Modular Cyclone
Patent No. US12145160 (titled "Modular Cyclone") was filed by Pnc Bank Na on Nov 30, 2023.
What is this patent about?
’160 is related to the field of separating solids, such as sand, from fluids produced by a well. Cyclones are commonly used for this purpose, relying on centrifugal force to separate particles based on their density and size. However, well conditions like flow rate, viscosity, and particle concentration can change, requiring different cyclone designs. Replacing the entire cyclone for each condition change is costly and time-consuming.
The underlying idea behind ’160 is to provide a modular cyclone separator where the inlet geometry can be easily modified to optimize performance for varying well conditions. Instead of replacing the entire cyclone, the user can swap out a simple inlet insert with a different geometry to match the current flow characteristics. This allows for fine-tuning the cyclone's performance without major equipment changes.
The claims of ’160 focus on a cyclone sand separator comprising a cyclone body with an inlet, fluid outlet, and solids outlet, and a plurality of interchangeable inlet inserts with different geometries. These inserts are rigid, fixed in place within the inlet, and selected based on well flow conditions. A flange is used to couple to the selected insert and limit its axial movement within the inlet.
In practice, the user would first determine the volumetric flow rate and target velocity of the fluid from the well. Based on these parameters, they would select an appropriate inlet insert from a set of inserts with varying exit diameters. The selected insert is then inserted into the cyclone's inlet and secured with a flange. This allows the cyclone to be quickly adapted to changing well conditions, maintaining optimal separation efficiency.
This approach differs from traditional cyclones that are designed for a specific set of conditions. By using interchangeable inlet inserts, the ’160 design offers greater flexibility and adaptability. The use of a fixed, rigid insert ensures consistent performance and avoids issues with movement or vibration during operation. The flange provides a secure and easily removable connection, simplifying the process of swapping inserts.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the late 2010s when ’160 was filed, cyclone-based separation was typically implemented using fixed-geometry designs, at a time when hardware constraints made dynamic adjustment of cyclone geometry non-trivial. At that time, systems commonly relied on fixed configurations rather than adaptable designs for handling varying fluid properties.
Novelty and Inventive Step
Claims 1-23 were rejected in a non-final office action. Claims 21-23 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103. Claims 1-23 were rejected for nonstatutory double patenting. The examiner stated that claims 1-20 were free from the prior art. The application prosecution record does describe the technical reasoning and specific claim changes that led to allowance.
Claims
This patent contains 23 claims, with independent claims numbered 1, 9, 16, and 21. The independent claims generally focus on a cyclone sand separator with selectable inlet inserts having different geometries, and a method for assembling such a separator. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the specific features, conditions, and variations of the cyclone sand separator and the assembly method.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Patent Family
File Wrapper
The dossier documents provide a comprehensive record of the patent's prosecution history - including filings, correspondence, and decisions made by patent offices - and are crucial for understanding the patent's legal journey and any challenges it may have faced during examination.
Date
Description
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US12145160
- Application Number
- US18524388
- Filing Date
- Nov 30, 2023
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Jun 19, 2039
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents