EP0623084B1 - Procede et systeme d'evacuation d'un residu liquide du fond d'un reservoir - Google Patents

Procede et systeme d'evacuation d'un residu liquide du fond d'un reservoir Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0623084B1
EP0623084B1 EP93900466A EP93900466A EP0623084B1 EP 0623084 B1 EP0623084 B1 EP 0623084B1 EP 93900466 A EP93900466 A EP 93900466A EP 93900466 A EP93900466 A EP 93900466A EP 0623084 B1 EP0623084 B1 EP 0623084B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drain pipe
gas
tank
liquid
pump
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93900466A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0623084A1 (fr
Inventor
Oyvind Tveit
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Framo Fusa AS
Original Assignee
Frank Mohn Fusa AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Frank Mohn Fusa AS filed Critical Frank Mohn Fusa AS
Priority to EP97203502A priority Critical patent/EP0839708B1/fr
Publication of EP0623084A1 publication Critical patent/EP0623084A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0623084B1 publication Critical patent/EP0623084B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04F—PUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
    • F04F1/00—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped
    • F04F1/18—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped the fluid medium being mixed with, or generated from the liquid to be pumped
    • F04F1/20—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped the fluid medium being mixed with, or generated from the liquid to be pumped specially adapted for raising liquids from great depths, e.g. in wells
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B13/00—Conduits for emptying or ballasting; Self-bailing equipment; Scuppers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/24—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04F—PUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
    • F04F5/00—Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow
    • F04F5/14—Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow the inducing fluid being elastic fluid
    • F04F5/24—Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow the inducing fluid being elastic fluid displacing liquids, e.g. containing solids, or liquids and elastic fluids

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process and an arrangement for draining a residue of liquid from the bottom of a tank.
  • a liquid having a density of for example 1 kg/dm 3 can theoretically be lifted by the effect of suction a height of 10 m, while in practice it can only be lifted a lifting height of about 7 m.
  • suction On draining a tank from its upper side there are limited possibilities of being able to lift a liquid column in a suction pipe by conventional means.
  • a liquid having a density of for example 1 kg/dm 3 can theoretically be lifted by the effect of suction a height of 10 m, while in practice it can only be lifted a lifting height of about 7 m.
  • the specific gravity of the liquid and in addition its specific vapour pressure the liquid which has a low vapour pressure beginning to "boil" at high suction pressures.
  • Patentprofylax 9/73 is stated a process for draining of risidue of liquid from the bottom of a tank by use of a pump and a drain pipe, wherein a gas medium is supplied so as to create a gas/liquid current and wherein the gas medium is entering the drain pipe together with the liquid from the pipe inlet.
  • a draining arrangement for draining a residue of liquid from the bottom of a tank, comprising a pump and a drain pipe, wherein a gas medium is supplied so as to create a gas/liquid current and wherein the gas medium is entering the drain pipe together with the liquid from the pipe inlet.
  • gas medium can carry along portions of the gas/liquid mixture and thereby facilitate the transportation of the same.
  • Another important effect or the supply of extra gas mediumto the gas/liquid current is that the loss of friction in the drain pipe is reduced and with this a higher rate of flow can be achieved and thereby an increased lifting capacity.
  • the gas medium is supplied to the current in the pipe via a separate gas supply conduit received in the pipe.
  • an ejector can be employed at the lower end of the gas supply conduit in the instance one finds this necessary or current interest.
  • the supply of gas medium can occur exclusively by means of the extra gas supply conduit.
  • a tank 10 of a ship for reception of liquid.
  • a bottom 10a In connection with the tank there is shown a bottom 10a, a top 10b and the one 10c of two pairs of sides opposing in pairs.
  • a local countersinking 11 In the tank bottom 10a a local countersinking 11 is shown for the collection of a residue of liquid in the tank in a closing phase of the draining operation.
  • first draining arrangement 12 of known construction for draining a major portion of liquid from the tank and a second draining arrangement 13' according to the invention for draining a liquid residue 14 from the tank.
  • second draining arrangement 13' according to the invention for draining a liquid residue 14 from the tank.
  • the two draining arrangements are shown as two separate units, but in practice the arrangements can be assembled in a coherent construction, with mutually independent modes of operation. In practice the arrangements can be employed separately or simultaneously, in the final phase of the draining operation, if the last-mentioned is preferred.
  • the draining arrangement 12 can be for example of a type corresponding to that shown in NO 123.115 and shall not be described further herein, the present invention exclusively relating to the second draining arrangement 13' for draining the liquid residue 14, which is left in the tank after the termination of the draining operation with the draining arrangement 12.
  • a liquid residue 14 is shown which exceeds the top of the countersinking 11, while in Fig. 2 and 3 a considerably smaller liquid residue 14' is shown which is only to be found in the countersinking 11 itself.
  • the counter-sinking 11 is illustrated with a main bottom portion 11a, which cooperates with an intake 12a to the first draining arrangement 12.
  • the countersinking is shown with a local bottom portion 11b submerged in relation to the main bottom portion 11a, which cooperates with a lower intake 13a to the second draining arrangement 13', as is best evident from Fig. 2.
  • the second draining arrangement 13' comprises a rigid drain pipe 15, which extends from a lower level just above the bottom portion 11b to an upper level to a displacement pump 16 (see Fig. 1).
  • the displacement pump 16 is arranged above and outside the tank 10, but can if necessary be submerged in the tank, for example arranged in a cofferdam at the upper portion of the tank (not shown further).
  • an ejector (not shown further) can for example be employed, which for example can be arranged above and outside the tank.
  • a lower portion 15' of the drain pipe 15 is shown during operation of the pump 16, where the drain pipe below the level a1 is supposed to contain sucked in liquid having a specific gravity of for example 1 kg./dm 3 , while an overlying portion of the drain pipe above the level a1 is shown with a mixture of gas and liquid having a density of for example 0.75 kg./dm 3 , which is obtained by the supply of a throttled current of gas medium.
  • a gas/liquid mixture can be obtained having a density of for example 0.3 kg./dm 3 achieved by the supply of a throttled current of gas medium.
  • the density of the gas/liquid mixture can correspondingly be further reduced by the additional supply of throttled gas medium.
  • the whole quantity of gas medium can be supplied at one and the same level. Gas medium is supplied to the drain pipe as illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • a gas supply conduit 100 for feeding inert gas from a source of inert gas (not shown) via a regulating valve 100' to the interior of the tank.
  • a certain excess pressure for example 0,1 bar
  • Fig. 1 and 2 the draining arrangement 13' is shown more in detail.
  • the gas medium is fed separately through an extra gas medium conduit 21 which is arranged internally in the drain pipe 15', which is unperforated.
  • the conduit 21 is shown in broken lines.
  • the gas discharge openings can be arranged in different angular positions relative to the drain pipe in order to obtain further different flow effects and mixing effects internally in the drain pipe.
  • a gas medium conduit 21 is shown having a closed lower end 21a and having throttle nozzle openings 22a, 22b disposed at a level a1.
  • gas medium can be fed in different quantities and with different pressures as required.
  • the lower end of the gas medium conduit 21' is provided with an ejector 25 which forms an ejector effect internally in the drain pipe 15' at a level a1 at the lower end 15a of the pipe 15'.
  • the gas medium is discharged into the drain pipe 15' in a concentrated stream of compressed air lowermost in the drain pipe, preferably in a compressed air stream directed vertically upwards from an upwardly directed outlet 25a at the lower end of the gas medium conduit 21.
  • the ejector effect can be exerted just at or just above the liquid residue 14' at the intake opening of the drain pipe and thereby produces a significant change in the density of the transport medium (the gas/liquid mixture) already at a level a1 at the lower end of the drain pipe and at the same tame brings about a significant extra suction effect at the lower intake opening of the drain pipe.
  • the solution with the ejector effect can be employed together with overlying (downstream) throttle nozzle openings in the extra gas supply conduit 21 (Fig. 1 and 2).
  • the amount of gas supply and the ejector effect can be separately regulated as required at the lower end of the drain pipe.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Physical Water Treatments (AREA)
  • Photographic Developing Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Sludge (AREA)

Claims (4)

  1. Procédé d'évacuation d'un résidu (14') d'un liquide au fond (10a) d'un réservoir (10) par l'intermédiaire d'un conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') placé entre le fond du réservoir et une pompe (16) ou un éjecteur, la pompe ou l'éjecteur est placé à un niveau nettement supérieur au fond (10a) du réservoir et de préférence au-dessus de la partie supérieure (10b) du réservoir, alors que la pompe (16) ou l'éjecteur établit un courant de gaz-liquide dans le conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') entre le fond du réservoir et la pompe ou l'éjecteur, et qu'un fluide gazeux est transmis au conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') à un niveau supérieur à celui du fond (10a) du réservoir (10), caractérisé par le mélange du fluide gazeux avec le fluide liquide dans le conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') par transmission du fluide gazeux par une conduite (21) d'alimentation en gaz qui est logée séparément dans le conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') et qui a au moins une ouverture de sortie de gaz (22a, 22b ; 25) dans le courant qui circule dans le conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') à un ou plusieurs niveau distincts (a1, a2) dans le conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') entre l'ouverture d'entrée de liquide (13a) du conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') au fond du réservoir et la pompe (16) ou l'éjecteur.
  2. Ensemble d'évacuation (13, 13') destiné à l'évacuation d'un résidu (14') d'un liquide du fond (10a) d'un réservoir (10), comprenant un conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') placé entre le fond (10a) du réservoir et une pompe (16) ou un éjecteur, la pompe ou l'éjecteur étant placé à un niveau supérieur au fond (10a) du réservoir et de préférence supérieur à la partie supérieure (10b) du réservoir, alors que la pompe (16) ou l'éjecteur établit un courant de gaz-liquide dans le conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') entre le fond (10a) du réservoir (10) et la pompe, et un dispositif est destiné à transmettre un fluide gazeux au conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') à un niveau supérieur à celui du fond (10a) du réservoir (10), caractérisé en ce qu'une conduite (21) d'alimentation en gaz est logée séparément dans le conduit d'évacuation et a une ou plusieurs sorties de gaz (22a, 22b ; 25) disposées à un ou plusieurs niveaux distincts (a1, a2) entre l'ouverture d'entrée de liquide (13a) du conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') au fond du réservoir et la pompe (16) ou l'éjecteur pour la transmission du fluide gazeux séparément dans le courant circulant dans le conduit d'évacuation (15, 15') et pour le mélange du fluide gazeux au fluide liquide dans le conduit d'évacuation (15, 15').
  3. Ensemble d'évacuation selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la conduite (21) d'alimentation en gaz est raccordée à une source d'alimentation en gaz comprimé par une soupape associée de régulation (23) destinée à transmettre le gaz comprimé à pression réglable et ayant une quantité de gaz comprimé réglable.
  4. Ensemble d'évacuation selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que la conduite (21) d'alimentation en gaz forme un mécanisme à éjecteur à l'intérieur du conduit d'évacuation (15').
EP93900466A 1992-01-28 1992-11-02 Procede et systeme d'evacuation d'un residu liquide du fond d'un reservoir Expired - Lifetime EP0623084B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP97203502A EP0839708B1 (fr) 1992-01-28 1992-11-02 Procédé et système d'évacuation d'un résidu liquide du fond d'un réservoir

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO920380A NO174460C (no) 1992-01-28 1992-01-28 Fremgangsmåte og arrangement for tömming av en væskerest fra bunnen av en tank
NO920380 1992-01-28
PCT/NO1992/000180 WO1993014969A1 (fr) 1992-01-28 1992-11-02 Procede et systeme d'evacuation d'un residu liquide du fond d'un reservoir

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97203502A Division EP0839708B1 (fr) 1992-01-28 1992-11-02 Procédé et système d'évacuation d'un résidu liquide du fond d'un réservoir

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0623084A1 EP0623084A1 (fr) 1994-11-09
EP0623084B1 true EP0623084B1 (fr) 1998-05-20

Family

ID=19894822

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97203502A Expired - Lifetime EP0839708B1 (fr) 1992-01-28 1992-11-02 Procédé et système d'évacuation d'un résidu liquide du fond d'un réservoir
EP93900466A Expired - Lifetime EP0623084B1 (fr) 1992-01-28 1992-11-02 Procede et systeme d'evacuation d'un residu liquide du fond d'un reservoir

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97203502A Expired - Lifetime EP0839708B1 (fr) 1992-01-28 1992-11-02 Procédé et système d'évacuation d'un résidu liquide du fond d'un réservoir

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0839708B1 (fr)
AT (2) ATE166301T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU3174093A (fr)
DE (2) DE69233440D1 (fr)
NO (1) NO174460C (fr)
WO (1) WO1993014969A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NO300964B1 (no) * 1995-08-10 1997-08-25 Mohn Fusa As Frank Anordning ved lossepumpe som er neddykkbar i lasten i en skipslastetank
DE19625992C1 (de) * 1996-06-28 1997-10-02 Bornemann J H Gmbh & Co Verfahren und Einrichtung zur Tankentleerung

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3072057A (en) * 1959-03-04 1963-01-08 Rosa Esau Da Silva Pumping system or apparatus for deep wells
NO123115B (fr) * 1967-10-18 1971-09-27 Patents & Dev As
NO121316B (fr) * 1968-10-23 1971-02-08 Patents & Developments A S
NO141403C (no) * 1977-10-10 1980-03-05 Patents & Dev As Anordning ved toemmepumpe.
US4392532A (en) * 1979-03-05 1983-07-12 Raggio Ivan J Minimum temperature correction method for locating and setting gas-lift valves
NO160766C (no) * 1982-09-21 1991-12-24 Thune Eureka As Strippesystem for en lastetank.
US4596511A (en) * 1984-06-05 1986-06-24 Eddy Pump Corporation Eddy pump

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"Patentprofylax 9/73". *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3174093A (en) 1993-09-01
EP0839708A3 (fr) 1999-12-01
DE69233440D1 (de) 2004-12-02
NO920380L (no) 1993-07-29
ATE280706T1 (de) 2004-11-15
EP0839708B1 (fr) 2004-10-27
NO174460B (no) 1994-01-31
EP0839708A2 (fr) 1998-05-06
WO1993014969A1 (fr) 1993-08-05
EP0623084A1 (fr) 1994-11-09
NO174460C (no) 1996-09-17
DE69225608D1 (de) 1998-06-25
ATE166301T1 (de) 1998-06-15
NO920380D0 (no) 1992-01-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1420868B1 (fr) Injecteur de fluide comportant des orifices d'event/dosage
WO2004074629B1 (fr) Compresseur sous-marin
US8088286B2 (en) Gravity separator, and a method for separating a mixture containing water, oil, and gas
US3895885A (en) Emptying system for fluid tanks
US5151177A (en) Method and apparatus for dissolved air flotation with aeration
CN112762358A (zh) 多相流混输装置
EP0623084B1 (fr) Procede et systeme d'evacuation d'un residu liquide du fond d'un reservoir
US5078579A (en) Side entry fish pump
CA2322885C (fr) Entree de separateur
WO1996008143B1 (fr) Appareil et procede de production d'un decor pour aquarium
US10974804B2 (en) Maintenance unit for an inboard marine engine
US3628660A (en) Separator for nonmiscible liquids
US5250196A (en) Method and device for working up unused concrete mix and/or mortar
US4518286A (en) System for pumping suspended particles upward
US5191999A (en) Liquid actuated switch device
US5141011A (en) Liquid proportioner apparatus and method
GB1564785A (en) Transfer of fluidic material from seetling tanks
US5174323A (en) Liquid material reservoir
CN218717488U (zh) 一种洗浴液用原液桶的水循环抽真空装置
US4971482A (en) Pneumatic system and method for conveying of sand
US5310483A (en) Separator vessel
GB2125108A (en) Liquid supply vessel
CN1088612C (zh) 加压气液溶解槽
US3604449A (en) Apparatus for unloading liquid storage tanks
RU1796238C (ru) Флотационна установка дл осветлени жидкостей

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19940825

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950223

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19980520

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 19980520

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980520

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19980520

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19980520

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19980520

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19980520

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19980520

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 166301

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19980615

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69225608

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19980625

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19980820

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19980820

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19980821

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

EN Fr: translation not filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19981102

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19981102

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20120330

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20120411

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: V4

Effective date: 20121102

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20121101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20121101