The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 09, 1999
Filed:
Jun. 06, 1995
Robin R Oder, Export, PA (US);
Russell E Jamison, Lower Burrell, PA (US);
EXPORTech Company, Inc., New Kensington, PA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for breaking emulsions using magnetic fields to promote magnetostatic coalescence. The method includes use of a magnetic additive soluble or dispersable in the dispersed phase of the emulsion and a second additive for promoting coalescence of the dispersed phase droplets when acted on by a magnetic field. The apparatus includes a continuously operating high gradient magnetic coalescer having a plurality of magnetic elements therein oriented vertically which are magnetized transverse to their lengths for treating emulsions containing large amounts of internal phase. The magnetized elements serve to attract droplets of the internal phase to their surfaces, where they coalesce under magnetic compression force, and to provide a pathway for drainage of the coalesced droplets from the separator. Additionally the apparatus includes a magnetic field assisted settler for treating emulsions with intermediate water content. The apparatus further includes magnetic filters for removing the final amounts of the internal phase and for recovering the magnetic additives for reuse in the process.