Means Recirculating Solvent Patents (Class 422/281)
  • Patent number: 5690821
    Abstract: A loading platform and chemical addition system are described for a machine that prepares a batch of dialysate. The loading platform is in fluid communication with a dialysate preparation tank, and receives chemical vessels that contain a batch quantity of dialysate chemicals. The chemicals are released from the vessels automatically and fall onto a shelf in the loading platform. Nozzles and spray equipment are provided for insuring the complete release of the chemicals from the vessels and their dispersion into the tank. Novel mixing techniques are implemented in the tank to insure complete mixing of the dialysate solution and prevention of settling of dialysate solution at the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: AKSYS, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Dennis M. Treu, Frederick H. Peter, Jr., Thomas M. Feldsein, Kenneth E. Pawlak
  • Patent number: 5678593
    Abstract: A detergent mixing apparatus for use with a pressurized water source. The apparatus includes at least one mixing tank and a pair of liquid chemical supply containers each accommodating a liquid chemical composition. A water supply conduit connects a pressurized water source with the mixing tank. A pair of venturi chambers are disposed within the water supply conduit and are arranged for parallel flow. Each of the venturi chambers includes a suction port in fluid communication, respectively, with one of the liquid chemical supply containers so as to drawing the liquid chemical composition from each chemical supply container as pressurized water passes through the venturi chambers thus entraining the liquid chemical compositions in the water. A float-actuated control valve is operably connected to the water supply conduit for terminating the flow of water and entrained liquid chemical compositions through the water supply conduit when the liquid level in the mixing tank reaches a predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Barton Lockhart
  • Patent number: 5547645
    Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving an adjusting agent of a dialytic solution according to the invention includes a vessel containing sealingly a constant quantity of a powdery or granular solid adjusting agent of a dialytic solution, a feeding means for supplying a fluid for dissolving the adjusting agent in said vessel, and a dissolving tank for mixing and dissolving the adjusting agent with the fluid and for storing the mixed solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Nikkiso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomichi Ego, Hiroshi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 5536479
    Abstract: A solubilizing apparatus includes a fluid permeable sleeve having opposed openings therein wherein a spray nozzle is in flow communication with one opening and a second opening is disposed to receive solids. The spray nozzle is designed to spray a fluid in a swirling spray sweeping the insides of the sleeve wall as it travels toward the opposite end. The solubilizing apparatus is specifically useful for dissolution of chemicals utilized in cleaning reverse osmosis membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: International Purification Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Miller, Kerry L. Embry
  • Patent number: 5527515
    Abstract: 35% to 45% by weight concentrated aqueous solutions of ferric chloride, directly useful as flocculating agents in a variety of water treatments, are prepared by (a) reacting chlorine with an aqueous solution of ferrous chloride, in the presence of a recycled aqueous solution of ferric chloride; (b) decompressing the step (a) reaction product solution to vaporize water therefrom, thereby concentrating same; and (c) recycling a fraction of the decompressed liquid phase to step (a) and recovering remaining fraction as final product aqueous solution of ferric chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Atochem
    Inventors: Rene Clair, Alain Gallet
  • Patent number: 5472674
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a stock wash liquor includes a stock liquor container with a stock liquor container comprising a tub-shaped bottom section and a top section which is hermetically mounted on the bottom section and is fitted with an integral suction fan designed to generate an underpressure or partial vacuum in the bottom section. A suction line leads out of the container and into a container of powder. The aim of the invention is to further develop a device of this kind so that stock liquor can be prepared from cleaning agent powder taken directly from its container without producing any dust, and the stock liquor thus prepared stored for feeding to industrial washing or cleaning machines. This is achieved by locating a secondary suction line end inside the stock liquor container at a point which is remote from the point of entry of a primary suction line into the bottom section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Friedel Rings, Peter Holz
  • Patent number: 5439020
    Abstract: A fluid handling apparatus and method for combining dissolved solid and liquid phase detergent constituents with water from an external source in predetermined proportions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dissolution tank for dissolving powdered detergent constituents deposited therein and a number of other supply containers each filled with a discrete liquid chemical. A manifold, connecting the dissolution tank and at least one liquid chemical supply container, is in fluid communication with a venturi chamber. When pressurized water from the external source is directed or jetted through the venturi chamber, detergent constituents in the dissolution tank and the chemical supply container are drawn into the venturi chamber in proper proportion for mixing with pressurized water and discharged into a holding tank for subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Barton Lockhart
  • Patent number: 5401476
    Abstract: To continuously produce and separate high purity p-xylene from a C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbon charge, successive use is made in combination of (1) a stage of separating low-purity p-xylene (75 to 98%) by simulated moving bed adsorption chromatography, with a ratio of the solvent to charge flow rates of 1.2 to 2.5; (2) a stage of purifying and washing the low-purity p-xylene by recrystallization (-25 to +10.degree. C.); (3) a stage of catalytic isomerization of the charge which has been p-xylene-depleted by the separating stage (1); and recovering an isomerate which is then recycled to the charge. The solvent for desorption in stage (1) and washing in stage (2) is advantageously toluene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Gerard Hotier, Claude Roux Guerraz, Than Nguyen Thanh
  • Patent number: 5393502
    Abstract: A solubilizing apparatus includes a fluid permeable sleeve having opposed openings therein wherein a spray nozzle is in flow communication with one opening and a second opening is disposed to receive solids. The spray nozzle is designed to spray a fluid in a swirling spray sweeping the insides of the sleeve wall as it travels toward the opposite end. The solubilizing apparatus is specifically useful for dissolution of chemicals utilized in cleaning reverse osmosis membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: International Purification Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Miller, Kerry L. Embry
  • Patent number: 5377426
    Abstract: The generation of volatiles from liquid or solid materials is enhanced and accelerated by exposure to microwave radiation. Normally the energy transfer is effected preferentially toward the liquid or solid materials over the generated gaseous volatiles. Sufficient energy is provided at a selected rate that enhances the generation of volatiles to produce headspace samples. Alternatively, the rate can be selected so as to disrupt the equilibrium normally present between the liquid or solid phase and the gaseous phase and produce purge and trap samples; the latter process resulting from the selective energy transfer toward the liquid or solid phase over the gaseous phase. The rate of energy transfer can be chosen so as to bring the medium being subjected to microwave radiation to its supercritical state. The material having reached that state can further be used in numerous applications such as supercritical fluid extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of the Environment
    Inventor: J. R. Jocelyn Pare
  • Patent number: 5308592
    Abstract: Equipment for mixed phase reaction distillation, particularly equipment for mixed phase reaction distillation to produce MTBE. The equipment comprises a rectifying section I at the upper part, a reaction section II at the middle part, and a stripping section III at the lower part. The reaction section II comprises a plurality of superposed catalyst beds which are connected by at least one catalyst flow pipe disposed between each pair of adjacent catalyst beds, and a sealed cover at the top above the uppermost catalyst bed of the plurality of catalyst beds. The reaction section II further comprises at least one vapor passageway disposed at one side of the reaction section II, and at least one liquid passageway disposed at the other side of the reaction section II.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC)
    Inventors: Zongren Yang, Xingren Hao, Jinshan Wang
  • Patent number: 5294408
    Abstract: A compact lime slaker has an inner vessel forming an initial slaking chamber disposed in an outer vessel forming a final slaking chamber, with agitators provided In both chambers. Slaked lime from the final slaking chamber is pumped to a collection trough where slaked lime and grit are removed therefrom, while a major portion of slaked lime, with grit removed is returned to the final slaking chamber. The slaked lime in the final slaking chamber, at an elevated temperature due to the slaking exotherm, insulates the lime being slaked in the initial slaking chamber and provides heat thereto to aid in the initial slaking. Removal of grit from the portion of slaked lime recycled to the final slaking chamber prevents clogging or attrition of components of the slaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Dravo Lime Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Muzik, Kenneth L. Yoest
  • Patent number: 5225074
    Abstract: An automatic swimming pool chlorinator having a submersible canister for receiving and containing chlorine tablets or sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Philip L. Leslie
    Inventor: Siamak Moini
  • Patent number: 5209905
    Abstract: A wet-type exhaust gas desulfurization system comprises a reservoir for trapping an absorbing solution which has absorbed SO.sub.2 from exhaust gas; an absorbing solution circulating tank disposed directly under the reservoir; a plurality of bottom pipes which are installed at the bottom of reservoir and extend downward into the absorbing solution in the circulating tank and whose lower end is open, or drop pipes which depend into the absorbing solution and whose lower ends are open; and air supply pipe at least one end of which is open to the atmosphere; a pipe for discharging the air above the surface of absorbing solution onto the surface of solution in the reservoir; and a pipe for supplying the absorbing solution in the circulating tank to a spray nozzle at the upper part of the absorbing tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Onizuka, Kenji Inoue, Naohiko Ukawa, Susumu Okino, Toru Takashina
  • Patent number: 5205995
    Abstract: Sodium sesquisulfate produced in crystalline form in a high acidity methanol-based highly efficient chlorine dioxide generating process is converted by metathesis to crystalline anhydrous neutral sodium sulfate and the acid recovered as a result is recycled to the chlorine dioxide generating step. The metathesis is effected by contacting the crystalline sodium sesquisulfate with aqueous sodium chlorate solution, aqueous sodium chloride solution, aqueous methanol or water alone. The metathesis is effected in such manner as to minimize the additional evaporative load imposed on the chlorine dioxide generating process by the metathesis medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Sterling Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert C. Scribner, Maurice C. J. Fredette, Edward J. Bechberger
  • Patent number: 5137694
    Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Copeland, Henry A. Snyder, Sherwood A. Bergseid, Thomas H. Indieke
  • Patent number: 5082574
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating material with liquid has defined therein a cylindrical chamber, suspended above the bottom of which is a receptacle for holding the material to be tested, the bottom of which receptacle is permeable to the treatment liquid. Above the receptacle there is arranged a duct with inlets at its end and outlets disposed above the receptacle. In use, a magnetic stirrer drives a vortex of liquid up the side wall of the chamber and liquid from the vortex enters the duct from which liquid pours down onto the material to be treated in the receptacle and is then recycled. The apparatus includes one or more of the improvements that suspension of the receptacle and duct is by means which does not interfere with the vortex, that the area of the inlets is maximized by forming them with an arcuate profile, and that the bore in the duct is formed such that the wall above the bore is relatively thick and a suspending rod can be screwed thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Trenchbond Limited
    Inventor: Alan Carrol
  • Patent number: 5043280
    Abstract: A sterile product containing a substance embedded in a carrier is produced by use of a supercritical gas. In one embodiment, a mixture is formed of a substance, carrier and supercritical gas such as nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide, and the supercritical gas is separated from the substance and carrier to obtain the product. In another embodiment, the supercritical gas contains the substance, and is mixed with an atomized organic solvent containing the carrier to form a mixture. The supercritical gas extracts the solvent, and is separated from the substance and carrier to produce the product. Alternatively, the carrier can be in the supercritical gas and the substance in the solvent, or both the substance and carrier can be in the solvent. Atomization and formation of the mixture can be carried out by feeding the supercritical gas and solvent through a nozzle into a spray tower or column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Schwarz Pharma AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Fischer, Bernd W. Muller
  • Patent number: 4963329
    Abstract: Gas reacting apparatus and method are described for wet mass transfer of solute gases from a gas stream with a liquid or slurry reacting medium capable of chemisorption of solute gases in the gas stream. The apparatus comprises an elongated conduit defining a primary reaction zone in fluid-flow communication with a fan defining both a secondary reaction zone and a spray coalescence zone, and a plurality of dual-fluid spray nozzles coaxially spaced in series within the conduit and countercurrently or cocurrently directed to the gas stream for spraying the liquid or slurry reacting medium into said conduit to form a plurality of spray contact zones of uniformly-distributed fine droplets wherein intimate contact of high interfacial surface area between the sprayed liquid or slurry and the gas stream is effected to remove solute gases from the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Turbotak Inc.
    Inventors: J. Stuart Burgess, Donald R. Spink, Jerry Y. Stein
  • Patent number: 4929348
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improvements in processes and apparatus for effecting solvent extractions using liquefied gas or gases in the supercritical state as the solvents and specifically to continuous processes for carrying out such extractions at high pressures. Further, the present invention relates to an apparatus which is a long vertical cylinder of relatively small diameter, wherein the solvent gas and the material to be extracted are continuously circulated through the long vertical reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Wayne K. Rice
    Inventor: Wayne K. Rice
  • Patent number: 4911897
    Abstract: An automated device for deconcentration and potentiation of homeopathic remedies, comprising a preparations flask held by a support fastened to a horizontal shaft driven in rotation. The mouth of the flask describes a circle and can be moved among several positions, particularly an original position for introduction of the dose to be diluted or rediluted and for introduction of the solvent, and a position for pouring the dilution into a wide-mouth bottle containing granules to be impregnated and put into rotation. Between each deconcentration, the flask is cleaned by washing means and drying means located on its path in other positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Co Artz
    Inventor: Jean Alphonse
  • Patent number: 4898673
    Abstract: Soluble materials are continuously extracted from solids using extracting solvents such as carbon dioxide by circulating a mixture of the solids in carbon dioxide at elevated pressure through a closed loop pipeline. A mixture of extracts dissolved in carbon dioxide is continuously removed from the system and material to be extracted is continually added. Multiple extraction stages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Vitamins, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne K. Rice, Laxman Singh
  • Patent number: 4885098
    Abstract: An elastic bar member is coupled to an orbiting mass oscillator and the entire assembly is suspended from a cable or the like such that the bar member has freedom of lateral motion and is nakedly immersed in a slurry having particulate material contained therein such as a mineral ore reject from which metal has been extracted. The rotor of the orbiting mass oscillator is driven at a speed such as to generate cycloidal sonic energy in the bar preferably at a frequency such as to set up resonant standing wave vibration of the bar in a cycloidal quadrature pattern. The cycloidal vibrational energy tends to set the surrounding fluid material into a whirling rotation or rotary traveling wave which facilitates the agglomeration or coagulation of the particles in the material and enhances the settling operation to make for more complete separation of the particles from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Inventor: Albert G. Bodine
  • Patent number: 4883532
    Abstract: An elastic bar member is clamped to an orbiting mass oscillator and the entire assembly is suspended from a cable or the like such that the bar member has freedom of lateral motion and is nakedly immersed in a leachant having a material contained therein such as a mineral ore from which metal is to be extracted. The rotor of the orbiting mass oscillator is driven at a speed such as to generate cycloidal sonic energy in the bar preferably at a frequency such as to set up resonant standing wave vibration of the bar in a cycloidal nutating pattern. The cycloidal vibrational energy tends to set the surrounding fluid material into a whirling rotation or rotary traveling wave which facilitates the mixing of the ore and leachant and enhances the leaching operation to make for more complete separation of the mineral from the ore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Albert G. Bodine
  • Patent number: 4865817
    Abstract: Gas reacting apparatus and method are described for wet mass transfer of solute gases from a gas stream with a liquid or slurry reacting medium capable of chemisorption of solute gases in the gas stream. The apparatus comprises an elongated conduit means defining a primary reaction zone in fluid-flow communication with a fan means defining both a secondary reaction zone and a spray coalescence zone, and plurality of dual fluid spray means coaxially spaced in series within the conduit means and countercurrently or cocurrently directed to the gas stream for spraying the liquid or slurry reacting medium into said conduit means to form a plurality of spray contact zones of uniformly-distributed fine droplets wherein intimate contact of high interfacial surface area between the sprayed liquid or slurry and the gas stream is effected to remove solute gases from the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: University of Waterloo
    Inventors: J. Stuart Burgess, Donald R. Spink, Jerry Y. Stein
  • Patent number: 4857279
    Abstract: Edible fats and oils are extracted from oil-bearing materials by loading the raw materials onto an inlet end of a flat and fixed conveying surface having elongate slits therein. The materials are conveyed from the inlet end to the outlet end of the conveying surface by scrapers moved by endless chains. Oil extracting solvent is sprayed onto the material on the conveying surface, to produce miscella, which flows through the slits in the surface and into hoppers beneath the surface. The miscella is circulated back to additional sprayers located upstream of the solvent sprayers for spraying the miscella onto the upstream end of the conveying surface. The resulting concentrated miscella is collected in hoppers beneath the surface and delivered to a further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Showa Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Kawamata, Kiyoshi Iwai
  • Patent number: 4780138
    Abstract: An elastic bar member is clamped to an orbiting mass oscillator and the entire assembly is suspended from a cable or the like such that the bar member has freedom of lateral motion and is nakedly immersed in a leachant having a material contained therein such as a mineral ore from which metal is to be extracted. The rotor of the orbiting mass oscillator is driven at a speed such as to generate cycloidal sonic energy in the bar preferably at a frequency such as to set up resonant standing wave vibration of the bar in a cycloidal nutating pattern. The cycloidal vibrational energy tends to set the surrounding fluid material into a whirling rotation or rotary traveling wave which facilitates the mixing of the ore and leachant and enhances the leaching operation to make for more complete separation of the mineral from the ore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: Albert G. Bodine
  • Patent number: 4741806
    Abstract: Supercritical extraction of diatomaceous earth results in a much more significant improvement in hydrocarbon recovery over Fischer retorting than achievable with tar sands. Process and apparatus for supercritical extraction of diatomaceous earth are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: James Scinta
  • Patent number: 4741807
    Abstract: In a reactor, granular feedstock having particle sizes in the range from about 0.5 to 15 mm is subjected in a moving bed to a countercurrent extraction at a temperature in the range from 20.degree. to 150.degree. C. and under a pressure in the range from 50 to 400 bars by a continuously supplied solvent which is in a liquid or supercritical state. A mixture of valuable substances and solvent is withdrawn from the upper portion of the reactor. The solvent is separated from the valuable substances by a pressure relief and/or temperature rise and is recycled to the reactor. The extraction residue is withdrawn from the lower end of the reactor. Respective locks are used to charge the feedstock into the reactor and to discharge the extraction residue from the reactor. Solvent and an entrainer are supplied to the reactor at different locations. Outlet ducts having a length of 0.1 to 1 m are preferably used to deliver the feedstock onto a moving bed in the reactor so that a free space is provided over the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Wilhelm, Rainer Reimert, Georg Penk
  • Patent number: 4710360
    Abstract: Apparatus for endothermic dissolutions in water, including: a mixing tank 40, wherein solute is slurried with water; pump 59 and spray pipe 63, for spraying slurry into spray box 70; and fan 75 for drawing ambient air upwardly, in direct heat exchange relationship with descending slurry droplets. Dissolution is promoted, as the droplets extract heat from the countercurrent flow of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Bruce Harbolt, Perry L. Murata, Neal C. Burmaster
  • Patent number: 4664891
    Abstract: A system and process for preparation of dialysis concentrate solution from dry chemicals and water. The source of hemodialysis chemicals for a batch is a drum selectively filled with dry chemicals such that an inner core region therewithin is loaded with chemicals which slurry and dissolve the least readily. The required amount of water is metered into a mix tank. Water is pumped from the tank into a spray head fitted over the selectively filled drum. Water is injected onto the chemicals within the inner core region by the use of a nozzle having a narrow spray angle. The chemicals within the inner core region are preferentially dissolved or slurried before the other chemicals within the drum. The slurried and dissolved chemicals are removed from the drum by a suction wand and are entirely solubilized in the tank. Cycling of fluid continues from the drum to the tank and vice versa until all of the chemicals in the drum have been removed. Circulation of the fluid is continued until a uniform solution results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Renal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis C. Cosentino, Wayne I. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4617177
    Abstract: A system for the solid/liquid extraction of in particular vegetable raw materials, such as oilseeds and oil-yielding plants, with low-boiling solvents, such as gasoline and the like, in continuous co-current manner.The equipment, which is also to be regarded as the actual extraction unit, is formed by the combination of a conveyor screw (1) having a screw flight pitch (3) which widens in the direction of the transport of material, and a screen-like or perforated bottom portion (4) provided at a short distance upstream of the discharge of the extracted material (6). The equipment is closed on all sides.Several individual sets of equipment of this type are combined in the installation and interconnected by a logical circulation system for the miscella in such a way that the extraction time is shortened, the extraction yield is improved and the residual solvent content in the fully extracted material (groats) is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Inventor: Heinz O. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 4603115
    Abstract: There is described an automated process for the solvent separation of organic/inorganic substances that operates continuously and unattended and eliminates potential errors resulting from subjectivity and the aging of the sample during analysis. In the process, metered amounts of one or more solvents are passed sequentially through a filter containing the sample under the direction of a microprocessor control apparatus. The mixture in the filter is agitated by ultrasonic cavitation for a timed period and the filtrate is collected. The filtrate of each solvent extraction is collected individually and the residue on the filter element is collected to complete the extraction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: International Coal Refining Company
    Inventor: Frank K. Schweighardt
  • Patent number: 4588476
    Abstract: A process for replacing a solution obtained for instance by exposing oil shale particles to the action of a solvent under supercritical conditions, by a solvent is provided for. The solid/solution mixture is extracted in a multitude of cross flow extractions such as to gradually replace the solution e.g. a bitumen solution, by the solvent, e.g. toluene. An apparatus for carrying out this process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: F. Morgan Warzel
  • Patent number: 4555385
    Abstract: An introduction process and apparatus is described concerning the continuous elution of a value, i.e. a metal value such as gold, from a particulate carrier by a counterflow of stripping liquid through the pressurized vessel in which the loaded particulate carrier is introduced to the vessel as a low velocity plug in a liquid carrier. The extraction process is also used with the continuous elution process in which the particulate material is extracted from the bottom part of a pressure vessel through a discharge pipe extending therefrom and in which a discharge liquid is introduced into the discharge pipe upstream of the discharge end under such pressure as to maintain a head of the discharge liquid upstream of that location and a flow of the liquid downstream from the location to transport the particulate material through the discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Ok Tedi Mining Limited
    Inventor: Alan M. Stone
  • Patent number: 4548228
    Abstract: A device for controlled feeding of a water-soluble chemical into a water line having a pressure varying between a minimum and a maximum in the line. Water flows from the water line into an air impervious chemical mixing tank through a first one-way check valve. When the pressure in the line is less than the air pressure in the tank, an air reservoir in the mixing tank forces the mixture of water and chemical back into the water line through a control valve which is set at a restricted flow value with respect to the first check valve. A second one-way check valve located in the water line between the one-way check valve and the control valve prevents the contents of the mixing tank fed through the control valve from backing up toward the first one-way check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventors: Stephen D. Moore, Murrill Maglio
  • Patent number: 4521400
    Abstract: Apparatus for agitating and circulating a liquid 20 comprising a vessel having two upright chambers 10, 12 and two vertically displaced ducts 14, 18 connecting the chambers 10, 12. In use of the apparatus, a steady flow of gas into the top of one chamber 10 provides both an oscillation and a circulation of the liquid 20 in the apparatus, as the gas is periodically vented through the upper duct 18.The apparatus has one application in the dissolution of material from nuclear fuel pins during reprocessing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
    Inventors: Thomas D. Hodgson, William R. Foot
  • Patent number: 4473532
    Abstract: Ore leaching structure including a base portion, a shelter portion, a transfer portion and a treatment portion; the base portion including a peripheral concrete foundation, concrete wall sections extending upwardly therefrom, a concrete floor section extending between the wall sections, the floor section including at least one drain opening adjacent one wall section, the floor section being sloped from the other of the wall sections toward the drain opening; the shelter portion including vertical sections extending upwardly from the wall sections, the vertical sections and the wall sections together forming the sidewalls of the structure, a roof section extending between and joining the upper edges of the sidewalls; the transfer portion including a first group of doorways in a sidewall adjoining the sidewall along which the drain opening is located, the doorways being spaced along the length of the sidewall, a second group of doorways along a sidewall opposite to the first group of doorways, the doorways of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Inventors: Shirley M. Rose, William R. Rector
  • Patent number: 4416764
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating coarse sand particles from fine sand particles in a slurry of sand and a solution such as results from the solvent extraction of tar sand, such method comprising causing flow of such slurry in a generally horizontal direction and then causing upward flow at a rate such that coarse particles settle out and fine particles move upwardly to a slurry outlet. The apparatus preferably comprises a tubular duct for downward flow, bottom openings in the duct for outward flow, a lower receptacle for coarse particles and an annular space surrounding the duct for upward flow of slurry of solution and fine sand particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Natomas Energy Company
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Gikis, Abner Y. Jones, Rudolf Elbrecht
  • Patent number: 4407322
    Abstract: A device for controlled feeding of a water-soluble chemical into a water line having a pressure varying between a minimum and a maximum in the line. Water flows from the water line into an air impervious chemical mixing tank through a first one-way check valve. When the pressure in the line is less than the air pressure in the tank, an air reservoir in the mixing tank forces the mixture of water and chemical back into the water line through a control valve which is set at a restricted flow value with respect to the first check valve. A second one-way check valve located in the water line between the one-way check valve and the control valve prevents the contents of the mixing tank fed through the control valve from backing up toward the first one-way check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Inventors: Stephen D. Moore, Murrill Maglio
  • Patent number: 4390506
    Abstract: The apparatus serves particularly for the continuous charging of extractors for oil-containing vegetable raw materials, wherein highly flammable, low-boiling solvents, such as benzene, hexane, heptane etc. are used as extractants or solvents for the glyceride constituents to be extracted. The apparatus, which is provided between the preparation (comminution) of the raw material and the extraction plant proper, comprises an equalizing vessel having a mixing zone and a double screw disposed at an inclination with respect to the horizontal wherein the spacing of the screw turns, in the area of the vessel, increases continuously in the direction towards the discharge outlet.The inclination of the screw is such that the space defined by the base of the screw and an imaginary line is constantly filled.Equalizing vessel, mixing zone and screw are interconnected to form a tightly sealed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Inventor: Heinz O. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 4375451
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring the antifouling coating leach rates on ps' hulls uses a spherical segment shaped shell that circulates water over a coated area. A pump connected in closed circuit with the shell assures proper flow rate. A second pump creates a partial vacuum and holds the shell on the coated surface. A combination of nozzles and outlet fittings assures that the coating is exposed to a circulating flow of water. A portion of the circulated water is passed through a cupric ion electrode sensor which provides signals representative of the dissolved copper in water over time and, hence, the leach rate of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Peter F. Seligman, John W. Neumeister
  • Patent number: 4329319
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting pulverous or granular material from a mixture means of a solvent brought into contact with the mixtue. A receptacle is provided for receiving the material to be extracted as well as the solvent. A conduit system is connected with the lower portion of the receptacle and empties into the upper portion of the receptacle. Within the conduit system is arranged a device for conveying the solvent to be withdrawn from the receptacle as well as the mixture containing the material to be extracted. The device also serves to mechanically form a dispersion of the material to be extracted in the solvent. The device includes a rotatable body operated at a speed of 10,000 to 30,000 rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Kernforschungsanlage Julich Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Hans-Gunter Sittardt, Matthias Radke
  • Patent number: 4313912
    Abstract: A cylindrical housing encloses a plurality of vertically stacked extractor sections each containing a plurality of baskets in vertical registry with baskets of the other sections, with the baskets all being stationary so that material to be processed passes in a vertical path down through each successive extractor section. Rotating screens and miscella collection pans are disposed beneath the baskets in each extractor section and form the bottom thereof, with the screens and pans having aligned openings which during rotation permit the material being processed to be passed from an upper basket to a lower basket in vertical registry therewith. A countercurrent flow miscella and solvent distribution and collection system supplies miscella or fresh solvent to the upper portion of each of the extractor sections above the baskets and rotates with the screen and collection pan to progressively apply the proper strength of miscella or solvent to each of the baskets in each of the extractor sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: The French Oil Mill Machinery Company
    Inventor: William M. Barger
  • Patent number: 4311561
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting bitumen from tar sand utilizes a plurality of individually sealed pressure adjusted interconnected extraction chambers in which the tar sand flows countercurrent to the flow of solvent with mixing in each extraction chamber of solvent and tar sand. Tar sand is provided to the first of the extraction chambers and after removal of a portion of the bitumen is carried by a conveyor and disposed into the next chamber where further bitumen is extracted and so on through the plurality of chambers until all the bitumen is extracted and the sand and remaining solvent then conveyed into a last chamber where the sand and solvent is treated with hot water to remove solvent and pure sand is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: Tarco Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry W. Hastings
  • Patent number: 4307064
    Abstract: A continuous solvent extracting apparatus with a generally cylindrical stationary housing containing a plurality of stationary bottomless baskets disposed laterally adjacent one another in a circular pattern in a single stage with a screen forming the bottom of the baskets. The screen is mounted for rotation beneath the baskets with a single opening through which material being processed can be emptied from each of the baskets in sequence after the miscella has been removed from the material being treated by drainage through the screen. The miscella is collected in a pan which also rotates with the screen and includes a hopper in registry with the opening in the screen through which the processed material can pass from each of the baskets to a discharge opening from the extracting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: The French Oil Mill Machinery Company
    Inventors: William M. Barger, Raymond L. Upchurch
  • Patent number: 4299798
    Abstract: In an apparatus including a column through which the liquid and the divided solids to be treated thereby circulate in counter-current, the treated solids which tend to collect at one of the column being conveyed hydraulically by a fraction of the liquid introduced into the column towards separating means from which the said fraction is re-cycled into the column, the circuit of the liquid intended to circulate through the column and the circuit of the liquid intended to convey the treated solids are wholly separated from each other, the first one comprising a first inlet nozzle directed towards the other end of the column and the second one a second inlet nozzle directed towards the inlet of the conduit through which the treated solids are hydraulically conveyed, this second nozzle being located between the first one and the adjacent end of the column. In the case of solids heavier than the treating liquid, both inlet nozzles are disposed axially in a chamber provided at the lower end of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Pierre Faugeras, Pierre Fremeaux, Edouard Henry, Roger Malaterre, Pierre Ros
  • Patent number: 4290998
    Abstract: Washing apparatus for the washing of by-product salts from chlorine dioxide generating processes comprising a multi-stage decantation washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: Erco Industries Limited
    Inventors: Peter D. Dick, Gerald Cowley
  • Patent number: 4255386
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a quartz flask for containing 71% nitric acid and the organic matrix to be destroyed, a Soxhlet extractor disposed above the flask, and a Friedrich coldfinger reflux condenser disposed above the extractor. A Meeker or Fisher burner is employed to provide heat to the flask and distill the acid, and the vapors are condensed within the condenser and transmitted to the extractor. An adjustable volume displacement cylinder is disposed within the extractor so as to control siphoning of the acid condensate from the extractor back into the flask. The distillation-condensation-siphoning procedure of the present invention is automatically operative once the displacement cylinder is adjusted. The organic matrix is completely destroyed so as to produce a clear, colorless acid solution within which the trace inorganic salts are disposed. The acid solution may be subsequently qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed in accordance with known techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Deptartment of Health, Education and Welfare
    Inventors: Myron M. Schachter, Kenneth W. Boyer
  • Patent number: RE31913
    Abstract: A cylindrical housing encloses a plurality of vertically stacked extractor sections each containing a plurality of baskets in vertical registry with baskets of the other sections, with the baskets all being stationary so that material to be processed passes in a vertical path down through each successive extractor section. Rotating screens and miscella collection pans are disposed beneath the baskets in each extractor section and form the bottom thereof, with the screens and pans having aligned openings which during rotation permit the material being processed to be passed from an upper basket to a lower basket in vertical registry therewith. A countercurrent flow miscella and solvent distribution and collection system supplies miscella or fresh solvent to the upper portion of each of the extractor sections above the baskets and rotates with the screen and collection pan to progressively apply the proper strength of miscella or solvent to each of the baskets in each of the extractor sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: The French Oil Mill Machinery Company
    Inventor: William M. Barger