US4940535A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solids flow distribution apparatus
Assignee: BP Corp North America Inc
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Filing: 1988-11-28
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Granted: 1990-07-10
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Expires: 2008-11-28
Abstract
Abstract A solids flow distribution apparatus is disclosed for use with two or more solid separation devices, such as shale shakers. The appartatus includes a plenum in communication with a source of flow of solids and liquid, such as from a drilling rig's mud system. The plenum includes lower outlets positioned adjacent inlet zones for each solid separation device. Valves are positioned across the lower outlets for regulating the quantity of solids and liquids that flow into the inlet zones of each solid separation device. A variable distribution apparatus is included within the plenum adjacent the flow inlet for regulating the proportion of solids directed towards each solid separation device.
Inventors
- 👤 William F. Fisher
- 👤 Grant A. Young
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:04
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07B; B07B13/00; B07B13/14; B07B13/16; B01; B01D; B01D33/00; B01D33/01; B01D33/03; B01D33/70; B01D33/72; B01D35/00; B01D35/12; B03; B03B; B03B11/00; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/877; Y10T137/87788; Y10T137/87812; Y10T137/87877
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A feeder device for a plurality of solids separation devices, comprising: a plenum disposed adjacent the solid separation devices, and including a flow inlet in communication with a source of flow of solids and liquid, and including lower outlets positioned adjacent inlet zones of each solid separation device; sliding plate valve means for regulating the quantity of solids and liquids that flow from the lower outlets into the inlet zones of each solid separation device; and variable distribution means connected within the plenum adjacent the flow inlet for regulating the proportion of solids directed towards each solids separation device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A feeder device for a plurality of solids separation devices, comprising: a plenum disposed adjacent the solid separation devices, and including a flow inlet in communication with a source of flow of solids and liquid, and including lower outlets positioned adjacent inlet zones of each solid separation device; sliding plate valve means for regulating the quantity of solids and liquids that flow from the lower outlets into the inlet zones of each solid separation device; and variable distribution means connected within the plenum adjacent the flow inlet for regulating the proportion of solids directed towards each solids separation device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A feeder device of claim 1 wherein the plenum is positioned above the solid separation devices.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A feeder device of claim 1 wherein the plenum is a horizontal, elongated chamber having an inclined lower panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A feeder device of claim 1 wherein the variable distribution means comprises a vertically disposed tiltable plate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A feeder device of claim 1 wherein the variable distribution means comprises a vertically disposed azimuthally adjustable plate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A feeder device of claim 1 and including a fluid overflow weir within the plenum to bypass fluids from within the plenum directly to the solid separation devices.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A feeder device of claim 1 and including a lateral weired baffle within the plenum defining a secondary fluids accumulation zone for location of mud logging sensors and instrumentation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A feeder device of claim 1 and including plate means connected beneath the plenum for passing solids and liquids directly to a separation zone within the solid separation devices and bypassing a solids accumulation zone within the solid separation devices.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A feeder device of claim 8 wherein the plate means includes a bypass door.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1993-07-09 | 1994-01-08 | 1994-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-07-09 | 1998-01-08 | 1998-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-07-09 | 2002-01-08 | 2002-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |