Patent US6599348B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6599348B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Methods for reducing entrainment of solids and liquids
Assignee: Celanese International Corp
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Filing: 2001-06-01
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Granted: 2003-07-29
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Expires: 2021-06-01
Abstract
Abstract Methods are provided for the reduction in entrainment of solids and liquids, and loss of valuable chemicals such as catalysts, in processing and refining sequences that employ separation devices in which non-vapors are to be separated from vapors. The methods comprise regulating the velocities of the incoming stream and the vapor being separated, and creating and maintaining the flow of the incoming stream tangentially to the inner surface of the separation vessel, so as to aid in the reduction in entrainment and loss of valuable chemicals.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack Chosnek
- 👤 David William Ford
- 👤 Michael B. Lakin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:43
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D45/00; B01D45/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 49
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having a curved first inner surface, a second inner surface perpendicular to said curved first inner surface for distributing vapor velocities within said separation vessel, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein said stream is introduced through the at least one inlet and flows tangentially to the curved first inner surface, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; maintaining the velocity of the stream through the at least one inlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the curved first inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; distributing the non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; and contacting the said second inner surface with a liquid flow.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
240 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having a curved first inner surface, a second inner surface perpendicular to said curved first inner surface for distributing vapor velocities within said separation vessel, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein said stream is introduced through the at least one inlet and flows tangentially to the curved first inner surface, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; maintaining the velocity of the stream through the at least one inlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the curved first inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; distributing the non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; and contacting the said second inner surface with a liquid flow.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the non-vapor portion of the stream comprises at least one solid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the solid is dissolved or suspended in the non-vapor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: guiding the stream along a path when the stream is introduced through the at least one inlet to the separation vessel such that entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: recovering any of the non-vapor portion of the stream that exits the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet with the vapor flow.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: maintaining the velocity of the vapor flow through the vapor outlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
196 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least one inlet and flows tangentially to the inner surface of the separation vessel, wherein stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, said vapor flow having a non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; and guiding the stream introduced through the at least one inlet along a path when the stream is introduced in to the separation vessel and maintaining the velocity of the stream introduced through the at least one inlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along an inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
196 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least one inlet and flows tangentially to the inner surface of the separation vessel, wherein stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, said vapor flow having a non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; and guiding the stream introduced through the at least one inlet along a path when the stream is introduced in to the separation vessel and maintaining the velocity of the stream introduced through the at least one inlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along an inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the non-vapor portion of the stream comprises at least one solid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the solid is dissolved or suspended in the non-vapor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising distributing the non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising recovering any of the non-vapor portion of the stream that exits the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet with the vapor flow.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising maintaining the velocity of the vapor flow through said vapor outlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
190 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein said stream is introduced through the at least one inlet and flows tangentially to the inner surface, wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of said stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; and guiding the stream introduced through the at least one inlet along a path when the stream is introduced in to the separation vessel and maintaining the velocity of the vapor flow through the vapor outlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
190 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein said stream is introduced through the at least one inlet and flows tangentially to the inner surface, wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of said stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; and guiding the stream introduced through the at least one inlet along a path when the stream is introduced in to the separation vessel and maintaining the velocity of the vapor flow through the vapor outlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the non-vapor portion of the stream comprises at least one solid.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the solid is dissolved or suspended in the non-vapor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 13 further comprising distributing the non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 13 further comprising recovering any of the non-vapor portion of the stream that exits the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet with the vapor flow.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
182 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least one inlet, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel through the at least one inlet; minimizing movement of the stream along the inner surface of the separation vessel toward the vapor outlet; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; guiding the stream introduced through the at least one inlet along a path when the stream is introduced into the separation vessel and permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet, such that entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
182 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least one inlet, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel through the at least one inlet; minimizing movement of the stream along the inner surface of the separation vessel toward the vapor outlet; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; guiding the stream introduced through the at least one inlet along a path when the stream is introduced into the separation vessel and permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet, such that entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the non-vapor portion of the stream further comprises at least one solid.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the solid is dissolved or suspended in the non-vapor.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 18 further comprising distributing the non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 18 further comprising recovering any of the non-vapor portion of the stream that exits the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet with the vapor flow.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 18 further comprising maintaining the velocity of the vapor flow through said vapor outlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
212 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least one inlet and flows tangentially to the inner surface, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-unifonn velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; guiding the stream introduced through the at least one inlet along a path when the stream is introduced in to the separation vessel and maintaining the velocity of the stream at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface such that entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; maintaining a quantity of the non-vapor of the stream within the separation vessel whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the stream is minimized.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
212 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least one inlet, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least one inlet and flows tangentially to the inner surface, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-unifonn velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; guiding the stream introduced through the at least one inlet along a path when the stream is introduced in to the separation vessel and maintaining the velocity of the stream at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface such that entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; maintaining a quantity of the non-vapor of the stream within the separation vessel whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the stream is minimized.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 24 wherein the non-vapor portion of the stream further comprises at least one solid.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the solid is dissolved or suspended in the non-vapor.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising distributing the non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising recovering any of the non-vapor portion of the stream that exits the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet with the vapor flow.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
47 words
The of method of claim 24 further comprising maintaining the velocity of the vapor flow through said vapor outlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
172 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least two inlets and flows tangentially to the inner surface of the separation vessel, wherein stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, said vapor flow having a non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; and maintaining the velocity of the stream introduced through the at least two inlets at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along an inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
172 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least two inlets and flows tangentially to the inner surface of the separation vessel, wherein stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, said vapor flow having a non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; and maintaining the velocity of the stream introduced through the at least two inlets at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along an inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the separation vessel has a longitudinal axis and the stream is introduced into the separation vessel through two inlets located at different points along the longitudinal axis of the separation vessel.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
166 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein said stream is introduced through the at least two inlets and flows tangentially to the inner surface, wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of said stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; and maintaining the velocity of the vapor flow through the vapor outlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
166 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein said stream is introduced through the at least two inlets and flows tangentially to the inner surface, wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of said stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; and maintaining the velocity of the vapor flow through the vapor outlet at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 32 wherein the separation vessel has a longitudinal axis and the stream is introduced into the separation vessel through two inlets located at different points along the longitudinal axis of the separation vessel.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
240 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having a curved first inner surface, a second inner surface perpendicular to said curved first inner surface for distributing vapor velocities within said separation vessel, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein said stream is introduced through the at least two inlets and flows tangentially to the curved first inner surface, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; maintaining the velocity of the stream through the at least two inlets at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the curved first inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; distributing the non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; and contacting the said second inner surface with a liquid flow.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
240 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having a curved first inner surface, a second inner surface perpendicular to said curved first inner surface for distributing vapor velocities within said separation vessel, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein said stream is introduced through the at least two inlets and flows tangentially to the curved first inner surface, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; maintaining the velocity of the stream through the at least two inlets at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the curved first inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; distributing the non-uniform vapor velocity within the separation vessel at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; and contacting the said second inner surface with a liquid flow.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 34 wherein the separation vessel has a longitudinal axis and the stream is introduced into the separation vessel through two inlets located at different points along the longitudinal axis of the separation vessel.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through at the least two inlets, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel through the at least two inlets; minimizing movement of the stream along the inner surface of the separation vessel toward the vapor outlet; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; and permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through at the least two inlets, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel through the at least two inlets; minimizing movement of the stream along the inner surface of the separation vessel toward the vapor outlet; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; and permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 36 wherein the separation vessel has a longitudinal axis and the stream is introduced into the separation vessel through two inlets located at different points along the longitudinal axis of the separation vessel.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
188 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least two inlets and flows tangentially to the inner surface, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; maintaining the velocity of the stream at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; maintaining a quantity of the non-vapor of the stream within the separation vessel whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the stream is minimized.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
188 words
A method for reducing entrainment of non-vapor components in a vapor flow exiting a separation vessel, said method comprising: introducing a stream into a separation vessel having an inner surface, at least two inlets, and at least one vapor outlet, wherein the stream is introduced through the at least two inlets and flows tangentially to the inner surface, and wherein the stream comprises a non-vapor portion and a vapor portion, and wherein the velocity of the stream is reduced upon introduction of the stream to the separation vessel; separating a vapor flow from the stream in the separation vessel, the vapor flow having a non-uniform velocity within the separation vessel; permitting the vapor flow to exit from the separation vessel through the at least one vapor outlet; maintaining the velocity of the stream at a rate whereby the stream flows tangentially along the inner surface and whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the vapor flow is minimized; maintaining a quantity of the non-vapor of the stream within the separation vessel whereby entrainment of the non-vapor portion of the stream by the stream is minimized.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the separation vessel has a longitudinal axis and the stream is introduced into the separation vessel through two inlets located at different points along the longitudinal axis of the separation 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) | 2006-07-28 | 2007-01-27 | 2007-07-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-07-28 | 2011-01-27 | 2011-07-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-07-28 | 2015-01-27 | 2015-07-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |