Including Waste Gas Flow Distributor Upstream Of Reaction Site And Within Reaction Chamber Modifying Velocity Profile Of Gas Patents (Class 422/176)
  • Patent number: 6663839
    Abstract: A radial flow gas phase reactor for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxide in a gas stream includes a shell enclosing an interior space in which is located at least one catalyst bed containing a catalyst for the selective conversion of NOx. A deflector directs the flow of gas radially through the bed. An injector upstream of the catalyst introduces a reducing agent such as ammonia into the inlet gas stream. The catalyst bed can include particulate, monolith, or microengineered catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Lummus Global Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin M. J. Platvoet, Steven M. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 6632406
    Abstract: The device for removing pollution from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust box (12) containing, in series, a catalytic purification unit (18) and a particle filter (20). The exhaust box (12) includes means (36; 60) providing access to the upstream face of the particle filter (20). Application to removing pollution from automobile vehicle diesel engines in particular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ecia Industrie
    Inventors: Joël Michelin, Jean-Pierre Barnabé
  • Publication number: 20030190269
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment combined filter and catalytic converter has a plurality of flow channels each having both: a) a flow-through channel catalytically reacting with the exhaust; and b) a wall-flow channel trapping particulate such as soot. A filter is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Z. Gerald Liu, Robert K. Miller, Barry M. Verdegan, William C. Haberkamp
  • Patent number: 6613296
    Abstract: A relieved support material for a catalytic converter has a strip of support material with one or more relief cuts. This is used to insulate a segment of catalyst along with one or more inner end-cones positioned at the beginning and end of the converter. The support material is wrapped around the catalyst and the one or more inner end-cones. The wrapped support material is then covered with an outer-layer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Joe Myers, Alan Gerard Turek
  • Patent number: 6610259
    Abstract: A process for high-efficiency catalytic conversion of carbon monoxide (CO) to carbon dioxide (CO2) of the type comprising the steps of feeding at predetermined speed a gaseous flow comprising carbon monoxide to a reaction space (3) and reacting in the reaction space (3) said carbon monoxide to obtain a gaseous flow comprising carbon dioxide is distinguished by the preliminary step of accelerating said gaseous flow comprising carbon monoxide upstream of said reaction space (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Ammonia Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Gianfranco Bedetti
  • Publication number: 20030133849
    Abstract: In a device for distributing an ammonia/air mixture coming from a tube in the catalytic oxidation of ammonia across the cross section of a vessel whose diameter is a multiple of the tube diameter, the inlet tube is provided with a concentrically arranged inner tube and internal fittings for generating rotation are arranged in the annulus between inlet tube and inner tube to prevent formation of N2O in ammonia oxidation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Volker Schumacher, Gerhard Siebert
  • Publication number: 20030113241
    Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus and method of distributing gases within a catalytic converter assembly. Gases flow through at least one inlet into a housing and out of the housing through at least one outlet. A substrate is disposed at least partially between at least one of the at least one inlet and at least one of the at least one outlet. The mass flow rate of the gases across at least one surface of a deflector are substantially equalized as the gases flow through at least one of the at least one inlet into the housing and out of the housing through at least one of the at least one outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Mark W. Craig, Stephan D. Roozenboom
  • Publication number: 20030072693
    Abstract: A system for catalytically treating a gas stream includes a gas phase reactor containing a catalyst for the treatment of the gas stream in at least one catalyst bed having an upstream end and a downstream end, an axial fan positioned upstream of the at least one catalyst bed and having an impeller for moving the gas stream through the gas phase reactor. The gas flow is modified between the impeller and the gas phase reactor to decrease gas stream velocity and increase gas flow uniformity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Mark Karrs, John V. Albano
  • Publication number: 20030053939
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a flow baffle for providing a generally uniform flow to a fluid within a catalytic reactor, which is characterized by a single flow channel. The invention, however, has general application to any single flow channel device. The flow baffle is inserted within the reactor in the single flow channel to cause the fluid flowing in the single flow channel to have a generally uniform flow field, instead of preferentially flowing down a periphery of the channel. The uniform flow field promotes the design optimization of the catalytic reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Lance L. Smith, Shahrokh Etemad, Hasan UI Karim, Marco Castaldi
  • Patent number: 6527828
    Abstract: A method and system for retrofitting an integrated scrubber to provide maximum oxygen content in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) abatement process including a thermal/wet integrated scrubber, and a compressed air supply for supplying air to an oxygen separation device that separates the air into a nitrogen-enriched component and an oxygen-enriched component. The oxygen separation device includes a module, such as a vessel containing ceramic-materials arranged in an adsorbent bed or coated on a substrate. The present invention uses a ceramic oxide material through which only oxygen can diffuse. The composition of the ceramic oxide adsorbent material is such that a significant number of oxygen vacancies exist in the material. By placing either a voltage potential or a pressure gradient across the membrane, oxygen is selectively diffused in and through the oxide material to separate the air supply into an oxygen component for introduction into the integrated scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Belynda G. Flippo, Keith Karrup, Robbert Vermeulen, Daniel O. Clark
  • Patent number: 6516610
    Abstract: A device is configured to catalytically reduce internal combustion engine exhaust gases which contain nitrogen oxides. The device has an exhaust pipe, one end of which can be connected to at least one exhaust outlet of the internal combustion engine. A reducing agent, in particular urea, is introduced into the exhaust pipe with a feed device. At least one mixer is arranged downstream of the reducing agent injection, as seen in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The mixer has a multiplicity of passages through which the fluid can flow. At least one catalytic converter is arranged downstream of the mixer. At least one diffuser is located between the mixer and the converter. The diffuser which has a multiplicity of passages through which the exhaust gas can flow and which have a cross section which increases in the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft für Emissionstechnologies mbH
    Inventor: Jan Hodgson
  • Publication number: 20030017088
    Abstract: A CO2 removal and sequestration system uses a limestone bed of coarse crushed limestone covering pipes which carry a flue gas. The pipes have spaced openings which permit flue gas to pass into the limestone bed. Water fills the bed to about {fraction (2/3 )} of the height of the limestone, which is higher than the depth of the pipes. The water flows through the bed at a predetermined rate. The bed is arranged as a series of parallel rows of beds with open channels between each pair of adjacent rows. The open channels are alternating water inlet and outlet channels. A flue gas delivery system includes headers and manifolds for distributing the flue gas at sufficient pressure to overcome existing water pressure at the pipe openings. The process includes the steps of removing CO2 from the flue gas in the bed, dissolving CO2 in the water in the bed, and then returning the water/CO2 to the ocean, river, lake or other area which may be used to store CO2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: William Downs, Hamid Sarv
  • Publication number: 20030003029
    Abstract: A device for channeling boiler flue gas flow and injecting controlled amounts of ammonia upstream of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) NOx removal system. A perforated plate and/or damper can be located within one or more channels to provide volumetric control through a channel. Flow conditioning devices such as static mixing tabs and/or flow straightening tube bundles can optionally be included in each channel to improve mixing and velocity profiles. Gas flow rate measurements made, for example via pressure taps, within one or more channels can be used to measure flow and provide feedback for improved ammonia-to-NOx mole ratio control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin J. Rogers, Michael G. Varner, Kenneth F. Hoover
  • Publication number: 20030003030
    Abstract: A catalytic muffler having a housing with a first chamber and a second chamber fluidly communicating through a catalyst bed interspersed there between. A first baffle assembly in the first chamber extends between the catalyst bed and the housing. An inlet passage extends through the housing into the first chamber. An outlet passage extends through the housing into one of the first and second chambers. A second baffle assembly in the second chamber extends between the catalyst bed and the housing. The first and second baffle assemblies act in conjunction with the housing and the reactor bed to define a flow passage through the housing from the inlet passage through at least three discreet zones of the reactor bed to the outlet passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Glenn Knight
  • Publication number: 20020183571
    Abstract: A radial reactor for utilization for catalytic reactions of gaseous or liquid feed streams including an annular catalyst bed, wherein the material contained within the catalyst bed includes an active catalyst material, contained within an outer ring-shaped layer of the catalyst bed, and a generally inert material, contained within an inner ring-shaped layer of the catalyst bed, wherein the generally inert material includes a potassium-containing compound, such as potassium oxide, hydroxide, carbonate or bicarbonate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Sud-Chemie Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Williams, Andrzej Rokicki, Dennis J. Smith, Kyle Mankin
  • Patent number: 6488899
    Abstract: A high velocity absorber has a lower larger diameter tank section for receiving a slurry at a liquid level in the. tank section, an upper smaller diameter absorber section where liquid scrubbing agent is mingled with flue gas from which impurities are to be absorbed, and a low pressure drop inlet assembly having a transition structure between the tank section and the absorber section for closing a gas flow path and a liquid flow path between the tank section and the absorber section. An inlet housing is connected to and communicates with the transition structure for inlet of flue gas into the transition structure between the tank section and the absorber section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Wadie F. Gohara, William H. Hall, Edward J. Piaskowski
  • Publication number: 20020150515
    Abstract: The present invention provides a regenerative oxidizer in which a separator is disposed within the housing of said oxidizer whereby a rotor in center of said separator rotates in order to remove waste gases containing volatile organic compounds and odorous gases continuously. The flow direction of waste gases is controlled by said rotor thus enabling maintenance of constant temperature in heat media bed and catalyst bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Ji-Hwan Pack
  • Patent number: 6455012
    Abstract: An acid gas burner and reactor apparatus, and method when used in the Claus process, are improved over the prior art by the provision of a substantially continuous circular slot for the flow of a reactant gas from an annular conduit into the open outflow end of a conduit that is located centrally of the annular conduit and through which flows pressure air, or air enriched with oxygen, the circular slot surrounding the open discharge end of the central conduit so as to discharge an annular curtain of the reactant gas into the flow of pressure air, or oxygen enriched air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: S&B Engineers and Constructors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lynn P. Walker
  • Patent number: 6444177
    Abstract: Exhaust gas to be cleaned is introduced into a conversion and mixing duct and the exhaust gas flows through the duct along a predetermined longitudinal direction. A reducing agent, such as aqueous urea solution, is injected into the exhaust gas stream in the conversion and mixing duct. The exhaust gas stream is then deflected into a reaction duct which extends parallel to or coaxially around the conversion and mixing duct. The exhaust gas then flows in the opposite direction through the reaction duct. A reduction catalyst is disposed in the reaction duct, where the reducible components of the exhaust gas are reduced. The exhaust gas cleaned in this manner is then discharged from the reaction duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Raimund Müller, Lothar Hofmann, Kurt Schardt, Wieland Mathes
  • Publication number: 20020090334
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the carbon monoxide content of a hydrogen rich gas including a catalyst bed containing an oxidation catalyst, a porous tube positioned substantially within the catalyst bed for distributing an oxygen-containing stream throughout the catalyst bed, and a cooling jacket for maintaining the reactor operating temperature in a desired range. The porous tube can be constructed as a sintered stainless steel tube or as an alumina tube or as any equivalent porous tube that is known to those of skill in the art to perform the objectives of this method and apparatus. The porous tube is generally positioned along the length of the catalyst bed in manner that optimizes dispersion of the oxygen-containing stream throughout the catalyst bed. The reactor operating temperature is controlled by a cooling jacket to from about 90° C. to about 180° C., more preferably from about 90° C. to about 150° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: James F. Stevens, Curtis L. Krause, Doug Naae
  • Publication number: 20020081241
    Abstract: Flue gas, in particular from a steam generator, requires cleaning. A catalytic converter for deNOxing the flue gas, which is used, for example, to heat an air preheater, is often employed for this purpose. Residues of a reducing agent react with unconverted sulfur oxide and form a substance which damages the air preheater. To suppress this reaction, there is provided a first mixer for more uniformly mixing the flue gas with the reducing agent downstream of the catalytic converter, as seen in the direction of flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph Sigling
  • Publication number: 20020037241
    Abstract: A catalytic converter of the type having an inlet plenum between a converter inlet and an axial inlet face of a substrate and an outlet plenum between a converter outlet and an axial outlet face of the substrate, wherein a first axial length of the inlet plenum is in a range of 20-40% of the first axial length of the inlet plenum summed with a second axial length of the outlet plenum to minimize flow resistance in said catalytic converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: MICHAEL RALPH FOSTER, SCOTT CHRISTOPHER BLANCHET
  • Patent number: 6311485
    Abstract: The gas exhaust system, intended for an internal combustion engine, has a plurality of connectors leading to an exhaust manifold. The exhaust vent from the exhaust manifold is used as a feed gas for a catalyst. In order to install said catalyst as close as possible to the exhaust manifold, it is suggested by the invention that a mixer be provided inside the catalyst housing. The mixer enables the exhaust gas stream arriving at the catalyst via the feed pipe to be homogenized in time and geometry and prevents catalyst elements from being damaged by a non-homogeneous gas stream. The mixer also allows for the unburnt air-fuel mixture to settle inside instead of burning in catalyst elements, thereby preventing the latter from being damaged by suddenly burning deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignees: Deutsches Zentrum fuer, Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Becker, Bernhard Hoffschmidt, Josef Meurer
  • Patent number: 6290913
    Abstract: The structure of the present invention consumes carbon monoxide produced by the reverse shift reaction proceeding in an effective temperature range that ensures a sufficient activity of a catalyst for selective oxidation of carbon monoxide, thus significantly reducing the concentration of carbon monoxide included in a resulting hydrogen-rich gas. A fuel reformer 30 incorporated in a fuel-cells system 10 includes a gas flow sensor 37 disposed in a reformed gas supply conduit 36 that connects a reformer unit 32 with a CO selective oxidizing unit 34. A control unit 70 outputs driving signals to three valves of the CO selective oxidizing unit 34, in response to a detection signal from the gas flow sensor 37. The CO selective oxidizing unit 34 has three reaction chambers filled with a carbon monoxide selective oxidizing catalyst. The number of the reaction chambers, which a reformed gas fed to the CO selective oxidizing unit 34 passes through, is changed by switching the on/off state of the three valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20010018032
    Abstract: An odor treating system in which a silo-type structure (2) incorporates in layered sequence along its height at least one bioscrubber (4) and one wet scrubber (6) or biofilter and incorporates a port (10) for introducing malodorous effluent into the structure (2) below the scrubbers (4, 6) and fan means (1) overlying the scrubbers (4, 6) for drawing the effluent through the scrubbers (4, 6) to deodorize, dilute and disperse the effluent into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: LARRY J. FINN
  • Publication number: 20010008616
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system of an internal combustion engine having a bypass exhaust gas passage, openable through a switch-over valve, branched from an exhaust pipe at a location downstream of a catalytic converter and again merged into the exhaust pipe at a downstream point, an adsorbent installed in the bypass exhaust gas passage which adsorbs unburned component of the exhaust gas, and an EGR pipe which recirculates the exhaust gas including the unburned components at a location upstream of the catalytic converter, wherein the EGR pipe is made of metal such as stainless steel and is connected to the bypass exhaust gas passage such that the recirculation pipe is brought into thermal contact with the exhaust pipe, thereby enabling to effectively prevent blocking or corrosion of the EGR pipe or switch-over valve from occurring. The inner wall of the recirculation pipe is formed with liquid repellent and oil repellent film so as to overcome moisture-related problems more effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Haga, Tadashi Satoh, Hideharu Yamazaki, Takuji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6261524
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for treating pollutants in a gaseous stream. The apparatus comprises tubular inlets for mixing a gas stream with other oxidative and inert gases for mixture within a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is heated by heating elements and has orifices through which cool or heated air enters into the central reaction chamber. A process is also provided whereby additional gases are added to the gaseous stream preferably within the temperature range of 650 C.-950° C. which minimizes or alleviates the production of NOx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Herman, Jack Ellis, Floris Y. Tsang, Daniel O. Clark, Belynda Flippo, David Inori, Keith Kaarup, Mark Morgenlaender, Aaron Mao
  • Patent number: 6245134
    Abstract: A apparatus for the in-situ predetermination of the effects of NOx reduction systems on selected components. This determination can yield quick, inexpensive and accurate results for a number of characteristics, for example: catalyst longevity; efficiency with differing fuels, in differing locations, and at different temperatures; potential of catalyst poisoning in specific circumstances; ammonia slip considerations; SCR and SNCR interplay, as well as staged NOx reduction design criteria; pressure and blockage considerations; downstream effect on air preheater elements; and more. These determinations can be made in real, or accelerated time. Furthermore, the determinations can be made before any system modifications are made, or to assist in increasing the efficiency of existing systems, or even to assist in predictions of preventive maintenance and associated down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hera, LLC
    Inventor: Howard E. Sandler
  • Patent number: 6238912
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for contacting a gas and liquid. An elongated cylindrical reactor has an inlet region of reduced cross-sectional area at a first end. At least some of the gas or liquid is introduced into the inlet region in a direction tangential to the longitudinal axis of the reactor by way of an inlet to cause rotational flow within the inlet region. The gas or liquid flows into the remainder of the reactor at such a velocity as to cause more intimate mixing of the liquid and gas. Additional gas or liquid can be introduced through a second inlet disposed in an intermediate region of the reactor so that the fluid introduced flows in a generally longitudinal direction or rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventors: Philip Coley Moore, Stephen Robert Mercer Ellis
  • Patent number: 6220021
    Abstract: Silencer with built-in catalyser which utilises a given total space optimally for simultaneous sound attenuation and catalytic treatment of gases, e.g. exhaust gases from internal combustion engine. The silencer with built-in catalyser comprises a casing (1) connected to an inlet pipe (2) and to an outlet pipe (3), a sound attenuation compartment (4), a downstream catalytic body (5), a flow-area widening diffuser element (6) extending from the inlet pipe and contained within the compartment, and a cross-plate (7) which is positioned between the diffuser element and the catalytic body and from which the flow is distributed evenly across the inlet to the catalytic body. At least two openings (8) are provided between the diffuser element and the catalytic body, at least one such opening (9) providing a communication to the sound attenuation compartment and at least two such openings (10) being pervaded by gas flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Silentor Notox A/S
    Inventors: Svend Frederiksen, Lars Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 6214305
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the oxidation of liquid or solid contaminants in the exhaust gas from diesel engines is provided. The process is conducted by passing the contaminated diesel engine exhaust gas through a turbulent gas flow, particulate separator, wherein this separator contains a plurality of separate and serially-arranged vertical plates arranged so that there is no net gas flow in the space between two adjacent vertical plates. The plates contain a catalytically active surface of (i) a mixture of metal salts and/or metals oxides, such as a mixture of the oxides of vanadium, molybdenum and alkali metals, which may be in a molten state at the operating temperature of the separator and (ii) one or more catalytically active metal or metal compounds to promote the oxidation of soot, such as metals or metal compounds of iron, platinum and palladium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignees: Technische Universiteit Delft, Stichting Voor de Technische Wetenschappen
    Inventors: Ruud van Harderveld, Michiel Makkee, Jacob Adriaan Moulijn, Sietze Jelle Jelles
  • Patent number: 6193935
    Abstract: A catalytic converter for treating pollutants contained in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, includes a chamber having an inlet disposed at a first end of the chamber for introduction of the exhaust gas and an outlet disposed at a second end of the chamber opposite the first end for discharge of the exhaust gas from the chamber after treatment; a front plate provided at the inlet of the chamber and having defined therein a plurality of openings; first, inner, and second, outer, fixed cones positioned within the chamber, disposed in a spaced apart and parallel relationship to one another, and having a plurality of spaced apart holes defined therein, wherein the plurality of holes defined in the first fixed cone are disposed in a staggered relationship to the plurality of holes of the second fixed cone, and wherein the first fixed cone defines with the front plate a first zone within the chamber; a catalyst bed which is disposed in the space defined between the first and second fixed cones, throug
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Muthan Subramanian, Pradeep Patanwal, Ravinder Kumar Malhotra, Niranjan Raghunath Raje
  • Patent number: 6190628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the injecting of NOx inhibiting liquid reagent into the flue gas of a utility or industrial type boiler to reduce emissions of NOx including a temperature sensor for measuring the boiler flue gas temperature and a moveable conduit for injecting the NOx inhibiting reagent into the flue gas at a sensed predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Diamond Power International, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Randy Carter
  • Patent number: 6099649
    Abstract: A hot trap converts unreacted organic metal-film precursor from the exhaust stream of a CVD process. The converted precursor forms a metal film on the surface of the hot trap, thereby protecting hot vacuum pump surfaces from metal build up. A cold trap downstream from the hot trap freezes effluents from the exhaust stream. The metal captured by the hot trap and the effluents captured by the cold trap may then be recycled, rather than being released as environmental emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vincent Schmitt, Ling Chen, George Michael Bleyle, Yu Cong, Alfred Mak, Mei Chang
  • Patent number: 6039927
    Abstract: A two chamber regenerative thermal oxidizer has a pair of poppet valves actuated by an eccentric mechanical drive assembly having a single drive shaft. Gas flow through the RTO is reversed by the simultaneous opening and closing of the poppet valves. Deceleration of the valve discs is controlled using a variable speed motor to reduce valve damage. In another configuration, the mechanical eccentric drive controls two sets of butterfly valves in an RTO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Greco
  • Patent number: 6024928
    Abstract: A catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine having a housing provided with an exhaust gas by-pass tube and a valve arrangement that causes the exhaust gas to selectively flow through a catalyst coated substrate to be treated thereby or through the tube so as to exist the converter in an untreated state and in which an actuator is in a sealed relationship with the housing so as to prevent exhaust gas leakage while providing for movement of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Ralph Foster
  • Patent number: 6010668
    Abstract: An end cone assembly for a catalytic converter includes a larger formed sheet metal outer cone and a smaller formed sheet metal inner cone forming a dual wall cone assembly. The cones have large ends and connecting conical walls which are configured like those of a prior art end cone and are formable by the same tooling. The cones have inner ends connected with the conical walls that are modified to connect with smaller diameter exhaust pipes and require modified tooling to make. The prior art cones have cylindrical small ends that are telescoped together and locked by dimples. The small end of the new inner cone varies from the conical configuration of its respective wall in, first, curving outward toward an axial direction, second, curving inward toward a radial direction and, third, curving outward to an essentially axial direction defining a generally cylindrical outer end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Lawrence, Roger Eugene Buck
  • Patent number: 5980835
    Abstract: A hazardous gas mixing apparatus includes a mixing chamber wherein air is mixed with such a gas to render same inert. An air inlet assembly admits an air flow induced into the mixing chamber and includes an air flow sensor having a probe located in a housing of the assembly. Differential air pressures detected by the probe are provided to a signal generating transmitter and signal converter serving a logic controller providing a display correlated to linear feet per minute air flow in the apparatus mixing chamber. A honeycomb air straightener serves to provide a laminar flow of air past the sensor probe. An intake screen on the housing reduces the intake of foreign particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Innovative Engineering Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon B. Porozni
  • Patent number: 5961931
    Abstract: A particulate trap for use with a diesel engine is high in particulate trapping capacity and regenerating capacity and low in pressure drop, and yet is compact and inexpensive. This trap has a filter element made up of a plurality of tapered filter members formed from a fabric of heat-resistant metal fibers. The filter members have different diameters from each other and are nested concentrically one inside the other so that the adjacent filter members are positioned inversely. Each filter member is connected at its large-diameter end to the small-diameter end of the immediately outer filter member to alternately close the exhaust inlet and outlet ends of the gaps between the adjacent filter members. The filter element thus formed is mounted in a metal case provided in an exhaust line and used as a particulate trap. With this arrangement, it is possible to increase the particulate trapping area of the filter and the exhaust inlet openings without increasing the size of the entire trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Syunsuke Ban, Tomohiko Ihara, Yoichi Nagai, Kiyoshi Kobashi, Hiromichi Yanagihara
  • Patent number: 5925321
    Abstract: A garbage disposing device of an energy-saving type comprises a housing having an air intake port and an air discharge port, and a vessel mounted within the housing to store therein food wastes. The vessel has an air inlet and an air outlet. An intake passage is formed in the housing to extend from the intake port to the air inlet for introducing a fresh air into the vessel. An exhaust passage is formed within the housing to extend from the air outlet to the discharge port for discharging therethrough an air containing unpleasant odor resulting from a decomposition of the food wastes. A deodorizer unit comprises a catalyst for decomposing the unpleasant odor in the air, a heater for activating the catalyst, and a case for incorporating therein the catalyst and the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Koyamoto, Harushige Tsusaka, Kaoru Yamashita, Kazumasa Rokushima, Junichi Ikeuchi, Hiroyasu Kawanishi, Takashi Hyodo, Hideo Fujimoto, Tomoaki Fujii, Yoshitoshi Kanetsuna
  • Patent number: 5916134
    Abstract: A catalytic converter consists of an exhaust gas inlet, an exhaust gas outlet, and a catalytic reactor located between the inlet and the outlet for reacting with the exhaust gas discharged by the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, so as to reduce air pollution. The exhaust gas inlet is provided with a vortex generator for causing the incoming exhaust gas to flow in a helical path into the inlet and than the catalytic reactor in which the exhaust gas reacts uniformly and thoroughly with all cross-sectional areas of the catalytic reactor of the catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jyh-Chyang Yang, Shyh-Shyan Lin
  • Patent number: 5916133
    Abstract: An improved system for the control of combustion engine exhaust from a motor vehicle includes an adsorber for the adsorption of hydrocarbons concentrated in the exhaust stream at engine startup, the adsorber being of honeycomb shape which includes a peripheral channeled portion and a central channeled portion, the latter including an exhaust gas by-pass port parallel with the channels, with the through-channels in the central portion of the honeycomb having a relatively high resistance to exhaust gas flow compared to the channels traversing the peripheral portion. Systems with reduced secondary air requirements and providing more efficient burn-off of the adsorbed hydrocarbons are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Carol L. Buhrmaster, William Hertl, Mallanagouda D. Patil, Louis S. Socha, Jr., Jimmie L. Williams
  • Patent number: 5902558
    Abstract: A honeycomb body, in particular a catalyst carrier body, for catalytic conversion of exhaust gases in an exhaust gas system, especially an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, preferably an Otto engine, includes a central channel and adjacent discs defining a multiplicity of curved outer channels bounded by the discs. The outer channels extend outwards from the central channel and have one end opening into the central channel. At least some of the disks have a macrostructure forming a lateral boundary of the outer channels. An apparatus for catalytic conversion of exhaust gases includes a housing having an exhaust inlet opening and an exhaust outlet opening, and the honeycomb body disposed in the housing. An additional microstructure in some or all of the disks can increase the effectiveness of the catalytic conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Maus, Rolf Bruck, Hans Bode, Udo Martin
  • Patent number: 5861123
    Abstract: A mass transfer system for decontaminating a contaminated liquid or gas stream. The system includes a container with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The container is adapted to channel a liquid stream from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet. The vessel is also adapted to channel a gas stream from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. At least one grid is mounted within the container and is positioned within the gas and liquid streams. The grid has a plurality of apertures formed therein which are adapted to disperse the gas flow as it passes through the grid. The dispersion of the gas flow generates a fluidized bed within the container. The grid is preferably parabolic in shape. A light assembly is mounted on the container and has a light emitting unit positioned so as to emit light into the container. The light irradiates at least one of the streams flowing therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Ceco Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Schifftner
  • Patent number: 5850734
