US3572008A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods and means for cleaning and drying compressed fluid systems
Assignee: Hankison Corp
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Filing: 1968-10-25
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Granted: 1971-03-23
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Expires: 1988-10-25
Abstract
Abstract We disclose methods and means for separating gaseous materials including vaporized moisture and for regenerating the gas separator or absorbent used for this purpose. We also disclose methods and means for separating a contaminant liquid from the aforementioned or other fluid systems and for regenerating the liquid separator thus employed.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul M Hankison
- 👤 William Foster Walker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:58
CPC Classifications
F; F22; F22B; F22B37/00; F22B37/02; F22B37/26; F22B37/265; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S55/00; Y10S55/17
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
24 words
The method according the claim 1 and comprising the additional step of reverse-flowing said fluid portion to a region of substantially lower fluid pressure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for periodically regenerating desiccant material and a desiccant contaminating liquid separator, said method comprising the steps of defining a fluid path, placing said desiccant material and said liquid separator at spaced locations along said path so as to extend completely across said path, flowing a moisture and contaminating liquid-containing fluid in a normal flow direction along said path and through said separator and said desiccant material in that order, segregating first and second portions of said fluid normally downstream of said desiccant and said separator, periodically flowing said first fluid portion in a reverse direction along said path and through said desiccant material to regenerate the same, and periodically flowing said second fluid portion in a reverse direction along said path through said separator to regenerate the same.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for periodically regenerating desiccant material, said method comprising the steps of defining a fluid path, placing said desiccant material in said path, flowing a moisture and contaminating liquid containing fluid in a normal flow direction through said path and through said desiccant material, segregating first and second portions of said fluid adjacent said desiccant on a normal downstream side thereof, periodically flowing said first fluid portion in a reverse direction along said path and through said desiccant material at a faster rate for desiccant flushing purposes, periodically flowing said second fluid portion in a reverse direction along said path at a slower flow rate through said desiccant material to regenerate the same, and directing each of said fluid portions radially of the adjacent surface of said desiccant material and thence through said desiccant material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method according to claim 3 and comprising the additional steps of segregating a third portion of said fluid adjacent said desiccant material, and periodically flowing said third fluid portion in a reverse direction along said path and through said desiccant material and said liquid separator to flush foreign material from said desiccant material and to aid in regenerating said separator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 3 and comprising the additional step of reverse-flowing said second portion at a substantially faster rate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according the claim 6 and comprising the additional steps of reverse-flowing said first and said second fluid portions respectively to regions of substantially reduced fluid pressures.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according the claim 3 and comprising the additional step of segregating said first portion adjacent said desiccant and said second portion adjacent said separator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein at least two relatively thin foraminous liquid separators are spacedly mounted along said path and said method comprises the modified step of reverse-flowing said portion in tandem through said separators so that surface coalesced liquid on the normally upstream separator is driven back through said upstream separator and that the surface coalesced liquid on the normally downstream separator is driven through both of said separators.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method according to claim 9 and comprising the additional steps of segregating a second fluid portion in a space between said separators, and periodically reverse-flowing said second portion through said upstream separator to aid at least partially in regenerating the same.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
137 words
A desiccant drying system for use with a compressed fluid containing desiccant contaminating liquid droplets, said system including a container structure for supporting a mass of desiccant material therein, a separator for said liquid positioned within said container structure, means for spacing said separator in a normally upstream direction from said desiccant material, said separator including a coalescing member of thin foraminous construction and being extended entirely across the flow path of said fluid through said desiccant, said member being shaped to retain substantially all of the coalesced liquid on the normally downstream surface thereof, and means coupled to said container structure for periodically reverse-flowing a first portion of said fluid through said separator and for periodically reverse-flowing a second portion of said fluid through said desiccant material for regenerating said separator and said desiccant material respectively.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The combination according to claim 11 wherein said liquid separator includes a relatively thin coalescing member and a pair of foraminous backing members coextending with said coalescing member and sandwiching said coalescing member therebetween.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination according to claim 12 wherein the liquid separator is positioned horizontally, said lower volume flow is upwardly through said liquid separator, said higher volume flow is downwardly through said separator.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination according to claim 11 wherein at least two of said liquid separators are spacedly mounted in tandem in said system and along said path.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-22 | 1974-09-21 | 1975-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-22 | 1978-09-21 | 1979-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-22 | 1982-09-21 | 1983-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |