US3778968A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for controlling air pollution caused by volatile emissions from storage tanks and the like
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-08-10
•
Granted: 1973-12-18
•
Expires: 1992-08-10
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for controlling air pollution caused by volatile emissions from petroleum storage tanks and the like, wherein such volatile emissions or vapors are passed through a brine or glycol solution having a controlled temperature range for separating petroleum hydrocarbons, water and air and for collecting the hydrocarbons so that they do not escape to the environment.
Inventors
- 👤 G Parker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:12
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D53/00; B01D53/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
18 words
The method set forth in claim 1, wherein: the temperature of the solution is controlled by refrigerating same.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method set forth in claim 1, wherein: the temperature of the solution is maintained within a range from about minus 20* F to about 40* F.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method set forth in claim 1, wherein: said condensed hydrocarbons are separated from the solution by decanting said condensed hydrocarbons.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method set forth in claim 1, including: regenerating the brine solution after it has been diluted with the water introduced with the petroleum vapors so as to maintain the strength of the solution at an adequate level for the condensation and recovery of the hydrocarbons therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method set forth in claim 1, wherein: said solution is a glycol.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
177 words
Apparatus for controlling volatile petroleum emissions from a storage tank, comprising: a storage tank; a low pressure blower means for transporting petroleum vapors together with any water and air therewith from the storage tank to a liquid bath having therein a solution selected from the group consisting of brine and glycols; means for regulating the pressure of the petroleum vapors in the storage tank by admitting air into the tank when the pressure drops below a predetermined amount related to atmospheric pressure; means for effecting transporting of the petroleum vapors to the solution when the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined amount related to atmospheric pressure; means for supplying the solution; means for bubbling said petroleum vapors together with any water and air therewith upwardly through and in direct contact with said solution in said bath for condensing a substantial portion of the hydrocarbons in the petroleum vapors, allowing the water therewith to go into solution with the brine, and separating the air for discharge therefrom; means for separating said condensed hydrocarbons from the brine solution.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 7, wherein said means for separating said condensed hydrocarbons includes: means for overflowing the solution and condensed hydrocarbons together into a settling tank; and means for thereafter decanting the hydrocarbons from the solution in the settling tank.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |