US3731850A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Droplet generator and method
Assignee: Gulf Oil Corp
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Filing: 1972-01-14
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Granted: 1973-05-08
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Expires: 1992-01-14
Abstract
Abstract A droplet generator and method for dispersing a liquid feed stock into uniform spherical droplets. The apparatus includes means for providing a jetstream of the liquid feed stock, means for generating uniformly periodic varicose instabilities in the jetstream, and means for providing a concurrent, coaxial flow of gas surrounding the jetstream in order to enhance the varicose instabilities in order to cause the uniform dispersion of the jetstream into uniform spherical droplets. It is desirable that the varicose instabilities have a wavelength of at least pi times the unperturbed diameter of the jetstream.
Inventors
- 👤 W Weitzel
- 👤 Grange L La
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 11:37
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01J; B01J2/00; B01J2/02; B01J2/06; B01J2/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A monodispersive droplet generating apparatus for dispersing a liquid feed stock into uniform spherical droplets, comprising, in combination, means for providing a jetstream of the liquid feed stock, means for generating uniformly periodic varicose instabilities in the jetstream, and means for providing a concurrent, coaxial flow of gas surrounding the jetstream to enhance the varicose instabilities in order to cause the uniform dispersion of the jetstream into uniform, spherical droplets.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
A monodispersive droplet generating apparatus for dispersing a liquid feed stock into uniform spherical droplets, comprising, in combination, means for providing a jetstream of the liquid feed stock, means for generating uniformly periodic varicose instabilities in the jetstream, and means for providing a concurrent, coaxial flow of gas surrounding the jetstream to enhance the varicose instabilities in order to cause the uniform dispersion of the jetstream into uniform, spherical droplets.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A droplet generating apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said jetstream providing means comprises a capillary tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A droplet generating apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said means for providing a concurrEnt flow of gas for enhancing the varicose instabilities comprises means defining a passageway surrounding said capillary tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
A droplet generating apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said instability generating means comprises means defining a liquid feed stock chamber in fluid communication with said capillary tube, means for providing uniformly periodic pressure pulses, and means for transmitting pressure pulses from said pressure pulse means to liquid feed stock solution in said chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
A droplet generating apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said transmitting means comprises a flexible membrane and wherein said means for providing pressure pulses comprises means for providing a continuous flow of gas directed at said membrane and rotary shutter means interposed between said means for providing a continuous flow of gas and said membrane for interrupting the flow of gas to said membrane at a predetermined uniform frequency.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A droplet generating apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for providing varicose instabilities in said jetstream is capable of providing said instabilities at a frequency such that the wavelength of said instabilities in said jetstream is at least pi times the unperturbed diameter of the jetstream.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
74 words
A process for dispersing a liquid into droplets of uniform size comprising the steps of providing a capillary jetstream of said liquid, generating uniformly periodic varicose instabilities in said jetstream having a wavelength of at least pi times the unperturbed diameter of said jetstream, and providing a concurrent, coaxial flow of gas surrounding the jetstream to enhance the varicose instabilities in order to cause the uniform breakup of the jetstream into uniform spherical droplets.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
A process for dispersing a liquid into droplets of uniform size comprising the steps of providing a capillary jetstream of said liquid, generating uniformly periodic varicose instabilities in said jetstream having a wavelength of at least pi times the unperturbed diameter of said jetstream, and providing a concurrent, coaxial flow of gas surrounding the jetstream to enhance the varicose instabilities in order to cause the uniform breakup of the jetstream into uniform spherical droplets.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3482544A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-07 | 1976-11-06 | 1977-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-07 | 1980-11-06 | 1981-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-07 | 1984-11-06 | 1985-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |