Heating Patents (Class 95/18)
-
Patent number: 6955704Abstract: A method and mobile system for cleaning dirty gas from a newly stimulated gas well. The entire system is supported on a trailer or other mobile support so that it can be driven from well site to well site for short-term, post-stimulation use only. The system comprises a gas separator, such as a membrane separator. The system also includes a pretreatment assembly for preparing the gas for the gas separator. The pretreatment assembly may include separators, a heater, a guard vessel and a polishing filter. A chiller or heat exchanger cools the treated gas to a marketable temperature. A generator and a hydraulics plant provide power to the system. Each mobile system will be designed to treat gases with widely different operating conditions varying from well to well.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventor: Ronald L. Strahan
-
Patent number: 6929678Abstract: A purge and trap concentrator and a method for drying a stream of sample gas in a gas analysis instrument. A dryer tube has an inlet that receives a stream of sample gas during a drying interval and receives a stream of dry gas during a regeneration interval. The dryer tube also has an outlet and an interior passageway between the inlet and an outlet. Support material comprising polymer sorbent is placed in the interior passageway and provides a support surface area for a hygroscopic coating comprising lithium chloride. A controller controls a heater to increase the temperature of the dryer tube to between 100 and 300 degrees centigrade during the regeneration interval and controls the heater to decrease the temperature of the dryer tube to below 100 degrees centigrade during the drying interval.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Teledyne Tekmar CompanyInventor: Thomas M. Hartlein
-
Publication number: 20040231509Abstract: A purge and trap concentrator and a method for drying a stream of sample gas in a gas analysis instrument. A dryer tube has an inlet that receives a stream of sample gas during a drying interval and receives a stream of dry gas during a regeneration interval. The dryer tube also has an outlet and an interior passageway between the inlet and an outlet. Support material comprising polymer sorbent is placed in the interior passageway and provides a support surface area for a hygroscopic coating comprising lithium chloride. A controller controls a heater to increase the temperature of the dryer tube to between 100 and 300 degrees centigrade during the regeneration interval and controls the heater to decrease the temperature of the dryer tube to below 100 degrees centigrade during the drying interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: TELEDYNE TEKMAR COMPANYInventor: Thomas M. Hartlein
-
Patent number: 6821315Abstract: Spray-painting apparatus and method in which provision is made for: an inlet for the air under pressure; a heating unit for the compressed air; an air drying/separation unit including hollow-fiber membranes; adjustment of the heating of the treated air; adjustment of the pressure of the treated air; adjustment of either the dew point or the percentage of oxygen in the treated air in the case of hollow fiber membranes for nitrogen separation; and an outlet for the treated air to be used as paint carrier fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Eurosider S.a.S. di Milli Ottavio & C.Inventor: Ottavio Milli
-
Patent number: 6736883Abstract: A particulate separation system for accurate measurement of vapor-phase mercury in a flue gas stream uses an inertial gas sampling filter in which the skin temperature of the filter element is controlled to allow vapor-phase mercury measurements while minimizing measurement artifacts caused by: (1) mercury thermally desorbing off particulates into the gas stream; and (2) mercury being removed from the vapor phase by collection on particulate matter at the gas/particle separation interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Apogee Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Sharon Sjostrom, Timothy Ebner, Richard Slye
-
Patent number: 6599347Abstract: A method of operating a thermal swing adsorption process by determining a parameter relating to the water content of a feed gas, selecting process conditions for regeneration of the adsorbent in the thermal swing adsorption process based on the parameter and modifying the regeneration process conditions to accord with the selected process conditions for regeneration is disclosed. Apparatus for effecting this adsorption method and apparatus in which regeneration conditions are modified based on the actual ambient water content of the feed gas are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Mohammad Ali Kalbassi, Nasim Hassan Malik
-
Patent number: 6491739Abstract: The present invention relates generally to on board inert gas generating systems, and more particularly, to an on board inert gas generating system having a fast warm up feature. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for quickly warming up a permeable membrane air separation system.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Victor P. Crome, Alan J. Yoder
-
Patent number: 6432168Abstract: A measuring arrangement is provided with a soot filter for use in flowing, soot particle-bearing gases, as well as a method for monitoring the operability of a soot filter arranged in an exhaust gas conduit, wherein at least one component stream of an exhaust gas stream flows through at least one molded element which is open-pored at least in the flow direction, and wherein the temperature of the molded element is measured with at least one temperature probe. In the measuring arrangement the soot filter is allocated at least one soot sensor, which has at least one molded element which is openpored at least in the flow direction, at least one electric heating element, and at least one temperature probe. The measuring arrangement and method make possible a monitoring of the operability of a soot filter in a reliable and direct manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: EPIQ Sensor-Nite N.V.Inventor: Ulrich Schönauer
-
Patent number: 6402809Abstract: A process and a system for purifying gas, such as air, before cryogenic distillation, in which at least one energy parameter, chosen from the flow rate of the regeneration gas entering and/or leaving at least one adsorber, the duration of the regeneration step and the regeneration temperature of the regeneration gas entering at least one adsorber, is controlled, modified and/or regulated depending on at least one operating condition chosen from the pressure of the gas to be purified entering and/or leaving at least one adsorber, the flow rate of the gas to be purified entering and/or leaving at least one adsorber, the temperature (Ta) of the gas to be purified entering at least one adsorber and the content of impurities contained in the gas to be purified entering at least one adsorber and depending on the thermal profile of the heat front output by at least one adsorber at the end of regeneration.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Christian Monereau, Didier Miniscloux, Alain Combier
-
Patent number: 6395064Abstract: Provided is a novel system for vaporizing and purifying a gas to produce ultrapure chemical gases employed at a semiconductor processing facility. The system includes a liquified gas source, a vaporization purification bed, and a buffer tank. The liquefied gas source is in communication with the vaporization purification bed to provide a liquefied gas to the bed with an ultra-pure chemical gas generated in the purification bed. The purified gas is subsequently routed to a buffer tank and to a point of use therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: American Air Liquide, INCInventors: Mindi Xu, Richard Udischas, Carol Schnepper, Joseph Paganessi
-
Patent number: 6372018Abstract: A VOC removal or destruction system incorporates a regenerator/reactivator having a cylindrical ceramic tube for receiving contaminated adsorbent activated carbon. Electrodes are provided in the ceramic tube in contact with the activated carbon and a programmable logic controller is connected to control the voltage applied to the electrodes and the current flowing through the activated carbon within the tube. The temperature of the material in the tube is controlled by the programmable controller to maintain a temperature within one of two temperature ranges for regenerating the activated carbon and for reactivating the activated carbon. An inert gas is supplied through the tube in contact with the contaminated adsorbent material; the effluent gas including the stripped VOC's is supplied to an oxidizer for destruction. The oxidizer includes a stoichiometric burner providing combustion products for oxidizing the gaseous adsorbate and for providing carrier gas to the regenerator/reactivator.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventor: Harold R. Cowles
-
Patent number: 6289715Abstract: A system for analyzing a content of at least one element of a contained atmosphere for soldering or tinning with a metal alloy, comprising: at least one sampling line for taking a gas sample from the contained atmosphere; at least one analyzer for analyzing the element; at least one coalescence filter located on the sampling line upstream of the analyzer; wherein the sampling line comprises a portion, located between the contained atmosphere and the coalescence filter, wherein the formation of cold spots which could cause precipitation of solid or pasty compounds in the line portion is prevented; a detector of a blockage in the sampling line between the enclosure and the analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Chevalier Gilbert, Leturmy Marc
-
Patent number: 6176896Abstract: A process and device for local permeability evaluation and local regeneration of a particle filter consisting of several juxtaposed zones through which a flow of gas to be scrubbed is passed include the steps of and apparatus for measuring the temperature of the flow upstream from the filter, measuring the temperature in at least one of the zones forming the filter, evaluating the thermal inertia of at least one of the zones by relative measurement of the temperature or of the local resistance to the temperature upstream from the filter, deducing from this the local permeability of the filter and locally regenerating the filter.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Jean-Baptiste Dementhon, Brigitte Martin, Bruno Bourry
-
Patent number: 6042634Abstract: A gas sampling apparatus includes a probe tube having a tip positionable in a stream of products of combustion and a sample dryer tube connected in fluid communication with an end of the probe tube opposite the tip. The sample dryer tube is received in a purge gas tube along a lengthwise axis thereof. The purge gas tube and the sample dryer tube define therebetween a space through which a purge gas pump urges a purge gas in a first direction. A sample pump connected in fluid communication with the sample dryer tube urges therethrough in a second direction opposite the first direction a sample of gas obtained from the stream of products of combustion via the probe tube. A sensor is positioned to detect a constituent of the sample of gas exhausted from the sample dryer tube. The sample dryer tube is formed at least in part of a hydrophilic membrane and the purge gas entering the space contains less water vapor than the sample of gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Bacharach, Inc.Inventors: Norman L. Van Tassel, William J. Perroz, Jr., Richard M. Hickox
-
Patent number: 5989312Abstract: A membrane system controller and control method for maximizing retentate product output and incorporating compressor load detection apparatus and process parameter instrumentation for feeding essential monitoring information to a control unit. Product output maximization is accomplished by increasing the membrane operating temperature during periods when compressor capacity is underutilized.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Charles Barnhard, Brian Michael Meredith, Edward Holmes Zander
-
Patent number: 5865877Abstract: A system that includes an equipment package for separating nitrogen from air to produce enhanced oxygen air for use by divers. The package is combined with a pressure storage tank for air that is coupled to the package. A pressure storage tank is provided for enhanced oxygen air. A fill station including a high pressure gauge and a high pressure oxygen sensor is provided to fill divers' tanks. A compressor receives the enhanced oxygen air from the package and delivers high or low pressure enhanced oxygen air to the pressure storage tank via a pressure filter. Valving is provided for selectively controlling the flow in the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Undersea Breathing Systems, Inc.Inventor: William H. Delp, II
-
Patent number: 5853459Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying method, an exhaust gas filter and an exhaust gas filter purifying apparatus reduce the quantity of collected particulates on the outer periphery of the exhaust gas filter and prevent insufficient combustion of particulates during regeneration. The exhaust gas purifying method purifies an exhaust gas by using an exhaust gas filter including a throughhole diaphragm formed into a honey-comb shape in an outer peripheral wall integrally with this outer peripheral wall. A sealing portion is formed on an end portion of a plurality of throughholes partitioned by the throughhole diaphragm, so that the quantity of particulates collected in the throughholes adjacent to the outer peripheral wall and the throughhole diaphragm is reduced as compared with the other portions. The exhaust gas filter has a second sealing portion formed in the throughholes adjacent to the outer peripheral wall and the sealing portion on one end surface of the exhaust gas filter.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinobu Kuwamoto, Kensei Fukuda, Yasuhiro Fujiwara
-
Patent number: 5840098Abstract: A process for operating a permeable membrane generator at above or below design conditions therefor, which entails adjusting the permeation temperature of a feed stream permeating said membrane generator by heating or cooling means, thereby providing a desired amount, purity and pressure of a product gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1994Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Christian Barbe, Jean-Renaud Brugerolle, Guy Salzgeber
-
Patent number: 5759234Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device to control the physical conditions of the solvent within a pre-column, in a gas chromatography analysis apparatus. To achieve desired and controlled conditions of recondensation in the pre-column with vaporization injectors or of vaporation with "on-column" injectors, the dew-point of the solvent in the pre-column is calculated and the factors which influence this dew-point are varied and/or the temperature of the pre-column is varied, in order to set such temperatures in a desired correlation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Thermoquest Italia, S.p.A.Inventors: Fausto Munari, Pier Albino Colombo, Konrad Grob
-
Patent number: 5688306Abstract: The invention produces essentially pure nitrogen from air by an intermittent, automatic, and unattended process. Air is filtered, compressed and enters a nitrogen module containing a permeable membrane that selectively separates nitrogen from the air and discharges oxygen and other gases. Automated temperature and pressure controls allow the permeable membrane to separate air components. A discharge hose allows use of the nitrogen product for a variety of intermittent applications including vending for inflation of tires, filling portable nitrogen vessels, and use in manufacturing processes.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1996Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Inventor: Nicholas A. Verini
-
Patent number: 5688305Abstract: A process and an apparatus are described for drying moist gas, in particular air, in which the moisture is removed from the gas by a desiccant and the desiccant is freed of the absorbed moisture by a hot regeneration gas. In order to improve the energy balance in the drying of moist gas, in particular air, it is provided that the throughput of regeneration gas through the desiccant is controlled as a function of the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the desiccant. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the process contains a temperature sensor arranged in the regeneration exhaust gas stream, which temperature sensor controls a device determining the regeneration gas throughput through the desiccant.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Inventor: Roderich Wilhelm Graeff
-
Patent number: 5676735Abstract: A system for recovery of adsorbed gas remaining in a used storage and dispensing vessel containing sorbent material having residual sorbate gas thereon, when the vessel is taken out of service, in which the used storage and dispensing vessel is coupled in flow communication with at least one fresh storage and dispensing vessel containing sorbent material therein having sorptive capacity for the residual sorbate gas. The fresh vessel is maintained in a first zone and the used vessel is maintained in a second zone, at temperature and/or pressure conditions relative to one another that cause the residual sorbate gas to desorb from the sorbent material in the used storage and dispensing vessel and flow into the fresh storage and dispensing vessel for sorption of the residual sorbate gas on the sorbent material in the fresh storage and dispensing vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventor: James V. McManus
-
Patent number: 5634961Abstract: A high-performance, field-portable, thermally agile, gas chromatography (GC) system employs a low-thermal-mass oven in which intake and exhaust vent apertures are aligned with respect to the rotational axis of the stirring fan. The poppets of the vent dynamically vent to ambient the air-flow generated by the stirring fan. The geometry of the vents cooperates with the axial and radial components of the stirring fan to promote conical vortex air flow, to facilitate rapid and controllable mass-flow interchange with ambient air. The resulting cooling performance in a small GC oven promotes more rapid requilibration between runs, control at temperatures closer to ambient, and the reduction of thermal overshoot; thus enhancing the performance and productivity of a field instrument.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventor: Gary B. Gordon
-
Patent number: 5632802Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing moisture from compressed air through a pre-compression adsorptive desiccant bed, heat reactivated and regenerative air drying and filtration system. This system consists of an air filter affixed to a blower and in communication with a heater connected and communicating with a conduit communicating with a first valve and a second valve. The first and second valve are each connected to another conduit which is connected to a desiccant bed adsorption unit and another valve and conduit which is in communication with an air compression machine. Each desiccant bed is preferably of tubular configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Inventors: George R. Grgich, Michael S. Cranford, John C. Patton
-
Patent number: 5588984Abstract: Essentially pure nitrogen gas is produced from air and stored by an intermittent, automatic, and unattended process that is compact and self contained. Air is first filtered, compressed and enters a nitrogen module containing a permeable membrane that selectively separates nitrogen from the air and discharges oxygen and other gases. The nitrogen gas then flows into a vessel for storage. The apparatus is enclosed in a housing where automated temperature and pressure controls allows the permeable membrane to separate air components. A discharge hose allows use of the nitrogen product for a variety of intermittent applications including vending for inflation of tires, filling portable nitrogen vessels, and use in other processes needing intermittent and automatic manufacture of nitrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Inventor: Nicholas A. Verini
-
Patent number: 5565017Abstract: Oxygen is separated from air by a high temperature ion transport membrane which is integrated with a gas turbine system for energy recovery from the membrane nonpermeate stream. Air is compressed, heated in a first heating step, and passed through the feed side of a mixed conductor membrane zone to produce a high purity oxygen product on the permeate side of the membrane zone. Nonpermeate gas from the membrane zone is heated in a second heating step and passed through a hot gas turbine for power recovery. Water is added to the nonpermeate gas prior to the hot gas turbine to increase mass flow to the turbine and thus balance the mass flows of the air feed compressor and the expansion turbine.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Doohee Kang, Robert M. Thorogood, Rodney J. Allam, Anthony K. J. Topham, Steven L. Russek
-
Patent number: 5516359Abstract: Oxygen is separated from air by a high temperature ion transport membrane which is integrated with a gas turbine system for energy recovery from the membrane nonpermeate stream. Air is compressed, heated in a first heating step, and passed through the feed side of a mixed conductor membrane zone to produce a high purity oxygen product on the permeate side of the membrane zone. Nonpermeate gas from the membrane zone is heated in a second heating step and passed through a hot gas turbine for power recovery. The operating temperatures of the membrane zone and the expansion turbine are independently maintained by controlling the rate of heat addition in the first and second heating steps, whereby the membrane zone and expansion turbine are thermally delinked for maximum oxygen recovery efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1995Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Doohee Kang, Rajagopalan S. Srinivasan, Robert M. Thorogood, Edward P. Foster
-
Patent number: 5474594Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the desorption of a sorbent by an air stream which is delivered by a blower and, prior to entering the sorbent, is heated. In order to reduce the desorption time, provision is made for adjusting the mass of the air stream as a function of the outlet temperature of the air stream exiting from the sorbent, in such a way that, when a preset temperature limit value is reached, the mass of the air stream is reduced, and the desorption is continued with an air stream heated to a higher temperature. The method is particularly suitable for the desorption of adsorbent in sorption reactors contained in refrigerant-free air conditioning plants.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.Inventors: Noureddine Khelifa, Karl Lochmahr
-
Patent number: 5429662Abstract: A separation of gas by permeation, comprising the steps of and the apparatus for compressing a gaseous mixture to be separated at a first temperature (Ta) in a compressor (2), cooling to a second temperature (To) the compressed mixture to condense condensable impurities in the compressed gaseous mixture, purifying the compressed gaseous mixture of condensable and/or adsorbable impurities at a third temperature (T.sub.1) greater than the second temperature (T.sub.0) and passing the purified gaseous mixture into a gaseous permeation unit comprising at least one membrane module to obtain at least one production gas. The third temperature (T.sub.1) is so regulated that it will not be less than a first predetermined value. The second temperature (To) is greater than the first temperature (Ta) by a value comprised between 1.degree. and 5.degree. C., the first value being not less than 20.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1993Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George ClaudeInventor: Frederic Fillet
-
Patent number: 5425801Abstract: Advanced membrane compositions having high permeability characteristics, and optimal operating temperatures above ambient during only a portion of the year, are operated with a controlled reduction in operating feed air pressure under rising ambient temperature conditions. The overall efficiency of the air separation process is enhanced, and power requirements are significantly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: Ravi Prasad
-
Patent number: 5389125Abstract: A system and method for removing volatile organic compounds (VOC's) from a circulating airstream utilizes first and second adsorption beds and first and second adsorption paths alternately coupling the circulating airstream to the respective first and second adsorption beds for removing VOC's during adsorption cycles. First and second desorption loops alternately couple a desorption inert gas through the respective first and second adsorption beds for desorption and regeneration and for recovering VOC's in a VOC condenser. System parameter sensors are distributed in the first and second adsorption paths and first and second desorption loops for sensing system parameters. A programmable controller is coupled to the system parameter sensors, to flow control valves, and to the inert gas heater for controlling the system in response to sensed system parameters. The system parameter sensors include a variety of temperature, O.sub.2, VOC, pressure, and differential pressure sensors.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1993Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Daniel D. ThayerInventors: Daniel D. Thayer, Bruce D. Barney
-
Patent number: 5350442Abstract: A mobile regeneration apparatus is provided for regenerating dryers. The regeneration apparatus may be used to regenerate single tower desiccant dryers located at natural gas vehicle refueling stations. For optimum performance, each dryer may be located upstream of a respective compressor.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1993Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Assignee: Pneumatic Products Corp.Inventors: John E. Thelen, Sundar R. Mylavarapu