Means For Discharging Impurity From System Patents (Class 62/475)
  • Patent number: 5117641
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery apparatus will connect to an air conditioning system for recovering refrigerant when the air conditioning system requires maintenance. The recovery apparatus has a filter dryer for removing moisture and impurities, a compressor for compressing refrigerant recovered, and a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant into a liquid. A storage container stores the liquid refrigerant. A liquid pump will connect to the storage container for pumping liquid refrigerant from the storage container. The liquid pump in a flush mode, will pump the liquid refrigerant back through the air conditioning system to flush the air conditioning system of impurities. A return line returns the refrigerant back to the storage container, and filters the refrigerant from impurities. In a cleaning mode, the liquid pump will recirculate the liquid refrigerant from the storage container through the filter dryer and back to the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Technical Chemical Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Keltner
  • Patent number: 5113927
    Abstract: Apparatus for purging non-condensable gases from a condenser containing vaporized, condensable working fluid, includes an enclosed chamber located above the condenser, a movable diaphragm in the chamber for dividing the latter into upper and lower portions, two flow control valves serially connected together and located between the condenser and the lower portion of the chamber, and a venting valve connected to the lower portion. Each of the valves are selectively operable and have an open and a closed state. A mechanism is provided for moving the diaphragm for changing the volume of the lower portion; and a mechanism is provided for synchronizing the states of the valves with changes in the volume of the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Ormat Turbines (1965) Ltd.
    Inventors: Alon Kedar, Ohad Zimron
  • Patent number: 5111670
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system having an absorption refrigeration cycle which is formed by connecting a plurality of absorbers, a regenerator, a condenser and an evaporator with one another by means of pipes; the absorption refrigeration system comprising ejectors for bleeding a noncondensing gas accumulated in each of the absorbers and a noncondensing gas tank for storing the noncondensing gas which is bled therein, both of which are provided for each absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Furukawa, Kazuhiro Yoshii, Masayuki Oonou
  • Patent number: 5099653
    Abstract: A refrigerant purification and recovery apparatus for removing refrigerant from a refrigeration unit includes a compressor, condenser and receiver vessel. Second and third conduits conduct refrigerant flow from the compressor to the condenser and from the condenser to the receiver vessel, respectively. An auxiliary condenser valve may be opened and closed to selectively block flow through the third conduit, and first and second connectors for making fluid communicating connections with the third conduit are located upstream and downstream of the valve, respectively. An auxiliary condenser may be releasably connected to the first and second connectors, and the valve closed, to cause fluid flowing through the third conduit to flow through the auxiliary condenser. The apparatus may include a temperature measurement and signaling device to signal when the temperature of the third conduit is above a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas O. Major, Jack E. Major, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5094087
    Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming and recovering a volatile liquids such as a refrigerant contained in a closed working circuit. An inlet separator container is connected with a suction side of a compressor for an intake of a liquid and a gaseous phase, and a condenser is connected with a discharge side of the compressor, the condenser is additionally connected with a receiver for the condensed liquid, and a purifying filter is arranged in a flow connection between the separator container and the receiver. The filter includes a moisture adsorbing filter, and the filter is arranged in a flow connection between a discharge side of the compressor and the condenser, with an oil mist filter being mounted upstream of the moisture adsorbing filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: A'Gramkow A/S
    Inventor: Asger Gramkow
  • Patent number: 5090215
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing and disposing of waste of absorption systems comprising a first and a second adapter for providing connection to the refrigerating system to be emptied; a compressor or compressor connection being connected to the first adaptor via a conduit for compressed air and a valve; a first pressure vessel being in connection with the adapters via pressure pipes and relating valves and having an outlet with a valve for the liquid accumulated in the first pressure vessel; a second pressure vessel connected to the first pressure vessel or tank via a pressure pipe and comprising a fresh water supply, a waste air pipe as well as an outlet with a valve, wherein the pressure pipe starting from the top end of the first pressure vessel leads into the lower half of the second pressure vessel; as well as at least one pressure gauge and a pressure-relief valve on one of the pressure vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Electrolux Siegen GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Giesler, Volker Muller, Karl-Gosta Almen
  • Patent number: 5086630
    Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system including a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-drier and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Such refrigerant reclaim system including means for evacuating gaseous refrigerant after the removal of all liquid refrigerant, means for accumulating residual oil in the gaseous refrigerant and returning it to the compressor motor, and means for controlling the inlet and outlet systems to prevent flow of refrigerant except when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Leon R. Van Steenburgh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5081851
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system having an absorber, a generator, and a refrigeration solution pump which flows relatively dilute refrigeration solution received from the absorber to the generator includes a novel purge subsystem which purges un-wanted, non-condensed gases along with some refrigerant vapor from the absorber and flows such gases to the pump inlet for subsequent flow to the generator at system operating pressures substantially greater than atmospheric pressure. The so-flowed gases are separated from the refrigerant in the generator, are isolated in a collector unit, and afterwards periodically either manually or automatically vented from the collector unit to the atmosphere at the system high side operating pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Joseph G. Murray
  • Patent number: 5067514
    Abstract: An apparatus for tapping a fluid through a wall, comprising a vacuum source (24), a tapping head (1) provided at the front thereof with a circumferential seal (3) bounding a contact area, perforating means (4) to be brought into a position extending through the contact area, and at least one conduit (11, 111, and 211) communicating with the contact area for discharging air from the contact area enclosed by the seal (3) and for discharging fluid released. The invention provides an apparatus for easily and reliably tapping fluid that may be under excess pressure through a wall. In the contact area a reduced pressure can be generated by the vacuum source, resulting in that the tapping head is held against the wall and moreover no fluid can release into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventors: Geert H. Leemput, Herman Leemput
  • Patent number: 5065594
    Abstract: An automatic purger for an absorption heat pump has a generator, a condensor, an evaporator and an absorber. The purger includes an eductor connected to the absorber, a purging chamber connected to the absorber and mounting therein a nozzle, a heat-dissipating tube connected between the educator and the nozzle, a storage tank communicating with the absorber and mounting thereto a solution level controller, a diffuser for increasing the pressure of the absorbing agent solution ejected from the nozzle into the storage tank, and a vacuum pump connected to the storage tank. Due to a low pressure zone formed around the exit of the nozzle in the purging chamber, non-condensable gas existing in the absorber will be extracted into the purging chamber and then be carried into the storage tank by the absorbing agent solution ejected from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Yuh-Yuan Yo
  • Patent number: 5063749
    Abstract: A refrigerant handling system in accordance with the present invention includes a closed liquid refrigerant storage container and a pump for feeding refrigerant in liquid phase to the container so that any air carried by the circulating refrigerant is captured in the container over the refrigerant. A differential pressure gauge has a first input that receives a fluid pressure signal which varies as a function of saturation pressure of refrigerant in liquid phase fed to the container, and a second input that receives an associated fluid pressure signal as a function of air pressure within the closed container volume. An indicator dial on the gauge displays pressure differential between the refrigerant saturation pressure and the container vapor pressure at the first and second gauge inputs for observation by an operator. A valve is coupled to the container for venting air from the container when such pressure differential exceeds a preselected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Kent-Moore Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Manz
  • Patent number: 5062273
    Abstract: An improved process for separating and removing non-condensible gaseous contaminants (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen and the like) from a conventional halocarbon vapor compression refrigeration system by withdrawing a vapor stream above liquified refrigerant exiting the condenser on the high pressure side of the expansion valve and then processing this vapor by use of a second compression step, followed by condensation into a receiver. The liquid halocarbon from the receiver is returned to the evaporator while the vapor phase is sent to a semipermeable membrane separation unit. The halocarbon enriched effluent from the semipermeable membrane unit is recycled to the inlet side of the second compressor while the non-condensible contaminant enriched stream is vented from the refrigeration system. Such a high pressure purge loop is useful in selectively removing non-condensible gaseous with minimum halocarbon refrigerant loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Kung H. Lee, Earl M. Clark
  • Patent number: 5060481
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration system has a control system that controls the operation of the refrigeration system and provides status information to the operator of the refrigeration system. The cryogenic refrigeration system includes one or more heater and at least one Joule-Thomson valve. The heaters are used to control the recondensing capacity of the refrigeration system and to heat the at least one Joule-Thomson valve and other points to melt away contaminants that may freeze at such points. The control system controls operation of the heaters. The control system also automates an initialization routine that utilizes the heaters to prevent blockage of the valves, and cools the refrigeration system down to a desired temperature. In addition, the control system shuts down the refrigeration system if the status information it monitors exceed a safe range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Allen J. Bartlett, Maureen C. Buonpane, Paul E. Amundsen
  • Patent number: 5060487
    Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system having absorber and generator elements and a solution pump flowing relatively dilute refrigeration solution from a system absorber sub-atmospheric operating pressure to a system generator operating pressure is provided with novel low-pressure-differential, positive-displacement purge pump apparatus that is driven by bleed relatively dilute refrigeration solution taken from the solution pump high-pressure side, flowed through a coiled tube flow restrictor device to substantially reduce bleed solution operating pressure, and then through an inverted vertical U-tube that includes a V-shaped entrapment zone that receives un-wanted, non-condensed gases purged from the system absorber element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Joseph G. Murray
  • Patent number: 5050388
    Abstract: A system to remove moisture chemically from refrigerant fluid being recaptured, recycled or reclaimed comprises adding an appropriate organosilane to the refrigerant being treated in the reclamation/recycling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: American Patent Group
    Inventor: Joseph J. Packo
  • Patent number: 5044166
    Abstract: A refrigeration process including a refrigeration cycle, and refrigerant purge and recovery operations is disclosed. The refrigeration cycle may be a vapor compression cycle or an absorption cycle, for example. A purge stream is withdrawn from the refrigeration cycle and subjected to treatment by means of a membrane separation unit. The purge-stream treatment operation produces an essentially pure refrigerant stream, suitable for return to the refrigeration cycle, and an air stream, clean enough for direct discharge to the atmosphere. The process is applicable to most refrigerants, but is particularly useful in minimizing atmospheric emissions of chlorofluorocarbons, such as CFC-11 and CFC-12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Membrane Technology & Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes G. Wijmans, Richard W. Baker
  • Patent number: 5040382
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery apparatus has features for trapping oil recovered from an air conditioning system. It has a low pressure oil separator which is mounted in line with the flow of refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor. The low pressure oil separator will be located at a lower elevation than the compressor. When the compressor is turned off, this allows excess oil in the compressor to drain to its design level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: 501 Wynn's Climate Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony W. Abraham
  • Patent number: 5031410
    Abstract: Thermal purge apparatus for a chiller removes air, moisture and other non-condensibles from the chiller system refrigerant by causing chiller system refrigerant vapor to condense in a purge tank as a result of its undergoing a heat exchange relationship with a second and different refrigerant employed in a discrete purge refrigeration circuit. Chiller refrigerant circulates from the chiller condenser to, through and out of the purge tank in a free-flowing circulatory manner as a result of temperature and pressure gradients which develop between the interiors of the chiller condenser and the purge tank when the purge apparatus is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Plzak, Brian T. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5024061
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery processing and storage unit (RPSU) for removing and storing refrigerant from an air conditioning and refrigeration system (AC&R) is disclosed. The unit creates a pressure difference between the inlet and outlet side of the AC&R, and a pressurized motivating gas is delivered to the inlet and flows therethrough to the outlet. The pressurized gas flow drives the refrigerant fluid from the AC&R. The RPSU separates the mixed refrigerant from the pressurized gas, and delivers the separated refrigerant to a detachable storage unit. After the AC&R is repaired, the refrigerant is returned from the storage tank to the AC&R.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Terrestrial Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Pfeil, Jr., Charles M. Pirrera
  • Patent number: 5022230
    Abstract: A portable refrigerant recovery and reclamation apparatus and method for removing and reclaiming fluorocarbon refrigerants from refrigeration systems through a closed loop preventing exposure of the refrigerant to the atmosphere. A refrigerant is drawn by suction to a boiler chamber, vaporized, condensed, filtered and recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: James J. Todack
  • Patent number: 5005369
    Abstract: A system for purification of refrigerant within a storage container includes a filter/dryer for removing contaminants' from refrigerant passing therethrough, and a refrigerant pump connected to the storage container to circulate refrigerant in a closed path from the container through the filter/dryer and return the refrigerant to the container. The system configuration is such that the refrigerant is in liquid phase in at least a portion of the closed path. A pressure-differential valve has an inlet coupled to a purge port on the container for receiving air captured within the container. Container air pressure at the valve inlet is fed to one side of a flexible diaphragm. Circulating liquid refrigerant is passed in heat transfer contact with a sealed enclosure containing liquid refrigerant, so that the refrigerant within the enclosure is at saturation pressure and acts on the opposing side of the diaphragm in conjunction with a valve spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Kent-Moore Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Manz
  • Patent number: 4984431
    Abstract: In order to enhance the efficiency of removing refrigerant from the mixture of non-condensable gases in a purge recovery system, a carbon filter is placed in the flow of mixed gases from the purge chamber such that any remaining refrigerant can be absorbed by the filter and not be vented to the atmosphere with the non-condensable gases. The filter is periodically reactivated by the operation of a vacuum pump to remove the refrigerant from the carbon filter and return it to the system refrigeration circuit. The reactivation process is initiated and controlled by way of a pressure switch and a timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon L. Mount, James N. Cuny
  • Patent number: 4982578
    Abstract: This valve (12) for sensing and purging non-condensible gases in a refrigerant includes a valve body (30) having a lower refrigerant inlet (32), an upper exhaust outlet (36) and a valve passage (44) therebetween controlled by a valve element (54) extending between a spring (72) and a diaphragm (86). A housing (100) containing a "pure" refrigerant charge and a spring (110) are provided at the other side of the diaphragm (86) and the housing (100) is exposed to temperature of the system refrigerant. One side of the diaphragm (86) is subjected to the combined pressure of the spring (72) and the pressure of the system refrigerant at the inlet (32) and the other side of the diaphragm (86) is subjected to the balancing pressure provided by the combined pressure of the refrigerant charge and the spring (110). The valve (12) opens in response to increased pressure of the system refrigerant at the inlet (32) resulting from the presence of non-condensible gases and exhausts the gases to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Sporlan Valve Company
    Inventors: Joseph H. Heffner, G. Thomas Seener
  • Patent number: 4947651
    Abstract: A pressure building circuit for a double-walled tank containing a low temperature fluid, including a settling ring and an orifice between the tank outlet and the pressure building coil for maintaining a minimum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Neeser, Duane Preston, Michael Lutgen
  • Patent number: 4887435
    Abstract: A portable refrigeration system and process for flushing and cleaning an installed refrigeration system includng disconnecting the compressor from the installed system and connecting the disconnected lines to a portable refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, an evaporator, a filter, and a dehydrator so as to form a closed circuit of the installed system and the portable system; operating the portable system to flush refrigerant through the installed system alternately as a liquid and as a gas, and alternately in the normal and reverse directions of flow; passing the flushing refrigerant through a filter for removing particulate matter and through a dehydrator for removing aqueous contaminants; and returning the installed system to its separate operating circuit when all parts and when the refrigerant is judged to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: David W. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4841744
    Abstract: A double effect air cooled absorption refrigerating machine consisting of fans provided on one side frame member out of the upper, lower and four side frame members which constitute a frame of a machine body, an air cooled heat exchanger provided on the remaining three side frame members and composed of an air cooled absorber and an air cooled condenser, and an evaporator, a high-temperature regenerator, a low-temperature regenerator, a solution heat exchanger and some other parts, all of which are provided on the inner side so as to be surrounded by the side frame members, the machine having a small installation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Toho Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekichi Kurosawa, Yoshikazu Nagaoka, Shinichi Kannoh, Sadatoshi Takemoto, Shigeo Sugimoto, Tomihisa Oouchi, Toshio Hatada, Yoshifumi Kunugi, Hironobu Kawamura, Kyoji Kohno, Kenzi Machizawa
  • Patent number: 4838040
    Abstract: Containment means in the form of water-absorbing polymers are included in the path of a refrigeration cycle to remove accumulated water or water vapor that inherently develops. Such polymers do not lose their efficiency even when they become oil coated, which occurs because lubricating oil is normally circulated with the refrigerant and refrigerants like freon are also somewhat oily. Preferably such containment means are in the form of polymer granules included in a bag or sack placed in a readily-openable canister, which itself is placed inside the housing of a dehydrator. This dehydrator housing also has a readily opened lid held on by a quick-disconnecting clamping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Clarence S. Freeman
