Centrifugal Type Patents (Class 96/216)
  • Patent number: 11890566
    Abstract: An atmospheric aerosol coalescer (AAC) is a device for collecting water from cooling tower plumes, fog. The AAC may include tapered spiral tube body with a helix shaped skin for atmospheric aerosol to pass through. Micro-droplets of water in air, as in cooling tower plumes, fog, separate inside the AAC due to large density difference and centrifugal forces inside the spiral tube. 3-100-micron diameter water micro-droplets may grow to 1000-4000 micron drops by coalescence on the internal walls of the AAC. Big drops detach to a drain at its base and fall through a spout to a collection pond. A number of AAC arrays may be supported by a net or an inflated pad. The net or inflated pad may be lifted by a tethered aerostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Mansur Abahusayn
  • Patent number: 11780755
    Abstract: A vortex flow inducer has inducer body with an interior end, an outer end and a length extending there between, and a longitudinal axis extending between the interior and the outer ends. A flow passage extends between the interior and outer ends of the inducer body. The flow passage has an inlet at the outer end and an exit at the interior end. The flow passage is swept laterally toward a side of the inducer body in a direction from the outer end toward the interior end such that the exit is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis. The interior end of the inducer body has a concave curvature. The swept flow passage and the curved interior end induce a vortex flow in a fluid flowing through the flow passage as it exits the flow passage and into a flow passage of a conduit the that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the inducer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventor: Adrian A Preiss
  • Patent number: 11602703
    Abstract: A degasification system includes a degasification unit in which a plurality of degasification modules degasifying a liquid are connected, wherein the degasification unit has a connection supply pipe which connects the liquid supply paths of the plurality of degasification modules in series and in which openings through which the liquid passes are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of degasification modules such that the liquid is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane bundles of the plurality of degasification modules in parallel, and wherein the degasification unit is configured such that a pressure loss of the liquid from a supply port of the connection supply pipe through which the liquid is supplied to the discharge ports of a downstream side degasification module is larger than a pressure loss of the liquid from the supply port to the discharge ports of an upstream side degasification module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: DIC Corporation
    Inventors: Wataru Yamamoto, Katsuhiko Igari, Kenji Sano, Kazumi Oi
  • Patent number: 10955432
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a frame and a drive member configured to rotate a rotating part in relation to the frame around an axis of rotation. The rotating part includes a spindle and a centrifuge rotor enclosing a separation space. The rotating part is supported by the frame by at least one bearing device. The centrifugal separator further includes a system for detecting rotation of the rotating part. The system includes at least one first type of sector each occupying a first length of the perimeter of a member arranged for rotation with the rotating part, and at least one second type of sector each occupying a second length of the perimeter of the member arranged for rotation. The at least one second type of sector is spaced apart from the at least one first type of sector. The second length is different compared to the first length. The at least one first and second types of sectors are irregularly spaced around the perimeter of the member arranged for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventor: Per Karlsson
  • Patent number: 10780380
    Abstract: A well production stream solid debris separator apparatus. The apparatus includes a spherical vessel. A cylindrical sump extends below and radially from the spherical vessel. A centrifugal cylinder is positioned within the spherical vessel, the centrifugal cylinder having an axis concentric with a diameter of the spherical vessel and having an open bottom. An outlet port passes through the cylindrical vessel and through the spherical vessel with the outlet port opposed to the cylindrical sump. An inlet port passes through the spherical vessel and passes into the centrifugal cylinder substantially tangential to an inner surface of the centrifugal cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: PROCESS EQUIPMENT & SERVICE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: James E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 9861921
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus has a vessel enclosed by walls, and the vessel has a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream, a fluid outlet spacing from the fluid inlet for discharging gas phase matter, and a passage, such as a spiral path, in the vessel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The length of the passage is longer than the distance between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Specialized Desanders Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hemstock, Warren Kmicik
  • Patent number: 9045980
    Abstract: The disclosed downhole gas and solids separator includes a suspended helical flighting member for efficient downhole separation of both gases and solids from a hydrocarbon production stream. Centrifugal force, provided by the flighting member, accelerates the coalescence of like materials to enhance separation of both gases and solids within the separator. Centrifugal force urges solids to the outer wall of the separator and gases toward the center, where passageways are designed to allow solids to efficiently migrate toward and accumulate at the bottom of the separator while simultaneously allowing gases to efficiently rise out of the separator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Troy Botts
  • Patent number: 8974583
    Abstract: A swirl element is provided for an inlet valve of a brewing vessel for introducing a liquid, in particular a mash, a wort, a yeast suspension, a sparge water or the like into the brewing vessel, in particular into a mash tun, a mash vat, a combined mash/wort tun, a combined mash/wort/stripping tun, a wort tun, a combined whirlpool tun, a whirlpool, a clarifying device, an evaporating vessel or the like, comprising at least one flow-directing element by means of which an angular momentum can be imparted to the liquid flowing through the inlet valve. An evaporating device comprises a brewing vessel, also for evaporating highly volatile substances/gases, in particular highly volatile flavor substances, DMS, carbon dioxide, oxygen or the like from the aforementioned liquids. The brewing vessel comprises the swirl element and/or an inlet valve admitting the liquid. A brewing process evaporates highly volatile substances/gases from the aforementioned liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Roland Feilner
  • Publication number: 20150037695
    Abstract: The invention concerns in one aspect, a separator (100, 200, 300) for a liquid electrolyte regenerator of a fuel cell system and, in another aspect, a foam reducing apparatus. In the separator, a helical fluid channel (100, 200, 300) formed on a helix (150) is arranged to conduct liquid and gas of a gas-liquid mixture and separate the liquid from the gas-liquid mixture. The helical channel (100, 200, 300) may be an enclosed channel or pipe (210, 302) and the overall diameter (DHELIX) of the helical channel may be around twice the pipe diameter. The helical channel can form part of a bulk gas-liquid separator (200), or a gas-liquid contactor and separator (300, 400, 500), or a condensing heat exchanger (300, 400, 500). The foam reduction apparatus (FIG. 15 155, 157; FIG. 20; FIG. 16, 1600; FIG. 18, 1800), has a low surface energy material and is arranged to provide contact between foam and a surface of the low surface energy material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: David Ward, Robert Longman
  • Patent number: 8945265
    Abstract: A compressor compressing a fluid including lubricating oil includes, on the discharge side thereof, a first separation chamber for separating the lubricating oil by generating a swirling flow in the fluid. The first separation chamber includes: a circumferential wall; an inflow port that is formed in the circumferential wall and causes the fluid to flow into the first separation chamber; and a guiding plate extending from the circumferential wall. The guiding plate extends so as to face the inflow port in a direction where the fluid flows from the inflow port into the first separation chamber, and so as to deflect the fluid flow from the inflow port to guide it along an inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Akihiro Nakashima, Shinichi Sato, Akio Saiki, Kazuo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8945289
    Abstract: A separator with a helix assembly that includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: OneSubsea, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20140373711
    Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: CareFusion Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Cassidy, Eric E. May, Garrett Austin Sheffer
  • Patent number: 8915988
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density. The device comprises an inlet for the medium mixture to be separated, which connects to first separating means for separating the flowing mixture in at least a first and a second fraction, and that connect to first and second outlet means for discharging the first and second fractions. The device further comprises a feedback loop comprising second separating means between the second outlet means and the inlet means of the first separating means. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density, using the claimed device. The device and method allow to obtain a more selective separation, particularly in purifying natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Romico Hold A.V.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Johannes Hubertus Brouwers, Thomas Brunner, Melissa Hoijtink
  • Publication number: 20140352529
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (1) for deaerating a feed fluid, the apparatus comprising a chamber (3) for separating said feed fluid into a first component (11) substantially comprising froth or gas and a second component (12) substantially comprising deaerated liquid or sludge; an opening (6) for fluid flow from said separating chamber (2), and a device (7) for restricting fluid flow through said opening, wherein said opening (6) and said flow restricting device (7) induce a rotational flow of said feed fluid in said separating chamber such that said rotational flow generates a centrifugal vortex to separate said feed fluid into said first component (11) and said second component (12). A method of for deaerating a feed fluid is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Ian Arbuthnot, Alex Heath
  • Publication number: 20140345460
    Abstract: A contact and separation column (1) encasing a stack of one or more contact and separation cells (3). Each cell comprises: —a tray (4) with gas flow openings (6) opening into contact and separation units (7); —a downcomer (16) defining a liquid discharge; and —a liquid supply (17). Each contact and separation unit (7) comprises an upstream contact zone (8, 9) with liquid inlets (12), and one or more downstream separation zones (10) provided with a swirler (13) and a top end with a gas outlet (14). The swirler (13) is located at a distance from the gas inlet of from 50 to 90% of the total length of the contact and separation zone. Process for treating a gas with such a column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jannes Köppen, Eric Johannes Vos, Peter Mervyn Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20140318376
    Abstract: A device for separating at least one substance from a liquid or gaseous medium by centrifugal forces has a housing with a separating chamber, into which the mixture to be separated is delivered and is set into rotation. Two immersion tubes, through which cleaned medium flows out, project into the separating chamber. On the lower end of the housing, there is a discharge opening for the separated substance. Between ends of the immersion tubes, within the chamber, there is a diffuser connected to the immersion tubes. The diffuser includes several curved guide vanes that, viewed in the direction of rotation of the medium, have a spacing increasing from the peripheral surface of the immersion tubes, that approach the axis of the immersion tubes. In the diffuser, there are optionally plates, which ensure a laminar flow of the cleaned medium through the immersion tubes and out of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Hans Tillian, Harald Durstberger
  • Patent number: 8851110
    Abstract: A multi-phase fluid is split in a flow splitting device that includes a feed pipe in which a flow redistribution element induces tangential motion in the phases such that the denser phase is forced to redistribute around the periphery of the feed pipe. The so redistributed flow is then split into two or more distribution conduits that are typically perpendicular to the flow direction of the feed flow. Most typically, the feed pipe is in a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Gerald Zeininger
  • Publication number: 20140251140
    Abstract: A system and process for an improvement to a gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (“GLCC”) separator to reduce gas carry-under to the liquid outlet of the separator is described. The means for reducing gas carry-under is arranged within the interior space of the separator and below the inclined inlet of the separator to affect the tangential flow of the incoming liquid-and-gas mixture stream into the interior space. The reducing means may be a vortex locator, preferably in the form of a horizontal plate, arranged coaxial with the separator vessel and located at a vortex formation point within the interior space. The reducing means may also be a plurality of vertical baffles located at a lower end of the separator vessel and extending radially inward from the wall of the vessel. The reducing means may also be a combination of the horizontal plate and vertical baffles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Sams, Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee
  • Publication number: 20140251145
    Abstract: A device for separating immiscible fluids of different densities from a liquid-containing emulsion, includes a longitudinal rotary drum having a longitudinal axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Yves Lecoffre, Guillaume Maj
  • Publication number: 20140216720
    Abstract: A gas separator is configured to separate gas from a two-phase fluid. The gas separator includes a rotatable shaft and one or more separation stages. At least one of the one or more separation stages includes a rotor connected to the rotatable shaft and a channeled compression tube, wherein the channeled compression tube includes a compression tube hub and a plurality of channels. The channels are configured to isolate abrasive solid particles from the rotary components within the gas separator. The gas separator may optionally include a streamer upstream from the separation stage that reduces rotational currents upstream from the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GE OIL & GAS ESP, INC.
    Inventors: Chengbao Wang, Kelly Pidsadowski
  • Patent number: 8722261
    Abstract: A recycler for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) that uses methanol as a direct feed fuel includes: a housing in which a gas-liquid mixture recovered from a stack is accommodated; a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing; and a motor to rotate the rotor, wherein, when the rotor is rotated by the motor, a phase separation occurs such that liquid in the gas-liquid mixture is collected mainly in an outer region of the housing and gas is collected in the center region of the housing due to the centrifugal force. Accordingly, as it is unnecessary to align a liquid outlet port of the housing with a gravitational direction, the recycler can be employed in a mobile apparatus whose orientation occasionally changes. Also, the recycler does not use a membrane whose performance is rapidly reduced over time so that effective performance can be maintained for a long operation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-soo Joung, Hye-jung Cho
  • Publication number: 20140116255
    Abstract: An axial gas-liquid cyclone separator, comprising a housing having a wet gas inlet and a dry gas outlet aligned along an axis of the housing; an internal wall section in the housing and defining, within the housing, a pre-separation chamber and a main liquid separation chamber; an assembly comprising a static mixer and a swirl generator mounted in a tube and extended through the internal wall section; liquid outlets in at least the main chamber for outlet of liquids separated from the wet gas; and a vortex finder mounted between the tube and the dry gas outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Luis Daniel Pérez Guerra, Jorge Nicolas Trujillo Mercado, William Alejandro Blanco Berra
  • Publication number: 20140102303
    Abstract: A separator with a helix assembly that includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ONESUBSEA, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hill
  • Patent number: 8696779
    Abstract: A deoiler including a hub mounted on the vent shaft and a cover mounted on the hub between two stop faces which fix the cover avoiding the need to weld or bolt the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Olivier Belmonte, Muriel Jane Sylvie Borzakian, Lionel René Henri Weller
  • Patent number: 8673159
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating a fluid, with the apparatus including a rotatable drum having an inner drum wall and an outer drum wall disposed around the inner drum wall to define a separation passage therebetween. The apparatus also includes radial separator blades that are curved in a circumferential direction and are disposed in the separation passage of the drum, the radial separator blades extending radially at least partially between the inner drum wall and the outer drum wall. The apparatus further includes a first circumferential separator blade that is curved in a radial direction and is disposed in the separation passage of the drum, the first circumferential separator blade extending at least partially around the inner drum wall. The apparatus also includes a housing disposed around the drum and configured to receive a higher-density component of the fluid separated in the separation passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: Jay Kumar, H. Allan Kidd, William Maier
  • Patent number: 8663483
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating a fluid, with the apparatus including an inner drum wall disposed around and coupled to a shaft. The apparatus also includes an outer drum wall disposed around the inner drum wall, the outer drum wall being configured to rotate to separate a higher-density component of the fluid from a lower-density component of the fluid. The apparatus further includes a first radial vane disposed between the inner drum wall and the outer drum wall and having first contours configured to turn the fluid in at least one of a radially-inward direction and a radially-outward direction. The apparatus also includes a housing at least partially surrounding the outer drum wall and configured to receive the high-density component of the fluid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: Pascal Lardy, H. Allan Kidd, William C. Maier
  • Patent number: 8657940
    Abstract: Assembly to separate a multiphase flow, comprising at least one compact separation unit chosen among an in-line deliquidiser and an in-line phase splitter, said compact separation unit is arranged to receive the multiphase flow for separation thereof to a gas flow and a mainly liquid containing flow, an outlet for gas, arranged to receive the gas flow from the compact separation unit and possible additional gas flows, one or more conduit separators, arranged to receive the mainly liquid containing flow from the compact separation unit and any additional liquid containing flows, having an outlet for liquid from the at least one conduit separator in a low-lying part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Eivind Aarebrot, Jan Høydal
  • Publication number: 20140000345
    Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting operational parameters associated with a gas separator used in an electric submersible pump in a wellbore. A fiber optic sensing arrangement is used to detect the operational parameter and includes a fiber optic signal processor and an optic fiber that is associated with the gas separator to provide a signal indicative of the parameter to the signal processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Brown Lyle Wilson, Donn J. Brown, Ketankumar K. Sheth
  • Publication number: 20130333566
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating a fluid, with the apparatus including an inner drum wall disposed around and coupled to a shaft. The apparatus also includes an outer drum wall disposed around the inner drum wall, the outer drum wall being configured to rotate to separate a higher-density component of the fluid from a lower-density component of the fluid. The apparatus further includes a first radial vane disposed between the inner drum wall and the outer drum wall and having first contours configured to turn the fluid in at least one of a radially-inward direction and a radially-outward direction. The apparatus also includes a housing at least partially surrounding the outer drum wall and configured to receive the high-density component of the fluid therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: Pascal Lardy, H. Allan Kidd, William C. Maier
  • Publication number: 20130284019
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating process water which is loaded with gaseous compounds and/or possibly with solids and comes from a wet-cleaning installation for cleaning process gas, e.g., from a melt-reduction subassembly or from a direct-reduction subassembly. Process water is introduced in a tank in a first process stage and degassed on the basis of reduced solubility of the dissolved compounds. The tank has, on its upper side, a gas-collecting chamber, in which the separated-off gases are collected and from which these are discharged. Likewise, the treated process water is discharged from the tank via a drainage means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Alois Gstoettenmayr, Hado Heckmann, Kurt Lukschander, Robert Millner, Ulrike Schmidt, Helmut Siegl, Johann Wurm
  • Publication number: 20130284026
    Abstract: An oil separation method and apparatus for the separation of acceptable oil from contaminated oil containing solids and liquids withdrawn from an oil well. A single oil skimming unit is partitioned into compartments and provided with rotating skimming tubes. A water leg may be raised and lowered in order to maintain a constant fluid level in the first, or water, compartment. Two pump jets are incoporated into the neck of the gas separator in order to continually move the solid contaminants so that they are not as able to settle and block fluid flow in the gas separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: GLENWOOD WARNCKE
  • Patent number: 8546026
    Abstract: Disclosed are a gas-liquid separator, a hydrogen generating apparatus, and a fuel cell generation system, having the same. The gas-liquid separator can include an inflow path, into which a fluid material having a liquid and a gas flows; a centrifugal path, connected to the inflow path to receive the fluid material and formed spirally such that the fluid material is separated into the liquid and the gas by difference in centrifugal forces, an outer side of the centrifugal path having stronger affinity for the liquid than an inner side of the centrifugal path; and an outflow path, connected to the centrifugal path and discharging the liquid and the gas, which have been separated in the centrifugal path. With the present invention, it is possible to efficiently separate gas such as hydrogen and liquid such as a electrolyte solution without complex devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eon-Soo Lee, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Hye-Yeon Cha
  • Publication number: 20130247765
    Abstract: A phase splitter for separating a multiphase fluid into a relatively light phase and a relatively heavy phase includes a separator tube which comprises a fluid inlet through which the multiphase fluid enters the apparatus, a heavy phase outlet through which the heavy phase exits the apparatus and an inner diameter surface which defines a flow bore that extends between the fluid inlet and the heavy phase outlet. A swirl element positioned in the flow bore downstream of the fluid inlet causes the multiphase fluid to rotate and separate the heavy phase from the light phase. The light phase forms an elongated core which extends axially through the flow bore radially inwardly of the heavy phase from proximate the swirl element toward the heavy phase outlet. A core stabilizer is positioned in the flow bore between the swirl element and the heavy phase outlet and engages the distal end of the light phase core to thereby inhibit the light phase from exiting the apparatus through the heavy phase outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: FMC Technologies C.V.
    Inventor: Mohamed Reda Akdim
  • Patent number: 8512660
    Abstract: The absorptive removal of carbon dioxide from biogas using a scrubbing liquid in which carbon dioxide is chemically bound proceeds by heating the loaded scrubbing liquid, occurring after the absorption, to a temperature at which liberation of CO2 begins. Immediately thereafter, the loaded scrubbing liquid is fed to at least one centrifugal separator for separating off the gas phase from the liquid phase, wherein methane and dissolved fractions of CO2 escape via the gas phase. After separation is complete, the gas phase is passed into the absorber unit and the liquid phase is further heated to the temperature required for desorption and fed to the desorption unit for regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: MT-Biomethan GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Engelke, Uwe Jordan
  • Patent number: 8449767
    Abstract: An oil reservoir having an oil inlet fitting and at least one oil outlet fitting for connecting to a hydraulic system. The reservoir comprising a housing having a lower housing part and a reservoir cover which is connected to the lower housing part and includes an integrated oil filter. An oil filler neck, which can be closed by a cap, is configured on the housing cover. The reservoir housing is equipped with at least one guide element which is attached to at least one inside wall of the reservoir housing and forms a circular guidance track for the oil. This guidance track forces the oil flow in a circular manner, after entering the reservoir and passing through the oil filter but before exiting the oil reservoir, such that any air which may be present is separated from the oil and can exit the oil reservoir via an air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Uwe Renner, Christoph Lipp, Rolf Karlstedt
  • Patent number: 8440077
    Abstract: 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. The heavier particles are forced down and sink to the lower part where they can 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 gases from water streams before the water is returned to the sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventor: Stein Egil Oserød
  • Publication number: 20130108972
    Abstract: A separator assembly (1c) in the form of a flare tank for separating and igniting gas from non-gaseous components of a fluid stream (such as a well return). The separator assembly (1c) comprises: at least one degasser (4) having a fluid stream inlet (41) for introducing the fluid stream (well return) into a vessel (40) of the degasser (4) at a reduced velocity, and optionally a degasser gas pressure relief system (60) and non-gaseous component filter (40); a tank (3) having a settling compartment (30) and a suction compartment (31); and a flare (5c) for igniting gas leaving the degasser (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: AUSTRALIAN RIG CONSTRUCTION HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Guido Stangherlin, Allan Douglas Bougoure
  • Patent number: 8425667
    Abstract: A subsea system includes a multiphase pump, configured to transfer a multiphase fluid and a multiphase separator, configured to separate the multiphase fluid into solid, liquid, and gaseous phases. The multiphase separator includes a solid-liquid separation device, which is configured to facilitate separation of the solid phase and the liquid phase from the multiphase fluid. The multiphase separator includes a gas-liquid separation device, which is configured to facilitate separation of the gaseous phase and the liquid phase from the multiphase fluid. The multiphase separator includes a liquid reservoir, which is configured to contain a volume of the liquid phase to be used as a lubricant for the multiphase pump. Finally, the multiphase separator includes a liquid outlet, which is configured to transfer the liquid phase from the liquid reservoir to the multiphase pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Deloyd Anderson, Vasanth Srinivasa Kothnur, Hrishikesh Vishvas Deo, Johan Kristian Sveen, Ove Saele
  • Patent number: 8361208
    Abstract: A separator with a helix assembly and methods for fabricating the helix assembly. In some embodiments, the helix assembly includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hill
  • Patent number: 8349059
    Abstract: A number of pocketed apparatus for separating various materials are described. A pocketed cyclonic separator that includes a cyclone chamber, which includes interior chamber walls, an inlet connected to the cyclone chamber, and one or more pocket separators, located on the interior chamber walls, is described. A substance may be introduced through the inlet into the cyclone chamber so as to create a rotational force sufficient to generate a cyclone in the cyclone chamber. Forces generated by the cyclone will cause heavier material in the substance to move towards the interior chamber walls when in use. The one or more pocket separators define one or more pockets that trap heavier material in the substance when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Peerless Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Dani Fadda
  • Patent number: 8333828
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to degassing and cleaning of hydrocarbon fuel. Degassing of hydrocarbon fuel is a way to remove the dissolved gases which aid in the oxidation of the fuel as well as the removal of sulfur, water and other particulate matter through radial cavitation. This process allows for both improvements in efficiency as well as decrease in emissions of standard fuel and the re-refining of fuels which have broken down. University of Idaho did a study on the breakdown of diesel fuel and found out that 26% of the efficiency is lost by the 28th day after fuel processing. In one embodiment, the fuel is subjected to fluid-shear forces and cavitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Labs LLC
    Inventor: Joseph L. Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20120211230
    Abstract: A method for separating a multi-phase fluid, the fluid comprising a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, the method comprising: introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multi-phase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region; wherein fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region; and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Karl Gregory Anderson, Raul Jasso Garcia, SR., Raghunath Gopal Menon, Sandeep Patni, Moye Wicks, III, Patrick Gitau Mahinda, Rajneesh Varma
  • Publication number: 20120137888
    Abstract: A separator tank (1) for separating oil and gas from water, and comprising an essentially cylindrical vertical tank casing (3) with a plurality of separator tank units (2). The separator tank units (2, 2?, 2?) are arranged on top of one another within a central area in an inner annular enclosure (4) that divides the separator tank into an annular outer area (5) and the central area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Jan Thore Naess, Flnn Beckmann
  • Patent number: 8182565
    Abstract: A compressor incorporated with an oil separator having a separation chamber and communication holes. The separation chamber is placed adjacent to a discharge chamber, has a space formed in the entire inside of the separation chamber, separates oil-containing gas, which is introduced into the separation chamber, into gas and oil by centrifugal separation, allows the separated oil to drop downward, and upwardly extracts the separated gas. The communication holes interconnect the discharge chamber and the separation chamber and introduce the oil-containing gas, coming from the discharge chamber, into the separation chamber. The communication holes are arranged in the separation chamber, in a direction extending from a gas release side to an oil drop side. The structure of an oil separation section is simplified to improve productivity and reduce cost, and a high degree of design freedom of the position of a discharge port is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuki Nomura
  • Publication number: 20120103189
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density. The device comprises an inlet for the medium mixture to be separated, which connects to first separating means for separating the flowing mixture in at least a first and a second fraction, and that connect to first and second outlet means for discharging the first and second fractions. The device further comprises a feedback loop comprising second separating means between the second outlet means and the inlet means of the first separating means. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density, using the claimed device. The device and method allow to obtain a more selective separation, particularly in purifying natural gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ROMICO HOLD A.V.V.
    Inventors: Reinoud Hoijtink, Melissa Hoijtink, Josef Johannes Hubertus Brouwers
  • Publication number: 20120097038
    Abstract: A separator with a helix assembly and methods for fabricating the helix assembly. In some embodiments, the helix assembly includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hill
  • Patent number: 8119000
    Abstract: 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. The heavier parts are forced down where the heavy particles sink to the lower part where they can 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 gases from water streams before the water is returned to the sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventor: Stein Egil Oserød
  • Publication number: 20120012006
    Abstract: A number of pocketed apparatus for separating various materials are described. A pocketed cyclonic separator that includes a cyclone chamber, which includes interior chamber walls, an inlet connected to the cyclone chamber, and one or more pocket separators, located on the interior chamber walls, is described. A substance may be introduced through the inlet into the cyclone chamber so as to create a rotational force sufficient to generate a cyclone in the cyclone chamber. Forces generated by the cyclone will cause heavier material in the substance to move towards the interior chamber walls when in use. The one or more pocket separators define one or more pockets that trap heavier material in the substance when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Peerless Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Dani Fadda
  • Patent number: 8025717
    Abstract: Process to separate particles from a particles-containing gas stream, by subjecting the particles-containing gas stream to a centrifugal separation step, wherein the particles-containing gas stream is separated in a gas rich flow and a particles-rich flow and wherein the particles-rich flow is cooled from a temperature in the range from 600 to 800° C. to a temperature in the range from 200 to 450° C. before it is subjected to a second separation step, wherein particles are separated from the particles-rich flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Hubertus Wilhelmus Albertus Dries, Kee-Khoon Foo, Ferdinand Johannes Adriaan Geiger, Michiel Alexander Regelink
  • Patent number: 8025713
    Abstract: An adjustable type guide vortex gas-liquid separating apparatus is provided, it comprises a case, a vortex flow guide spiral pipe, a mist eliminator, an adjusting valve and a ? ray phase volume fraction meter. Its separating method is to make the oil-gas-water multiphase flow move in vortex, and thus to realize the gas-liquid separation, then to measure the gas content of the separated liquid phase by using the ? ray phase volume fraction meter and to send out control information as judged by the magnitude of the gas content in the liquid phase, so as to control the opening of the adjusting valve of the gas circuit, thus to achieve adjustment of the gas-liquid separation effects, and to control the gas content of the liquid phase to a certain range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Haimo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianwen Dou, Jinsong Wan, Ligang Zhang