Abstract: Discloses apparatus and method to deaerate and condition bitumen froth obtained from a primary tar sands bitumen extraction process comprising a vessel containing a plurality of inclined plates, called a static deaeration conditioner. The inclined plates of the static deaeration conditioner are substantially equidistantly spaced from each other and are inclined at an angle to the horizontal. The plates form a corresponding plurality of channels there between for the froth to be deaerated to flow along. The declination angle is selected to obtain a gravity induced froth flow rate in the channel that exhibits a lamella effect near laminar flow characteristics, which promotes the creation of a water-enriched froth region near the lower plate of the channel. A braking pump can be provided on an outlet port of the vessel to control the rate of flow through the vessel of the froth to be deaerated and conditioned.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for deaerating a liquid layer such as a coating solution using electrostatic forces. A flow of charged particles is created above and moved towards a low conductivity liquid layer. The flow of charged particles causes localized thinning of the liquid layer which facilitates the removal of bubbles of entrained gas from the liquid by bringing those bubbles closer to the exposed surface of the liquid and rupturing them at that surface. This electrostatic deaeration technique is combined with other non-electrostatic liquid layer thinning techniques or degassing techniques to further facilitate removal of bubbles from the liquid in preparation of further processing of the liquid. The liquid layer may be stationary or flowing with respect to the application of charge particles.

Abstract: The bubble trap is used in extracorporeal blood flow circuits of the type used for open heart surgery. The trap is placed in the external blood flow and it removes small micro bubbles from the blood prior to delivery to the body. The device accelerates the blood flow radially and the small bubbles migrate toward the center of the accelerated flow. These bubbles are concentrated at this location and the blood that contains the micro bubbles is extracted and recirculated before the degassed blood flow is returned to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for degassing an aqueous suspension containing pulp fibres, the apparatus comprising an elongated horizontal reservoir and a bypass manifold extending into the reservoir. The bypass manifold is placed inside the reservoir such that it it positioned substantially within the aqueous suspension at the bottom of the reservoir, the manifold thus decreasing the flow cross-sectional area of the aqueous suspension at the inlet end of the bypass manifold (2) in the reservoir.

Abstract: In the instant invention a secondary gas pipeline is constructed which runs in parallel with the primary gas pipeline and which secondary gas pipeline is of an appropriate size and configuration that a liquid slug passing through the primary gas pipeline will tend to divide and partially enter the secondary gas pipeline, and while in the secondary gas pipeline will substantially become transformed into a two phase flow one phase of which is gas and the other phase of which is liquid, and wherein when the gas phase in the secondary gas pipeline re-enters the primary gas pipeline it will tend to cause the dissipation of any liquid slugs in the primary gas pipeline at the point of re-entry.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of energy from a pressurised well stream containing a gas/liquid mixture, the process comprising: treating the well stream to a pre-separation process to separate it into gaseous and liquid phases, selecting appropriate proportions of said separated gaseous and liquid phases, recombining said selected proportions, and supplying the recombined mixture to the inlet of a rotary separation turbine, wherein said components are separated and energy is recovered from the flow by rotation of the turbine, said proportions of said gaseous and liquid phases being selected to produce an optimum mixture for supply to the rotary separation turbine.

Abstract: A centrifugal vapor/liquid separator separates the vapor and liquid in a flash of hydrocarbon and steam mixture, such that only the vapor stream is fed and processed further downstream. The design of the separator ensures that all partially wetted surfaces in the separator, except at the vapor outlet pipe, are well-wetted and washed by the non-vaporized liquid portion of the feed or by injection of external liquid thus ensuring that no coke deposition occurs inside the separator. The flash temperature in the separator therefore can be increased beyond the typical limit thus achieving a deeper cut into the feed and recovering a larger fraction of the feed as vapor for further downstream processing.

Abstract: The system removes contaminating gases, such as radon, from water using a bubbling action. Contaminated water is sprayed together with air through a duct to a bottom region of a bubbling container. The water and air move generally in the same direction through the system, allowing the flow rate to be varied while maintaining forced air/water contact. The aerated contaminated water bubbles upwardly through the bubbling container and passes through one or more diffusing or mixing plates causing the aerated contaminated water to further break out contaminating gases into the air. At the top region of the bubbling container, the contaminating gases are vented while the decontaminated water flows into a tank. The decontaminated water can then be pumped to a desired location, for example, to a house water system.

Abstract: A mass transfer machine removes dissolved gases or volatile organic compounds from air or a liquid. The mass transfer machine includes a vessel capable of containing a liquid and having a liquid inlet and an air inlet at a near end. It further includes a liquid outlet at a far end. Two or more baffles are located transversely inside of the vessel. The baffle located nearest to the far end of the vessel has a window. Two or more diffusers are located near a bottom surface of the vessel. The diffusers are in communication with the air inlet and have two or more orifices through a wall. An adjustable plate is releasably mounted over the window of the baffle located closest to the far end of the vessel. The plate is adjustable in a vertical direction. In one embodiment, an air source supplies air to the air inlet located on the near end of the vessel. In another embodiment, an air source is connected to the an air exit located on the far side of the vessel.

Abstract: A system is provided for de-gassing a material. The system includes a vessel and a material distributor. The vessel has an internal chamber in which a vacuum can be maintained. The material distributor is located inside the internal chamber and is adapted to distribute the material to be degassed as a thin film along at least one wall of the vessel in such a way that exposure of the thin film to vacuum within the internal chamber causes entrained air or other gasses from the material to be withdrawn from the thin film. Also provided is a method for degassing a material. Preferably, a material distributor is inserted into a vessel where degassing of a material is to be performed. The material distributor can comprise an inlet for the material to be degassed, a scaling lip, a film-forming lip, and a material distribution cavity. The sealing lip is adapted to sealingly engage at least one wall of the vessel. The film-forming lip is spaced apart from the sealing lip.

Abstract: This is a high-efficiency item of equipment, for example for a well bottom for separating out gas from a liquid/gas mixture, based on the effects of flows of the cascade and segregated types. It consists basically of a sedimentation vessel whose lateral surface has holes in the upper portion, enclosing (i) a discharge pump, (ii) a suction pipe and (iii) the lower end of a production tubing. The vessel contains helicoidal surfaces for achieving segregated-type flow. A significant part of separation takes place above the level of the separator, in a medium in which there is a predominance of gas and the flow is in the form of a cascade.

Abstract: A method and system for orienting diamagnetic liquids in a container in a low gravity environment includes at least one magnet. The magnet or magnets are placed at the end of the container opposite a desired location for the diamagnetic liquid. The magnetic field generated by the magnet creates a diamagnetic force that repels the diamagnetic liquid away from the magnet and toward the desired location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for degassing gas-containing fluid media in a container with the apparatus including a centrifugal pump for pumping the gas-containing fluid medium from the container, an ejector including a suction side, an ejector inlet for a drive fluid, and an ejector outlet for the drive fluid, whereby at least a portion of the pump fluid medium is fed to the suction side of the ejector for removing the gas therefrom, a diversion conduit for diverting a separate portion of the pump fluid medium from the centrifugal pump to the ejector inlet, and a return conduit for returning the separate portion of the fluid medium from the ejector outlet to the container.

Abstract: An improved double acting deaeration vessel is most desirably used in the pulp and paper industry. The deaeration vessel removes gas from a fiber suspension without requiring fine adjustment of the final consistency of the suspension fed to the deaeration vessel. In the same gas volume where the fiber suspension is treated in the deaeration vessel a second partition wall forming a second weir is provided, and the vessel jacket is provided with one or more inlets for a second fluid medium to be introduced into the vessel, with an outlet for the substantially gas free second fluid medium. A common outlet is provided in the common gas volume for gas separated from both the fiber suspension in the second fluid medium, as well as an outlet for the fraction of the second fluid medium separated by the weir.

Abstract: A triple effect, pressurized deaeration system for boiler feedwater the system including a component deaerator unit and a feedwater receiver, the deaerator unit being mounted external to and above the feedwater receiver, the deaerator unit including a makeup and return water spray nozzle and a pair of screen trays with steam circulated from the receiver through the screen trays and water spray for two stages of deaeration with spray water collected below the screens and delivered through a spray water return conduit to a water collection and mixing column in the receiver, wherein steam from a steam supply is delivered to the water collection column and mixed with collected spray water for a third stage deaeration before the deaerated water commingles with reservoir water contained in the receiver.

Abstract: A flow through bubble trap comprises a chamber-defining wall having a flow inlet/outlet tube extending through the chamber and open at opposed tube ends. The tube has its bore closed with a partition, with ports in the side wall communicating with the chamber interior on opposite sides of the partition and adjacent to the bottom wall of the chamber.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for substantially reducing gas levels in a fluid is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) an upper portion comprising a reusable vacuum chamber with a resealable opening thereto; the vacuum chamber being capable of containing a suitable vessel holding a sample of the fluid; and (b) an enclosed lower portion comprising: (1) a magnetic stirrer positioned below the vacuum chamber; (2) mechanism for applying a vacuum in the vacuum chamber; (3) a microprocessor for controlling timing sequences for the magnetic stirrer and the vacuum means; and (4) one or more control switches or dials accessible to the user for selecting the timing sequences. A method for substantially reducing carbon dioxide levels in a pre-measured sample of a carbonated beverage is also provided.

Abstract: A column to regenerate methanol from a methanol-water mixture includes a circular column having two contact beds with a plurality of gas inlets connected thereto to split the entering feed gas so that approximately equal portions are fed through each bed. An inlet near the top of the column allows a methanol-water mixture to be introduced to flow down through the two contact beds, countercurrent to the feed gas.

Abstract: There is disclosed a deaeration tank which can sufficiently deaerate object water, is decreased in size, and has high treatment capability. The deaeration tank includes a tank body which defines a deaeration chamber and receives object water, an air injection device disposed within the deaeration chamber for injecting air, a discharge passage for discharging object water from the deaeration chamber, and a bubble-scavenging member disposed in the discharge passage for scavenging fine bubbles contained in the object water which passes through the discharge passage. When object water is fed into the deaeration chamber, and air is injected into the deaeration chamber, thus-injected air ascends in the object water in the form of coarse bubbles and is then released from the surface of the object water. During this ascent of coarse bubbles within the deaeration chamber, through contact with the object water, coarse bubbles attract fine bubbles contained in the object water, so that the object water is deaerated.

Abstract: The efficiency of progressing cavity pumps is drastically reduced if the liquid being pumped contains large volumes of gas. To alleviate this problem a gas separator is provided which can be attached to the suction of a downhole pump to remove gas from the liquid being pumped prior to the liquid entering the pump inlet. The separator has an elongate housing having an annular chamber with guides which direct the liquid gas mixture to flow in an annular path from the inlet to the outlet end. During this flow centrifugal forces act to displace the gas content to the central region from which it is removed via a separate central gas outlet so that liquid delivered to the pump inlet is greatly reduced in its gas content.

Abstract: A pump apparatus for a milking machine is provided with an oil container for the supply of lubricant to the pump. A joint device is inserted in the container. The joint device comprises a casing enclosing an inlet conduit for bringing back oil to the container and an outlet conduit for the removal of oil from the container and supply to the pump.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a paper-making machine for making a paper web from a fiber suspension. The paper-making machine includes a headbox having an entrance, a fluid conduit connected to the headbox entrance, and a deaeration device with an exit connected to the fluid conduit. The deaeration device includes a housing and a pipe. The housing including an inner surface defining an inner chamber. The pipe is disposed at least partially within the housing and is configured to receive the fiber suspension. The pipe has a plurality of outlets disposed within the inner chamber of the housing. Each of the outlets is configured to output a stream of the fiber suspension against and at an acute angle relative to the inner surface of the inner chamber. A vacuum source is connected to the housing and is in fluid communication with the inner chamber.

Abstract: A sample handling system provides an evenly-suspended, small volume, bubble-free sample to an analyzer such as a light scattering particle size analyzer. A flow of suspension is forced through an elongate channel below the surface of the liquid in the channel, along a downwardly sloping path, into impact with an end wall, and through an abrupt downward turn. Controlled turbulence created in the flow disperses particles and releases bubbles from the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating trapped air from a liquid flow by using a buffer tank and an electrical control box such that substantially all the trapped air are accumulated in the buffer tank and further, when the tank is optionally equipped with a sensor system, the liquid flow can be shut-off when the liquid level in the buffer tank drops below a threshold level to prevent the trapped air from accidentally flowing into a process machine.

Abstract: An integral deaerator for a heat pipe steam condenser has a main steam duct connected to a heat pipe steam condenser duct by a riser. The heat pipe steam condenser duct is inclined slightly toward the riser and a weir is positioned at the connection between the riser and heat pipe steam condenser duct to prevent condensate from draining directly into the riser. The heat pipe steam condenser duct has a drain for draining a condensate from within the heat pipe steam condenser duct to a distribution header for distributing the condensate within the riser. Steam is provided to the main steam duct for condensation in the heat pipe steam condenser and while in transit, the steam heats and deaerates the condensate. At least one drain boot is connected to the bottom of the main steam duct for draining deaerated condensate.

Abstract: A compact deaerator unit used in combination with a boiler feedwater receiver to eliminate corrosion in the feedwater receiver and in other components of a boiler system. The deaerator unit is mounted external to the feedwater receiver for receiving makeup water and return condensate through a spray nozzle, the deaerator unit in one embodiment having a water level overflow supplying the feedwater receiver with deaerated water and a submerged steam supply and temperature control for maintaining water in the deaerator unit at deaeration temperature, with the water level overflow being separated from the spray nozzle by a baffle, the steam supplied to the deaerator unit first passing through the feedwater receiver to continuously purge the receiver of any corrosive gases and maintain a positive steam pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a process and apparatus which utilizes a purger capable of handling different solids having different particle sizes and operating at a purge gas velocity higher than the minimum fluidization velocity of solids without gas channeling or solids backmixing. The purger has tapered walls and a conically-shaped, gas-permeable, solids-impermeable constraint means.

Abstract: A compact set of circular, wire-formed brushes, within a housing, provides the surfacing upon which, and in which, air bubbles can coalesce for subsequent venting thereof from the housing, and the housing has porting formed therein to accommodate a through-flow of an aqueous solution, of a hydronic system or the like. A sleeve-type diffuser, having a multiplicity of holes formed therein, encloses and supports the set of brushes, and diffuses and distributes the housing-admitted liquid or vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining continuous flow in a closed loop test system, of a multiphase composition such as that utilized and obtained from oil and gas wells and the like. The method and system provide a test structure whereby a study of the changes in a multiphase composition (gas/liquid/solid) flow can be studied. Specifically, the method and apparatus provide for pressure boosting the gaseous components of the multiphase composition after separation from the liquid and solid components of the system. A hydrostatic head through which the liquid and solid components flow provides the necessary potential energy-kinetic energy exchange such that when the pressure boosted gas is recombined with the downcomer liquid/solid components, continuous flow of the multiphase composition is maintained. Pressure and temperature controls permit the accurate maintenance of pressure, temperature and flow conditions so as to imitate a real-world environment for multiphase composition flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel gas-liquid separating apparatus which is installed directly on a hot-water heating line independently from a gas boiler. The gas-liquid separating apparatus has a body provided with an air vent hole opened to outside, wherein the liquid flows, and a bubble collecting device for collecting the bubbles from the liquid to vent out the collected bubbles through the air vent hole. The bubble collecting device has a plurality of cylindrical bubble collecting rods for collecting bubbles contained in the liquid, a round projected portion for supporting upper portions of the bubble collecting rods, the round projected portion having a space portion for collecting bubbles collected by the bubble collecting rods being supported by the air vent hole and a conical vent portion having a conical space portion connected to the space of the round projected portion. At an upper portion of the conical vent portion, an air vent for venting out the bubbles is mounted.

Abstract: A cyclone separating device includes a transparent and tapered separator flask, with an upper outlet where a tube provided with seal means and a tubular extension is fastened, and a lateral inlet through a lateral appendix communicating with the inside of the flask through a fine channel offset in order to generate a cyclone effect promoting the separation of the phases and lined with an insert made of a plastic material. The fluid sample is injected, for example, through a septum by means of a hollow needle guided through the insert. The device can be used for processing geologic fluid samples.

Abstract: A discharge stream conditioner and method for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of devices which discharge pressurized liquids is disclosed. An elongated rod having a plurality of outwardly radiating, spiraling, fingers or spokes is placed within the discharge conduit or flow path of a pressurized liquid to be discharged. The purpose of the discharge stream conditioner and method is to effectuate a partial separation of the propellant gas which has dissolved into the liquid agent to be discharged thereby providing for a more even flow and more efficient discharge of the liquid agent from its pressurized container.

Abstract: A defoaming device and method for aeration, for use in a processor equipped with an aeration apparatus for sending air into a processing solution. The defoaming device includes a pipe for guiding foam produced in the aeration apparatus to outside the aeration apparatus; and at least one of a throttle portion, which is disposed midway in the pipe and formed by reducing a cross-sectional area of the pipe, and an air-stream guiding device for guiding an air stream into a portion of the pipe in a downstream direction corresponding to the direction of the flow of the foam. The flow rate of foam in the pipe is accelerated by the throttle portion and/or the air-stream guiding device, thereby positively removing the foam produced in the aeration apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray degasser for removing gas from a liquid, comprising:i) a boiler having at least one sprayer compartment,ii) the sprayer compartment comprises a radial sprayer which is connected to a liquid feed for spraying the liquid for degassing as a spray screen over the liquid present in the boiler,iii) a feed pipe for feeding into the liquid present in the boiler vapour to create in the sprayer compartment a gas containing vapour,iv) an outlet in the sprayer compartment for venting the gas removed from the liquid, andv) an outlet in the boiler for degassed liquid.

Abstract: A device for separating gas entrained in a flow of liquid. The device comprises a main housing having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A separation chamber is disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet, the gas entrained in the flow of liquid being separated from the flow of liquid when the flow of liquid passes from the inlet to the outlet within the separation chamber. A vent passage extends from the separation chamber. A main valve within the housing controls the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet. A detector including a dual orifice arrangement disposed in the vent passage detects the presence of a gas in the vent passage. A pilot valve is coupled to the detector and to the main valve for controlling the main valve as a function of the presence of gas in the vent passage. A first control passage is disposed within the housing for coupling the pilot valve to the dual orifice arrangement.

Abstract: A de-aerator apparatus for removing gas from fluid flowing through a pipe includes a housing having a chamber, an inlet connected to an inlet pipe for allowing the passage of fluid into the chamber, an outlet connected to an outlet pipe for discharging fluid from the chamber, and a vent for venting gas from the top of the chamber. The arrangement is such that as fluid flows into the chamber through the inlet and out of the chamber through the outlet, relatively large gas pockets present in the fluid in the chamber rise to the surface of the fluid and exit the chamber through the vent. A device disposed within the chamber has bristles facing the flow of fluid into the chamber through the inlet. The bristles vibrate for merging micro gas pockets present in the fluid with one another to produce large gas pockets which rise to the surface of the fluid within the chamber and exit the chamber through the vent.

Abstract: A tank for propellant in a space vehicle includes a trap defined by two walls which are substantially permeable to liquid but not to vapour. One wall (16) allows liquid to flow into the trap. The other (7,8) allows liquid to flow out via an outlet port. Vapour in the trap escapes via a vent (19,20). The wall (16) which allows liquid to flow to the outlet include a plurality of plates (1) clamped together. The surfaces (9) of the plates (1) are grooved such that plate surfaces engage to form fine passages (10) permeable to liquid but not vapour.

Abstract: A system and method of use for providing nearly one-hundred (100%) percent of volatile component(s) present in a liquid solution as a gaseous phase volatile component(s) sample to a sample analysis system, at relatively sequentially constant buffered pressure and flow rate, is disclosed. The present invention also provides for quick, immediate and active removal of a remaining liquid solution mixture entered thereto to reduce carry-over contamination. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with flame and plasma based sample analysis systems and its use serves to greatly increase achievable stability of their operation, and sensitivity to volatile component(s) such as, As, Se, Sb, Sn, Hg, B and Te.

Abstract: A portable and compact room air purifier having an internal filter element through which air is drawn by a centrifugal fan and wherein the air is discharged generally uniformly and radially by passing between at least one generally arcuate scroll and a surrounding deflector. The purifier is automatically deactivated in the event of destruction or removal of the filter housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air emission control system for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other objectionable contaminants from an emitted gas stream which is generated from a water treatment means. Specifically the improved air emission control system of this invention relates to collecting, dehumidifying, bypassing, diluting, monitoring, purifying recycling and reusing the emitted gas stream, and also relates to feeding an inert gas, upon demand, for reducing oxygen content of said emitted gas stream, in turn, for preventing a gas purification contactor from being ignited and/or exploded due to oxidation of carbonaceous substances inside said gas purification contactor. A complete water treatment and gas emission control system is developed by applying the air emission control system to either single stage water treatment or multiple stage water treatment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device sequence for burning waste oil and includes a circulating system having a pump for circulating the oil therein and a heater for heating the oil to a suitable combustion temperature during this circulation. A combustion oil system is included for diverting a portion of the circulating oil to an atomizing gun for combination therein with a source of atomizing air. The air and oil mixture is injected through an injection orifice into a suitable combustion chamber for ignition and burning therein. A linear actuator is included having a rod with a needle end that is operated by the actuator in a linear manner along the central axis of the atomizing gun for extending through the injection orifice for providing mechanical cleaning thereof and for regulating oil flow there through.

Abstract: A vertical continuous degassing apparatus for degassing a mix of at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a mix of liquids, a mix of a liquid and solids and combinations thereof comprising: a vacuum chamber, a mechanism for adjusting the pressure therein, the vacuum chamber having an upper inlet zone including an inlet port, a lower discharge zone including a discharge port, and an intermediate zone therebetween. An annular skirt is positioned in the intermediate zone of the vacuum chamber for receiving, distributing and expediting the degassification of the mix entering the vacuum chamber through the upper inlet port. A vacuum seal is provided by the mix entering the inlet port and by the degassed mix exiting the discharge port.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a liquid/gas mixture by establishing a laminar flow within a curved channel. Entrained liquid droplets, that have higher inertia than the gas, follow a trajectory, deviate from the gas flow lines, and impinge on the wall. The liquid droplets coalesce and migrate to the inner radius under the influence of shear from the secondary flow, where the liquid is collected and retained in an artery by capillary action. The liquid is then forced through bleed ports into the liquid drain line. The term liquid/gas mixtures is intended to include liquid/vapor mixtures as well.

Abstract: Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies decrease the leucocyte content of a biological fluid in an extracorporeal circuit. These filter assemblies are suitable for use in an extracorporeal circuit. Methods for removing leucocytes and other deleterious matter are also disclosed. The removal medium used in these assemblies and methods may be pleated structures which have been subjected to gas plasma treatment, improving the amount of leucocytes removed and increasing the amount of platelets which pass through the medium.

Abstract: Separation of wet steam into its liquid and vapor phases is facilitated prior to encountering a junction. The separated phases are recombined as the steam exits the respective arms of the junction.

Abstract: An improved hydrocyclone and method of operating for centrifugal cleaning of pulp for papermaking wherein the hydrocyclone has a plurality of inserts each with openings of different sizes for selectively and interchangeably inserting into a stock entry opening and into a vortex finding outlet opening to adjust capacity and cleaning efficiency. In one form the inserts each can be changed by tubes of different openings which are installed into the inserts changing the opening sizes. In another form, the inserts are threadedly engaged with bosses or are adhered or frictionally fit into the bosses.