US3784175A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Downcomer for fluid contactor apparatus
Assignee: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co Ltd
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Filing: 1971-09-14
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Granted: 1974-01-08
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Expires: 1991-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A downcomer for a fluid contactor apparatus comprises a vertical passage having an opening at the upper end thereof, which consists of a movable member and a fixed member, or consists only of movable members. Said movable member is supported on the fixed member or on the other fixed parts in a manner to be tilted and an area for discharging an effluent of the downcomer can be automatically changed according to a fluctuation in fluid load.
Inventors
- 👤 S Hirao
- 👤 S Ihara
- 👤 K Ueda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 21:20
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D3/00; B01D3/14; B01D3/16; B01D3/18; B01D3/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A downcomer for a fluid contactor apparatus having a plurality of horizontal trays positioned therein, which comprises a vertical duct having an opening at an upper end of the duct and at least one movable member that forms a wall of the duct, an upper part of said movable member projecting above an upper surface of one tray and means for tiltably supporting said member from said one tray, a lower discharge area of the duct being adjusted by movement of the movable member due to fluctuation in the fluid load of the apparatus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A downcomer for a fluid contactor apparatus having a plurality of horizontal trays positioned therein, which comprises a vertical duct having an opening at an upper end of the duct and at least one movable member that forms a wall of the duct, an upper part of said movable member projecting above an upper surface of one tray and means for tiltably supporting said member from said one tray, a lower discharge area of the duct being adjusted by movement of the movable member due to fluctuation in the fluid load of the apparatus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A downcomer according to claim 1, wherein the duct is comprised only of movable members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A downcomer according to claim 1, wherein the upper part of the movable member provides an effluent weir for said one tray.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A downcomer according to claim 3, wherein two opposite side walls of the duct are each formed by a movable member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A downcomer according to claim 3, wherein a lower end of the movable member is curved toward the inside of said duct.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
A downcomer according to claim 3, wherein a weight is fixed to an outside portion of the movable member whereby said movable member tends to return to a closed position upon reduction of the fluid load of the apparatus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A downcomer according to claim 3, wherein only one side wall of the duct is formed by said movable member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A downcomer according to claim 7, wherein a side wall opposite to the movable member is a column wall of said apparatus.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A downcomer according to claim 3, wherein a bottom plate extends horizontally from a fixed side wall of said duct toward said movable member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A downcomer according to claim 9, wherein the movable member extends below said bottom plate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A downcomer according to claim 10, wherein the lower edge of said movable member extends substantially horizontally below said bottom plate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
A downcomer according to claim 11, wherein said lower edge is positioned closely subjacent to said bottom plate and said bottom plate is secured to a column wall of said apparatus.
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) | 1977-01-07 | 1977-07-09 | 1978-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-07 | 1981-07-09 | 1982-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-07 | 1985-07-09 | 1986-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |