Abstract:
An apparatus is provided for suction of a secondary fluid into a primary fluid through one or multiple gaps in contact with a venturi. The venturi imparts a high velocity on the primary fluid to flow across a gap in contact with the venturi and draw in the secondary fluid. The apparatus employs a linear venturi with the flow area, or opening, in the form of a narrow ring or narrow rectangle to increase the length of the gap in contact with the venturi. One gap is provided and positioned in contact with one side of the narrow venturi opening, or two gaps are provided having one positioned in contact each side of the narrow venturi opening. The linear venturi is housed in assemblies referred to as “eductors.” Various eductor embodiments are provided including: 1), cylindrical housings with one or multiple concentric linear venturi with openings in the form of narrow rings; 2), rectangular housings with a single rectangular linear venturi with an opening in the form of a narrow rectangle, with multiple rectangular linear venturi with inlets positioned around a primary fluid inlet to flow radially outward through the multiple venturi, with multiple rectangular linear venturi with outlets positioned around a mixing chamber to cause circulation of the flow of fluids; 3), a cylindrical housing with linear venturi with an opening in the form of a narrow ring adapted for inserting into piping; and 4), cylindrical housings with linear venturi with an opening in the form of a wide ring adapted for installation in piping.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. An ultrafilter is described as well as a bioreactor system having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. An oil production system to produce oil from a viscous reservoir is provided including at least one production well, a fluid injection well, and a heating system functionally associated with the at least one production well, the heating system having at least one electrical heating well adapted to direct power from a power supply at surface to the reservoir to heat the reservoir. Hydraulically-operated crude oil pumps are also provided.
Abstract:
A filter apparatus including a housing and a filter member retainable therein. The filter apparatus is adapted to be securable at a variety of positions relative to the housing. A wedging mechanism is provided whereby, when the filter element is placed in a desired location relative to the housing, the wedging mechanism may be engaged, thereby not only securing the filter member into position, but also preferrably forming an occlusive seal between the filter element and the housing. Fluid is introduced into the filter apparatus by first side of the filter element and is allowed to exit the filter apparatus from a second side of the filter element.
Abstract:
A filter mesh constructed from a plurality of structural members. Each member has a central body portion and a plurality of extensions extending therefrom such that when such sections are assembled together the extensions hold the body members in spaced relation and define a plurality of orifices in the structure. The extensions preferrably extend to one side of the body members and are preferrably shaped such that a contoured surface is effectively formed to one side of the body members, such contoured surface simulating the surface of a woven mesh. A variety of mesh patterns may be duplicated by the appropriate alterations in the placement and conformity of the extensions relative to the body portions of the structural members.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. An oil production system to produce oil from a viscous reservoir is provided including at least one production well, a fluid injection well, and a heating system functionally associated with the at least one production well, the heating system having at least one electrical heating well adapted to direct power from a power supply at surface to the reservoir to heat the reservoir. Hydraulically-operated crude oil pumps are also provided.
Abstract:
An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.
Abstract:
An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. A bioreactor system is described having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.
Abstract:
The invention is a method and apparatus for mixing a powder into a liquid. In a first aspect, the invention includes an apparatus into which a powder can be fed for mixing into a liquid. The apparatus comprises a wetting housing defining a wetting chamber having a top part, a bottom part, a top port in the wetting chamber's top part, and a bottom port in the wetting chamber's bottom part; means for preventing powder from clumping by fluid force imparted from the wetting chamber's top part to keep the powder from accumulating before mixing; and a spray at the wetting chamber's bottom part to swirl the liquid and mix the powder in the liquid. In a second aspect, the apparatus is a part of a system including a tank that, when filled, contains the liquid and includes a first port and a second port permitting fluid flow through the tank; a source of the liquid; and a controller controlling the operation of the wetting chamber and the tank. In a third aspect, the invention is a method comprising feeding the powder into a chamber having a bottom part and a top part; swirling the liquid into the bottom part of the chamber; injecting a fluid into the top part of the chamber to prevent the powder from clumping; and extracting the mixed powder and liquid from the chamber.