Abstract: An apparatus (10) for purifying gas distribution systems has a gas inlet (12) and a gas outlet (14) for connection to gas distribution lines (54). A housing (22) encloses a resistance heater (24) and a particle filter (26) for the gas. The resistance heater (24) is connected to the gas inlet (12) and the particle filter (26) is connected between the resistance heater (24) and the gas outlet (14). The resistance heater includes a sealed tube (26) defining a gas plenum (28). A resistance heater element enclosed in a cylindrical Inconel alloy shell (30) is centrally disposed in the sealed tube (26). A spiral ridge (32) winds around the shell (30) to define a spiral path for gas flowing through the plenum (28). The spiral ridge (32) has a narrower pitch near the gas inlet (12) and a wider pitch moving toward the filter (26) end of the plenum (28).

Abstract: A one-piece, truncated conical annulus or dust separator body is molded from a high impact polystyrene material in such manner that a narrow rib is formed on the inner conical surface of the body to extend continuously in a spiral path from the larger to the smaller end thereof. A flange on its larger end is used to support the body in a vacuum cleaner chamber above a dust collecting canister. Dust-laden air enters the upper end of the body tangentially and cyclonically so that dust particles are urged outwardly by centrifugal forces, and are fed by the spiral rib downwardly into the canister.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the improved separation of liquids and/or solids from a gas stream which includes a cylindrical vessel in which the gas stream is rotated by helicoidal blades for separating the liquid and/or solids from the gas stream. The separated gas is discharged through an upwardly projecting pipe. At least one plate is provided under the gas discharge pipe and at least one diametrical baffle is provided beneath the bottom plate to stop the rotation of the separated liquids and/or solids.

Abstract: A Smog and Particulate Collection System for Use on Vehicles with Internal Combustion Engines is disclosed. The present invention not only removes pollutants from the exhaust gases of diesel trucks, but also collects and stores the carbon black byproduct produced by the burning of diesel fuel so that the carbon can be recycled. The preferred embodiment of the invention (10) is mounted on a truck cab (11). The exhaust manifold of the truck (13) is attached to an air intake (12) and transports exhaust gases (14) mixed with particulates (16) to an air cyclone accelerator (23). After the exhaust gases (14) and particulates (16) are accelerated, they are fed into a spiral vortex separation column (21), where fine dust particles of carbon black (28) are removed from the exhaust gases (14). The column (21) includes a metal housing (22) that surrounds an outer vortex chamber (24) and an interior exhaust tube (30) and terminates in a constricted portion (25).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a separator for dividing a steam/water mixture into its liquid and steam components. The inventive separator comprises a pipe having an annular spiral strip which is attached to its inside wall, said pipe being in fluid communication with ports for removal of liquid water divided from said mixture. The width of the annular spiral strip preferably is about 1/10th to 1/20th of the diameter of the pipe to which it is attached. A method for dividing steam/water mixtures into their liquid and steam components by passing such mixture through the inventive separator forms yet another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: A conical cyclone separator for separating steam from water in a steam/water mixture supplied to a steam drum of a boiler, comprises a conical portion with upper and lower cylindrical portions. Unlike conventional separators which include a tangential inlet extending the axial length of the conical portion of the separator only, the disclosed separator has an inlet which extends by approximately 20% of its length over the lower cylindrical portion of the housing and is vertically elongated over the inlet of conventional separators.

Abstract: In a fluid catalytic cracking process, a new separator apparatus has been invented for separating catalyst from cracked vapor. The separator comprises a downwardly spiraling channel. The separator demonstrates good separation efficiency even at turn down flow rates.

Abstract: A water-steam separator is used in conjunction with a steam humidifier system to maintain the relative humidity within a desired range in buildings. The separator includes a container, a vapor inlet supply pipe, and an outlet steam distribution pipe. One portion of the outlet steam distribution pipe extends outwardly from the container and has apertures therein for distributing dry steam. Another portion of the outlet steam distribution pipe extends inwardly toward the center of the container and has an opening spaced inwardly from the container wall to reduce condensates entering the outlet pipe.

Abstract: A vortex tube gas cleaning device 110 is used to clean a particle containing gas flow stream of particles. The device 110 has an outer tube 112 having an inlet 114 at an upstream end, and, in series downstream of the inlet 114 a vortex generator 116 in a vortex region 118, and a separation region 119. An inner extraction tube 140 is located at the downstream end of the tube 112 and extends concentrically within the outer tube 112, upstream, canti-lever fashion. A peripheral outlet region 122 is defined annularly around the inner tube 140 downstream of the separation region 119 and leads to an outlet port 136. A central outlet region 124 is defined within the inner tube 140 downstream of the separation region 119 and leads to an outlet 148. The periphery 130 of the outer tube 112 diverges at an angle 132 through the vortex generating region 118 and the separation region 119. The periphery of the vortex generator 116 diverges correspondingly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for separating and/or precipitating of solid and/or liquid particles (disperse phase) from gaseous and/or liquid media (continuous phase) as well as for separating mixed gases (gas-gas-separation) and/or mixed fluids (fluid-fluid-separation) as well as for screening and/or classifying by means of a vortex chamber separator with suction tube 35. For decrease of flow resistance at generation of moment of momentum the contact zone between main flow and eddy is adjusted to cylinder casing that the tangential initial impulse in laminary bottom flow is increased by means of decrease of laminary bottom flow impulse, secondarily circulating in vortex chamber. For reduction of loss of impulse by means of dissipative drop of pressure in flow of main channel, laminary bottom flow is dynamically balanced with constant or mainly constant average main flow rate.

Abstract: An oil separator for removing oil from a flowing waste stream of waste fluid includes: a separator body having a flow bore with a center, an open bottom and an open top each communicating with the flow bore so that fluid can flow in the flow bore between the open bottom and the open top; and a plurality of vanes, each defining a spiral path for fluid flowing in the bore between the open bottom to the open top, the vanes being spaced radially from the center of the bore and each vane having upper and lower end portions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for separating and/or precipitating of solid and/or liquid particles (disperse phase) from gaseous and/or liquid media (continuous phase) as well as for separating mixed gases (gas-gas-separation) and/or mixed fluids (fluid-fluid-separation) as well as for screening and/or classifying by means of a vortex chamber separator with suction tube 35. For decrease of flow resistance at generation of moment of momentum the contact zone between main flow and eddy is adjusted to cylinder casing that the tangential initial impulse in laminary bottom flow is increased by means of decrease of laminary bottom flow impulse, secondarily circulating in vortex chamber. For reduction of loss of impulse by means of dissipative drop of pressure in flow of main channel, laminary bottom flow is dynamically balanced with constant or mainly constant average main flow rate.

Abstract: An air cleaner including a plurality of regularly arranged vortex separators and a network of regularly arranged exhaust ducts is disclosed. The vortex separators include a restriction between vortex air and particulate laden scavengable air. The duct network includes a plurality of regularly arranged structural ducts extending between the spaced apart side plates which hold the vortex separators. The structural ducts are in fluid communication with the ducting network leading to a common output.

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 process and an apparatus are disclosed for separating particulate matter from a contaminated gaseous medium containing the particulate matter, including the steps of passing the contaminated gaseous medium through a swirl-inducing zone to form a swirling-contaminated gaseous medium; introducing the swirling-contaminated gaseous medium into a cyclonic separation zone via an introduction zone to separate at least a portion of the particulate matter from the swirling-contaminated gaseous medium and to form a layer of particulate matter on the inner surface of a wall defining the periphery of the separation zone; deflecting the layer of particulate matter below the introduction zone; removing the gaseous product from the separation zone through an exhaust flow zone disposed radially inward from the swirl-inducing zone; and removing the particulate matter from a lower region of the separation zone.

Abstract: An arrangement for the separation of particles from a gas stream is provided with a helical guiding element and a collar having drop-forming elements. Consequently, on the one hand a strongly rotating movement is imparted to the air at a relatively low flow resistance, on the other hand it is processed by the drop-forming elements of the collar, which results in high capacity as well as effective separation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating, spreading and distributing a solid or liquid particulate material. The particulate material is pneumatically conveyed into a centrifugal chamber within a rotor (20) operatable by the flow of material for centrifugal separation of the particulate material. The terminal edge of the circumference of the centrifugal chamber serves as an overflow for establishing a buffer store and has a flow-retarding inwardly directed flange. A baffle may be provided around the terminal edge to intercept the material flung out and to conduct the material, via hopper-like flow-retarding recesses, to different outlets provided around the terminal edge.

Abstract: In a hydrocyclone separator for separating a mixture into one light and one heavy fraction, with a separation chamber consisting partly of one circular cylindrical part and partly of one conical part, the wall of the separation chamber (1, 2) is provided, along a substantial part of its axial elongation, with a means creating a turbulence to a relatively moderate degree and which extends in a screw path (7) opposite to the screw path in which the flow streams along the wall of the separation chamber. Advantageously, at least one guide bar (6) with substantially axial elongation is provided to give the flow, streaming in a screw path along the wall of the separation chamber (1, 2) a radially inwardly directed component. The screw-path-formed limiting surface (7) of said means may form the angle .alpha.=0.degree.-75.degree. to the axial symmetry axis (9) of the separation chamber (1, 2).

Abstract: A water-steam separator to be used in conjunction with a steam humidifier system used to maintain the relative humidity within a desired range in buildings. The water-separator comprising a body in the form of a closed cylindrical tank with a top end and a bottom end. The water-steam separator also comprises a flow diverter internal to the body which divides the body into a condensate area and an inlet-outlet area; the flow diverter extending substantially from the top end of the body to the bottom end of the body. A partition further divides the inlet-outlet area into a separate outlet area and a separate inlet area. The water-steam separator is fitted with a water drain, a water steam inlet, and a steam outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing paint mist from exhaust air from a spray-painting operation draws the exhaust air, paint mist, and a washing liquid down a funnel inlet into an open ended cylindrical mixing chamber. In the mixing chamber, they turbulently spiral outwardly to exit said chamber through the open ends thereof. An elongated blocking structure is centrally disposed in said mixing chamber to block access of exhaust air to the central portion of the mixing chamber which has low spiral turbulence and thus low mixing efficiency. The inlet to the mixing chamber and the open end outlets therefrom preferably form venturies to further increase the mixing efficiency.

Abstract: Steam-water separators are comprised of a single vertical shell mounted over a hole in a horizontal deck within a steam drum. Vanes within the cylinder imparts centrifugal force to the upwardly flowing mixture of saturated steam and water. The saturated water is thrown to the internal wall of the shell and skimmed over the upper edge of the shell to descend in flowing over the surface of a series of downwardly spiraling trays while evolved steam disengages from the saturated water.

Abstract: A cyclone dust separator for the separation of coarse, small and very fine particles of dust from a dust-laden current of exhaust air or exhaust gas, which is conveyed eccentrically from above, and via a dust pipe, from a fan to a separating vessel is provided. The separated particles of dust are intercepted in a collector mounted underneath the separating vessel, a pipe conduit being inserted centrally from above into the separating vessel in order to lead off the current of pure air or pure gas, while a round upper part, in which the dust pipe terminates eccentrically, is mounted on the separating vessel. In the upper part the mixture of dust and air is subdivided into two separate currents taking an approximately circular coarse. This enables coarse, fine and very fine dust to be separated in an optimum manner even when considerable quantities of dust-laden air have to pass through the apparatus.

Abstract: A particulate material collecting apparatus including a cylindrical member defining therein a spiral flow chamber for forming a spiral flow of gas therein, an inlet duct and an outlet duct connected to the cylindrical member tangentially to the inner circumferential surface thereof, and a hollow inverted pyramidical member secured to the lower portion of the cylindrical member. A spiral flow guide plate having a convex surface curved radially outwardly of the cylindrical member is interposed between the cylindrical member and the inverted pyramidical member. The spiral flow guide plate is positioned so as to define two openings, one opening being located on the upstream side of the spiral flow of gas and the other opening being located on the downstream side of the spiral flow of gas.

Abstract: A vacuum evaporator is provided with an integral cyclonic-type entrainment separator at the top of the evaporator vapor body which comprises a helical spin plate for imparting a centrifugal action to the vapor and entrained liquid rising from the boiling liquid in the flash chamber. Liquid entrainment is deposited on the vertical wall of the evaporator and flows downward countercurrent to vapor flow into a collecting trough, from which it is discharged into a pipe that returns it to the boiling liquid.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator wherein a helical passageway is defined between an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder in such a way that a working fluid with entrained bubbles may be forced to flow tangentially into the helical passage and swirl therethrough. The entrained bubbles are separated from the liquid through centrifugal force produced by the swirling or vortical flow through the helical passageway and trapped or collected inside the inner cylinder, from which they are discharged to the exterior.

Abstract: A vacuum system includes a vacuum pump, means to provide a flow of lubricant oil to the vacuum pump, and an oil reclaimer and muffler assembly to remove oil that becomes entrained in the gas stream leaving the pump and to permit such oil to be resupplied to the means providing the flow of lubricant to the pump. The oil reclaimer and muffler assembly includes an outer casing having an inlet for the gas stream from the vacuum pump. Wall means are provided within the outer casing to form a passageway to circulate the gas stream adjacent the inner wall of the casing. Entrained oil and water from the gas pump are collected on the inner walls of the assembly and flow under the influence of gravity to a collection pipe at one end of the assembly. The inner wall means also forms a passageway from adjacent the bottom of the assembly to its top from which the cleaned gas passes.

Abstract: A skimmer is secured to the top of a cyclone separator. The skimmer includes an outer cylinder forming an extension of the conventional air exhaust duct of the separator and an inner concentric cylinder terminating within the lower end of the outer cylinder. A specially constructed spiral directing wall means is secured within the space and directs the fine dust laden peripherial layer of the exhaust air through the outer peripheral portion of the exhaust duct for selective discharge into and from a discharge opening and duct means. A door is provided for the opening, and has a central pivot means to simultaneously open and close the reverse sides of the door. The cylinders define an annular space aligned with the peripherial layer of the upwardly moving air from the cyclone separator. The peripherial air layers move into and through the annular space into the discharge duct or back into the center of the center cylinder while the central relative clean air passes through the center cylinder for discharge.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for the filtering of fibers and equivalent material from flowing air, and in particular for use in textile operations, has been invented in which the fiber material is firmly compacted so that as much fiber material as possible may be accommodated in a given volume of a collecting container attached to the filtering apparatus. For this purpose the filtering apparatus has a hollow fiber filtering assembly into which the flowing air is guided, a conveyor screw and a motor to drive the conveyor screw toward an outlet of the filtering assembly. The filtering assembly also includes at least one filter, with the outlet located downstream in the direction of movement of the fiber material, and at least one braking component located near the outlet which serves to brake the motion of the fiber material induced by the conveyor screw and to compact the fiber material firmly.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating gases from fluids, which apparatus includes a closed cylindrical receptacle and a cylindrical insert which divides the interior of the receptacle into an annular outer part and a cylindrical inner part. The outer part is provided with a tangential inlet for the fluid. Near the top, an opening connects the outer part to the inner part, the latter being provided with a ventilation device. The outer annular part is divided in the axial direction by a partition which ascends spirally from the tangential inlet approximately in a complete turn in the direction of the upper end face cover of the receptacle. The connection opening is formed by an annular clearance which extends over nearly the entire circumference of the receptacle. A similar annular clearance at the bottom of the receptacle connects the inner cylindrical part with the outer annular part, the latter having a tangential discharge outlet in this region.

Abstract: A gas bag protection apparatus for protecting occupant of a motor vehicle upon collision thereof, comprises a gas supply source of a high pressure gas, a gas bag normally deflated and operatively inflated upon an emergency, and a diffuser for supplying a high pressure gas from the gas supply source into the bag to be inflated. Improvement resides in provision of a centrifugal separator chamber provided between the gas supply source and the diffuser, for separating, from the high pressure gas flow, residues produced at an explosion of an igniter which is adapted to cause the gas supply source to feed the high pressure gas. A residue collecting cavity may be provided in combination with the separating chamber, both of which may be in a coaxially aligned configuration.

Abstract: Particulate matter is separated from an aerosol by a process in which the aerosol is spun fast enough to create a vortex therein. The temperature in the relatively colder inner zone near the axis of spin of the vortex is made to fall low enough to cause at least part of the particulate matter to be wet therein by the condensation thereupon of vapor. This vapor is introduced or evaporated into a relatively warmer outer zone of the vortex farther away from the axis of spin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for separating particles from a gas stream which consists essentially of a cylindrical vessel having a feed pipe connected thereto and intersecting the axis of said vessel; an axial discharge pipe connected to and protruding into said vessel, a sleeve located with some clearance around said discharge pipe and having fixed thereto a plurality of helicoidal first impeller blades so as to cause the gas feed to rotate; means located within said vessel and below said blades to discharge said particles; said device being further characterized by a plurality of spiral second impeller blades extending perpendicularly below and above, and being fixed to, said helicoidal first impeller blades, such that one vertical edge of each of said spiral blades touches said sleeve along, essentially, a straight vertical line, that the other, essentially straight, vertical edge of each spiral blade is located at a distance from the surface of said sleeve which is between 0.33 and 0.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating solid particles from a mixed fluid stream is provided by this invention. The method comprises helically guiding a fluid mixture of particles and liquid into a porous-walled chamber, discharging the fluids centrifugally from the chamber and recovering the particles at the bottom of the chamber. Apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, includes a helical conduit, in fluid flow connection with a porous chamber, a spiral deflector extending from the top of helical conduit downwardly into the chamber so as to deflect the particles downwardly as the water is ejected centrifugally through the sides of the chamber.

Abstract: Particulate solids are separated from their admixture with gases by passage through a cyclone separator, wherein the solids are guided down the lower conical section thereof by helical channels which minimize recirculation of the particles and thereby minimize agglomeration thereof.