Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems for the production of fermentative products such as ethanol and butanol. The present invention also provides methods for separating feed stream components for improved biomass processing productivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically centrifuging test tubes containing biological material including a plurality of centrifuges functionally identical to one another yet independent and adapted to centrifuge test tubes offered to an interface for centrifuging test tubes using a conveying system included in an automatic conveyor of test tubes. The plurality of centrifuges is fitted on a turntable adapted to offer each centrifuge at a suitable loading/unloading point adjacent to the loading/unloading point of the interface. Each centrifuge is provided with a motor adapted to generate the centrifugal motion by setting a rotor in rotation, and a test tube handling device including an arm with a first gripper adapted to load test tubes to be centrifuged and a second gripper adapted to unload centrifuged test tubes, simultaneously to the loading, the arm sliding along a curved guide adapted to generate a forced rotation of the grippers.

Abstract: A mobile drilling waste management system including a trailer having at least one centrifuge and a solids catch tank receiving solids separated from drilling fluid by one or more of the centrifuges. And a method of reclaiming drilling fluid including pumping drilling fluid contaminated with solids onto a trailer, separating the contaminant solids from the drilling fluid with at least one centrifuge located on the trailer, directing the contaminant solids to a solids catch tank located on the trailer, and pumping the drilling fluid off of the trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating a higher-density component from a lower-density component of a mixed flow, with the apparatus including a pressurized casing with a plurality of rotary separators disposed in parallel therein. The casing includes a fluid entrance assembly, a fluid outlet assembly, and a drain. The rotary separators each include an inlet fluidly coupled with the inlet of the fluid entrance assembly, a discharge in communication with the fluid outlet assembly, and an outlet passage in communication with the drain.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: A system for well fluid treatment, the system being transportable, the system including a base, a support structure on the base, a brace apparatus connected to the base and to the support structure for bracing the support structure during movement of the system, the brace apparatus releasably secured to the support structure and releasably secured to the base, at least one holding tank on the base for holding well fluid to be treated, from an active rig well fluid system and the well fluid to be treated including solids, centrifuge apparatus for centrifuging a mixture of well fluid and solids from the at least one holding tank, producing reusable fluid, a first pump apparatus for pumping well fluid and solids from the at least one holding tank to the centrifuge apparatus, and a centrifuge support on the base for supporting the centrifuge apparatus.

Abstract: Centrifugal separators and related methods and devices are described. More particularly, centrifugal separators comprising a first fluid supply fitting configured to deliver fluid into a longitudinal fluid passage of a rotor shaft and a second fluid supply fitting sized and configured to sealingly couple with the first fluid supply fitting are described. Also, centrifugal separator systems comprising a manifold having a drain fitting and a cleaning fluid supply fitting are described, wherein the manifold is coupled to a movable member of a support assembly. Additionally, methods of cleaning centrifugal separators are described.

Abstract: A multi-unit blood processor uses a hydraulic bladder system to express blood components out of whole blood bags and into collection bags. A dummy whole blood bag, containing an inert fluid, may be placed in a processing location. The dummy bag has characteristics that allow the blood processor to recognize the presence of the dummy bag. An opaque feature may be detected by a photo sensor. A radio frequency sensor may be used to detect a passive radio frequency emitter on the dummy bag. The dummy bag may have a bar code label identifying it as a dummy bag. The blood processor will not attempt to process the dummy bag.

Abstract: Centrifuges, in particular for a lubricant oil in an internal combustion engine, are provided with a housing which comprises a base, a lid forming the second part of the housing and connectable to the base and a rotor arrangeable in the housing. Each centrifuge is embodied in the form of a modular unit which is assembled with the aid of modular system parts, wherein the modular system comprises different bases, and/or different lids and/or different rotors which can be assembled in the form of different combinations in such a way that different centrifuges are obtained.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid separation system is disclosed for centrifugally separating a composite fluid into components thereof. This centrifugal separation system includes at least a centrifugal rotor which has a composite fluid containment area, a fluid flow channel/tubing and at least one separated component collection area defined therein. A composite fluid to be separated is delivered to the fluid containment area where under centrifugal forces the composite fluid is separated into components and then from which a component travels through an outlet channel to a respective separated component fluids flowing therethrough. A centrally disposed pump is also provided to move the separated component(s) to the collection area(s). Optical sensing of the interface of the separated fluid components may be used with a clamp to stop flow. A disposable bag and tubing system is also disclosed for use with reusable rotor devices.

Abstract: A two-tube centrifuge separates light material and heavy material from an input mixture. A hollow drive shaft rotates a central body member about an axis of rotation. Two hollow arm assemblies, each having circular cross-section, are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the central body. Each arm assembly includes an outer housing tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube that is longer than the intermediate tube. An end cap having a removable plug is mounted on the outer end of the housing-tube of each arm assembly. The inner ends of all three tubes are mechanically interlocked in a manner to cantilever mount the inner and intermediate tubes to the central-body with their outer ends spaced from the internal surface of the end cap. An input-mixture path extends through the hollow drive shaft, through the central-body, and into a cylindrical space between the inner and intermediate tubes of each arm assembly.

Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge comprising: a rotor having an axis of rotation and being controllably spun around the axis, a mechanism for processing whole blood within the rotor while spinning, a computer controlling blood processing operations, the computer being mounted to the rotor and spinning therewith.

Abstract: The inventive method for centrifugal separation of a determined volume of physiological liquid, in particular blood, at initial process step, consists in forming a flow of said liquid whose thickness is close to the size of largest particles (L3) contained therein at a volume ratio of <1%, in decelerating said liquid flow in order to increase the thickness thereof and to transfer said largest particles (L3) to the surface of the liquid phase (L1) which is nearest to a centrifugation axis and whose density is the greatest, in arranging, outside of said surface, a dead volume whose capacity is substantially equal to the volume of said largest particles (L3) and in removing a phase (L2) whose density is the lowest.

Abstract: A centrifugal method, and corresponding system, for processing blood to collect platelet rich plasma. A separation chamber is filled with blood from a fill syringe by rotating the separation chamber at a fill rotation rate and pumping the blood from the fill syringe. A soft spin is used to initially separate red blood cells from platelets by spinning the separation chamber at a soft spin rate. A percentage of the blood is drawn from the separation chamber back into the fill syringe to remove separated red blood cells. A second portion of the separated blood is drawn from the separation chamber until a red blood cell/platelet interface is detected. A hard spin is performed by spinning the separation chamber at a higher rate and connecting tubing is cleared of red blood cells by drawing a predetermined clearing volume. The platelet rich plasma is then collected in the collection syringe.

Abstract: A centrifuge having a housing having a body and an arm extending from the body, the arm attached to the body at a first end; a chamber defined in the arm; a first tube positioned within the chamber and comprising a porous sidewall; a second tube positioned within the chamber; a first flow path defined by the first tube and second tube; a second flow path defined by the second tube; a first exit in communication with the first flow path for evacuating a first material from the arm; and a second exit in communication with the second flow path for evacuating a second material from the arm. An input mixture enters the arm through an inlet. As the sludge flows along an outer flow region defined by the first tube and interior sidewall of the arm, at least a portion of a liquid passes through the porous sidewall of the first tube and into a middle flow region, analogous to the first flow path. The liquid may drain from the middle flow region through the first exit. Solids exit through the second exit.

Abstract: A two-tube centrifuge separates light material and heavy material from an input mixture. A hollow drive shaft rotates a central body member about an axis of rotation. Two hollow arm assemblies, each having circular cross-section, are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the central body. Each arm assembly includes an outer housing tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube that is longer than the intermediate tube. An end cap having a removable plug is mounted on the outer end of the housing-tube of each arm assembly. The inner ends of all three tubes are mechanically interlocked in a manner to cantilever mount the inner and intermediate tubes to the central-body with their outer ends spaced from the internal surface of the end cap. An input-mixture path extends through the hollow drive shaft, through the central-body, and into a cylindrical space between the inner and intermediate tubes of each arm assembly.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: A centrifugal method of separating and collecting components from a fluid is provided, comprising providing a centrifuge operable at a plurality of rotation speeds and having a mounting assembly for positioning and retaining a disposable collection assembly relative to the centrifuge at the rotation speeds; mounting a separation assembly comprising a number of collection chambers in the mounting assembly, wherein each of the collection chambers include an outer, conical-shaped collection portion with a port for providing a fluid pathway for the fluid into and out of the collection chambers and wherein the mounting includes fluidically connecting the ports with a fluid tube; connecting a fluid source to the fluid tube; rotating the centrifuge at a fill speed; and operating the fluid source to supply the fluid to the fluid tube, whereby the fluid is concurrently supplied in substantially equal volumetric and component density quantities to each of the collection chambers.

Abstract: A solid bowl centrifuge with liquid release during rotation includes a frame, solid bowl, drive device, scraper assembly, slurry spray, and liquid collection trough. The solid bowl includes a centrifuge chamber, and a liquid evacuation chamber. A plurality of openings are formed on the outer wall of the liquid evacuation chamber. The solid bowl is pivotal retained in the frame. The liquid collection trough is disposed around the liquid evacuation chamber. The drive device causes the solid bowl to rotate. Slurry is sprayed on to the wall of the centrifuge chamber while in rotation and eventually scraped-off the wall of the centrifuge chamber. A second embodiment of the solid bowl centrifuge with liquid release during rotation utilizes at least three bearing wheels to support an outer perimeter of the solid bowl at a bottom thereof. The liquid evacuation chamber is replaced with a liquid ring attached to a bottom of the centrifuge chamber and a liquid collection trough disposed around the liquid ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of between about 1000 g and about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microcentrifuge apparatus adapted to simultaneously spin a plurality of samples contained within a plurality of rotors. The microcentrifuge comprises an upper plate that has a plurality of upper plate holes; and a lower plate that has a plurality of lower plate holes or recesses. The lower plate is adjacent and substantially parallel to the upper plate, and the plurality of lower plate holes or recesses are in axial alignment with the plurality of upper plate holes. The plurality of rotors are adapted for retaining and spinning the plurality of samples, and are positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate. Each of the plurality of rotors has at opposing ends an upper shaft and a lower shaft, wherein the upper shaft engages one of the upper plate holes and the lower shaft engages one of the lower plate holes or recesses such that the axes of rotation of each of the plurality rotors are substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of between about 1000 g and about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microcentrifuge apparatus adapted to simultaneously spin a plurality of samples contained within a plurality of rotors. The microcentrifuge comprises an upper plate that has a plurality of upper plate holes; and a lower plate that has a plurality of lower plate holes or recesses. The lower plate is adjacent and substantially parallel to the upper plate, and the plurality of lower plate holes or recesses are in axial alignment with the plurality of upper plate holes. The plurality of rotors are adapted for retaining and spinning the plurality of samples, and are positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate. Each of the plurality of rotors has at opposing ends an upper shaft and a lower shaft, wherein the upper shaft engages one of the upper plate holes and the lower shaft engages one of the lower plate holes or recesses such that the axes of rotation of each of the plurality rotors are substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: A flow-through microcentrifuge comprising a container in which a sample is placed, and a power source capable of rotating the container around an axis. High speed rotation causes the components of the sample to separate according to their respective densities. Pressurized gas, a flowing liquid, electromagnetism, or an engine can power rotation of the container. Due to the small size of the flow-through microcentrifuge, speeds can reach up to 600,000 rpm, with a corresponding increase in centrifugal acceleration up to 1,500,000 g. In addition to separation, the flow-through microcentrifuge can resuspend pelleted material in a liquid by rotating in one direction and then in the opposite direction, repeatedly. The flow-through microcentrifuge is also able to mix two or more reagents using this method. The flow-through microcentrifuge is modular in nature, meaning two or more can be placed together in any configuration and run by the same power source.

Abstract: A microcentrifuge apparatus has a plurality of rotors for simultaneously spinning a plurality of samples; a retainer for retaining each of the rotors on a bearing surface; and at least one source of motive power, coupled to the rotors by a coupling means, for causing each of the rotors to spin at substantially the same rate. The source of motive power can be a motor, engine, or electromagnetic power. The coupling means can be a drive belt, gears, or friction drive. Another embodiment of the microcentrifuge has a plurality of disposable rotors for simultaneously spinning a plurality of samples; a retainer for retaining each of the rotors on a bearing surface; and a source of motive power, coupled to the rotors, causing each of the rotors to spin at substantially the same rate.

Abstract: A flow-through microcentrifuge comprising a container in which a sample is placed, and a power source capable of rotating the container around an axis. High speed rotation causes the components of the sample to separate according to their respective densities. Pressurized gas, a flowing liquid, electromagnetism, or an engine can power rotation of the container. Due to the small size of the flow-through microcentrifuge, speeds can reach up to 600,000 rpm, with a corresponding increase in centrifugal acceleration up to 1,500,000 g. In addition to separation, the flow-through microcentrifuge can resuspend pelleted material in a liquid by rotating in one direction and then in the opposite direction, repeatedly. The flow-through microcentrifuge is also able to mix two or more reagents using this method. The flow-through microcentrifuge is modular in nature, meaning two or more can be placed together in any configuration and run by the same power source.

Abstract: A multi-purpose device, the device including a tube holder for holding tubes; tube driving apparatus for rotating the tubes in the tube holder, the tube holder having spaces for accommodating the tubes such that each one of the tubes can be placed in a separate one of the spaces; the spaces having shapes and sizes providing free rotation of the tubes within the spaces about longitudinal axes of the tubes; the tube driving apparatus having touching engagement with walls of the tubes and pressing the walls of the tubes against the tube holder; and friction between the tube driving apparatus and the walls of the tubes being greater then friction between walls of the tubes and the tube holder.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the removal of solid contaminants which utilizes at least one rotating mesh screen container designed to pass the food therethrough while trapping the solid contaminant. The rotation of the cylindrically-shaped mesh screen causes the food to pass through because of the centrifugal force. The addition of a second mesh or membrane-like placed around the first screen but rotated in the opposite direction is also utilized to trap solid contaminants which are large enough to be trapped by the mesh screen when it is not oriented so as to pass through the screens along its length. Different spacings in mesh and different rotation velocities are utilized to change contaminant screen characteristics.

Abstract: A method for the removal of solid contaminants which utilizes two rotating mesh screen containers designed to pass the food therethrough while trapping the solid contaminant. The rotation of the first cylindrically-shaped mesh screen causes the food to pass through because of the centrifugal force leaving behind a portion of the solid contaminants. The second mesh or membrane-like placed around the first screen but rotated in the opposite direction is also utilized to trap solid contaminants which are large enough to be trapped by the mesh screen when it is not oriented so as to pass through the screens along its length. Different spacings in mesh and different rotation velocities are utilized to change contaminant screen characteristics.

Abstract: In the compression molding of a fixed angle centrifuge rotor utilizing discontinuous fibers, sample tube apertures cores present in the net-shape mold are covered with pre-cured sample tube aperture inserts. The sample tube aperture inserts have a constant and unchanging inside diameter and are formed from composite fiber. This composite fiber extends from the closed bottom of the inserts, upwardly along the sides of the inserts to the open top of the inserts to provide tensile strength longitudinally of the sample tube aperture inserts. The sample tube aperture inserts have a regular and smooth inside for first accommodating the sample tube aperture cores when the rotor is compression molded and later the sample tubes themselves when the rotor is fully fabricated. These inserts have an irregular outside for forming an interference fit with the subsequently formed compression molded rotor body.

Abstract: An inexpensive device with a disposable cartridge for preparing tissue sealant is disclosed. The device is particularly applicable to stat preparation of autologous tissue sealant. A method of sealing tissue in which the tissue sealant is applied immediately after mixing platelet-rich plasma concentrate (from the device) with a solution of calcium and thrombin is also disclosed. Preparation in the operating room of 5 cc sealant from 50 cc patient blood requires less than 15 minutes and only one simple operator step. There is no risk of tracking error because processing can be done in the operating room. Chemicals added may be limited to anticoagulant (e.g., citrate) and calcium chloride. The disposable cartridge may fit in the palm of the hand and is hermetically sealed to eliminate possible exposure to patient blood and ensure sterility. Adhesive and tensile strengths are comparable or superior to pooled blood fibrin sealants made with precipitation methods.

Abstract: A method of separating fluid into two or more separable fractions. One container section (2) and the adjacent portion of the other container section are made of solid material, and the two container sections are screwed together. The container sections (1 and 2) have their respective chambers (29 and 30) for receiving their respective fluid ingredients, and these chambers are interconnected through a connecting channel (31) through the abutting portions, at which the container sections (1 and 2) are screwed together. A valve seat (21, 27) is shaped at each end of the connecting channel (31) for each valve member (22, 16) for a sealing closing of the chambers (29, 30) in the separated state of the container sections (1, 2).

Abstract: A container for receiving and separating blood plasma into its ingredients having two sealingly coupled sections (1 and 2). One container section (2) and the adjacent portion of the other container section are made of solid material, and the two container sections are screwed together. The container sections (1 and 2) have their respective chamber (29 and 30) for receiving their respective fluid ingredients, and these chambers are interconnected through a connecting channel (31) through the abutting portions, at which the container sections (1 and 2) are screwed together. A valve seat (21, 27) is shaped at each end of the connecting channel (31) for each valve member (22, 16) for a sealing closing of the chambers (29, 30) in the separated state of the container sections (1, 2).

Abstract: An inexpensive device with a disposable cartridge for preparing tissue sealant is disclosed. The device is particularly applicable to star preparation of autologous tissue sealant. A method of sealing tissue in which the tissue sealant is applied immediately after mixing platelet-rich plasma concentrate (from the device) with a solution of calcium and thrombin is also disclosed. Preparation in the operating room of 5 cc sealant from 50 cc patient blood requires less than 15 minutes and only one simple operator step. There is no risk of tracking error because processing can be done in the operating room. Chemicals added may be limited to anticoagulant (e.g., citrate) and calcium chloride. The disposable cartridge may fit in the palm of the hand and is hermetically sealed to eliminate possible exposure to patient blood and ensure sterility. Adhesive and tensile strengths are comparable or superior to pooled blood fibrin sealants made with precipitation methods.

Abstract: A container for receiving and separating blood plasma into its ingredients comprises two sealingly coupled sections (1 and 2). One container section (2) and the adjacent portion of the other container section are made of solid material, and the two container sections are screwed together. The container sections (1 and 2) comprise their respective chambers (29 and 30) for receiving their respective fluid ingredients, and these chambers are interconnected through a connecting channel (31) through the abutting portions, at which the container sections (1 and 2) are screwed together. A valve seat (21, 27) is shaped at each end of the connecting channel (31) for each valve member (22, 16) for a sealing closing of the chambers (29, 30) in the separated state of the container sections (1, 2).

Abstract: A shell-type centrifuge rotor includes a body member having an upturned lip and a plate having a skirt portion attached to the body. The skirt portion has a groove therein that overlies the lip on the body. The groove defines a relatively high stress region of likely failure of the rotor. A seal is disposed in the groove, the seal extending between the plate and the lip. Failure of the rotor in the vicinity of the groove in the skirt portion at a first operating speed defining an opening through which a portion of the seal may protrude. The protruding portion of the seal generates a force tending to lower the speed of the rotor below the first operating speed. The radially inner surface of the seal ring is inclined toward the axis of rotation. The radially inner boundary surface of the groove is parallel to or inclined radially inwardly toward the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An oil recovery vessel is equipped with a substantial plurality of high efficiency centrifugal separators for separating oil from an oil-water mixture transported from an oil spill area into a piping system on the vessel. The separators are arranged in modules closely spaced within the vessel, a large number of separators being disposed in a relatively small space. Each separator module includes several separators driven by a single motor.

Abstract: A sample preparation device for precisely measuring a sample volume, mixing the sample with a reagent and then separating out any resulting precipitant from the sample. In using the device, the sample is nonquantitatively dispensed by the user and is volumetrically delivered by the device using a positive displacement method. No vortexing or shaking is required and the sample and reagent are precisely and reproducibly mixed automatically.

Abstract: A sample preparation device for precisely measuring a sample volume, mixing the sample with a reagent and then separating out any resulting precipitant from the sample. In using the device, the sample is nonquantitatively dispensed by the user and is volumetrically delivered by the device using a positive displacement method. No vortexing or shaking is required and the sample and reagent are precisely and reproducibly mixed automatically.

Abstract: An analyzer with an improved rotor structure for analyzing solid-containing and solid free liquids having an improved rotor design that utilizes chambers and channels that operate by centrifugal force and capillary action to separate and meter the liquids for testing purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved particulate receiving chamber within a centrifugal separation device and more particularly within a decanter centrifuge. The improved receiving chamber reduces particle disintegration of the particulates which is particularly advantageous if the particulates are subjected to a further centrifugal separation step because particle disintegration compromises the clarification achievable by successive centrifugal separators. The preferred embodiment of the particulate receiving chamber includes a plurality of spray nozzles for spraying fluid in the chamber whereby the fluid absorbs the impact forces of the particulates which impact against surfaces within the chamber.

Abstract: The system for automatically balancing a centrifuge in operation comprises a system for selectively displacing a mass of fluid inside at least one hollow horizontal tube (25) incorporated in the rotary arm (20), together with an unbalance measuring circuit (7 to 14) for the rotary arm (20) which may be out of balance.

Abstract: A rotor for a centrifuge comprises a bottom part and a top part. The top part is formed with openings for receiving test tubes in rim engagement. The bottom part has an upwardly deformed outer rim, which constitutes a collecting trough. The test tubes are particularly indirectly inserted into the openings (3 to 5) and are biased by spring means (21), which engage the particularly indirectly inserted test tubes from the inside and urges them outwardly against a frustoconical wall (10) of the top part. For an indirect insertion of the test tubes, they may be inserted into guide inserts (6, 7) which consist of cylindrical bushings and are urged outwardly.

Abstract: Present invention relates to two-part fluid contactors for application in fluid-fluid contacting processes such as liquid-liquid extraction processes used in nuclear fuel reprocessing. The contactor has a first part and a second part with a plurality of annular regions located between the first and second parts and a plurality of settling compartments disposed sequentially along the axis of rotation of the contactor. First and second fluids are introduced into the annular regions, and a mixture of the first and second fluids is transferred into the settling compartments. The first and second fluids substantially separate in the settling compartments and are then removed therefrom. The apparatus is arranged such that in operation the first and second parts may be moved relatively to one another so that conditions exist in the annular regions such that the first and second fluids disperse one within the other to form a mixture of fluids.

Abstract: Commercial wide size distribution powders are size classified into precise size fractions by means of a controlled, semi-continuous, multi-stage centrifugal classification system. The system has utility for a wide range of colloidal materials. The throughput of the semi-continuous process is higher than that of batch processes, and the semi-continuous process produces narrow size ranges and optimum yields.

Abstract: An improved system and method of gas and petroleum production from locations such as offshore facilities in which oily water and/or wet oil or an oil/water mixture is fed to a Podbielniak type centrifugal liquid/liquid contactor for separation and purification of the oil and water phases.