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US005615831A
United States Patent (19) 11) Patent Number: 5,615,831
Molezzi et al. (45) Date of Patent: Apr. 1, 1997
(54) STEAM PRECIPITATION JET 3,918,647 11/1975 Lamz et al. ......................... 239/432X
3,972,150 8/1976 Hart ............... ... 239fa245 X
75) Inventors: Michael J. Molezzi, Schenectady, N.Y.; 4,212,967 7/1980 Govoni et al. .......................... 528/500
Harry W. Crumbacher, New 4,213,936 7/1980 Lodrick ............................... 239/432 X
Harmony, Ind., Bernard McConville; FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
Connie H. Shannon, both of
Evansville, Ind. 2421679 12/1979 France ................................... 239/425
1607968 11/1990 U.S.S.R. ................................ 239/425
Assignee:
73) SS1gnee Statests Company Primary Examiner-Kevin Weldon
i v als Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Marvin Snyder
21) Appl. No.: 461,798 (57) ABSTRACT
22 Filed: Jun. 5, 1995 A precipitation jet includes a nozzle having an inlet for
(51) Int. Cl. ................................. B05B 7/12 iving liquid
receiving liquid resin solution, a conical tip, and a plurality
of circumferentially spaced apart outlets extending through
52 U.S. C. ........................... 23918; 239/417; 2: the nozzle tip for discharging the resin solution. A tubular
O receiver is disposed coaxially with the nozzle tip and is
58) Field of Search ..................................... 239/425, 432, spaced axially therefrom. The receiver includes a frusto
239/416.1, 417, 416.4, 416.5, 424.5, 434.5, conical impingement surface spaced axially from the nozzle
8, 310 tip to define therewith an annular flow channel having at
opposite ends thereof a channel inlet for receiving steam and
56) References Cited a channel outlet for discharging an atomized spray of the
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS steam and resin solution for precipitating resin powder from
the spray.
2,532,851 12/1950 Meyer ................................. 239/425 X pray
3,508,339 4/1970 Neblett et al. .............................. 34/10
3,836,076 9/1974 Conrad et al. ...................... 239/432 X 15 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets

10

POWDER
U.S. Patent 5,615,831

IZ-KNXT
OI

91T08,23
U.S. Patent Apr. 1, 1997 Sheet 2 of 2 5,615,831
 5,615,831
1 2
STEAM PRECIPITATION JET jet which are important factors in atomization and precipi
tation of the resin solution which in turn effects complex
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION performance behavior of the jet.
The present invention relates generally to steam precipi SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
tation for producing resin powder from liquid resin solution,
and, more specifically, to a jet assembly for mixing the steam A precipitation jet includes a nozzle having an inlet for
and resin solution to produce an atomized spray from which receiving liquid resin solution, a conical tip, and a plurality
the resin powder is precipitated. of circumferentially spaced apart outlets extending through
Steam precipitation is a common process of producing 10 the nozzle tip for discharging the resin solution. A tubular
solid resin powder, such as polycarbonate, by introducing a receiver is disposed coaxially with the nozzle tip and is
liquid resin solution, such as polycarbonate in methylene spaced axially therefrom. The receiver includes a frusto
chloride (MeCl2) solvent, into steam which subsequently conical impingement surface spaced axially from the nozzle
vaporizes the solvent to isolate the solid resin or polycar tip to define therewith an annular flow channel having at
bonate in powder form. The process typically injects resin 15 opposite ends thereof a channel inlet for receiving steam and
solution containing 10% to 30% polycarbonate by weight a channel outlet for discharging an atomized spray of the
into high speed steam in a component known as a jet to steam and resin solution for precipitating resin powder from
produce a spray. The evaporation of the solvent from the the spray.
spray precipitates solid granular polycarbonate powder 20
which is conventionally recovered in a downstream precipi BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
tation piping loop.
Steam usage in the precipitation process is a significant The invention, in accordance with preferred and exem
cost factor and the efficiency of steam use may be evaluated plary embodiments, together with further objects and advan
by calculating a steam-to-resin ratio (S/R ratio) which is tages thereof, is more particularly described in the following
defined as the ratio of steam mass flow rate to the mass flow
25 detailed description taken in conjunction with the accom
rate of the resin itself. Lower values of the S/R ratio indicate panying drawings in which:
better steam efficiency. The operating S/R ratio in current FIG. 1 is schematic representation, partly in section, of a
precipitation jets typically varies from about 1.6 to more steam precipitation jet in accordance with one embodiment
than 2.2 depending on process conditions and resin grade. 30
of the present invention for atomizing a liquid resin solution
The minimum operating S/R ratio is limited by the onset of for precipitating powder therefrom.
undesirable powder properties such as large powder par FIG. 2 is a sectional view through a portion of the
ticles or agglomerated chunks thereof, and/or plugging of precipitation jet illustrated in FIG. 1 and taken along line
the precipitation jet and downstream equipment. Other fac 2-2 showing portions of a nozzle for injecting the liquid
tors in evaluating precipitation jet performance include the 35
resin solution into one end of a tubular receiver which also
ability to operate efficiently over a range of resin solution receives the steam.
flow rates, and optimization of the resulting resin powder FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the
properties including bulk density, handling characteristics, adjoining nozzle and receiver illustrated in FIG. 1.
and powder size for example.
In one conventional precipitation jet, a plurality of cylin 40 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
drical barrels are circumferentially spaced apart and feed a EMBODIMENT(S)
common annular impingement cone which in turn commu
nicates with a common tubular throat and diffuser extending Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a
downstream therefrom. Each of the barrels includes a con precipitation jet or nozzle assembly 10 in accordance with
vergent inlet for injecting the steam axially into the barrel 45 the present invention for mixing a suitable gas 12 such as
and a separate inlet for the resin solution which is injected steam with a conventional liquid resin solution 14 for
immediately downstream of the steam inlet. precipitating resin powder therefrom. The resin solution 14
In operation, the spray from the steam and resin solution may take any suitable form including for example polycar
inlets flows axially downstream through the individual bar bonate in a methylene chloride (MeCl) solvent which may
rels and then flows radially inwardly along the impingement 50 contain from about 10% to about 30% polycarbonate by
cone and in turn to the common throat and is discharged weight. By suitably injecting the resin solution 14 and the
from the jet into a conventional precipitation piping loop high speed steam 12 an atomized spray is created, with the
from the diffuser. Resin films form in the individual barrels, methylene chloride solvent vaporizing therefrom for pre
on the impingement cone, and around the downstream throat cipitating solid granular polycarbonate resin powder which
which allows for greater opportunity for film buildup or 55 is conventionally recovered from a downstream heated
solidification resulting in degraded performance. As the precipitation piping loop 16.
resin flow rate increases, undesirable plugs of partially The jet 10 includes a tubular or cylindrical nozzle 18
precipitated resintend to form within the barrels themselves. having a nozzle inlet 18a at a proximal end thereof for
These plugs are ejected as large chunks or grow out of the receiving the liquid resin solution 14 from conventional
barrel to form larger plugs in the impingement cone and means 20 for supplying the liquid resin solution which
downstream tubing. Preferentially higher resin flow may typically includes a suitable pump and resin solution reser
exist in some barrels due to small dimension discrepancies voir for injecting the solution into the nozzle inlet 18a at
which tend to plug some barrels before others and therefore suitably high pressures in the range of about 100-400 psig
limit resin flow rate and steam efficiency. The fixed geom for example. The nozzle 18 further includes a conical tip 18b
etry of the precipitation jets requires steam supply pressure 65 at a distal or downstream end thereof. A plurality of circum
changes to effect steam flow control. However, changes in ferentially spaced apart nozzle outlets 18c in the form of
supply pressure alter steam temperature and velocity to the cylindrical holes for example extend axially through the
 5,615,831
3 4
nozzle tip 18b for discharging or injecting the resin solution of the solvent vapor for maintaining high velocity and
therefrom. efficiency of operation. The spray then enters the heated
An annular or tubular receiver 22 is disposed coaxially precipitation loop 16 wherein evaporation of solvent from
with the nozzle tip 18b about a common axial centerline axis the spray continues and steam condensate formed from the
24 of the jet 10 and is spaced axially downstream from the evaporation of the solvent is revaporized and conventionally
nozzle tip 18b. The receiver 22 includes at an upstream or removed with the solvent for producing the powder resin.
forward end thereof a frustoconical impingement face or The juncture of the nozzle tip 18b and the upstream end
surface 22a which is spaced axially downstream or aft from of the receiver 22 is illustrated in more particularity in FIGS.
the outer surface of the nozzle tip 18b to define therewith an 2 and 3. In order to maximize the velocity of the injected
annular or conical flow channel 26 having an annular 10 steam 12, the flow channel 26 further includes a converging
channel inlet 26a at an upstream or forward end thereof of portion 26djoined to the diverging portion 26c at a steam
maximum diameter of the conical flow channel 26. The gap or throat 26e of minimum flow area between the outer
channel inlet 26a is disposed in flow communication with surface of the nozzle tip 18b and the opposing impingement
conventional means 28 for supplying the steam 12 under a surface 22a. The converging portion decreases in flow area
suitably high pressure up to about 160 psig for example. The 5 to the throat 26e for accelerating the steam 12 to a maximum
flow channel 26 has at an opposite or downstream end, velocity, and the diverging portion 26c increases in flow area
which is the smallest diameter thereof, an annular channel downstream from the throat 26e. In the preferred embodi
outlet 26b for discharging a developing atomized spray of ment, the throat 26e is disposed closely upstream of the aft
the steam 12 and resin solution 14, which resin solution 14 ends of the nozzle outlets 18c for maximizing velocity of the
is injected into the flow channel 26 from the nozzle outlet 20
steam 12 just prior to introduction of the resin solution 14
18c. The resin solution 14 initially forms a film along the injected into the flow channel 26 at the nozzle outlets 18c.
impingement surface 22a, with the high speed steam 12 The arrangement of the nozzle tip 18b inside the upstream
increasingly atomizing the resin solution film. The hot steam end of the receiver 22 provides a simple and efficient
12 also vaporizes the solvent in the resin solution 14 for configuration for commencing atomization of the resin solu
precipitating solid granular resin powder therefrom which is 25 tion 14 by the steam 12 with immediate impingement of the
conventionally recovered in the precipitation loop 16 resin solution 14 against the impingement surface 22a to
extending from the downstream end of the jet 10. form a film for subsequent atomization and to effect desir
The receiver 22 further includes a single cylindrical tube able morphology of the resulting resin powder. The steam 12
or barrel 22b extending downstream from the channel outlet and resin solution 14 are separately injected into the com
26b and coaxially with the nozzle 18 for receiving and 30 mon upstream end of the flow channel 26 at its converging
channeling the resin solution film along its inner surface, portion 26d. The impingement surface 22a allows a film of
with the high velocity steam 12 passing therethrough to the resin solution 14 to initially form thereon and then be
continue atomizing the film. A single outlet 22c of the barrel atomized by the injected steam 12. The developing spray is
or receiver is disposed at the aft or downstream end of the then channeled radially inwardly and axially aft in the flow
barrel 22b for discharging the atomized spray into the 35 channel 26 while the flow area therefor is increased by the
precipitation loop 16. diverging portion 26c which helps maintain maximum
The basic jet 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 provides a simplified velocity to increase efficiency.
flow design for improving the introduction of both the steam Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the steam 12 from the
12 and resin solution 14 for effecting improved control of Steam supply may be channeled into the channel inlet 26a in
impingement of the resin solution and improved control of 40 any suitable manner. In the preferred embodiment illustrated
the velocity of the steam and vaporized solvent for improv in FIG. 1, a tubular housing 30 surrounds at least the
ing efficiency and performance in precipitating the resin downstream end of the nozzle 18 as well as the entire
powder. The jet 10 provides various improvements over free receiver 22, and is spaced in part radially outwardly there
atomization precipitation jets wherein steam and resin solu from to define an inlet plenum 32 which extends circum
tion are mixed in the open, as well as improvements over the 45 ferentially around the channel inlet 26.a for first receiving the
multi-barrel embodiment discussed in the Background sec steam 12 from the steam supply 28 and in turn channeling
tion. For example, both the steam 12 and the resin solution the steam 12 axially into the channel inlet 26a. The steam
14 are immediately introduced into the flow channel 26 supply 28 therefore channels the steam 12 through a suitable
defined between the impingement surface 22a and the housing inlet into the inlet plenum 32 for flow in turn into
nozzle tip 18b for providing effective atomization and 50 the channel inlet 26a.
precipitation of resin powder with improved efficiency. In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the FIG. 1, the jet 10 is specifically configured for obtaining
nozzle outlets 18c are disposed in the nozzle tip 18b axially choked flow of maximum sonic velocity (Mach No.=1) at
between the channel inlet 26a and the channel outlet 26b, one of the throat 26e and the barrel outlet 22c. For example,
and the flow channel 26 includes a diverging portion 26c 55 the barrel 22b preferably has a predetermined constant inner
which preferably gradually increases in flow area from the diameter D and a predetermined axial length L. The diam
nozzle outlets 18c to the channel outlet 26b. The increase in eter D and streamwise length L affect maximum jet flow
area is preferred for accommodating the flow area occupied capacity since design flow is limited by choking of the steam
by the injected resin solution 14 and the evaporation of the and solvent vapor at the fixed diameter barrel outlet 22c.
solvent therefrom for maintaining as high a velocity as 60 Increased barrel length L allows a longer region to atomize
possible of the steam or solvent vapor for maintaining resin film therein, but effects a greater solvent vapor mass
improved efficiency of operation. As the developing spray fraction at the barrel outlet 22c. The result is reduced steam
flows downstream from the common axial plane of the capacity, lower velocity thorugh the barrel 22b, increased
nozzle outlets 18c, evaporation of the solvent increases sensitivity of performance to flow rate changes, and reduced
which in turn increases the fraction of the solventin its vapor 65 operating flow rate flexibility. Decreased barrel length L
phase. The increasing flow area of the flow channel 26 in its shortens the region available to atomize resin film, but gives
downstream direction accommodates the increasing fraction greater flow rate flexibility due to increased steam capacity
 5,615,831
5 6
and velocity through the barrel 22b. Accordingly, both the reduce the tendency for solidification and plugging. The
diameter D and barrel length L are chosen to optimize heating of the receiver 22 by the hot steam 12 is desirable for
performance at the desired operating condition for each maintaining effective operation of the jet 10. The tempera
specific design application. ture of the receiver 22 may be otherwise controlled for
Furthermore, the steam supply 28 is preferably effective further enhancing performance of the jet 10 if desired.
for providing the steam 12 at a predetermined supply Referring to FIG. 3, one preferred embodiment of the
pressure at the channel inlet 26a for obtaining choked flow invention includes a nozzle tip 18b having a cone angle A of
at the channel throat 26e. Similarly, the resin solution supply about 90°. The impingement surface 22a preferably has a
20 is also preferably effective to supply the resin solution at cone half angle B of about 30°, which is a cone angle of
a predetermined flow rate through the nozzle outlets 18c, 10 about 60°, for the diverging channel portion 26c. The
and the channel throat 26e also has a predetermined flow impingement surface 22a also has a cone half angle C of
area. These predetermined parameters of barrel diameter D about 60°, which is a cone angle of 120, for the converging
and length L, steam supply pressure, resin solution flow rate, channel portion 26d.
and throat flow area are collectively selected for obtaining
choked flow at either of the throat 26a or the barrel outlet 5 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle
22c. outlets 18c are cylindrical holes extending axially parallel to
The operation of the jet 10 is based on matching the throat each other and parallel to the axial centerline axis 24. And,
flow area, barrel diameter, and flow rates to maintain high as shown in FIG. 1, the outlet 22c of the barrel 22b is
vapor phase velocity both at the throat 26e and throughout preferably blunt or flat for discharging the spray into the
the barrel 22b. This is done by appropriate choice of barrel preferably larger diameter precipitation loop 16. In an alter
20 nate embodiment, the barrel outlet 22c may be tapered and
diameter D in the design of a jet for a particular flow rate diverge outwardly for providing a gradual transition to the
range, and then by appropriate adjustment of the throat flow larger diameter precipitation loop 16.
area and resin solution flow rate during operation. At low
resin solution flow rates and small throat areas, the vapor Various barrel lengths L are usable depending upon spe
phase flow is choked at the throat 26e with a sufficiently 25
cific design factors, with the length L ranging in various
large barrel flow area relative to the throat flow area and low tested embodiments from 1.5 inches to 37.5 inches, and with
solvent vaporphase content to keep the vapor phase velocity the preferred embodiment being 21.5 inches with the barrel
less than the local choked velocity at the barrel outlet 22c. diameter D of 1.75 inches.
As the throat flow area is increased and/or the resin solution Although the jet 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be config
flow rate is increased, the vapor phase flow becomes choked 30 ured with predetermined dimensions and flow rates for a
at the barrel outlet 22c, which in turn limits the flow rate of specific production process, the jet 10 may also be simply
steam through the jet 10. This unchokes the flow at the throat made adjustable for improving its performance if desired.
26e, reducing steam velocity at that point. The point at Since the conical flow channel 26 is the major structural and
which this transition from choked flow at the throat 26e to functional element of the jet, its geometry may be easily
choked flow at the barrel outlet 22 occurs varies with resin 35 changed by providing suitable means 34 for selectively
solution flow rate and barrel diameter D. It is preferred that adjusting or varying, by axially translating at least one of the
the jet 10 be operated at conditions as near as possible to the nozzle 18 and the receiver 22, the flow area of the throat 26e.
transition point in order to maintain maximum vapor phase Since the nozzle 18 and the receiver 22 are disposed
velocity throughout the jet 10 for enhancing the ability to coaxially with each other to define the flow channel 26
atomize the resin solution and avoid plugging of the jet 10. therebetween, either the nozzle 18 may be translated relative
Various trials using various forms of the jet 10 have been to the receiver 22 as illustrated in FIG. 1, or the receiver 22
conducted for evaluating performance of the jet 10 based on may be translated relative to the nozzle 18 (not shown).
several parameters. Parameters studied include barrellength The exemplary adjusting means 34 illustrated in FIG. 1
L, barrel diameter D, exit geometry of the barrel, steam gap includes a bull gear 36 suitably mounted to the forward end
dimensions defining the throat 26e, and dimensions of the 45 of the housing 30 between a pair of conventional thrust
nozzle outlets 18c for injecting the resin solution. The trials bearings 38. The bull gear 36 has an internally threaded bore
were also conducted at various S/R ratios down to about which threadingly engages external threads 40 disposed
1.05 to show effective operation of the jet 10 without around an intermediate portion of the outer surface of the
undesirable powder" morphology due to failure to properly nozzle 18. A conventional positioning motor 42 is opera
atomize. The tested S/R ratios down to about 1.05 are 50 tively joined to a pinion gear 44 which engages the bull gear
substantially lower than known S/R ratios currently avail 36. By selectively rotating the pinion gear 44, the bull gear
able in prior art jets. Accordingly, steam usage efficiency 36 is caused to rotate in turn which will in turn cause the
may be greatly increased using the present invention. The threads 40 to axially translate the nozzle 18 forward or aft as
ideal minimum S/R ratio for typical process conditions is desired to increase or decrease, respectively the spacing
estimated at about 0.8, with the jet 10 in accordance with the 55 between the nozzle tip 18b and the receiver 22. In this way,
present invention being capable of closely reaching this the flow channel area of the throat 26e may be selectively
value with the 1.05 ratio for example. The trials also varied by axially translating the nozzle tip 18b. A conven
included demonstration of continuous operation for more tional linear bearing or bushing 46 is disposed between the
than four hours, along with the capacity to successfully outer surface of the nozzle 18 and a portion of the housing
operate with several polycarbonate resins, including 60 30 to allow the nozzle 18 to accurately translate axially. A
branched, low molecular weight, high molecular weight, suitable seal 48, such as one or more O-ring seals, is also
high heat, and high flow grades. As a result of these trials, provided between the housing 30 and the outer surface of the
it is also preferred that the housing 30 surrounding the nozzle 18 adjacent to the linear bearing 46 to seal steam
receiver 22 be uncooled or characterized by the absence of leakage from the inlet plenum 32.
means for cooling the receiver 22 so that the resin solution 65 Accordingly, the ability to selectively adjust the flow area
film created along the inner surface of the receiver 22 is of the channel throat 26e by translating the nozzle 18
maintained above the local glassification temperature to provides a significant parameter to optimize or tune opera
 5,615,831
7 8
tion of the jet 10 during operation for controlling efficiency 3. A jet according to claim 2 wherein said throat is
of operation. Since the size of the throat 26e is variable, the disposed upstream of said nozzle outlets for maximizing
pressure of the steam 12 from the steam supply 28 may velocity of said gas prior to atomizing said resin solution
remain fixed, with steam flow control being instead provided injected into said flow channel at said nozzle outlets.
by simple flow area changes of the throat 26e as desired. 5 4. A jet according to claim 3 further comprising a housing
Furthermore, the adjustable throat 26e allows control of surrounding at least part of said nozzle and said receiver, and
steam mass flow while maintaining constant supply pressure spaced in part radially outwardly therefrom to define an inlet
and velocity at the point of resin solution injection for any plenum around said channel inlet for receiving said gas and
