Abstract: Rotating hydrocyclone having an elongated cylinder with a side wall defining a separation chamber. A stationary inlet introduces a mixture of immiscible fluids into the chamber at high velocity in a tangential direction so that the mixture rotates about the axis of the chamber and produces a centrifugal force which tends to separate the fluids in accordance with their specific gravities. The cylinder is rotated about its axis to increase the rotation of the fluids and thereby increase the centrifugal force, with impeller vanes extending radially in an inward direction from the side wall of the cylinder near the inlet enhancing the rotation of the fluids with the cylinder. A first outlet is aligned with the axis of the cylinder for removing a fluid of lesser specific gravity from the chamber, and a second outlet is aligned tangentially with the cylinder for removing a fluid of greater specific gravity from the chamber.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone separator for separating liquids of different densities such as oil and water. The separator has an axially elongated chamber, a feed inlet for introducing liquid into the chamber at high velocity in a tangential directionso that the liquid rotates about the axis of the chamber, an overflow outlet for removing the less dense liquid from the chamber, and an underflow outlet for removing the more dense liquid from the chamber. A turbulence shield is positioned between the feed inlet and the axially disposed outlet for isolating the overflow outlet from the effects of turbulence produced by the liquid entering the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the operation of centrifugal cyclones. Sensing means is disposed in the underflow spray discharge of a cyclone and is connected to electronic sensing circuitry adapted to produce a signal or alarm response when the cyclone ceases to operate in a normal manner. In one embodiment the apparatus and method employs a plurality of cyclones connected to receive feed material from a common manifolding means. Abnormal functioning of one cyclone of the group is immediately indicated by visual or audible alarm means and thereafter its sensing means may be disabled to permit the sensing circuitry to continue to be effective for the remaining cyclones. Delay means is incorporated in the circuitry to prevent a response when the abnormal condition is of short duration. One form of sensing means employs a probe which extends into the normal underflow discharge spray. Another form employs a paddle and switch assembly, with the paddle extending into the normal discharge spray.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone assembly suitable for use with high temperature feeds (e.g., hot petroleum liquids). The hydrocyclone body is made of ceramic material with one end being flanged and cooperating with an inlet head. These parts are clamped against a mounting plate by means including one or more spring members of the distorted washer type (e.g., Belleville washer). The mounting minimizes breakage of the hydrocyclone body when used with high temperature fluid feed. Some embodiments employ a plurality of hydrocyclones disposed within a common pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method of removing fly ash particulates suspended in industrial waste gases generated from the combustion of fossil fuels in a totally enclosed scrubbing liquor circuit whereby an inert diluent such as Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 is used for inhibiting the dissolution rates of the alkaline earth, silica, and clay mineral ingredients in the ash when the collected particulates are intermixed and suspended in weak acid solutions produced in the wet scrubbing process. The diluent may be added to the system or, if the waste gas contains significant amounts of sulfur oxides, it may be formed in situ.