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Class 95 - Gas separation: processes

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295 Subclasses


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Definition

This class provides for processes involving steps resulting in separation of a gas from a fluid mixture comprising (i) a gas and solid or liquid particles entrained therein, (ii) a liquid and gas entrained therein, or (iii) a plurality of gases. As a general rule for this class, there must be a relationship of process steps embracing: (a) inflow of the fluid mixture to be treated, (b) a step or steps effective to cause the separation into constituent parts, and (c) an outflow of at least one constituent which is separate and distinct from the outflow of another constituent, including outflow of a constituent by removing the separating medium itself. The gas separation for this class is effected by processes other than chemical reaction.

The basic subject matter of this class is of a subcombinational nature and may include only such ancillary process steps (e.g., fluid handling, etc.) as are necessary to perfect the gas separating function. Significant inclusion in a claim of features beyond merely perfecting the gas separating function indicates classification in a more comprehensive class. Thus, the combination of a gas separation process of this class and any cleaning or regenerating of the separation media is properly in this class, because the cleaning or regenerating is perfecting the gas separating function. Generally, however, the mere naming of an art process in a claim to gas separation does not affect classification. Thus, a claim to filtration of a gas from a named source with no details of that source is proper for this class.

(1) Note. The gas separation processes for this class generally involve the use of physical chemistry, chromatography, solid sorption, gas and liquid contact, gas contact, electrical fields, magnetic fields, wave energy, selective diffusion, filtration, deflection, or other mechanical means. (Also see Lines with Other Classes, below.) (2) Note. This class also provides for processes in which the fluid mixture is treated to change its make-up, but no real separation occurs, provided no other suitable classification exists. Accordingly, in this class are found processes of using "spark arresters," which merely change the size of particles entrained in a gas. These devices are usually deflectors or screens. The processes of using them are included in this class because of their similarity to processes which actually separate the fluid mixture into constituent parts. Similarly, agglomeration, which by itself may not separate particles entrained in a gas, but cause small particles entrained therein to join together or coalesce to form larger particles, is in this class unless basis for other classification exists.

Lines with other classes and within this class

The gas separation processes for this class generally involve the use of physical chemistry, chromatography, solid sorption, gas and liquid contact, gas contact, electrical fields, magnetic fields, wave energy, selective diffusion, filtration, deflection, or other mechanical means. See the class search note in section III for Class 423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, for the line concerning the processes in which the gas separation is caused by a chemical reaction. Also, see the class search note in section III for Class 588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment, for the line concerning the processes in which the gas separation is caused by destruction or permanent containment of the hazardous or toxic waste.

Degassing or purging processes for the removal of a gas from a solid will be placed in the class where the solid is either manufactured or treated. The removal of a gas from a solid sorbent (i.e., regeneration), per se, will be found in Class 502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or Process of Making. However, the use of a solid sorbent to separate a gas from a fluid mixture and the removal of the gas from the solid sorbent (i.e., regeneration) will be found in this class. For the removal of a gas from a solid, where the solid is not identified, see Class 134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids.

The Search Notes below also contain lines with other classes.

 
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