By Reduction Of Pressure (e.g., Flashing, Etc.) Patents (Class 95/247)
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Patent number: 11480389Abstract: A liquefaction system is capable of sequentially or simultaneously liquefying multiple feed streams of hydrocarbons having different normal bubble points with minimal flash. The liquefying heat exchanger has separate circuits for handling multiple feed streams. The feed stream with the lowest normal boiling point is sub-cooled sufficiently to suppress most of the flash. Feed streams with relatively high normal boiling points are cooled to substantially the same temperature, then blended with bypass streams to maintain each product near its normal bubble point. The system can also liquefy one stream at a time by using a dedicated circuit or by allocating the same feed to multiple circuits.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Laurent Marc Brussol, David Joseph Holzer, Sylvain Vovard, Russell Shnitser, Adam Adrian Brostow, Mark Julian Roberts
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Patent number: 10550743Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder head cover for an internal combustion engine which has, in addition to the mere covering function, additional integrated functions, wherein the cylinder head cover according to the invention includes the following: a cover body, which, when the cylinder head cover is assembled, is mounted on an engine block of the internal combustion engine and covers a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine; a separator, through which a raw gas stream can be conducted for the purpose of cleaning, the separator being at least partially formed and/or delimited by the cover body; and/or a valve device, which is at least partially formed and/or delimited by the cover body; wherein the cylinder head cover includes a nozzle device which is integrated in the separator and/or the valve device.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: ElringKlinger AGInventors: Holger Coolens, Christian Czermin
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Patent number: 9285347Abstract: A bubble reduction device, chromatography device, bubble reduction method and bubble reduction program capable of reducing bubbles in an eluent. Included are a liquid accommodation portion, a liquid supply apparatus, an air layer formation apparatus, a first channel and an evacuation portion. The liquid accommodation portion accommodates a liquid that is to elute an analysis component from a specimen adsorbed to an adsorption portion. The liquid supply apparatus, by operation of a rod pushing up and polling down, sucks and discharges the liquid through an aperture portion of a tube portion, the aperture portion being oriented upward. The air layer formation apparatus forms an air layer in the tube portion. The first channel connects the liquid supply apparatus with the liquid accommodation portion. The evacuation portion is connected to the first channel via a first switching valve and evacuates the air layer through the first channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.Inventors: Seiji Satake, Tokuo Kasai, Akira Sezaki, Takeshi Matsubara
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Patent number: 9005339Abstract: A method of treating flowback fluid comprising: introducing the flowback fluid into a first stage vertical separator to produce a first gas stream, a liquid stream, and a solids stream; passing the first gas stream from the first stage vertical separator to a sales line; passing the liquid stream from the first stage vertical separator to a second stage horizontal separator with the pressure in the second stage horizontal separator being less than the pressure in the first stage vertical separator but greater than atmospheric pressure to produce a second gas stream, a water stream; and a liquid hydrocarbon stream; passing the second gas stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a combustor or flare nozzle; passing the water stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a water storage tank; and passing the liquid hydrocarbon stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a liquid hydrocarbon storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Cimarron Energy, Inc.Inventor: James D. Whiteley
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Patent number: 8840703Abstract: A liquid hydrocarbon slug-containing vessel for incorporation into a system integrating a low-pressure separator with a vapor recovery process system, and a method for regulating the temperature of a gas to be compressed by a two stage compressor so as to prevent liquification of the gas and to prevent over-heating of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Inventors: Rodney T. Heath, Forrest D. Heath, Gary Heath
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Publication number: 20140202331Abstract: A bubble removal method removes a bubble from liquid whose viscosity is reduced when shear occurs. A vessel whose volumetric capacity is variable is used. The interior of the vessel is depressurized and pressurized by increasing and decreasing the volumetric capacity of the vessel from a plurality of locations. As a result, the volume of the bubble is increased and decreased and the bubble is caused to move and be removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: NAGOYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Shuichi Iwata, Hideki Mori
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Patent number: 8778052Abstract: First and second multi-phase streams are processed in first and second trains that are structurally different from each other such that the first and second trains have different operating conditions. The first and second trains produce first and second gaseous hydrocarbon streams and first and second liquid hydrocarbon component streams. The first and second gaseous hydrocarbon streams are combined downstream of the first and second trains to provide a combined gaseous hydrocarbon component stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Willem Dam, Dirk Willem Van Der Mast, Johan Jan Barend Pek