  • Patent number: 4718251
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cryogenic cooling system for supplying decontaminated fluid including a first duct for receiving the fluid, a second duct for providing decontaminated fluid. A contaminant remover decontaminates fluid flowing between the first and second duct, the flow being caused by a fluid flow generator. Also, included is a valve for changing over the flow direction such that the fluid flow generator alternately can operate in a regeneration mode to provide a low pressure gaseous environment for the contaminant remover. Various embodiments of the invention permit open and/or closed loop operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: British Aerospace
    Inventor: John Thornton
  • Patent number: 4717406
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for removing impurities from liquified gases at cryogenic temperatures is provided which can be utilized on site at every stage of transport and storage subsequent to manufacture and prior to use. Liquified gas to be purified which is at cryogenic temperatures is passed preferably through a prefilter to remove solid particulates, followed by passage through an adsorbent bed to remove impurities from the gas and then through a postfilter to remove any entrained particles of adsorbent material from the gas stream. The process can be made continuous between, for example, a storage tank and an adsorption device. The apparatus includes at least one chamber having adsorbent material substantially filling it. A prefilter removes particulates upsteam of the adsorbent chamber and a postfilter downstream of said adsorbent chamber removes entrained adsorbent bed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Liquid Air Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick W. Giacobbe
  • Patent number: 4683724
    Abstract: Described herein is apparatus and a method for eliminating water trapped in a refrigerator system. The apparatus includes means to insert heated, dry gas, such as nitrogen, into the low side valve of the refrigeration system. The gas may be to a temperature between 175 and 220 degrees F. and is inserted until the pressure of the gas within the system is equal to between 35 and 65 PSI. The device includes appropriate temperature and pressure metering means for controlling both the temperature and pressure of the gas inserted. After the heated nitrogen gas is inserted into the refrigeration system, the compressor is turned on and allowed to run for approximately ten minutes and the heated nitrogen gas absorbs any water vapor in the refrigeration system. Thereafter the high side valve is opened and the escaping nitrogen containing the absorbed water escapes from the system. Then the refrigerant is added and when it begins escaping from the open high side valve, the high side valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: V. M. International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge Vergel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4653284
    Abstract: Fibrous material disposed in the Joule-Thomson orifice and/or the high pressure tube of a Joule-Thomson heat exchanger provides an effective flow restrictor in the orifice and means to prevent blockage because of contaminants in the fluid freezing and clogging the orifice. A Joule-Thomson device of this type can be fabricated for use as a cryostat to be disposed in confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Steyert
  • Patent number: 4646527
    Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and purification system is disclosed for recovering refrigerant from a heat pump, air conditioner, or other vapor compression refrigerant system into a storage tank while concurrently purifying the recovered refrigerant of impurities and contaminates. The refrigerant recovery and purification system comprises a pair of accumulators connected in line between the compressor and the refrigerant system being evacuated. The output of the compressor is then connected to a heat exchanger positioned within each of the accumulators. The output of the heat exchangers are then connected to a condenser. The accumulators, having the heat exchangers positioned therein, function to distill the refrigerant flowing therethrough to separate the oil, together with the impurities and contaminates normally contained in the refrigerant, thereby purifying the refrigerant being evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: Shelton E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4601179
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer unit for an encapsulated refrigerant compressor unit. The capsule of the compressor unit has suction and compression nipples and an auxiliary nipple. A dead end housing unit containing a drying agent is connected to the auxiliary nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Gustav A. Johansson
  • Patent number: 4570455
    Abstract: A condenser purge probe is provided for use with a condenser enclosing a plurality of condenser tubes, wherein the purge probe has a wave-like form comprising a plurality of alternating wave segments having exterior configurations approximating portions of the exterior configurations of the condenser tubes. The purge probe is selectively positionable in conforming and interlocking relationship with selected ones of the condenser tubes, thereby permitting selective placement of the purge probe in the condenser and substantially reducing vibration of the probe during operation of the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Huenniger, Edson Byrns
  • Patent number: 4484453
    Abstract: A method for maintaining a preselected concentration of non-condensible gases in a condenser is disclosed. A compressor supplies the condenser with compressed ammonia. The compressed ammonia includes non-condensible gases. At least a portion of the compressed ammonia condenses, forms condensed ammonia and exits the condenser. A pressure controller operates an automatic valve to vent at least a portion of the non-condensible gases from the condenser. A temperature element senses the condensed ammonia temperature and sends a signal, based upon the condensed ammonia temperature, to the pressure controller. The pressure controller uses the signal to reduce the pressure of the condenser from a predetermined value to a computed value estimated to be necessary to maintain the preselected concentration of non-condensible gases in the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: CF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Niess
  • Patent number: 4476688
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-contained refrigerant recovery and purification system capable of removing gaseous refrigerants from a disabled refrigeration unit for cleaning acid and impurities from the refrigerant so that the refrigerant can be reused or saved rather than being lost to the atmosphere or otherwise wasted. In addition to the feature of saving, cleaning and returning the refrigerant to the repaired refrigeration unit, the present invention can be used as a temporary condensing unit, or for clearing oil restrictions from lines in the refrigeration unit with a high-pressure build-up feature, or as a vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Goddard
  • Patent number: 4467623
    Abstract: An air-cooled, vertical tube absorber for an absorption refrigeration system is disclosed. Strong absorbent solution is supplied to the top of the absorber and refrigerant vapor is supplied to the bottom of the absorber to create a direct counterflow of refrigerant vapor and absorbent solution in the absorber. The refrigeration system is designed so that the volume flow rate of refrigerant vapor in the tubes of the absorber is sufficient to create a substantially direct counterflow along the entire length of each tube in the absorber. This provides several advantages for the absorber such as higher efficiency and improved heat transfer characteristics, and allows improved purging of non-condensibles from the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Robert C. Reimann
  • Patent number: 4466257
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-aided refrigerated filter assembly and method for its use for filtration of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) so that a liquid phase is maintained during the filtration process and that the LPG is sufficiently subcooled to suppress the formation bubbles to prevent the risk of vapor lock or cavitation damages to a pump downflow from the filtration process and/or to provide liquid for metering purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Prodatek Corporation
    Inventors: Richard K. Pefley, J. Barrett Pullman
  • Patent number: 4440001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chiller of the type wherein water is used as refrigerant and lithium bromide or a similar compound as absorbant. A conduit or line is provided leading from the refrigeration pump which conveys dilute aqueous lithium bromide or similar compound, from the evaporator section. The line is provided with a valve for blocking fluid flow when not in use and for tight closure of the line. According to one embodiment, the conduit or line is adapted to be connected to a conduit leading to a purge storage tank through which dilute lithium bromide is introduced into the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Eshel Residual Energy for Cooling and Heating Ltd.
    Inventors: Isaih Vardi, Yigal Kimchi, Jonathan Ben-Dror
  • Patent number: 4417451
    Abstract: A monitor for a vapor compression refrigerant system using halocarbon refrigerants that accumulates contaminant gases present or generated in an operating system and provides a readout indicative of the presence of significant amounts of contaminant gases which readout serves to provide an indication of an incipient malfunction of the refrigerant system. Embodiments of the monitor are disclosed which provide continuous and automatice purging of the contaminant gases from the system using perm-selective membranes with or without provision for providing indicia of the presence or build-up of contaminant gases in the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Hilliard-Lyons Patent Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans O. Spauschus
  • Patent number: 4398399
    Abstract: In a hermetically circulating, absorption type refrigerator based on a closed circulation system of constituent members comprised of a successive communication of a regenerator, a condenser, an evaporator, an absorber and a heat exchanger, refrigeration being produced by repetitions of concentration, refrigerant dilution, and heat exchange of an aqueous concentrated lithium bromide solution sealed in the circulation system, a hydrogen gas generated in the refrigerator is continuously converted to water, condensed and removed or returned to the refrigerator as a refrigerant. The pressure increase in the refrigerator can be prevented, and a high refrigerating performance can be continuously maintained without any special maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Itoh, Heihatiro Midorikawa, Akira Minato, Kenji Machizawa
  • Patent number: 4343159
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorption chiller using water as refrigerant and aqueous lithium bromide or the like as absorbant, provided with one or more horizontal tubes through the absorber serving as conduits for water, subdivided into a plurality of individual compartments by means of seals substantially perpendicular to said tube or tubes, a purge line and a drain line being provided leading from each of the compartments. According to one embodiment, a liquid seal is provided for each of the compartments preventing horizontal flow of water vapor and non-condensables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: Tadiran Israel Electronics Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Isaih Vardi, Yigal Kimchi, Jonathan Ben-Dror
  • Patent number: 4341092
    Abstract: A compression refrigeration system having means to pass the low pressure gas from the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with the high pressure liquid passing from the condenser to the expansion valve. The low pressure gas is passed in heat exchange relationship around the external casing of the receiver/drier, to maintain the receiver/drier at a lower temperature, assist in ensuring that the low pressure gas does not contain any unvaporized liquid, and to cool the high pressure liquid before passage to the expansion valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Liquid Modulators, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Davis
  • Patent number: 4325223
    Abstract: A system and method for managing energy in large refrigeration systems and the like by continuously monitoring operating parameters and controlling to optimize the refrigeration system elements. A multiplicity of remote sensors is disposed at the appropriate points in the refrigeration system to produce analog electrical signals representative of various temperatures such as wet bulb temperature, dry bulb temperature, condensing temperature, evaporator air temperature, evaporator refrigerant temperature, and similar temperatures, and various pressures such as head pressure, booster suction pressure, intermediate suction pressure, and the like. A signal processor is provided to receive signals from the sensors, to condition the analog signals, convert to digital signals and to feed a digital computer which has a memory for storing system design parameters and refrigerant characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Inventor: Robert J. Cantley
  • Patent number: 4317665
    Abstract: The operation of a prior art freezer installation for freezing food can be improved by:(1) providing air curtains at the doors of the freezer;(2) using a pulse bag filter for separating ice from the air leaving the freezer; and(3) ensuring that the air leaving the freezer is colder than -80.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1982
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan L. Prentice
  • Patent number: 4316364
    Abstract: A monitor for a vapor compression refrigerant system that accumulates contaminant gases generated in an operating system and provides a readout indicative of the presence of significant amounts of contaminant gases which readout serves to provide an indication of an incipient malfunction of the refrigerant system. Embodiments are disclosed which provide selective accumulation and/or analysis of contaminant gases to provide an indication of both the existence and general nature of the incipient malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Inventor: Hans O. Spauschus
  • Patent number: 4315409
    Abstract: The operation of a prior art freezer installation for freezing food can be improved by:(1) improved refrigeration techniques;(2) providing air curtains at the doors of the freezer;(3) using a pulse bag filter for separating ice from the air leaving the freezer; and(4) ensuring that the air leaving the freezer is colder than -80.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Prentice, Richard E. Filippi
  • Patent number: 4313315
    Abstract: A closed refrigeration circuit comprises in series a compressor, a condenser, a drier-filter, a capillary tube, an evaporator, and a conduit connecting the evaporator to the condenser and traversing the drier-filter. A refrigerant fluid circulates in operation through the circuit. With this arrangement the connecting conduit is in heat-exchanging relationship with the drier-filter, thereby avoiding the need for a separate heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriele Calderoni, Gian A. Gavina
  • Patent number: 4313316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chiller of the type using water as refrigerant and aqueous lithium bromide or a similar compound as absorbant wherein non-condensables are purged with water vapor from the condenser to the evaporator, wherein means are provided for condensing part of the water vapor conveying the entrained non-condensables as this is conveyed to the evaporator. According to one embodiment, entrained non-condensables are contacted with a condenser tube so as to condense part of the water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: Tadiran Israel Electronics Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Isaih Vardi, Yigal Kimchi, Jonathan Ben-Dror
  • Patent number: RE32092
    Abstract: A compression refrigeration system having means to pass the low pressure gas from the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with the high pressure liquid passing from the condenser to the expansion valve. The low pressure gas is passed in heat exchange relationship around the external casing of the receiver/drier, to maintain the receiver/drier at a lower temperature, assist in ensuring that the low pressure gas does not contain any unvaporized liquid, and to cool the high pressure liquid before passage to the expansion valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Liquid Modulators, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Davis