With Control Means Responsive To Sensed Condition Patents (Class 96/156)
  • Publication number: 20100218682
    Abstract: An oil separating device is provided with a first and a second separator element that are arranged parallel to one another and are positioned in a separate first and a second flow path, respectively. The oil/air stream to be cleaned is alternatingly introduced into the first flow path with the first separator element or into the second flow path provided with the second separator element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Hammerschick
  • Publication number: 20100202949
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biomass dryer/burner having an air cleaning apparatus adapted to accept emissions from the biomass dryer/burner and to convert said emissions to clean air to meet government emission standards. The biomass dryer/burner unit includes a dryer adapted to dry biomass, such as demolition waste or cut trees. The biomass dryer/burner unit optionally including a burner adapted to burn biomass. The biomass dryer/burner further producing emissions requiring cleaning before exhausting to the atmosphere. The air cleaning apparatus including a spray scrubber fluidly connected to the biomass dryer/burner adapted to moisten emissions, a recirculation tank in fluid communication with a collection tank, and the recirculation tank further having a sensor adapted to measure contaminant levels contained within the recirculation air filtration system. The sensor contained within the recirculation tank measures levels of carbon monoxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Valente
  • Publication number: 20100197213
    Abstract: In order to provide a method of introducing auxiliary material into the flow path of a crude gas stream charged with wet-paint overspray before the crude gas stream passes through at least one filter element for separating the overspray from the crude gas stream, with which method an introduction of auxiliary material into the application region of a paint shop is reliably prevented even in the event of incorrect operation, a method is proposed, which comprises the following method steps: detecting whether there is an adequate crude gas flow through the at least one filter element; and blocking the introduction of auxiliary material into the flow path of the crude gas stream if it is determined that there is not an adequate crude gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: DURR SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Holzheimer, Dietmar Wieland
  • Publication number: 20100132550
    Abstract: An air filtration system is described for removing oil and grease entrained in air extracted from the region above a cooker. The system comprises a first mesh screen filter leading to a first chamber, in which two nozzles 10 create two separate continuous water curtains 15a, 15b which overlap when viewed in the direction of the air flow to form a combined curtain extending across the region through which the air passes. The extracted air then passes via a second mesh screen filter 11 into a second chamber 12, identical to the first chamber 9, in which two further nozzles 13 are provided which create two further water curtains 15c, 15d. The water curtains 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d cool and condense vaporized oil and grease within the air, which condensed oil and grease droplets fall with the water into a container. The main bore of each nozzle is of circular cross-section, but a profiled plate causes the resulting water curtain to have a width which is narrow relative to the diameter of the nozzle bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: SIDELAND ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventors: Neil Antony Verner, Philip John Prosser
  • Patent number: 7727316
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a process fluid. The system includes a modular arrangement that includes ten modules for; reducing the amount of dissolved and entrained hydrogen sulfide gas in the process fluid; monitoring the pH of the process fluid; storing the process fluid; reducing an amount of oil from the process fluid; and flocculating the process fluid; measuring the amount of oil in the process fluid; providing ventilation supply air to at least one of the modules; removing hydrogen sulfide gas from a sour gas; delivering gases to a burner system; and controlling the processes of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frank Mueller, Michael A. Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Publication number: 20100101424
    Abstract: In a spin-chuck with plural collector levels, a separate exhaust controller is provided for each level. This permits selectively varying gas flow conditions among the collector levels, so that the ambient pressure at one level does not adversely affect device performance in an adjacent level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: KARL-HEINZ HOHENWARTER
  • Publication number: 20100083696
    Abstract: A method for treating a gas mixture containing acid gases is provided, comprising: contacting the gas mixture with an absorbing solution, by means of which a de-acidified gas mixture and an absorbing solution loaded with acid gases may be obtained; and regenerating the absorbing solution loaded with acid gases; wherein the regeneration comprises the following steps: passing the absorbing solution into a first regenerator at a first pressure; and then passing the absorbing solution into a second regenerator at a second pressure, less than the first pressure; and compressing the gases from the second regenerator and recycling the thereby compressed gases to the first regenerator, subsequent to passing into the second regenerator, passing the absorbing solution into a third regenerator at a third pressure less than the second pressure; and compressing the gases from the third regenerator and recycling the thereby compressed gases to the second regenerator; and wherein at least a portion of the gases from the
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: TOTAL S.A.
    Inventors: Viep Hoang-Dinh, Damien Roquet, Kenza Habchi-Tounsi, Olivier Chazelas, Claire Weiss
  • Patent number: 7678235
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification. The systems have a preheater, a degasser, an evaporation chamber, a demister, and a control system, wherein the control system permits operation of the purification system through repeated cycles without requiring user intervention or cleaning. The system is capable of removing, from a contaminated water sample, a plurality of contaminant types including: microbiological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, volatile organics, and non-volatile organics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sylvan Source, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Deep, Eugene Thiers, Douglas Michael Thom
  • Patent number: 7635410
    Abstract: A photo-resist dispensing apparatus is disclosed and comprises; a tank adapted to hold a photo-resist solution, a pump unit adapted to pump the photo-resist solution from the tank, a filter unit adapted to receive the photo-resist solution from the pump unit, and at least one of a first gas discharge unit connected to the tank and adapted to remove gas bubbles from the photo-resist solution held in the tank, and a second gas discharge unit connected to the filter unit and adapted to remove gas bubbles from the photo-resist solution in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Jun Park, Suk-Fill Yun
  • Publication number: 20090119827
    Abstract: In combination with a toilet tank of a toilet in a bathroom, the improvement comprising a dehumidifier having a predetermined shape for one of being wall mounted or disposed on a top of such toilet tank. A humidity sensor is disposed one of on and in the dehumidifier for sensing humidity in such bathroom. A tray member is disposed one of on and in the dehumidifier for collecting water removed from air by such dehumidifier. A flexible member is engageable on a first end thereof with the tray member for removing and transporting such water collected by the dehumidifier and for disposing such water into the toilet tank. There is, also, a power member engageable with the dehumidifier and the humidity sensor for providing electrical power to such apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Richard M. Sokolowski
  • Publication number: 20090101006
    Abstract: A water deaerating system and method are provided. The first end of an open-ended conduit is placed beneath the surface of a body of oxygen-rich water. The conduit extends into a housing and where the second end of the conduit resides at a location in the housing that is above the surface of the body of oxygen-rich water. A vacuum is applied to a spatial region defined within the housing above the location of the second end of the conduit. The oxygen-rich water is pumped through the conduit and exits the second end of the conduit to enter the spatial region of the housing. The oxygen-rich water descends through the housing due to gravity. The oxygen-rich water's descension is interrupted and the vacuum operates to remove oxygen from the oxygen-rich water so-descending to generate oxygen-depleted water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Claude R. Thompson, William M. Lechler, Neil F. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20090038478
    Abstract: “An anti-foaming degassing device for use in fuel dispensing equipment, particularly in biofuel dispensing equipment” An anti-foaming degassing device for use in fuel dispensing equipment, having: a circulating pump (1) for the fuel, a vortex degassing enclosure (2) connected to the outlet of the pump (1) and provided with a lateral outlet pipe (8) for the degassed fuel and with an axial outlet pipe (9) for a gas-enriched fraction of fuel, a separating vessel (3) connected to the axial outlet pipe (9) in which the liquid fuel is separated by gravity before being transferred back to the pump (1), and control means (20) making it possible to vary the flow rate of the fraction collected by the axial outlet pipe (9) according to its gas content. The axial outlet pipe (9) opens in the lower part of the separating vessel (3), into the gravity-separated liquid fuel, in such a way as to prevent the formation of foam in this vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: TOKHEIM HOLDING BV
    Inventor: Franck Christian Bizien
  • Patent number: 7481867
    Abstract: A vacuum system for extracting a stream of a multi-phase fluid from a photolithography tool comprises a pumping arrangement for drawing the fluid from the tool, and an extraction tank located upstream from the pumping arrangement for separating the fluid drawn from the tool into gas and liquid phases. The pumping arrangement comprises a first pump for extracting gas from the tank, and a second pump for extracting liquid from the tank. In order to minimize any pressure fluctuations transmitted from the vacuum system back to the fluid within the tool, a pressure control system maintains a substantially constant pressure in the tank by regulating the amounts of liquid and gas within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Edwards Limited
    Inventors: Andrew John Harpham, Paul John Shechter, Paul Alan Stockman
  • Patent number: 7402192
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method characterised in that it consists in: determining online at least an ultraviolet spectrum portion of at least one of the compounds present in one or the other of the waste water feeding circuits (7, 13) or of the column (8) waste water output (16); qualitatively and quantitatively determining, by mathematical processing of the measured intensity levels, at least a contaminant present in the samples; on the basis of the results obtained and by comparing with pre-defined setpoint values, in restoring said data in the form of electric signals, which control the waste water supply and the stripping column water vapour flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Total Fina Elf France
    Inventors: Jean-François Buisson, Frédéric Pouly
