Multiple Cyclone Patents (Class 210/512.2)
  • Publication number: 20110042304
    Abstract: Two hydrocyclones used in series enhances the removal of a dispersed liquid phase from a continuous liquid phase by cyclonic action. The first hydrocyclone has no overflow outlet and serves to coalesce the droplets or particles of the disperse phase together thereby increasing contaminant size distribution. The second hydrocyclone functions as a separator operating at higher removal efficiency. The method and apparatus are useful to clarify produced water from hydrocarbon recovery operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Shaya Movafaghian, James C.T. Chen
  • Publication number: 20110031194
    Abstract: A separation system for separating a fluid mixture includes a uniaxial cyclonic separator (2) having a first inlet (16) for receiving a fluid mixture, a separation chamber (18) for separating the fluid mixture by cyclonic action into a dense first fluid and a less dense second fluid, a first outlet (22) for the first fluid and a second outlet (26) for the second fluid. The system further includes a reverse flow cyclonic separator (32) having a second inlet (30) for receiving the first fluid from the first outlet (22), a separation chamber for separating the first fluid by cyclonic action into a dense third fluid and a less dense fourth fluid, a third outlet (34) for the third fluid and a fourth outlet (36) for the fourth fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Mir Mahmood Sarshar, Mirza Najam Ali Beg, Carl Wordsworth
  • Publication number: 20110011796
    Abstract: A particular stacking configuration may be used for installing or orienting a plurality of hydrocyclones in a vessel in order to reduce vessel size and make process systems more compact at higher flow rates. Vessel size and footprint reduction may be achieved by stacking one or more hydrocyclone packs, modules or groups one above the other in a vertically oriented vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Nickson
  • Publication number: 20100258512
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: THOMAS ROBERT LARSON
  • Publication number: 20100213118
    Abstract: A multi-cyclone sediment filter having a sediment bowl with a hemispherical bottom and a sump for collecting sediment, a cylindrical cyclone housing disposed above and sealingly connected to the sediment bowl, a removable and replaceable cyclone cartridge inserted into the cyclone housing, a diffuser plate sealingly connected to the cyclone cartridge and cyclone housing, a fluid inlet for introducing fluid into the cyclone housing, and a fluid outlet for discharging fluid from the cyclone housing. The cyclone cartridge inserted in the cyclone housing includes a plurality of vertically disposed inverted cone-shaped fluid cyclones, each having a small opening at a lower end and larger opening at an upper end. The cartridge has a plurality of fluid flow paths that direct fluid to the cyclones where a vortex is induced in the moving fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: WATERCO LIMITED
    Inventor: Pradeep Kumar Tandon
  • Publication number: 20100140187
    Abstract: A device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two different fractions with differing average mass density, comprising an elongate separating space which is circle-symmetrical in axial direction and enclosed by a stationary casing (2), wherein the casing is provided with feeds for a mixture for separating and at least two discharges (9, 10) for discharging at least two fractions with differing mass density, and rotation means located in the separating space for causing the mixture to rotate as a vortex in the separating space. Also disclosed is a method for separating a flowing medium mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: SCHINFA ENGINEERING
    Inventor: Robert Schook
  • Patent number: 7694828
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew J Swift, Barry F Hecker, Michael D Leach
  • Publication number: 20100084352
    Abstract: A multiple vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick, Derek Vaughan, Thao Hoang, Michael Funk
  • Publication number: 20100072121
    Abstract: A fluid separator includes a casing and a tubular main body disposed in the casing and having a central axis, inlet and outlet ends spaced along the axis, inner and outer circumferential surfaces; and drain passage(s) extending radially between the inner and outer surfaces. A collection chamber is defined between the outer surface and the casing and the inner surface defines a central flow passage, such that liquid contacting the inner surface flows through the drain passage(s) and into the collection chamber. A deflector disposed within the flow passage includes a hub located on the central axis with a bore and a plurality of vanes extending radially between the hub and the main body inner surface. Each vane has a first channeling surface facing toward the body inlet and a second channeling surface facing away from the inlet. Recirculation members fluidly connect the collection chamber with the hub bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: William C. Maier
  • Patent number: 7674369
    Abstract: A method for separating and recovering ultrafine particulate solid material from a suspension or slurry of the solid material and a hydrocarbon liquid by precipitation or flocculation of a heavy fraction of the hydrocarbon liquid with an effective amount of a precipitation or flocculation agent such that the precipitated heavy fraction encapsulates the particulate solid material. The method further comprises coking the precipitated heavy fraction and grinding the coked product to an ultrafine size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Baha E. Abulnaga, Jose Guitian, Sara Ouzts Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7655061
    Abstract: A cyclone separator (40) includes a housing (42), in which a cyclone assembly (10) is contained. The housing (42) has an inflow chamber (44), an overflow chamber (46) and a discharge chamber (48). The cyclone assembly (10) has an inner cyclone liner (16) positioned concentrically within a cyclone chamber (12). A displacement means (52) is provided for displacing the inner cyclone liner (16) axially from an operative position in the cyclone chamber (12) to an inoperative position in the overflow chamber (46) of the housing (42). The cyclone chamber (12) has a larger internal diameter than the inner cyclone liner (16), therefore, when the inner cyclone liner is moved to the inoperative position, the flowrate through the cyclone assembly is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: David John Parkinson
  • Patent number: 7638062
    Abstract: A cyclonic flotation system may be used to separate oil, grease, solids and other suspended matter from produced water by a combination of flotation and centrifugation in a separator cyclone. The cyclonic flotation system has a higher capacity-to-footprint ratio compared to conventional apparatus resulting in reduced weight and cost. The system is motion independent and suitable for use on floating structures such as offshore platforms and vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Shaya Movafaghian, James C. T. Chen
  • Publication number: 20090242490
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for separating a multiphase fluid stream comprising a heavier fluid component and a lighter fluid component, the method comprising causing the fluid to flow along a first helical flowpath, the first helical flowpath having a first pitch, the first helical flowpath being sufficiently long to establish a stabilised rotating fluid flow pattern for the stream causing the uniform rotating fluid to flow along a second helical flowpath, the second helical flowpath having a second pitch, wherein the second pitch is greater than the first pitch; and removing the lighter fluid from a radially inner region of the second helical flowpath. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method and apparatus are particular suitable for the separation of oil droplets from water, especially from water for reinjection into a subterranean formation as part of an oil and gas production operation. The method and apparatus are conveniently applied on a modular basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Publication number: 20090242481
    Abstract: A gas/liquid separator including a housing, at least one swirl element positioned in the housing and at least one opening formed in the housing downstream of the at least one swirl element, wherein the at least one opening comprises a non-square-edged sidewall that defines at least a portion of the at least one opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Ewout Carel Barents
  • Publication number: 20090152212
    Abstract: Systems and methods to treat contaminated water are described herein. A contaminated water treatment system may include a reservoir and/or one or more fluid treatment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Robert L. Kelsey, Qiwei Wang
  • Publication number: 20090026133
    Abstract: Systems and methods to treat wastewater are described herein. A wastewater treatment system may include a primary treatment system, a secondary treatment system, a disinfection treatment system, a solids treatment system, one or more fluid treatment systems, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Robert L. Kelsey, Qiwei Wang
  • Patent number: 7481932
    Abstract: The water treatment apparatus includes a first and a second fitting adapted for being connected to a supply of fluid and to a container for the treated fluid, a longitudinally elongated rod having a first end mounting the first fitting and a second end mounting the second fitting and a first and a second vortexian spiral tube portion respectively having a first end fluidly connected to the first and second fitting. Each tube portions includes a plurality of loops and a plurality of somewhat linear sections serially connecting adjacent loops to one another. Where each tube portion includes seven loops, advantageously the area encompassed by the loops of each tube in the direction from one fitting to the other is 1:1:2:3:5:8:13:13:8:8:5:2:1:1 with the larger areas loops being fluidly connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Brian A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7431834
    Abstract: In a system for separating crystals from sludge, or from separated water generated when sludge is subjected to a concentration process or a dewatering process, aspects of both phosphorus removal and phosphorus recovery can be satisfied, MAP having a high degree of purity can be recovered, and stable treatment can be performed such that the MAP recovery rate is high and blockages of a hydrocyclone do not occur. An aspect of the present invention is a crystal separation apparatus for separating crystals from sludge, or from separated water generated when sludge is subjected to a concentration process or a dewatering process, comprising a hydrocyclone for separating the crystals from the sludge or separated water introduced into the hydrocyclone, and a return pipe A for returning the sludge or separated water which flows out from an overflow riser of the hydrocyclone to a sludge or separated water introduction portion of the hydrocyclone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Shimamura, Takao Hagino, Hideyuki Ishikawa, Yuichi Fuchu
  • Publication number: 20080217212
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing bitumen froth comprising a cyclone body having an elongated conical inner surface defining a cyclone cavity extending from an upper inlet region with a diameter DC to a lower apex outlet with a diameter DU of not less than about 40 mm; an inlet means forming an inlet channel extending into the upper inlet region of said cyclone cavity; and a vortex finder forming an overflow outlet of a diameter DO extending into the upper inlet region of said cyclone cavity toward said lower apex outlet and having a lower end extending an excursion distance below said inlet channel, said excursion distance being operable to permit a portion of bitumen that passes through said inlet channel to exit said overflow outlet without having to make a spiral journey down said cyclone cavity, wherein a lower end of the vortex finder within the cyclone cavity is disposed a free vortex height (FVH) distance from said lower apex outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: WILLIAM NICHOLAS GARNER, DONALD NORMAN MADGE, WILLIAM LESTER STRAND
  • Patent number: 7419608
    Abstract: The present invention falls within the field of purifying oil-laden wastewater, which provides a method for purifying coke-cooling wastewater in a delayed coking process in petroleum chemical field. The method comprises the following steps: (a) cooling the coke-cooling wastewater produced in a delayed coking process to 5-55° C. under 0.1-0.25 MPa absolute pressure, to obtain cooled coke-cooling wastewater; (b) subjecting the cooled coke-cooling wastewater to solid-liquid separation, to obtain a coke breeze phase and a liquid phase; (c) further separating the obtained liquid phase, to obtain an oil phase and a water phase; and (d) further discharging water from the obtained oil phase, to obtain the separated oil phase. The present invention also provides an equipment for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignees: East China University of Science and Technology, Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company Limited, Luoyang Petrochemical Engineering Corporation (LPEC) Sinopec
    Inventors: Hualin Wang, Zhuoqun Qian, Jianwen Wang, Baohua Dai, Jiangqing Hu, Shuilong Yu, Chengyu Xu, Tianming Hou, Hejie Li, Jianghua Xu, Lixin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080169237
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from liquids includes at least one tank support and at least four tanks. Each of the tanks has a capacity of less than 6 cubic meters, a cylindrical top portion and a sloped bottom adapted to direct solids by force of gravity to a bottom solids outlet controlled by a valve. Each of the tanks is supported by the at least one support in an elevated providing access to the bottom solids outlets. A series of angular upper transfer passages extend between the cylindrical top portions of each of the tanks to facilitate a swirling action of liquid within each tank and a sequential transfer of liquids from tank to tank. The angular upper transfer passages are oriented to alternate between clockwise swirling and counter clockwise swirling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: THE ELIMINATOR TANK & OILFIELD RENTALS LTD.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Schrader, Clarence Nelson
  • Patent number: 7374692
    Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocyclones for ballast water treatment. The invention further relates to ballast water treatment systems comprising such hydrocyclones and methods of operating such hydrocyclones and ballast water treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Klaus Hesse, Peilin Zhou, Tony Leigh
  • Patent number: 7344641
    Abstract: A system for the treatment of residential wastewater which comprises a septic tank, a holding tank in fluid communication with the septic tank and a reactor containing a plurality of media on which the wastewater is sprayed, and cyclonic clarification means. The system is designed to treat the wastewater such that it does not need to be passed to a drainage field for final disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Société Systèmes Ecobox
    Inventor: Edward Gresko
  • Patent number: 7314560
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclone separator made up of a cyclone portion for generating an eddy flow at a given flow rate by feeding a liquid containing a fine substance from liquid discharge passageways, for transferring the fine substance to an outer circumferential side by applying a centrifugal force to discharge the fine substance-free liquid from a liquid flow-out passageway, and for precipitating the fine substance by decelerating the eddy flow. The liquid discharge passageways are disposed at plural sites and the cyclone separator further contains a liquid pressurizing chamber formed around the plural liquid discharge passageways in communication therewith, and a liquid introduction passageway for introducing the liquid containing the fine substance into the liquid pressurizing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Hideto Yoshida, Kunihiro Fukui, Kazuaki Takahashi, Junichi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20070289911
    Abstract: A process line for separating oil sand slurry comprising coarse solids, fines, bitumen and water, into a first product comprising bitumen, fines and water and a second product comprising coarse solids, fines and water is provided comprising a plurality of countercurrently operating solid/liquid separators arranged in series along a pipeline, wherein the underflow of one separator is fed to the next separator in series and the overflow of each separator is fed to the preceding separator, the underflow of the last separator being the second product and the overflow from the first separator being the first product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicants: CANADIAN OIL SANDS LIMITED, CANADIAN OIL SANDS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, CONOCOPHILLIPS OILSANDS PARTNERSHIP II, IMPERIAL OIL RESOURCES, MOCAL ENERGY LIMITED, NEXEN OIL SANDS PARTNERSHIP, MURPHY OIL COMPANY LTD., PETRO-CANADA OIL AND GAS
    Inventors: GEORGE J. CYMERMAN, JESSICA VANDENBERGHE
  • Patent number: 7309445
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring slurry from a vessel having a plurality of slurry collection points. The apparatus includes a manifold having a plurality of inlets in flow communication with one or more outlets and a plurality of pressure-reducing cyclones. Each cyclone is associated with a respective one of the collection points and a respective one of the manifold inlets and each cyclone has an inlet port and at least one outlet port. In use, each duct being brings a respective one of the slurry collection points of the vessel into flow communication with an inlet port of a respective one of the cyclones, and/or each duct brings an outlet port of a respective one of the cyclones into flow communication with a respective one of the inlets of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Axsia Serck Baker Limited
    Inventors: Neville Ernest Lange, Geoffrey John Christopher Childs
  • Patent number: 7291268
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone bundle comprising a plurality of hydrocyclone liners and a plate assembly for use in liquid-liquid separation is disclosed. The hydrocyclone bundle may be used in new or existing separators. The hydrocyclone liners may be oppositely positioned within the hydrocyclone bundle. The plate assembly may collect and distribute overflow and underflow effluents from the hydrocyclone liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Steven Bolman
  • Patent number: 7264715
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for efficiently recovering magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) crystals of high purity and good quality in the technique of removing phosphorus and the like as MAP crystals from wastewater containing high concentration organic substance, phosphorus and nitrogen such as a digested supernatant liquor of human waste sewage and septic tank sludge, a digested liquor of sludge, chemical plant wastewater, and simultaneously recovering the MAP crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Hagino, Yuichi Fuchu, Hideyuki Yoshida, Masaaki Nishimoto, Kazuaki Shimamura
  • Patent number: 7214257
    Abstract: Plant and process for cleaning and degassing a fibrous suspension. The plant includes a plurality of hydrocyclones, in which each hydrocyclone includes an intake connection, an accepts connection, and a rejects connection and at least two supply lines for feeding liquids into the plurality of hydrocyclones. At least two accepts lines, coupled to the accepts connections of the plurality of hydrocyclones, are structured and arranged to combine liquids cleaned of contaminants in the plurality of hydrocyclones, and at least one accepts draining pipe coupled to the at least two accepts lines is structured and arranged to open directly into a further line downstream. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Mannes
  • Patent number: 7198713
    Abstract: Installation for the removal and the deactivation of organisms in the ballast water, with the following characteristic features: a first feed pump for conveying the ballast water, an equipment for gravity precipitation of coarser solids and bigger organisms, connected to the first feed pump, and/or a backwashable filtration equipment, a downstream side connected equipment for the deactivation of micro-germs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hammann AG
    Inventors: Knud Hamann, Holger Hamann
  • Patent number: 7182874
    Abstract: A stormwater treatment device for removing floatables, solids and suspended particles and the like from stormwater run off, whereby a removable assembly is provided for installation into a manhole basin, the assembly including a pass-through member which receives stormwater from an incoming drainage system, and diverts low flows to at least one or more vortex separators, while allowing for high flows to bypass the separators and flow through the assembly untreated to exit the basin without diversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: KriStar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Paul Allard, Jonathan McDonald
  • Patent number: 7179386
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Axsia Serck Baker Limited
    Inventor: Neville Ernest Lange
  • Patent number: 7163626
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating a gas/liquid mixture, comprising: an inlet opening for the mixture; an outlet for the mixture located downstream; rotating means arranged in the tube for setting the mixture into rotating movement; one or more outlet openings arranged downstream relative to the rotating means for allowing a part of the mixture to flow laterally out of the tube; a return conduit arranged in axial direction through the rotating means for reintroducing into the tube the flow which has exited via the outlet openings; and divergence means arranged close to the outlet opening of the return conduit for allowing the reintroduced flow to diverge laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignees: Spark Technologies and Innovations N.V., Koch-Glitsch N.V.
    Inventors: Cindy Thérèse Cornelia Cuypers, David Ian Stanbridge
  • Patent number: 7147788
    Abstract: A separation method and apparatus are disclosed having particular application for effecting removal of sand from a production wellstream, enhancing the quality of recovered oil, gas and water output streams (12, 13, 14) and reducing erosion caused by entrained sand. The wellstream is passed initially through a cyclone separator (4?) which separates substantially all the water and sand as underflow and substantially all the oil and gas as overflow. A gravity separator (11) separates the overflow from the cyclone separator (4?) into oil, gas and water, and a further cyclone separator (17) separates the underflow from the first cyclone separator (4?) into water and sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Magnar Tveiten
  • Patent number: 7074339
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solids from a liquid. The apparatus and method comprises a first separator for circulating the solids and the liquid to concentrate the solids within the liquid. The concentrated solids are discharged into a second separator. The second separator extends upwardly for separating and discharging the concentrated solids from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Settled Solids Management, Inc
    Inventor: Norman Kenneth Mims
  • Patent number: 7028848
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axial feeding method of the material to be separated in a dense-medium dynamic separator (1). This method is based on the principle of imparting to the material and to the fluid in which it is dispersed, in order to facilitate introduction thereof into the separator (1), a rotational velocity component with respect to the axis of the latter, in this way the particles of material have a movement corresponding to that of the dense medium circulating in the separator, so as to prevent uncontrolled dispersion of the particles inside it. The invention also comprises a feeding apparatus (2) for carrying out the abovementioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ecomin SRL
    Inventor: Paolo Bozzato
  • Patent number: 6890375
    Abstract: The described embodiments of the present invention include a cyclonic filter having an inlet and outlet. The cyclonic filter includes a chamber in communication with the inlet, flow from the inlet being directed in a rotational flow about an axis within the chamber. The cyclonic filter also includes a first baffle element positioned in the chamber, the first baffle element having at least one inlet. The cyclonic filter further includes a second baffle element positioned within the first baffle element, the second baffle element having at least one outlet, the at least one outlet of the second baffle element being positioned relative to the at least one inlet of the first baffle element in a direction opposite to the rotational flow, the interior of the second baffle element being in communication with the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Keith L. Huber
  • Patent number: 6884273
    Abstract: A multicell cyclone with a plurality of cyclone cells and a method for the production thereof, in which the cyclone cells of the multicell cyclone are combined into groups from which deposited particles are cleaned out by vacuum suction through channel structures. This permits better control of the discharge of separated particles. Vacuum suction of the separated particles can be effected, for instance, via openings (19) which are jointly provided for the group (21) of cyclone cells. The group of cyclone cells can furthermore be produced as a module, which can, for instance, be assembled from two parts (12, 13) in which like structural elements of a group of cyclones are combined into one respective part. This makes it possible to optimize the separation result with little structural complexity and at low production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Edvard Kopec, Volker Greif, Klemens Dworatzek, Jens Haehn, Marion Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20040251196
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring slurry from a vessel having a plurality of slurry collection points. The apparatus includes a manifold having a plurality of inlets in flow communication with one or more outlets and a plurality of pressure-reducing cyclones. Each cyclone is associated with a respective one of the collection points and a respective one of the manifold inlets and each cyclone has an inlet port and at least one outlet port. In use, each duct being brings a respective one of the slurry collection points of the vessel into flow communication with an inlet port of a respective one of the cyclones, and/or each duct brings an outlet port of a respective one of the cyclones into flow communication with a respective one of the inlets of the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: AXSIA SERCK BAKER LIMITED
    Inventors: Neville Ernest Lange, Geoffrey John Christopher Childs
  • Patent number: 6821322
    Abstract: The present invention refers to three or two phase separators provided with an inlet centrifugal device (40, 70) for the preliminary separation of the gas phase from the fluid mixture; the centrifugal separation device includes a first stage (40′, 70′) having a circular section delimited by a wall (42, 63) and by the external surface of the second stage plate and a second stage (40″, 70″), internal and coaxial to the first stage, realized by a plate rolled as an ‘Archimedean’ spiral around the vertical axis common to the two stages of the centrifugal separation device, in order to operate the separation of the gas phase from the liquids, obliging the flowing fluid to follow a circular path that brings the liquid and its droplets to adhere to the wall surface (42, 63) and to the internal surface of the spiral (47), obtaining their separation from the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Ing. Milia & C. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Salvatore Milia
  • Patent number: 6818033
    Abstract: Apparatus is described for separating particulate material from an airstream established by suction. The apparatus comprises a primary separation chamber (12) in which particles are separated from the airstream therein by centrifugal force, a main particle collecting region (14) into which the particles separated by the primary separation can fall under gravity, and a secondary separation chamber (90) downstream of the primary chamber (12), to which air and particles not separated in the first chamber, pass. An air outlet in the secondary chamber allows air substantially free of particles to exit. An intermediate particle collecting region (22) is associated with the secondary chamber, in which particles collect after separation by centrifugal force from the air flowing through the secondary chamber (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: John Herbert North
  • Patent number: 6811655
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an equipment for combining in one single apparatus, the functions for filtering, decontaminating, and thickening paper pulp from used paper, while providing the complementary function of clarifying the filtrates. The apparatus (1) rotates at high speed. The paper pulp is introduced through the center of the apparatus (2) and driven at its angular speed. The pulp is then brought along a grate (6) with small size holes for separating the fibers from the greater part of the water. The thickened pulp is evacuated through extraction nozzles (8). The water is clarified in the clarification zone (12) and recycled or eliminated depending on uses. More complete embodiments of the apparatus include the functions of fractionating, de-inking and purifying the pulp with slots or holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Finidro-Financiamentos Energeticos, Lda.
    Inventor: Eric Haffner
  • Patent number: 6800208
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone bundle comprising a plurality of hydrocyclone liners and a plate assembly for use in liquid-liquid separation is disclosed. The hydrocyclone bundle may be used in new or existing separators. The hydrocyclone liners may be oppositely positioned within the hydrocyclone bundle. The plate assembly may collect and distribute overflow and underflow effluents from the hydrocyclone liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Bolman
  • Patent number: 6797181
    Abstract: To optimally mix treatment additives to a contaminated liquid, treatment additives are selected. A mixing energy requirement of the contaminated liquid and treatment additives is then determined by mixing the treatment additives over a range of time and mixing speeds, and measuring turbidity to determine the mixing time and speed which results in the lowest turbidity. A low mixing energy requirement requires a lower mixing time and mixing speed than a higher mixing energy requirement. The contaminated liquid and selected treatment additives are then directed into a mixing system including at least one hydrocyclone. Each hydrocyclone has an inlet aspect ratio, a barrel length and diameter selected based upon the mixing energy requirement determination. Altering the aspect ratio, diameter, and length of the hydrocyclone results in different mixing speeds and mixing time, which can be optimized for the given contaminated liquid and treatment additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Dwain E. Morse, Wade O. Morse, Thomas G. Matherly
  • Patent number: 6797170
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael T. Romanyszyn
  • Patent number: 6790349
    Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus for the treatment and processing of wet material is provided. The apparatus comprises an inlet hopper adapted for receipt of the wet material. A pre-conditioning unit is provided having an input and an output end wherein the wet material is received from the inlet hopper at the input end and is conveyed to the output end wherein the wet material is processed to reduce moisture and pathogen content. A blower is provided for providing a forced air stream to direct the flow of the wet material and for directing the flow from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit. A pre-separation cyclone is provided and is operatively positioned for receiving the wet material from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit via the air stream powered by the blower, wherein the wet material is processed under the influence of cyclonic forces that further reduce the moisture content, pathogen content, and reduce the particle size of the wet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Global Resource Recovery Organization, Inc.
    Inventor: Bud Sawyer
  • Patent number: 6767459
    Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus comprising a vessel containing a hydrocyclone and defining an inlet chamber, the vessel having a vessel inlet arranged to feed fluid into the inlet chamber, being arranged to receive fluid from the vessel inlet and to pass the fluid to an inlet of the hydrocyclone. The inlet chamber includes coalescing means arranged to coalesce relatively small droplets contained in the fluid received at the vessel inlet into larger droplets before passing the fluid to the hydrocyclone inlet. The coalescing means having a substantially predetermined external shape which defines at least one elongate liner hole for receiving a respective hydrocyclone liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Cyclotech Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Brenton Sinker, Michael James Hess, David Andrew Hadfield
  • Publication number: 20040140273
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Publication number: 20040134864
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone bundle comprising a plurality of hydrocyclone liners and a plate assembly for use in liquid-liquid separation is disclosed. The hydrocyclone bundle may be used in new or existing separators. The hydrocyclone liners may be oppositely positioned within the hydrocyclone bundle. The plate assembly may collect and distribute overflow and underflow effluents from the hydrocyclone liners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Bolman
  • Publication number: 20040124136
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating water or other liquid material and a guide plate for use in a tube An apparatus for treating water or other liquid material comprises a tubular element and a guide plate. The tubular element has an outer circumferential wall defining a through going passage therein and defining an inlet end and an outlet end. The guide plate is of an elongated configuration defining a longitudinal axe and is sidewise twisted one turn relative to the longitudinal axis. The guide plate is receivable within the passage for separating the passage into two parts for guiding water or other fluid material along the two parts of the passage from the inlet to the outlet end in one side wise turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jorgen Bak