By Liquid Flow Modifying Or Mechanical Agitating Patents (Class 95/260)
  • Patent number: 8177975
    Abstract: An apparatus removes air or debris from a flow of liquid. The apparatus includes a shell having an inlet, an outlet, and an elongate inner cavity in fluid communication with each of the inlet and the outlet. A plurality of elongate coalescing medium assemblies are disposed within the cavity of the shell such that the coalescing medium assemblies are oriented substantially parallel to each other. Each coalescing medium assembly includes a plurality of wire mesh tubes oriented substantially parallel to each other. A wire mesh retaining wall substantially surrounds the tubes and holds the tubes together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Thrush Co., Inc
    Inventor: Aaron Schipper
  • Publication number: 20120103194
    Abstract: A process is presented for the removal of dissolved oxygen from hydrocarbon streams. The hydrocarbons streams include kerosene and jet fuels. The process includes mixing the hydrocarbons streams with an oxygen free gas to form a gas-liquid mixture. The mixture is allowed to disengage into a gas stream and a liquid stream, thereby removing dissolved oxygen from the hydrocarbon stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Sohn, Steven P. Lankton, Debarshi Majumder, Brian J. Schiavone
  • Patent number: 8152911
    Abstract: A tank system for capturing fluids from an oil or gas well. The system comprises a trailer, a tank body supported on the trailer, a separator supported on the trailer, and a sand trap supported on the trailer. The tank includes a gas buster line and a flare line. The tank body has a main inlet port at a top of the tank body and a vent port on a top of the tank body. The gas buster line is disposed in the tank body and is connected to the main inlet port. The gas buster line has multiple lengths of pipe sections, each pipe section increasing in length and diameter. The last section of the gas buster is characterized by a plurality of slots cut in a circumference of the pipe section to allow fluids in the gas buster line to disperse into the tank. The flare line is operatively connected to the vent port and includes an igniter to burn gases before they are vented to the atmosphere. The sand trap and the separator can be used as conditions require to treat fluids from a well before the fluids enter the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Michael E. Williams, Johnnie E. Melton, Tony E. Melton
  • Patent number: 8142550
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing an oxygenated fluid. In accordance with various embodiments, a flow of pressurized fluid is established. A flow of oxygen is injected into the flow of pressurized fluid to provide a fluid/oxygen mixture. The mixture is passed through a venturi assembly in the presence of a magnetic field established by an adjacent magnetic assembly. The mixture is next flowed from the venturi assembly to a gas/liquid separation tank, where a liquid component of the mixture is passed downstream with a selected dissolved oxygen content and a gas component is directed back for injection into the pressurized fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Oxy Solutions AS
    Inventors: Tore Audunson, Earl Meyer, Geir O. Eriksen
  • Publication number: 20120048114
    Abstract: Methods of degassing silicone hydrogel lens formulations are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, Hamid Anthony Darabi
  • Patent number: 8119004
    Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction process that uses counterflowing liquid phases, especially in conjunction with a reciprocating plate extraction column, wherein one of the liquid phases has a lower density than the other and is at least partially saturated with a dispersible gas, requires less plate stack height or a smaller column diameter when plate-to-plate spacing is non-uniform rather than uniform and such non-uniform plate-to-plate spacing includes greater plate-to-plate spacing proximate to raffinate liquid discharge than proximate to feed of the lower density liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Timothy C. Frank, John J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8114202
    Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly and hub combination for operation in a boiler feedwater deaerator is disclosed, the combination including a tubular hub capable of being affixed to a wall of a deaerator tank and a spray nozzle assembly that is removably engageable with the hub, the nozzle assembly including a nozzle body, a twist lock for retaining the nozzle body relative to the hub when the nozzle body is in a fully engaged position, and a spreader moveably coupled to the nozzle body and biased by a spreader spring against opening, the spreader is capable of moving to an open position against the spreader spring bias in response to boiler feedwater pressure to form an annular opening about the spreader, thereby enabling feedwater flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Crane Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell G. Burke, Tao D. Nguyen, Joseph T. Strogus
  • Patent number: 8097069
    Abstract: A pressurized container (10, 20) for containing oil and a gas dissolved therein at a constant overall average pressure at a pressure above atmospheric pressure comprising a means (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) for introducing a local area of reduced pressure within the oil. Preferably the local area of reduced pressure result in the gas dissolved in the oil evolving from the oil. This enables gas to be evolved from the oil without needing to reduce the pressure of the entire volume of oil which the gas is to be evolved from. The evolved gas and remaining oil occupy a greater volume than did the gas containing oil and consequently the pressure in the vessel will increase. This will allow the gas to be drawn off while the overall pressure of the container (10, 20) is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: David Morgan
  • Publication number: 20110308391
    Abstract: Described herein are a method and apparatus for analyzing a gas sample that is conveyed in a drilling fluid, and a method and apparatus for liberating gases from drilling fluid. The gas sample contains one or more of methane, ethane, propane, and butane; optionally, the gas sample may also contain pentane. The gas sample is first liberated from the drilling fluid, following which it is irradiated with infrared radiation in the near-infrared range. Absorption spectra resulting from absorption of the infrared radiation by the one or more of methane, ethane, propane and butane is simultaneously detected. From the absorption spectra, the composition of the gas sample can be determined. The composition includes a concentration of any one or more of the methane, ethane, propane and butane. Linearity of absorption is increased by using relatively short wavelength infrared radiation centred on, for example, about 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: PASON SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Jason Alexander DeGreeve, Sean William Lyons Unrau, Marceau Ernest van Beurden, Ryan Henricus van Beurden
  • Publication number: 20110303090
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids. In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbon is removed from water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Bret Hettinger Wolz, John Mayer Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8075778
    Abstract: A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid may include prewetting with the first fluid at least one channel defined by a separation device, the at least one channel thereby containing a column of the first fluid along its length. A combined flow of the first fluid and the second fluid may be presented to the separation device, so that the at least one channel is in fluid communication with the combined flow. Fluid pressure may be applied across the combined flow and the separation device, but the applied pressure should not exceed the capillary pressure in the at least one channel. Otherwise, the combined flow may be forced through the separation device. In this manner, the first fluid flows through the at least one channel, and the second fluid is excluded from the at least one channel, thereby separating at least a portion of the first fluid from the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Axel Guenther, Klavs F. Jensen, Manish Jhunjhunwala, Martin A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8070141
    Abstract: A fluid inlet device (1) suitable for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a vessel, which fluid inlet device comprises a guide member having a surface on which surface a liquid film is present during normal operation, and having a main direction of gas flow along the surface; and wherein the guide member (20) is provided with a liquid catcher channel (40) extending from an upstream position with respect to the guide member (20) to a downstream position, and wherein a virtual line along the guide member between the upstream position and the downstream position deviates from the main direction of gas flow; the use of the fluid inlet device for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a gas-liquid contacting vessel; and a method of retrofitting a fluid inlet device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Hendrik Adriaan Kooijman, Johannes Lambertus Nooijen
  • Publication number: 20110245750
    Abstract: A vessel for removing bubbles from a fluid is provided. The vessel includes a fluid inlet port for receiving the fluid and a bubble outlet for removing bubbles in the fluid from the vessel. One or more ultrasonic transducers transmit one or more ultrasonic beams through the received fluid to move bubbles in the fluid towards the bubble outlet. A fluid outlet port outputs the fluid insonified by the one or more ultrasonic beams. A conduit structure conveys the one or more ultrasonic beams through the vessel in a first direction towards the air outlet. An interface prevents reflection of one or more ultrasonic beams in a direction generally opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: John E Lynch, Christopher S. Domack, Bill B. Hefner, JR.
  • Patent number: 8025716
    Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes a fluid disposable configured to hold and transport a medical fluid and an air separation chamber in fluid communication with the fluid disposable. The air separation chamber includes at least one fluid baffle floating within the air separation chamber and configured to separate air from medical fluid traveling through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Michael R. Prisco, Atif M. Yardimci, Serhan Acikgoz, James C. Laird, Shincy J. Maliekkal, Justin B. Rohde
  • Patent number: 8025718
    Abstract: A fluid inlet device (1) suitable for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a vessel (5), which fluid inlet device (1) comprises an inlet flow channel having an inlet end (12) for receiving the mixture of liquid and gas; and a plurality of curved guiding vanes (20), wherein each vane (20) comprises an intercepting part (22) extending towards the inlet end of the inlet flow channel, and an outwardly directed deflecting part (25) defining a generally convex side and a generally concave side of the curved vane, wherein the deflecting parts (25) of two consecutive vanes form an outlet channel of the inlet device and define a main direction of gas flow in the outlet channel, and wherein at least one of the vanes (25) is provided with a liquid catcher (40) oblique to the gas flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Hendrik Adriaan Kooijman
  • Patent number: 8016206
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for automobile having a heater core capable of heating the interior in good efficiency is to be provided. Such a heater core is supplied with the coolant having bubbles removed, and thereby the efficiency of heat exchange is enhanced and the noise is reduced. On the internal combustion engine is mounted a water outlet (bubble separating means) 3 having a receiving chamber 8 that the coolant after cooling the engine flows in. In the downstream position of the chamber 8 is formed a communicating portion 9 of narrowed sectional area and a feeding chamber 10 of increased sectional area in turn. The flowing velocity of the coolant is increased in the communicating portion 9 and decreased in the feeding chamber 10 and thereby it is possible to make bubbles in the coolant float up and separate out. As a result, the coolant without bubbles may be fed to the heater core 7 through a feeding portion 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Ito, Takayoshi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 7988864
    Abstract: A process and a device implementing the process, for separating fluids in emulsion and/or in solution, and/or for low pressure distillation, in particular of water and/or gaseous hydrocarbons dissolved in crude petroleum, and/or for separation of crude petroleum droplets emulsified in water, to obtain water with necessary characteristics for its injection without pollution of underground aquifers, and/or when the mixture is dominant in crude petroleum, acceleration of settling of the water in the lower part of the mixture, and/or for low pressure distillation of crude petroleum. The method creates a localized zone of reduced pressure on part of the free surface of a liquid to be processed, within a closed processing tank, without the overall pressure inside the closed processing tank being affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Partex Services Portugal-Servicos Para A Industria Petrolifera, S.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Jose Silva Valente
  • Publication number: 20110168017
    Abstract: Method and device for degassing a liquid of a substantially closed liquid circulation system at a working pressure. The method comprises passing at least a partial flow of the liquid through a restriction into a chamber in which a degassing pressure is maintained, the degassing pressure being higher than atmospheric pressure and lower than the working pressure, separating gas withdrawn from the partial flow of liquid from the partial flow, removing the gas from the chamber, and pumping the degassed partial flow of the liquid back into the substantially closed circulation system. The restriction comprises a nozzle, and the step of passing at least the partial flow of the liquid through the restriction into the chamber comprises spraying at least the partial flow of the liquid through the nozzle into the chamber for obtaining a jet and/or mist of the liquid in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: SPIRO ENTERPRISES B.V.
    Inventor: A. Lamers
  • Patent number: 7947121
    Abstract: A method for receiving fluid from a natural gas pipeline, the fluid comprising gaseous hydrocarbons, liquid hydrocarbons, water and optionally solids, the method comprising: (a) in a slug catcher (10), receiving the fluid comprising gaseous hydrocarbons, liquid hydrocarbons, water and optionally solids from at least one pipeline (20a, 20b, 20c) (b) in the slug catcher (10), separating at least a portion of the gaseous hydrocarbons from the rest of the fluid to leave a liquid mixture or a liquid/solid mixture; (c) directing at least a portion of the liquid mixture or liquid/solid mixture to a separation vessel (14), preferably a three-phase separation vessel; and (d) in the event of a surge of liquids and optionally solids to the slug catcher (10), directing at least a portion of the liquid mixture or the liquid/solid mixture from the slug catcher (10) to a surge vessel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eduard Coenraad Bras, Cornelis Buijs, Jill Hui Chiun Chieng, Robert Klein Nagelvoort
  • Patent number: 7942955
    Abstract: The static devolatilisation apparatus serves to treat a liquid (7) containing polymers for the purpose of polymer devolatilisation. Volatile components are separated from the polymers in that the liquid standing under pressure is expanded in at least one phase separation chamber (2) in the upper regions of the container (10). A discharge pump (3) for the devolatilised polymer is located at the base of a sump region. An extraction line (4) for gases (8) is located in the upper region. The separation chamber includes an inlet (20) for the liquid to be treated, lower openings (210) for polymer discharge and at least a single upper opening (220) for gas discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Felix A Streiff
  • Patent number: 7918924
    Abstract: A 3-dimensional air bubble trapping apparatus includes a plurality of chambers, each having an inflow and outflow channel at both ends, and which traps air bubbles in a material introduced through the inflow channel, wherein the chambers are divided into a previous chamber and a next chamber based on a moving direction of the material in the chamber, and wherein the outflow channel of the previous chamber is connected to the inflow channel of the next chamber, and wherein a face perpendicular to an outflow direction of the material in the outflow channel of the previous chamber is not disposed parallel with a face perpendicular to the outflow direction of the material in the outflow channel of the next chamber, whereby air bubbles in the material are trapped without being affected by an angle defined by a gravity direction and vibration of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun Joo Lee, Soo Suk Lee, Soo Hyung Choi
  • Patent number: 7901492
    Abstract: A device in connection with a pipe separator. The pipe separator comprising an extended tubular body (1) with a diameter that is principally the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe (3) of the pipe separator. A gas manifold (2) is arranged in connection with the inlet pipe. The manifold (2) includes a number of vertical degassing pipes (7), which are connected to the supply pipe (3) immediately ahead of the inlet to the separator and which end in an overlying, preferably slightly inclined gas collection pipe (6). The manifold is designed so that the gas will be diverted up through the vertical degassing pipes and collected in the gas collection pipe (6) for return to the outlet pipe after the separator or transported onwards to a gas tank or gas processing plant or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Per Eivind Gramme, Gunnar Hannibal Lie
  • Publication number: 20110048065
    Abstract: A liquid coolant flow straightener is provided for use with a cooling system to at least partially straighten flow of liquid coolant, promoting de-aeration of the liquid coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Cody L. Petersen, Richard C. Broessel
  • Patent number: 7892325
    Abstract: A process for controlled conversion of at least two gases which form ignitable and/or explosive mixtures with one another, in which the gases are absorbed either separately or together in a carrier liquid which is inert in relation to the gases; the carrier liquid with the absorbed gases is fed to a degasser which comprises a closed degassing vessel (2) which comprises at least one feed line for the gas-laden carrier liquid (1) and at least one gas outlet (3) at its upper end, and also one or more drains for the carrier liquid below the feed line for the carrier liquid and in each case connected to a drain pipe (4), and in such a manner that the liquid flow rate in the degassing vessel (2) is less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Christ Water Technology AG
    Inventors: Thomas Menzel, Grigorios Kolios, Monique Bissen, Jürgen Johann
  • Patent number: 7887621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device which comprises a channel (1) carrying a flowable medium. The due operation and/or maintenance of the device is associated with the formation of inclusions (3) inside the channel (1) of a fluid or gas distinct from the aforementioned medium. The channel (1) is configured in such a manner that the inclusions are moved towards a channel exit (4) by capillary forces. The invention also relates to a method for removing inclusions (3) from corresponding devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.
    Inventors: Peter Koltay, Christian Litterst, Steffen Eccarius
  • Patent number: 7878231
    Abstract: The piping with a coolant inlet is provided with a partition wall within a body part. In the body part, a flow path having a U-turn region changing the flow direction of a coolant by about 180° degrees is defined. Much of the air contained in the coolant returning from a communicating hole to the body part floats up in a region leading to the U-turn region and is released from an inlet to the outside. By using this configuration, it is possible to provide a piping with a coolant inlet having a structure capable of efficiently releasing the air generated in a coolant circulation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Akiyama, Tomohiro Oono
  • Publication number: 20100264095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the controlled application of ultrasonic energy for conditioning of mixtures of gas and liquids by evolving and/or agglomerating gas bubbles existing with or in a liquid or for coalescing droplets of liquid dispersed in another liquid. The invention in preferred embodiments thereof comprises a coalescing apparatus for increasing the droplet size of a mixture formed as a liquid dispersed in another liquid, and a de-gassing apparatus arranged to evolve and/or agglomerate gaseous bubbles in a gas/liquid mixture. In the apparatuses, ultrasonic transducers are used to impart vibrational energy to the mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: David HADFIELD, Alastair SINKER, Ian Charles SMYTH
  • Patent number: 7806955
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separation system and a method thereof are disclosed. The said system comprises a gas-liquid separation conduit and a drain pipe. The drain pipe is curled and one side of the drain pipe connects to the gas-liquid separation conduit and the other side connects to a sewage pipe. According to the U-Tube principle, the gas and the liquid which both are exhausted by a machinery can be separated in the said system and therefore the said system can prevent related processes causing exhaust piping jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Inotera Memories, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia Chun Wang, Fei Chih Yang
  • Patent number: 7785400
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating natural gas from production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas is provided for. The separator comprises a vessel having an interior surface defining a spherical interior space. The interior space allows a production stream introduced therein to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allow separation of the natural gas from the sand and water components. The separator also comprises a stream inlet port in the vessel, a liquid drain in the lower end of the vessel, and a gas outlet port at the upper end of the vessel remote from the stream inlet port. A baffle is mounted in the interior of the vessel in the path of the production stream between the stream inlet port and the gas outlet port. The baffle is effective to spread and direct a high pressure production stream introduced into the interior space via the stream inlet port downward toward the liquid drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Sand Separators LLC
    Inventors: Emmett Ronald Worley, Shirley Royce Green
  • Patent number: 7771522
    Abstract: A slug flow separator facilitates the separation of a mixture flow into component parts. The separator includes an upper-tier elongate conduit, a lower-tier elongate conduit and a plurality of spaced apart connectors. Each of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an outlet and at least one of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an inlet for receiving the mixture flow. The upper and lower-tier elongate conduits also each have a plurality of openings such that one connector of the plurality of connectors may interconnect one of the upper-tier elongate conduit openings with a one of the lower-tier elongate conduit openings. The connectors enable communication of at least one of a liquid component and the at least one of another liquid component and a gas component of the mixture flow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jose Oscar Esparza, George John Zabaras
  • Patent number: 7771516
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing ozone remaining in water by separating residual ozone which remains in water after ozone is mixed in the water and kills microorganisms in the water including the steps of storing water containing the residual ozone in a pressure tank, supplying the pressure tank with compressed air, generating coarse bubbles larger than the residual ozone existing in water in the form of micro bubbles in pressurized condition, making the residual ozone in the form of micro bubbles adhere to the coarse bubbles, separating the residual ozone from water as the coarse bubbles go up, and discharging the micro bubbles from the pressure tank. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of removing ozone remaining in water to remove ozone remaining in water inexpensively and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Ueki, Masahiro Saito
  • Patent number: 7771515
    Abstract: A method for treating an aqueous effluent comprising at least one dissolved gaseous compound, by partially separating said compound from said effluent, in order to obtain a treated aqueous phase. In the method, an upflow liquid column of the aqueous effluent is established by injecting and distributing into said column, at the bottom, a gas phase less rich in said compound than the aqueous effluent, for example air or oxygen, said gas phase being distributed in the column in the form of bubbles where the volume increases upward. A mixed liquid/gas stream is obtained at the top. The mixed liquid/gas stream is then separated into a liquid stream constituting the treated aqueous phase, and an offgas stream enriched with said gaseous compound, where the mixed liquid/gas stream is later separated under vacuum by establishing a gas headspace between the liquid stream and the gas stream, and by aspirating the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignees: Institut National des Sciences Appliquees, Institut Francais de Recherche Pour 'Exploitation de la Mer Ifremer
