Baffle, Filter, Or Screen Patents (Class 96/189)
  • Publication number: 20110209622
    Abstract: Solutions for improving efficiency of a filter device for use with a machine requiring clean airflow are disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter device includes: a filter housing about an airflow inlet of the machine, wherein the filter housing comprises an air-permeable filter media configured to filter particles from multi-directional airflow moving through a substantial portion of the filter housing into the airflow inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen David Hiner, Michael T. Adams, Charles Edward Thomas Brake
  • Patent number: 7993426
    Abstract: In a moisture separator, a manifold that communicates with a steam inlet is disposed in a shell. A plurality of blowout outlets for steam is provided on a side of the manifold. A first support plate and a lower support frame are fixed to a lower part in the shell to compart a steam drift space and a drain path. A moisture separating element is provided corresponding to the manifold, and steam from which moisture is removed by the moisture separating element is heated by a group of heating tubes to flow as high-temperature reheat steam to the steam outlet. The moisture is led from the drain opening through the drain path to the drain outlet. A blocking plate blocks a part of the drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Issaku Fujita, Nobuki Uda, Jiro Kasahara
  • Patent number: 7981253
    Abstract: An improved de-entrainment device for use in distillation towers, especially vacuum distillation towers used for fractionating petroleum atmospheric resids is in the form of a baffle which is to be located in the portion of the tower below the feed zone and at the top of the flash zone. The baffle is in the form of an apertured plate above the stripping zone and in its preferred form comprises number of radial fins or blades, resembling a static fan with openings between the fins to permit vapors from the lower portions of the tower to pass upwards through the baffle with a minimal pressure drop. The fins of the baffle are preferably oriented at an angle between 30° and 60° away from the incoming feed so that the incoming feed stream skims over the top edges of the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Arun K. Sharma, Theodore Sideropoulos, Rutton D. Patel, Brian D. Albert, Alvin U. Chen
  • Patent number: 7981099
    Abstract: A high performance flatus gas filter assembly, and a body waste collection pouch with which it may be used, along with a method for making such an assembly, are disclosed. The assembly includes a filter pad having first and second layers of deodorizing filter media with an imperforate gas and odor barrier layer sandwiched therebetween for blocking the direct flow of gases between the opposing inner faces of the filter layers. An envelope of liquid and gas impermeable material defines a chamber for enclosing the pad. The envelope has walls with first and second openings communicating with central portions of the first and second filter layers, and defines a peripheral space about the pad to permit the outward flow of flatus gases from the peripheral edge surface of one of the filter layers inwardly into the peripheral edge surface of the other of the filter layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventor: Donncha R. Butler
  • Publication number: 20110154991
    Abstract: An air intake filter system for a gas turbine. The air intake filter system comprises a housing connectable with a gas turbine for fluid communication with the gas turbine. A frame is located within the housing. A filter assembly comprises a flange connectible with the frame to mount the filter assembly. The flange has a portion contained in a first plane that is adapted to extend in a substantially vertical direction when mounted in the frame. A filter portion is attached to the flange for filtering air therethrough that is communicated to the gas turbine. The filter portion includes filter media capable of separating moisture from air flowing through the filter portion. A moisture resistant first end is attached to the flange and filter portion. The first end has a portion contained in a second plane that extends at an acute angle relative to the first plane. The first end is adapted to form a drain surface to direct moisture away from the interior of the filter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Richard P. Steele, Stephen Cromwell
  • Patent number: 7892331
    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 a first sidewall and a second sidewall, a first fluid opening, a second fluid opening, and a separation wall extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, the separation wall having a free edge residing within the air separation chamber, the separation wall forcing the dialysis fluid to flow from one of the fluid openings around the free edge of the separation wall to the other of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Donald D. Busby, Michael E. Hogard, Michael R. Prisco, Atif M. Yardimci, James C. Laird
  • 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: 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: 20100199844
    Abstract: A compressed air-supply device for a utility vehicle includes a valve housing and an exchangeable air-drying cartridge. The air-drying cartridge has a filter device which cleans the air flowing from the valve housing into the air-drying cartridge. The filter device separates the pre-filter area facing the valve housing from the post-filter area that faces the air-drying cartridge and in which foreign particles captured by the filter device are collected. A non-return valve is provided parallel to the filter device, which prevents air flowing from the pre-filter area to the post-filter area but allows the air flow from the post-filter area to the pre-filter area. The non-return valve is arranged in the valve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard HILBERER
  • Publication number: 20100175558
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for enhancement of inlet air mass for processes by progressive filtration and intermediate cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Atul Raje, Singh Anand
  • Publication number: 20100170399
    Abstract: A wire mesh mist collector pad having multiple density zones, the zones being arranged other than to provide a constantly increasing density gradient, provides a reduced pressure drop and increased capacity. For example, the pad can include at least three zones with the zones arranged so that the density gradient in the direction of gas flow through the pad varies from low to high to low or from high to low to high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: ACS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Kantilal P. Patel
  • Publication number: 20100147148
    Abstract: A system for capturing carbon dioxide is provided including a feed line transporting an exhaust gas, a first separator, a first compressor, a first membrane, a first ejector, a second separator, a second compressor, and a carbon dioxide storage tank. The first membrane is configured to filter the exhaust gas into a retentate stream of exhaust gas and a permeate stream of exhaust gas. The permeate stream of exhaust gas includes a larger amount of carbon dioxide than the retentate stream. The first ejector is configured to compress the permeate stream. The second compressor is configured to further compress the exhaust gas received from the second separator. The carbon dioxide storage tank is configured to receive the exhaust gas from the second compressor. A second membrane can be on the retentate stream of the first membrane, where a second ejector is on the permeate side of the second membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Shahryar Rabiei
  • Publication number: 20100126479
    Abstract: An oil separating device for separating micron and sub-micron particles of oil from crankcase gases is provided. The oil separating device includes a housing having a first chamber in communication with a second chamber, and a narrow wave-shaped passage disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The narrow wave-shaped passage is defined by a first inner wall having a first undulating surface opposite and spaced apart from a second inner wall having a second undulating surface mirroring the first undulating surface. The narrow wave-shaped passage is disposed downstream of the first chamber and above the oil drain so as to allow oil particles in crankcase gases passing from the inlet to the outlet to accumulate on the first and second inner walls and assist gravity in forcing the accumulated oil through the narrow wave-shaped passage into the oil drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Tenghua Tom Shieh, Shohei Nomura
  • Publication number: 20100071560
    Abstract: A vane having a profile capable of formation by pultrusion is disclosed. The vane can be used for removing liquids entrained in a gas stream. The vane includes a main curved section oriented generally parallel to the gas stream and curved to reorient the gas stream, the main curved section causing a first and a second change of direction of the gas stream; a first air pocket formed on a first side of the main curved section, the first air pocket sized and oriented into the gas stream where the gas stream first changes direction; and a second air pocket formed on a second side of the main curved section, the second air pocket smaller than the first air pocket and sized and oriented into the gas stream where the gas stream makes the second direction change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Daniel, Dani Fadda
  • Publication number: 20100071554
    Abstract: A purification method comprises directing a system having a gas phase component and a contaminant through a filter including an aerogel material, e.g., hydrophobic silica-based aerogel particles. A filter for purifying a gas phase system comprises an aerogel material in an amount sufficient to remove at least a portion of a contaminant present in the gas phase system. In preferred examples, the filter is a fluidized bed. In further examples, the filter is a packed bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert Pfeffer, Jose A. Quevedo
  • Publication number: 20100018493
    Abstract: A device for separating oil includes a blow-by gas passage provided to a head cover to discharge blow-by gas introduced from an engine and a separator coupled to the blow-by gas passage to separate oil from the blow-by gas. The device for separating oil from blow-by gases can effectively separate oil from the blow-by gas. Since the blow-by gas passage for discharging the blow-by gas is provided to the head cover, a hose or a pipe is not required to carry the blow-by gas, and thereby the engine can be designed to be compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kye Oong SONG
  • Publication number: 20100005765
    Abstract: A grease filter has a filtering portion configured such that fumes enter a major face thereof and flow through a grease extraction filter therewithin in a direction parallel to the major face. A frame that fits into an opening of a hood defines a box structure that is configured to allow flow from the end (or ends) of the filtering portion where flow exits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: OY HALTON GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Pekka Kyllonen, Rick Bagwell, Darrin Beardslee, Andrey Livchak, Derek Schrock
  • Publication number: 20100000412
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid separator, particularly an oil separator for compressed air systems. The liquid separator comprises a housing (15), which can be detachably connected by means of a bayonet-type connector (11) to a counterpart (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Heikamp
  • Patent number: 7628837
    Abstract: An air filter element having an inner metal liner, an outer metal liner, a filter media, an annular end cap, and a composite end cap is provided. The annular end cap is formed over the metal liners such that the metal liners are secured and at least a portion of the filter media is sealed. The composite end cap has an annular plastic insert and a foamed urethane portion. The annular plastic insert is tapered upwardly from an outer insert periphery toward a central aperture. The foamed urethane portion is molded about the annular plastic insert such that the metal liners are secured, at least a portion of the filter media is sealed, and an annular groove is formed on an underside of the composite end cap. The annular groove has a plurality of transverse ribs therein. Urethane flashing occurs proximate the central aperture and/or the outer liner periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian T. Ehrenberg
  • Publication number: 20090293719
    Abstract: Systems and methods for achieving filtration are provided that utilize agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles. The agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles may be used as and/or incorporated into a HEPA filtration system to remove solid or liquid submicron-sized particles, e.g., MPPS, in an efficient and efficacious manner. The filtration systems and methods are provided that utilize agglomerates or granules in a size range of about 100-500 microns. The agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles exhibit a hierarchical fractal structure. In the case of agglomerates of nanoparticles, porosities of 0.9 or greater are generally employed, and for granules of nanoparticles, porosities that are smaller than 0.9 may be employed. Filter media formed from the agglomerates or granules may be formed from materials such as carbon black and fumed silica, and may be employed in baffled or non-baffled filtration apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Pfeffer, Rajesh Dave, Stanislav Dukhin, Jose A. Quevedo, Qun Yu
  • Publication number: 20090282985
    Abstract: A separator which includes a vessel with a horizontal section defining a horizontal chamber and a vertical section defining a vertical chamber. The vertical section extends upwardly from the horizontal section. A tubular member is positioned in the vertical section in such a way that the tubular member provides a fluid passage between the horizontal chamber and the vertical chamber and cooperates with the vertical section and the horizontal section to define a liquid receiving space. A deflector plate is spaced from the upper end of the tubular member in such a way that fluid passing up through the tubular member is deflected into the liquid receiving space and returned to the horizontal chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: James D. Whiteley
  • Patent number: 7578863
    Abstract: An oil/air separator in which a drainage line is connected to an outlet in the interior of a vessel, e.g., a pressure vessel, upon installation of the oil/air separator in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Becker, Carsten Schippers, Wolfgang Heikamp, Tobias Neumann, Jens Gutekunst
  • Publication number: 20090188391
    Abstract: A system and a method for solvent purification is provided. The system includes a solvent storage tank and a filter coupled to the tank for filtering out moisture from the solvent. The method includes providing a tank to hold the solvent being purified, providing a filter coupled to the tank, and repeatedly providing solvent from the tank to the filter, and filtering the solvent to remove moisture and returning the filtered solvent to the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Dmitry Vernik, Ron Hood
  • Publication number: 20090158934
    Abstract: A dehumidifier is provided. A dehumidifier includes a cabinet defining an outer appearance, a barrier installed in the cabinet to collect condensed water removed from air, a bucket assembly for storing the condensed water directed from the barrier, and a condensed water detecting unit for detecting an amount or level of the condensed water stored in the bucket assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Duck-Yong Jang, Chi-Wao Kim
  • Publication number: 20090158935
    Abstract: A dehumidifier is provided. The dehumidifier includes a cabinet defining an outer appearance of the dehumidifier and having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a filter assembly disposed in the cabinet and purifying air introduced through the air inlet, wherein the filter assembly comprises a filter frame and a filter case coupled to the filter frame by a hinge and being capable of pivoting frontward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Moon Shin Kim, Sang Youn Yoon
  • Publication number: 20090151570
    Abstract: A filter for removing liquid contaminants from a fluid stream. The filter includes a housing with an internal chamber and inlet and outlet ports. A sump with a drain port is located intermediate the inlet and outlet ports. Expanded aluminum filter media in bunched form is located in the chamber and can be inserted through the inlet port. A support disc supports the downstream end of the filter media at a predetermined axial location within the chamber, and has an aperture allowing contaminant-free gas flow downstream to the outlet port. The liquid contaminants and emission particles are separate by the filter media and agglomerate for collection in the sump and for draining through the drain port, while the support disc prevents the liquid contaminants from migrating downstream along the walls of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald G. Frazier, JR., David Tice
  • Publication number: 20090126575
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable apparatus for separating oil from blow-by gas in an engine. More particularly, the variable apparatus of the present invention is installed in a baffle compartment of a cylinder head cover of the engine, and includes a partition wall (10), a cover (20) and an elastic member (30) that elastically supports the cover (20), thus separating oil from blow-by gas generated in the engine. The variable apparatus having the above-mentioned construction actively responds to the flow speed of the blow-by gas, thus markedly enhancing the ability to separate oil from blow-by gas even when the engine is operating at high speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Young-Ki Son, Hee-Deog Kim
  • Publication number: 20090126574
    Abstract: A hygroscopic moisture separating and heating apparatus (20) comprises a main body container (1) having a cylindrical shape, a partition plate (5) provided to define a space together with an inner circumferential face of the main body container (1) and configured to divide the internal space of the main body container (1) into a lower temperature area (30) and a higher temperature area (31), a steam inlet (6) provided to the lower temperature area (30) of the main body container (1), a steam outlet (7) provided to the higher temperature area (31) of the main body container (1), a hygroscopic moisture separator (8) located in the lower temperature area (30) of the main body container (1), and a U-shaped pipe (2) through which heated steam for heating the steam to be heated is fed. The U-shaped pipe includes an advancing part (21), a retracting part (22), and a U-shaped part (23) connecting the advancing part (21) with the retracting part (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Shunji Kawano, Koichi Yoshimura, Takafumi Kamada, Tatsuya Okihara, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20090013873
    Abstract: A liquid separator for a respiratory gas sample analyzer includes a closed container having a liquid trap filter chamber integral with the container. The liquid trap filter chamber includes an inlet compartment and an outlet compartment. The inlet compartment is interposed between a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port and includes a gas permeable, liquid impermeable filter element for separating liquid from a gas sample, the liquid separated from the gas sample passing to a collection chamber. The outlet compartment includes a further gas permeable, liquid impermeable trap filter element which is interposed between the collection chamber and a low pressure port, for preventing the flow of liquid through the output compartment to the low pressure port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Michael T. Larsen, Leonid B. Soroka
  • Patent number: 7470363
    Abstract: Ultrasonic devices for preventing microbubbles and/or microparticles from reaching the brain during a PCI or cardiovascular surgery. Devices 27 and 77 are designed for implantation in the chest cavity and operate in combination with needle vents or other vent systems for removing diverted microbubbles. Systems 77 and 83 are designed for noninvasive employment. Devices 57 and 87 are particularly designed to prevent microbubbles from reaching the great origins of the carotid arteries and/or for diverting bubbles that might reach the vicinity and otherwise pass through. Improved devices 11 and 94 separate microbubbles from a flowing bloodstream and produce a cleansed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Neurosonix Ltd.
    Inventor: Simcha Milo
  • Patent number: 7461834
    Abstract: A waste liquid treatment system includes a heat retaining/storage tank section adapted to store waste liquid, retaining the temperature thereof, an atomization chamber section capable of gasifying waste liquid by atomization and/or thermal vaporization, a heating/decomposition chamber section whose internal temperature is held in a thermal decomposition temperature range good for thermally decomposing harmful chemical substances contained in the mist and/or vapor gas of waste liquid when the mist and/or vapor gas of waste liquid passes through the inside thereof, a rapid cooling section for rapidly cooling decomposed exhaust gas and a vacuum pump section for drawing mist and/or vapor gas of waste liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Limited Private Company Hoshimoto
    Inventors: Minoru Hoshino, Keiji Hokari, Tamotsu Hoshino, Yoshihiro Kyotani
  • Patent number: 7455707
    Abstract: A reverse flow air filter arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a filter element having first and second end caps, the second end cap having a central drainage aperture. A funnel shape on an interior surface of second end cap is used to direct moisture flow to the drainage aperture. The arrangement includes a housing in which the filter element is positioned, operatively, during use. Certain features in the housing facilitate moisture withdrawal from the filter element while also inhibiting interference with sealing between the filter element and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Francis Engel, Dolan Bartels, John Hacker, Bruce Crenshaw, Shirley A. Harold, Don Harold
  • Publication number: 20080264260
    Abstract: A droplet separator installation for gas washers, cooling towers etc. is described according to which a row of parallel droplet separator profiles is supported at a support construction by means of an intermediate construction. The intermediate construction serves for the support and the stabilization of the droplet separator profile row and for the support of a rinsing means for rinsing the droplet separator profile row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Detlef Weber
  • Publication number: 20080250927
    Abstract: A gasification system is disclosed having a combustion or reaction vessel, a scrubber housing, and a filter housing. A carbonaceous fuel is partially combusted in the reaction vessel to generate a combustible gas. An improved ash support and removal system reduces clogging and other problems in the reaction vessel. The combustible gas passes through the scrubber housing to remove matter such as tar and oil, and the scrubbed gas passes through a hybrid blower to the filter housing. Wood chips are used in the filter housing to provide a relatively clean, dry gas. Wastewater and other waste products from the scrubber housing and filter housing are captured and returned to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Jackie W. Rogers, Michael W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7424999
    Abstract: The invention is a high capacity and high efficiency co-current vapor-liquid contacting apparatus for use in distillation columns and other vapor-liquid contacting processes. The apparatus is characterized by an arrangement of modules in horizontal stages rather than tray-like construction. The modules define a co-current contacting volume and in an exemplary configuration the modules include a liquid distributor, a demister, a receiving pan and a duct. The modules of one stage are rotated to be non-parallel with respect to the modules of an inferior stage, a superior stage, or both. Variations relate to the design of the individual elements such as the demister, liquid distributor, ducts, and contacting volumes, and the overall arrangement of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Zhanping Xu, Brian J. Nowak, Thomas C. Heldwein, Joseph Agnello, Andrew J. Criscione, Aaron J. Muck
  • Patent number: 7415953
    Abstract: In an oil separator for separating oil from a fluid flow with a labyrinth-like flow guide which is formed essentially by baffle walls, at least one of the baffle walls in at least one partial area can be deformed in a manner similar to rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: AB SKF
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim vom Stein, Marcel Op de Laak
  • Patent number: 7326283
    Abstract: A spinning impingement multiphase contacting device and method for heat or mass transfer are disclosed. A first fluid, from which the transfer is to occur, is caused to impinge and be entrained in a spinning permeable element, creating a highly dispersed phase. The highly dispersed phase contacts the second fluid to cause the desired heat or mass transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cleveland Gas Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Nelson C. Gardner, Xintian Zheng, Robert E. Harris
  • 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: 7279031
    Abstract: An apparatus has a body with a wall defining at least in part an enclosed chamber. The wall has a first opening providing fluid flow into the chamber and a second opening providing fluid flow out of the chamber. The wall has a vent allowing gas to pass outwardly from the chamber. An outlet tube extends from the second opening into the chamber and an aperture. The aperture allows fluid within the chamber to enter the outlet tube and flow outwardly from the chamber through the second opening. Bubbles within the chamber are prevented from entering the outlet tube regardless of the orientation of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: David W. Wright
  • Patent number: 7279030
    Abstract: A rotary filter is disclosed, comprising filtering cells rotating in a circular movement, including a fixed collector portion comprising at least two compartments each having arc-shaped upward opening and a central separator chamber, including a downward opening communicating the separator chamber with each of said compartments, said downward opening being arranged at a level lower than said upward opening of each of the compartments, the downward opening of the central separator chamber and the upward opening of each compartment of the collector portion partly overlapping in vertical projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Gevers & Vander Haeghen SA
    Inventor: Serge Kurowski
  • Patent number: 7273513
    Abstract: The use of turbulent contactors to simultaneously absorb selected acid gas components from a gas stream and flash off hydrocarbons entrained in a liquid stream which include a solvent or reagent for the selected gas component. In particular, the method comprises feeding the gas stream and liquid stream into a first contactor where they are contacted co-currently and subjected to turbulent mixing conditions, and passing the multi-phase flow from the first contactor to a second contactor. The multi-phase flow from the second contactor is subsequently separated into a gas phase and a liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Harald Linga, Inge Sverre Lund Nilsen, Finn Patrick Nilsen, Trond Olav Høyland
  • Patent number: 7198659
    Abstract: A containment apparatus for collecting liquids including oil and water emitted from a gas buster exhaust stack. The containment includes baffling and a liquid float and discharge line for returning the liquids to a reservoir. Multiple containments may be connected to contain potentially greater discharges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Paul Fanguy
  • Patent number: 7150773
    Abstract: A liquid device for extracting liquids entrained in gasses flowing through a pipeline consists of a housing having a separation and collection chamber for the extracted liquids and a flow through passage for the gasses being dried. As the gasses flow into an extractor insert, they first flow through a diffuser which aligns the gas flow and reduces the pressure in the flow. As the gasses hit the concave end of the extractor insert they are forced into a spiraling flow within the insert. The combination of reduced pressure and the spin cause any entrained liquids to be spun out of the gas flow. Both the gas and the liquids them pass through apertures in the lower surface of the extractor insert, with the liquids dropping into the collection chamber for later evacuation, while the gasses rise to an outlet port which exits to the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Bobby G. Duke
  • Patent number: 7115149
    Abstract: A separator tank assembly comprising a cast hollow tank and a cast lid. The cast hollow tank has a closed end and an open end having a first opening and a second opening. The cast lid has a first passage configured for fluid communication with the tank first opening and a second passage configured for sealed fluid communication with the second opening. The first passage is formed with an integral port configured to receive a pressure control valve and the second passage is formed with an integral port configured to receive an oil filter and wherein the tank is configured such that air having undergone primary separation flows through the first opening and oil within the tank flows through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Mark Stickland, Gunter Gray Matt, Gretchen L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7069740
    Abstract: An improved accumulator is disclosed, which includes a body having an empty space therein; an inlet tube inserted into the inside of the body from a top thereof, downwardly, for an inflow of a refrigerant to the inside of the body; an outlet tube inserted into the inside of the body from a bottom thereof, upwardly, for a discharge of the refrigerant to the outside of the body; and an isolating plate provided on an inner bottom of the body between the inlet tube and the outlet tube, for preventing the outlet tube from being splashed with the liquid phase refrigerant, and preventing the liquid phase refrigerant from flowing into the outlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc
    Inventors: Won Hee Lee, Yoon Jei Hwang, Chan Ho Song
  • Patent number: 7063734
    Abstract: A centrifugal air/oil separation system communicates with bearing cavities of the engine and substantially isolates separated oil from contacting the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eric Latulipe, Richard Santerre
  • Patent number: 7059311
    Abstract: An air/oil separating device for removing oil that has become entrained in blow-by gases passing through a crankcase of an internal combustion engine. The air/oil separating device includes a spiral element forming a spiral passageway and a perforated tube. As the air/oil stream passes through the spiral passageway and contacts its walls, a certain amount of the entrained oil is removed or scavenged such that it collects at the bottom of the spiral passageway. The treated air stream, now having less entrained oil, passes into the perforated tube and exits at an upper axial end, while the collected oil drains back into the crankcase via a lower axial end of the perforated tube. The air/oil separating device can be incorporated within a cap assembly also having an oil-fill cap and/or a PCV valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Shiloh Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hari Prasad
  • Patent number: 7044999
    Abstract: An oil separator usable with a welder and air compressor combination unit. The oil separator includes a cylindrical housing having an inlet that receives the stream of compressed air containing oil from the air compressor. Within the oil separator, there is a deflector baffle that redirects the flow of the oil to a swirling, downwardly directed path along the inner surface of the cylindrical housing where the air is separated out therefrom and passes upwardly to exit through a fluid outlet formed in the cover of the separator. The swirling oil flows downwardly through an annular slot formed between a circular plate and the inner surface of the cylindrical housing into a lower chamber where the oil is channeled by radially directed baffles into radial channels to redirect that oil toward an oil outlet at the center of the circular bottom where that oil exits to be re-circulated in the combination unit or for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tools Works Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert A. Bankstahl, Joseph Gitter
  • Patent number: 7033410
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating oil from a gas stream, particularly for venting the crankcase of an internal combustion engine, having a housing (2) in which the flow guiding means are arranged. The flow guiding means are connected to a drive shaft (3). A gas inlet (5) opens into the housing (2), and a gas outlet (6) and an oil outlet (7) lead out of the housing (2). An easily produced and functionally reliable arrangement is obtained if the housing (2) is non-rotatably mounted and an impeller (14) with blades (11) that produce a centrifugal flow is disposed in the housing (2) such that it is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (4) of the drive shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Hilpert, Pius Trautmann