Solid production systems, devices, and methods utilizing oleophilic surfaces
US11913701B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2022 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C5/187
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Solid production systems, devices, and methods utilizing oleophilic surfaces are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a water tank used to store fresh water. Some embodiments include an emulsion tank that may include a set of auxiliary components that may be utilized to create and/or to pump an emulsion. This auxiliary equipment may include suction headers, ejectors, pumps, mechanical mixers, and/or hydrodynamic mixers, for example. Some embodiments include a heat exchanger that may produce a cold surface for ice formation. This surface may include an oleophilic surface that may produce an affinity for oils and/or other non-polar materials. Some embodiments include piping that may allow for the connection of the other components such that ice may be formed from a flow of water from the emulsion and the overflow may be returned to the emulsion tank. Ice making methods are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.