Abstract: A separator for separating a flowable suspension in a centrifugal field into at least two flowable phases of different density. The separator includes a housing, which is stationary during operation and is designed as a tank having at least three openings. The three openings include an inlet for an inflowing suspension and two outlets vertically spaced apart from each other for flowable phases of different density. Annular spaces of the housing are associated with the two outlets. A rotatable drum is arranged within the housing and has a vertical axis of rotation. The drum has three openings, corresponding to the openings of the housing. A multi-part support and drive device, which keeps the drum suspended within the housing, is supported and is set into rotation. An air gap is formed vertically between the two outlets and annular spaces of the housing during operation. The air gap is not filled with one of the outflowing phases during operation when the drum is rotating.

Abstract: A method for removing particulates from a fluid, the method including the steps of: producing a laminar flow of the fluid through a single-flow passageway defined by an interior surface of an outer rotor of a centrifuge; and imparting centrifugal force on the fluid in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the flow of the fluid to capture the particulates from the fluid. The method may further comprise rotation of the centrifuge at a speed of 5,000 to 15,000 revolutions per minute. The method may also or alternatively comprise locating the interior surface between 3 and 5 inches from an axis of rotation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: A method for purifying a fluid from contaminating particles in a centrifugal separator with use of a separation aid which is of higher density than the fluid and which binds said particles, the centrifugal separator having a rotor body that rotates about an axis of rotation. The fluid to be purified is led via an inlet into a separation chamber delimited by the rotor body. Separated particles are discharged via a first outlet and clarified fluid cleared is discharged via a second outlet. The fluid being mixed with an amount of separation aid, supplied to the separation chamber. The pollutant particles are bound to the separation aid, which is forced out by the rotation of the rotor body to the periphery thereof. A small flow of separation aid and particles bound thereto are discharged from the separation chamber via the first outlet, and a flow of purified fluid is discharged from the separation chamber via the second outlet.

Abstract: A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of large diesel engines. The fluid in introduced into the centrifuge through an inducer so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Flow constrainers and flow straighteners maintain laminar flow of the fluid as it passes axially through the centrifuge. An exducer decelerates the fluid prior to its exit from the centrifuge. The exducer thus contributes to maintaining laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.

Abstract: This invention involves a liquid-liquid separation device, which includes a centrifugal cylinder. The centrifugal cylinder maintains a liquid inlet/outlet, and centripetal float valve inside, which is mounted on the wall of a cylinder that produces the centrifugal force. Liquids of various densities enter the centrifugal cylinder; under the action of centrifugal force, the liquid medium of the highest density moves to the cylinder wall first, while the liquids of lower densities follow in sequence; when the inward buoyant force that the float bears in the liquids of various densities is greater than the outward centrifugal force generated due to its own mass, the float will move inwards to open the passageway and discharge the heavy medium deposited on the cylinder wall, thus achieving the automatic separation.

Abstract: A porous bed centrifuge for continuous separation of immiscible liquids, for example water and mineral oil/petroleum, obtained by a modification to conventional disk centrifuges for increasing their efficiency, wherein the disks have been substituted by a filling of solid particles that act as a filtrating and coalescent bed.

Abstract: A screw-type solid-bowl centrifuge including a rotatable drum having a tapering portion and a cylindrical portion. The rotatable screw includes a screw body, at least one main screw blade surrounding the screw body and forming a plurality of screw flights. The plurality of screw flights forms a conveying path configured to transport a material to be processed in the centrifuge. Two blade segments are arranged in the conveying path in portions of the plurality of screw flights. The at least one main screw blade is provided in a region of the blade segments that includes clearances configured to allow a throughflow of the material to be processed to flow between adjacent screw flights.

Abstract: A method for removing low gravity solids from an oil-based drilling fluid includes directing the drilling fluid into a first inlet of a first line in fluid communication with a centrifuge, injecting steam into the drilling fluid through a second inlet in the first line, wherein the second inlet is upstream from the centrifuge, directing the commingled drilling fluid and steam into the centrifuge, rotating the centrifuge at a rotational speed sufficient to separate solids from liquids, collecting solids from a solids discharge, and collecting effluent from an effluent outlet, wherein the effluent has low gravity solids in an amount less than 1.5%.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator the liquid separation aid attracts/binds contaminating particles in oil supplied to a separation chamber. Purified oil is discharged through a central light phase outlet of the separation chamber, the liquid separation aid and separated particles are discharged through a heavy phase outlet. Purification is carried through using a starting liquid, supplied to the separation chamber to form a layer that creates a liquid seal in the centrifugal rotor, covering said heavy phase outlet. Contaminated oil and liquid separation aid are supplied to the separation chamber. While purified oil leaves the separation chamber through the light phase outlet, at starting liquid and liquid separation aid together with particles are discharged through the heavy phase outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for cleaning fluids such as oils comprising an inlet (12) for fluid to be cleaned, a heating unit (21) for heating the fluid, a centrifugal cleaner (24), a vacuum dehydration unit (26), a holding tank (11) and a fluid outlet (40). A first valve (13) controls communication between a first pump (20) and the inlet (12) or holding tank (11) to pump fluid from the inlet (12) or holding tank (11) to the heating unit (21) for conveyance to the centrifugal cleaner (24), the outlet of which is connected to the vacuum dehydration unit (26) and a second valve (37) controls communication between a second pump (35) and tank (11) and outlet (40) to either enable fluid to be recirculated back to the tank (11) or supplied to the outlet (40).

Abstract: A screw for a solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge, comprising: a screw body having a circumference, a cylindrical section and a conical section; at least one screw blade surrounding the screw body several times and forming several screw spirals; a delivery path for conveying material to be centrifuged formed between the screw spirals; blade segments arranged in the delivery path between adjacent screw spirals only in a portion of the cylindrical section; and recesses in the at least one screw blade, the recesses constructed only in a portion of the cylindrical section and constructed such that the material to be centrifuged can flow through between adjacent screw spirals. A method for extracting oil in a two- and three-phase separation process using the screw of the present invention.

Abstract: A system for separating a multi phase mixture into a first liquid phase component, a second liquid phase component and a solid phase component includes a three phase centrifuge and a control system for the centrifuge. The control system includes a fuzzy soft sensor programmed with fuzzy logic rules and a feed forward controller in signal communication with the fuzzy soft sensor. The feed forward controller is configured to adjust a feed rate and a feed temperature of the mixture based on the rules, the cold feed temperature, the percent change of water in the mixture, and the percent change of solids in the mixture. The system also includes a feedback controller configured to adjust the feed rate and the feed temperature of the mixture based on the rules, and the basic water and solid (BS&W) content of the first liquid phase component.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base plate and a rotor shell. The base plate has a center tube extending therefrom along a longitudinal axis. The center tube is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid containing particulate matter. A rotor shell has an inner cavity and a plurality of spiral vanes extending along the longitudinal axis within the inner cavity. The spiral vanes extend spirally around the center tube and the spiral vanes are integrally formed with the rotor shell. In one form, spiral vanes are also formed on the base plate and are nested in between the spiral vanes of the rotor shell.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base having a pair of tangential jet nozzles for generating the self-driven force for the centrifuge. Connected to the base is a centrifuge shell which defines a hollow interior space. A hollow rotor hub having a central axis of rotation is assembled to the base and extends through the hollow interior space. A support plate is positioned within the hollow interior space and, in cooperation with the rotor hub, defines an annular flow exit opening for the circulating liquid. Positioned within the hollow interior space is a separation vane module which is constructed and arranged so as to extend around the rotor hub and positioned so as to be supported by the support plate. The separation vane module includes a plurality of axially-extending and spaced-apart separation vanes.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a stand pipe that is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid. A vane assembly is adapted to receive fluid from the stand pipe. The vane assembly includes a liner and a plurality of vanes. The liner defines an inner cavity and the vanes extends within this inner cavity. Each of the vanes has a radially outer edge portion and integrally formed with the liner and an opposite free edge. The vanes are oriented in a parallel relationship with the stand pipe, and the free edges of the vanes define a stand pipe passage in which the stand pipe is received.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base having a pair of tangential jet nozzles for generating the self-driven force. Connected to the base is a centrifuge shell which defines a hollow interior space. A disposable liner is positioned within the centrifuge shell. A hollow rotor hub is assembled to the base and extends through the hollow interior space. A support plate is positioned within the hollow interior space and, in cooperation with the rotor hub, defines an annular flow exit. Positioned within the hollow interior space is a unitary separation vane module which is constructed and arranged so as to extend around the rotor hub. The separation vane module includes a plurality of axially-extending and spaced-apart separation vanes. In one embodiment the vane module and a liner shell are formed as a unitary component.

Abstract: An oil separator comprising a cylindrical portion, an inlet for incoming gas/oil mixture, an outlet for separated gas, a lower portion, and an outlet for separated oil is provided. The lower portion decreases in diameter as it proceeds from top to bottom, thereby providing for an increase in centrifugal force within the oil separator and greater separation of oil. The inlet traverses an upper wall of the oil separator, and preferably comprises a plurality of passageways angled with respect to the upper wall.

Abstract: A machine for separation two liquids of different densities from a mixture has a separation chamber with radially disposed fins that rotates about a central axis. The separation chamber has an outside wall with a first weir extending toward the central axis and spaced from the central axis a distance or radius that is less than the distance of the boundary between the two fluids in the separation chamber. The mixture separates into a first volume of the first fluid and a second volume of the second fluid. The first fluid exits past the first weir. The second fluid passes into a channel or volume and then past a second weir. The channel or volume is sized so that the angular momentum of the second fluid is conserved and develops a force to retain the first fluid and the second fluid in the separation chamber. The separation chamber is in a housing which contains a first collecting chamber to collect the first fluid and a second collecting chamber to collect the second fluid.

Abstract: A centrifugal oil filter includes a housing having a rotatable bowl disposed in a first fluid chamber and rotatably disposed about a shaft extending through the first fluid chamber. The rotatable bowl has a partition dividing the rotatable bowl into upper and lower portions. A port is formed in the partition so that the fluid flow within the rotatable bowl is directed to a pair of nozzles which act to rotate the rotatable bowl responsive to fluid flow therethrough. The port draws fluid from near the top of the rotatable bowl. Foreign particles are held along the inner wall of the bowl and the top of the partition protecting the particles from the fluid flow within the rotatable bowl.

Abstract: High-vacuum oil refinery systems and process are disclosed in this invention. The systems and process enables to carry out vaporization and distillation of oils under the condition of 1-10.sup.-4 Torr of high vacuum and at the temperature of not higher than 360.degree. C. and thereby removing possibility of thermal cracking while heating to be vaporized and easily produces high quality oil. The vaporized gases are centrifugally separated and liquefied by specific gravity using high-vacuum gas specific gravity centrifugal separators and thereby producing high purity oil of uniform quality. The process also carries out vaporization and distillation of the oil at the temperature of not higher than 360.degree. C. so that the process prevents vaporization of sulfur components of the oil, but simply drains the sulfur components along with the concentrated sludge oil and thereby distilling and desulfurizing the crude or heavy oil at the same time without using expensive conventional desulfurizing process.

Abstract: A centrifugal separating filter, which can efficiently separate dirt particles in liquid and keep the liquid clean, includes a turbine driving device (20), which is provided for rotating a rotating member (11) included inside the filter, and the turbine driving device (20) is driven by air pressure or exhaust gas pressure from an internal combustion engine (1) to separate foreign materials in a fluid. A control device (25) is provided for outputting an open/close command signal to a valve (26) provided at a turbine inlet of the turbine driving device (20), based on an output signal from at least one sensor (28) for detecting pressure or rotational speed of the internal combustion engine (1), and an output signal from an oil deterioration sensor (28).

Abstract: A rotor for a centrifugal separator includes a casing with an internal separation cone which defines an annular, radial opening between the cone and a central support tube. The area in mm.sup.2 of the radial opening between the cone and central tube is on the order of 60-120 times the throughput of the separator in liters/minute.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator of the kind used for liquids such as oil, a rotor contains a separation cone interposed between the main volume of the rotor and the outlet nozzles which, in use, cause the rotor to spin. This cone includes a plurality of radially extending ribs.

Abstract: A fluid recovery assembly continuously separates lubrication liquid from lubrication-impregnated shavings. The fluid recovery assembly includes a shredder which receives and shreds the lubrication-impregnated shavings. A centrifugal drum rotates the lubrication-impregnated shavings at a speed sufficient to pull the lubrication out of the lubrication-impregnated shavings. A single electrical motor supplies the energy to rotate the centrifugal drum, the shredder and any other hydraulically actuated accessory. When the high inertia centrifugal drum is accelerated to operating speed, little power is needed to keep it rotating. The path in which the fluid flows is changed from a free flow path (back to the reservoir) to a path including a hydraulic motor which powers the shredder. Thus, no separate electric motor is needed for the shredder. The shredder power is further enhanced by the flywheel effect of the centrifugal drum.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprises a drum (1) rotatable about its axis within which annular walls (10, 20) define discharge chambers (11, 21) at the ends of the drum, from which separated fluids of different specific gravities are discharged by respective scoops (14, 24). Alternatively, annular walls (44, 45 and 47, 49) define both such chambers at one end only of the drum. The dimensions of the annular walls are chosen so that the separator is self-regulating, in that the separated fluids are discharged independently of the proportions of the fluids in the incoming mixture, so that operation of the separator does not have to be controlled in response to sensing of the separation process within the drum.

Abstract: A rotating drum divided in axial spaced compartments with one of the compartments includes paddles and coalescing material to separate the fluid from the liquid and the other compartment includes stationary oil pumping and water pumping means and an energy recovery means for effectively separating fluid such as oil from liquid such a water. Another embodiment includes a simplified version of the fluid/liquid separator adapted for zero gravity environment and includes means for purging the lines from air prior to pumping the liquid. An electrical sensing circuit including conductivity sensors or an electronic controller including pressure sensors serve to control the rate of removal of the separated component or controlling said purging means.

Abstract: A system for removing oil from oil/water or oil/sand or oil/water/sand mixtures. An oil/water mixture is taken from an oil spill on the surface of the water or from other sources such as producing oil wells and is transported to a surge tank where it is agitated and then passed on to a separator which separates the oil from the water. The system also covers separating oil from sand or earth when the spill is on land.

Abstract: A bucket for use in a swinging bucket centrifuge. A core holder is located between two end chambers, with the annular space between the core holder and the bucket sidewall maintaining the chambers in fluid communication. Windows at each end of the bucket allow fluid collections to be monitored. This enables more accurate data to be obtained regarding the effect of fluids of different specific gravity on a fluid saturating a sample. For example, to obtain data allowing a more accurate modeling of reservoir conditions in an oil field impacted by both gas and water displacement, the amount of oil expelled from a rock sample by gas under pressure and temperature conditions simulating those in the reservoir is measured and, after replacing the gas with water, the amount of oil expelled by water under simulated conditions is measured.

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 scroll liner for use in the discharge housing of a centrifugal separator device. The scroll liner comprises a plurality of segments which are replaceable in the event of excessive wear. The segments are of a length which is less than the space between adjacent blades having blade portions located in the discharge housing such that a segment can be removed from the separator device in the space formed by adjacent blades.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating oil and water from a stream of fluid may include a stationary housing in which is centrally disposed for rotation therein a chamber assembly including an upper and lower chamber. A plurality of U-tube assemblies extend radially outward of the chamber assembly providing a plurality of U-tube paths which are inclined downwardly from the chamber assembly. A power device rotates the chamber assembly and the U-tube assemblies subjecting the stream of fluid to centrifugal forces and separating oil and water into the upper and lower chambers, respectively, for exit therefrom.

Abstract: A three phase centrifugal separator for separating the components of a fluid mixture of oil, water and gas, consisting of a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted within a pressure vessel. Two liquid phase holding tanks connected to the pressure vessel are also maintained under pressure. The drum has an initial separation chamber which separates gaseous phase fluids from liquid phase fluids. Water is forced to the outer circumference of the drum by centrifugal force and forms a water zone within the confines of a first and a second annular weirs. The first annular weir is lower than the second annular weir such that water is retained in the water zone until the level of the first annular weir is attached, thereafter any additional water entering the water zone results in a migration of water between the drum and the first annular weir to a water phase outlet. Oil is forced into a water/oil interface on top of the water zone by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating liquids, e.g., oil from water. The centrifuge basically comprises a housing having first and second cavities, and a liquid conveying wall disposed over a bowl arranged to be rotated about a central axis. The bowl includes an annular top wall having an annular separator plate including a central hub mounted below the top wall. The separator plate is spaced from the bowl to enable the second liquid to flow therebetween and into the space between it and the top wall. The hub has plural radial passageways in communication with the space between the separator plate and the top wall and also with the space between the top wall and the liquid conveying wall. The hub also has plural axial passageways communicating with the interior of the bowl and located at the interface of the two liquids formed when the bowl is rotated. Each axial passageways has an outlet in communication with the liquid conveying wall.

Abstract: Centrifugal oil filters are described comprising a rotatable centrifugal cleaning cartridge, a shaft for rotation thereon, a co-operating member for connecting the filter assembly to a source of fluid to be cleaned, an outer casing member, a closure member for sealing one end of the casing member and a fluid drain conduit and wherein the centrifugal cleaning cartridge may be removed without removal of the outer casing member or disconnection of the fluid drain conduit.

Abstract: A method of dewatering oil mud that occurs on board ships during the processing of heavy, diesel, and lubricating oils and consists of a mixture of water and mineral-oil residue that is intercepted on board and subjected to centrifuging. The liquids contaminated with mineral-oil residue that occur on board are collected in two separate containers. The liquids that contain heavy oil and diesel oil are conveyed to the first container and the liquids that contain lubricating oil are conveyed to the second container along with the water that occurs when the oils are processed. The contents of the containers are then conveyed sequentially to one and the same centrifuging device to concentrate the solids. The resulting liquid phases are subjected to separate further processing with on-board equipment, allowing complete disposal or further use of the liquids.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of separating a mixed component waste stream in a centrifugal separator. The mixed component waste stream is introduced into the separator and is centrifugally separated within a spinning rotor. A dual vortex separation occurs due to the phase density differences, with the phases exiting the rotor distinct from one another. In a preferred embodiment, aqueous solutions of organics can be separated with up to 100% efficiency. The relatively more dense water phase is centrifugally separated through a radially outer aperture in the separator, while the relatively less dense organic phase is separated through a radially inner aperture.

Abstract: In a process for decontaminating radioactively polluted lubricant oil, (a) the lubricant oil to be decontaminated is mechanically filtered, (b) an acid solution of the salts of the elements, the radionuclides of which are to be removed, is added, and (c) a dose of a precipitating agent that cooperates with the elements, the radionuclides of which are to be removed, producing a salt of low solubility, is added, (d) the acid salt solution is intimately mixed with the lubricant oil after step (b), (e) the depositing aqueous phase is discharged after step (b), before step (c), (f) additional intimate mixing is carried out after the dosed admixture of step (c), and (g) finally the precipitation products are separated by centrifugation from the lubricant oil.

Abstract: A self-contained liquid vapor purging system for use in such electromotive apparatus as integrated drive generators, or the like, which include a casing and a rotatable shaft extending into the casing. A charge pump circuit communicates with the casing for circulating liquid from the casing and charging liquid back to the casing. An aspirator is located in the charge pump circuit between a charge pump and an inlet to the casing for mixing fresh air with the liquid to deliver an air-liquid mixture to the casing. A centrifugal separator and check valve are incorporated in the rotatable shaft for separating liquid and vapor. The separator includes a vapor-liquid inlet from the casing, a liquid outlet to the casing, and a vapor outlet draining outside the casing. The centrifugal separator includes a centrifugal valve in communication with the vapor outlet for opening only at a predetermined rotary speed of the shaft.

Abstract: A rotary vortex separator for heterogeneous liquids, e.g. water with a small oil content on an offshore oil platform, includes injection channels (30) which inject water to be de-oiled at an axial speed relative to the periphery of the separator at the upstream end (4) of a cylindrical separation chamber (2) rotating about its axis (8). Purified water leaves from the other end (6) of said chamber via an annular outlet opening (26) of smaller radius to constitute a free vortex type of flow. The oil is removed by an axial tube (28).

Abstract: A method of decontaminating mixtures of radioactively contaminated water and radioactively contaminated water-immiscible organic liquids to produce a decontaminated organic liquid which can be disposed of in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A centrifugal filter separator system operable to separate from oil under pressure solid contaminants, by depositing them on the internal wall of a rotating drum, powered by reaction jet nozzles, while also separating water from oil and extracting it from the rotating drum through a water extraction circuit. A water-oil mixture from the water extraction circuit is passed through a pressurized gravity type separator, from which the separated oil is returned, on a continuous basis, back to the centrifugal filter separator system, while the quantity of the water retained in the gravity type separator is controlled by a water ejecting automatic control, responsive to the position of the water-oil miniscus, or to the position of the layer of water-oil emulsion separating water and oil within the separator.

Abstract: A centrifugal filter separator system operable to separate from oil under pressure solid contaminants, by depositing them on the internal wall of a rotating drum, powered by reaction jet nozzles, while also separating water from oil and extracting it from the rotating drum through a water extraction circuit. A water-oil mixture from the water extraction circuit is passed through a pressurized gravity type separator, from which the separated oil is returned, on a continuous basis, back to the centrifugal filter separator, while the water is retained in the gravity type separator. Flow of the mixture of water and oil through the extraction circuit is regulated in respect to change of viscosity of the extracted liquid, but relatively independent of pressure within the rotating drum for maximum efficiency of the gravity type separator.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating two liquid components from each other normally has continuously open outlets for both liquid components, an interface layer formed in the separating chamber between the separated liquid components being maintained at a predetermined radial level. The present invention concerns a special arrangement for continuous discharge of the light liquid component but intermittent discharge of the heavy liquid component. For this purpose, a first outlet channel (20) in the centrifuge rotor for the heavy liquid component communicates through a calibrated opening (24) with a stationary second channel (23) outside the rotor, said second channel comprising a shut off valve (31). An equipment (28) is arranged to indicate when an interface layer formed in the separating chamber (8) of the rotor between the separated liquid components has moved radially inwards to a certain level (29).

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating contaminants from contaminated oil has an outer casing and a rotor within that casing mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. Oil under pressure enters the rotor at one end and at the other end exits through jets into a chamber within the casing which is normally filled with air. As the jets of oil impinge upon the inner wall of the casing, a small amount of air becomes entrained in the oil and as the oil flows to a sump, the air is gradually removed from the interior of the casing. In order to prevent a build-up of oil within the casing, which could interfere with rotation of the rotor, air under pressure is supplied to the interior of the casing by means of a float-operated valve member so that while the valve member is normally closed, any increase in the oil level will cause the float to rise with that oil level and thereby open the valve to allow additional air to enter into the interior of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention is with respect to a bell-like centrifuge drum for freeing metal turnings of oil continuously and which is made up of a lower drum part (1) with a floor (2) and a coned wall part (3), at whose top edge an outwardly running flange (4) is placed and an upper drum part (5) at whose lower edge there is again an outwardly running flange (6), which, producing a gap (10) for letting off liquid to be cleared from the turnings, is fixed on the flange (4) of the lower drum part (1).