US4055486A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for handling solid fluidized particles
Assignee: Occidental Petroleum Corp
•
Filing: 1976-07-30
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Granted: 1977-10-25
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Expires: 1996-07-30
Abstract
Abstract A source of fluid and entrained particles including fines is connected to the entrance of a cyclone particle separator lying above a particle storage vessel that has an outlet near its bottom. The particle separator has a particle exit connected to the storage vessel and a fluid exit. The separator imparts angular motion to the fluid received at its entrance such that the fluid with a first percentage of the fines entrained therein flows out the fluid exit, and the particles minus such first percentage passes through the particle exit to the storage vessel. The particles in the storage vessel are fluidized to a particular level above the outlet. Fluidized particles with a second percentage of the fines entrained therein are removed from the process by withdrawal from the storage vessel at a point between the particular level and the outlet. Fluidized particles minus the first and second percentages of the fines flow from the outlet of the storage vessel to a receiver for processing. The average size of the fluidized particles leaving the outlet is controlled by changing one of the percentages of the fines. When the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles from the source becomes too great, the angular operation of the separator is disrupted by injecting fluid into its base, or by raising the level of fluidized particles in the storage vessel to increase the percentage of the fines flowing out the fluid exit of the separator. When the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles from the source decreases, a portion of the fines withdrawn from the storage vessel is returned to the storage vessel to decrease the second percentage.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles K. Choi
- 👤 Joseph P. Tassoney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:28
CPC Classifications
B; B04; B04C; B04C5/00; B04C5/02; B04C5/04; B03; B03B; B03B9/00; B03B9/06; C; C10; C10B; C10B49/00; C10B49/16; C10B49/20; C10B53/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
Apparatus for handling solid fluidized particles, the apparatus comprising: a source of fluid and entrained particles including fines; a particle storage vessel having an outlet near its bottom; a particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel and connected to the source, a fluid exit, a particle exit connected to the storage vessel, and means for separating particles from fluid received at the entrance such that the fluid with a first percentage of the fines entrained therein flows to the fluid exit and the particles minus the first percentage of the fines pass through the particle exit to the storage vessel; means for fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; means for removing fluidized particles with a second percentage of the fines entrained therein from the storage vessel at a point between the particular level and the outlet; a receiver connected to the outlet of the storage vessel to receive fluidized particles minus the first and second percentages of the fines flow from the outlet of the storage vessel; and means for changing at least one of the percentages of the fines.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
Apparatus for handling solid fluidized particles, the apparatus comprising: a source of fluid and entrained particles including fines; a particle storage vessel having an outlet near its bottom; a particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel and connected to the source, a fluid exit, a particle exit connected to the storage vessel, and means for separating particles from fluid received at the entrance such that the fluid with a first percentage of the fines entrained therein flows to the fluid exit and the particles minus the first percentage of the fines pass through the particle exit to the storage vessel; means for fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; means for removing fluidized particles with a second percentage of the fines entrained therein from the storage vessel at a point between the particular level and the outlet; a receiver connected to the outlet of the storage vessel to receive fluidized particles minus the first and second percentages of the fines flow from the outlet of the storage vessel; and means for changing at least one of the percentages of the fines.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the changing means comprises means for increasing the first percentage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 2, in which the particle separator comprises one or more cyclone particle separators imparting angular motion to the fluid received at the entrance to separate particles by centrifugal force, and the increasing means comprises means for disrupting the angular motion imparted to the fluid received at the entrance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 3, in which the disrupting means comprises means for introducing a gas at a low flow rate into the cyclone particle separator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 4, in which the changing means additionally comprises means for decreasing the second percentage by returning to the storage vessel a portion of the fines removed therefrom by the removing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 3, in which the disrupting means comprises means for raising the particular level of the fluidized particles in the storage vessel into the particle exit of the cyclone particle separator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 6, in which the changing means additionally comprises means for decreasing the second percentage by returning to the storage vessel a portion of the fines removed therefrom by the removing means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 6, in which the particle outlet comprises a dipleg extending downwardly into the storage a vessel to a point in the vicinity of the particular level, and a flapper valve on the end of the dipleg that closes to prevent reverse flow from the storage vessel through the dipleg to the particle separator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the changing means comprises means for decreasing the second percentage.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 9, in which the decreasing means comprises means for returning to the storage vessel a portion of the fines in the fluidized particles removed by the removing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
112 words
The apparatus of claim 10, in which the removing means comprises a drum at a lower pressure than the fluidized particles in the storage vessel and a withdrawal conduit connected from the point between the particular level and the outlet of the storage vessel to the drum, and the decreasing means comprises a return line from the drum at a point above the withdrawal conduit to the storage vessel above the particular level of fluidized particles and means for introducing an elutriating gas into the drum at a point below the withdrawal conduit to lift fines entering the drum from the withdrawal conduit up through the return line to the storage vessel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 11, additionally comprising a plurality of disc-shaped plates in the drum disposed between the point of introduction of the elutriating gas and the withdrawal conduit and a plurality of rings interleaved with the plates to improve mixing of the elutriating gas with particles leaving the withdrawal conduit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 12, additionally comprising a control valve in the withdrawal conduit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 13, additionally comprising means for fluidizing particles in the drum.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 14, additionally comprising means for introducing a water mist into the fluidized particles in the drum as a quench.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 15, in which the changing means also comprises means for increasing the first percentage.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the changing means comprises means for alternatively increasing the first percentage and decreasing the second percentage.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising a cooling drum at a pressure lower than the fluidized particles in the storage vessel and the removing means comprises a withdrawal conduit connected from the point between the particular level and the outlet of the storage vessel to the cooling drum.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 18, additionally comprising means for fluidizing particles in the cooling drum to a particular level, and means for introducing a water mist into the fluidized particles as a quench.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus of claim 19, in which the drum has an outlet near its bottom, the apparatus additionally comprising a trim cooler, means for connecting the outlet of the cooling drum to the trim cooler, means for venting the top of the trim cooler, means for fluidizing particles in the trim cooler, and means for removing particles from the trim cooler.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
287 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing the fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines entrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing a portion of fluidized particles including a second percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles at a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet and returning a portion of the second percentage of fines to the storage vessel; d. increasing the portion of the second percentage of fines returned to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below a desired level; and e. decreasing the portion of the econd percentage of fines returned to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator increases above a desired level.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
287 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing the fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines entrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing a portion of fluidized particles including a second percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles at a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet and returning a portion of the second percentage of fines to the storage vessel; d. increasing the portion of the second percentage of fines returned to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below a desired level; and e. decreasing the portion of the econd percentage of fines returned to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator increases above a desired level.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
329 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet, a first cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel and a second cyclone particle separator having an entrance coupled to the fluid exit of the first cyclone separator, a fluid exit and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the first particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles; b. separating a portion of the particles from the fluid, leaving fines entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force; c. passing the fluid with entrained fines to the second particle separator wherein a portion of the entrained fines are passed to the fluid exit of the second cyclone separator; d. passing particles separated from the fluid through the particle exits into the storage vessel; e. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; f. removing fluidized particles including a percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; g. employing the angular motion of the fluid in the separator to decrease the percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit of the second particle separator when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the entrance of the particle separator decreases below the desired level; and h. returning a portion of the percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the first particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
329 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet, a first cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel and a second cyclone particle separator having an entrance coupled to the fluid exit of the first cyclone separator, a fluid exit and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the first particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles; b. separating a portion of the particles from the fluid, leaving fines entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force; c. passing the fluid with entrained fines to the second particle separator wherein a portion of the entrained fines are passed to the fluid exit of the second cyclone separator; d. passing particles separated from the fluid through the particle exits into the storage vessel; e. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; f. removing fluidized particles including a percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; g. employing the angular motion of the fluid in the separator to decrease the percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit of the second particle separator when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the entrance of the particle separator decreases below the desired level; and h. returning a portion of the percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the first particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
273 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet, a first cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, and a second cyclone particle separator having an entrance coupled to the fluid exit of the first cyclone separator, a fluid exit and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the first particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles; b. separating a portion of the particles from the fluid leaving the fines entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force; c. passing the fluid with the entrained fines to the second particle separator wherein a portion of the entrained fines are passed to the fluid exit of the second cyclone separator; d. passing particles separated from the fluid through the particle exits into the storage vessel; e. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; f. removing fluidized particles including a percentage of fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; and g. returning a portion of the percentage of fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the particles introduced to the first particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
273 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet, a first cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, and a second cyclone particle separator having an entrance coupled to the fluid exit of the first cyclone separator, a fluid exit and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the first particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles; b. separating a portion of the particles from the fluid leaving the fines entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force; c. passing the fluid with the entrained fines to the second particle separator wherein a portion of the entrained fines are passed to the fluid exit of the second cyclone separator; d. passing particles separated from the fluid through the particle exits into the storage vessel; e. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; f. removing fluidized particles including a percentage of fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; and g. returning a portion of the percentage of fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the particles introduced to the first particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
282 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines enrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing fluidized particles including a second percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; d. disrupting the angular motion of the fluid in the separator to increase the percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator increases above a desired level; and e. returning a portion of the second percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
282 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines enrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing fluidized particles including a second percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; d. disrupting the angular motion of the fluid in the separator to increase the percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator increases above a desired level; and e. returning a portion of the second percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 24, in which the disrupting step comprises introducing gas at a low flow rate into the cyclone particle separator.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 24, in which the disrupting step comprises raising the particular level of the fluidized particles in the storage vessel above the particle exit of the cyclone particle separator within the storage vessel.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
285 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing the fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines entrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing fluidized particles including a second percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; d. employing the angular motion of the fluid in the separator to decrease the first percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below the desired level; and e. returning a portion of the second percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
285 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing the fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines entrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing fluidized particles including a second percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; d. employing the angular motion of the fluid in the separator to decrease the first percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below the desired level; and e. returning a portion of the second percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
237 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing the fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines entrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing fluidized particles including a second percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; and d. returning a portion of the second percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
237 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing the fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines entrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing fluidized particles including a second percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; and d. returning a portion of the second percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
271 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart centrifugal force thereto by angular motion of the fluid and particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by selected disturbance to the angular motion, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines entrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing fluidized particles including a second percentage of fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; d. increasing the percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator increases above a desired level; and e. decreasing the percentage of fines flowing to the fluid exit when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to particle separator decreases to below a desired level.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
271 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet and a cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel, which method comprising the steps of: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the particle separator to impart centrifugal force thereto by angular motion of the fluid and particles and separating particles from the fluid with a first percentage of fines being entrained in the fluid by selected disturbance to the angular motion, the fluid with the first percentage of the fines entrained therein flowing to the fluid exit and the particles minus the entrained first percentage of the fines passing through the particle exit to the storage vessel; b. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; c. removing fluidized particles including a second percentage of fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; d. increasing the percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator increases above a desired level; and e. decreasing the percentage of fines flowing to the fluid exit when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to particle separator decreases to below a desired level.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 29 in combination with returning a portion of the second percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 29 in which the percertage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit is increased by introducing gas at a low flow rate into the cyclone particle separator.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 29 in which the percentage of fines flowing to the fluid exit is increased by raising the particular level of the fluidized particles in the storage vessel up above the paticle exit of the cyclone particle separator within the storage vessel.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
329 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet, a first cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel and a second cyclone particle separator having an entrance coupled to the fluid exit of the first cyclone separator, a fluid exit and a particle exit within the storage vessel, comprising the steps o: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the first particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles; b. separating a portion of the particles from the fluid, leaving fines entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force; c. passing the fluid with the entrained fines to the second particle separator wherein a portion of the entrained fines are passed to the fluid exit of the second cyclone separator; d. passing particles separated from the fluid through the particle exits into the storage vessel; e. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; f. removing fluidized particles including a percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; g. disrupting the angular motion of the fluid in the separator to increase the percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit of the second particle separator when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the entrance of the first particle separator increases above a desired level; and h. returning a portion of the percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the first particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
329 words
A method for controlling the size of fluidized particles leaving the outlet of apparatus comprising a particle storage vessel having an opening near its bottom that defines the outlet, a first cyclone particle separator having an entrance lying above the storage vessel for receiving fluid and entrained particles including fines, a fluid exit, and a particle exit within the storage vessel and a second cyclone particle separator having an entrance coupled to the fluid exit of the first cyclone separator, a fluid exit and a particle exit within the storage vessel, comprising the steps o: a. introducing fluid and entrained particles including fines tangentially to the entrance of the first particle separator to impart angular motion to the fluid and particles; b. separating a portion of the particles from the fluid, leaving fines entrained in the fluid by centrifugal force; c. passing the fluid with the entrained fines to the second particle separator wherein a portion of the entrained fines are passed to the fluid exit of the second cyclone separator; d. passing particles separated from the fluid through the particle exits into the storage vessel; e. fluidizing the particles in the storage vessel to a particular level above the outlet; f. removing fluidized particles including a percentage of the fines through a conduit extending into the fluidized particles to a point in the storage vessel between the particular level and the outlet; g. disrupting the angular motion of the fluid in the separator to increase the percentage of fines in the fluid flowing to the fluid exit of the second particle separator when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the entrance of the first particle separator increases above a desired level; and h. returning a portion of the percentage of the fines withdrawn by the conduit to the storage vessel when the quantity of fines included in the fluid entrained particles introduced to the first particle separator decreases below a desired level.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 33 in which the disrupting step comprises introducing gas at a low flow rate into the second cyclone particle separator.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 33 in which the disrupting step comprises raising the particular level of the fluidized particles in the storage vessel to above the particle exits of the cyclone particle separators in the storage vessel.
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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) | 1980-10-24 | 1981-04-25 | 1981-10-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-10-24 | 1985-04-25 | 1985-10-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-10-24 | 1989-04-25 | 1989-10-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |