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Patent 2276760 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2276760
(54) English Title: DEVICE FOR STIRRING AND AERATING A LIQUID AND ELIMINATING THE FOAM IN A VAT FOR TREATING THIS LIQUID
(54) French Title: DISPOSITIF DE BRASSAGE ET D'AERATION D'UN LIQUIDE ET D'ELIMINATION DE LA MOUSSE DANS UNE CUVE DE TRAITEMENT DE CE LIQUIDE
Status: Expired and beyond the Period of Reversal
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • C02F 03/20 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • BOULANT, ALAIN (France)
(73) Owners :
  • CARBOFIL INTERNATIONAL
(71) Applicants :
  • CARBOFIL INTERNATIONAL (France)
(74) Agent: BERESKIN & PARR LLP/S.E.N.C.R.L.,S.R.L.
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2007-06-19
(86) PCT Filing Date: 1997-12-30
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 1998-07-16
Examination requested: 2002-11-25
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/FR1997/002463
(87) International Publication Number: FR1997002463
(85) National Entry: 1999-07-02

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
97/00116 (France) 1997-01-08

Abstracts

English Abstract


The invention concerns a device for stirring and aerating a liquid and
eliminating
the foam in a vat for treating this liquid. The device comprises a vertical
casing (11)
extending over part of the height of the vat (1), a funnel (14) arranged
around the upper
part of the casing (11), a first series of windows (17) provided in the upper
part of the
casing (11), a second series of windows (18) provided in the casing (11) above
the base
of the funnel (14), a vertical shaft (19) arranged inside the casing (11), a
helix (20) fixed
at the free end of the shaft (19), beneath the base of the funnel (14), an
anti-vortex
device (24) arranged inside the casing (11), beneath said helix (20), means
(25) for
regulating the level of liquid in the funnel (14) and means (33) for injecting
pressurised
gas in to the casing (11). The invention is applicable for instance to the
treatment of
greasy waste extracted from urban effluents of waste water or of agro-
industries.


French Abstract

L'invention a pour objet un dispositif de brassage et d'aération d'un liquide et d'élimination de la mousse dans une cuve de traitement de ce liquide. Le dispositif comprend une gaine verticale (11) s'étendant sur une partie de la hauteur de la cuve (1), un entonnoir (14) disposé autour de la partie supérieure de la gaine (11), une première série de fenêtres (17) ménagées à la partie supérieure de la gaine (11), une seconde série de fenêtres (18) ménagées dans la gaine (11) au-dessus du fond de l'entonnoir (14), un arbre vertical (19) disposé à l'intérieur de la gaine (11), une hélice (20) fixée à l'extrémité libre de l'arbre (19), au-dessous du fond de l'entonnoir (14), un organe anti-vortex (24) disposé à l'intérieur de la gaine (11), au-dessous de ladite hélice (20), des moyens (25) de régulation du niveau de liquide dans l'entonnoir (14) et des moyens (33) d'injection d'un gaz sous pression dans la gaine (11). L'invention s'applique par exemple au traitement des déchets graisseux extraits des effluents urbains d'eaux usées ou des industries agro-alimentaires.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


Claims:
1. Device for stirring and aerating a liquid and
eliminating the foam in a tank for treating said liquid,
comprising inside said tank:
a vertical sheath extending in a part of the height
of said tank and comprising, in its upper part, at least a
first opening providing an entry passage for said
liquid and, near the bottom of said tank, at least a
second opening providing an exit passage for said liquid,
a funnel located around the upper part of said sheath
and connected to said sheath, the upper edge of said
funnel defining with a wall of said tank a free space
for the passage of said liquid,
a main propeller located inside said sheath below the
bottom of said funnel,
a vertical shaft driven in rotation, extending inside
said sheath above said propeller and driving the propeller
in rotation,
an anti-vortex means located inside said sheath,
below said propeller,
means for injecting a gas under pressure in said
sheath, below said anti-vortex means, and
entirely static stirring means for stirring said liquid by
turbulence inside said sheath, said static stirring means
being located below said antivortex means.

2. Device according to claim 1, comprising means for
eliminating foam in said tank, including:
a first series of ports provided in the upper part of
said sheath and located at the level of said liquid in
said funnel,
a second series of ports provided in said sheath,
above said bottom of said funnel, and
means for regulating the level of said liquid in said
funnel.
3. Device according to claim 2, comprising means for
regulating the flow of said liquid and of said foam sucked
by said propeller into said sheath.
4. Device according to claim 3, wherein said means
for regulating the flow of said liquid and of said foam
sucked in by said propeller comprise, on one hand,
a first sleeve located around said sheath at the level of
said first series of ports and, on the other hand, a
second sleeve located around said sheath at the level
of said second series of ports, the position of said
sleeves relative to the corresponding ports being
vertically adjustable.
5. Device according to claim 1, wherein said entirely
static stirring means comprise an inner wall of said
sheath.
6. Device according to claim 1, wherein said uniquely
static stirring means comprise superimposed static
obstacles located inside said sheath.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein said static
obstacles are evenly spaced apart throughout at least a
portion of said sheath located below said anti-vortex
means.
8. Device according to claim 6, wherein said static
obstacles are arranged in said sheath, on one hand, below
said anti-vortex means and, on the other hand, in
the lower part of said sheath.
9. Device according to claim 6, wherein said static
obstacles are formed by cups the concavity of which faces
toward said bottom of said tank.
10. Device according to claim 6, wherein said static
obstacles are formed by discs.
11. Device according to claim 6, wherein said
uniquely static stirring means comprise, on one hand, said
superimposed static obstacles and, on the other hand,
a vertical tube located inside said sheath and extending
from said bottom of said tank to below said anti-vortex
means, said static obstacles being fixed to said
tube.
12. Device according to claim 11, wherein said static
obstacles define with said inner wall of said sheath
passages for the circulation of said liquid.
13. Device according to claim 6, wherein said static
obstacles are fixed to the inner wall of said sheath and
define an axial passage for the circulation of said
liquid.

14. Device according to claim 1, wherein said tank is
insulated.
15. Device according to claim 2, wherein said means
for regulating the level of said liquid in said funnel
comprise an overflow pipe located inside said funnel
in a position which is vertically adjustable.
16. Device according to claim 2, comprising a second
anti-vortex means located inside said sheath and above
said main propeller, said second anti-vortex
means including at least two vertical plates each extended
upwardly by a stiffening rib extending up to the upper end
of said sheath.
17. Device according to claim 1, comprising a liquid
accelerator inside said sheath.
18. Device according to claim 16, comprising a liquid
accelerator in said sheath, said liquid accelerator
including, on one hand, a secondary propeller located
above said second anti-vortex means, connected to rotate
with said shaft, and having a pitch oriented in the same
direction as the pitch of said main propeller
and, on the other hand, a third anti-vortex means located
above said secondary propeller and inside a cylindrical
stack fixed to said stiffening ribs, said
secondary propeller, said third anti-vortex means and said
stack being located between said two series of ports.
19. Device according to claim 16, comprising means
for aerating the surface of said liquid in said tank.

20. Device according to claim 19, wherein said means
for aerating the surface of said liquid comprise, on one
hand, a secondary propeller located above said
second anti-vortex means, connected to rotate with said
shaft and having a pitch inverted relative to the pitch of
said main propeller and, on the other hand, a
third anti-vortex means located above said secondary
propeller and inside a cylindrical stack fixed to said
stiffening ribs, said secondary propeller and said
third anti-vortex means being located between said two
series of ports and said stack extending substantially
from the median part of said first series of ports
to the upper edge of said second series of ports.
21. Device according to claim 20, wherein a cover is
mounted on said shaft above the upper edge of said stack
and defines with said upper edge an adjustable
passage.
22. Device according to claim 16, comprising a vortex
pump for the suction of the surface of said liquid into
said sheath, located above said second
anti-vortex means and at the level of said first series of
ports.
23. Device according to claim 22, wherein said vortex
pump comprises, on one hand, a circular plate connected to
rotate with said shaft and provided on its
upper side with radial and vertical blades and, on the
other hand, a stack fixed to the upper edge of said blades
and extending from a position adjacent the
upper end of said tank substantially from the median part
of said first series of ports to said upper edge of said
blades.

24. Device according to claim 23, wherein said stack
is conical and tapers toward the upper part of said tank.
25. Device according to claim 23, wherein said stack
is cylindrical.
26. Device according to claim 23, wherein said blades
are planar or curved.
27. Device according to claim 16, comprising a
single-passage propeller for the suction of said liquid
into said sheath, located above said second anti-vortex
means and at the level of said first series of ports.
28. Device according to claim 27, wherein said
single-passage propeller comprises, on one hand, a
circular plate connected to rotate with said shaft and
located above the level of said liquid in said tank and,
on the other hand, in said liquid, a vertical plate
forming a spiral and fixed to the lower face of said plate
around said shaft, said plate defining a lateral inlet for
said liquid, a vertical passage for the downward
circulation of said liquid and a lower outlet for said
liquid.
29. Device according to claim 28, wherein the inner
edge of said vertical plate comprises a vertical deflector
which is inclined in the direction toward the center
of said spiral.
30. Device according to claim 16, comprising a
double-passage propeller for the suction of said liquid
into said sheath, located above said second anti-vortex

means and at the level of said first series of ports.
31. Device according to claim 30, wherein said
double-passage propeller comprises, on one hand, a
circular plate connected to rotate with said shaft and
located above the level of said liquid in said tank and,
on the other hand, in said liquid, two vertical plates
fixed to the lower face of said plate and having the
shape of two half-shells which are in opposed and offset
relation to each other, said plates defining two lateral
inlets for said liquid, two vertical passages for
the downward circulation of said liquid and a lower outlet
for said liquid.
32. Device according to claim 31, wherein the edge of
each said plate located in facing relation to said passage
defined by said other plate includes a vertical
deflector.
33. Device according to claim 27, wherein a pumping
propeller is fixed on said shaft below said single passage
propeller.
34. Device according to claim 30, wherein a pumping
propeller is fixed on said shaft below said double-passage
propeller.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02276760 1999-07-02
1
DEVICE FOR STIRRING AND AERATING A LIQUID AND
ELIMINATING
FOAM IN A TANK FOR TREATING SAID LIQUID
The present invention relates to a device for
stirring and aerating a liquid and eliminating foam in
a tank or vat treating this liquid, such as for example
fatty waste products extracted from effluents of town
sewage or agricultural food industries.
As is known, the town sewage effluents which
circulate in discharging pipes such as drains are
collected in purification stations in which there are
carried out various treating operations to purify them
before returning them to the natural medium.
This purification produces by-products related to
iS the purification such as fat, sludges ...
Dumping sites are less and less inclined to accept
this type of products so that the purification stations
must.now be capable of treating them and limiting them
as far as possible.
Thus, the fat trapped at the inlet of the
purification station are poured into a treating tank
such as for example a biological degradation tank which
comprises a mechanical stirrer for stirring the liquid.
Further, the tank may include internally and in
its lower part injection manifolds for injecting air
under pressure into the liquid for aerating and
accentuating the stirring of the liquid.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
2
But this type of aerating and stirring device is
more particularly suitable for fluids which are only
lightly charged, i.e. of low viscosity, and its
efficiency rapidly drops for fluids charged in
particular with fat.
Further, in the course of the treatment of the
liquid, such as for example fatty waste products, with
this type of device there is formed on the surface of
the liquid a
layer of foam which flies away and pollutes the
environment so that it is necessary to provide means
for eliminating this foam floating on the surface of
the liquid in the course of the treatment of the
latter.
Up to the present time, these means have been
formed by stirrers disposed at the level of the surface
of the liquid and adapted to flatten the foam.
But these stirrers are not entirely satisfactory
and a part of the foam flies away and pollutes the
environment.
An object of the invention is to avoid these
drawbacks by proposing a device for stirring and
aerating a liquid, such as for example fatty waste
products extracted from town sewage effluents or
23 agricultural food industries, which permits, with
simple means and a low consumption of energy,
effectively treating this type of liquid and recovering

. . i . . . ,
CA 02276760 2003-01-06
3
the foam floating on the surface of the liquid.
The invention therefore provides a device for
stirring and aerating a liquid and eliminating the foam in
a tank for treating said liquid, comprising inside said
tank:
- a vertical sheath extending in a part of the height
of said tank and comprising, in its upper part, at least a
first opening providing an entry passage for said
liquid and, near the bottom of said tank, at least a
second opening providing an exit passage for said liquid,
- a funnel located around the upper part of said
sheath and connected to said sheath, the upper edge of
said funnel defining with a wall of said tank a free space
for the passage of said liquid,
- a main propeller located inside said sheath below
the bottom of said funnel,
- a vertical shaft driven in rotation, extending
inside said sheath above said propeller and driving the
latter in rotation,
- an anti-vortex means located inside said sheath,
below said propeller,
- means for injecting a gas under pressure in said
sheath, below said anti-vortex means, and
- uniquely static stirring means for stirring said liquid
by turbulence inside said sheath, said static stirring
means being located below said antivortex means.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
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- means for injecting a gas under pressure into
the sheath below the anti-vortex means.
According to other features of the invention:
- the tank is insulated,
- the device comprises means for regulating the
flow of the liquid and of the foam sucked by the
propeller inside the sheath,
- the- device comprises means for effecting a
static stirring by cavitation of the liquid inside the
sheath and disposed below the anti-vortex means in said
sheath,
- the means for regulating the flow of the liquid
and of the foam sucked by said propeller are formed,
on one hand, by a first sleeve disposed around the
sheath at the level of the first series of ports and,
on the other hand, by a second sleeve disposed around
said sheath at the level of the second series of ports,
the position of said sleeves relative to the
corresponding ports being vertically adjustable,
- the means for effecting a static stirring by
cavitation are formed, on one hand, by a vertical tube
disposed inside the sheath and extending from the
bottom of the tank to below the anti-vortex means and,
on the other hand, by superimposed static obstacles
disposed inside said sheath and fixed to said tube,
- the device comprises a second anti-vortex means
disposed inside the sheath and above the main

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
propeller, said second anti-vortex means being formed
by at least two vertical plates each extended upwardly
by a stiffening rib extending up to the upper end of
said sheath.
5 - the device comprises a liquid accelerator inside
the sheath,
- the device comprises means for aerating the
surface of the liquid inside the tank,
- the device comprises a vortex pump for the
suction of the liquid surface inside the sheath,
disposed above the second anti-vortex means and at the
level of the first series of ports,
- the device comprises a propeller having a single
passage for the suction of the liquid inside the
sheath, disposed above the second anti-vortex means and
at the level of the first series of ports,
- the device comprises a propeller having two
passages for the suction of the liquid inside the
sheath, disposed above the second anti-vortex means and
at the level of the first series of ports.
Further features and advantages of the invention
will be apparent in the course of the following
description with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
- Fig.l is a diagrammatic sectional view of a tank
for treating a liquid provided with a first embodiment
of a device for stirring and aerating said liquid

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
6
according to the invention,
- Fig.2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of
Fig. 1,
- Fig.3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a tank
S for treating a liquid provided with a second embodiment
of a device for stirring and aerating said liquid
according to the invention,
- Fig.4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of
Fig. 3,
- Fig.5 is a diagrammatic partial sectional view
of a third embodiment of a device for stirring and
aerating the liquid according to the invention,
- Fig.6 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a
liquid accelerator of the stirring and aerating device
according to the invention,
- Fig.7 is a diagrammatic sectional view of means
for aerating the surface of the liquid,
- Fig.8 is a diagrammatic partial sectional view
of a fourth embodiment of a device for stirring and
aerating the liquid according to the invention,
- Fig.9 is a diagrammatic view to a larger scale
of the vortex pump of, the fourth embodiment of the
device according to the invention,
- Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on line 10-10
of Fig. 9,
- Fig.ll is a diagrammatic partial sectional view
of a fifth embodiment of a device for stirring and

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
7
aerating the liquid according to the invention,
- Fig.12 is a sectional view taken on line 12-12
of Fig.11,
- Fig.13 is a diagrammatic partial sectional view
of a sixth embodiment of a device for stirring and
aerating the liquid according to the invention,
- Fig.14 is a sectional view taken on line 14-14
of Fig. 13.
Shown in Figs. 1 and 3 is a tank or vat 1 provided
in its upper part with an inlet 2 for a liquid 3 to be
treated, such as for example fatty effluents extracted
from town sewage effluents.
The treating tank 1 is covered on its outer side
with an insulation 4 and comprises a device, designated
by the general reference numeral 10, for stirring and
aerating the 5 liquid and eliminating the foam.
The device 10 according to the invention, disposed
inside the tank 1, comprises a vertical sheath 11
extending in a part of the height in the tank 1.
The upper end 11a of the sheath 11 is closed by a
plate 12 and the lower end of the sheath 11 is open and
defines with the bottom of the tank 1 a passage 13 for
the liquid 3.
The device 10 further comprises an upwardly
divergent funnel 14 whose upper edge defines with the
wall of the tank 1 a free space 15 for the passage of
the liquid 3 and whose lower edge is connected to the

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
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sheath 11 at a certain distance from the upper end of
the sheath 11.
The assembly comprising the sheath 11 and the
funnel 14 is fixed inside the tank 1 by suitable
means, such as for example struts 16 which define
therebetween passages for the liquid 3.
The sheath 11 comprises a first series of ports 17
evenly spaced apart on the periphery of the sheath 11
and situated at the level of the liquid in the funnel
14.
This sheath 11 is further provided with a second
series of ports 18 evenly spaced apart on the periphery
of the sheath 11 and situated above the bottom of the
funnel. The device 10 is also provided with means for
sucking the liquid and the foam inside the sheath 11
through the ports 17 and 18 and are formed by a
vertical shaft 19 disposed inside the sheath 11 and
extending from the upper end of the sheath 11 to the
bottom of the funnel 14 and by a main propeller or
screw 20 fixed on the free end of the shaft 19 below
the bottom of the funnel 14.
The diameter of the main propeller 20 is slightly
less than the inside diameter of the sheath 11.
The shaft 19 and the propeller 20 are driven in
rotation by a motor-speed reducer unit 21 which is
fixed to the plate 12 closing the upper end of the
sheath 11.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
9
The device 10 is provided with means for
regulating the flow of the liquid and of the foam
sucked by the main propeller 20 inside the sheath 11
through the ports 17 and 18.
These regulating means comprise, on one hand, a
first sleeve 22 disposed around the sheath 11 at the
level of the first series of ports 17 and, on the other
hand, a second sleeve 23 disposed around the sheath 11
at the level of the second series of ports 18.
The position of each sleeve 22 and 23 relative to
the ports 17 and 18 respectively is vertically
adjustable by suitable clamping means (not shown).
An anti-vortex means 24 is disposed inside the
sheath 11 below the propeller 20 to prevent rotation of
the liquid 3 in the sheath 11.
As shown in Fig. 2, this anti-vortex means 24 is
formed by three vertical plates 24a spaced 120 apart
inside the sheath 11.
The device 10 is also provided with means for
regulating the level of the liquid 3 in the funnel 14
which comprise an overflow pipe 25 disposed inside the
funnel 14 in a vertically adjustable position.
In a second embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the device
10 comprises means 30 for effecting a static stirring
by cavitation of the liquid 3 inside the sheath 11 and
disposed below the anti-vortex means 24 in the sheath.
As shown in Figs. 3 and 4 the means 30 for the

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
static stirring by cavitation of the liquid 3 comprise,
on one hand, a vertical tube 31 disposed inside the
sheath 11 and extending from the bottom of the tank 1
to below the anti-vortex means 24 and, on the other
5 hand, superimposed static obstacles 32 disposed inside
the sheath 11 and fixed on the tube 31.
The tube 31 is fixed to the bottom of the tank 1
by suitable means.
The static obstacles 32 define with the inner wall
10 of the sheath 11 passages for the circulation of the
liquid.
As shown in Fig. 1, the static obstacles 32
arranged along the tube 31, on one hand, below the
anti-vortex means 24 and, on the other hand, in the
lower part of the sheath 11.
For example, the tube 31 comprises in its upper
part below the anti-vortex means 24 two superimposed
static obstacles 32 and in the lower part of the sheath
11 also two superimposed static elements 32.
In a variant, the static obstacles 32 may be
evenly spaced apart throughout the portion of the tube
31 disposed in the sheath 11.
In an embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the static
obstacles 32 are formed by cups whose concavity faces
toward the bottom of the tank 1.
In a variant, the static obstacles 32 may be
formed by discs.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
11
Finally, the device 10 comprises means 33 for
injecting a gas under pressure, such as for example
air, into the sheath 11.
These injecting means 33 are formed by at least
one pipe 34 which opens into the sheath 11 for example
at a level situated below the static elements 32
disposed in the upper part of the tube 31.
The device just described operates in the
following manner.
The liquid 3 to be treated is poured through the
inlet 2 into the tank 1 up to a level above the upper
edge of the funnel 14.
This liquid 3 is also poured into the funnel 14.
The motor-speed reducer unit 21 drives the shaft
1S 19 in rotation which drives the main propeller 20 in
rotation.
Simultaneously, the gas under pressure is injected
into the sheath 11 through the pipes 34.
The rotation of the main propeller 20 causes the
suction of the liquid 3 into the sheath 11 through the
ports 17 and 18 so that this liquid 3 continuously
circulates from the top to the bottom in the sheath 11,
then passes through the space 13 and circulates from
the bottom to the top between the sheath 11 and the
inner wall of the tank 1, and so on.
The anti-vortex means 24 prevents the rotation of
the liquid in the sheath 11 below the propeller 20.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
12
The level of the liquid 3 in the funnel 14 is
below the level of the liquid in the tank 1 and this
level of the liquid in the funnel 14 is regulated by
the overflow pipe 25 so that it is substantially midway
of the height of the ports 17.
Further, owing to the suction created by the
propeller inside the sheath 11, the level of the liquid
in the
sheath 11 is below the level of the liquid in the
funnel 14.
The air driven inside the sheath 11 by the
rotation of the propeller 20 and the gas under pressure
injected into the sheath 11 create gas bubbles which
are dispersed in the liquid 3 in the sheath 11 under
the effect of the rotation of the propeller 20.
During the circulation of the liquid 3 in the
sheath 11, the static obstacles 32 create below each of
the latter a cavitation effect which promotes the
stirring and the aeration of the liquid 3.
These obstacles 32 have the advantage of being
static while promoting the stirring and the aeration of
the liquid in the sheath 11 and prevent the catching of
stringy 5 substances inside the sheath 11.
In this way, the liquid 3 is stirred and the gas
bubbles are divided into micro-bubbles promoting the
dispersion of the gas and consequently the aeration of
the liquid 3.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
13
Between the inner wall of the tank 1 and the
sheath 11, the gas bubbles accelerate the rising of the
liquid and promote the circulation of this liquid in
the tank 1, thereby improving the efficiency.
Thus the liquid to be treated passes several times
through the sheath 11 and therefore undergoes several
oxygenation treatments.
The flow of the liquid 3 may be regulated by
shifting the sleeves 22 and 23 relative to the ports 17
and 18.
The stirring of the liquid 3 by the propeller 20
and the static obstacles 32 causes foam to be formed on
the surface of the liquid 3 in the tank 1.
The rotation of this propeller 20 inside the
sheath 11 produces a pumping effect at the level of the
surface of the liquid 3 in the funnel 14, a suction of
the foam floating on the surface of the liquid and a
drop in the level of the latter in the sheath 11.
The foam is consequently entrained, drowned in and
mixed with the liquid 3 in the tank 1 so that it is
possible to progressively eliminate it.
The position of the sleeves 22 and 23 relative to
the ports 17 and 18 regulates the flow of liquid and
foam 5 sucked inside the sheath 11 by the propeller 20.
The choice of the main propeller 20 and the speed
of rotation of the latter permits adapting the
consumption of energy in accordance with the liquid to

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
14
be treated.
In the case where the device according to the
invention does not include static elements 32 as shown
in Fig. 1, turbulences are created naturally inside the
sheath 11.
But the efficiency is low which is suitable for
liquids only slightly charged.
The static obstacles 32 promote the stirring of
the liquid by cavitation and this improves the
efficiency of the device.
In a variant, the static stirring means with the
cavitation effect are formed by static obstacles fixed
to the inner wall of the sheath 11 and defining an
axial passage for the circulation of the liquid 3.
These static obstacles are evenly spaced apart
throughout the portion of the sheath 11 below the anti-
vortex means 24 or inside the sheath 11, on one hand
below the anti-vortex means, 24 and, on the other hand,
in the lower part of the sheath 11.
In this case also, the static obstacles are formed
for example by cups the concavity of which faces toward
the bottom of tank 1 or by discs.
In a third embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the device
comprises a second anti-vortex means 40 disposed inside
the sheath 11 and above the main propeller 20.
This second anti-vortex means 40 comprises at
least two vertical plates 40a each upwardly extended by

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
a reinforcing rib 41 extending up to the upper end of
the sheath 11.
Preferably, the second anti-vortex means 40 is
formed by four vertical plates 40a evenly spaced apart
5 inside the sheath 11 and each upwardly extended by a
reinforcing rib 41.
In another embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the device
comprises a liquid accelerator inside the sheath 11.
This liquid accelerator comprises a secondary
10 propeller 45 disposed above the second anti-vortex
means 40 and fixed to rotate with the shaft 19.
The secondary propeller or screw 45 has a pitch
oriented in the same direction as the pitch of the main
propeller or screw 20.
1S Further, the liquid accelerator further comprises
an anti-vortex means 46 disposed above the secondary
propeller 45 and inside a cylindrical stack 47.
The stack 47 is fixed to the inner edge of the
reinforcing ribs 41 so as to define with the sheath 11
and between the reinforcing ribs 41 passages 48 for the
liquid.
The secondary propeller 45, the anti-vortex means
46 and the stack 47 are situated between the two series
of ports 17 and 18 which are provided, in this
embodiment, with means for regulating the flow of the
liquid 3 and the flow of the foam sucked inside the
sheath 11.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
16
The rotation of the main propeller 20 causes the
suction of the liquid 3 into the sheath 11 through the
ports 17 and 18 so that this liquid 3 continuously
circulates downwardly in the sheath 11.
Further, owing to the rotation of the secondary
propeller 45, the suction of the liquid 3 into the
sheath 11 through the ports 17 and 18 is accelerated
and a part of the liquid rises through the passages 48
provided between the sheath 11 and the stack 47 which
still further accentuates this phenomenon of the
acceleration of the liquid in the sheath 11.
In this case also, the regulation of the level of
the liquid 3 in the sheath 11 is again achieved by the
position of the sleeves 22 and 23 relative to the ports
17 and 18.
The anti-vortex means 46 prevents the rotation of
the liquid in the stack 47.
This embodiment is in particular suitable for
products which have a particular tendency to foam.
Indeed, owing to the acceleration of the suction
of the liquid 3 inside the stack 47 and the
recirculation of a part of this liquid in the passages
48, the foam floating on the surface of the liquid 3 is
sucked inside the stack 47.
In another embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the device
comprises means for aerating the surface of the liquid
3 in the tank 1.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
17
As shown in this Fig. 7, the means for aerating
the surface of the liquid 3 are formed by a secondary
propeller or screw 50 disposed above the second anti-
vortex means and fixed to rotate with the shaft 19.
This secondary propeller 50 has a pitch which is
inverted relative to the pitch of the main propeller
20.
The means for aerating the surface of the liquid 3
also comprise an anti-vortex means 51 disposed above
the secondary propeller 50 and inside a cylindrical
stack 52.
The stack 52 is fixed to the inner edges of the
reinforcing ribs 48 so as to define with the sheath 11
and said reinforcing ribs 48 passages 55 for the liquid
3.
The secondary propeller 50 and the anti-vortex
means 51 are situated between the two series of ports
17 and 18 and the stack 52 extends substantially from
the median part of the first series of ports 17 to the
upper edge of the second series of ports 18.
A cover 53 is mounted on the shaft 19 above the
upper edge of the stack 52.
The vertical position of the cover 53 is
adjustable in order to define with the upper edge of
the stack 52 an adjustable passage 54.
The rotation of the main propeller 20 sucks liquid
3 through the ports 17 and 18 so that this liquid

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
ig
circulates upwardly in the sheath 11.
Thus a part of the liquid 3 is sucked into the
sheath 11 through the ports 18 and another part of the
liquid is sucked through the ports 17 and circulates
downwardly in the passages 55 defined between the stack
52 and the sheath 11.
Further, in view of the fact that the pitch of the
secondary propeller 50 is inverted relative to the
pitch of the main propeller 20, a part of the liquid is
sucked into the stack 52 in the upward direction and
sprayed into the air on the surface of the liquid 3
inside the funnel 14 in passing through the passage 54.
Thus the spraying of a'part of the liquid permits
aerating the surface of the liquid 3 and consequently a
1s reduction in the formation of foam on this surface.
The anti-vortex means 51 prevents the rotation of
the liquid in the stack 52 above the secondary
propeller 50.
In this embodiment also, the flow of the liquid 3
in the sheath 11 may be regulated by shifting the
sleeves 22 and 23 relative to the ports 17 and 18.
In an embodiment shown in Figs. 8 to 10, the
device comprises a vortex pump 60 for the suction of
the surface of the liquid into the sheath 11.
This vortex pump 60 is disposed above the second
anti-vortex means 40 and at the level of the first
series of ports 17.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
19
This vortex pump 60 is driven in rotation by the
shaft 19 and comprises, on one hand, a circular plate
61 fixed to the shaft 19 and provided on its upper side
with radial and vertical blades 62 and, on the other
hand, a stack 63 fixed to the upper edge of the blades
62.
The assembly comprising the plate 61, the blades
62 and the stack 63 is maintained on the shaft 19 by
means of a sleeve 61a whose position on the shaft 19 is
adjustable.
The sleeve 61a is fixed to the shaft 19 by means
formed for example by a fixing screw (not shown).
As shown in Figs. 8 and 9 the upper edge of the
blades 62 is provided with a ring 64 extending
outwardly of the stack 63.
This stack 63 extends from a position adjacent the
top of the tank 1 substantially from the median part of
the first series of ports 17 to the upper edge of the
blades 62.
The stack 63 defines an inner passage 65 which
communicates in its lower part with the interior of the
sheath 11 through annular passages 66 formed between
the blades 62 and between the ring 64 and the plate 61.
Preferably, the stack 63 is conical and tapers
toward the upper part of the tank 1 as shown in Fig. 9.
In a variant, the stack 63 may be cylindrical.
The blades 62 are planar or curved and preferably

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
three in number angularly evenly spaced apart on the
plate 61 as shown in Fig. 10.
The rotation of the main propeller 20 causes a
suction of the liquid 3 into the sheath 11 through the
5 ports 17 and 18 so that this liquid 3 continuously
circulates downwardly in this sheath.
Further, the rotation of the vortex pump 60 driven
by the shaft 19, i.e. the rotation of the assembly
comprising the plate 61, the blades 62 and the stack
10 63, causes a suction of the surface of the liquid 3
into the passage 65 so that this liquid thereafter
passes through the annular passages 66 and is
reinjected into the tank 1.
In this embodiment, the regulation of the flow of
15 the liquid by means of the sleeves 22 and 23 inside the
sheath 11 is unnecessary.
This embodiment is particularly suitable for
products having a great tendency to foam owing to the
fact that the foam floating on the surface of the
20 liquid 3 is sucked by the vortex pump 60 so that this
foam can be rapidly and effectively eliminated.
In an embodiment shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the
device comprises a single-passage propeller 70 for
sucking the liquid 3 into the sheath 11.
This single-passage propeller 70 is disposed above
the second anti-vortex means 40 and at the level of the
first series of ports 17.

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
21
The single-passage propeller 70 is driven in
rotation by the shaft 19 and comprises, on one hand, a
circular plate 71 fixed to the shaft 19 and disposed
above the level of the liquid 3 in the tank 1 and, on
the other hand, in the liquid 3, a vertical plate 72
forming a spiral and fixed to the lower face of the
plate 71 around the shaft 19.
As shown more particularly in Fig. 12, the plate
72 defines a lateral inlet 73 for the liquid which
extends throughout the height of the plate 72, a
vertical passage 74 for the downward circulation of
this liquid and a lower outlet 75 for the liquid.
The assembly comprising the plate 71 and the
vertical plate 72 is maintained on the shaft 19 by
means of a sleeve 71a whose vertical position on the
shaft 19 is adjustable.
For this purpose, the sleeve 71a is fixed to the
shaft 19 by means formed for example by a fixing screw
(not shown).
The inner edge of the vertical plate 72 includes a
vertical deflector 76 inclined in the direction toward
the center of the spiral formed by the plate 72.
Further, the distance between the plate 72 and the
axis of the shaft 19 progressively decreases as shown
in Fig. 12.
The rotation of the single-passage propeller 70
driven by the shaft 19, i.e. the rotation of the

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
22
assembly comprising the plate 71 and the plate 72, in
the direction indicated by the arrow_in Fig. 12, causes
the suction of the liquid into the interior of the
plate 72 through the lateral inlet 73.
This liquid is stirred inside the vertical passage
74, circulates downwardly in the latter and is
discharged into the sheath through the lower outlet 75.
The deflector 76 improves the stirring of the
liquid in the vertical passage 74 and prevents a return
of the liquid through the lateral inlet 73.
In a last embodiment shown in Figs. 14, the device
comprises a double-passage propeller 80 for the suction
of the liquid 3 into the sheath 11.
This double-passage propeller 80 is disposed above
the second anti-vortex means 40 and at the level of the
first series of ports 17.
The double-passage propeller 80 is driven in
rotation by the shaft 19 and comprises, on one hand, a
circular plate 81 fixed to the shaft 19 and disposed
above the level of the liquid 3 in the tank 1 and, on
the other hand, in the liquid 3, two vertical plates 82
and 83.
The vertical plates 82 and 83 are fixed to the
lower face of the plate 80 and each have the shape of
two half-shells which are in opposed and offset
relation to each other as shown in Fig. 14.
The two plates 82 and 83 define two lateral inlets

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
23
84 and 85 for the liquid, two passages 86 and 87 for
the downward circulation of the liquid and a lower
outlet 88 for the'liquid.
The assembly comprising the plate 81 and the
vertical plates 82 and 83 is maintained on the shaft 19
by means of a sleeve 81a whose vertical position on the
shaft 19 is adjustable.
The sleeve 81 is fixed to the shaft 19 by means
constituted for example by a fixing screw (not shown).
As shown more particularly in Fig. 14, the edge of
each plate 82 and 83 facing toward the passage 86 or 87
defined by the other plate comprises a vertical
deflector respectively 89 and 90.
The rotation of the double-passage propeller 80
driven, by the shaft 19, i.e. the rotation of the
assembly comprising the plate 81 and the two
vertical plates 82 and 83 in the direction indicated by
the arrow in Fig. 14, causes the suction of the liquid
3 through the ports 17.
This liquid enters through the lateral inlet 84
and 85, is stirred inside the passages 86 and 87 and
circulates downwardly in these passages 86 and 87 and
is thereafter discharged into the sheath 11 through the
lower outlet 88.
The deflectors 89 and 90 increase the stirring of
the liquid in the passages 86 and 87 and prevent the
liquid from flowing back through the lateral inlets 84

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
24
and 85.
In these last two embodiments, the regulation of
the flow of liquid by means of the sleeves 22 and 23 of
the sheath 11 is unnecessary and these last two
embodiments are more particularly employed in the case
where the level of- the liquid in the tank 1 is
variable.
To improve the flow of the liquid of the single-
passage propeller 70 or the double-passage propeller
80, a pumping propeller (not shown) may be disposed on
the shaft 19 below the single-passage propeller or
below the double-passage propeller.
The device according to the invention may be
applied for example to the treatment of water, town
effluents, industrial waste waters, fats by
biodegradation, drainage substances, cattle-raising
waste products and generally any biodegradable
industrial products.
The device according to the invention may also be
employed for example in the ozonization of water by an
ozonized gas with or without a catalyst, in the
stabilization of sludges, or may be employed in a
thermophile treatment or for liquids charged with
substances in suspension for example organic or mineral
substances.
The device according to the invention may also be
employed as a reactor operating with a fluidized or

CA 02276760 1999-07-02
moving bed.
The device according to the invention has the
advantage of treating the liquid and simultaneously
progressively eliminating the foam floating on the
5 surface of the liquid in the treating tank and thereby
ensuring that this foam does not pollute the
environment.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

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Event History

Description Date
Inactive: IPC expired 2022-01-01
Time Limit for Reversal Expired 2012-12-31
Letter Sent 2011-12-30
Grant by Issuance 2007-06-19
Inactive: Cover page published 2007-06-18
Inactive: Office letter 2007-04-17
Inactive: Delete abandonment 2007-04-12
Deemed Abandoned - Failure to Respond to Maintenance Fee Notice 2007-01-02
Pre-grant 2006-11-20
Inactive: Final fee received 2006-11-20
Inactive: IPC removed 2006-06-01
Letter Sent 2006-06-01
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2006-06-01
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2006-06-01
Inactive: IPC removed 2006-06-01
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2006-06-01
Inactive: Office letter 2006-05-09
Inactive: Corrective payment - s.78.6 Act 2006-04-18
Inactive: Approved for allowance (AFA) 2006-03-22
Inactive: IPC from MCD 2006-03-12
Inactive: IPC from MCD 2006-03-12
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2005-11-08
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2005-06-30
Inactive: Entity size changed 2005-01-05
Inactive: S.30(2) Rules - Examiner requisition 2004-12-31
Letter Sent 2003-01-08
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2003-01-06
Request for Examination Received 2002-11-25
Request for Examination Requirements Determined Compliant 2002-11-25
All Requirements for Examination Determined Compliant 2002-11-25
Inactive: Cover page published 1999-09-30
Inactive: IPC assigned 1999-08-26
Inactive: First IPC assigned 1999-08-26
Letter Sent 1999-08-12
Inactive: Notice - National entry - No RFE 1999-08-12
Application Received - PCT 1999-08-10
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 1998-07-16

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2007-01-02

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2006-12-12

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Patent fees are adjusted on the 1st of January every year. The amounts above are the current amounts if received by December 31 of the current year.
Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
Basic national fee - small 1999-07-02
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - small 02 1999-12-30 1999-07-02
Registration of a document 1999-07-02
MF (application, 3rd anniv.) - small 03 2001-01-01 2000-12-12
MF (application, 4th anniv.) - small 04 2001-12-31 2001-12-18
Request for examination - small 2002-11-25
MF (application, 5th anniv.) - small 05 2002-12-30 2002-12-18
MF (application, 6th anniv.) - small 06 2003-12-30 2003-12-10
MF (application, 7th anniv.) - standard 07 2004-12-30 2004-12-15
MF (application, 8th anniv.) - standard 08 2005-12-30 2005-12-14
2006-04-18
Final fee - standard 2006-11-20
MF (application, 9th anniv.) - standard 09 2007-01-02 2006-12-12
MF (patent, 10th anniv.) - standard 2007-12-31 2007-11-22
MF (patent, 11th anniv.) - standard 2008-12-30 2008-11-24
MF (patent, 12th anniv.) - standard 2009-12-30 2009-11-25
MF (patent, 13th anniv.) - standard 2010-12-30 2010-11-16
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
CARBOFIL INTERNATIONAL
Past Owners on Record
ALAIN BOULANT
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Representative drawing 1999-09-26 1 18
Description 2003-01-05 25 849
Claims 2003-01-05 7 239
Abstract 1999-07-01 1 88
Description 1999-07-01 25 850
Claims 1999-07-01 8 282
Drawings 1999-07-01 11 391
Claims 2005-06-29 7 231
Representative drawing 2007-05-29 1 19
Notice of National Entry 1999-08-11 1 208
Courtesy - Certificate of registration (related document(s)) 1999-08-11 1 139
Reminder - Request for Examination 2002-09-02 1 116
Acknowledgement of Request for Examination 2003-01-07 1 174
Commissioner's Notice - Application Found Allowable 2006-05-31 1 162
Maintenance Fee Notice 2012-02-09 1 171
PCT 1999-07-01 33 1,303
Fees 2002-12-17 1 40
Fees 2003-12-09 1 37
Fees 2000-12-11 1 34
Fees 2001-12-17 1 33
Fees 2004-12-14 1 30
Fees 2005-12-13 1 30
Correspondence 2006-05-08 1 17
Correspondence 2006-11-19 1 29
Correspondence 2007-04-16 1 13
Correspondence 2007-03-14 3 167