Abstract: Apparatus and method for directing airflow into the air intake (carburetor or fuel injection system) of an internal combustion engine for increasing air flow velocity and the quantity of air reaching the cylinder or cylinders thereof through the use of an electrically powered fan, are described. The fan is installed inside of the air filter element such that when the air intake throttle plates are closed or partially closed, the unused airflow exits the apparatus to relieve the pressure created by the fan, and when additional air is needed by the engine, air can enter the filter element. The fan may be continuously operated during the operation of the motor, and at all engine speeds.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a two-phase separator device for separating condensate or particulate from a gas stream. In some implementations, the separator device removes water from air and may operate under micro-gravity conditions. The gas stream flows through the two-phase separator device and passes through a rotatable vane assembly along a flow path without being redirected in another flow path. Condensate or particulate in the gas stream is impacted by a plurality of vanes of the rotatable vane assembly, and the condensate is captured by features formed within the plurality of vanes. The captured condensate is accelerated radially outwardly along the each of the plurality of vanes towards a sloped inner wall, and further moved along the sloped inner wall in a direction against the flow path of the gas stream during rotation.

Abstract: Filtration systems having a tangential air cleaner having a coiled media filter element and a cyclonic pre-cleaner are described. An outer wall of the filter element acts as a pre-cleaner sleeve of the housing to generate a cyclonic flow of the intake air prior to the intake air being filtered by the filter element. The housing cover includes geometry that redirects the cyclonic low from a tangential path to an axial, straight-through flow directed through an inlet flow face of the filter element. Various embodiments of such filtration systems offer increased filter performance and capacity compared to similarly sized cylindrical pleated filter elements having a radial flow filtering path.

Abstract: A separator provides mechanical separation of suspended particles or debris within a fluid. The separator includes a cylindrical body having an inlet pipe for directing the fluid generally tangentially into the cylindrical body, causing the fluid to spin around the inside diameter of the cylindrical body. An outlet pipe, having an outer diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the cylindrical body, can extend from a top end of the cylindrical body into the cylindrical body. Directional blades can be disposed on an outer surface of the outlet pipe, with a gap between the directional blades and the inside surface of the cylindrical body. A baffle dome disposed an a lower end of the cylindrical body slows down the fluid flow, causing the particles and debris to remain below the baffle and settle. The fluid then exits out the outlet pipe as a cleaned fluid.

Abstract: A dust collector including a cylindrical cyclone tube, a central outlet channel, a swirl generator, and a swirl reflector is disclosed. The cylindrical cyclone tube can include one or more inlets. The central outlet channel includes a lower inlet end and an upper outlet end, wherein the upper outlet end is located above the one or more inlets. The swirl generator can be configured to generate a swirl between the cylindrical cyclone tube and the central outlet channel, the swirl generator configured to encircle the central outlet channel. The swirl reflector can be located near a bottom of the cylindrical cyclone tube and forming a particle chamber there below. A distance between the swirl reflector and the lower inlet end of the central outlet channel can be between ten to fifty percent of the length of the cylindrical cyclone tube from the one or more inlets to the swirl reflector.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to allow over filling a fluid level and a means of bringing the fluid level back to a desired operating condition. The apparatus can be installed at a specific fluid level while other members can vary or turn off the automatic fluid leveling feature. The apparatus includes a bore hole or chamber that runs completely through the thickness of the container. A member can be provided with an adapted fit and mate with a wall in the bore hole. This member contains a control feature which in the normal position allows for overflowing the apparatus with fluid, and when enabled, can bring the fluid level in the apparatus back to its desired level.

Abstract: A system and methods for separating liquids, aerosols, and solids from a flowing gas stream whereby gas flows through a helical path formed in a separator element. Partially separated gas exits the bottom of the separator element at a generally conical cavity. Clean gas exits through an inner tube that is axially aligned beneath the helical path. Separated materials exit through an annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. Separation occurs in the helical channels which include radially diverging walls to provide an aerodynamically efficient flow, in a region of high swirl created in a generally conical cavity beneath the separator element. In higher liquid-loading or slug flow conditions, a passageway may be formed in the separator element for recirculating a portion of the gas flow exiting from the bottom of the outer tube, into an axial passage in the helical separator, and exiting from the bottom of the helical separator near the vertex of the conical cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for removing solids from a gas stream.

Abstract: An inertial separation air precleaner system includes a replaceable insert removably mounted to the precleaner and altering air flow velocity through the precleaner by changing flow area of the flowpath through the precleaner housing. The replaceable insert is replaceable with a different insert for the same precleaner housing, which different insert provides a different flow area through the precleaner housing, enabling a selectable precleaner efficiency vs. restriction trade-off as chosen by a user for a particular application, enabling tuning of precleaner performance by the user.

Abstract: A system for separating contaminants from an airstream, including a centrifugal fan and housing; a contaminant containment vessel mounted to an outer surface of the housing; and a diverter in the airstream downstream of the fan and within the housing, the diverter being configured to separate a portion of the airstream from a remainder of the airstream, accelerate the portion of the airstream towards the containment vessel, and thereafter guide the portion of the airstream towards the remainder of the airstream. The diverter preferably does not negatively impact the rated performance of the fan, such that a performance of the system is not measurably different than the rated performance of the fan and housing combination. The diverter may accelerate contaminants entrained in the airstream toward the containment vessel, thereby separating the contaminants from the airstream.

Abstract: In a multi-stage steam-water separation device and a steam-water separator, a first swirl vane (6) which causes a gas-liquid two-phase flow to rise while swirling is provided in a first riser (5) of a first steam-water separator (2), and a second swirl vane (12) which causes the gas-liquid two-phase flow which has passed through the first swirl vane (6) to rise while swirling at a speed higher than that provided by the first swirl vane (6), is provided in a second riser (11).

Abstract: Cyclone separators and separator devices for separating gas and entrained particles from a particle-contaminated gas stream are provided. The cyclone separator comprises a cyclone body having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween. The cyclone body defines a cyclone gas inlet for receiving the particle-contaminated gas stream. A cyclone gas outlet is for discharging the clean gas stream. A centripetal accelerator is proximate the cyclone gas inlet to induce centripetal acceleration of the particle-contaminated gas stream. The sidewall defines a discharge opening between the first end and the second end for discharging separated particles from the cyclone body. The discharge opening has a leading edge and a top edge in relation to a flow path of entrained particles within the particle-contaminated gas stream. The top edge extends at an acute angle relative to the leading edge.

Abstract: A particle separator includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing extends along an axis from an open proximal end to an open distal end. The second housing has a closed proximal end disposed adjacent the open proximal end of the outer housing. The second housing extends from the closed proximal end into the first housing along substantially a same axis as the axis of the first housing. The second housing has one or more passages disposed at a distance from the closed proximal end of the second housing. Additionally, the one or more passages are disposed within the first housing at a distance from the open proximal end thereof.

Abstract: This patent pertains to self-cleaning fan assemblies. One implementation includes electronic components positioned in an enclosure. This implementation also includes a fan assembly that is configured to impart rotational force on air to move the air from outside the enclosure to inside the enclosure and around the electronic components. The fan assembly is further configured to separate contaminants from the air based upon differences in density between the contaminants and the air.

Abstract: A system for separating contaminants from an airstream, including a centrifugal fan and housing; a contaminant containment vessel mounted to an outer surface of the housing; and a diverter in the airstream downstream of the fan and within the housing, the diverter being configured to separate a portion of the airstream from a remainder of the airstream, accelerate the portion of the airstream towards the containment vessel, and thereafter guide the portion of the airstream towards the remainder of the airstream. The diverter preferably does not negatively impact the rated performance of the fan, such that a performance of the system is not measurably different than the rated performance of the fan and housing combination. The diverter may accelerate contaminants entrained in the airstream toward the containment vessel, thereby separating the contaminants from the airstream.

Abstract: Cyclone separators and separator devices for separating gas and entrained particles from a particle-contaminated gas stream are provided. The cyclone separator comprises a cyclone body having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween. The cyclone body defines a cyclone gas inlet for receiving the particle-contaminated gas stream. A cyclone gas outlet is for discharging the clean gas stream. A centripetal accelerator is proximate the cyclone gas inlet to induce centripetal acceleration of the particle-contaminated gas stream. The sidewall defines a discharge opening between the first end and the second end for discharging separated particles from the cyclone body. The discharge opening has a leading edge and a top edge in relation to a flow path of entrained particles within the particle-contaminated gas stream. The top edge extends at an acute angle relative to the leading edge.

Abstract: Concentrating particles in a turbulent gas flow may include receiving, in a receptacle, a turbulent gas flow that includes particles. The concentration of particles in a gas flow exiting the receptacle at a first port is increased as compared with a concentration of the particles in the gas flow received by the receptacle. The increased concentration of particles is accomplished by removing a portion of the gas flow by using a second port, and fluidly communicating the gas flow through a tube in the receptacle. The tube has a smaller diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow exits the tube than diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow is received.

Abstract: Concentrating particles in a turbulent gas flow may include receiving, in a receptacle, a turbulent gas flow that includes particles. The concentration of particles in a gas flow exiting the receptacle at a first port is increased as compared with a concentration of the particles in the gas flow received by the receptacle. The increased concentration of particles is accomplished by removing a portion of the gas flow by using a second port, and fluidly communicating the gas flow through a tube in the receptacle. The tube has a smaller diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow exits the tube than diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow is received.

Abstract: In a steam-water separator, a swirl vane (52) is provided inside a riser (51), an annular downcomer space (54) is formed by providing a downcomer barrel (53) outside the riser (51), a deck plate (55) is arranged above the riser (51) and the downcomer barrel (53) with a predetermined space therefrom, an orifice (56) and vents (57) are formed, and aperture ratios of plural slits (58a, 58b, 58c, and 58d) formed on the riser (51) are set at from 30% to 70%. Accordingly, the steam and the water is appropriately separated, and the separated steam is reliably discharged upward from the orifice while the separated water is allowed to reliably flow down through the downcomer space, thereby enhancing steam-water separating efficiency.

Abstract: An air guide filter for an internal combustion engine includes an air filter having a pair of support rings coupled to upper and lower portions of the filter. A pleated filter plate is disposed between the support rings, and an air guide is disposed between the support rings parallel with the filter plate. The air guide comprises a plurality holes defined by half-cone cross-section depressions uniformly disposed about its face, such that, when the air guide is placed at a certain elevation angle with respect to the support rings, air flowing into the filter is guided, rotated and mixed with fuel to generate a uniform air-fuel mixture. The uniform mixture improves combustion and engine performance.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding compost in a biofilter is substantially uniform in cross section perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge and has a sidewall formed with openings that are small enough to substantially retain the compost in the cartridge yet large enough to allow filaments of bacteria present in the compost to project through the openings. The cartridge is of cross-sectional form such that multiple cartridges can be placed side-by-side in an array with passages between each cartridge and adjacent cartridges.

Abstract: A filter assembly for collecting material that is entrained in a gas stream includes a housing for a tubular filter element. The housing has an inlet and an outlet for the gas that is to be filtered, and includes a body section and a separable end cap. The body section has at least one longitudinally extending formation in its internal wall and its cross section is substantially constant along its length. The body section has a generally transverse groove formed in its internal wall which can be engaged by the end cap to connect it to the body section, the transverse groove having a discontinuity at a longitudinally extending edge of the longitudinally extending formation.

Abstract: An air pre-cleaner for centrifugally ejecting heavier than air particulates from an air stream for use in an apparatus having an air intake includes a hood having an opening through which air enters the pre-cleaner. A vane assembly includes a centrally positioned dome, a collar encircling the dome, and a plurality of inlet vanes each being connected at an inner end to the dome and at an outer end to the collar. Each inlet vane is angled in relation to the horizontal plane. The vane assembly further includes a horizontal wall extending radially outward from the collar. An impeller assembly is rotatably mounted to the vane assembly. Also provided is a base on which the vane assembly is supported via the horizontal wall. The hood, the vane assembly and the base are secured to each other. Clean air exits the pre-cleaner through a central opening in the base and dirty air exits the pre-cleaner through peripheral openings in the base.

Abstract: A cyclone separator is disclosed having a vertical housing (2), an opening at its lower end (4), provided with a cover (5) at its upper end having a central opening (8), an inlet duct (10) for tangential entry of a mixture of gas and catalyst particles from the outlet (12) of a riser reactor (15) of a fluidized-bed catalytic cracking plant, a particles discharge duct (16) communicating with the open lower end (4) of the vertical housing (2), and a gas outlet duct (18) having a vertical section (20) which extends through the central opening (8) in the cover (5), which cyclone separator (1) further having an open-ended pipe (23) arranged in the central opening (8) to define an annular gas inlet conduit (25) between the vertical section (20) and the open-ended pipe (23), and swirl imparting means (30) arranged in the annular gas inlet conduit (25).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful for degassing a reaction mixture in a petrochemical processing reactor are disclosed. The methods and apparatus employ a novel liquid-gas separator that includes non-linear risers and that discharges the mixture into a vapor space in a manner intended to maximize degassing of the mixture. Resid hydrotreating processes employing these methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: A vortex tube including an annular downstream scavenge duct is provided with a number of occluding members spaced circumferentially around the upstream entrance to the scavenge duct so as to restrict the entrance area of the duct. The occluding members are each generally triangular in section, are each attached to the wall of the vortex tube, and taper upstream from the entrance to the scavenge duct.

Abstract: A dust separator (1, 2) is provided for removing particles from a gas, provided with a centrifuge (3) which is rotatable about a central axis and which comprises at least two centrifuge chambers (7, 9). A first centrifuge chamber (7) is connected at one side to a gas inlet (11) and an opposing other side to a gas reversal chamber (13) which in its turn is connected to a second centrifuge chamber (9) which comprises a filter (17) and which concentrically surrounds the first centrifuge chamber (7).

Abstract: A device for the separation of a powder into a coarse component and a fine omponent with a housing 1, a material feed 3, 4 into the housing for the material to be fed and a coarse material discharge 8 for the housing and a fines discharge 19 for the housing. The housing 1, the material feed 3, 4 as well as the material discharge systems 8, 19 form a cyclone separator and a sifter 14 is positioned between the material feed 3, 4 and the fines discharge 19.

Abstract: A co-current separator is provided which makes it possible to separate a light phase contained in a mixture from a dense phase. Disposed downstream in the direction of circulation of the dense phase is an internal output opening of an interior enclosure. Fins are provided on the interior enclosure for limiting the progression of the light phase to the outside of the interior enclosure. The mixture is introduced tangentially into an inlet, and the dense phase is recovered at one outlet with the light phase recovered at another outlet. This makes it possible to rapidly separate the dense phase from the light phase, providing an apparatus useful for separating, for example, a solid from a gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wet blaster/wet washer, in which the blaster is an essential component, from which the outlet occurs in accordance with the invention from the middle section of a hood via a ring channel formed by a pipe channel (7) concentric with an inlet channel (2). The centrifugal field caused by an impeller (3) of the blaster slings the massive liquid exceeding the saturation point out of the gas, and the washed, treated, transferring gas thereby dries out of the liquid. The separated liquid is removed as a flow (D) by using a suitable outlet (5).

Abstract: A unique vacuum loader with a special tangential separator is provided to efficiently remove, readily collect, effectively separate, and safely dispose of wet, dry, and fibrous materials, including liquids and slurries, in a mine or in other places. Desirably, the tangential separator is compact for use in mines and has special directional vanes which vary the flow and enhance separation of dusty fluid carrying the fibrous material, dust, and other particulate matter.

Abstract: A co-current cyclone mixer-separator which makes it possible to separae a light phase L1 contained in a mixture M1 which also contains a dense phase D1 from the dense phase and to mix this phase L1 with a dense phase or with a mixture containing this phase and a light phase. The mixture M1 is introduced at and the phase D1 is recovered at. The dense phase of a mixture is introduced at and enters a second inner enclosure at, at least a part of the phase likewise entering the latter enclosure. A mixture comprising the phases, if it has been introduced, is obtained at. Preferably, the apparatus comprises blades which make it possible to limit the progress of the vortex into the outlet. This apparatus permits of a rapid heat exchange, for exmple the hardening, of a phase by a phase or a mixture. It can also be used for the rapid replacement of a phase contained in a mixture also containing a phase by a phase other than.

Abstract: An axial flow-type pump for separating immiscible fluids having different specific gravities and a discharge manifold fluid connected to the fluid pump for drawing of the fluid having the heavier specific gravity. The fluid pump employs a rotatable impeller mechanism having a hollow core and a decreasing axial pitch in the direction of fluid flow. The fluid interface between the pump and the discharge manifold is adjustable, so that the discharge of the fluid having the heavier specific gravity can be adjusted. The fluids are introduced into the inlet end of the rotatable impeller to produce a high velocity swirling action in the fluids and a low pressure area along the longitudinal axis of the flow line, to generate a high centrifugal force as the fluids move axially and cause the fluid having the heavier specific gravity to migrate to the perimeter. The discharge manifold is then used to draw off the fluid having a heavier specific gravity.

Abstract: In an ebullated bed reactor it has been found that an improved gas-liquid separator effectively removes gas from recycle liquid used to ebullate the catalyst bed. The gas-liquid separator comprises a cup with a plurality of riser conduits. Two stages of cyclone separators effect the final liquid-vapor separation.

Abstract: Cyclone separator having an elongate tapered separating chamber (25) with an axial overflow outlet (34) at the larger diameter end (10a) and an underflow outlet (23) at the smaller diameter end (10b). Inlet to the separating chamber is provided via an axially extending duct (70) which joins the separating chamber at its larger diameter end. The duct is of annular configuration and has a helical flight (90) positioned therewithin.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solid particles from a fluid, comprising a swirl chamber (3) provided with a curved wall, a tangential inlet (9) and a solids outlet (13), both arranged perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (5) of the swirl chamber (3). A swirl tube (16) extends coaxially into the swirl chamber (3) and has an open end (20) arranged in the swirl chamber (3) and a solids outlet opening (22) arranged outside the swirl chamber (3). A fluid outlet tube (28) has an outlet part (34) extending coaxially into the swirl chamber (3) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the swirl tube (16) extends and an inlet part (32) arranged in the swirl tube (16). Swirl imparting means (46) are arranged between the swirl tube (16) and the fluid outlet tube (28), so as to impart a swirl in the swirl tube (16), which swirl has the same direction of rotation as in the swirl chamber (3).

Abstract: A dust removing apparatus for an intake air cleaner in which the air cleaner is disposed in the vicinity of a passage of a high speed air flow and an opening in a wall of the air passage confronting high speed air flow within the passage. As a result dust is removed from the high speed air flow.

Abstract: A method for separating particulate solids from a gaseous stream laden with the solids includes discharging the gaseous stream with a swirling movement downwardly into a containment vessel, and impinging the stream on a bed of the separated solids maintained at the lower end of the vessel to reverse the direction of gas flow upwardly through a return zone which encircles the core zone. The gaseous stream is withdrawn from the return zone at the upper end of the vessel and, optionally, may be passed from the return zone to a second stage separation zone, such as one or more cyclone separators, for removal of residual particulate solids from the gaseous stream. Apparatus of the invention includes a flow-constricting nozzle mounted on a containment vessel and having flow guide vanes and/or gas injection nozzles associated therewith to impart a swirling motion to the gaseous stream which is discharged from the nozzle downwardly into the containment vessel.

Abstract: In an ebullated bed reactor it has been found that an improved gas-liquid separator effectively removes gas from recycle liquid used to ebullate the catalyst bed. The gas-liquid separator comprises a cup with a plurality of riser conduits. Helical members are positioned within the riser conduits which impart a tangential velocity component to the fluid. Cyclone separators effect the final liquid-vapor separation. Vapor is directed to a vapor rich zone in the reactor.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a swirl vanes device for reducing the velocity of exhaust fumes fed into an enclosed container with the accompanying direction and volume changes enhancing the separation of the exhaust into gas, liquid, and solid components. Solids and liquids collect in the container and gas passes out through a demister filter. With engines having a pressurized crankcase exhaust and an air box outlet, an eductor assembly employing a spring-biased check valve is used to control the entrance of crankcase exhaust into an inlet chamber having a low pressure created by the volume expansion of inlet air box exhaust. A liquid overflow system has a floatable ball valve to remove liquid from the container under conditions of high liquid levels. An inlet and outlet manifold houses a spool valve for the selective control and isolation of the inlet and outlet openings of the container so that the container may be pressurized to remove the liquid collected therein.

Abstract: A high speed rotary filter device is disclosed which utilizes a rotor having a bladeless portion between the inducer and the exducer portions of the rotor, thereby substantially eliminating secondary flow within the high speed rotary filter device.

Abstract: A specially arranged two compartment, industrial dust collector is provided which is efficient, effective, and economical. The first compartment has a lower cyclone chamber which contains a cyclone. The second compartment has a central chamber which contains at least one filter to filter the remaining particulates of dust.

Abstract: A unique vacuum loader is provided with a special silencer base to quietly, efficiently, and effectively remove particulate matter, debris and waste from industrial plants and other locations. The silencer base comprises a muffler and sound abatement control assembly with a composite sound attenuating chamber. The sound attenuating chamber has a zigzag channel to decrease and dampen operational noises to safe and comfortable levels. The silencer base has a top plate to support and dampen vibrations of the vacuum pump and motor.

Abstract: A classifier has a rotor, driven by a motor, mounted between two opposed walls of a housing. The housing also has a curved wall which extends between the walls and around the rotor to define therewith an annular zone. A fluid and finer particles outlet opening is provided in one of the walls. The curved wall has an inlet opening for at least fluid and a fluid and coarser particles outlet opening which is registered with the inlet opening of a receptacle from which the coarser particles can be removed. A plate is located immediately upstream of the outlet opening to divert particles adjacent to the curved wall away therefrom. Similar diverting means can be located remote from the plate such as plate or secondary air inlet openings. Baffle rings are provided concentrically with the rotor to restrain particles forced to the outer peripheries of the annular zone from moving inwardly towards the rotor.

Abstract: A column is provided for treating gases by separating liquid and/or solid contaminants from the gases and then washing the gases with a washing liquid, wherein the presence of the contaminants would adversely affect the washing. The column has a separation space being arranged with respect to a washing space to prevent the washing liquid from contacting the contaminants within the separation space, a vane assembly for imparting a swirling motion to the gases in the separation space to substantially separate the contaminants from the gases, and tubular elements arranged to pass the gases substantially free of contaminants to the washing space.

Abstract: A gas separator system for separating gases of substantially different molecular weights, such as oxygen and carbon monoxide, includes a series of concentrically nested coils, with the output of each coil being connected to the input of the next coil. Gas is directed through the coils at high velocity to cause laminar flow in the tubes of the coils, with the heavier gas flowing through the tubing adjacent the outer periphery of each coil of tubing, as a result of centrifugal force, and the lighter gas being forced to flow near the inner surface of the tubing of each coil. Starting one or two turns from the input to each coil, after laminar flow is established, small openings are provided at the outer periphery, or preferably at the inner surfaces of the tubing making up the coils, whereby one of the gases selectively flows out of the coils of tubing into an enclosing housing.

Abstract: A specially arranged, two compartment, four stage industrial dust collector is provided which is efficient, effective, and economical. The first compartment has a lower chamber which contains a cyclone and an upper chamber which contains a downstream spiral baffle or rings to remove larger particulates of dust. The second compartment has an annular upper chamber with a special arrangement of overhead nozzles for downward air flow to remove particulates of dust by kinetic energy and a lower chamber containing filters for lateral and upward air flow to filter the remaining particulates of dust.

Abstract: Slurries containing solid liquids and gases are continuously separated into individual components utilizing a revolving vanes on an eccentric axis. The vanes are of a flexible material which revolve sufficiently slowly that in sequence gas escapes through an overhead mesh, water is separated through a lower mesh and solids exit through a lower opening. The slurry input is from the axis plane overhead of the axis and input rate is balanced with gas, water and solids output.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing entrained liquid from a gas stream comprises a cylindrical casing (67) designed to be mounted so that its axis is substantially vertical. An inlet port (62) and a gas outlet port (63) are provided adjacent to the upper end of the casing and drain means (80) are provided at the lower end of the casing whereby separated liquid may be drained therefrom. A gas outlet tube (75) coaxial with the inner surface of the casing, extends downwardly from the upper end thereof, the outlet tube communicating at its upper end with the gas outlet port (63). A plurality of baffles (72) are arranged in an annulus around the outer surface of the outlet tube (75), the baffles being located downstream of the inlet port (62) and shaped to impart a spinning movement to the incoming gas stream. An impingement plate (77) is located downstream of the baffles and has an upper surface extending transversely across the path of the air stream leaving the baffles.

Abstract: Classifying and/or grading equipment includes a main vortex chamber and a secondary vortex chamber intersecting and opening into the main chamber. A gas/solids, liquid/solids or liquid/liquid combination is fed into the main vortex chamber and a component thereof is sheared off into the chamber for precipitation therein yielding a cut of the desired size or density.