Method and apparatus for removing a fouling substance from a pressured vessel
US9751114B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B9/08
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Vessels can be become fouled due to normal operation thereof, for example, during lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis, and the vessel will become inoperable unless the fouling is removed from the vessel. Accordingly, methods are disclosed herein for removing fouling substances from the interior surfaces of fouled pressurized vessels. The methods utilize a brief rapid change of pressure in the vessel. In some embodiments, the rapid pressure change is a decrease, and the rapid pressure change causes, for example, increased velocity of the fluid flowing in the vessel, flashing of a portion of the fluid to vapor, and removal of the fouling substance adhered to the interior surface of the vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.