f Adaptive aerodynamic control system for projectile maneuvering By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A projectile control system includes a plurality of fins, a drive mechanism coupled to each of the plurality of fins to enable the plurality of fins to be independently retracted or deployed, and a control mechanism in communication with the drive mechanisms to independently control the deployment or retraction of the plurality of fins. A projectile having the projectile control system and a method of operating a projectile are also described herein. Full Article
f Landing gear, an aircraft, and a method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to landing gear (5) having at least one undercarriage (10) comprising a landing gear leg (11) carrying at least one wheel (12). The undercarriage (10) includes a retraction actuator (20) having an electric motor (23), blocking means (30) for blocking the actuator in the retraction position and for enabling the retraction actuator to be positioned in the “landing gear extended” position by gravity, first monitoring means (35) for monitoring the operation of the retraction actuator (20), first control means (65) for controlling the refraction actuator (20), and second control means (75) for controlling the blocking means (30). Full Article
f Invertible aircraft By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Dec 2015 08:00:00 EST A rotorcraft including a fuselage, one or more motor-driven rotors for vertical flight, and a control system. The motors drive the one or more rotors in either of two directions of rotation to provide for flight in either an upright or an inverted orientation. An orientation sensor is used to control the primary direction of thrust, and operational instructions and gathered information are automatically adapted based on the orientation of the fuselage with respect to gravity. The rotors are configured with blades that invert to conform to the direction of rotation. Full Article
f No-Go tag systems and methods for progressive cavity pumps By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A stator for a progressive cavity pump comprises a stator housing having a central axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the stator comprises a stator liner disposed within the stator housing. The stator liner has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the stator liner is axially spaced from the first end of the stator housing. Further, the stator comprises a tag insert positioned in the stator housing between the first end of the stator housing and the first end of the stator liner. The tag insert has a through passage defining a radially inner surface that includes a tag shoulder. Full Article
f Well pump flow sleeve installation assembly and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The well pump flow sleeve assembly provides a method of quickly fitting a flow sleeve to a well pump. The sleeve is made by cutting a pipe normal to the pipe centerline of the pipe surfaces, to a length appropriate for the well pump length. A pump centering bottom cap is inserted into the pipe lower opening and the well pump assembly is then inserted into the pipe upper opening and mates with the bottom cap to align the pump in the sleeve. The pump is now completely within the sleeve with the pump discharge and electrical connection extending through the pipe upper opening. Two flow sleeve cap halves are then fitted around the pump discharge and electrical connection/safety rope to form an upper cap which is inserted into the pipe upper opening. The submersible pump is then ready for service. Full Article
f Thermoset nanocomposite particles, processing for their production, and their use in oil and natural gas drilling applications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles. Optional further improvement of the heat resistance and environmental resistance of said particles via post-polymerization heat treatment; processes for the manufacture of said particles; and use of said particles in the construction, drilling, completion and/or fracture stimulation of oil and natural gas wells are described. Full Article
f Fluid treatment systems, compositions and methods for metal ion stabilization in aqueous solutions and/or enhanced fluid performance By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one friction reducing agent selected from the group consisting of guar gums, polyacrylamides, hydratable cellulosic materials, viscoelastic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for use in fracturing subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of metal oxides in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided. Full Article
f Fluid treatment systems, compositions and methods for metal ion stabilization in aqueous solutions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one scale control agent. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for treating aqueous compositions found in subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of calcium salts in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided. Full Article
f Apparatus for creating and customizing intersecting jets with oilfield shaped charges By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A geological perforating tool (gun) shape charges disposed at an angle that provides an improvement over other known embodiments by accurately securing the charges in the tool to facilitate reliable, reproducible focus of the shaped charges. Charges are disposed on metal strips fitted into slots that are precision cut at predetermined angles in a tool barrel circumference. Full Article
f Tubular lifting apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wellbore tubular lift safety system and tubular lifting apparatus for removing tubulars can include a lower section with a lower base plate hole, sliding rods, and a lower gripping member. An upper section can have an upper base plate hole, a saw mounting plate hole, an upper gripping member, and cylinder barrels. The sliding rods can be engaged within the cylinder barrels, and can be moved therein for extending and retracting the upper section. The apparatus can be positioned over the wellbore in a retracted position to align with the tubular. The tubular can be lifted out of the wellbore by gripping the tubular using the gripping members, and extending and retracting the upper section. The apparatus can form lifting holes in the tubular, install lifting members in the lifting holes, saw the tubular, and allow the cut tubular to be lifted via a hoist. Full Article
f Use of PNC tools to determine the depth and relative location of proppant in fractures and the near borehole region By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods are provided for identifying the location and height of induced subterranean formation fractures and the presence of any associated frac-pack or gravel pack material in the vicinity of the borehole using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The proppant/sand used in the fracturing and packing processes is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material. When proppant is present, increases in detected PNC formation and/or borehole component cross-sections, combined with decreases in measured count rates, are used to determine the location of the formation fractures and the presence and percent fill of pack material in the borehole region. Changes in measured formation cross-sections relative to changes in other PNC parameters provide a relative indication of the proppant in fractures compared to that in the borehole region. Full Article
f Methods of transporting proppant particulates in a subterranean formation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods of treating a wellbore in a subterranean formation including providing an oil-external treatment fluid, wherein the oil-external treatment fluid is a 3D-network comprising a chemical interaction between a hydrocarbon fluid, an aqueous fluid, and a surface modification agent; providing proppant particulates; suspending the proppant particulates in the oil-external treatment fluid; and introducing the oil-external treatment fluid comprising the proppant particulates into the wellbore in the subterranean formation. Full Article
f Method for lost circulation reduction in drilling operations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method may include determining a first particle size distribution for particulate additives in a first wellbore fluid circulated through a wellbore through an earthen formation, and determining a second particle size distribution for drilled cuttings resulting from drilling of the wellbore. The first and second particle size distributions may then be compared to determine a third particle size distribution for the combined particulate additives and the drilled cuttings. A lost circulation material having a fourth particle size distribution may then be selected based on the third particle size distribution and the selected lost circulation material may be pumped into the wellbore. Full Article
f Reconfigurable cement composition, articles made therefrom and method of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pourable aqueous cement composition is disclosed. The cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, water and a selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof. An article, including a downhole article, and more particularly a reconfigurable downhole article is disclosed. The article includes a hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has at least partially set into a permanent form. The article also includes a selectively removable material dispersed within the cement, the selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof, wherein the selectively removable material is configured for removal in response to a predetermined wellbore condition. Full Article
f Apparatus for stage-cementing an oil well By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for use in stage-cementing an oil well in the region of a lost-circulation zone that is proximate an annular space defined by the lower end of an outer casing surrounding an inner casing include a load-bearing annular steel plate of substantial thickness that is positioned on, and maintained stationary relative to the inner casing by supporting and retaining means secured to the inner casing, the outer diameter of the plate being less than the inside diameter of the outer casing so that the plate can be lowered with the inner casing string to the desired location inside of the outer casing and, with a layer of gravel, to provide a seal and support the cement poured into the annulus between the inner and outer casings. Full Article
f Cement compositions containing metphosphate and methods of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In an embodiment, the cement compositions comprise: (i) hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has a ratio of CaO to SiO2 in the range of 2.0 to 4.0; and (ii) a water-soluble metaphosphate in a concentration of at least 2.5% bwoc. In another embodiment, the cement compositions comprise: (i) hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has a ratio of CaO to SiO2 of less than 2.0; and (ii) a water-soluble metaphosphate; wherein any alkali nitrate is in a concentration of less than 2% bwoc; and wherein any alkali hydroxide, alkali carbonate, or alkali citrate is in a concentration of less than 0.2% bwoc. Methods of cementing in a well comprising forming either of such cement compositions and introducing it into the well are provided. Full Article
f Oxygen scavenger compositions for completion brines By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An oxygen scavenger for completion brines effective and stable in high temperature subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the scavenger contains erythorbate and alkylhydroxlyamine. Full Article
f Method and system for servicing a wellbore By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of servicing a wellbore that includes, transporting a fluid treatment system to a wellsite, accessing a water source proximate to the wellsite, introducing a water stream from the water source into the fluid treatment system, irradiating at least a portion of the water stream within the fluid treatment system, forming a wellbore servicing fluid from the irradiated water stream, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore. The portion of the water stream is irradiating by exposing the portion of water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp. Full Article
f Light well intervention umbilical and flying lead management system and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for managing umbilical lines and one or more jumpers are provided. An example of a system includes a deployment platform carrying a winch and spool assembly, a tether management assembly, and an integrated electrical and/or hydraulic umbilical line extending between a spool on the winch and spool assembly and the tether management assembly. The winch and spool assembly is configured to deploy and to support the umbilical line. The tether management assembly includes a winch and spool assembly for deploying a flying lead and/or annulus jumper adapted to connect to an emergency disconnect package of a well control package for a well. A set of buoyant modules are connected to or integral with a portion of the umbilical line to be used to form an artificial heave compensation loop. Full Article
f System and method for diverting fluids from a wellhead by using a modified horizontal christmas tree By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for diverting fluids from a wellhead in a subsea environment has a capping stack with a connector suitable for connection or interconnection to the wellhead, a flow base fixedly positioned in the subsea environment, and a conduit connected to the outlet of a diverter line of the capping stack and connected to the inlet of an interior passageway of the flow base. The conduit is suitable for passing fluids from the capping stack toward the flow base. The flow base is a modified horizontal Christmas tree. The interior passageway within the horizontal Christmas tree has a plug therein located a level below the level of the inlet to the flow base. The flow base can be attached to a wellhead or to an anchor pile in the subsea environment. Full Article
f Adaptor flange for rotary control device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An adapter assembly having a sealing element, a drive bushing, and an adapter flange disposed between the sealing element and the drive bushing. Also, a method of assembling a rotational control device that includes coupling mechanically an adapter flange to a sealing element, coupling mechanically the adapter flange to a drive bushing, and installing the adapter flange, sealing element, and drive bushing in the rotational control device. Full Article
f Method and device for riserless drilling fluid recovery By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and a device for enabling the use of riserless drilling fluid recovery from a seabed-based borehole (1) which is to be drilled by means of a casing (26), the casing (26) being provided with a drill bit (28) at its lower portion and with an inner wellhead (30) at its upper portion, and there being a conductor casing (6), which has an outer wellhead (8), in the seabed (2), the method including: —providing a suction module (12) with a dividable adapter (16) which fits complementarily in the outer wellhead (8); —drilling a length of the borehole (1) by means of the casing (26) extending through the suction module (12), while, at the same time, drilling fluid is flowing via the suction module (12) from the borehole (1); —subsequently pulling the adapter (16) up from the outer wellhead (8) and dividing the adapter (16); and—lowering the casing (26) with the inner wellhead (30) through the suction module (12) and the adapter (16) to its position in the outer wellhead (8). Full Article
f Electromechanical actuator apparatus and method for down-hole tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms. Full Article
f Wellbore filter screen and related methods of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a downhole well filter (800) and method of use in a tubing string with a power head (704) for creating reverse flow. The filter assembly includes an inner pipe (820) into which fluid flow is directed. The inner pipe is positioned within a cylindrical screen member (830). The well fluid flows through the screen member and debris from the fluid is deposited in the annulus (832) between the inner pipe and screen member. The screen member has a cap (860) at its upper end to prevent fluid from escaping from the upper end of the screen member. The cap may have a pop off valve (870) so fluid can escape from the screen member when the screen becomes clogged with debris or pressure builds within the screen member. Full Article
f Inflow control device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to an inflow control device for controlling the flow of fluid into a well tubular structure arranged in a borehole, comprising a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, an aperture provided in a wall of the tubular part, and a hollow valve member rotatably received inside the tubular part, the hollow valve member comprising an orifice in a wall thereof, and an outer surface of the hollow valve member being spherical and the orifice being adapted to fluidly communicate with the aperture when the inflow control device is in an open position, whereby the aperture is in fluid communication with an inside of the tubular part, wherein the hollow valve member comprises a spherical first valve part and a spherical second valve part adapted to be assembled inside the tubular part. The present invention furthermore relates to a method of assembling an inflow control device according to the invention and to a completion system comprising an inflow control device according to the invention. Full Article
f Oil-well tubular anchoring system for LWD/MWD tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An anchoring assembly in a downhole tool, the assembly including a first tubular member, a second tubular member coupled to the first tubular member, and an anchoring block disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The anchoring block includes a body having a central axis defined therethrough and a central bore formed therethrough, a contact crown, in which at least one annular flow channel is formed between the contact crown and the body, and a contact ring configured to engage at least a portion of the first tubular member. Full Article
f Apparatus and method of forming a plug in a wellbore By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of forming a plug in a wellbore includes disposing a work string in a wellbore. The work string includes a first tool comprising a port providing fluid communication between an interior space of the first tool to an exterior space to permit placement of a plug in a wellbore. The method includes introducing a first fluid volume via the work string to form a plug in the wellbore, and includes load testing the plug at least in part by applying an axial force on the plug with the work string to determine that the plug is set. Full Article
f Adjustable flow control device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A flow control device comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restriction disposed in the fluid pathway, wherein the flow restriction is disposed in a radial alignment with respect to the wellbore tubular, and a flow blockage disposed in the fluid pathway, wherein the flow blockage substantially prevents a fluid flow through the fluid pathway. Full Article
f Method for determining wellbore position using seismic sources and seismic receivers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for determining position of a wellbore in the Earth's subsurface includes actuating a plurality of seismic energy sources each disposed at a known geodetic position. Seismic energy from the sources is detected at a selected location along the wellbore. The geodetic position at the selected location is determined from the detected seismic energy. A corresponding method includes actuating a seismic energy source at a selected position within the wellbore. The seismic energy is detected at a plurality of known geodetic positions. The geodetic position of the source is determined from the detected seismic energy. Full Article
f Selective removal of silica from silica containing brines By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for selective removal and recovery of silica and silicon containing compounds from solutions that include silica and silicon containing compounds, including geothermal brines. Also included are methods of preventing silica scale buildup in the geothermal power equipment and processes employing geothermal brines by the selective removal of silica. Full Article
f Cement compositions for cementing in confined locales and methods for use thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:00:00 EDT When conducting cementing operations within confined locales, such as the annular space within a wellbore, it can sometimes be difficult to successfully deliver an uncured cement composition to a desired location. Cementing methods can comprise: providing a cement composition comprising a cement and a property control package, the property control package comprising: a filtration control agent; a friction reducer; and a setting accelerator; introducing the cement composition into a mineral exploration wellbore; and setting the cement composition in the wellbore. Full Article
f Steam assisted gravity drainage processes with the addition of oxygen By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Oct 2015 08:00:00 EDT A steam assisted gravity drainage process that includes the addition of oxygen for recovering hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon reservoir is described. Steam and an oxygen-containing gas are separately and continuously injected into the hydrocarbon reservoir to heat hydrocarbons and water to drain, by gravity, to a horizontal production well. The process can include controlling the ratio of oxygen and steam from about 0.05 to about 1.00 (v/v). The steam assisted gravity drainage process can further include removing non-condensable combustion gases from the reservoir to avoid undesirable pressures in the reservoir. The non-condensable combustion gases can be removed from the reservoir by at least one separate vent-gas well. Full Article
f Method of treating the near-wellbore zone of the reservoir By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Jan 2016 08:00:00 EST The invention describes a method for treating near-wellbore zones involving the steps of injecting a magnesium metal with a catalyst into the desired area of the formation to be treated. Subsequently, combustive-oxidizing solution (COS) is injected into the zone of the formation to be treated. The COS initially reacts with the magnesium, which in turn initiates a vigorous oxidation reaction of the COS. The reaction gases and heat produced by the COS oxidation reaction are harnessed to enhance the productivity of the well by creating fractures in the treatment zone and by melting of paraffin and resin deposits in the treatment zone. As a final step, acid is injected into the formation to react with the formation thereby further enhancing the porosity of the fractures. In one embodiment, the COS uses ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, and in another, urea or ethylene glycol may be added as a reaction fuel. Full Article
f Ethylene cracking furnace By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An ethylene cracking furnace comprising a high pressure steam drum (1), a convection section (2), a radiant section (3), multiple groups of radiant coils (4) arranged vertically in the firebox of radiant section, burners (5) and transfer line exchangers (6), each radiant coil comprising a first-pass tube (7), a second-pass tube (8) and a connection member (9); feedstocks being introduced into an inlet end of the first-pass tube and outflow from an outlet end of the second-pass tube, said first-pass tube (7) and said second-pass tube (8) are non-split coils, and the centerlines of the respective radiant tubes (7, 8) are within a common plane; said connection member (9) is a tridimensional structural member comprising an inlet bending tube (10), a return bending tube (11) and an outlet bending tube (12); said inlet bending tubes (10) and said outlet bending tubes (12) are arranged at two sides of the plane containing the centerlines of said first-pass tubes (7) and said second-pass tubes (8), respectively; the projections of the respective connection members (9) in a side view are the same curve line that is symmetrical, continuous and closed; the inner diameters of said radiant coils (7, 8) is varied at least once along the length of the tubes. Full Article
f Method of treating sludge using solar energy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A method of treating sludge using solar energy is provided. The present invention utilizes a Fresnel panel frame that includes at least one Fresnel panel. The Fresnel panel may cover at least a portion of a bed cavity. An amount of waste may be placed within the bed cavity. When placed in sunlight, the heat enhanced by the Fresnel panels may heat the waste sufficiently for safe easy disposal, recycling, or for the creation of fertilizer. Full Article
f Device for compensating deviations from a coaxial arrangement of components of a regulating organ to control the gas pressure of a coke oven chamber By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A device for compensating deviations from a coaxial arrangement of components of a regulating organ, said regulating arrangement being comprised of a regulating organ, a crown pipe, and an immersion cup which serve for controlling the gas pressure of a coke oven chamber, with the regulating arrangement being comprised of an immersion cup with a water immersion that seals the gas space of a coke oven chamber versus the gas collecting main and/or plant units downstream, and wherein the height of the water level of the water immersion represents a regulating means to control the gas pressure, and wherein said regulating arrangement is furthermore comprised of an immersion pipe that configures a specially shaped crown pipe at its end submerging into the water of the immersion cup, and that is comprised of a regulating organ to regulate the water level. Full Article
f Dividing wall distillation column for producing high purity acrylic acid and fractional distillation method using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST There are provided a dividing wall distillation column for producing high-purity acrylic acid, and a fractional distillation method using the same. The dividing wall distillation column includes a condenser, a reboiler and a main column having a dividing wall. Here, the main column is divided into a column-top zone, an upper feed zone, an upper outflow zone, a lower feed zone, a lower outflow zone and a column-bottom zone. Accordingly, since one distillation column can be used to realize the same effect as that obtained from the use of two distillation columns, the dividing wall distillation column can have an effect of reducing the costs of equipment to produce high-purity acrylic acid, as well as an energy-reducing effect, compared to a conventional process system. Full Article
f Induction heated gasifier By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A method of removing organic components from a mixture containing organic and inorganic components which method involves providing an induction heated screw conveyor having an auger and passing the mixture through the induction heated screw conveyor while inductively heating the auger so as to heat the mixture in the induction heated screw conveyor primarily from the center of the induction heated screw conveyor. The mixture is heated to a temperature that is sufficient to cause the organic components in the mixture to separate from the mixture as a vapor. The oxygen concentration in the induction heated screw conveyor is controlled so as to gasify the organic components. The gasified organic components are removed and the remaining inorganic components are collected. Full Article
f Reactor for the continuous production of charcoal By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A reactor for the continuous production of charcoal, having a substantially vertical structure, comprising, in sequence, a top charging zone, a drying zone, a carbonization zone, a cooling zone, and a discharge zone, wherein the charging zone has a smaller cross section than the drying zone and has an extension into the drying zone , forming an annular space around the extension, which space comprises, in the wall of the drying zone, an outlet to a gas extraction line for the recirculation of these gases into the reactor. The reactor reduces sawdust drag by the gases extracted from the preheating zone, without substantially altering the shape and the size of the reactor, which is achieved due to the fact that the charging zone is arranged eccentrically relatively to the drying zone, and that the outlet to the gas extraction line of the drying zone is located substantially on the larger area section of the annular space. Full Article
f Compact evaporator for modular portable SAGD process By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A modular portable evaporator system for use in a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) systems having an evaporator, with a sump including an oil skimming weir, a short tube vertical falling film heat exchanger including an outer shell containing short tubes provided for lower water circulation rate. The system further having external to the evaporator, a compressor for compressing evaporated steam from the tube side of the heat exchanger and routing to the shell side of the same exchanger, a distillate tank to collect hot distilled water, a recirculation pump to introduce liquids from the sump into the heat exchanger and an external suction drum protecting the compressor from liquid impurities. The evaporator system receives produced water from the SAGD process into the sump and provides cleaned hot water to a boiler. Full Article
f Apparatus and method for purifying a liquid By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST For purifying a liquid, the liquid is caused to evaporate in a cyclone in a recirculation circuit. Vapor is discharged via a discharge channel in which a compressor is included. In a heat exchanger downstream of the compressor, supplied vapor condenses and heat thereby released is transferred to liquid in the recirculation circuit. A liquid inlet of the cyclone is placed and directed for delivering a jet having a directional component tangential with respect to an inner surface of the cyclone. The liquid inlet has a section shaped such that in operation the delivered jet is a flat jet having a cross section which in a direction parallel to a nearest generatrix of the inner surface of the cyclone is greater than in a direction perpendicular thereto. The jet contacts the inner surface of the cyclone before drop formation occurs in the jet. A method for purifying a liquid is also described. Full Article
f Physical refining of triglyceride oils and fats By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A process for the physical refining of edible oils and fats, said process comprising three consecutive stages, whereby in a first stage at least 60% by weight of the volatiles are evaporated in a flash vessel, in a second stage some residual volatiles are evaporated by countercurrent steam stripping using a packed column (3), and in a third stage further residual volatiles are evaporated in a cross-flow tray system (2), wherein the pressure in said flash vessel is maintained at a value below the pressure prevailing above said packed column (3); and an apparatus for the physical refining of edible oils and fats comprising a flash vessel, a packed column (3), sparging trays (2) and the means to maintain the pressure in said flash vessel at a value that is below the pressure prevailing above said packed column. Full Article
f High efficiency apparatus for liquid smoke generation from wood By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST This invention relates to a high efficiency apparatus for manufacturing an aqueous wood smoke solution in the form of a liquid smoke desired concentration by burning wood, wooden chips or sawdust in a limited amount of air. Wood consumption per unit of liquid smoke is significantly smaller comparing to conventional methods, while the air pollution is reduced to a negligible level. Full Article
f Rapid thermal conversion of biomass By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST An improved rapid thermal conversion process for efficiently converting wood, other biomass materials, and other carbonaceous feedstock (including hydrocarbons) into high yields of valuable liquid product, e.g., bio-oil, on a large scale production, is disclosed. In the process, biomass material, e.g., wood, is fed to a conversion system where the biomass material is mixed with an upward stream of hot heat carriers, e.g., sand, that thermally convert the biomass into a hot vapor stream. The hot vapor stream is rapidly quenched with quench media in one or more condensing chambers located downstream of the conversion system. The rapid quenching condenses the vapor stream into liquid product, which is collected from the condensing chambers as a valuable liquid product. Full Article
f Trihalosilane refining method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy. Full Article
f Self-adjusting preload for memory alloy wire By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value. Full Article
f Method and device for purifying a liquid By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a method for purifying a liquid comprising liquid particles and residual particles. It is hereby possible to generate substantially pure water from, for instance seawater. Full Article
f Pyrolytic process and apparatus for producing biomass char and energy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pyrolytic conversion assembly for processing biomass including: a rotary kiln including a tube for heating the biomass at pressure having a sealable inlet at a first, higher end for ingress of the biomass, and a sealable outlet at a lower end for egress of charcoal formed from the biomass; and heating elements disposed around the kiln to provide a localized source of heating at a predetermined distance from the sealable inlet for reflux condensation of gas from the biomass. Full Article
f Multi-effect evaporator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A thermal desalination system adapted to produce distilled water from feed water which may be sea water, based on a forward feed evaporator made up of a main water feed line, a vapor feed line, a distilled water main line and any number of effect groups. The effect groups include any number of effects which in turn include vapor inlets, water inflow lines, concentrate outflow lines that drain into a common concentrate drainage line, a vapor and water outlet in fluid communication with the distilled water main line, and heat transfer means that condense part of an inlet vapor to produce the distilled water. Full Article
f Trihalosilane refining method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy. Full Article