Centrifugal Force Patents (Class 95/261)
  • Patent number: 8366809
    Abstract: An example deaerator assembly includes a deaerating member disposed within a housing. The deaerating member includes an apertured stem extending from a pedestal. The apertured stem is configured to communicate air away from a mixture of air and coolant when the mixture of air and coolant is communicated about the apertured stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Rollins, Melissa A. Bell
  • Patent number: 8366802
    Abstract: The cyclone is for separating gas from a gas laden liquid stream by pressure reduction of the liquid stream. The cyclone has a cylindrical casing, having a tangentially directed inlet arrangement for the gas laden liquid stream, a lower outlet line for liquid and an upper outlet line for vapor and gas. The inlet arrangement is connected to a common supply source (BLPR), and has at least two insertion pipes. The flow in at least one of these insertion pipes is controlled by at least one valve that depends upon an order of flow from the common supply source to maintain a flow velocity above a critical value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Metso Paper Sweden AB
    Inventor: Krister Olsson
  • Patent number: 8361208
    Abstract: A separator with a helix assembly and methods for fabricating the helix assembly. In some embodiments, the helix assembly includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20130001170
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating a multiphase fluid stream that includes a heavier fluid component and a lighter fluid component. The fluid flows along a first helical flowpath with a first pitch. The first helical flowpath is sufficiently long to establish a stabilised rotating fluid flow pattern for the stream. The uniform rotating fluid also flows along a second helical flowpath, the second helical flowpath having a second pitch greater than the first pitch. The lighter fluid is removed from a radially inner region of the second helical flowpath. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for the separation of oil droplets from water, especially from water for reinjection into a subterranean formation as part of an oil and gas production operation. The method and apparatus are conveniently applied on a modular basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Publication number: 20120325090
    Abstract: The present invention has as an object to render a photochromic coating layer free from air bubbles and obtain a uniform layer without film thickness unevenness in the coating layer. In the prevent invention, entrained air in a coating fluid stored in a vessel of a coating unit comprising the vessel, a check valve for preventing back-flow of the coating fluid connected to the vessel, and optionally an ejection nozzle connected to the check valve; air existing inside of the check valve; and optionally air existing inside of the ejection nozzle are removed by plugging an outlet of the coating fluid existing downstream of the check valve and then rotating the coating unit on an axis of the vessel and orbiting the coating unit on a revolution axis simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Naoto TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 8333825
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating multi-phase fluids, comprising a cyclonic separator (40) having an inlet (42) for multi-phase fluids, a cyclonic separation chamber, a first outlet (44) for relatively high density fluids and a second outlet (46) for relatively low density fluids, and a secondary separator (52) comprising a separation vessel in which fluids are separated primarily by gravity, a first inlet (96) connected to receive the relatively high density fluids, a second inlet (94) connected to receive the relatively low density fluids, a first outlet (54) in the upper part of the vessel for a separated gas phase and a second outlet (56) in the lower part of the separation vessel for a separated liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Caltec Limited
    Inventors: Mahmood Mir Sarshar, Ali Najam Miraz Beg, Raja Kishore Nalukurthy
  • Patent number: 8333828
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to degassing and cleaning of hydrocarbon fuel. Degassing of hydrocarbon fuel is a way to remove the dissolved gases which aid in the oxidation of the fuel as well as the removal of sulfur, water and other particulate matter through radial cavitation. This process allows for both improvements in efficiency as well as decrease in emissions of standard fuel and the re-refining of fuels which have broken down. University of Idaho did a study on the breakdown of diesel fuel and found out that 26% of the efficiency is lost by the 28th day after fuel processing. In one embodiment, the fuel is subjected to fluid-shear forces and cavitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Labs LLC
    Inventor: Joseph L. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 8317904
    Abstract: A sand separation system includes a first separator (2) that is constructed and arranged to receive a first mixture of gas, sand and liquid, and separate gas at least partially from the first mixture to leave a second mixture of sand and liquid. A second separator (22) comprising a uniaxial cyclonic separator is constructed and arranged to receive the second mixture and separate liquid at least partially from the second mixture to leave a third mixture of sand and liquid. A third separator (34) comprising a gravity separator is constructed and arranged to receive the third mixture and separate liquid at least partially from the third mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Caltec Limited
    Inventors: Mir Mahmood Sarshar, Mirza Najam Ali Beg, Carl Wordsworth
  • Patent number: 8313565
    Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating fluids comprises an inlet chamber (6) having means for inducing fluids flowing through the chamber to swirl around an axis, a cyclonic separation chamber (10) connected to receive fluids from the inlet chamber, and an outlet chamber (8) connected to receive fluids from the cyclonic separation chamber. The outlet chamber (8) has a tangential outlet (22) for relatively dense fluids and an axial outlet (24) for less dense fluids. The separation chamber is elongate and has a length L and an inlet diameter D, where L/D is in the range 1 to 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Caltec Limited
    Inventors: Mahmood Mir Sarshar, Ali Najam Miraz Beg, Carl Wordsworth
  • Publication number: 20120211230
    Abstract: A method for separating a multi-phase fluid, the fluid comprising a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, the method comprising: introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multi-phase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region; wherein fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region; and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Karl Gregory Anderson, Raul Jasso Garcia, SR., Raghunath Gopal Menon, Sandeep Patni, Moye Wicks, III, Patrick Gitau Mahinda, Rajneesh Varma
  • Patent number: 8231714
    Abstract: A combined machine for pumping and separating into two distinct and purified phases a two-phase liquid/gas mixture or fluid, is provided. A first stage of the combined machine is equipped with an intake for the two-phase fluid, in which the two-phase fluid is sucked, pumped and partially separated into two distinct phases. One phase is mainly liquid and the other phase is mainly gaseous. A second stage of the combined machine includes two zones, which includes a first zone and a second zone. In the first zone, the mainly liquid phase extracted from the first stage is degassed. In the second zone, the mainly gaseous phase extracted from the first stage is dried. In a third stage of the combined machine, the degassed liquid is forced back and pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Techspace Aero S.A.
    Inventors: Albert Cornet, Nicolas Raimarckers
  • Publication number: 20120186450
    Abstract: A de-aerator dampener separator includes a separator with a vortex chamber having at least one vortex chamber entry port. The de-aerator dampener separator further includes a column assembly with a column entry port in fluid communication with the vortex chamber exit port. The de-aerator dampener separator further includes a baffle within the column assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Neil Schexnaider
  • Patent number: 8226742
    Abstract: A liquid/gas separator device for separating the liquid and gaseous phases of a fluid, the device having first and second vertically-disposed elongate reservoirs. The first reservoir has a first bottom orifice connected to an arrival pipe for the fluid that includes a pressure-lowering device, at least one first top orifice, and a plurality of first intermediate orifices. The first reservoir is connected to a plurality of second reservoirs via a plurality of first transfer pipes, and via at least one second transfer pipe. Each of second reservoirs has a second top orifice connected to a common gas discharge pipe, and a second bottom orifice connected to a common degassed fluid discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Saipem S.A.
    Inventors: Stéphanie Abrand, Marc Bonnissel, Roberto Di Silvestro, Raymond Hallot
  • Publication number: 20120180661
    Abstract: A compact inertial gas-liquid separator including: a stratification mechanism including a first horizontal pipe and a second pipe having a larger diameter possibly slightly tilted with respect to the horizontal, for example of ?10°, connected to each other by a suitable connection gate; a cylindrical body with a vertical development, on which the stratification mechanism is tangentially inserted, wherein the inertial gas-liquid separation is performed, in whose upper part an arrangement of finishing elements can be optionally inserted for further separation of drops of liquid entrapped in the gaseous stream; two outlets for the liquid stream and for the gaseous stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Di Berardo, Paolo Andreussi, Alberto Ansiati
  • Publication number: 20120103189
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density. The device comprises an inlet for the medium mixture to be separated, which connects to first separating means for separating the flowing mixture in at least a first and a second fraction, and that connect to first and second outlet means for discharging the first and second fractions. The device further comprises a feedback loop comprising second separating means between the second outlet means and the inlet means of the first separating means. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density, using the claimed device. The device and method allow to obtain a more selective separation, particularly in purifying natural gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ROMICO HOLD A.V.V.
    Inventors: Reinoud Hoijtink, Melissa Hoijtink, Josef Johannes Hubertus Brouwers
  • Patent number: 8163243
    Abstract: The system that operates in a zero gravity environment and has an integral ozone generating capability is disclosed. The system contributes to the control of metabolic water vapors in the air, and also provided disinfection of any resulting condensate within the system, as well as disinfection of the air stream that flows throughout the disclosed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Burke
  • Publication number: 20120090467
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separation system comprising a flow inlet (16). The separation system comprises a swirl valve (100), arranged to receive and control the flux of a fluid flow via the flow inlet (16) and to generate a swirling flow, swirling about a central axis (11). The separation system further comprises a separation chamber (40) positioned downstream with respect of the swirl valve (100) to receive the swirling flow from the swirl valve (100), wherein the separation chamber (40) comprises a first and second flow outlet (41, 42). The first flow outlet (41) is positioned to receive an inner portion of the swirling flow and the second outlet (42) is positioned to receive an outer portion of the swirling flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: TWISTER B.V.
    Inventors: Marco Betting, Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink
  • Patent number: 8105422
    Abstract: The invention is a method and cyclonic separator for degassing a fluid mixture comprising a carrier liquid and gaseous or vaporizable components. In this method, the fluid mixture is accelerated in a throat section of a vortex tube such that the static pressure of the fluid mixture is decreased and vaporizable components evaporate into a gaseous phase and the fluid mixture flows as a substantially homogeneously dispersed gas-liquid mixture through the throat section; the accelerated fluid mixture is induced to swirl within a tubular mid section of the vortex tube such that the fluid mixture is separated by centrifugal forces into a degassed liquid fraction and a gas enriched fraction; the degassed liquid fraction is induced to flow into an annular liquid outlet conduit; and the gas enriched fraction is induced to flow into a central gas outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Marco Betting, Bart Prast, Helmar Van Santen, Cornelius Johannes Schellekens, Paulus Henricus Joannes Verbeek, Peter Mervyn Wilkinson
  • 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: 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: 8025713
    Abstract: An adjustable type guide vortex gas-liquid separating apparatus is provided, it comprises a case, a vortex flow guide spiral pipe, a mist eliminator, an adjusting valve and a ? ray phase volume fraction meter. Its separating method is to make the oil-gas-water multiphase flow move in vortex, and thus to realize the gas-liquid separation, then to measure the gas content of the separated liquid phase by using the ? ray phase volume fraction meter and to send out control information as judged by the magnitude of the gas content in the liquid phase, so as to control the opening of the adjusting valve of the gas circuit, thus to achieve adjustment of the gas-liquid separation effects, and to control the gas content of the liquid phase to a certain range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Haimo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianwen Dou, Jinsong Wan, Ligang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8016920
    Abstract: A riser-based slug control system and a method of controlling slugging in a fluid flowing through a riser are provided. The system includes a gas-liquid separation separator that has a housing defining an internal volume. An inclined inlet is connected to the housing and configured to receive a flow of multiphase fluid and direct the flow of fluid into the housing so that the fluid flows spirally in the volume and separates, with gas from the fluid collecting in an upper portion of the volume and liquid from the fluid collecting in a lower portion of the volume. A tubular passage, which extends at least partially through the internal volume of the housing, defines a plurality of orifices. The tubular passage is configured to receive liquid from the lower portion of the volume and gas from upper portion of the volume, and deliver the mixture of the combined liquid and gas through an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Gene E. Kouba, Shoubo Wang
  • Patent number: 8002878
    Abstract: A method and cyclonic separator are disclosed for degassing a fluid mixture comprising a carrier liquid and one or more gaseous and/or vaporizable components, wherein: —the fluid mixture is accelerated in a throat section (6) of a vortex tube (1) such that the static pressure of the fluid mixture is decreased and vaporizable components evaporate into a gaseous phase; —the accelerated fluid mixture is induced to swirl within the vortex tube such that the fluid mixture is separated by centrifugal forces into a degassed liquid fraction and a gas enriched fraction; —the degassed liquid fraction is induced to flow into a liquid outlet conduit (4) which is located at or near the outer circumference of the vortex tube (1); and—the gas enriched fraction is induced to flow into a gas outlet conduit (3) which is located at or near a central axis of the vortex tube (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Marco Betting, Gerhardus Willem Colenbrander, Michael Alvin Curole, Theodorus Cornelis Klaver, Eric Johannes Puik
  • Patent number: 7998251
    Abstract: A vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and preferably a filter unit with an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator. In preferred embodiments, the separator includes a removable filter unit cartridge positioned within the outer cone and a helix isolator to respectively make use of the separator more convenient to use and more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick, Derek Vaughan, Thao Hoang, Michael Funk
  • Patent number: 7998250
    Abstract: A multiple vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick, Derek Vaughan, Thao Hoang, Michael Funk
  • Patent number: 7993425
    Abstract: The present invention provides a free vortex air-oil separator that may be used in systems for separating oil from air oil mixtures. The free vortex air-oil separator comprises a free vortex chamber having a first chamber wall, a second chamber wall located axially aft from the first chamber wall and a rim located in a radially outer region from an axis of rotation, a plurality of vent holes in the rim and a cavity formed by the first and second chamber walls, and the rim, wherein a free vortex is created when there is a flow into the cavity through the plurality of vent holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bala Corattiyil, Duane Howard Anstead, Mark Eden Zentgraf, Stephen Anthony Wilton, Ramon Themudo, Gary Paul Moscarino, Kenneth Lee Fisher
  • Patent number: 7988772
    Abstract: An air/oil separator includes a housing having an inlet for aerated oil or hydraulic fluid and outlets for the separated air and oil or fluid. The housing is generally cylindrical and defines an upper, inlet portion, a center, separator portion and a lower collector portion. The upper, inlet portion of the housing includes a first, tangential inlet passageway which merges with a second, spiral or circular passageway. The spiral or circular passageway communicates with the cyclonic separator portion which may be either cylindrical or frusto-conical. A coaxial outlet in the upper, inlet portion allows separated air to return to the engine or transmission housing while an outlet in the lower, collector portion returns oil or hydraulic fluid to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Pete R Garcia
  • Patent number: 7988768
    Abstract: A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining at least one valve chamber, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber, the air separation chamber when in an operating position including an inner surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and configured to cause a dialysis fluid to spiral around the inner surface toward the fluid outlet, such that air is removed from the dialysis fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Atif M. Yardimci, James C. Laird
  • Patent number: 7955421
    Abstract: A degasser having a flapper opening including a hinge. The hinge may permit purging of any liquids and solids without regular human intervention. There may be a fixed opening at the base of the degasser, such that there is a constant emptying from the bottom of the tank. The separation of gas from liquid may be involved in applications pertaining to pulping and oxygen delignification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson Bradford Hunt, Jerry M. Floyd
  • Patent number: 7947100
    Abstract: A compact suction and separation device is shown and described. The suction and separation device includes a pump and a separator. The pump includes a vertically oriented rotary vane pump comprising a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet. The separator includes a collector configured to receive combinations of solids, liquids and air. The separator separates solids and/or liquids from the air. Air from the separator is routed from an air discharge into the suction inlet of the pump. Solids and/or liquids are drained from a liquids/solids discharge of the separator. The separator may be gravity-based or centrifuge-type separator driven by the pump motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Gast Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Thomas, Christopher Lee Blackburn, Troy Smits
  • Patent number: 7947122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency of gas removal wherein gas-enriched process liquid (2) is introduced tangentially into a vertical essentially cylindrical vessel (1) and thereafter removed at the bottom of the vessel. By means of centrifugal force gas (2d) is brought to enrich in a part (2a, 2b) of the liquid (2). This part (2a) of liquid (2) having an enriched gas content (2c) is redirected to at least one vertical means (7) arranged centrally in the vessel (1), and separately removed therefrom. The present invention also relates to a de-gassing arrangement in an arrangement including at least one vertical essentially cylindrical vessel (1). Said vessel (1) includes at least one tangentially arranged inlet (4) for gas-enriched liquid and at least one discharge (6) for de-gassed liquid, which discharge is arranged at the lower portion of the vessel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Pom Technology Oy AB
    Inventor: Paul Olof Meinander
  • Patent number: 7935179
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for exhausting gas from a coating material. The coating material is fed in the bottom part area of a drum (3) rotating around an essentially vertical axis inside a vacuum tank (1), whereby the rotating motion of the drum causes the coating material to rise up the inner wall of the drum and to discharge from the upper edge of the drum as a thin film against the inner wall of a vacuum tank, wherefrom the coating material flows downwards. The coating material is arranged to rise up the wall of the drum stepwise, so that the coating material will form a thin veil-like film on at least two different step levels (10-12), whereupon the gas bubbles in the coating material will break and be discharged from the coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Heikki Vatanen, Timo Nurmiainen, Jukka Koskinen, Ilpo Honkanen
  • Patent number: 7927302
    Abstract: A high flow rate infusion unit includes a heating unit with opposing, electrically-operated heating plates that contact a heat exchanger to heat infusate flowing therethrough. Pressure infusers on the infusion unit are operable to provide infusate at a high flow rate. A flat, elongate heat exchanger has a laminar fluid flow path receivable between the heating plates to which heat is conducted by contact with the heating plates. A bubble trap and a valve are disposed within the heat exchanger. The bubble trap collects bubbles and vents air from infusate exiting the fluid flow path, and the valve shuts off the flow of infusate if the volume of air in the bubble trap exceeds a predefined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Arizant Healthcare Inc.
    Inventors: Randall C. Arnold, Mark T. Bieberich, Melanie L. Hall, Gary L. Hansen, Andrew J. McGregor, Christopher A. Miller, Dirk Ahlgrim, Timothy R. Proulx
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110073812
    Abstract: A method and a device (1) for de-gassing a liquid-gas-mixture (3) is proposed. The method comprises: inserting the liquid-gas-mixture (3) into a chamber (5) wherein the chamber (5) is at a reduced gas pressure and arranging the liquid-gas-mixture (3) on a centre region (11) of a surface (13) of a rotating body (15) such that the liquid-gas-mixture (3) is subjected to a centrifugal force. Therein, the surface (13) of the rotating body (15) is adapted such that the liquid-gas-mixture (3) is spread over the surface (13) due to the centrifugal force and finally flows over a radially outward edge region (21) of the surface (13) of the rotating body (15). Due to the occurring centrifugal forces, even highly viscous or thixotropic liquids may be-spread over the rotating surface as a thin layer from which gas incorporated in the liquid can easily and effectively escape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Hans Negle
  • Publication number: 20110067568
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (1) for deaerating a feed liquid (3) comprising a liquid suspension or pulp, the apparatus comprising a feed conduit (2) to convey the feed liquid (3) into a separator (4), the separator (4) comprising a mechanical agitator (5) for inducing a rotational flow of the feed liquid in a separation chamber (6), such that the rotational flow generates a centrifugal vortex (15) to separate the feed liquid into a first component (7) consisting essentially of froth or gas and a second component (8) consisting essentially of deaerated liquid or sludge, the separator (4) further comprising a device (17) for controlling the location of the vortex (15) in the separation chamber (6). The invention also provides a method for deaerating a feed liquid (3) comprising a liquid suspension or pulp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Richard Triglavcanin, Ian Arbuthnot
  • Patent number: 7905946
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating a fluid are provided. The apparatus can include a separator and a collector having an internal volume defined at least in part by one or more surfaces narrowing toward a bottom portion of the volume. The separator can include an exit port oriented toward the bottom portion of the volume. The internal volume can receive a fluid expelled from the separator into a flow path in the collector and the flow path can include at least two directional transitions within the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Mark M. Weislogel, Evan A. Thomas, John C. Graf
  • Patent number: 7883570
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating components of a fluid containing liquid and gas comprises a housing having at least one elongate channel. Each channel has an inlet end, an outlet end and rounded walls enabling the fluid flowing through the channel to flow substantially free of turbulent flow. Each channel defines a spiral path through the housing and acts to separate the fluid flowing through the channel into a gas-depleted outer portion and a liquid-depleted inner portion. The apparatus includes a liquid outlet port for the gas-depleted outer portion and a gas outlet port for the liquid-depleted inner portion. The housing may include a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the inlet end of the channel. The mixing chamber may include a surface the fluid impacts against. The apparatus may include a chamber at the outlet end of the channel. The chamber may have a gas outlet port closer to the outlet end of the channel than the liquid outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Star Oil Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel Obrejanu
  • Patent number: 7879140
    Abstract: Coating material is fed into a vacuum container inside which are apparatus for separating gas from the coating material. The degassing apparatus (10) has two separate compartments (11, 12) so that degassing is carried out in two different stages by using a single apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Eero Kesti, Esa Forsten
  • Patent number: 7842123
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventors: Ehud Milo, Simcha Milo
  • Patent number: 7819953
    Abstract: The invention relates to air traps 13, particularly for chromatography systems, chromatography systems using such air traps and methods of using such chromatography systems, in which the air trap comprises a liquid inlet pipe 33, a liquid outlet pipe 35, a substantially cylindrical reservoir 25 between the inlet and outlet pipes 33, 35, and an air outlet opening, the air outlet opening being openable and closable by means of a valve, wherein the liquid inlet and outlet pipes 33, 35 connect to the reservoir 25 substantially tangentially to the reservoir wall 27, the inlet pipe 33 at a distance above the outlet pipe 35, arranged such that during use incoming liquid at a the maximum permitted flow rate travels a spiral path from the inlet pipe 33 to the outlet pipe 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventor: Urban Andersson
  • Patent number: 7803217
    Abstract: A bubble trap for separating and collecting air and bubbles from a high flow rate stream of infusate includes multiple flow chambers to collect air, a sensor support mounted to one of the chambers, an air vent disposed in one of the chambers, and a valve in fluid communication with the chambers to control the flow of infusate therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Arizant Healthcare, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall C. Arnold, Mark T. Bieberich, Gary L. Hansen, Andrew J. McGregor, Christopher A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7766081
    Abstract: A submersible well pump assembly has a gas separator that separates gas prior to entering into the pump. A shroud encloses a portion of the pump assembly, including the gas separator. The gas separator has gas discharge tubes that extend from it out through the shroud. The gas discharge tubes are tangentially aligned to create a vortex on the exterior of the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Donn J. Brown, Brown Lyle Wilson, Gary L. James
  • Publication number: 20100180767
    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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Robert L. Kelsey, Qiwei Wang
  • Patent number: 7757866
    Abstract: In an embodiment, axially-fed slurry can be continuously separated into clarified liquid, stripped gas, and thickened sludge in radial counterflow between counter-rotating coaxial centrifugal impellers. One impeller comprises an annular crossflow filter through which liquids are extracted. At the periphery of the impellers, where they are narrowly separated, the sludge is shear thickened into an extruded paste. Suspended solids in the feed pass over the surface of the rotating annular crossflow filter by the shear lift effect, and the vortex-wall interaction jets water radially inward from the periphery, dewatering the sludge. Evolved gases, oils, and fractions lighter than water flow radially inward to the impeller axis through radial vortices in a shear layer between the impellers, and are extracted through an axial exhaust conduit. Feed has long residence time so that separation is complete and continuous. Municipal wastewater, produced water, beverages, food, and scrubber sludge are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: McCutchen Co.
    Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
  • Patent number: 7753990
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for reducing entrained and dissolved gasses from a well fluid. The system includes a well fluid, at least one process tank into which the well fluid flows, wherein a first process tank comprises a weir arrangement over which the well fluid spills, a mechanical degasser coupled to the at least one process tank and configured to receive the well fluid, and an aeration device disposed in the at least one process tank that generates bubbles in the well fluid. The present invention also provides a method of reducing entrained and dissolved gases from a well fluid that includes flowing a well fluid into a process tank, exerting a centrifugal force on the well fluid, and generating bubbles in the well fluid in the process tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Publication number: 20100139490
    Abstract: A method and system for degassing a resin containing trapped gas bubbles is provided. A centrifugal chamber that is capable of being rotated retains the resin, and the rotation of the centrifugal chamber reduces the amount of trapped gas bubbles contained within the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Rebecca E. Hefner, Ronald R. Cairo
  • Patent number: 7713335
    Abstract: A device for separating gas from liquid includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid and gas. The inlet is positioned such that the flow of liquid and gas enters the housing in a direction substantially tangential to a circumference of an inner surface of the housing. The housing also includes a first outlet for discharging an at least partially gaseous flow from the housing and a second outlet for discharging an at least partially deaerated flow of liquid from the housing. The device also includes a gas separating element disposed inside the housing downstream from the inlet and upstream from the second outlet. The gas separating element forms at least one opening to permit liquid to pass and form the at least partially deaerated flow and to permit the at least partially gaseous flow to separate from the at least partially deaerated flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rhett Dakota Ringenberger, Jason Frederick Jackson, Catalin Mugurel Tiru
  • Patent number: 7704299
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a process fluid that includes assembling a modular system, flowing the process fluid through the modular system, the flowing the process fluid through the modular system including degassing the process fluid, neutralizing the process fluid, reducing an amount of one of the group consisting of entrained gases, oil and solids in the process fluid, monitoring and analyzing the process fluid for at least one of the group consisting of engrained gases, oil, and solids, and flowing the process fluid out of the modular system for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Frank Mueller, Michael A. Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Patent number: 7695548
    Abstract: A dual use fluid filtration tool to separate both solids and gas from a fluid. The fluid filtration tool is suspended from and connected to a downhole submersible pump having a motor which rotates a shaft. The tool includes a housing having a cylindrical wall with a plurality of perforations therethrough and an interior chamber therein. A removable cylindrical filter surrounds the interior chamber of the housing in order to filter solid particles. At least one centralizer bearing within the interior chamber of the housing centralizes the shaft which passes therethrough. The fluid in the interior chamber is radially induced in order to separate gas from fluid. The gas separated from the fluid is directed out of the chamber while the fluid remaining in the interior chamber is directed to the intake of the downhole pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Global Oilfield Services LLC
    Inventors: William A. Grubb, Carl G. Woodworth, Mark D. Fajt, Steve Smith