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Champagne, Robert Morel, Francois Rene, Gilles Lemarie
  • Publication number: 20100180769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsea installation for treatment of hydrocarbons from a subsea well, having a pipe system comprising a first manifold (2) connected to at least one well (1) and at least two first pipe segments (3) with an inlet connected to the manifold (2) and where the first pipe segments (3) comprise at least two outlets, where the first manifold (2) and the first pipe segments (3) are arranged in a first plane and where one of the outlets from the first pipe segments leads to a second manifold (7). According to the invention a second of the outlets from the first pipe segments (3) leads to at least two second pipe segments (9) arranged in a second plane and where at least one of the outlets forms an inlet to the second pipe segments (9), where the second pipe segments (9) comprise at least one outlet leading to a third manifold (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS
    Inventors: Jens Grenstad, Marit Mork, Odd Marius Rosvold, Magnus Bernt
  • Publication number: 20100178236
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the collection of liquid sulfur with integrated degassing are described, wherein the system and methods include the use of one or more liquid jet pumps or eductors employing a pumped liquid sulfur recycle stream as motive fluid to boost sulfur rundown pressure. The new invention eliminates piping constraints inherent with conventional gravity flow, thus permitting location of the sulfur collection vessel above ground and remote from the sulfur recovery unit. In addition, the described methods provide entrainment and enough agitation in the liquid sulfur such that simultaneously degassing occurs within the sulfur collection piping and associated systems described herein. The instant systems and methods are integrated with the degassing system, meaning that the sulfur will be initially degassed during the collection process, and then further degassing occurs by the methods described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: WORLEYPARSONS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Mahin Rameshni, Stephen L. Santo
  • Publication number: 20100124676
    Abstract: A system and method for managing gas bubbles in a liquid flow system are described. In particular, according to the system and method, novel techniques reduce a volume of cavities in the liquid flow system and limit a cross-sectional area of the liquid flow system to a maximum cross-sectional area of tolerably sized bubbles. In this manner, by reducing the cavity volumes and limiting cross-sectional areas, the formation of intolerably sized bubbles and the aggregation of tolerably sized bubbles into intolerably sized bubbles are each substantially prevented. Also, bubbles may be removed from the system to reduce the quantity of bubbles that are to be managed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: John E. Meschter, James K. Prueitt, Paul Bishop, Robert Miller, Karen Thatcher, Bryan Grygus, Michael Chen, Zhigang Qi
  • Patent number: 7651621
    Abstract: Systems and methods to degas fluids are described herein. A fluid degassing treatment system may include a reservoir and/or one or more fluid treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: VRTX Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Kelsey, Qiwei Wang
  • Patent number: 7645330
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separation apparatus includes a container and a separating pipe located in the container. The container includes an annular wall and two lids covering two ends of the wall. The container has a cavity surrounded by the wall and the two lids. An inlet extends through one lid and an outlet extends through the other lid. The separating pipe is disposed in the cavity of the container and in communication with the inlet and the outlet of the container. A plurality of apertures is defined in a body of the separating pipe and in communication with a space inside the separating pipe and the cavity of the container. The liquid with gas dissolved therein enters into the separating pipe via the inlet of the container. The liquid is degassed by the separating pipe. The de-gassed liquid exits the separating pipe via the outlet of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Tien Lai, Zhi-Yong Zhou, Qiao-Li Ding
  • Patent number: 7637990
    Abstract: An air vent apparatus for a water tube, comprising: an air separator pipe installed to have an axial direction along a vertical direction, and connected to a portion, where an air reservoir tends to occur, of the water tube for passage of water; and air vent means for venting air accumulating in the air separator pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanabe, Yasuhiro Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7615103
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for removing bubbles from a process liquid. The process liquid can comprise a plating solution used in a plating tool. The process liquid is supplied to a tank. A plurality of streams of the process liquid are directed towards a surface of the process liquid from below. This can be done by feeding the process liquid to a flow distributor comprising a plurality of openings providing flow communication between an inner volume of the flow distributor and a main volume of the tank. Before leaving the tank through an outlet, the process liquid flows through a flow barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Helge Hartz, Markus Nopper, Axel Preusse
  • Patent number: 7594801
    Abstract: The amount of chemical liquids dispensed by a chemical liquid supply apparatus is stabilized and dispensing accuracy is remarkably improved. A pump discharges a liquid accommodated in a liquid tank. A filter is connected to the pump through a pump outlet flow path to which a pump discharge-side valve for opening/closing the flow path is provided. A dispensing nozzle (liquid dispense portion) is connected to the filter through a liquid discharge flow path to which a discharge valve for opening/closing the flow path is provided. A vacuum source communicates with the filter through an exhaust flow path to which a deaeration valve for opening/closing the flow path is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Seiichiro Udagawa
  • Publication number: 20090199708
    Abstract: Apparatus (20) for removing gas bubbles from a liquid to be infused to a patient wherein a gas trap (42) is located at the upper end of a vertical column (38, 40, 40a) having a lower inlet (44) and an upper outlet (56). A bracket (39) supports the column above the patient, and a bubble-separator (46, 39a, 47, 66, 63), positioned between the inlet and the outlet, causes gas bubbles to move toward the column axis as they rise so that they are captured in the gas trap (42). Liquid to be de-gasified is supplied from a vertical level above the column outlet and is delivered through the side outlet (56) to the patient below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Ehud MILO, Simcha MILO
  • Patent number: 7559978
    Abstract: A system for gas-liquid separation in electrolysis processes is provided. The system includes a first compartment having a liquid carrier including a first gas therein and a second compartment having the liquid carrier including a second gas therein. The system also includes a gas-liquid separator fluidically coupled to the first and second compartments for separating the liquid carrier from the first and second gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik, David Brandon Whitt
  • Patent number: 7540902
    Abstract: A slug flow separator facilitates the separation of a mixture flow into component parts. The separator includes an upper-tier elongate conduit, a lower-tier elongate conduit and a plurality of spaced apart connectors. Each of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an outlet and at least one of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an inlet for receiving the mixture flow. The upper and lower-tier elongate conduits also each have a plurality of openings such that one connector of the plurality of connectors may interconnect one of the upper-tier elongate conduit openings with a one of the lower-tier elongate conduit openings. The connectors enable communication of at least one of a liquid component and the at least one of another liquid component and a gas component of the mixture flow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jose Oscar Esparza, George John Zabaras
  • Patent number: 7540905
    Abstract: A deaerating and degassing system for a power plant condenser, comprising a condensate collector and optionally an air cooler, whereby the deaerating and degassing system includes a suction aggregate and a suction line for a steam-inert gas mixture and the suction line connects the condenser or, in case an air cooler is present, the air cooler of the condenser, to the suction aggregate. In the suction line, there is a direct-contact condensation device, for example, a packing column or a tray contact apparatus, through which the steam-inert gas mixture can flow in direct contact in a countercurrent to the chilled condensate from the condensate collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Francisco Leonardo Blangetti, Hartwig E. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7510321
    Abstract: A cavitation system for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes a hydraulically actuated driver coupled to the cavitation chamber. A cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulic piston, forms the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implodes the cavities during piston extension. Preferably the cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber which is preferably connected to the cavitation chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber, the coupling sleeve housing at least a portion of the cavitation piston drive rod. Preferably the coupling sleeve can be evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20090045140
    Abstract: Versions of the invention include methods for reducing microbubbles in liquids treated by heat or mass exchange devices. The exchange devices may be conditioned by having gases in crevices and surfaces displaced by a liquid. The methods can be used to prepare liquids with reduced numbers of microbubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph Zahka, Aiwen Wu
  • Patent number: 7452408
    Abstract: A system for producing bubble free liquid includes a continuous liquid source and a de-bubbling chamber. The de-bubbling chamber includes an outlet and an inlet. The inlet coupled to an outlet of the continuous liquid source by a supply pipe. The de-bubbling chamber also includes at least one port in a sidewall of the de-bubbling chamber. The at least one port being at least a length L from the inlet of the de-bubbling chamber. A method for producing bubble free liquid is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Farber, Carl Woods
  • Patent number: 7448792
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is partially withdrawn and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. Once the chamber is isolated, the hydraulic piston is further withdrawn in order to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7404666
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The method uses a cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulically actuated piston, to form the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implode the cavities during piston extension. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber. In-line valves on the chamber inlets allow the chamber to be isolated, when desired, from the circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7387502
    Abstract: A pumping apparatus for pumping a liquid from a source to a target including a motor, a first pump driven by the motor, a second pump driven by the motor and a separator in fluid communication with the first and second pump for separating a liquid received from a source into a gaseous component and a liquid component. The separator further diverts the gaseous component to the first pump and the liquid component to the second pump, wherein the first pump pumps the gaseous component back to the source and the second pump pumps the liquid component to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Fluid Metering, Inc.
    Inventors: David Rawlings, Harry E. Pinkerton, III