  • Patent number: 7347945
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an installation for separating out an effluent made up of a multi-phase fluid mixture. According to the invention, said installation includes gravity separator means whose geometrical separation characteristics can be adjusted during said separation operation. According to the invention, the method makes it possible to adjust the geometrical separation characteristics of the separator as a function of how the multi-phase composition of the effluent varies over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jul Amado, Baptiste Germond, Pierre Le Foll
  • Patent number: 7332018
    Abstract: The deaerator for liquid, comprises: a flow path in which the liquid flows; a pressure reducing deaerating device which removes dissolved gas contained in the liquid inside the flow path by reducing pressure of a deaerating section surrounding at least a portion of the flow path; and a variation device which varies a length of the flow path inside the deaerating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 7329312
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying water containing dissolved gas comprising a flowmeter for measuring a flowrate of pure or ultra-pure water and a mechanism for controlling a flowrate, a means for adjusting an amount of water which adjusts an amount of the pure or ultra-pure water supplied to the apparatus for dissolving a gas, a tank which receives the water containing dissolved gas in an excessive amount which is not used at a point of use, a piping system through which the water containing dissolved gas glows from the tank towards the point of use and the water containing dissolved gas in an excessive amount returns to the tank, a piping system for supplying the water containing dissolved gas to the tank, and a controlling means for adjusting an amount of water based on a water level in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Junichi Ida, Kazumi Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20080028930
    Abstract: An automated system for processing a liquid test sample is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Brooks Rand LLC
    Inventor: Paul Danilchik
  • Patent number: 7326282
    Abstract: The control device for a separator includes: a drainage pump powered by a first electric motor and an aspiration pump powered by a second electric motor. It further includes: sensor elements of known type for detecting operating parameters of the separator, such as pressure of liquid in outlet, ambient temperature, motor temperature, and for providing command signals which are proportional to the operating parameters and which command the inverters which upon receiving the command signals modify a frequency of the electrical supply current to the first electric motor and to the second electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cattani S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ennio Cattani
  • Publication number: 20080006578
    Abstract: A method for controlling pervaporation through a membrane includes assessing the vapor pressure of each component material of a mobile phase disposed on a retentate side of the membrane, and maintaining a designed environment on a permeate side of the membrane. The environment maintained on the permeate side of the membrane contains partial pressures of selected component materials of the mobile phase at a level substantially equal to or greater than the respective vapor pressures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Jonathan Thompson, Yuri Gerner
  • Patent number: 7288202
    Abstract: A separator and method according to which substances having relatively high densities are separated from a pressurized flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: William C. Maier
  • Patent number: 7282081
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improve aeration system. The aeration system of the present invention more efficiently removes contaminates, such as hydrogen sulfide, from water. The increased efficiency is achieved by adjusting the pH level of the water in between sequential mass transfer media stages within the aerator. The present invention also relates to an aeration system wherein the forced or induced air is used to strip contaminants from the processed water is reutilized by one or more aeration towers connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: John A. Verscharen
  • Patent number: 7172157
    Abstract: A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter, air separation module, and turbocharger are provided in a modular unit sized to provide a variable flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach and turbocharged engine bleed air is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Shaw Aero Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7172156
    Abstract: A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter, air separation module, and turbocharger are provided in a modular unit sized to provide a variable flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach and turbocharged engine bleed air is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Shaw Aero Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7144442
    Abstract: A degassing device capable of regulating an amount of air dissolved in a liquid. A device for measuring amounts of dissolved oxygen measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in one of a coating liquid which has yet to be degassed, and is to be fed to a film degassing device, and a coating liquid which has been degassed and discharged from the film degassing device. Based on measured results, a control unit regulates the degree of opening of a vacuum valve so as to change the degree of degassing performed by the film degassing device, thereby suppressing fluctuations in an amount of oxygen dissolved in the coating liquid. A load never constantly acts on the film all the time, the film life can accordingly be extended, thus resulting in reductions in running costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7048231
    Abstract: A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter, air separation module, and turbocharger are provided in a modular unit sized to provide a variable flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach and turbocharged engine bleed air is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Shaw Aero Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip E. Jones
  • Publication number: 20040221719
    Abstract: The invention is targeted at the process of separating gas, such as air, from a liquid path. Specifically, the invention provides a means to remove gas from a dynamic liquid path, manage the removed gas and liquid path. The invention provides a means to remove gas from a dynamic liquid path using the buoyant property of gas in a less buoyant liquid, having ingress and egress ports for liquid and gas flow, and separate points of egress for liquid and trapped gas and integral liquid channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: ORGAN RECOVERY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David Walter Wright, Jeffrey C. Garland
  • Patent number: 6802892
    Abstract: An apparatus for condition of an organic fluid for subsequent us in a medical procedure includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system is provided for transporting an organic fluid charge from a source to the cabinet and a container is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the container. An output system is coupled to the container and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The receiver, which may be a syringe, includes a sensor to detect when gas bubbles have been eliminated from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Vasogen Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Duncan Arthur Newman, Paul George Andrew Moore, Taras Worona
  • Patent number: 6790256
    Abstract: A system for monitoring gas carry-under of a formation fluid exiting a gas separator by measuring a parameter of interest of the formation fluid exiting the gas separator is disclosed. The parameter of interest that can be correlated with the extent of gas entrained in the formation fluid exiting the separator can be the density of the formation fluid, or an absorbance spectrum of the formation fluid. A correlation of the measurement of the parameter of interest with a level of gas carry-under is made and a signal is transmitted to a device to control the supply of at least one additive to control the gas carry-under.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: C. Mitch Means
  • Patent number: 6790367
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids-within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a predetermined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Northland Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Schmigel, David Speed, Peter Stefureak
  • Publication number: 20040163541
    Abstract: A degassing device capable of regulating an amount of air dissolved in a liquid. A device for measuring amounts of dissolved oxygen measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in one of a coating liquid which has yet to be degassed, and is to be fed to a film degassing device, and a coating liquid which has been degassed and discharged from the film degassing device. Based on measured results, a control unit regulates the degree of opening of a vacuum valve so as to change the degree of degassing performed by the film degassing device, thereby suppressing fluctuations in an amount of oxygen dissolved in the coating liquid. A load never constantly acts on the film all the time, the film life can accordingly be extended, thus resulting in reductions in running costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6740139
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an automated system for transporting and deoxygenating a solution. The system is designed to: 1) transport a solution through a deoxygenating device 2) continuously monitor the oxygen content of the deoxygenated solution 3) collect the solution in a reservoir and automatically maintain solution level 4) automatically dispense the solution as requested and 5) perform automated solution prepare, startup, and shutdown operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Todd Aldridge Russell, Milos Sidlo, Robert Donlon
  • Publication number: 20040083885
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method characterised in that it consists in: determining online at least an ultraviolet spectrum portion of at least one of the compounds present in one or the other of the waste water feeding circuits (7, 13) or of the column (8) waste water output (16); qualitatively and quantitatively determining, by mathematical processing of the measured intensity levels, at least a contaminant present in the samples; on the basis of the results obtained and by comparing with pre-defined setpoint values, in restoring said data in the form of electric signals, which control the waste water supply and the stripping column water vapour flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Buisson, Frederic Pouly
  • Publication number: 20030227819
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a control system and a method for the continuous mixing of slurry while removing entrained bubbles. The control system for continuous mixing of slurry with removal of entrained bubbles comprises a powder and fluid rate control, wherein the powder and fluid rate control is coupled to a mixer through a powder feeder and a liquid pump. A fluid level control is coupled to the mixer and a surge tank, and a flow rate control is coupled to the surge tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Mobius Technologies, Inc., a California Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Donald Villwock, Joseph Richard Cochran, Bryan Louis Martel
  • Patent number: 6630013
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for deaeration of treatment agents applied to webs of paper and board, having an inlet manifold (3), an accept-fraction manifold (4), and a reject-fraction manifold (5). For deaeration the assembly uses a plurality of air separator units (12) connected to the manifolds so as to allow admission of the treatment agent to the air separator units (12) from the inlet manifold (3) and discharge of the accept and reject fractions formed in the air separator units (12) respectively to the accept-fraction and reject-fraction manifolds (4, 5). A cut-off valve (18) is mounted on at least the inlet manifold (3), between two parallel-operating air separator units (12), so as to permit cutting off the flow through the manifold (3) at this location of the cut-off valve, dividing the plural air separator units (12) by the cut-off valve (18) into two groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Metso PaperChem Oy
    Inventors: Martti Myrttinen, Ilkka Roitto
  • Publication number: 20030051602
    Abstract: A system for monitoring gas carry-under of a formation fluid exiting a gas separator by measuring a parameter of interest of the formation fluid exiting the gas separator is disclosed. The parameter of interest that can be correlated with the extent of gas entrained in the formation fluid exiting the separator can be the density of the formation fluid, or an absorbance spectrum of the formation fluid. A correlation of the measurement of the parameter of interest with a level of gas carry-under is made and a signal is transmitted to a device to control the supply of at least one additive to control the gas carry-under.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: C. Mitch Means
  • Publication number: 20030029317
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an automated system for transporting and deoxygenating a solution. The system is designed to: 1) transport a solution through a deoxygenating device 2) continuously monitor the oxygen content of the deoxygenated solution 3) collect the solution in a reservoir and automatically maintain solution level 4) automatically dispense the solution as requested and 5) perform automated solution prepare, startup, and shutdown operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Todd Aldridge Russell, Milos Sidlo, Robert Donlon
  • Publication number: 20030010204
    Abstract: A method of controlling occurrence of severe slugging in a riser (6) of a pipeline arrangement (2) comprising a riser base (8) and pipeline (4) conveying a multiphase fluid system in which the gas phase may be natural gas. The upper end of riser (6) is connected to a separator vessel (10) wherein the gas phase of the multiphase fluid system is separated from the liquid phase so that the separated gas leaves through gas outlet pipe (12) controlled by a valve (14), and the liquid leaves through an outlet pipe (16) controlled by valve (18). The valve (14) regulates the velocity of gas along the pipeline towards the riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Peter David Molyneux, John Paul Kinvig
  • Patent number: 6491828
    Abstract: A contaminated aqueous composition is withdrawn from a groundwater extraction well and the groundwater is treated in a pump and treat system to remove a contaminant. The treating of the aqueous composition is monitored from a location remote from the groundwater extraction well and the treating is adjusted to remove a contaminant in accordance with the monitoring. A system to treat a contaminated aqueous composition comprises a capture zone to intercept a contaminated aqueous composition and a surface pump and treat system to receive and treat the contaminated aqueous composition from the capture zone. The system also includes a sensor that senses a contaminant in the contaminated aqueous composition and a monitor to receive information concerning the contaminant from the sensor and to consequently control the pump and treat system to treat the contaminated aqueous composition. The monitor is situated at a location remote from the pump and treat system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Sivavec, Patricia Denise Mackenzie, Sunita Singh Baghel, Joseph James Salvo
  • Patent number: 6461414
    Abstract: A system for monitoring foaming or carry over, at a well site, of a formation fluid by taking a sample of the gas exiting from a high-pressure separator and either measuring the density of the sample or measuring the amount of oil particles present. A correlation of the density or optical density with a level of foaming is made and a signal is transmitted to a device to control the supply of at least one additive to control the foaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kristopher T. Kohl, Christopher Gallagher, C. Mitch Means
  • Patent number: 6454835
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for separating the liquid and non-liquid components of a foamy mixture. The apparatus comprises a filter through which the liquid portion of the foam can pass and through which the gaseous or air component cannot pass, unless a pressure differential across the filter exceeds the bubble point of the filter. Foam is supplied to a first side of the filter. The liquid component of the foam is removed from the second side of the filter, and the gaseous component of the foam from the first side of the filter. A pressure differential is established between the two sides of the filter to cause the liquid component of the foam to pass through the filter; but the pressure differential across the filter is prevented from exceeding the bubble point of the filter to prevent the gaseous component of the foam from passing through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Scitex Digital Printing, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Baumer
  • Patent number: 6451210
    Abstract: In a method for treating a contaminated fluid stream, a characteristic of a flow of the composition to a carbon adsorption zone is sensed. The sensing is remotely monitored to determine a treatment for the contaminated fluid stream. The contaminated fluid stream is then treated according to the monitoring. A system for treating a contaminated fluid stream comprises a sensor that senses a characteristic of a flow of a contaminated fluid stream prior to treatment and a monitor to receive information concerning the characteristic from the sensor and to consequently control the carbon adsorption zone to treat the contaminated fluid stream. The monitor is situated at a location remote from the carbon adsorption zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Sivavec, Patricia Denise Mackenzie, Joseph James Salvo, Sunita Singh Baghel
  • Patent number: 6447579
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Jens Pannenborg
  • Patent number: 6423124
    Abstract: The device for regulating a flow rate of an air-liquid centrifuge separator includes a gas outlet pipe, an outlet pipe for separated liquids and an inlet pipe through which a fluid to be separated enters the separator. The device includes a by-pass pipe, arranged between the liquid outlet pipe and the fluid inlet pipe, which removes liquid from the liquid outlet pipe and transfers it to the fluid inlet pipe when a pressure of the liquid in the liquid outlet pipe exceeds a predetermined level. The device is particularly useful in separators for dental aspiration plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Cattani S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ennio Cattani
  • Patent number: 6368068
    Abstract: A system for controlling one or more borehole pumps includes a receiver/separator tank. The receiver/separator tank includes a body having a sealable top cap, an electronics panel, a separator housing, a separator cap that divides the electronics panel from the separator housing, and an inlet base at a second end of the body and dimensioned to maintain entry pipes in appropriate positions. The tank further includes a fluid outlet pipe; a gas pipe; a safety line; a supply line; an exhaust line; a propellant line; a fluid return line; and a spiral diffuser. The spiral diffuser is connected to the fluid return line to disperse fluid received through the return line at an angle to separate gas contained in the fluid. Pressure from the fluid causes the spiral diffuser to spin within the separator housing, and thus, separating gas contained within the fluid from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventors: Edward A. Corlew, Henry B. Steen, III, John W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020011151
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for an apparatus used for deaeration of treatment agents applied to webs of paper and board, the assembly comprising at least one inlet manifold (3), at least one accept-fraction manifold (4), and at least one reject-fraction manifold (5) with associated framework structures; also a method is disclosed for operating the assembly. For deaeration the assembly uses a plurality of air separator units (12) connected to the manifolds so as to allow admission of the treatment agent to the air separator units (12) from the inlet manifold (3) and discharge of the accept and reject fractions formed in the air separator units (12) respectively to the accept-fraction and reject-fraction manifolds (4, 5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Valmet-Raisio Oy
    Inventors: Martti Myrttinen, Ilkka Roitto
  • Patent number: 6336959
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for feeding solution from a container with high accuracy. An embodiment of the apparatus is provided as a container hermetically containing a solution is made of a high polymer that permits the container to change its shape in accordance with the amount of its content. The container is removably connected to a tube for forming an isolated conduit extending from the container via a pump to the destination to which the solution is fed. The isolated conduit is provided with a gas-liquid separation tank for separating gas from the solution and a gas trap section communicating with the gas-liquid separation tank. The gas-liquid separation tank and the gas trap section are located between the container and the pump, and the gas trap section has a variable volume. Further, a desired number of isolated conduits may extend via respective pumps to the destination to which the solution is fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Chugai Photo Chemical Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hisao Kamo
  • Publication number: 20010054356
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for conditioning a organic fluid for subsequent use in a medical procedure. The apparatus includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system is provided for transporting a organic fluid charge from a source to the cabinet and a container is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the container. An output system is coupled to the container and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus includes an automated control system operable upon closing the door to lock the door and to then condition the charge, and to then cause the charge to move from the container to the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Duncan Arthur Newman, Paul George Andrew Moore, Taras Worona
  • Patent number: 6299672
    Abstract: A technique is described for producing fluids from a series of wells. Production fluids from production wells are raised from the wells and deposited in a separation unit. The production fluids typically include both liquid and gas phase components. The separation unit utilizes a plurality of separation stages to separate the gas and liquid phase components in the production fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Camco International, Inc.
    Inventor: Olegario Rivas
  • Patent number: 6290760
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating dissolved gasses from a fluid to produce de-aerated fluid which includes a fluid pump, a gas separator, and a vacuum pump for removing liberated dissolved gasses from the gas separator. In one particular embodiment, a unified pump/meter unit is used to both pump fluid, as well as volumetrically measure the amount of de-aerated fluid pumped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Taivalkoski, Harald Görres