Abstract:
An apparatus and method for recycling fluidic substances. The apparatus of the present invention can recycle fluidic substance, comprising: at least one first container installed with at least one touching plate and a heating device; at least one second container installed with at least one touching plate and a heating device; and at least one third container installed with at least one touching plate, which is connected to a spinning or rotary device. The method for recycling fluidic substance by passing it through the said apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Hong Kong Patent Application No. 15107723.2 filed on Aug. 10, 2015; the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the apparatus and methods for recycling fluidic substances. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Present and future lubricant require high quality and high purity base oils at the point of use. The ever increasing revolutions per minute (rpm) and rating levels of modern lubricant and related mechanical apparatuses result in greater mechanical stress in lubricating materials and fluids. To handle these greater stresses, oils with better viscosity index qualities are required. Also lower residual water content in lubricant and material must be maintained. Therefore, the treatment and condition of oil throughout the process becomes critical to the efficiency and lifespan of industrial machine. 
         [0004]    Typically, petroleum products used for industrial purposes are simply disposed of after use. In the United States alone, over 1.7 billion gallons of lubricating, hydraulic, and other petroleum products are disposed of each year,  Napthenics Magazine , June 1996. Alternatively today, these petroleum products are expensively and inefficiently recycled. For example, to recycled 50,000 liters of oil, 5,000 Kg of adsorbents are needed which subsequently creates 8,000 Kg of oil saturated adsorbents for disposal. Without proper disposal, this amount of saturated adsorbents can contaminate 150,000 m 2  of drinking water. 
         [0005]    Attempts have been made to improve the efficiency of petroleum fluid recycled applying either chemical or decoloring clay to the fluid after drying, for example using heat and/or a chemical wash, however these methods still produce less than desirable amounts of secondary pollution. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to providing a plurality of vessels of matter adapted for the recycled of at least one fluidic substance. In some embodiments of the invention, the fluidic substance is petroleum based. In some embodiments of the invention, the fluidic substance is a refrigerant and/or coolant. In some embodiments of the invention, the fluidic substance is de-ionized water and/or some other non-conducting fluid. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment of the invention, selected sequencing are presented (e.g. the fluidic substance flows onto the specified apparatus in a specific order, for example fluid flows onto first vessel in the direction of flow of the fluidic substance. In some embodiments of the invention, the fluid flows in a vessel in the specific order wherein the fluidic substance is passed through from one vessel to the next vessel, and in a desired sequence of exposure to the contact surface area of the vessel. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments of the invention, the proportion of the fluid droplet sizes of the total amount are dependent on the type of fluidic substance being recycled. Type is determined, for example, by ISO Viscosity Grade and/or the kind of fluid (e.g. lubricating, hydraulic, and/or other petroleum products, water, refrigerant and/or coolant fluids, etc.) and/or the pH of the fluid being recycled. 
         [0009]    An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to providing an apparatus for recycling fluidic substances including a universal particle filtration section and/or purification section. The filtration screen collects both metallic and non-metallic particles, in an embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the universal particle filtration section are combined into one section. In some embodiments of the invention, the purification section is used for removing particulate matter, gas and/or moisture from the fluid being recycled. The universal particle filtration section, when both are used in the apparatus, is not critical in some embodiments of the invention, allowing for either section to be used before the other but both before the recycled section. In an embodiment of the invention, the purification section acts on the fluid being recycled before the fluid enters the recycled section. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments of the invention, the recycled section includes a prioritization of matter comprised of sequencing vessels which are selected and/or are arranged for recycled of a specific fluidic substance. In an embodiment of the invention, the recycled section is comprised of at least three (3) vessels stack together to form one master vessel wherein the fluidic substance being recycled flows into the vessels, through the at least one vessel and/or is recirculated through the next vessel until the fluidic substance has been recycled to or above a predetermined threshold, for example a threshold of quality. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment of the invention, the touching plate is constructed of a substance with different shape and form which does not adversely react with the fluid being recycled. In embodiments a metal is used for constructing the touching plate, for example aluminum, carbon steel, copper or stainless steel. 
         [0012]    An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to providing a universal particle filtration section, adapted for regulating fluid flow and/or filtering debris. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments of the invention, the size of particles which are filtered is determined by the type of fluid being filtered, for example fluids with high ISO viscosity grades (ISO viscosity grades being one way of determining type) are filtered for particles as small as 1 micron. In some embodiments of the invention, the conical filter is provided with pores adapted for filtering out debris as small as 1 micron. In some embodiments of the invention, the filter is provided with pores adapted for filtering out debris as small as 0.5 microns. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment of the invention, the touching plate shape of the circular flat plate and concave ellipse is used to regulate fluid flow as it transitions from one vessel to the next vessel section, to a recycled section in a fluid recycled apparatus. In an embodiment of the invention, the circular flat plate assembly is divided into a first portion upstream of the metal circular flat plate, uphold by a metal circular tube which enwrapped by inducting heating or any other ways of heating or heating media and a second portion downstream of the metal plate in the shape and form of concave ellipse, uphold by a metal circular tube which enwrapped by inducting heating or any other ways of heating or heating media and lastly third portion downstream of the metal plate in the shape and form of a concave circle or wine glass (with open to the top) which incorporate with a motor (which is powered and controlled by an internal or external power source and control unit) at the bottom of it such that the said concave circle or wine glass will spin or rotate at a speed at or higher than 1,000 rpm. In some embodiments of the invention, the velocity of flow in the first portion is slowed as the fluid passes through onto the circular flat plate then concave ellipse and finally onto the concave circle or wine glass (with open to the top) shape. In some embodiments of the invention, the flow velocity in the second portion increases as the fluid progresses past onto the concave ellipse touching plate and then onto the third touching plate with the shape and form of a concave circle or wine glass (with open to the top) that has a motor (which is powered and controlled by an internal or external power source and control unit) at the bottom of it. The said motor is connected with the said concave circle or wine glass such that the said concave circle or wine glass will spin or rotate at a speed at or higher than 1,000 rpm. In such an embodiment of the invention, the inlet flow rate and the outlet flow rate are the same; however, the flow velocity is different between the upstream and downstream portions. 
         [0015]    An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to providing a method for recycling at least one fluidic substance, the method including at least passing the fluidic substance through stages of recycling, optionally arranged in top/down and/or additionally or alternatively in a predefined sequence. In some embodiments of the invention, each component is selected to perform a different effect on the fluidic substance, examples including reducing acidity, as a desiccant, and/or for removing sulfur. In some embodiments of the invention, the droplet size of the fluid are used to provide a cumulative effect on the fluidic substance, for example continuing to reduce acidity as the fluid touches the heated touching plate. In an embodiment of the invention, the fluid being recycled is passed onto the at least one vessel at least one time in order to recycled the fluid. Additionally, alternatively and/or optionally, the fluid is passed through a universal filter for filtering out debris greater than a certain size. 
         [0016]    There is further provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an apparatus for recycling fluidic substances, comprising: a recycled section containing therein a vessel of matter according to any one of exemplary embodiments described above. In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises at least one of a filtration section or a universal particle filtration section. Optionally, the recycled section is comprised of at least one recycled vessel. Optionally, the recycled vessel is adapted for flow of the fluidic substances there through. Optionally, the master vessel section is comprised of a three (3) independent vessels assembly provided with a clamp to hold together. Optionally, the three (3) independent vessels section are combined in a single section. Optionally, the fluidic substances being recycled flow through at least one of the vessel section prior to flowing through the after sequence vessel section. Optionally, the fluidic substances being recycled are recirculated through at least one of the vessel section. 
         [0017]    There is further provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a universal particle filtration section for filtering particles from a fluidic substance passing therethrough, comprising: an upstream portion adjacent to an inlet to the universal particle filtration section; and, a downstream portion adjacent to an outlet of the universal particle filtration section. 
         [0018]    There is further provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention method for recycling at least one fluidic substance, comprising: passing the at least one fluidic substance through a vessel of matter according to any one of exemplary embodiments described above. In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises passing the at least one fluidic substance through a master vessel in sequencing. In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises passing the at least one fluidic substance through a universal filter for filtering out debris greater than a certain size. In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises selecting at least one of: i) the sequence of the vessels; based on the type of fluidic substance being recycled. Optionally, type is defined by viscosity. Optionally, type is defined by pH. Optionally, type is defined by the kind of fluid being recycled. Optionally, kind is selected from a group comprising lubricating fluids, hydraulic fluids, petroleum products, and water, refrigerant or coolant fluids. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0019]    Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments, in conjunction with the Figures. The Figures are generally not shown to scale and any measurements are only meant to be exemplary and not necessarily limiting. In the Figures, identical structures, elements or parts which appear in more than one Figure are preferably labeled with a same or similar number in all the Figures in which they appear, in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing generally the sections of an apparatus for recycling fluidic substances, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a vessel section with the touching plate in the shape of the circular flat plate. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2 a    is the top view and  FIG. 2 b    is the side view. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2 c    is a cross-sectional view of a vessel section with the touching plate in the shape of the circular flat plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a vessel section with the touching plate in the shape and form of concave ellipse (with respect to the bottom of the said vessel section) or a cone. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3 a    is the top view and  FIG. 3 b    is the side view. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3 c    is a cross-sectional view of a vessel section with the touching plate in the shape and form of concave ellipse (with respect to the bottom of the said vessel section) or a cone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a vessel section with the touching plate in the shape and form of a concave circle or wine glass (with open to the top) which incorporate with a motor (which is powered and controlled by an internal or external power source and control unit) at the bottom of it such that the concave circle or wine glass will spin or rotate. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4 a    is the top view and  FIG. 4 b    is the side view. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4 c    is a cross-sectional view of a vessel section with the touching plate in the shape and form of a concave circle or wine glass (with open to the top) which incorporate with a motor (which is powered and controlled by an internal or external power source and control unit) at the bottom of it such that the said concave circle or wine glass will spin or rotate, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a master vessel section with vessels stack together by a clamp from top vessel Vessel-A ( FIG. 2 ), in the middle vessel Vessel-B ( FIG. 3 ) and the bottom vessel Vessel-C ( FIG. 4 ), or their combinations. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5 b    is a cross-sectional view of a master vessel section with three vessels stack together by a clamp from top vessel Vessel-A ( FIG. 2 ), in the middle vessel Vessel-B ( FIG. 3 ) and the bottom vessel Vessel-C ( FIG. 4 ) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    In some embodiments of the invention, a vessel of matter and/or a plurality of vessels of matter are selected to be used for the recycled of a fluidic substance. The fluidic substance is petroleum based, in some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the fluidic substance is a refrigerant and/or coolant. In some embodiments of the invention, the fluidic substance is de-ionized water and/or some other non-conducting fluid. 
         [0033]    As used in this application, recycled generally means returning at least one desired property of the fluidic substance to a pre-used level, for example fluidic substances are recycled to restore their purity in some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the viscosity of the fluidic substance is altered by removing moisture. In some embodiments of the invention, the acidity of the fluidic substance is altered by removing particles from the substance. In some embodiments of the invention, the color of the fluidic substance is changed by removing particles from the fluid. In some embodiments of the invention, recycled using the herein described vessels of matter improves at least one property to and/or above its pre-use level, indicating the possible utility of these vessels as a final step in the original processing of the fluidic substance. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment of the invention, a vessel of matter is comprised of selected and herein described master vessel. In an embodiment of the invention, the fluidic substance being recycled is passed through the vessels in sequence. In some embodiments of the invention, each vessel is selected to perform a different effect on the fluidic substance being recycled, examples including reducing acidity, as a desiccant, and/or for removing sulfur. In some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of vessels are used to provide a cumulative effect on the fluidic substance, for example continuing to reduce acidity as the fluid passes through the plurality of vessels. In some embodiments of the invention, vessels are chosen and placed in order using a determining factor such as molecular weight of the respective vessels. Optionally, at least one of the vessel is itself a vessel of a plurality of components. 
         [0035]    In an embodiment of the invention, selected vessels are presented (e.g. the fluidic substance flows through the vessels) to the fluidic substance being recycled in a specific order, for example Vessel-A preceding Vessel-B and Vessel-C in the direction of flow of the fluidic substance. In some embodiments of the invention, the Master vessel is laid in at least one vessel in the specific order wherein the fluidic substance is passed through the at least one vessel, and therefore the vessel, in a desired sequence of exposure to the touching plate of vessels. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments of the invention, the proportion of the total amount and/or selection of vessels are dependent on the type fluidic substance being recycled. Type is determined, for example, by ISO Viscosity Grade and/or the kind of fluid (e.g. lubricating, hydraulic, and/or other petroleum products, water, refrigerant and/or coolant fluids, etc.) and/or the pH of the fluid being recycled. 
         [0037]    In general, the dirtier a fluid being recycled is the more total amount of that need recyclable pass that need to be used in order to recycle the fluid. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing generally the sections of an apparatus  100  for recycling fluidic substances, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, apparatus  100  is comprised of a recycled section  106 . Additionally, alternatively and/or optionally, apparatus  100  is provided with a universal particle filtration section  102  and/or a purification section  104 . 
         [0039]    In an embodiment of the invention, recycled section  106  is comprised of at least one vessel (an example shown in more detail with respect to  FIG. 5 ) with the vessels situated therein wherein the fluidic substance being recycled flows into the at least one vessel, through the vessels and/or is recirculated through the vessels until the fluidic substance has been recycled to or above a predetermined threshold, for example a threshold of quality. Optionally, the vessels are arranged in such as the recycled vessel described with respect to  FIG. 5 . In some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of vessels, each containing at least one of the vessels, is used for recycling the fluid passing there through. Optionally, the plurality of vessels is arranged in a predefined sequence. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment of the invention, “Vessel-A” ( FIG. 2 ) is actually comprised of a touching plate shape of the circular flat plate which has holding tube with inducting heating or any other ways of heating or heating media on it, in an embodiment of the invention. 
         [0041]    In an embodiment of the invention, “Vessel-B” ( FIG. 3 ) is actually comprised of a touching plate in the shape and form of concave ellipse (with respect to the bottom of the vessel) or cone which has holding tube with inducting heating or any other ways of heating or heating media on it, in an embodiment of the invention. 
         [0042]    In an embodiment of the invention, “Vessel-C” ( FIG. 4 ) is actually comprised of a touching plate in the shape and form of a concave circle or wine glass (with open to the top) which incorporate with a motor (which is powered and controlled by an internal or external power source and control unit) at the bottom of it such that the said concave circle or wine glass will spin or rotate at a speed at or higher than 1,000 rpm, in an embodiment of the invention. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments of the invention, Vessel-A, Vessel-B and/or Vessel-C are sized to enable efficient flow through apparatus. Optionally, apparatus  106  is portable for use in a plurality of locations. In some embodiments of the invention, at least any two of Vessel-A, Vessel-B and/or Vessel-C are combined into one section. Additionally, alternatively and/or optionally, Vessel-A, Vessel-B and/or Vessel-C do not necessarily need to be arranged in a specific order. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a cross-sectional view of Vessel-A section  20  is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Vessel-A section  20  is provided with a pipe tube section housing, Vessel-A outer shell  201  which is adapted for flow of the fluidic substance therethrough and/or for the safe operation features of the touching plate  202 , in an embodiment of the invention. An inlet  205  and/or an outlet  206  are provided to the housing  201  for the introduction and removal of the fluidic substance being recycled. In some embodiments of the invention, at least the inducting heating on outer wall  204  or any other ways of heating or heating media is used to generate heat when charged by any sort of internal or external power sources. As seen in more detail in  FIG. 2 , the at least touching plate  202  is welded onto touching plate holder pipe  203  and place into section housing Vessel-A outer shell  201 . In an embodiment of the invention, the fluidic substance being recycled enters Vessel-A section  20  at inlet  205  and flows in a direction towards outlet  206 , thereby passing by and/or around at least on touching plate  202 . 
         [0045]    It should be understood that while the present application describes a recyclable section, it is by way of example only, and that any solution known to those skilled in the art are useable to remove unwanted element from the fluidic substance being recycled. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view of Vessel-B section  40  is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Vessel-B section  40  is provided with a pipe tube section housing, Vessel-B outer shell  301  which is adapted for flow of the fluidic substance there through and/or for the safe operation features of the touching plate  302 , in an embodiment of the invention. An inlet  305  and/or an outlet  306  are provided to the housing  301  for the introduction and removal of the fluidic substance being recycled. In some embodiments of the invention, at least the inducting heating on outer wall  304  or any other ways of heating or heating media is used to generate heat when charged by any sort of internal or external power sources. As seen in more detail in  FIG. 3 , the at least touching plate  302  is welded onto touching plate holder pipe  303  and place into section housing Vessel-B outer shell  301 . In an embodiment of the invention, the fluidic substance being recycled enters Vessel-B section  40  at inlet  305  and flows in a direction towards outlet  306 , thereby passing by and/or around at least on touching plate  302 . 
         [0047]    It should be understood that while the present application describes a recyclable section, it is by way of example only, and that any solution known to those skilled in the art are useable to remove unwanted element from the fluidic substance being recycled. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a cross-sectional view of Vessel-C section  60  is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Vessel-C section  60  is provided with a pipe tube section housing, Vessel-C outer shell  401  which is adapted for flow of the fluidic substance there through and/or for the safe operation features of the touching plate  402 , in an embodiment of the invention. An inlet  404  and/or an outlet  405  are provided to the housing  401  for the introduction and removal of the fluidic substance being recycled. In some embodiments of the invention, at least the bottom of touching plate  402  will be fasten onto or connected to a motor  406  (which is powered and controlled by an internal or external power source and control unit) such that touching plate  402  will spin or rotate at the speed at or higher than 1,000 rpm. As seen in more detail in  FIG. 4 , the at least touching plate  402  is fasten onto motor shaft  406  and place into section housing Vessel-C outer shell  401 . In an embodiment of the invention, the fluidic substance being recycled enters Vessel-C section  60  at inlet  404  and flows in a direction towards outlet  405 , thereby passing by and/or around at least on touching plate  402 . 
         [0049]    It should be understood that while the present application describes a recyclable section, it is by way of example only, and that any solution known to those skilled in the art are useable to remove unwanted element from the fluidic substance being recycled. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is an assembly diagram showing generally the sections of an apparatus  100  for recycling fluidic substances, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, apparatus  100  is comprised of a recycled section  80  ( FIG. 5 ). Additionally, alternatively and/or optionally, apparatus  100  is provided with a Vessel-A ( FIG. 2 ) section  20 , Vessel-B ( FIG. 3 ) section  40  and Vessel-C ( FIG. 3 ) section  60  which stack together and form the Master Vessel ( FIG. 5 ) section  80 . 
         [0051]    The wordings “vessel” or “vessel of matter” shall not limit the form of the vessel in its ordinary meaning but the said vessel or vessel of matter could be any container in any form or shape which could contain or install the touching plates or the components in connection with the said touching plates in the vessels including Vessel-A, Vessel-B or Vessel-C. 
         [0052]    The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art. When used in the following claims, the terms “comprises”, “includes”, “have” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. It should also be noted that the device is suitable for both males and female, with male pronouns being used for convenience. The scope of the invention is limited only by the following claims.