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US 6,602,916 B2Granted
Foaming apparatus and method
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsSteven R. Grundmann, Kenneth G. Neal
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A foaming apparatus and method according to which a mixture of gas and a liquid is introduced into a vessel at a predetermined velocity and passes through a passage in the vessel. The flow of the mixture through the passage is increased to increase the velocity of the mixture and cause corresponding shearing forces on the mixture to create a turbulance and form foam from the mixture. The restrictor can be moved in the passage to vary the amount of restriction and therefore the amount of the foam.
Claims6
A foaming apparatus comprising:
- a vessel;
- an inlet located on the vessel for receiving a mixture of gas and liquid;
- an outlet located on the vessel for discharging the mixture, wherein the vessel defines a passage extending from the inlet to the outlet;
- and
- a spool disposed in the passage for restricting the flow of the mixture through the passage, wherein:
- the spool is movable in the passage to vary the amount of restriction;
- and
- the spool has a frusto-conical portion having a first end that engages a first end of the vessel to limit movement of the spool in a first direction and a second end that engages a second end of the vessel to limit movement of the spool in a second direction.
5 more elements
A method of generating foam, comprising the steps of:
- introducing a mixture of gas and liquid into a vessel;
- passing the mixture through a passage in the vessel;
- restricting the flow of the mixture through the vessel to form foam using a spool disposed in the passage, wherein:
- the spool is movable in the passage to vary the amount of restriction;
- and
- the spool has a frusto-conical portion having a first end that engages a first end of the vessel to limit movement of the spool in a first direction and a second end that engages a second end of the vessel to limit movement of the spool in a second direction.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.