US3595385A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for controlling levels in an ion exchange resin separator
Assignee: Union Tank Car Co
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Filing: 1969-06-02
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Granted: 1971-07-27
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Expires: 1989-06-02
Abstract
Abstract An improved method and apparatus are provided for controlling both the resin level and the quantity of fines above the resin in an anion-cation exchange resin separation column. In carrying out the method, the presence of fines is sensed at a given level within the resin separation zone, and resin is delivered to the zone when its level falls below this given level. The presence of fines within the separation zone is also sensed at a second level above this given level. If fines are present, an alarm may be sounded, fines may be removed from the separation zone, or both the alarm and fines removal functions may be performed. The apparatus comprises an ion exchange resin separation column having a bead resin level sensor in an upper portion and a fines level sensor above the bead resin level sensor. Valve means are controlled responsive to a signal from the bead resin level sensor in order to maintain the proper bead resin level with the column. The apparatus may alternatively employ alarm means, fines removal means, or a combination thereof, operating responsive to a signal from the fines level sensor.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph H Duff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 13:02
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01J; B01J47/00; B01J47/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
21 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said bead resin is sensed at said given level by sonic sensing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein said fines are sensed at said second level by photoelectric sensing means.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
118 words
A method for simultaneously controlling bead resin level and fines level in a resin separation zone, said zone being filled with liquid and containing ion exchange resin, said method comprising: sensing the presence or absence of bead resin at a given level within said zone; controlling the delivery of resin into said zone in response to the absence or presence of bead resin at said given level to maintain said level of bead resin relatively constant at said given level; sensing the presence or absence of fines in said zone at a second level above said given level; and removing fines from an upper portion of said separation zone when said fines are sensed at said second level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as defined in claim 4 wherein said bead resin is sensed at said given level by sonic-sensing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as defined in claim 5 wherein said fines are sensed at said second level by photoelectric-sensing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
84 words
In an ion exchange resin separation column, control means comprising: a bead resin level sensor positioned in an upper portion of said separation column; a fines level sensor positioned in said column above said bead resin level sensor; resin transfer means for delivering exhausted ion exchange resin to said column; valve means on said resin transfer means; control means for operating said valve means responsive to a signal from said bead resin level sensor; and alarm means operating responsive to said fines level sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said bead resin level sensor comprises a sonic level detector.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said fines level sensor comprises a light emitter and a photocell.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 7 further including a minimum bead resin level sensor positioned below said bead resin level sensor; and control means for sounding an alarm responsive to a signal from said minimum resin level sensor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 10 further including control means for opening said valve responsive to a signal from said minimum resin level sensor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said beaD resin level sensor and said minimum resin level sensor are sonic level detectors.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said fines level sensor comprises a light emitter and a photocell.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
95 words
In an ion exchange resin separation column, control means comprising: a bead resin level sensor positioned in an upper portion of said separation column; a fines level sensor positioned in said column above said bead resin level sensor; resin transfer means for delivering exhausted ion exchange resin to said column; valve means on said resin transfer means; control means for operating said valve means responsive to a signal from said bead resin level sensor; and means for removing fines from an upper portion of said column responsive to a signal from said fines level sensor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said bead resin level sensor comprises a sonic level detector.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said fines level sensor comprises a light emitter and a photocell.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 14 further including a minimum bead resin level sensor positioned below said bead resin level sensor; and control means for sounding an alarm responsive to a signal from said minimum resin level sensor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said control means open said valve responsive to a signal from said minimum resin level sensor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said bead resin level sensor and said minimum resin level sensor are sonic detectors.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said fines level sensor comprises a light emitter and a photocell.
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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) | 1974-07-26 | 1975-01-25 | 1975-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-26 | 1979-01-25 | 1979-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-26 | 1983-01-25 | 1983-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |