Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner having a central hub with a hub axis and a plurality of vanes depending from the hub and extending in an approximately radial direction away from the hub axis, the vanes comprising an inner edge located near the central hub, an outer edge spaced radially outward from the inner edge, a first top edge, a second top edge located between the inner edge and the first top edge, and wherein the second top edge is orientated in a direction less than parallel to the hub axis.

Abstract: For cleaning of crankcase gas produced by an internal combustion engine, that is arranged for propelling a vehicle, use is made of a centrifugal separator having a centrifugal rotor that is mounted on the vehicle. The cleaning efficiency of the centrifugal separator is changed by changing the rotational speed of an electrical motor, that is connected to a source of current on the vehicle and arranged for driving said centrifugal rotor.

Abstract: For cleaning of crankcase gas produced by an internal combustion engine use is made of a centrifugal rotor, that is journalled in a frame through two axially separated bearings. The centrifugal rotor is caused to rotate by use of part of it also as a rotor of an electrical motor. The electrical motor has a stator, which is kept non-rotating and is charged with electric current for rotation of the centrifugal rotor, the centrifugal rotor being kept journalled during its rotation only in the two bearings.

Abstract: A system for removing substantially all particular material from an air flow through a passage provides the air flow passage with an area of enlarged circumference containing a coaxial mounted cyclone fan and stationary vanes. The cyclone fan includes a motor driving a cage provided with a plurality of vanes. The stationary vanes are shaped similar to like vanes on the cyclone fan, but are turned in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A system for removing substantially all particular material from an air flow through a passage provides the air flow passage with an area of enlarged circumference containing a coaxially mounted cyclone fan and stationary vanes. The cyclone fan includes a motor driving a cage provided with a plurality of vanes. The stationary vanes are shaped similar to like vanes on the cyclone fan, but are turned in the reverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel design for a recirculating vacuum cleaner nozzle that addresses the problem of pluming by venting some internal fluid to the atmosphere. The nozzle guides fluid flow around an inner shroud within a housing. The distal end of the nozzle is exposed to the atmosphere such that air passes rapidly across its face from the outside edges to the inner duct. This rapidly moving airflow picks up dust and debris and carries it to the interior of the inner duct. Dusty air within this duct is preferably cleaned with a separator. After the fluid is cleaned, it may be sent back to the nozzle to pick up more debris. Use of the nozzle of the present invention in conjunction with a separator allows sufficient air to enter the nozzle to prevent pluming and allows the same amount of air to exit via shaped vent holes while retaining dust in the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vacuum cleaning apparatus utilizing a self-sustained vortex flow in a centrifugal separator. More specifically, vortex flow is maintained via pressure differentials allowing the ejection of dust and other particles without bags, filters, or liquid baths. Furthermore, the impeller inside of the separator serves the dual purpose of moving air through the system as well as creating a cylindrical vortex fluid flow providing an efficient and simple configuration. Also disclosed herein is a complete toroidal vortex vacuum cleaner in which a toroidal vortex nozzle is used in conjunction with the centrifugal separator. The vacuum cleaner exhibits recirculating airflow that not only prevents unseparated dust from escaping into the atmosphere, but also conserves the kinetic energy of the flowing air. The present invention excels in producing clean air of a better quality more efficiently, more quietly, and more simply than the prior art.

Abstract: A gas centrifuge operating to separate gases of differing chemical composition and molecular weight by a centrifugal force field. Such a centrifuge is operable to separate methane and carbon dioxide, and to produce torque, and a cascade of such centrifuges is operable to concentrate produced streams of carbon dioxide and methane, and to produce torque. A compact centrifugal gas processing system incorporating the gas centrifuge with other centrifugal components, is also provided.

Abstract: In a vehicle (1) adapted to be propelled by means of an internal com-bustion engine (2) crankcase gases coming from the combustion engine are cleaned by means of a centrifugal separator (11). The rotor of the centrifugal separator (11) is driven by means of pressurized air delivered by a compressor (4), e.g. a so called turbo compressor, which is driven by means of the combustion engine. During periods when the compressor (4) delivers pressurized air in an insufficient amount and/or at insufficient pressure the rotor of the centrifugal separator (11) is instead driven by means of pressurized air coming from a container (9) containing so called auxiliary pressurized air. The auxiliary pressurized air may have a substantially larger pressure than the pressurized air normally delivered by the compressor (4). The combustion engine (2) is used also for accomplishing the overpressure of the auxiliary pressurized air in the container (9).

Abstract: A system (SPARC) for producing a mixed gas-oil stream wherein gas is to be separated and compressed downhole in a turbine-driven compressor before the gas is injected into a subterranean formation. A turbine bypass valve allows all of the stream to bypass the turbine during start-up until surging in the production stream has subsided. The valve then opens to allow a portion of the stream to pass through the turbine. Also, a compressor recycle valve recycles the compressor output until the surging in the stream has subsided while a check valve prevents back flow into the outlet of the compressor.

Abstract: For cleaning of crankcase gas produced by an internal combustion engine use is made of a centrifugal rotor (2), that is journalled in a frame (1) through two axially separated bearings (12, 13). The centrifugal rotor (2) is caused to rotate by use of part of it also as a rotor (19) of an electrical motor. The electrical motor has a stator (18), which is kept non-rotating and is charged with electric current for rotation of the centrifugal rotor (2), the centrifugal rotor (2) being kept journalled during its rotation only in said two bearings (12, 13).

Abstract: For cleaning of crankcase gas produced by an internal combustion engine (31), that is arranged for propelling a vehicle (30), use is made of a centrifugal separator (34) having a centrifugal rotor that is mounted on the vehicle. The cleaning efficiency of the centrifugal separator is changed by changing the rotational speed of an electrical motor (9), that is connected to a source of current on the vehicle and arranged for driving said centrifugal rotor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for filtering gas comprising a microporous or microfibrous adsorbent filter (6) and means for forcing an air flow between an exhaust hood (2) and outlet duct (3) for the filtered air. The invention is characterized in that it comprises liquid spraying means (18) and centrifuging means arranged between the spray means and the filtered gas outlet. The particles wetted by the sprayer are blocked by the internal rotary filter and discharged with the carrier liquid towards an external container (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vacuum cleaning apparatus utilizing a self-sustained vortex flow in a centrifugal separator. More specifically, vortex flow is maintained via pressure differentials allowing the ejection of dust and other particles without bags, filters, or liquid baths. Furthermore, the impeller inside of the separator serves the dual purpose of moving fluid through the system as well as creating a cylindrical vortex fluid flow. Additional circulating blades present throughout the separation chamber prevent fluid flow from slowing due to frictional losses. The axial design of the present invention allows the centrifugal separator to be constructed with an arbitrary length. The present invention excels in producing clean fluid of a better quality more efficiently, more quietly, and more simply than devices known in the art.

Abstract: The method of separating liquid from gas in a flow stream, that includes expanding the flow stream at a first zone to reduce flow stream pressure and increase flow stream velocity; centrifugally separating liquid from gas in the expanded flow stream, in a second zone; and increasing the pressure of the gas, from which liquid has been separated, by converting kinetic energy of the gas into pressure, at a third zone.

Abstract: A system for producing a mixed gas-oil stream which contains solid particulates wherein gas is to be separated and compressed downhole in a turbine-driven compressor before the gas is injected into a subterranean formation. The stream is passed through an upstream separator to separate out the particulates which pass through a first and second set of slots into first and second passages, both of which empty into a bypass through the turbine whereby the separated particulates do not contact the rotary vanes of the turbine thereby alleviating the erosive effects of the solids in the produced stream.

Abstract: Trap apparatus and method for removing contaminants from the gaseous effluent flows from chemical vapor deposition chambers and processes by flowing the particle laden gas into an upper chamber of the trap apparatus, imparting additional kinetic energy to the powder particles to enhance separation of the powder particles from the gas, and then flowing the gas, sans the powder particles, out of the trap, while the powder particles fall into and are captured by a lower chamber positioned below the upper chamber and remote from the flowing gas. An impeller positioned in the upper chamber in the inlet path imparts the additional kinetic energy. For some reaction gas systems, an optional reactor with hydrophillic, rotating growth substrates enhance and accelerate growth of solid particles, which are then dislodged from the media, and fed by the flowing gas into the upper chamber for capture as previously described.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process are described, wherein furnace flue gas, containing moisture, is expanded through a pressure drop sufficient to cause saturation of the gas. The resulting condensation of water increases the mass of particles, making them easier to separate from the gas. Acid components of the flue gas may be similarly rendered more easily separable. These wetted particles are then separated and removed from the flue gas. The cleaned flue gas is then compressed backup to chimney pressure for discharge. A flue gas cleaner of this invention thus renders particle forming fuels, such as low cost coal, more readily useable, while meeting appropriate particle emissions requirements.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a continuously cleanable, high performance filtration apparatus and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus is a radial inflow centrifugal filtration device, which includes a filter element located within a chamber and rotatably coupled to a filtered fluid outlet in a bulkhead that abuts the chamber. The filter element is generally tubular, its side-walls encircling and, thus, defining an interior plenum. The filter element side-walls incorporate a filter media, preferably a laminated microporous membrane filter media. The filter element is rotatably coupled at the filtered fluid outlet by a seal which can maintain a seal as filter element rotates. Additionally, the device can include a boundary layer momentum transfer device made up of a plurality of stacked annular disks having central openings, each disk separated from adjacent disks by a desired gap. The central openings define a cavity in which the filter element is mounted.

Abstract: The method of separating liquid from gas in a flow stream, that includes expanding the flow stream at a first zone to reduce flow stream pressure and increase flow stream velocity; centrifugally separating liquid from gas in the expanded flow stream, in a second zone; and increasing the pressure of the gas, from which liquid has been separated, by converting kinetic energy of the gas into pressure, at a third zone.

Abstract: Trap apparatus and method for removing contaminants from the gaseous effluent flows from chemical vapor deposition chambers and processes by flowing the particle laden gas into an upper chamber of the trap apparatus, imparting additional kinetic energy to the powder particles to enhance separation of the powder particles from the gas, and then flowing the gas, sans the powder particles, out of the trap, while the powder particles fall into and are captured by a lower chamber positioned below the upper chamber and remote from the flowing gas. An impeller positioned in the upper chamber in the inlet path imparts the additional kinetic energy. For some reaction gas systems, an optional reactor with hydrophillic, rotating growth substrates enhance and accelerate growth of solid particles, which are then dislodged from the media, and fed by the flowing gas into the upper chamber for capture as previously described.

Abstract: A centripetal demister system and method for the removal of moisture from a moisture laden gas stream using both centrifugal and centripetal force to shear the moisture from a inlet gas, the centripetal force also directing the inlet gas radially inward for collecting the demisted gas. The present invention is particular useful for removal of environmentally harmful particulates contained within the moisture laden gas stream, the particulates and moisture being force against the interior of the housing by centrifugal force while the demisted gas is drawn radially inward by centripetal force.

Abstract: A powered low restriction air precleaner device and method for centrifugally ejecting heavier-than-air particulate debris from debris laden air for providing for a combustion engine air intake, an engine air cooling system, or a cab air intake system, for example. The device employs a fan located in the device for drawing debris laden air into the air precleaner device. The debris laden air is spun in the air precleaner device to form a rotating flow pattern that stratifies the debris laden air with the most massive particles of debris in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow pattern of debris laden air. Debris from the rotating flow pattern is ejected from the device for cleaning the air, which is flowed to an air outlet of the device for supplying the cleaned air.