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Publication number: 20140013947Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of a resin to remove gas from the resin are provided. The apparatus can be operated continuously so that multiple amounts of resin can be consecutively degassed until the overall desired amount of resin has been provided. Thus, batch treatment at one time of the entire desired amount of resin for degassing can be avoided. The gases removed from the resin can be readily captured such that e.g., further treatment can occur.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2011Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: Xiaoming Liu
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Patent number: 8551224Abstract: A pipe system comprising i) an exploratory pipe extracting a fluid containing gas from waterways, ii) an injection pipe returning fluid depleted of gas and iii) a plurality of gas traps, wherein I) the gas traps are connected to the exploratory pipe and to the injection pipe such that the fluid is transferred from the exploratory pipe through the gas traps to the injection pipe, II) the gas traps disposed at specific distances vertically one above the other and relative to the fluid deposits to be depleted and connected together such that rising fluid passes from the exploratory pipe to a first gas trap located at a first pressure level at which a first gas/gas mixture is separated, whereupon depleted fluid passes to a second gas trap at a predefined pressure level in which a second gas/gas mixture is separated, wherein the first pressure and the second pressure are different from one another, and III) the gas traps are connected to one or more gas extraction devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventors: Detlef Lazik, Dieter Lazik, Matthias Remmler
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Patent number: 8500868Abstract: Systems and methods for the separation and capture of carbon dioxide from water are generally described. In some embodiments, a vapor stream containing carbon dioxide and water is separated using a cascade of at least two flash drums. Additional flash steps may be incorporated to remove atmospheric gases, such as nitrogen and argon, from the feed. Carbon dioxide may be condensed and pressurized at purities suitable for pipeline transport and eventual storage in geological formations. In addition, water may be recovered at high purity. In some embodiments, fuel cells may be used in combination with fuel reforming or gasification to produce syngas. Certain aspects of the invention involve innovations related to the combined reforming and fuel cell process, that, in certain embodiments, do not depend upon water and carbon dioxide separation.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Thomas Alan Adams, II, Paul Inigo Barton
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Publication number: 20130156646Abstract: A method for degassing a liquid by means of a piston pump unit having a receiving chamber serving for accommodating the liquid to be degassed and connected with at least one supply line and at least one drain line, and a piston seated in the receiving chamber for performing stroke movements and liquid sealing the receiving chamber on one end. The following steps are included: drawing liquid via the supply line into the receiving chamber by performing a first stroke movement of the piston in the case of blocked drain line and open supply line; producing a negative pressure in the receiving chamber by continuing the first stroke movement of the piston in the case of blocked supply line and blocked drain line; and opening the drain line and removing a gas phase present in the receiving chamber from the receiving chamber via the drain line by performing a second stroke movement of the piston directed counter to the first stroke movement in the case of an opened drain line and blocked supply line.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventor: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft Fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
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Patent number: 8460431Abstract: A method for regenerating an amine-containing scrubbing solution which is obtained during gas purification and in which CO2 and sulfur compounds are chemically bonded, as well as a system that is suitable for carrying out the method. The contaminated scrubbing solution is heated, compressed, and expanded in several stages such that CO2 and sulfur compounds are separated. The expanded scrubbing solution is subdivided into two partial streams, and one partial stream is recirculated into the process.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: MT-Biomethan GmbHInventor: Lothar Günther
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Patent number: 8273156Abstract: Contaminated water stored in an equalization basin is distributed to one or more flash vessels and a desired vacuum is pulled in a filled flash vessel, reducing the boiling point of the contained contaminated water. The suction force is preferably created by passing the contaminated water under pressure through a differential pressure injector. The contaminated water in the flash vessel completes an electrical circuit between conductive plates and a heating element that are submerged therein. An alternating electrical current is applied, some of which is conducted by the contaminated water to a heating element that heats the water, and the rest of which dissipates as thermal energy, heating the contaminated water. The alternating current is preferably generated by passing the contaminated water under pressure through a hydroelectric power generator. Little thermal energy is needed to evaporate the contaminated water, which condenses at the top of the flash vessel and is collected from a collection trough.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Inventor: Eric John Dole
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Patent number: 8123833Abstract: A process for producing a gas-containing cleaning water which contains a specific gas dissolved in water, which process comprises dissolving the specific gas into water under an increased pressure exceeding an atmospheric pressure to prepare a gas-containing water having a concentration of the gas exceeding solubility of the gas under an atmospheric pressure and, then, removing a portion of the dissolved gas by decreasing pressure on the gas-containing water; an apparatus for producing a gas-containing cleaning water which comprises an apparatus for dissolving a gas (14) in which a specific gas is dissolved into water under a pressure exceeding the atmospheric pressure and an apparatus for removing a portion of a dissolved gas (15) in which the pressure on the gas-containing water obtained from the apparatus for dissolving a gas is decreased to a pressure lower than the pressure under which the gas has been dissolved so that a portion of the dissolved gas is removed; and a cleaning apparatus using the gas-conType: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Hiroto Tokoshima
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Patent number: 8080166Abstract: A multiphase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Liquid Separation Technologies and Equipment, LLCInventor: Wayne W. Spani
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Patent number: 7947112Abstract: A method for degassing a fluid includes providing a degassing system having a degassing module and a fluid pump apparatus having a fluid reservoir, wherein the fluid pump apparatus is operated in a discontinuous mode involving one or more discrete pumping cycles having a first cycle time. The fluid pump apparatus is calibrated to deliver a predetermined volume of the fluid from the fluid reservoir during each of the pumping cycles, and the degassing module is adapted to operably move gas from the fluid to an extent sufficient to render the fluid volume to a desired degassed condition within a period of time that is not greater than the first cycle time.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Rheodyne, LLCInventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Jonathan Thompson
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Publication number: 20100147148Abstract: A system for capturing carbon dioxide is provided including a feed line transporting an exhaust gas, a first separator, a first compressor, a first membrane, a first ejector, a second separator, a second compressor, and a carbon dioxide storage tank. The first membrane is configured to filter the exhaust gas into a retentate stream of exhaust gas and a permeate stream of exhaust gas. The permeate stream of exhaust gas includes a larger amount of carbon dioxide than the retentate stream. The first ejector is configured to compress the permeate stream. The second compressor is configured to further compress the exhaust gas received from the second separator. The carbon dioxide storage tank is configured to receive the exhaust gas from the second compressor. A second membrane can be on the retentate stream of the first membrane, where a second ejector is on the permeate side of the second membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: Shahryar Rabiei
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Patent number: 7648569Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injecting two-phase (gas+solid) carbon dioxide into a gas stream. Liquid carbon dioxide is cryogenically expanded into two-phase carbon dioxide, which is then injected into the center of the stream. An inerting gas is also injected into the stream along with the two-phase carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George ClaudeInventors: Dominique Bras, José Buil
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Publication number: 20090249955Abstract: A system for separation of gas from liquid disposed in a liquid source. The system comprising a liquid conveyance unit, a separation tank, a bubbler and a compressor. The liquid conveyance unit is adapted to convey liquid from the liquid source to the separation tank. The system further comprises a supersaturation device adapted to provide conditions for supersaturation of liquid disposed therein. The bubbler is adapted to produce gas bubbles and inject them into liquid supersaturated by the supersaturation device. The separation tank is adapted to cause a pressure reduction on liquid and gas therein to separate the gas from the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventor: Alan Izhar Bodner
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Publication number: 20090193972Abstract: A dual stage coalescer includes a separator in a separator chamber separating gas and liquid by inertial impaction, and a coalescer filter element in a coalescer chamber separating gas and liquid by coalescence. A transfer tube extends between the separator chamber and a downstream subchamber in the coalescer chamber at the downstream face of the coalescer filter element, and supplies pre-separated liquid from the separator chamber through the transfer tube to the noted downstream subchamber as driven by pressure differential between the separator chamber and the downstream subchamber, to eliminate a dedicated housing drain outlet from the separator chamber. The coalescer may provide a crankcase ventilation filter for an internal combustion engine having blowby gas containing an air-oil mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Brian W. Schwandt, Christopher E. Holm, Mark V. Holzmann, Michael J. Connor
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Patent number: 7427312Abstract: An apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a fluid includes a fluid inlet and a separation chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The separation chamber has first and second end portions, with the first end portion being operably oriented gravitationally above the second end portion. The apparatus further includes a first gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane disposed in the separation chamber and extending substantially along a first axis defined as extending between the first and second end portions. A permeate side of the membrane is exposed to an environment having a second partial pressure of a target gas, which second partial pressure is lower than a first partial pressure of the gas in the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Rheodyne, LLCInventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Jonathan Thompson
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Publication number: 20080223214Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing carbon dioxide from a synthesis gas stream containing hydrogen is disclosed. The method includes absorbing the carbon dioxide using a physical solvent under high pressure and then liberating the carbon dioxide in a series of expansion stages where the pressure on the solvent is reduced. The expansion ratio increases with each expansion stage. The apparatus includes expansion stages having throttling devices and expansion tanks operated at increasing expansion ratios. Carbon dioxide is liberated in this manner so as to minimize the energy required compress for transport via a pipe line for sequestration of the gas. Sequestration of the carbon dioxide is preferred to atmospheric venting to curb the release of greenhouse gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: John Eugene Palamara, Kevin Boyle Fogash
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Patent number: 7163636Abstract: A multi-phase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Advanced Phase Separation, LLCInventor: Wayne W. Spani
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Patent number: 7018444Abstract: A system for removing and purifying a carbon dioxide-containing stream from a batch process tool is provided. A multi-phase contaminated stream containing at least carbon dioxide and one or more co-solvent is removed from a process tool and conveyed to at least one intermediate pressure separator. The contaminant-containing stream is separated into an intermediate pressure carbon dioxide-enriched vapor stream and an intermediate pressure solvent and contaminant-enriched stream in the intermediate pressure separator.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: John Frederic Billingham, Thomas John Bergman, Jr., Richard Martin Kelly, Kenneth Leroy Burgers, William Thoru Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6955706Abstract: A system for producing and maintaining high purity degassed layup water for use in a power plant system during a layup period is disclosed. The liquid degassing system includes a degassing assembly for removing a predetermined amount of the undesired gases under vacuum pressure from the layup solution such that the amount of desired gases within the layup solution remains at or below standard values.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Dominion Engineering INCInventors: Robert D Varrin, Jr., Sotaro Kaneda
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Patent number: 6811591Abstract: An autonomous pushed liquid recirculation system (APLRS) is installed in a vessel, such as an electroplating tank. It situates around the interior perimeter and adjusts to changes in the level of liquid, maintaining the same location and orientation respective to the liquid's surface. It establishes a current near the surface that pushes liquid across the narrow horizontal dimension of the tank from a front wall to a rear wall. The current serves to push any bubbles resultant from operations within the tank to the rear wall. Over the rear wall is mounted an abbreviated exhaust hood covering only a short width of the surface of the tank along the rear wall. Because the exhaust system has to scavenge only a portion of the surface since all bubbles now burst along the rear wall, a much smaller air handling apparatus may be specified with an attendant savings in energy costs.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Kent James Hay, Shaoying Qi
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Patent number: 6537349Abstract: A subsea passive flash gas compression system that includes a first separator that removes high pressure flash gas from a hydrocarbon product, a second separator that removes low pressure flash gas from the hydrocarbon product after the high pressure flash gas has been removed, and an ejector. The ejector includes a high pressure input that is coupled to a high pressure flash gas output of the first separator. The ejector also includes a low pressure input that is coupled to a low pressure flash gas output of the second separator. An output of the ejector is coupled to an outlet pipeline that extends from proximate the sea bottom to the sea surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Conoco, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Choi, James N. Collins
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Publication number: 20030015304Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for degassing of suspension, specifically fiber stock suspension. The method according to the invention is characterized in that separated excess suspension is discharged sideways through an overflow having an overflow edge that is located in the tank outside wall and is positioned parallel to the tank axis. The device according to the invention is characterized in that the overflow includes at least one overflow having an overflow edge that is located in the tank outside wall and is positioned parallel to the tank axis and that at least one overflow system, for the purpose of discharging the separated excess suspension, is located following the overflow.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventor: Karl-Heinz Beuermann
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Patent number: 6500239Abstract: A system and multiple methods are described for removing dissolved gases from a liquid either prior to or following filling into a container. Prior to filling, gas is removed by creating a pressure differential, by application of heat, by sonication, or by generating a liquid by combination of dry solute and de-gassed solvent. Alternatively, liquids may be highly concentrated with solute to force any dissolved gas out of solution and later diluted with de-gassed solvents. In other embodiments, gases are percolated into liquids to displace atmospheric gases, wherein these percolated gases separate from solution and diffuse out of sealed contained after filling either by nature of their molecular size or chemical reaction with materials constructed into the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Penjet CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Castellano, Eloy A. Ituarte
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Patent number: 6447579Abstract: Process and apparatus for degassing liquids, namely water, with mobile and stationary application, according to the principle of underpressure generation by suctioning a portion of the liquid from the chamber, which, after the degassing, is filled automatically again with gas-containing liquid, whereupon the next degassing cycle occurs.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Jens Pannenborg
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Patent number: 6375718Abstract: Connected in a water circuit for cooling or heating gaseous fuel in a fuel system for a gas turbine plant is a gas/liquid separation apparatus which serves to separate gases contained in the water from the water, and to detect them. The container of the separation apparatus is split up by a partition into a water entry chamber and a water exit chamber. The incoming water flow is split up in the water entry chamber into an upward-flowing and a downward-flowing water flow. Located above the water is a gas-filled space into which gas bubbles disperse. The upward-flowing water flows over an overflow weir, and the downward-flowing water flows into the water exit chamber through openings in the lower region of the partition. The separation apparatus thus includes a calm, free water level in the water entry chamber, and an irrotational flow from the water exit chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) LtdInventors: Francisco Blangetti, Stephan Werner Doehler, Erhard Liebig, Rainer Schlageter
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Patent number: 6270059Abstract: A liquid enriched with a high concentration of gas, in particular, water enriched with oxygen, is produced by mixing the gas and liquid in an overpressurized system using a series of pressure reduction containers which sequentially reduce the pressure on the gas-enriched liquid in a slow incremental fashion, thereby allowing a high concentration of the gas to be maintained within the liquid phase.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: KKB 02 Fluid Production GmbHInventors: Fritz Kurzer, Frank Kurzer
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Patent number: 6238461Abstract: A natural gas dehydrator wherein a portion of the wet glycol from the absorber is pumped under pressure as circulating wet glycol which is used as a coolant for effluents removed from a reboiler and a power source for an educator to form a vacuum in a first chamber of a liquid water removal separator apparatus. The cooled effluents, comprising liquid water, liquid hydrocarbons and uncondensed vapors, move in to the first chamber wherein the liquid water is separated therefrom. The liquid hydrocarbons and the uncondensed vapors are removed from the first chamber and move into the eductor wherein they are combined into the circulating wet glycol. The separated liquid water is transferred to a second chamber of the liquid water removal separator apparatus and then removed therefrom. Also, gases from gas emitting level control apparatus in the natural gas dehydrator are collected and fed into the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventor: Rodney T. Heath
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Patent number: 6193783Abstract: A process solution supplying apparatus including a solution source from which a process solution is supplied, a supply pipe having an upstream end and a downstream end and connected at the upstream end to the solution source, a nozzle connected to the downstream end of the supply pipe, a pump provided on the supply pipe, for supplying the process solution from the solution source to the nozzle, an upstream control valve provided on the supply pipe and located between the pump and the solution source, and a deaerating mechanism provided between the pump and the upstream control valve, for removing gases from the process solution.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Kazuo Sakamoto, Akihiro Fujimoto, Nobukazu Ishizaka, Izumi Hasegawa
