Continuous Confined Flow Path Patents (Class 55/461)
  • Patent number: 4406677
    Abstract: A cyclone dust separator for the separation of coarse, small and very fine particles of dust from a dust-laden current of exhaust air or exhaust gas, which is conveyed eccentrically from above, and via a dust pipe, from a fan to a separating vessel is provided. The separated particles of dust are intercepted in a collector mounted underneath the separating vessel, a pipe conduit being inserted centrally from above into the separating vessel in order to lead off the current of pure air or pure gas, while a round upper part, in which the dust pipe terminates eccentrically, is mounted on the separating vessel. In the upper part the mixture of dust and air is subdivided into two separate currents taking an approximately circular coarse. This enables coarse, fine and very fine dust to be separated in an optimum manner even when considerable quantities of dust-laden air have to pass through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Inventor: Hans-Johann Obermeier
  • Patent number: 4390351
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating gas bubbles from a liquid incorporates a spiral liquid passage with inlet and outlet ends as defined by a top plate, a bottom plate and a strip spirally coiled between the plates and otherwise constructed so that by utilizing the low specific gravity of the bubbles and centrifugal force acting thereon, the bubbles are directed into a bubble trapping compartment for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunio Matsui, Hiroaki Tsuchiya, Ryushi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4375365
    Abstract: A multi-stage centrifugal chamber filter for separating solids from a gas stream. The filter has a plurality of separate multistage filter elements, each having at least one flow channel to which a plurality of centrifugal chambers is connected. The cross-section of the flow channel decreases in the direction of flow from chamber to chamber in order to provide a constant velocity of flow. The inlet and the outlet of the or each flow channel are designed to be in opposite end walls of the filter elements. A plurality of filter elements are located in a filter housing between two parallel walls spaced apart in the housing. Passages are provided in the walls for opposing inlets and outlets of the filter elements. The filter housing has at least one purified-gas outlet between the walls. The inlets and outlets of the filter elements are connected outside the walls to a crude-gas inlet and a residual-gas outlet respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Assignee: Anton Piller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Friedrich-E. Muller, G. Wolfgang Oesterwind, Jurgen Nothdurft
  • Patent number: 4348364
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method embodied in a TRC system for rapidly separating particulate solids from a mixed phase solids-gas stream which may be at velocities up to 150 ft./sec. and at high temperature. Specifically, the device is designed for incorporation at the discharge of solid-gas reacting TRC systems having low residence time requirements and carried out in tubular type reactors. Separation is effected by projecting solids by centrifugal force against a bed of solids as the gas phase makes a 180.degree. directional change, said solids changing direction only 90.degree. relative to the incoming stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gartside, Herman N. Woebcke
  • Patent number: 4344780
    Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of components of a fluid (gas or vapor) by mass difference, especially for the enrichment of a particular isotopic component in the fluid, e.g. in uranium enrichment, comprises a block of generally rectangular plane configuration formed with passages for the fluid separated by partitions. Adjacent each partition is a row of slots through which the fluid passes for deflection by a nozzle-forming baffle and partial interception by a peel-off or skimming baffle which deflects the selected portion of the stream inwardly through slots of a passage on the opposite side of the partition. The passages are alternately closed and open along opposite walls of the passage block and the baffles overhang the respective rows of slots while being mounted on seating ledges extending parallel to the rows and formed in outer surfaces of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Nustep Trenndusen Entwicklungs- und Patentverwertungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Groszstuck
  • Patent number: 4327718
    Abstract: A drain device for the continuous removal of condensate from an operational patient breathing circuit comprises a body having a first opening adapted for connection to a patient breathing apparatus. A second opening in the body is adapted for connection to a patient breathing device. There is a passageway in the body which provides fluid communication between these openings, with a third opening through the body communicating with the passageway. A liquid-pervious, gas-impervious material covers the third opening so that condensate can continuously drain through the third opening while the breathing circuit is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Cronenberg
  • Patent number: 4323375
    Abstract: A separator for an air compressor to separate aqueous vapor and oil gas from an air stream in which air from a compressor is directed into a casing and onto a conically converging member disposed in a protective sleeve, the impingement effecting separation. The air then passes through a zig-zag shaped tube extending from the sleeve bottom and impinges on an L-shaped plate to effect more separation. The liquid accumulates in the bottom of the casing to which a transparent tube is connected for indicating the liquid level. The separated air passes to the casing outlet via a round tube having a screw rod therein to provide final separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Inventor: Ying-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 4292050
    Abstract: A separator for separating micron and submicron sized particles from a carrying gas, is disclosed. A carrier gas contains a component which is capable of condensation in the separator. The carrier gas is accelerated and flows at high velocity in a duct. The lower limit of the high velocity is approximately Mach 1.0. Due to the acceleration to the high velocity the static temperature of the carrying gas decreases. As a result, the condensable component condenses on micron and mainly on submicron sizes particles which act as nucleation sites. Liquid droplets formed during the condensation are in the micron size range. The paths of the high velocity flow of the carrier gas and of the solid and liquid particles carried therein is influenced by a combination of a centrifugal force and an oblique shock zone which is created within the high velocity flow. As a result, the particles travel a different path than the carrying gas and are effectively captured and disposed by an appropriately positioned receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Assignee: Linhardt & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans D. Linhardt, John H. Beveridge
  • Patent number: 4288235
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for rapidly separating particulate solids from a mixed phase solids-gas stream which may be at velocities up to 150 ft./sec. and at high temperature. Specifically, the device is designed for incorporation at the discharge of solid-gas reacting systems having low residence time requirements and carried out in tubular type reactors. Separation is effected by projecting solids by centrifugal force against a bed of solids as the gas phase makes a 180.degree. directional change, said solids changing direction only 90.degree. relative to the incoming stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Gartside, Herman N. Woebcke
  • Patent number: 4287719
    Abstract: A compact, high-efficiency, J-tube carbon dioxide snow hood has a novel diffuser at the discharge end of the J-tube for providing a well-confined, concentrated snow deposit at a reduced exit velocity. The diffuser includes a pair of juxtaposed, axially upright cylindrical baffles which intercept the fine-particle snow discharge from the J-tube in a manner to create counterswirling currents of carbon dioxide snow. An upright cylindrical tube circumscribing the cylindrical baffles, and depending substantially beyond the lower ends of the baffles, forms a mixing chamber where the segregated counterswirling currents of carbon dioxide snow interact to form desired larger-particle snow which is then passed from the chamber in a confined, low velocity, downwardly directly discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Chemetron Corporation
    Inventor: Peter A. Students
  • Patent number: 4278450
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for stripping entrained organic vapor and solid particulate matter from a pyrolytic off-gas stream is disclosed. The off-gas is introduced at the top of a conical chamber having a variable speed "squirrel cage" rotor at its top. The wet, dirty, off-gas is drawn into the rotor from below and impinged upon the chamber walls which causes part of the organic vapor to condense and flow to the chamber bottom, thereby cleaning the chamber walls. A portion of the impinged gas is recirculated through the rotor while the remainder exits at the chamber bottom. The ratio of recycled gas to through gas is controlled by the speed of the rotor. Heating and cooling coils on the chamber walls are operable to control the rate of condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Institute
    Inventors: David R. Hurst, Lewis W. Elston
  • Patent number: 4265640
    Abstract: Solid particles suspended in a flowing gas are separated from the gas by gentially driving the gas and particles into a substantially cylindrical eddy chamber substantially along the entire axial length of the chamber. Axially arranged suction pipes are connected to suction fans and reach mirror-symmetrically into the eddy chamber for withdrawing the clean gas from a central zone of the chamber. The eddy chamber has end walls through which the suction pipes extend concentrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical eddy chamber. Particle exits are provided in the chamber end walls at points to which secondary flows tend to transport the particles. These particle exits are so located that they are in line with the transport direction of the particles by the secondary flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventor: Ernst-August Bielefeldt
  • Patent number: 4257793
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for removing mist or the like from a gas flow is described herein, in which a gas flow is introduced from a main duct into a lateral duct that is connected to the downstream end of the main duct and which extends in a different direction from the main duct to thereby cause mist, dust or the like in the gas flow to deviate within the lateral duct, a remover plate for mist, dust or the like is disposed in the region just downstream of the junction between the main duct and the lateral duct into which the mist, dust or the like in the gas flow has flowed, and a mist eliminator is provided downstream of the remover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Kimishima, Naoharu Shinoda
  • Patent number: 4239513
    Abstract: In gas washer and similar separator devices which utilize stationary wall means to deflect a gas flow and to subject the same to centrifugal force for continuously separating out foreign particulate matter which is collected on or adjacent the stationary wall means, the invention provides spirally curved laminae constituting the stationary wall means and co-operating to define passage means, at least a part of which has a cross-section which first narrows and then widens in the direction of fluid flow and which is also curved spirally first in one and then in the opposite direction. Nozzle means may be arranged to feed moisture into the fluid flow to assist wet separation, and by electrically insulating conductive laminae from one another, the invention may also be used as an electrostatic precipitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Inventors: Egbert Paul, Karl Reither
  • Patent number: 4219407
    Abstract: A riser cracking-catalyst regeneration operation is described wherein a suspension discharged from a riser operation is separated by catalyst particle concentrating means which discharge a concentrated stream of catalyst separated from gasiform material into a downcomer zone and out of further contact with discharged gasiform material in the suspension. A stripping gas is used to particularly aid the separation of catalyst and hydrocarbon vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Haddad, Scott A. Heffley, Hartley Owen
  • Patent number: 4179340
    Abstract: Preheated coal charges are pneumatically transported from charging containers by means of a neutral carrier gas to a degassing separator, from which the coal charges, free of the carrier gas, are supplied by gravity to the coking chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1979
    Assignee: Hutni project Praha, projekcni a inzenyrska
    Inventors: Jaroslav Limberg, Tomas Limberg, Vaclav Rayman
  • Patent number: 4157903
    Abstract: Excess coating material removed from a coated web 1 by an air doctor 6 and entrained in the exciting gas mixture flow 8 is directed along a plate 9 to effect primary coating material separation and recovery in a chamber 11, whereafter the flow passes along an inwardly spiraling apparatus wall 14 which terminates in an air exhaust duct 16. The wall 14 initially continues the prolongation or extension plane of the plate 9, and includes secondary recovery chambers 13 and 15, whereby separation is implemented by both centrifugal and gravitational forces. The same concepts may also be used to recover solid particles in a surface abrasion apparatus such as a sand blaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1979
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kanda, Hiroaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4111671
    Abstract: A method and related apparatus for separating carbon dioxide snow from a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapor is disclosed. A mixture of carbon dioxide snow and vapor is introduced into a rectangular conduit which has an inlet end, an outlet end, a discharge orifice and continuously increasing cross-section from said inlet end to said discharge orifice. At least a portion of the conduit between the inlet end and the discharge orifice is curved to define a flow path for the mixture such that carbon dioxide snow tends to be concentrated for flow in a concentrated stream through said path. Means for deflecting a portion of the mixture after it passes through said discharge orifice is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: Chemetron Corporation
    Inventor: Hilding Victor Williamson
  • Patent number: 4095966
    Abstract: An air cleaner is provided for use with an engine turbocharger having a housing with an inlet and compressor means contained within the housing. The air cleaner is operatively positioned between the air inlet and the compressor means of the turbocharger and comprises an annulus contained within and spaced from the turbocharger housing so that the annulus defines a semitoroidal fluid passageway between the air inlet and the compressor means of the turbocharger. An annular opening is formed around the outer periphery of the toroidal fluid passageway adjacent its outlet and the annular opening is fluidly coupled with an exhaust system. As an air and solid particle mixture from the air inlet of the turbocharger flows through the semitoroidal fluid passageway, the solid particles migrate to the outer periphery of the passageway due to centrifugal force and, thus, flow through the annular opening and to the exhaust system so that only filtered air is supplied to the turbocharger compressor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1978
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter F. Isley
  • Patent number: 4075984
    Abstract: A means for separating gases from coolant fluid in an engine cooling system is provided. The gas-liquid separator means utilizes a double chamber design, with the double chamber symmetrically placed on opposite sides of a flow access from the inlet to the outlet. Curved walls within the chambers of the gas-liquid separator create a centrifugal action which causes entrained gas to separate from the coolant fluid and flow to the center of curvature of the curved walls. In the first embodiment, the gas bubbles are then siphoned directly from the center of curvature to a radiator top tank of the cooling system by means of a conduit. In the second embodiment, a passage in the body of the gas-liquid separator intercommunicates the centers of curvature in each of the chambers whereby the gas bubbles are then drawn off from the passage through a conduit connected to the radiator top tank of the engine cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Edwin M. Kirchgessner, Dennis G. Krohn
  • Patent number: 4061479
    Abstract: This invention relates to the separation of droplets of a liquid (such as a washing liquid) from a gas, in which a stream of gas is conducted along a broad-fronted arcuate path, defined by interior and exterior walls, liquid droplets impinging upon the exterior wall and being directed through slits provided in said exterior wall. Flow of gas into, through and from the part-annular chamber defined by said walls is substantially in directions lying in planes, extending at right-angles to the longitudinal axis of the chamber with little or no movement in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Assignee: Heinz Holter
    Inventors: Heinz Holter, Heinrich Igelbuscher
  • Patent number: 4050912
    Abstract: There is provided an efficient, economical apparatus for cooling hot gases which includes three generally cylindrical, tubular members arranged in an upstanding U-shaped configuration. The hot gases are introduced downwardly into the first leg or member of the configuration where a plurality of water nozzles provide a water boundary circumscribing the interior of the first leg to prevent thermal fatigue thereof. A water nozzle in the first member acting as a jet pump entrains the hot gases and directs them into the transverse leg or member of the configuration for rapid,turbulent cooling therein. Packed beds are provided in the second upstanding leg or member of the configuration to permit scrubbing of the cooled gases prior to exit. Coolng the gases in such a manner permits the entire configuration to be constructed of steel plate without any special insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: Midland-Ross Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus H. Hemsath, Arvind C. Thekdi
  • Patent number: 4047912
    Abstract: A turbocharger and intake air cleaning device for use with internal combustion engines. A collection spout is mounted tangent to the volute of the diffuser housing at a position from the turbocharger's discharge port which is upstream relative to the direction of rotation of air within the housing. A nozzle is mounted in the distal end of the collection spout. Dirt and other foreign matter carried in the rotating air stream migrates by centrifugal action into the collection spout where it is separated from compressed air flowing through the discharge port. An opening in the nozzle expels the foreign matter while at the same time limiting air leakage so as to maintain boost pressure within the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1977
    Assignee: Consolidated Freightways, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Donald Markland
  • Patent number: 4001121
    Abstract: A gaseous or liquid fluid to be centrifuged, for the purpose of purification or of separation of different phases, is conducted at high speed in a curved channel past a vortex chamber formed in one of the channel walls at the concave side thereof, this chamber being partly separated from the main fluid path by an overhanging sharp upstream edge and by a possibly rounded downstream edge which extend over the full width of the channel. A body of fluid whirling in this chamber develops a cylindrical core free from entrained solids, or from an accompanying heavier phase, which can be axially extracted from the chamber while the remaining fluid continues its flow through a reduced channel portion which may also be curved and provided with another vortex chamber to repeat the process. Entrained particles may be removed from the solid-enriched residual flow by way of end apertures along the periphery of the vortex chamber and/or at the convex side of the curved channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1973
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1977
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm GmbH - Division Hamburger Flugzeugbau
    Inventor: Ernst-August Bielefeldt
  • Patent number: 3993463
    Abstract: Sand and dust erosion of turbine engines by ingested particulate matter is major problem facing both airframe and engine manufacturers. Various types of particle separators are used to keep sand and dust out of the engine. In these separators the particles are diverted by swirl vanes and similar devices to keep them out of the engine. An inlet scroll separator herein permits the particles to continue their course of travel and diverts the air stream, reducing power requirements and eliminating swirl and deswirl vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Samuel R. Barr
  • Patent number: 3989489
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid particles from a gas-stream by passing the gas stream through a curved tube so that the liquid is caused to concentrate along the inner surface of the outer wall of the curved tube. The concentrated liquid together with some gas is passed to a liquid collecting chamber. The liquid is drained from the liquid collecting chamber and the gas is returned from the liquid collecting chamber to the main stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Willem C. Van't Sant, Alfred L. Van Kleef
  • Patent number: 3972808
    Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically classifying non-uniform materials such as mineral particles and mine run materials which contain sizes ranging from relatively course particles down to fine dust. The apparatus includes a closed housing wherein a controlled air flow rapidly and efficiently classifies large quantities of material which pass through various classifying stages. The housing is provided with a system to remove and collect fines or dust from the housing which are created during the classifying operation on many types of material. The removal and collection system functions to withdraw a portion of the flow circulating in the housing and through the operation of a precipitator removes fines for collection whereby particle free air is returned to the controlled flow without disturbance to the classifying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1976
    Assignee: Manley Bros. of Indiana, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell E. Manley
  • Patent number: 3966438
    Abstract: A horizontal tubular housing is supported at one of its ends across the top of a stack and a blower is mounted at one end of the housing for moving gases discharged from the stack through the housing. The housing has a plurality of laterally disposed baffle plates arranged such that when impinged by the moving stack gases, the latter will be directed in a tortuous path, preferably an initial spiral path and a subsequent zig zag path. Some of the baffle plates are adjustable to vary the turbulence of the gases in their tortuous movement. Spray nozzles are mounted in the housing at most of the baffle plates to provide curtains of liquid spray for washing the gases. The housing has a liquid drainage outlet in its bottom wall intermediate its ends, and such bottom wall is inclined downwardly from opposite ends of the housing to the outlet to provide drainage. Adjustable louvers are provided in the outlet of the blower to vary the direction of air movement from the blower across the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1976
    Inventor: Jerry W. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 3953184
    Abstract: A dust contaminated air stream enters a cyclone-type dust separator having a curved outer wall and follows a path that spirals downwardly and inwardly. The primary air stream, which occurs during the first revolution, is separated from the subsequently occurring secondary air stream by an inner wall or baffle in the form of a curved member extending inwardly into the separator approximately one-half revolution along a path generally paralleling said air stream and defined by a continuously decreasing radius. The inner wall terminates at the dust separation point, which is also the turning point of the air stream. The inner wall and corresponding portion of the outer wall converge slightly to cause an acceleration of the primary air stream. A discharge cylinder extends downwardly through the top of the separator into the interior thereof and has a lower edge or inlet at a point in substantially the same horizontal plane as the above-mentioned turning point of the air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1976
    Inventors: William F. Stockford, Joseph M. Gamewell
  • Patent number: 3948771
    Abstract: The fluid to be treated is directed along a main flow path and past a flow-off edge on the concave side of the main flow path to produce a stationary whirl at least contacting the main fluid flow and in which suspended matter is separated from the fluid, by centrifugal force, to provide purified fluid. At selected locations in the stationary whirl, a selected one of the purified fluid and the suspended matter is separated and withdrawn from the stationary whirl. The non-separated portion of the fluid volume, whose suspended matter content is now changed, is returned into the main flow. The geometric form of the whirl axis is selected in accordance with the particular requirements of each installation. Thus, starting from a simple cylindrical configuration, the whirl may take any form having a curvilinear axis, even an annular form with a circular axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1976
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst-August Bielefeldt