Abstract: A centripetal demister system and method for the removal of moisture from a moisture laden gas stream using both centrifugal and centripetal force to shear the moisture from a inlet gas, the centripetal force also directing the inlet gas radially inward for collecting the demisted gas. The present invention is particular useful for removal of environmentally harmful particulates contained within the moisture laden gas stream, the particulates and moisture being force against the interior of the housing by centrifugal force while the demisted gas is drawn radially inward by centripetal force.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved debris collection apparatus that utilizes a toroidal vortex within the apparatus housing to establish a pressure differential between the outside of the device and the inside. This system and its derivatives are essentially closed systems-there is no constant intake and exhaust of fluid. Included in the debris collection apparatus is a compaction means that captures debris caught in the toroidal vortex flow, and deposits it in a desired chamber.

Abstract: A powered low restriction air precleaner device and method for centrifugally ejecting heavier-than-air particulate debris from debris laden air for providing for a combustion engine air intake, an engine air cooling system, or a cab air intake system, for example. The device employs a fan located in the device for drawing debris laden air into the air precleaner device. The debris laden air is spun in the air precleaner device to form a rotating flow pattern that stratifies the debris laden air with the most massive particles of debris in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow pattern of debris laden air. Debris from the rotating flow pattern is ejected from the device for cleaning the air, which is flowed to an air outlet of the device for supplying the cleaned air.

Abstract: An extracting blower that removes liquid and solid contaminants from supply air, and provides high velocity air for cooling equipment, personnel and/or structures. The blower uses air velocity and the centrifugal force of a rotating fan to separate the contaminants into a rear partitioned chamber of the fan housing and out a rear scavenging air exhaust, while blowing clean air out the main air blower.

Abstract: There is provided an air delivery device and method of moving and filtering air. The air delivery device comprises a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. Between the air inlet and the air outlet is located an air delivery fan having at least two rotating air moving elements, the rotating air moving elements intersects the flow of air between the air inlet and the air outlet and establishes a higher pressure zone at the air outlet relative to the air inlet. The air delivery fan further comprises at lest one filter element, having at least one upstream filter face and at least one downstream filter face, defining at least one primary flow channel, and rotating along the same axis of rotation as the air moving elements and preferably forming the air moving elements at least in part.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating droplets and/or solid particles from a gas. The apparatus includes a shell defining a space. An impeller in the space and a gas inlet duct through the shell are arranged for introducing gas with liquid and/or solid particles into the space. A driving device rotates the impeller. One or several openings are arranged around the shell. At least a major portion of the liquid and/or solid particles exit through the openings and may be carried into a collecting space which may be outside the shell.

Abstract: An air washer includes an upwardly-open vessel for holding an air washing liquid. An air inlet opening into the upwardly open vessel introduces air to be washed below the upper level of the air washing liquid, and a chamber above the upper level of air washing liquid has inner and outer walls. A fan spaced from the upper level of air washing liquid is positioned within the outer wall of the chamber. The fan pulls an air flow through the inner wall of the chamber and exhausts it to an exhaust path downstream of the fan. Operation of the fan induces air to pass through the inlet and to be washed by the air washing liquid in the vessel and to pass through the chamber to the fan and then to be exhausted through the exhaust path. Air washing liquid entrained as liquid droplets in the cleaned air is propelled outwardly by the fan and centrifugally removed from the cleaned air.

Abstract: A gas separator having a reduced rotating mass. The gas separator includes a stationary flow inducer that creates a vortex within an outer housing. The flow inducer includes an accelerator mechanism that increases the velocity of the fluid mixture as it flows through a portion of the gas separator. The resultant liquid and gaseous phases are directed from the gas separator through separate outlets.

Abstract: There is provided an air delivery device and method of moving and filtering air. The air delivery device comprises a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. Between the air inlet and the air outlet is located an air delivery fan having at least two rotating air moving elements, the rotating air moving elements intersects the flow of air between the air inlet and the air outlet and establishes a higher pressure zone at the air outlet relative to the air inlet. The air delivery fan further comprises at lest one filter element, having at least one upstream filter face and at least one downstream filter face, defining at least one primary flow channel, and rotating along the same axis of rotation as the air moving elements and preferably forming the air moving elements at least in part.

Abstract: A method for processing an exhaust gas produced during manufacturing of semiconductor devices including the steps of introducing a thermally disintegrable or thermally oxidizable exhaust gas produced during manufacturing of semiconductor devices into a processing chamber; heating up this exhaust gas in the processing chamber so that the exhaust gas undergoes thermal disintegration or thermal oxidation and becomes harmless and easy to handle for further processing; capturing fine particles of solid oxides or the like suspended inside the processing chamber with a sweeper provided inside the processing chamber; and sweeping fine particles of solid oxides or the like accumulated on a wall of the processing chamber with the sweeper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced exclusion filter having a cylindrical stack of substantially identical annular disks and a central rotating element. Each annular disk engages the rotating element by at least one strut which extends inward from the inner perimeter of the annular disk toward the central axis of the cylindrical stack. Protuberances extend from the annular disks and engage depressions in adjacent annular disks to maintain the spacing between adjacent annular disks. Dimples extending through the annular disks may be utilized to form a depression on one surface of an annular disk and a protuberance on the opposite surface of the annular disk. The annular disks are angularly offset by a fixed amount from the adjacent annular disks so that rough vane surfaces are formed by the struts of the annular disks. Preferably a pattern of substantially identical angular offsets is used.

Abstract: A secondary separator stage for separating material conveyed in a fluid stream. A material collecting receptacle includes an inlet conduit and an exhaust vent. The stream of fluid with materials flow via the inlet conduit into the receptacle. An exhauster located upstream on the inlet conduit removes the majority of the fluid within the fluid stream prior to the stream flowing into the receptacle. The remaining portion of the fluid entering the receptacle is removed via an exhaust vent. A rotating plate allows the fluid in the receptacle to pass therethrough but blocks passage of any conveyed materials.

Abstract: There is provided an integrated exclusion filter and pressurizing device which prevents leakage of unfiltered fluid across the interface area between a rotating filtering apparatus and non-rotating bulkhead. The exclusion filter utilized is of the type which utilizes Boundary Layer Momentum Transfer methodology to achieve filtration, and which includes a cylindrical stack of substantially flat annular plates. A pressurizing device is utilized downstream from the exclusion filter to repressurize filtered fluid and direct the filtered fluid toward the interface area. Either all the filtered fluid or only a portion may be repressurized, and some of the filtered fluid may be directed toward the bulkhead itself to aid pressurization by creating a local stagnation region. The pressurizing device may utilize flow diverting blades in a housing, including blowers, pumps, compressors, and fans.

Abstract: An air cleaning system for a vehicle includes an inertial separator for filtering contaminated air, which then enters a vehicle cooling system positioned to receive the filtered air exiting from the inertial separator, and a clean air diverter positioned to receive a portion of the filtered air and to direct the filtered air to an engine and/or cab. The system may also include a pulley arrangement to increase the speed of a second inertial separator which further filters the air directed to the engine and/or cab.

Abstract: A method of separating unburned Carbon, as particulate matter, from the flyash produced as a result of the combustion process occurring in a pulverized-coal fired steam generating power plant is disclosed. More particularly the invention separates the flyash into a coarse product group and a fine product group by utilizing the differences in specific gravity between the Carbon particles and remaining flyash as well as utilization of the dynamic classification characteristics of a rotary classifier to effect the separation whereby at least one of the two product groups comprises a relatively low weight percentage of unburned Carbon while yet comprising a relatively high percentage of the total mass of product recovered after separation.

Abstract: A method for filtering out particles from a fluid is disclosed, wherein unfiltered fluid is guided into a filter housing of a filter apparatus and filtered fluid is guided from the filter housing, and wherein a rotary filter element, which has a filter structure and is arranged in the filter housing and is rotatable about an axis thereof, is rotated at a speed which is sufficiently high that all particles passing in a fluid flow into the area of the rotary filter element are affected by its structure and are ejected therefrom, whereas the fluid passes the structure of the rotary filter element substantially freed from the particles and flows off from the filter housing.

Abstract: Oil separator rotor located in an enclosure provided with an oil reinjection system for lubricating a bearing. The oil separator rotor, which dries the excess air passing out of the enclosure, acts by aiding the deposition of suspended oil on the walls of a lining or packing of the rotor. The lining is a honeycomb material cartridge offering easy separation without excessive pressure losses. The rotor is assembled by bolts, which interconnect the end plates traversing the lining.

Abstract: An air precleaner and method for centrifugally ejecting heavier-than-air particulate debris from an air stream utilizes a circular separator chamber formed with a toroidal dome for smooth airflow transition of the vortex airflow moving through the separator chamber in a cyclonic pattern upwardly from an inlet in a base of the precleaner past a debris ejection duct where it is folded over by the toroidal dome for whirlpooling down to an outlet in the base radially inwardly of and through the upwardly moving vortex airflow. The area for the airflow in the separator chamber progressively decreases linearly to increase the speed of the airflow in the chamber. A particle accelerator assembly includes a plurality of appendages that arc back from a central hub in a swept-back attitude relative to a direction of the vortex airflow.

Abstract: A radial inflow centrifugal filter device for separating fine particulates from a fluid flow, including a rotatable plurality of hollow parallel disks mounted in spaced apart relationship and attached via spacers to a tube. The hollow drive tube is in flow communication with the interior hollow plenum of the disks which is at a lower pressure relative to the open space between the disks. Rotating the tube causes the disks to rotate. Particulate-laden fluid is allowed to enter the filter device at the perimeter of the rotating disks and experiences a change in momentum due to the interaction of boundary layers of fluid established on each side of every disk. The centrifugal force imparted to both the fluid and particulates causes them to be separated in opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for recovering a target material including using an adsorbent such as activated charcoal, the target material recovered in a continuous manner, as well as a method and an apparatus for recovering a solvent based on such a method and apparatus. The adsorbent for the target material is rotated to move the adsorbed material in direction of centrifugal force while the target material is attracted to the adsorbent. The excess target material is detached from a peripheral edge of the adsorbent by centrifugal force. The detached material is recovered by a recovery device provided in corresponding relation to the adsorbent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and collecting fine dust particles from a gas including the fine particle dust from a source which generates the fine particle dust by introducing the gas to a filter. The method further sets forth the step of flowing the gas from the inside of the filter of a dust collector of cylindrical form to the outside thereof so as to filter the gas after removing an oil and water from the gas by use of a rotary brush prior to introduction of the gas to the dust collector.

Abstract: In a method of treating a fine particle dust in a manufacturing process of semiconductor elements wherein the fine particle dust is separated and collected from an air which includes the fine particle dust produced from a source of generating the fine particle dust generated in a process of manufacturing semiconductor elements by filtering air with a laminated filter which comprises at least three filters, each of which having a smaller mesh is arranged to located from an down-stream in order. The method comprising the step of separating removing water and oil by passing the air through a rotary brush prior before the air from the source of generating the fine particle dust is filtered with the laminated filter. The apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Gas is separated from fluent material, particularly a liquid or a cellulose fiber suspension having a consistency of about 8-18%, utilizing a closed separation apparatus having a spiral housing with a central axis, a fluent material inlet channel, a fluent material outlet, and a gas outlet. A pressure differential is maintained between the inlet channel and the spiral housing, and the pressure differential is converted to kinetic energy of the fluent material by causing the fluent material to flow through one or more spiral flow paths through the inlet channel toward the spiral housing. In the spiral housing a rotor is rotated to impart a strong centrifugal force to the fluent material to cause gas to separate and collect adjacent the central axis of the spiral housing, from which the gas is removed. The strong centrifugal force caused by the rotating rotor discharges the fluent material through the outlet. The spiral flow paths may be stationary or may rotate with the rotor in the spiral housing.