Method and apparatus for pressure processing a pumpable substance
US5993172A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04B43/113
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus for pressure processing a pumpable substance are shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a valve is coupled to a source of a pumpable substance and a pressure vessel, the valve being movable to a first, second and third position. When the valve is in a first position, an inlet port in the valve is aligned with a passageway that is open to the pressure vessel. When the valve is in the second position, the valve body seals the passageway, and when the valve is in the third position, an outlet port provided in the valve is aligned with the passageway. The valve is therefore moved to a first position to allow a volume of pumpable substance to be forced into the pressure vessel, the valve is moved to a second position to seal the passageway while the pumpable substance is pressurized to a selected pressure for a selected period of time to achieve a desired result, and the valve is then moved to a third position to allow the treated, pumpable substance to be discharged from the pressure vessel. The inlet port and the outlet port are provided with low-pressure seals, and high-pressure seals are provided in the valve such that when the valve is in t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.