlet. Also featured is a method of processing the microspheres using the hydrocyclone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: OAKWOOD LABORATORIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bagavathikanun Chithambara THANOO, Edward Caldwell SMITH, Mark SMITH
  • Publication number: 20120114505
    Abstract: An inflation device for inflating containers having a body with an air channel therein being in the form of a venturi tube. A first inlet is provided in the body, being in communication with the air channel, to allow compressed air to flow into the air channel. An outlet is provided in the body, being in communication with the air channel, to allow the air to exit the air channel for inflating a container joined to the outlet. A second inlet is provided in the body, being in communication with the first inlet, to allow ambient air to be sucked into the air channel as a result of the compressed air flowing in the air channel and passing through the venturi tube. A self-closing valve and sensor means are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: STOPAK (PTY) LTD.
    Inventors: Bester Jacobus PANSEGROUW, Detlev AHLERT, Shakoor MOOSA
  • Publication number: 20120091071
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide liquid pump apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an immersion assembly comprising at least one immersion member having a liquid conduit provided therein along at least a portion of a length thereof, the immersion assembly being arranged whereby in use at least a portion of the immersion assembly is immersed in liquid to be pumped, the apparatus being arranged to provide a supply of gaseous fluid to liquid in the tank through the at least one immersion member at one of a plurality of vertically spaced apart locations of the assembly thereby to cause passage of liquid through the assembly from a liquid inlet aperture to a liquid outlet aperture of the assembly, the apparatus being configured whereby a location at which gaseous fluid is supplied to the immersion assembly is selected to be a location at which a head of pressure of liquid in the tank is within a prescribed range of values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Short
  • Publication number: 20120087807
    Abstract: A system for reducing reactive components in ullage of a fuel tank, typically the fuel tank of an airplane. The system includes an air driven unit for creating a fluidic motive force to remove ullage from the fuel tank, and a main catalytic unit for receiving the ullage and reducing the reactive components to yield processed ullage for return to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SIMMONDS PRECISION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Philip P. Buchwald
  • Patent number: 8142169
    Abstract: An ejector for a turbine engine is described herein. The ejector may include a variable geometry motive nozzle and a variable geometry mixing tube positioned downstream of the variable geometry motive nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Neil Whaling, Dean Matthew Erickson, Hua Zhang, David Wesley Ball, Christina Renee Pompey
  • Publication number: 20120057993
    Abstract: An object is to provide an aspirator capable of increasing the amount of aspirated secondary air and improving performance and to provide a vehicle air conditioner using the same. The aspirator includes a nozzle 15 that aspirates secondary air; a main body 17 that forms a scroll-shaped airflow path 16 on the outer circumference of the nozzle 15; a primary-air inflow path 18 that tangentially communicates with the airflow path 16; and a diffuser that is connected to an open end of the main body 17 and has a throat portion at which a tip portion of the nozzle 15 is disposed. An inner wall 18A of the primary-air inflow path 18, which communicates with the scroll-shaped airflow path 16, is offset outward from the center of the nozzle 15, and primary air introduced from the primary-air inflow path 18 flows into the scroll-shaped airflow path 16 from one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Chikagawa, Asuka Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120057992
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) jet pump slip joint internal seal in the interface between an inlet mixer and a diffuser of a jet pump assembly. The internal seal provides an effective means of mitigating leakage and slip joint flow induced vibration (FIV) between the inlet mixer and diffuser to reduce damage to many of the jet pump assembly components that may otherwise be damaged by FIV. A metallic seal of the slip joint internal seal flares out to conform the internal seal to a range of gap sizes, and may be compressed or spring back to nominal dimensions as thermal expansion and contraction occurs. The internal seal is also self-expanding/self-tightening, as the internal seal flares further outward as a result of the internal pressure caused by flowing fluids in an operating jet pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Robin D. Sprague, Lee J. Andre
  • Patent number: 8083495
    Abstract: An ejector comprising a motive inlet, a motive nozzle separably secured to the motive inlet, a suction chamber about the motive nozzle, a suction fluid inlet to the suction chamber, a mixing tube in fluid communication with the suction chamber and the motive nozzle, a diffuser in fluid communication with the mixing tube and distal the suction chamber and the motive nozzle, and an outlet from the diffuser is provided. A nozzle comprising at least two concentric arc nozzle portions is also provided. An ejector comprising a mixing tube including a flexible layer adapted to compress or stretch, thereby allowing a mixing tube diameter to change is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Neil Whaling, Dean Matthew Erickson, Hua Zhang, David Wesley Ball, Jr., James L. Davis, Michael Savale, Douglas S. Byrd
  • Publication number: 20110300004
    Abstract: Methods and systems for pumping or transferring fluid and for producing energy continuously and autonomously are disclosed, made up of closed thermodynamic systems arranged in series. The invention is based on the discovery of the principles of autonomous serial depression and compression. The expansion of a gas supplies the work necessary for pumping or transferring liquid from one compartment to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Le Bemadjiel Djerassem
  • Publication number: 20110255998
    Abstract: A method of pumping a liquid using at least one operating tank (2), a pneumatic positive pressure displacement pump (1), which is based on the fact that during pumping, inflow valve (4) closure is controlled through the introduction of a control gas into the operating tank (2) positive pressure displacement pump (1) at a pressure lower than the pressure of the compressed actuating gas and from the hydrostatic pressure at the egress of the outflow valve but higher than the hydrostatic pressure on the ingress into the inflow valve (4), which causes the inflow valve (4) to close. A device for pumping liquids comprising at least one operating tank (2) of a positive pressure displacement pump (1), to which leads a control gas conduit (10) with a control valve (11) mounted thereon, which is used to close off the inflow valve (4), and the lower section of the operating tank (2) has a narrow section in the form of a vertical cylinder (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Miroslaw Szuster, Rafal Wojciechowski
  • Publication number: 20110223039
    Abstract: A pump assembly comprises a centrifugal pump configured to pump a multiphase fluid, a suction conduit in fluid communication with the centrifugal pump, and a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the centrifugal pump. The pump further comprises an eductor comprising one or more motive nozzles disposed within the suction conduit. Wherein the one or more motive nozzles are configured to introduce a motive fluid into the suction conduit and toward the centrifugal pump along a suction direction roughly co-directional with the suction conduit toward the centrifugal pump. A method and a pump assembly for pumping a multiphase fluid are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Biao Fang, Roderick Mark Lusted, Omprakash Samudrala, Ravindra Gopaldas Devi, Lorenzo Bergamini, Rajesh Kumar Venkata Gadamsetty, Rosario Monteriso
  • Publication number: 20110200459
    Abstract: An improved spent catalyst regenerator which contains sub-troughs branching off from the main trough, distribution troughs which extend outward from the sides of the main trough and the sub-troughs, and downflow tubes extending downward from the bottom of the main trough and sub-troughs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Chris Santner, Eusebius Gbordzoe, Harvey McQuiston
  • Publication number: 20110194950
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a textured surface that provides for drag reduction, and therefore efficiency improvements in a liquid ring pump. At least a portion of the surfaces of the pump that contact fluid therein the pump are textured to control boundary layer separation. The texture can be a plurality of dimples are defined therein the surface. The dimples have a predetermined shape, size, density and pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Ramesh B. Shenoi, Louis J. Lengyel, Athanasios Diakomis
  • Publication number: 20110176935
    Abstract: The invention provides a synthetic jet eductor pump that includes a synthetic jet actuator coupled to a fluid conduit. The synthetic jet actuator may include a vibratable membrane, an actuating portion that vibrates the vibratable membrane, a pump chamber coupled to the vibratable membrane, and a pump conduit in fluid communication with the pump chamber such that vibration of the membrane draws fluid into and ejects fluid from the pump conduit to create a net momentum of fluid in a predetermined direction. The fluid conduit may include a jet receiving portion between intake and ejection portions thereof, wherein the jet receiving portion is in fluid communication with the pump conduit. The net momentum of fluid created by the synthetic jet actuator may be communicated to the fluid conduit at the jet receiving portion to create fluid flow in the fluid conduit from the intake portion to the ejection portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Gerbern Kooijman, Ronaldus Maria Aarts, Okke Ouweltjes, Martijn Schellekens, Olaf Such
  • Publication number: 20110158826
    Abstract: A feed method and a feed device, comprising a vacuum pump for evacuation of a storage vessel for a precursor which is solid and/or liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure and for feeding the gaseous precursor which has been vaporized by evacuation, a first line section on the inlet side of the vacuum pump in order to produce a connection between the vacuum pump and the storage vessel for the solid and/or liquid precursor, at least one second line section for supplying carrier gas to the vacuum pump, and a monitoring device which can be connected to the first and the second line section and, during operation of the apparatus, provides open-loop and/or closed-loop control for the flow rate of the gaseous precursor and/or of the carrier gas, by keeping the partial pressure of the gaseous precursor below its saturation vapor pressure at least after it enters the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SCHOTT AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Bauch, Todd Gudgel
  • Publication number: 20110123356
    Abstract: Vibration or acoustic sound control is achieved using an elastic layer of thermal or insulation material in which a plurality of discrete masses are distributed throughout. The elastic layer may be installed as a pre-formed layer, or be blown into position within a structure where vibration or acoustic sound control is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher R. Fuller, Kathleen Kondylas
  • Publication number: 20110020145
    Abstract: A fluidized bed gasification furnace has a fluidized bed formed and a freeboard section F above a bed material so as to produce a produced gas by a reaction of raw material with a gasifying agent and take out the produced gas through the freeboard section. Upon shutdown of the furnace, inert gas is fed from below to the furnace for purging of gas in the fluidized bed with inert gas while steam is supplied to a freeboard section above the fluidized bed to purge a gas in the freeboard section with steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Katagiri, Hisanori Nukumi, Kenichiro Kondo
  • Publication number: 20100284828
    Abstract: A gas-driven pumping device and a method for downhole pumping of a liquid from at least one liquid source in a well and onto at least one receiving region for the liquid. The pumping device comprises a pressure manipulation chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion, wherein the pressure manipulation chamber is connected in a flow-communicating manner to a liquid supply channel; a liquid discharge channel; a gas supply channel; and a gas discharge channel. By alternately lowering and increasing the gas pressure (Pchamber), liquid is pumped from the liquid source and onwards to the receiving region via the pressure manipulation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Shore-Tec Consult AS
    Inventors: Rune Woie, Thor Martin Hegre
  • Publication number: 20100239435
    Abstract: A fluid displacing apparatus, system, and method is provided. The apparatus includes a motor having a first shaft, the motor for rotating the first shaft; a first magnetic element coupled to the first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the first magnetic element; a second magnetic element coupled to a second shaft, and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic element such that rotation of the first magnetic element causes rotation of the second magnetic element; an input section for receiving a fluid; an output section for outputting the fluid; a channel having first and second openings; and an impeller coupled to the second magnetic element such that rotation of the second magnetic element causes rotation of the impeller, thereby the fluid flows in the input section and out the output section. The flow of the fluid across the second opening of the channel encourages another fluid to flow in the first opening, through the channel, and out the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin D. Le, Thanh Le
  • Publication number: 20100221125
    Abstract: A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terrence M. Fulkerson, Stephen G. Nemethy, Terry John Thompson, Jeffrey A. Perkins, Joseph G. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20100126212
    Abstract: A binary-fluid oscillating-jet pressure exchange ejector and binary-fluid ejector refrigeration cycle as a method of use are disclosed. The ejector includes a high aspect ratio jet nozzle geometry, spatial domain jet modulation, serpentine jet stream morphology and distinct fluid pathway geometry capable of equilibrating or otherwise processing dissimilar fluids. As a method of use, the binary fluid ejector provides a means to substantially optimize the binary fluid set selected or otherwise formulated for employment in a binary-fluid ejector refrigeration cycle exclusively to favor refrigeration thermal performance (COP), without compromising the performance of the ejector itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne A. May
  • Publication number: 20100104452
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a pump assembly comprising a pump which in turn comprises a low side and a high side. The pump assembly comprises a first inlet conduit in fluid communication with the low side and the pump assembly is adapted to provide a first operation condition in which first operation condition fluid is transported in the first inlet conduit towards the low side at a first flow rate. The pump assembly is further adapted to provide a second operation condition in which second operation condition fluid is transported in the first inlet conduit towards the low side at a second flow rate, wherein the first flow rate is lower than the second flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: GVA CONSULTANTS AB
    Inventor: Lars-Olof Liberg
  • Publication number: 20100104451
    Abstract: A system and method for pumping an underground drip includes a pump barrel housing with a plunger and an elongated stroke actuator cylinder sealed to the pump barrel that vertically reciprocates the plunger. The pump barrel and plunger are preferably vented to avoid vacuum lock during pumping. The plunger pumps the fluid located in the drip upwardly to a low pressure tank or a pressurized surface vessel. A ball valve may be screwed onto the siphon line to allow for insertion and removal of the pump barrel and seals the siphon line if the pump is removed. A stuffing box seals the pump barrel to the upper end of the siphon line to prevent air from entering the system. The stuffing box also allows the pump depth to be easily adjustable by sliding the pump in until the pump tags bottom and then tightening at any point needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: T. Leon Brown
  • Patent number: 7704314
    Abstract: An improved composition for and method of priming a concrete pump line is provided. The flowable composition comprises a solid particulate mixture and water, the particulate mixture being comprised of solvatable polymeric material preferably selected from a group consisting of polyacrylamide, polyacrylate and mixtures thereof; an organic complexing agent preferably of urea; and a buffering agent preferably of citric acid. The invention provides a flowable composition exhibiting improved coating and lubrication to the inner walls of a concrete line as it passes therethrough. The flowable composition mixes quickly with water to form a clear solution, hydrates quickly upon being mixed with water, and provides a composition for use in priming concrete pump lines that does not utilize cement or priming grout slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Pat Inglese, David Ray Hurst
  • Publication number: 20100047081
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a negative pressure generating apparatus that includes an ejector that generates a negative pressure whose magnitude is larger than that of a negative pressure to be taken from an intake passage in an intake system for an internal combustion engine provided in a vehicle; and state change means for making the ejector function or stop functioning. The control apparatus includes prohibition control means for prohibiting the state change means from making the ejector function, according to a temperature of intake air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigemasa Hirooka
  • Patent number: 7658229
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to producing fluid from an oil or gas well by means of a combination intermittently filled down hole chamber accumulation device and a connected upper continuous gas lift flow system, separated by an inline one-way reverse flow check valve. A two-way purge and vent valve controls the distribution of high pressure gas. The two-way valve first injects high pressure gas into the chamber accumulation device to displace the fluid from the chamber into the continuous flow conduit. The two-way valve then vents the residual high pressure gas from the chamber into a separate low pressure conduit to the surface. The valve also provides high pressure gas to the continuous flow conduit to assist in the production of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: BST Lift Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Billy G. Becker, David A. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20100008795
    Abstract: Two chamber pumps and related methods provide a platform for measuring flow rate in about real time without contacting the material being pumped. Pressure and optional temperature sensors disposed in a pressurized chamber allow for flow material delivery calculations after being calibrated or by knowing the initial volume of the flow material to be delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Paul M. DiPerna
  • Publication number: 20090257886
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a pump; a gas pressure sensor; a microfluidic chip defining a microfluidic conduit; and a gas conduit providing fluid communication between the pump, the gas sensor and the microfluidic conduit; and a controller coupled to the pump and the gas pressure sensor, whereby the controller controls the pump, thereby controlling the gas pressure at the microfluidic conduit. An apparatus includes a microfluidic chip defining a microfluidic conduit extending from a microfluidic source electrode to a microfluidic ground electrode; a first resistor coupled to the microfluidic source electrode; a first and a second voltage divider, the first divider coupling a first power ground to a side of the first resistor opposite the microfluidic chip, the second divider coupling a second power ground to the lead between the first resistor and the microfluidic source electrode, and a first voltage sensor; and a second voltage sensor. Also included are methods of operating the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Jacob Rosenstein, Anubhav Tripathi
  • Publication number: 20090191067
    Abstract: Two chamber pumps and related methods provide a platform for measuring flow rate in about real time without contacting the material being pumped. Pressure and optional temperature sensors disposed in a pressurized chamber allow for fluid delivery calculations after being calibrated or by knowing the initial volume of the fluid to be delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Mario DiPerna
  • Publication number: 20090185918
    Abstract: A liquid ring pump includes an external housing enclosing a volume including a lower fluid reservoir. A rotatable inner housing is within the volume of the external housing, the inner housing enclosing an inner fluid chamber. A pitot tube provides fluid communication between the lower fluid reservoir and the inner fluid chamber. The housings and pitot tube are adapted so that when the inner housing rotates, fluid flows from the lower fluid reservoir through the pitot tube into the inner fluid chamber to develop a liquid ring within the inner fluid chamber such that an inner radial wall of the liquid ring is just radially outward from a point where the pitot tube enters the inner fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jason A. Demers, Scott A. Leonard, Kingston Owens
  • Publication number: 20090180899
    Abstract: An apparatus for pumping free-flowing materials, having a receptacle coupled to a vacuum pipe and a pumping gas pipe, at least one filter, at least one supply pipe, and at least one drainage pipe for a material being associated with the receptacle. The apparatus includes a vertically extending cylindrical pump chamber configured to pneumatically pump liquids, powder, suspensions and pastes. Further, a device is mounted in an upper region of the pump chamber configured to separate liquid and powder. The device further includes a filter element and a float member. The float member is configured as a sealing element above, and a lower region of the pump chamber is coupled to the at least one supply pipe and the at least one drainage pipe for at least one of a liquid, a powder, a suspension, and a paste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Fydec Holding SA
    Inventor: Frederic Jun. Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20090169397
    Abstract: A jet pump assembly and method for removing fluid from a well bore extending into a formation is disclosed. The jet pump assembly includes a jet pump interposed between a tubing string and a packer. The jet pump includes a body having an outer surface, a lower tubular end, an upper tubular end connected to a lower end of the tubing string, and a central axial bore intersecting the upper tubular end at a discharge end and extending partially through the pump body toward the lower tubular end. The pump body further has a plurality of radial inlet ports intersecting the central axial bore and a plurality of production ports extending from the lower tubular end to the upper tubular end in a non-intersecting relation to the injection ports. The central axial bore is shaped to provide a non-restricted flow path from the point the injection ports intersect the central axial bore to the discharge end of the central axial bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Earl Parr
  • Patent number: 7534097
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling multi-fluid flow in a micro channel is disclosed. The apparatus has a first inlet for a first fluid; a second inlet for a second fluid; a first outlet; and a second outlet. The micro channel is operatively and fluidically connected to the first inlet, the second inlet, the first outlet and the second outlet. The micro channel is for receiving the first fluid and the second fluid under pressure-driven flow; there being an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid when in the micro channel. The apparatus also includes a pair of electrodes for having a first electric field applied thereto for a controlling the fluid flow velocity of the first fluid along the micro channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Teck Neng Wong, Nam Trung Nguyen, Chun Yang, Chee Kiong John Chai, Kim Tiow Ooi, Cheng Wang, Yan Dong Gao
  • Publication number: 20090047139
    Abstract: A method and a device for extracting a liquid from a liquid pond, wherein in a first phase air is removed from an airtight reservoir, a venting and a rising pipe in order to create depression therein and a suck-up of the liquid in the liquid pond. In a second phase, a distribution device is brought from a first to a second operating position in order to supply pressurised gas to said venting pipe which has an outlet connected to the rising pipe. In a third phase the liquid is pushed from the venting pipe to the rising pipe and thereafter to the reservoir by means of pressurised air and an interface member. In a fourth phase the distribution device is brought back to its first operation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Francois Braun
  • Publication number: 20080253901
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a jet ejector method includes providing a primary jet ejector having a primary inlet stream, coupling one or more secondary jet ejectors to the primary jet ejector such that all of the jet ejectors are in a cascaded arrangement, bleeding off a portion of the primary inlet stream and directing the portion of the primary inlet stream to the secondary jet ejector that is closest to the primary jet ejector in the cascaded arrangement, and directing a motive fluid into the secondary jet ejector that is farthest from the primary jet ejector in the cascaded arrangement. The method further includes, at each secondary jet ejector, receiving at least some of the portion of the primary inlet stream and at least some of the motive fluid to create respective mixtures within the secondary jet ejectors, and at each secondary jet ejector, directing at least a portion of the respective mixture to adjacent jet ejectors in the cascaded arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicants: The Texas A&M University System, Highland Interests, Inc., StarRotor Corporation
    Inventors: Mark T. Holtzapple, Gary P. Noyes, George A. Rabroker
  • Publication number: 20080187445
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to pumps, device, and methods for handling liquids on a microscale. Specifically, a microfluidic pump is described in which liquid in a fluid microchannel may be moved in either direction due to the diffusion of a gas through a diffusion membrane in response to a pressure differential applied through a control microchannel. This pump can provide non-contact, and optionally, bi-directional movement of liquid in microfluidics platforms, as well as bubble-free filling of dead-end microchannels and reservoirs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Bruce K. Gale, Mark A. Eddings
  • Patent number: 7317073
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a vacuum and for separating condensable components present in vapor which accumulates during the production of a polymer by melt-phase polycondensation under vacuum. Vapor produced during the production of polymers by melt-phase polycondensation in at least one reaction step under vacuum is drawn of by at least one steam jet vacuum pump with a down stream injection condenser. The steam jet vacuum pump is driven with alkylene carbonate in vapor form and liquid alkylene carbonate is then supplied to the injection condenser as coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Lurgi Zimmer GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Kämpf
  • Publication number: 20070269317
    Abstract: A power engine natural gas compressor system to optimize the extraction of natural gas from a reservoir and related gathering systems. The system is controlled by a distributed control system, which is a computer readable program, and allows for humane machine interface allowing for a more efficient use of the available power supply resulting in increased efficiency. Through the use of an integrated control system the present invention achieves a precise control of the overall operation of the system, which would be impossible to achieve through manual manipulation. The system of the present invention is a system capable of multiple functions with minimal losses with respect to efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Sandy Albert Clancy
  • Patent number: 6932581
    Abstract: A gas lift valve that is usable with a subterranean well includes a housing, a valve stem and at least one bellows. The housing has a port that is in communication with a first fluid, and the valve stem is responsive to the first fluid to establish a predefined threshold to open the valve. The bellow(s) form a seal between the valve stem and the housing. The bellow(s) are subject to a force that is exerted by the first fluid; and a second fluid contained in the bellow(s) opposes the force that is exerted by the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Tyson R. Messick
  • Patent number: 6835484
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a fuel cell stack. The cooling system uses vaporization cooling of the fuel stack and supersonic vapor compression of the vaporized coolant to significantly increase the temperature and pressure of the liquid coolant flowing through a heat exchanger. By increasing the heat rejection temperature of the coolant delivered to the heat exchanger, the heat transfer area of the heat exchanger can be reduced and the mass flow rate of coolant can also be reduced. The increased fluid pressure is used to circulate the coolant through the cooling system, thereby eliminating the circulation pump associated with conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald W. Fly
  • Patent number: 6767191
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of petrochemistry, in particular to a method of compressing a gaseous hydrocarbon-containing medium, for example, different hydrocarbon gases including flares produced in the oil refining and petrochemical industries. A distillate of a rectifying column of an atmosphere-vacuum oil refining unit is fed as the fresh liquid working medium into a circulation loop of a liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium, which contains a liquid-gas jet device, a separator and a pump. The liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium is removed from the circulation loop to a cracking and rectifying unit in which the liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium is subjected to cracking with subsequent rectification in the rectifying column of that unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Valery Grigorievich Tsegelsky
  • Publication number: 20040013534
    Abstract: A system for moving a wide variety of materials using a recirculating liquid jet pump is described. The system is preferably equipped with an material collection reservoir enabling the placement of material to be suctioned into the collection reservoir without bringing together the material to be suctioned with the motive fluid of the liquid jet pump. The collection reservoir is also connected to a removal means and controller so that suctioned material can be removed from the collection reservoir concurrently with action of the liquid jet pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. Hutchinson, Richard F. Dawson
  • Patent number: 6666269
    Abstract: An electric submersible pumping system provides for the production of fluids from a well and for limiting the amount of sediment accumulation in the well. The apparatus includes an electric submersible pumping system lowered into a well on a production tubing. The electric submersible system includes an electric submersible pump having an intake at or near a lower end thereof. A seal is connected to the intake and a motor is connected to a lower end of the seal. The apparatus further includes an auxiliary pump having an auxiliary pump discharge at an upper end thereof and an auxiliary pump intake at a lower end thereof. The auxiliary pump is connected to the motor. The system is lowered into the well so that it is positioned below the perforations in a well which communicate a producing formation with the interior of the well. The auxiliary pump intake will receive fluid along with sediments that may be produced by the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Wood Group ESP, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasser Bangash, Michael R. Berry
  • Publication number: 20030206810
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of petrochemistry, in particular to a method of compressing a gaseous hydrocarbon-containing medium, for example, different hydrocarbon gases including flares produced in the oil refining and petrochemical industries. A distillate of a rectifying column of an atmosphere-vacuum oil refining unit is fed as the fresh liquid working medium into a circulation loop of a liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium, which contains a liquid-gas jet device, a separator and a pump. The liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium is removed from the circulation loop to a cracking and rectifying unit in which the liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium is subjected to cracking with subsequent rectification in the rectifying column of that unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Valery Grigorievich Tsegelsky
  • Patent number: 6616418
    Abstract: A method and system for evacuating vapors from a vessel comprising at least one fluid line which can have a pump configured to draw a water and/or air mixture which is combined with vapors vacuumed from a tank via another inlet, yielding a solution that can then be disposed as a liquid. Vacuum at the inlet is created by the flowing of the water or air/water mixture past the inlet. The reduced pressure of the moving liquid causes a pressure differential with the higher pressure within the tank, and thus the vapors migrate into the vapor evacuation assembly, are mixed with the fluid, and can then be disposed, or continually recycled, with the fumes stored for later disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: CNE Mobile Scrubber Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Ernest Taylor
  • Patent number: 6579069
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of petrochemistry, in particular to a method of compressing a gaseous hydrocarbon-containing medium, for example, different hydrocarbon gases including flares produced in the oil refining and petrochemical industries. A distillate of a rectifying column of an atmosphere-vacuum oil refining unit is fed as the fresh liquid working medium into a circulation loop of a liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium, which contains a liquid-gas jet device, a separator and a pump. The liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium is removed from the circulation loop to a cracking and rectifying unit in which the liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium is subjected to cracking with subsequent rectification in the rectifying column of that unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Valery Grigorievich Tsegelsky
  • Patent number: 6533951
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pump [10] for pumping various primary fluids. A body is formed from silicon dies [102,104]. A primary fluid channel [110] is formed in the body and a primary fluid supply [122] is coupled to the primary fluid channel [110] to supply a primary fluid to the primary fluid channel [110]. A mechanism for introducing a secondary fluid to an interface region of the primary fluid channel [110] is formed in the body. An energy delivery device is formed in the body to deliver energy to an interface between region between the primary fluid and the secondary fluid to create a thermal gradient along the fluid interface. The thermal gradient results in a surface tension gradient along the interface. The primary fluid will move to compensate for the surface tension gradient. Various semiconductor fabrication processes can be used to form the elements on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael Debar, Constantine N. Anagnostopoulos, Gilbert A. Hawkins, Ravi Sharma
  • Publication number: 20020182084
    Abstract: An annular suction valve includes a substantially tubular member having an inner surface defining a valve flow passage having an inlet, a nozzle disposed in the inlet and spaced from the inner surface so as to define an annular passage between the inner surface and the nozzle, the nozzle further defining an interior flow passage and having a nozzle inlet to the interior flow passage; and a power fluid inlet in one of the nozzle and the tubular member for receiving power fluid into the annular passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jose Rafael Gonzalez, Marice V. Urbina, Luis R. Casique