US4824016A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acoustic monitoring of two phase feed nozzles
Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co
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Filing: 1987-12-10
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Granted: 1989-04-25
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Expires: 2007-12-10
Abstract
Abstract Passive acoustic method for monitoring and controlling flow state of two phase fluids through feed nozzles and thereby improving operating stability and high product value yields in major refinery processes or any other process where a finely atomized liquid stream exiting the nozzle is important.
Inventors
- 👤 George D. Cody
- 👤 Craig A. Joseph
- 👤 Uri Sela
- 👤 Charles L. Baker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 07:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/02; G01N29/036; G01N2291/00; G01N2291/02; G01N2291/024; G01N2291/02425; G01N2291/10; G01N2291/101
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A passive acoustic nozzle monitoring process for correcting the operating conditions of a feed nozzle injecting a liquid gas mixture into a process vessel or chamber so as to maintain the correct mixing of said liquid and gas exiting the nozzle comprising: determining a Reference Power Spectrum (RPS) showing vibrational resonances from a vibrational resonances from a nozzle when said nozzle is performing at a standard mixing or flow condition which is the desired operating state of the nozzle and where the vibrational resonances that characterize the the flow through the nozzle in the range over which the Power Spectrum is determined, (b) determining a current Power Spectrum (CPS) showing vibrational resonances at a later time from said vibrational sensor in close proximity to said nozzle, (c) comparing said CPS with said RPS, so as to determine a change in said vibrational resonances, and (d) correcting the flow state of the nozzle by changing the variables controlling the relative volumes of gas and liquid entering the nozzle so as to return said nozzle to said desired operating state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
A passive acoustic nozzle monitoring process for correcting the operating conditions of a feed nozzle injecting a liquid gas mixture into a process vessel or chamber so as to maintain the correct mixing of said liquid and gas exiting the nozzle comprising: determining a Reference Power Spectrum (RPS) showing vibrational resonances from a vibrational resonances from a nozzle when said nozzle is performing at a standard mixing or flow condition which is the desired operating state of the nozzle and where the vibrational resonances that characterize the the flow through the nozzle in the range over which the Power Spectrum is determined, (b) determining a current Power Spectrum (CPS) showing vibrational resonances at a later time from said vibrational sensor in close proximity to said nozzle, (c) comparing said CPS with said RPS, so as to determine a change in said vibrational resonances, and (d) correcting the flow state of the nozzle by changing the variables controlling the relative volumes of gas and liquid entering the nozzle so as to return said nozzle to said desired operating state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said vibrational sensor is an accelerometer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said vibrational sensor is a dynamic pressure transducer in contact with the fluid mixture in the nozzle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The process of claim 1 further comprising the step of determining a second current Power Spectrum (CPS) and comparing it to said Reference Power Spectrum (RPS) to verify that said nozzle has returned to its desired operating state.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said RPS and said CPS are time variations of the spectra.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said RPS and said CPS are frequency variations of the spectra.
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) | 1992-04-24 | 1992-10-24 | 1993-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-04-24 | 1996-10-24 | 1997-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-04-24 | 2000-10-24 | 2001-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |