Abstract: An apparatus for washing and grading sand and aggregate includes a first multi-deck screen and a sump for collecting undersize material from the plurality of decks. A first set of hydrocyclones receives undersize material and water from the sump of the first screen. A second screen has a deck for producing at least one sand product and a sump beneath the deck, the deck of the second screen receiving an underflow from each cyclone of the first set of hydrocyclones. A second set of hydrocyclones receives undersize material and water from the sump of the second vibratory screen. The deck of a third screen receives an underflow from each cyclone of the second set of hydrocyclones. A further hydrocyclone receives undersize material and water from the sump of the third screen, and an underflow from the further hydrocyclone is delivered onto the deck of the third screen.

Abstract: A gas supply system is provided. The system includes a plurality of component gas supply pipes, a plurality of flow rate control mechanisms for controlling flow rates of the component gases flowing in the component gas supply pipes, and a material gas supply pipe connected with downstream ends of the component gas supply pipes, and connected with one of the gas supply ports at a downstream. The flow rate control mechanism includes flow rate control valves, individual pressure sensors, and fluid resistance elements provided to the component gas supply pipes in this order from upstream, respectively, a common pressure sensor, and controllers for calculating the flow rates of the gases flowing in the component gas supply and controlling the flow rate control valves of the corresponding component gas supply pipes so that the calculated component gas flow rate approaches a predetermined gas flow rate, respectively.

Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and system for splitting fluid flow in an outlet of a particle separation device is provided. The system may include static or passive mechanisms or subsystems. These mechanisms could also be modular and interchangeable to provide for preset fluid split divisions of 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, . . . etc. In other forms of the presently described embodiments, the system is adjustable and variable. In still another form of the presently described embodiments, the system allows for differential pressure control at the outlets to facilitate the flow of varying size particles or particle bands in the respective channels or paths.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for treating a drilling fluid mixture including feeding the drilling fluid mixture to a hydrocyclone (or hydrocyclones) with a flow-volume-adjustable inlet for controlling flow of the drilling fluid mixture into the hydrocyclone(s). This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A hydrocyclone unit for separating a fibre pulp suspension containing relatively heavy contaminants has an elongate tapering separation chamber, an inlet member that feeds the suspension tangentially into the separation chamber at a base end, so as to form a vortex in the separation chamber, a reject fraction outlet at the apex end of the separation chamber for discharging a reject fraction containing heavy contaminants, and a central accept fraction outlet at the base end for discharging a central fraction containing fibres. A fluid injection member is adapted to inject a fluid tangentially into the separation chamber at a distance from the apex end which is at least 40% of the length of the separation chamber, such that the injected fluid increases the rotational speed of a portion of the vortex in the chamber to increase the separation efficiency with respect to fibres existing in the vortex portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating components of a slurry comprising solid particles and liquid components, particularly where the slurry is under pressure. The components are separated in a hydrocyclone such that a solids-enriched slurry exits the separator via an underflow outlet while a solids-depleted slurry exits the separator through an overflow outlet and passes into a products vessel. Fluid communication is provided between the products vessel and the underflow outlet so that gas can circulate through the hydrocyclone. This gas circulation pathway may be achieved by enclosing the separation system in a housing or providing a gas circulation conduit between the products vessel and the underflow outlet of the separator or an optional solids vessel connected to the underflow outlet. Pressure within the separator apparatus may be adjusted and controlled at a negative, neutral or positive pressure while operating the hydrocyclone in balanced mode to achieve efficient separation.

Abstract: Sand is discharged from a vessel at an elevated pressure and is delivered at a lower pressure. The sand is subjected to the following steps before delivery: I) dilution with a dilution fluid, ii) passage through at least one pressure reducing cyclone, the dilution being such that flashing is reduced, and iii) delivery as a slurry at the delivery pressure. This results in less wear of the components.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor is mounted on the splash skirt at the underflow outlet of a hydrocyclone to detect a change in the underflow discharge from the normal conical shape in which the discharge impacts upon the splash skirt to a more cylindrical shape associated with roping.

Abstract: The main technical problem with Dual Cyclones with Water Injection used as classifiers in grinding circuits is that they do not allow for control and regulation of the input velocity ratio between the first and second cyclone as well as the high pressure required at the intake of the first cyclone to achieve a sound operation of the second cyclone. The disclosed invention solves the technical problem by making the feeding and discharge of both cyclones' overflows form a volute in the horizontal plane with the body of the respective cyclone and by placing, between its bottom and the expansion zone, a selectively, axially-positionable member.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation and performance of water-only cyclones used in coal preparation plants for separating a fine raw coal slurry into fine coal and fine refuse slurries includes a variable speed pump for feeding the slurry from an underpan of a deslime screen to a water-only cyclone. A nuclear density gauge measures the specific gravity of the slurry feeding the cyclones and generates a signal used to control the addition of water. A level sensor measures the level of the fine raw coal slurry in the underpan. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the fine raw coal slurry pumped to the water-only cyclone. A speed control device uses signals from the level and pressure sensors to control the speed of the pump in order to maintain an appropriate level of slurry in the underpan, and an appropriate feed pressure to the water-only cyclone.

Abstract: A drilling mud clarification or reclamation system is provided. High gravity and low gravity solids are removed from the drilling mud in respective centrifugal separator stages. A plurality of in-line mass flow sensors are provided to provide real-time indication of the effectiveness of the clarification of the drilling mud, and to provide control signals to a central control station. The heavier weight components are separated from the mud and returned to the system for further use. The lighter weight components are removed and are discarded to clean the mud. A cuttings dryer is provided to remove oil from cuttings which have been separated from a shale shaker stage. A de-sludging centrifuge is also provided to remove very fine cuttings which may have a harmful effect on the viscosity of the mud.

Abstract: A drilling mud clarification or reclamation system is provided. High gravity and low gravity solids are removed from the drilling mud in respective centrifugal separator stages. A plurality of in-line mass flow sensors are provided to provide real-time indication of the effectiveness of the clarification of the drilling mud, and to provide control signals to a central control station. The heavier weight components are separated from the mud and returned to the system for further use. The lighter weight components are removed and are discarded to clean the mud. A cuttings dryer is provided to remove oil from cuttings which have been separated from a shale shaker stage. A de-sludging centrifuge is also provided to remove very fine cuttings which may have a harmful effect on the viscosity of the mud.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone and process for removing foreign substances from a liquid to be cleaned. The hydrocyclone includes at least one inlet for the liquid to be cleaned, at least one accepted stock outlet for the cleaned liquid, and at least one reject opening for foreign substances removed from the liquid to be cleaned. The at least one reject opening includes at least one stoppage-hazard zone, and a color layer is coupled to an exterior wall of the hydrocyclone. The color layer changes appearance in accordance with different temperatures. The process includes introducing the liquid to be cleaned into a hydrocyclone through at least one inlet, discharging cleaned liquid from the hydrocyclone through at least one accepted stock outlet, and discharging the foreign substances from the hydrocyclone through at least one reject opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for removing particulate contaminants from a fluid stream where the particulate contaminants have densities equal to or approximating the density of the carrier fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating out light materials from mineral raw materials is provided. The apparatus includes a charging device that has a charging tube provided with an eccentrically arranged inlet for tangential introduction of raw material. The apparatus also has an inner chamber for separating out coarse sand received from the charging tube, and an outer chamber that serves for sorting out fine sand pursuant to the fluidized bed process. The outer chamber communicates with an overflow chute of the charging tube via an inclined overflow surface. An impingement body is centrally disposed in the inner chamber while leaving free an outer annular gap. The charging tube opens out centrally above the impingement body. A perforated basket, for adjusting flow resistance, is disposed so as to be displaceable in the axis of the charging tube and bridges a space between the impingement body and the end of the charging tube.

Abstract: A separation apparatus for separating a mixture of materials including a cyclone having an inlet capable of being switched into either one of two conditions, such as fully closed and fully or pre-set partially open, by movement of at least part of the cyclone. A plurality of cyclones may be provided enclosed in a pressure vessel.

Abstract: A filtration system for water or other selected liquids that includes an ozone mixing station, a primary solids and gas separator and, if desired, a second vortex particle separator and filter system. The ozone mixing station includes a high efficiency ozone generator and a channel arrangement, such as a spiral tubular treatment coil, through which the ozone/liquid mixture passes to assure thorough mixing and provide time for effective treatment. The primary solids separator includes an offset inlet jet through which the liquid from the ozone treatment station is injected into a first circular chamber. The resulting rotating liquid vortex moves to a narrowed co-axial second circular chamber to cause heavy particles to concentrate at the outer perimeter then to a coaxial larger third circular chamber. The liquid exits through an annular outlet located around the chamber axis to prevent buoyant particles in the axial region and heavy particles at the outer periphery from passing out with the liquid.