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed at an in-line engine exhaust system comprised of the following: (1) a first close-coupled catalyzed structure located in the exhaust stream, the catalyzed structure having an inlet and an outlet end disposed in a housing, a lightoff temperature, and comprising a first substantially unobstructed flow region, and a second more obstructed flow region abutting the first region, the first region being disposed to provide a substantially unobstructed flow path for exhaust gases in the exhaust gas stream; and, (2) a flow diverter connected to a secondary air source and disposed in the housing for diverting the exhaust gases away from the first region. Furthermore, the exhaust system may be provided with a second catalyzed structure located in the exhaust gas stream downstream from the housing. Also disclosed herein is a method of treating a hydrocarbon-containing engine exhaust steam utilizing the aforementioned inventive exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas D. Ketcham
  • Patent number: 5837205
    Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer in which contaminated air is first passed through a hot heat-exchange bed and into a communicating high temperature oxidation (combustion) chamber, and then through a relatively cool second heat exchange bed. The apparatus includes a number of internally insulated, ceramic filled heat recovery columns topped by an internally insulated combustion chamber. From the combustion chamber, the air flows vertically downward through another column containing heat exchange media, thereby storing heat in the media for use in a subsequent inlet cycle when the flow control valves reverse. Temperature is sensed within the bed of heat exchange media in order to monitor the temperature profile and control a bypass of hot combustion gases should the temperature exceed a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Megtec Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Bayer, Edward G. Blazejewski
  • Patent number: 5833932
    Abstract: A catalytic converter assembly for nitrogen oxide reduction in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, in particular a Diesel engine, includes a catalytic converter through which exhaust gas can flow in a given flow direction. The catalytic converter has a catalyst carrier and a catalytically active layer. The catalytic converter has a reducing agent storage capacity per unit of length being increased in the given flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Schmelz
  • Patent number: 5833938
    Abstract: Regenerative thermal oxidizer in which a gas such as contaminated air is first passed through a hot heat-exchange bed and into a communicating high temperature oxidation (combustion) chamber, and then through a relatively cool second heat exchange bed. The apparatus includes a number of internally insulated, ceramic filled heat recovery columns topped by an internally insulated combustion chamber. Process air is fed into the oxidizer through an inlet manifold containing a number of hydraulically or pneumatically operated flow control valves (such as poppet valves). The air is then directed into the heat exchange media which contains "stored" heat from the previous recovery cycle. The process air is heated to near oxidation temperatures. Oxidation is completed as the flow passes through the combustion chamber, where one or more burners are located. The gas is maintained at the operating temperature for an amount of time sufficient for completing destruction of the VOC's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Megtec Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. Blazejewski
  • Patent number: 5820832
    Abstract: A plate-type catalytic converter includes a holder device and plates being coated with a catalytically active composition, being held one above the other in the holder device and extending in a main flow direction. The plates include first and second adjacent plates forming at least one reaction chamber. At least the first plate has an approximately corrugated first structure oriented obliquely relative to the main flow direction for deflecting a flow medium flowing along the first structure from the main flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Huttenhofer, Josef-Konrad Beer, Heimo Friede, Hendrik Lammers
  • Patent number: 5804149
    Abstract: Gas-cleaning equipment is disclosed, which comprises a housing having an intake vent and an exhaust vent and having disposed between the two vents a fan having at least one rotating blade. Air pollutant-removing system using the gas-cleaning equipment is also disclosed. This gas-cleaning equipment can effectively clean a gas through the action of plasma produced by glow discharge caused by rotation of said fan. When a metal layer having a catalytic activity is fixed onto the surface of said rotating blade, this metal layer also functions to effectively clean the gas. In the case where both the plasma and the metal layer function to clean the gas, there car be obtained synergistic effects. Cleaning of the gas can be conducted with more efficiency by bringing the intake gas into contact with the fan in an oxygen-free state. A magnet provided as an outer wall of the housing serves to generate plasma with higher density, leading to more effective cleaning of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignees: Hokushin Industries, Inc., Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ota, Daihei Kobayashi, Takeshi Yanobe, Fujio Sakamoto, Yuji Hayashi