operating condition. The annular flow channel 26 provides a in turn channeling said gas into said channel inlet.
single or common flow path for receiving both the steam 12 O 5. A jet according to claim 4 in combination with:
and resin solution 14 which allows the resulting resin means for supplying said gas into said inlet plenum;
solution film and steam to be distributed uniformly around means for Supplying said liquid resin solution into said
the impingement surface 22a of the receiver 22. The flow nozzle inlet, and
channel 26 provides a uniform annulus for flow of the resin a precipitation loop disposed in flow communication with
solution film and steam therethrough and may be effected by 15 an outlet of said barrel for receiving said spray there
suitable accurate coaxial alignment of the nozzle 18 and the from to form said resin powder.
receiver 22. This may be done by accurate machining of 6. A jet combination according to claim 5 wherein:
these components and the corresponding supporting struc said barrel has a predetermined inner diameter and a
ture. If desired, suitable centering screws or adjustable predetermined axial length;
bearings contacting the nozzle 18 may be provided for 20 said gas supplying means are effective to supply said gas
adjusting the radial location of the nozzle tip 18b relative to at a predetermined pressure at said channel inlet,
the impingement surface 22a for adjustment if desired. said resin solution supplying means are effective to supply
While there have been described herein what are consid. said resin solution at a predetermined flow rate through
ered to be preferred and exemplary embodiments of the said nozzle outlets; and
present invention, other modifications of the invention shall 25
be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings said throat has a predetermined flow area.
herein, and it is, therefore, desired to be secured in the 7. Ajet combination according to claim 5 wherein said gas
appended claims all such modifications as fall within the is steam and said liquid resin solution is polycarbonate in
true spirit and scope of the invention. methylene chloride solvent, and said resin powder is solid
30 granular polycarbonate.
Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters 8. A jet combination according to claim 7 wherein said
Patent of the United States is the invention as defined and means for supplying said steam and said liquid resin solution
differentiated in the following claims: are effective for producing a steam-to-resin ratio down to
We claim: about 1.05 with effective operation of said jet.
1. Ajet for atomizing a liquid resin solution with a gas for 35 9. A jet according to claim 4 wherein said nozzle outlets
precipitating resin powder therefrom comprising: extend axially parallel to each other.
a nozzle having an inlet for receiving said liquid resin 10. Ajet according to claim 4 wherein said barrel includes
solution, a conical tip at a distal end thereof, and a a blunt outlet for discharging said spray into a precipitation
plurality of circumferentially spaced apart outlets loop.
extending through said nozzle tip for discharging said 40 11. A jet according to claim 4 wherein:
resin solution; said nozzle tip has a cone angle of about 90; and
a tubular receiver disposed coaxially with said nozzle tip said impingement surface has a cone angle of about 60°
and spaced axially therefrom, said receiver including a at said diverging channel portion, and a cone angle of
frustoconical impingement surface spaced axially from about 120 at said converging channel portion.
said nozzle tip to define therewith an annular flow 45 12. A jet according to claim 4 further comprising means
channel having at opposite ends thereof a channel inlet for selectively adjusting, by axially translating at least one of
for receiving said gas and a channel outlet for discharg said nozzle and said receiver, said flow area of said throat.
ing an atomized spray of said gas and said resin 13. A jet according to claim 12 wherein said adjusting
solution injected into said flow channel from said means are effective to coaxially translate said nozzle relative
nozzle outlet for precipitating said resin powder from 50 to said receiver.
said spray; 14. A method for atomizing a liquid resin solution with a
said receiver further comprises a cylindrical barrel gas for precipitating resin powder therefrom comprising:
extending from said channel outlet and coaxially with Separately injecting said gas and said resin solution into
said nozzle for channeling said spray therethrough; one end of a conical flow channel defined between a
said nozzle outlets are disposed in said nozzle tip axially 55 conical impingement surface and a coaxial conical
between said channel inlet and said channel outlet; and nozzle tip spaced axially therefrom for atomizing resin
Said flow channel includes a diverging portion increasing solution to form a developing spray; and
in flow area from said nozzle outlets to said channel channeling said developing spray radially inwardly in said
outlet. flow channel while increasing flow area therefor.
60
2. A jet according to claim 1 wherein said flow channel 15. A method according to claim 14 further comprising,
further includes a converging portion joined to said diverg channeling said developing spray downstream from said
ing portion at a throat of minimum flow area, with said conical flow channel with a substantially constant flow area
converging portion decreasing in flow area to said throat for for a predetermined length.
accelerating said gas, and said diverging portion increasing
in flow area therefrom. *k, *k k k sk
 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
PATENT NO. : 5,615,831 Page 1 of 4
DATED : April 1, 1997

INVENTOR(S) : Michael J. Malezzi, et al.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby
corrected as shown below:

The Title page should be deleted and substitute therefor the attached Title page.
Figure 1 of the drawings should be replaced by Figure l as shown on the attached pages,
wherein the reference designation 26b is applied to the channel outlet and nozzle outlets
18C are moved to the right so as to align with the openings of the two outlets shown in
longitudinal cross-section. The same correction should be made in the figure on the face
the patent, which is a reproduction of Figure 1.
Figure 3 of the drawings should be replaced by Figure 3 as shown on the attached pages,
wherein nozzle outlets 18C are moved to the right so as to align with the opening of the
outlet shown in longitudinal cross-section.
In column 4, line 63, spelling of the word "through" is corrected.

Signed and Sealed this

Seventh Day of July, 1998

Attest.

BRUCE LEHMAN

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents and Trademiarks

 Page 2 of 4
United States Patent (19) Patent Number: 5,615,831
Molezzi et al. 45) Date of Patent: Apr. 1, 1997
54) STEAM PRECIPITATION JET 398,647 1/1975 Lanz et a ......................... 29.432 X
397. SO 976 at .................. ... 39424 S X
75 inventors. Michael J. Molezzi, Schenectady, N.Y., 42.967 f.O. Gowon ea ..................... S500
Harry W. Crumbacher, New 213,936 7, 1980 Lodrick ............................... 39/4 X
Harmony, Ind. Beruard McConville,
Connie H. Shannon, both of
FOREIGIGN PATENT DOCUMEN MENTS
Evansville, ind, 24.69 299 ace ................................ 239/425
O968 FO SSR. ................................ 239,425
73) Assignee: General Electric Company, Primary Erauner-Kevin Wekdon
Schenectady, N.Y.
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Marvin Snyder
21 Appi. No. 46,798 57 A.S.RAC
22 Fied: Jan. S, 1995 A precipitation jet includes a nozzle having an inct for
(5) int-Cl' ............................................ GSB 2. receiving liquid resin solution, a conical tip, and a plurality
52) U.S.C. ........................... 299; 239/417; 239/424.5;
of circumferentially spaced apart outlets extending through
239,432 the nozzle tip for discharging the resin solution. A tubular
receiver is disposed coaxially with the nozzle tip and is
58) Field of Search .................................... 239/425, 432, spaced axially therefroon. The receiver includes a frusto
239,416. , 417, 46.4. 416.5, 44.5, 434.5, conical impungernent surface spaced axially from the nozzle
8. 30 tip to define therewith an annular flow channel having at
56 References Cited opposite ends thereof a channel inlet for receiving steam and
a channel outlet for discharging an atomized spray of the
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS steam and resin solution for precipitaling resin powder from
the spray.
2.532.85 2/1950 Meyer ................................. 239f42S X
3S08,339 4, 1970 Nebet et al. .............................. 340
3,836,076 9/1974 Conrad et al. ..................... 239,432 X S Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets

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FIG. 3 26