Charles Michael Flowe

US Patent:

8574342, Nov 5, 2013

Filed:

Mar 21, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/065320

Inventors:

Charles M. Flowe - Orange Beach AL, US

International Classification:

B01D 53/22

US Classification:

95 14, 95 1, 95 15, 95 22, 95 45, 95 47, 95 52, 95 54, 96 4, 96 8, 96 10, 96420, 96421

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for a membrane separation system, including process and installation for the separation of air by permeation, using two strategically placed heaters for the production of high purity nitrogen, uniquely designed multi-staged pre-filtration system and a novel method of controlling the nitrogen flow and purity. The system comprises in series an air compressor (), an air cooler () cooled by air or liquid, moisture separator (), mist removing filter (), primary heat source (), coalescing filter (), carbon tower (), particle filter (), secondary heat source (), membrane separator(s) (), and control valve (). The system is to provide and maintain superheated air to the membrane separator(s) using strategically located heaters to eliminate condensation of moisture in the carbon tower or membrane separator(s) eliminating the need for a separate compressed air dryer, or the need for insulation of pipes, vessels and the membrane separator(s). This method allows simple process controllers to auto tune and maintain accurate temperature control under a variety of ambient temperature and turndown conditions.

US Patent:

20170216764, Aug 3, 2017

Filed:

Apr 2, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/089496

Inventors:

Jeffrey Garfinkle - Baton Rouge LA, US
Charles Michael Flowe - Orange Beach AL, US

Assignee:

PLANK ROAD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC - Baton Rouge LA

International Classification:

B01D 53/22
B01D 53/047

Abstract:

An apparatus comprising an inert gas generator having an outlet and an inlet, and a secure enclosure having an outlet and an inlet. The outlet of the secure enclosure is connected to the inlet of the inert gas generator and the secure enclosure supplies inert gas enriched air having a first oxygen content percentage from the outlet of the secure enclosure to the inlet of the inert gas generator. The inert gas generator is configured to operate on the inert gas enriched air having a first oxygen content percentage to form inert gas enriched air having a second oxygen content percentage, wherein the second oxygen content percentage is substantially lower than the first oxygen content percentage. The inert gas generator may be a membrane inert gas generator. The inert gas generator may be a pressure swing adsorption inert gas generator. The inert gas may be nitrogen.