Including Inner And Outer Casings Or Plural Compartments Patents (Class 96/212)
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Patent number: 7655078Abstract: A bubble separator includes a body with a generally cylindrical shape, an oil induction portion, a gas discharge portion with a generally cylindrical shape, an oil discharge portion, and an upper partition. The oil induction portion is provided on the body, and introduces bubble-containing oil to inside the body. The gas discharge portion is provided extending from a ceiling portion of the body, and discharges separated bubbles to outside the body. The oil discharge portion is provided on the body, and discharges separated oil to outside the body. The upper partition is provided extending from the ceiling portion, and is formed on a periphery of the gas discharge portion. According to the bubble separator of the present invention, the upper partition can prevent bubble-containing oil from directly blowing into the discharge hole of the gas discharge portion and discharging to outside the body together with separated gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Saito, Toshihiro Takahara
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Patent number: 7618482Abstract: An oil tank for a dry sump engine has a housing having an upper region and a lower region in which the oil is contained. The lower region has an oil outlet to feed a pump which supplies oil to the engine. The upper region houses a swirl tube connected to an oil inlet for air to separate from the incoming oil. The upper region includes an air outlet and is provided with two dished baffle plates each shaped to form a collector area which slopes towards the swirl tube in order to reduce droplets of condensation formed in the upper region flowing into the lower region. The wall of the swirl tube is heated by the incoming oil to promote vaporization of droplets of condensation collected in the collector area.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Aston Martin Lagonda LimitedInventor: Matthew Richards
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Patent number: 7517387Abstract: A description is given of a gas separation device for a physiological fluid, comprising a containing body (6) having at least a first inlet aperture (7) for a physiological fluid, positioned with a tangential direction of access, at least one outlet aperture (9) for the said fluid, spaced apart from the said inlet aperture, and a guide element (17) housed within the said body. The guide element (17) has a continuous active surface (15) designed to contact and guide the said fluid and delimits, together with the containing body (6), a first annular chamber (20) into which the first inlet aperture (7) opens directly.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventors: Jacques Chevallet, Nicolas Semenzato, Alain Frugier, Francesco Ribolzi
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Patent number: 7476317Abstract: Hydrocyclone (1) for separating an input stream (8) of two immiscible liquids having a stream inlet (18) an inner shell (3) and an outer shell (4) concentric with the longitudinal axis (5) of the hydrocyclone (1), a cyclone chamber is defined by the shells (3,4), encircles the axis (5) and has an entrance (7), an expansion chamber (9) which reduces the velocity of the input stream (8) by the time it reaches the entrance (7) is between the stream inlet (18) and the entrance (7). The dimensions of the hydrocyclone are selected so that the hydrocyclone (1) has a radius not more than 30% greater than the radius of the outer shell (4) and lies within a circle in a plane perpendicular to and centered on the axis (5), therefore the hydrocyclone (1) can be readily lowered into a well casing (2) in the ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Gnesys, Inc.Inventor: Naji Nassif
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Patent number: 7435290Abstract: A centrifugal gas/liquid separator for location in a liquid reservoir comprises a generally cylindrical wall defining a separation chamber having a closed end, an open end, an inlet in the cylindrical wall for supplying a gas/liquid mixture into the separation chamber, and a gas outlet located externally of the separation chamber for discharging gases from the separator. The separator defines at least one liquid flow path for conveying separated liquid from the open end of the separation chamber into a reservoir, and at least one gas flow path for conveying separated gases from a radially inner region of the open end of the separation chamber, externally of the separation chamber, to the gas outlet. The separator is particularly suitable for separating air/oil mixtures in an oil system of a gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventors: Patrick W Lane, Kevin A Burke, Benjamin J Loret, Farhana J Preston, Alastair Currie, Philippe E Christol
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Patent number: 7381295Abstract: Virgin stock is conducted to a paper or board machine and further to a centrifugal cleaner installation (12) into its first centrifugal cleaner step (12a1). From the first centrifugal cleaner step (12a1) the accept is conducted into a multi-layer headbox (10) to form a layer of the web determined according to the concerned fraction. From a second step (12a2) and/or from lower steps (12a3, 12a4 . . . ) of the centrifugal cleaner installation (12) a second fraction or more fractions are conducted into the multi-layer headbox (10) to form a second layer or other layers of the web, which are determined according to the pulp fractionation taking place in the concerned second step or lower steps.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.Inventor: Kari Kokkonen
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Patent number: 7172647Abstract: A liquid-gas separator assembly is used in separating gas bubbles from a liquid coolant. The assembly includes a cylindrical housing containing a central tube which is surrounded by an annular chamber. The annular chamber is defined by the outer surface of the central tube and the inner surface of the cylindrical housing. An inlet line injects a stream of the coolant from the fuel cell stack area of the power plant into the bottom of the central tube in a tangential flow pattern so that the coolant and gas bubble mixture swirls upwardly through the central tube. The swirling flow pattern of the coolant and gas bubble mixture causes the gas bubbles to separate from the liquid coolant. The gaseous component of the separated mixture is then expelled from the housing through an outlet in the upper portion of the housing, and the coolant liquid descends through the annular chamber to the bottom of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLCInventor: Albert P. Grasso
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Patent number: 7144503Abstract: A combined degassing and flotation tank for separation of a water influent containing considerable amounts of oil and gas. A rotational flow is created in the tank which forces the lighter components such as oil and gas droplets towards an inner concentric cylindrical wall where they coalesce and rise to the surface of the liquid and are removed via the outlet (3) whereas the heavier parts are forced down where the heavy particles sink to the lower part where they may be removed as a sludge. The water is discharged via an outlet in the lower part of the tank. The combined degassing and flotation tank is particular suited for use in oil production at sea for removal of oil and gasses from water streams before the water is returned to the sea.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: M-I Epcon ASInventor: Stein Egil Oserød
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Patent number: 7118819Abstract: A liquid-gas separator assembly is used in separating gas bubbles from a liquid coolant which liquid coolant is used in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant. The assembly includes a cylindrical housing containing a central tube which is surrounded by an annular chamber. The annular chamber is defined by the outer surface of the central tube and the inner surface of the cylindrical housing. An inlet line injects a stream of the coolant from the fuel cell stack area of the power plant into the bottom of the central tube in a tangential flow pattern so that the coolant and gas bubble mixture swirls upwardly through the central tube. The swirling flow pattern of the coolant and gas bubble mixture causes the gas bubbles to separate from the liquid coolant so that the gas in the mixture will migrate to the central portion of the swirl tube and the liquid component of the mixture will centrifugally migrate to the inner wall of the swirl tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells LLCInventor: Albert P. Grasso
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Patent number: 7105044Abstract: A fluid tank fluid is provided which includes a bubble removing device provided therein to remove bubbles from the fluid. The bubble removing device includes a cyclone chamber for generating a swirling current in the fluid flowing therethrough to separate bubbles from the fluid. At least one outflow port is provided through which the fluid from which the bubbles have been separated flows from the cyclone chamber. And an exhaust port is provided through which the bubbles separated from the fluid are driven from the cyclone chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Akiko Konishi, Shotaro Ishii, Kouji Chikaishi, Noboru Kanayama, Tatsuro Nohara
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Patent number: 6866703Abstract: Separation and extraction of gas from a liquid, utilizing centrifugal forces. The area of the lateral spacing between an inner circular centrifugal surface and the outer wall of an internal extractor diminishes toward an outlet. The wall of the extractor is pierced by slots whose walls calm the inward flow of gas into the interior of the extractor.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Angelo L. Mazzei
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Patent number: 6843832Abstract: The compound/curvilinear immiscible liquid separator has a separator section with an outer, elongated, cylindrical shell aligned vertically opening into an upper transition section and vapor dome at the top and a lower transition section and solid/heavy crude containment section at the bottom. A center column is disposed in the axial center of the separator section and a plurality of serially connected curved plates are disposed between the outer shell and center column to define an elongated curvilinear flow path having reverse flow pathways. An oil-water-gas mixture is introduced into the separator section under pressure past heating coils and through the curvilinear path, the lighter density oil entering and being removed from the top of the center column, and heavier sludge and brine collecting in the containment section. Gases bubble up through the center column and are removed from the vapor dome.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventors: Boyd B. Greene, Helen C. Greene
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Patent number: 6821322Abstract: The present invention refers to three or two phase separators provided with an inlet centrifugal device (40, 70) for the preliminary separation of the gas phase from the fluid mixture; the centrifugal separation device includes a first stage (40′, 70′) having a circular section delimited by a wall (42, 63) and by the external surface of the second stage plate and a second stage (40″, 70″), internal and coaxial to the first stage, realized by a plate rolled as an ‘Archimedean’ spiral around the vertical axis common to the two stages of the centrifugal separation device, in order to operate the separation of the gas phase from the liquids, obliging the flowing fluid to follow a circular path that brings the liquid and its droplets to adhere to the wall surface (42, 63) and to the internal surface of the spiral (47), obtaining their separation from the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Ing. Milia & C. S.r.l.Inventor: Salvatore Milia