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Patent number: 5948144Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for lyophilization of protein and/or pharmaceutical products, wherein said apparatus utilizes a dry vacuum pump for the direct removal of water vapor, rather than a cold trap condenser. A freeze dryer has a vacuum pump which is connected directly to a drying chamber without the use of a cold trap condenser. The exhaust of the vacuum pump is vented directly to atmosphere. Water vapor generated in the process is directly removed from the chamber by the vacuum pump. The apparatus permits lyophilization of pharmaceuticals e.g. antibiotics, vitamins products, vaccines, and biological protein solutions. The dryer operates on a batch basis or may be designed to perform continuous production.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Genetics Institute, Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Cifuni
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Patent number: 5876560Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for removing gas from a fibre/liquid suspension in a fibre treatment line in a pulp mill, which line includes at least one stage in which the fibre/liquid suspension is treated and/or stored in a large container (2) before being conveyed for further treatment. The fibre/liquid suspension is conveyed to the large container via a vessel (15) which with its lower part communicates with the large container and has a significantly smaller horizontal sectional area than the large container, but extends upwards above the level (4) of the fibre/liquid suspension in the large container, with gas being removed from the fibre/liquid suspension (19) in the area (18) of the upper part of the smaller vessel by means of the area being subjected to a subatmospheric pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping Technologies AktiebolagInventors: Lennart Gustavsson, Bo Svaneg.ang.rd
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Patent number: 5772733Abstract: An improved, membrane-based method of treating gas evolved during natural gas liquids (NGL) stabilization, to separate the very light hydrocarbon gases, methane in particular, from the heavier hydrocarbons. The membrane acts as a demethanizer and establishes a vapor/liquid equilibrium during phase separation that is different than would otherwise obtain. This can increase NGL production and reduce the weight of C.sub.3+ hydrocarbons in the off-gas from the stabilizing phase separators.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Richard W. Baker
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Patent number: 5769926Abstract: An improved, membrane-based method of treating gas evolved during gas/oil separation, to separate the very light hydrocarbon gases, methane in particular, from the heavier hydrocarbons. The membrane acts as a demethanizer and establishes a vapor/liquid equilibrium during phase separation that is different than would otherwise obtain. This can increase oil production and reduce the weight of C.sub.4+ hydrocarbons lost in the associated gas.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Richard W. Baker
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Patent number: 5769927Abstract: A process for treating a purge vent stream from a polymer manufacturing operation, the vent stream containing a polymer, such as ethylene or propylene, and a purge gas, such as nitrogen. The invention involves three separation steps: condensation, flash evaporation and membrane separation. The steps are integrated together in such a way as to provide a good separation between the components, and to avoid creation of secondary streams that need additional treatment.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Gottschlich, Marc L. Jacobs
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Patent number: 5352276Abstract: A portable modular water air stripper system for remediation of contaminated water, such as groundwater at an outdoor contamination site, has its primary components, including the frames of a vertical assembly of individually demountable tray units, a sump and cap member, formed as hollow rotationally molded plastic pieces. Each tray unit has an air-porous sheet member having air-flow apertures with a diameter of 0.100 inches or less constructed to retain water during stripping action by air passing upwardly through the apertures. Each sheet member is removable from a respective tray frame and has mounted thereon a baffle that defines a tortuous water flow path across each tray. In one embodiment, the baffles extend between and are substantially sealed to the undersurface of the next higher tray.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1993Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Sippican, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Rentschler, Steven Szabo, Paul Farrow, Gary R. Powers, Jeffrey H. Gerade
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Patent number: RE39944Abstract: A natural gas dehydrator wherein a portion of the wet glycol from the absorber is pumped under pressure as circulating wet glycol which is used as a coolant for effluents removed from a reboiler and a power source for an educator to form a vacuum in a first chamber of a liquid water removal separator apparatus. The cooled effluents, comprising liquid water, liquid hydrocarbons and uncondensed vapors, move in to the first chamber wherein the liquid water is separated therefrom. The liquid hydrocarbons and the uncondensed vapors are removed from the first chamber and move into the eductor wherein they are combined into the circulating wet glycol. The separated liquid water is transferred to a second chamber of the liquid water removal separator apparatus and then removed therefrom. Also, gases from gas emitting level control apparatus in the natural gas dehydrator are collected and fed into the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventor: Rodney T. Heath