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Publication number: 20040144256Abstract: Separation and extraction of gas from a liquid, utilizing centrifugal forces. The area of the lateral spacing between an inner circular centrifugal surface and the outer wall of an internal extractor diminishes toward an outlet. The wall of the extractor is pierced by slots whose walls calm the inward flow of gas into the interior of the extractor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: Angelo L. Mazzei
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Patent number: 6630013Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Metso PaperChem OyInventors: Martti Myrttinen, Ilkka Roitto
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Publication number: 20030154860Abstract: The present invention refers to three or two phase separators provided with an inlet centrifugal device (40, 70) for the preliminary separation of the gas phase from the fluid mixture; the centrifugal separation device includes a first stage (40′, 70′) having a circular section delimited by a wall (42, 63) and by the external surface of the second stage plate and a second stage (40″, 70″), internal and coaxial to the first stage, realized by a plate rolled as an ‘Archimedean’ spiral around the vertical axis common to the two stages of the centrifugal separation device, in order to operate the separation of the gas phase from the liquids, obliging the flowing fluid to follow a circular path that brings the liquid and its droplets to adhere to the wall surface (42, 63) and to the internal surface of the spiral (47), obtaining their separation from the mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventor: Salvatore Milia
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Patent number: 6398955Abstract: A blood filter (1) has a small priming volume and a high ability of trapping and removing the air bubbles. The blood filter (1) according to the present invention includes a housing (5) accommodating a blood inlet (8), a blood outlet (9), an air bubble outlet (14), and a filter element (3) disposed in the housing (5). The blood inlet (8) is preferably disposed in the vicinity of a bottom surface (7) of the housing. The housing (5) includes a spiral chamber (10) defined between an inner wall (5b) and an outer wall (5a) of the housing (5) and a center chamber (11) defined within the inner wall (5b). The spiral chamber (10) extends in a helix shape to surround the center chamber (11). Due to such a structure, even when air bubbles are introduced to the blood filter (1) through the blood inlet (8), the air bubbles are effectively separated from the blood in the spiral chamber (10). The blood filter having such a spiral chamber (10) is unlikely influenced by the blood flow rate and the amount of air bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Jostra Bentley, Inc.Inventors: Hideo Fumiyama, Takeshi Aizawa
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Patent number: 6322616Abstract: A gas separator connectable between the seating nipple/pump and the mud anchor of a well production line takes advantage of gravitational, shear and centrifugal forces to detrain gas from the formation fluid. An outer cylindrical tube is concentrically secured by upper and lower couplings in relation to an inner cylindrical tube having an axial flow passage and a plurality of radial perforations. The upper coupling is adapted for connection to the seating nipple/pump and the lower coupling is adapted for connection to the mud anchor. The couplings each have a passage therethrough to extend the inner tube axial flow passage in fluid communication between the pump and the mud anchor. The outer cylindrical tube has a plurality of inwardly downwardly centrifugally oriented passages for admitting liquid entrained with gas into an annulus between the tubes and for causing the admitted liquid to flow in a downward spiral in the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: SDH, Inc.Inventors: Howard L. Kennedy, Gary W. Lewis
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Patent number: 6176903Abstract: A device for removing gases from fluids, in particular from a dialyzing fluid, includes a container, which in the position of normal use is provided with a bottom first orifice and a bottom second orifice. Disposed inside the container is a partition wall which divides the container into a first chamber having the first orifice and a second chamber having the second orifice. The partition wall extends from the container bottom up to near the container cover, forming a gap-shaped interstitial space between the first and second chamber, and the container cover. Provision is made in the container cover for a venting orifice that is sealed by a hydrophobic filter. In one preferred embodiment, the first and second chamber form a tube-in-tube arrangement. The device according to the invention allows for a high separation rate to be achieved with a compact and simple design.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbHInventor: Ralf Wamsiedler
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Patent number: 6176904Abstract: An arterial blood filter device for removing foreign particles and undissolved gases from blood flowing through the device, having a cylindrical housing enclosing a cylindrical filter element between a hollow upper cap forming an inlet chamber and a flat lower cap forming an outlet chamber. The upper cap has a vertical gas outlet and has a horizontal tubular inlet with the outermost wall of the tubular inlet extending tangentially from the outermost wall of the base of the upper cap. A principle feature of the invention is a stepped dome having a circular base with a diameter closely matched to the outer diameter of the filter element and attached to the upper end thereof. The stepped dome includes hemispherically shaped upper surface extending into the inlet chamber and having a maximum diameter smaller than the diameter of the circular base.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Inventor: Brij M. Gupta
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Patent number: 6143175Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprising a separation barrel with an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, and an internal circularly cylindrical axially extending wall forming a separation chamber, a collection chamber adjacent to the lower end, a spin plate extending across the separation chamber adjacent to the lower end, a solids slot adjacent to the lower end fluidly interconnecting the collection chamber and separation chamber, a closure containing the upper end having a centrally located exit port, an acceptance chamber wall surrounding the separation barrel adjacent to the upper end to form an annular acceptance chamber between the separation barrel and the acceptance chamber wall, a supply nozzle tangentially entering the annular acceptance chamber and forming a circular flow therein, and a plurality of radially spaced apart axially-extending slots passing through the wall of the separation barrel fluidly interconnecting the annular acceptance chamber and the separation chamber, entering the separation cType: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Claude Laval CorporationInventors: Steven D. Ford, Emmanuel G. Moya, Thomas Lisy, Robert Garcia
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Patent number: 6066193Abstract: The present invention provides a submersible pumping system which includes a tapered flow gas separation system. The tapered flow gas separation system of the present invention includes at least a first and second gas separator. The first separator is configured to receive and process a first flow rate of production liquid. The first separator is adapted to draw production liquid from a production casing and to separate a first portion of gas from the production liquid. The second separator is configured to receive and process a second flow rate of production liquid which is less than the first flow rate received by the first separator. The second separator is adapted to receive the production liquid from the first separator and to separate a second portion of gas from the production liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Camco International, Inc.Inventor: Woon Yung Lee
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Patent number: 6019825Abstract: A hydrocyclone for separating a combined phase input stream has two nesting truncated, downwardly tapering conical members having an annular space therebetween. A tangential inlet leads to the annular space between the conical members. Alternate embodiments applicable to a hydrocyclone device composed of nesting cylindrical or conical shells forming an annular cyclonic space have passages located on either of the shells to effect an intermediate draw off of a fraction of the flow stream. In addition, a coiled, hollow tube is advantageously situated within the annular space to optimize the flow pattern. Ports may be provided in the hollow tube for removing a gas fraction in counterflow orientation.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Gnesys, Inc.Inventors: Boyd Greene, Naji Nassif
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Patent number: 5755965Abstract: The present invention is a gas/liquid separator which is employed to remove free gases from a liquid. The invention is comprised of two concentric cones with a tapering annulus therebetween. The liquid stream to be de-gassed enters a tangential fluid inlet under pressure and passes downwardly in the tapered annulus. The inner surface of the outer cone has a plurality of stator vanes which minimize turbulence of the liquid and maintains helical motion. The outer surface of the inner cone has a plurality of orifices to receive gas bubbles. The outer surface of the inner cone is preferably roughened to thicken the gas boundary layer of this surface such that gas bubbles are more readily trapped thereon. The unit imparts a downward helical motion to the liquid flow between the outer cone and the inner cone.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1995Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: HDR Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Harold Steven Reiber
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Patent number: 5622545Abstract: A dynamic separator for removing gases from water includes a vortex tube with an internal cylindrical wall along which a stream of water is directed in a downward helical path. A perforated separator tube extends along the center of the vortex tube and receives gases which flow toward the center. The gases rise and are released. The water is drained from the bottom. An injector nozzle injects water tangentially in an injection section from which the whirling stream enters the vortex tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Claude Laval CorporationInventors: Angelo L. Mazzei, Steven D. Ford
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Patent number: 5587068Abstract: The deaerator includes a chamber that includes vortex generators that centrifuge the oil/air to separate the components and the chamber may operate in all attitudes. In addition wake separators mounted in the inlet of the chamber remove a large percentage of the air from the oil prior to entering the chamber and reintroduce the separated air component in the air removal tube. A dam in the air removal tube is located downstream of the inlet of the wake separated air to assure no oil is extracted from the air tube leaving the chamber. The wake separator consists of one or more tubes extending transversely to the flow of the oil/air stream and the air is removed through rearwardly facing apertures formed in the tube(s).Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1994Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Wilho V. Aho, Jr., Stephen R. Jones, Gregory E. Chetta, Terry H. Strout
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Patent number: 5553460Abstract: An oil separator for separating liquid oil from a gaseous refrigerant in a refrigerant system has an oil separator chamber and an oil reservoir chamber arranged horizontally adjacent to one another. The oil separator chamber contains an oil separator having an inlet for receiving a refrigerant/oil mixture, a separator for separating the gas and oil from the oil/gas mixture, a gas outlet and an oil outlet leading from the very bottom of the oil separator chamber into the oil reservoir chamber. The oil reservoir chamber contains an oil return inlet opening near a bottom of the oil reservoir chamber leading to an outside of the oil reservoir chamber. Also, an arrangement is provided at the oil outlet for allowing a flow of oil from the oil separator chamber to the oil reservoir chamber, but preventing a flow of oil from the oil reservoir chamber to the oil separator chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1995Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: AC & R Components, Inc.Inventor: Paul E. Isaacs
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Patent number: 5531811Abstract: A process for recovering entrained liquid from natural gas. The gas containing entrained liquid flows from a subterranean formation via a well into a gas/liquid separation chamber where the liquid and gas are separated by centrifugal force. One or more vanes mounted in one or more slits in the separator wall extend into the separation chamber and aid in transposing liquid through the slit or slits. Outside the chamber, the liquid drains into a storage tank. The gas is vented to the atmosphere or to a gas collection system. The separator chamber may be mounted inside a storage tank and may have an external shell around the chamber wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventor: Thomas W. Kloberdanz
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Patent number: 5510019Abstract: A vortical flow type bubble separating apparatus comprises a container defining a substantially cone-shaped vortical flow chamber having a lower larger diameter end with a plurality of holes, an outer casing for receiving a liquid discharged from the vortical flow chamber through the holes, a center conduit pipe with a plurality of orifices for removing bubble containing fraction from the vortical flow chamber for discharging, an annular preliminary vortical flow passage extending at least approximately entire circumference of the larger diameter end portion of the container, a single opening defined through the peripheral wall of the vortical flow chamber and communicating the vortical flow chamber and the preliminary vortical flow passage, the opening being designed for introducing the liquid into the vortical flow chamber from the preliminary vortical flow passage in substantially tangential direction to the vortical flow chamber, and a flow guide member provided at the end of the preliminary vortical flowType: GrantFiled: July 27, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Mitsubishi Oil Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junsuke Yabumoto, Masanori Hirose
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Patent number: 5338341Abstract: A separator for removing gases from water. An elongated vortex tube with an interior cylindrical wall houses a concentric separator tube of smaller diameter, leaving a vortex region between them. Perforations through the wall of the separator tube connect the interior of the separator tube to the vortex region. Water containing gas is tangentially injected into the vortex region, flowing downwardly to an exit port. Separated gases in the separator tube collect at its top and are released by a valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Claude Laval CorporationInventors: Angelo L. Mazzei, Steven D. Ford
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Patent number: 5312479Abstract: An arterial filter includes a filter housing provided with a uniquely shaped housing cover. The housing cover is in the shape of a toroid which forms a coil-like tunnel which is enlarged midway about the circumference of the housing cover. The highest point of the toroidal channel is at the periphery of the housing cover, approximately 180.degree. from the inlet valve. A gas vent is located at this highest point on the top of the toroid-shaped housing cover. At the center of the housing cover is an indentation which is provided to both retain a cylindrical filter element inside the filter housing, as well as allow visibility directly through the central axis of the arterial filter to verify proper operation of the filtration process. As inlet blood circulates through the toroidal tube forming the filter housing cover, gaseous matter is allowed to buoyantly escape out of the gas vent located at the top of the raised section of the toroidal channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1993Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Martin J. Weinstein, Alfred P. Intoccia
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Patent number: 5256171Abstract: Oil and gas well production flow is gathered in field common line manifolds and conducted through a separator to make a coarse separation of gas from liquid and minimize slug flow in the conduits leading from the manifolds to further separation, treatment and pumping facilities. A liquid level signal transmitter provides a signal to a valve controller which controls separate liquid and gas discharge flow control valves or a variable speed pump to maintain a set point level of liquid in the separator. Liquid level control is accomplished automatically by varying the flow from the fluid discharge conduit which is connected to the lower pressure flow line, which is usually the gas flow line. Manifold pressures may be sensed to prevent exceeding a predetermined pressure in the manifolds and the well flow lines.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Atlantic Richfield CompanyInventor: Richard L. Payne