Abstract: A vapor/liquid separation apparatus for treating a flow of vapor/liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons and steam comprises a vertical drum with a side inlet to introduce hydrocarbon/steam mixtures, an overhead vapor outlet, and a lower section in communication with a cylindrical boot of less diameter than the drum, the boot comprising sufficient gas-liquid contact surface, e.g., that provided by one or more sheds, baffles and/or distillation trays, to provide at least a partial theoretical distillation stage, and a lower portion for receiving liquid from the drum, a lower outlet for removing the liquid, and an inlet for introducing a stripping gas, such as steam, hydrogen, light crackable hydrocarbon, and/or methane, below the distillation tray and preferably above the level of liquid in the boot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating liquids from gases comprising a preseparator that separates an untreated gas region from a preseparator gas region, a main separator comprising a coalescing element for increasing the size of liquid droplets and a post-separator.

Abstract: The system of the present invention comprises a centripetal cyclone for separating particulate material from a particulate laden gas solids stream. The cyclone comprises a housing defining a conduit extending between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. In operation, when a particulate laden gas-solids stream passes through the upstream housing inlet, the particulate laden gas-solids stream is directed through the conduit and at least a portion of the solids in the particulate laden gas-solids stream are subjected to a centripetal force within the conduit.

Abstract: A process in connection with a pipe (1) for transforming a dispersed gas/liquid flow into laminar stratified flow. The solution involves a first set of stationary guide blades (6) arranged in the pipe (1) and designed to rotate the liquid/gas flow. The pipe (1) is, in turn, connected to a second pipe (2) with the same or a different diameter and, in the transition between the pipe (1) and the second pipe (2), there is a second set of blades or a device (8) that is designed to stop the rotation of the gas. The natural flow pattern of the gas/liquid in the second pipe (2) then becomes stratified over a predefined distance.

Abstract: A separator for separating liquid components, in particular oil components, from a gas flow is disclosed including a cyclone and a tank. The liquid separator has a cyclone 1 with a separating chamber 2 including gas supply 3 and gas discharge 4 and a tank 5 which is connected to the cyclone 1 via a connection opening 6. The interior of the tank 5 is filled at least partially with a porous open-pore material 7 in order to interrupt the flow, dampen the flow, dampen the oscillations and/or discharge the liquid.

Abstract: Two or more cyclone systems can be contained in a single vessel. Each cyclone system can be in fluid communication with an inlet stream and a fluid discharge line. First cyclone system can include a vent open to the cyclone containing vessel. Second cyclone system can be sealed to restrict fluid entry from and/or exit into vessel, which can inhibit product vapors from exiting the vent of one cyclone system into the vessel and flowing into the vent of the other cyclone system.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator and methods of cyclonic separation which provide for a band pass separation of particles. That is, a cyclonic separator able to remove particles from an air stream that are greater than a predetermined minimum (which is greater than zero) while being smaller than a particular maximum. This band pass separation may be performed with the inclusion of a secondary vortex break on a cyclonic separator. Also discussed are cyclonic flow systems which provide for less deposition of aerosolized particles onto the cyclonic flow generator and related structures to improve likelihood of particles of interest being provided to an attached detector.

Abstract: A multi-stage gas-solids separator is configured so that the higher density (solids) output flows of two or more of the separator stages are merged together. The multi-stage separator is preferably composed of cyclone separators, with the diplegs of at least two of the cyclone separator stages merged together.

Abstract: Cyclone design comprising an inlet device having an inlet height (Hi) and an inlet width (Wi), a gas outlet pipe having a pipe diameter (Di) and a pipe penetration (P), a barrel having an upper barrel diameter (Db) and a barrel length (Lb), said barrel comprising a cylindrical volume on top of a conical volume, a solids outlet pipe (O), an inlet gas velocity (Ug, i) and an inlet gas flow (Q), characterised in that the ratio of the inlet gas flow to the square of the upper barrel diameter (Q/Db2) is higher than 0.5, preferably higher than 0.7, and lower than 1.5, preferably lower than 1.2 (m/s) and in that the barrel length to diameter ratio (Lb/Db) is higher than 3, preferably higher than 3.5, and lower than 6, preferably lower than 4.5.

Abstract: Catalyst losses are prevented in riser reactor systems by using a low inlet velocity for the first cyclone separator in each multi-stage cyclone separator in the reactor. Catalyst particles not separated from the product output flow in an oxygenate-to-olefin reactor are also recaptured by cooling the product output flow and passing the flow through an electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: A system and associated methods are disclosed for facilitating efficient collection of entrained material from an air/gas sample. In one arrangement, a method for collecting entrained material from a sample involves a dry collection cyclonic cycle combined with a period of fluid wash use. In particular, a sample is drawn into a chamber of a cyclone separator having a perimeter wall, and then a dry collection cyclonic separation cycle is performed on the sample for a period of time to separate a substantial amount of the entrained material from the sample. Subsequent to or temporally near an ending point of the dry collection cyclonic separation cycle, a fluid wash is injected into cyclone separator chamber so as to direct the fluid wash along the perimeter wall to capture material deposited on the walls and in the vortex break at the bottom of the cyclone separator.

Abstract: A separator and method according to which substances having relatively high densities are separated from a pressurized flow stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating a gas/liquid mixture, comprising: an inlet opening for the mixture; an outlet for the mixture located downstream; rotating means arranged in the tube for setting the mixture into rotating movement; one or more outlet openings arranged downstream relative to the rotating means for allowing a part of the mixture to flow laterally out of the tube; a return conduit arranged in axial direction through the rotating means for reintroducing into the tube the flow which has exited via the outlet openings; and divergence means arranged close to the outlet opening of the return conduit for allowing the reintroduced flow to diverge laterally.

Abstract: An apparatus and process in which a catalyst nozzle and a feed nozzle are joined together at a joint in a reactor vessel that contains a disengaging transport conduit in communication with a separator. An inlet to the transport conduit is disposed vertically higher than the joint to reduce the quantity of catalyst that enters the transport conduit with the vapor product.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing material in particle form in a fluidization zone and at elevated temperature, in particular for reducing fine ore, the particle material being held in the fluidization zone by a treatment gas which flows upward from below. Material in fine particle form is discharged from the fluidization zone with the treatment gas and is separated out of the treatment gas in a deposition zone. In the deposition zone, the stream of treatment gas and discharged material in fine particle form are fed into a separating device which removes the fine particle material from the treatment gas, the treatment gas is extracted from the separating device as off-gas, and the separated fine particle material is removed from the separating device. Coarse-grained material is then introduced into the deposition zone. This reduces the levels of caking and deposits of the fine particle material. A device for carrying out the process includes elements defining the zones.

Abstract: Novel gas separation apparatus and methods are provided that help reduce the amount of process gas lost through the discharge outlet of either a cyclone separating gas/solid mixtures or a hydroclone separating gas/liquid mixtures. Significant savings are realized by minimizing losses and neutralization costs. A cyclone or hydroclone is placed within a containment vessel that creates a contained atmosphere common to both the gas outlet and the discharge outlet of the cyclone or hydroclone. Process gas mixed with the solids or mixed with the liquids in the discharge underflow are displaced from the discharge underflow and contained within the containment vessel. The displacement of the process gas is facilitated by an introduction of a small amount of purge gas to the discharge underflow exiting the cyclone or hydroclone via the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A blood conditioning device having a housing with a helical blood acceleration section which includes a helical flow path for impressing centrifugal forces on the entrained bubbles in the blood to concentrate them towards the center of the flow path, a bubble pick off tube aligned with the centerline of the acceleration section which collects and recirculates the bubbles to the cardiotomy reservoir upstream of the device during operation, and a blood filtration section to intercept the flow of particles in the blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating two phases from each other. According to the invention, a stream made up of at least two phases is directed to a separation apparatus, which comprises a separation container (25) and cyclones (26) arranged in the flow direction in parallel and in succession, the cyclones having each an elongate separation chamber wherein the phases are separated from each other. According to the invention, the cyclones used are multi-inlet cyclones (26), the total number of which is at least 10. The stream to be treated is directed to each multi-inlet cyclone (26) in a substantially radial direction. Through the placement of a large number of multi-inlet cyclones in parallel, a purification element resembling a filter is obtained.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment method including: (A) a step of treating exhaust gas from cement manufacturing equipment by using a dust collector 9 to collect dust containing chlorinated organic compounds, and discharging the exhaust gas after the treatment by the dust collector 9, and (B) a step of charging all or part of the dust collected by the dust collector 9 into a place (e.g. a rotary kiln 5, a pre-calciner 6, and a cyclone 4d) having a temperature of at least 800° C. inside the cement manufacturing equipment. The remainder of the dust from step (B) maybe charged into a place (e.g. a raw material supply passage 3) having a temperature below 800° C. inside the cement manufacturing equipment, provided the amount of the remainder to be charged is smaller than a certain amount. Chlorinated organic compounds such as dioxins in the exhaust gas can be decomposed efficiently to be made harmless, merely by including simple and low-cost means (e.g. a dust feeding means 12, etc.).

Abstract: When separating steam and gas from a stream containing, possibly glue-coated, fibre pulp produced by a refiner, the hot fibre pulp is directly fed from the refiner to a separation cyclone (4) placed in a drying channel (2) for drying the fibre pulp. A hot drying air flow having substantially higher temperature, about 160° C., than the fibre pulp is blown through the drying channel so that the separation cyclone is surrounded by the hot drying air flow. The light steam containing fraction separated by the separation cyclone is conducted out of the separation cyclone via an outlet conduit (9) away from the hot drying air flow, whereas the separated heavy fibre containing fraction is conducted out of the separation cyclone directly into the hot drying air flow that entrains the heady fraction to a drying plant. Energy is recovered from the light steam containing fraction and ecologically harmful substances are separated from the latter.

Abstract: A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally includes a z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around an outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: A method of continuously capturing BioOil and its constituents from a gas stream produced in a fast pyrolysis/thermolysis process, in a usable liquid form so as to produce a non-condensable gas free of fouling contaminates. The method includes separating BioOil and its constituents from a gas stream using hot inertial separation to maintain the temperature of said BioOil and its constituents above a temperature at which the thick and/or sticky constituents cause inefficient operation of the equipment but low enough so that they do not undergo rapid degradation. Next the gas velocity is reduced to a temperature sufficiently low to allow droplets in the gas stream to settle out but high enough so that a viscosity of said droplets remains low enough to avoid inefficient operation of the separation equipment. Finally, liquid is condensed out of the gas stream.

Abstract: A system for separating an entrained liquid component from a gas stream employing at least one vortex tube having a liquid outlet end and a wet gas inlet tangential to its sidewall and arranged so that wet gas rotates within the vortex tube to cause the liquid components to be forced against the interior wall surface by centrifugal action. An orifice plate closes the vortex tube first end and has a concentric gas outlet opening therein. A vortex finder tube extends concentrically within the vortex tube providing an annular area between itself and the vortex tube internal wall. A gas deflector is positioned within the annular area and has a downwardly spiraled surface that diverts wet gas downwardly away from the wet gas inlet. In one embodiment, an outlet tube is affixed to the orifice plate central opening and is configured to divert outlet gas downwardly. In another embodiment, an energy absorbing housing surrounds the vortex tube liquid outlet end.

Abstract: Cyclone separator for separating wood pieces and gas that includes a deagglomerator mechanism that prevents wood piece masses, clumps, wads and the like from plugging or clogging up the system.

Abstract: In a cyclone separator used for separating solids from gases, we discovered placing at least one opening in a lateral surface of a gas outlet conduit on a side facing away from an inlet to the cyclone separator prevents coke deposits from forming thereon. A plurality of openings may be placed on the side of the lateral surface of the gas outlet conduit facing away from the inlet. In an embodiment, no openings are placed on a side of the lateral surface facing the inlet to the cyclone separator.

Abstract: Vertical cyclone vessel having a tubular housing comprising of a tubular wall section provided with a tangentially arranged inlet for receiving a suspension of gas and solids and an elevated cover which closes the upper end of the tubular wall section, wherein a gas outlet conduit significantly protrudes from above and along the axis into the tubular housing to at most the horizontal position of the center of the tangentially arranged inlet.

Abstract: A cyclone is used to collect nanoparticles and is formed of a chamber, and a guide wing located in the chamber such that the guide wing and the chamber form a passage. A flow entraining the nanoparticles is moved through the passage in such a way that the flow is caused to spin rapidly, and that the nanoparticles, acted on by a centrifugal force, are thereby resulting in collision with the chamber wall. The cyclone has a nanoparticle cut-off aerodynamic diameter, which is reduced by virtue of the phenomena that the particle inertia increases in a low pressure environment, and that the particle slipping correction factor increases under low pressure, and that the rebound of the particle in the cyclone chamber tends to alleviate under low pressure. The cyclone is used to remove nanoparticles from industrial exhaust fumes.

Abstract: Methods for moving drilled cuttings, the methods, in certain aspects, including conveying with air under positive pressure, drilled cuttings to flow conduit apparatus; applying air under positive pressure to the flow conduit apparatus to continuously move the drilled cuttings material therethrough; continuously moving the drilled cuttings material with the air under pressure to separation apparatus; with the separation apparatus continuously separating drilled cuttings from air; wherein, in certain aspects, the drilled cuttings are included in a low density slurry with drilling fluid, drilling mud, and/or oil and wherein, in certain aspects, the separation apparatus is a cyclone separator and the drilled cuttings moved into the cyclone separator are wet; and systems for effecting such methods.

Abstract: A cyclone separator is provided with a compact inlet path, in which the inner and outer walls of the inlet path are curved, with the inner wall having a radius that is essentially the same as the radius of the cyclone body wall and with the outer wall wrapping around the cyclone body wall and merging with the cyclone body wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating particulate matter from an airstream includes a housing including an intake for particulates-containing air and an exhaust for cleaned air, in which the apparatus includes a primary vortex generator in the intake air and the housing includes a separation zone which includes primary and secondary separation chambers each associated with respective particulates collector and including an interconnector adapted to generate a secondary vortex in the secondary separation chamber.

Abstract: The described embodiments of the present invention include a cyclonic filter having an inlet and outlet. The cyclonic filter includes a chamber in communication with the inlet, flow from the inlet being directed in a rotational flow about an axis within the chamber. The cyclonic filter also includes a first baffle element positioned in the chamber, the first baffle element having at least one inlet. The cyclonic filter further includes a second baffle element positioned within the first baffle element, the second baffle element having at least one outlet, the at least one outlet of the second baffle element being positioned relative to the at least one inlet of the first baffle element in a direction opposite to the rotational flow, the interior of the second baffle element being in communication with the outlet.

Abstract: A method and an air precleaner for separating heavier-than-air particulate debris from debris laden air to provide a clean airflow are disclosed. A flow path extends through the precleaner from an inlet to an outlet. Debris laden air is drawn into the inlet by a vacuum in communication with the outlet of the precleaner. A vortex flow of the debris laden air is formed in the flow path and flows through a first stage, ejective based precleaner and a second stage, scavenger based precleaner. Each stage centrifugally separates and removes particles of debris from the vortex flow. Efficient operation under extreme conditions with significant improvement in air filter life, is made possible by the air precleaner and method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating particulate matter from a gaseous stream. According to the method, the gaseous stream containing the suspended particulates is passed into a separator apparatus which includes at least two multiple-inlet-multicyclones (16-16C), wherein the particulates are separated from the gas by centrifugal force. According to the invention, a separator apparatus is employed wherein at least two (16-16C) of the multiple-inlet cyclones are adapted to operate in parallel so as to form a multiple-inlet-multicyclone apparatus. The cyclone assembly according to the invention may be used as, e.g., the primary separator of an FCC unit, but more advantageously it serves as the secondary or tertiary separator of an FCC unit to remove “fines” from the flue gases of the preceding separation stages.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for the separation of solids from gases in a mixture which is most particularly applicable to an FCC apparatus. The mixture of solids and gases are passed through a conduit and exit through a swirl arm that imparts a swirl motion having a first annular direction to centripetally separate the heavier solids from the lighter gases. The mixture then enters a cyclone which has a curved outer wall and imparts a second swirling angular direction to the mixture. The second angular direction is counter to the first angular direction. The apparatus and method assures that a greater proportion of the mixture entering the cyclone is incorporated into the vortex to further enhance separation between the solids and gases.

Abstract: When separating steam and gas from a stream containing, possibly glue-coated, fibre pulp produced by a refiner, the hot fibre pulp is directly fed from the refiner to a separation cyclone (4) placed in a drying channel (2) for drying the fibre pulp. A hot drying air flow having substantially higher temperature, about 160° C., than the fibre pulp is blown through the drying channel so that the separation cyclone is surrounded by the hot drying air flow. The light steam containing fraction separated by the separation cyclone is conducted out of the separation cyclone via an outlet conduit (9) away from the hot drying air flow, whereas the separated heavy fibre containing fraction is conducted out of the separation cyclone directly into the hot drying air flow that entrains the heady fraction to a drying plant. Energy is recovered from the light steam containing fraction and ecologically harmful substances are separated from the latter.

Abstract: A process to separate solids from a solids laden gaseous feed stream having a solids part and a gaseous part by means of a cyclone separator provided with a tangentially positioned feed inlet and a tubular gas outlet conduit protruding a tubular cyclone housing from above, wherein at the external surface of the tubular gas outlet conduit and inside the tubular cyclone housing a secondary gas is provided having a lower density than the density of the gaseous part of the feed stream being solids free.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to apparatus for treating, preferably for reducing, material in particle form in a fluidization zone and at elevated temperature, in particular for reducing fine ore, the particle material being held in the fluidization zone by a treatment gas which flows upward from below. Material in fine particle form is discharged from the fluidization zone with the treatment gas and is separated out of the treatment gas in a deposition zone. The following steps are carried out in the deposition zone: feeding the stream of treatment gas and discharged material in fine particle form to a separating device, separating the fine particle material from the treatment gas, extracting the treatment gas from the separating device as off-gas, and removing the separated fine particle material from the separating device. Coarse-grained material is introduced into the deposition zone, reducing the levels of caking and deposits of the fine particle material.

Abstract: A method and an air precleaner for separating heavier-than-air particulate debris from debris laden air to provide a clean airflow are disclosed. A flow path extends through the precleaner from an inlet to an outlet. Debris laden air is drawn into the inlet by a vacuum in communication with the outlet of the precleaner. A vortex flow of the debris laden air is formed in the flow path and flows through a first stage, ejective based precleaner and a second stage, scavenger based precleaner. Each stage centrifugally separates and removes particles of debris from the vortex flow. Efficient operation under extreme conditions with significant improvement in air filter life, is made possible by the air precleaner and method.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator assembly, which is attached to a fluidized bed reactor for separating solid particles from gas exhausted from a reaction chamber of the fluidized bed reactor, includes a vortex chamber. The vortex chamber is in a horizontal direction defined by vertically-extending outer walls formed of planar water tube panels, the inside of the outer walls being at least partly provided with a refractory lining and defining a gas space in the vortex chamber, where at least one vertical gas vortex is established. The separator assembly also includes at least one inlet for introducing gas into the gas space from the reaction chamber, at least one outlet for discharging purified gas from the gas space, and at least one outlet for discharging separated solid particles from the gas space.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone bundle comprising a plurality of hydrocyclone liners and a plate assembly for use in liquid-liquid separation is disclosed. The hydrocyclone bundle may be used in new or existing separators. The hydrocyclone liners may be oppositely positioned within the hydrocyclone bundle. The plate assembly may collect and distribute overflow and underflow effluents from the hydrocyclone liners.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment method including: (A) a step of treating exhaust gas from cement manufacturing equipment by using a dust collector 9 to collect dust containing chlorinated organic compounds, and discharging the exhaust gas after the treatment by the dust collector 9, and (B) a step of charging all or part of the dust collected by the dust collector 9 into a place (e.g. a rotary kiln 5, a pre-calciner 6, and a cyclone 4d) having a temperature of at least 800° C. inside the cement manufacturing equipment. The remainder of the dust from step (B) maybe charged into a place (e.g. a raw material supply passage 3) having a temperature below 800° C. inside the cement manufacturing equipment, provided the amount of the remainder to be charged is smaller than a certain amount. Chlorinated organic compounds such as dioxins in the exhaust gas can be decomposed efficiently to be made harmless, merely by including simple and low-cost means (e.g. a dust feeding means 12, etc.).

Abstract: The described embodiments of the present invention include a cyclonic filter having an inlet and outlet. The cyclonic filter includes a chamber in communication with the inlet, flow from the inlet being directed in a rotational flow about an axis within the chamber. The cyclonic filter also includes a first baffle element positioned in the chamber, the first baffle element having at least one inlet. The cyclonic filter further includes a second baffle element positioned within the first baffle element, the second baffle element having at least one outlet, the at least one outlet of the second baffle element being positioned relative to the at least one inlet of the first baffle element in a direction opposite to the rotational flow, the interior of the second baffle element being in communication with the outlet.

Abstract: A vehicle air cleaner system 10 includes a cyclone chamber 14 and a variable inlet 30. The variable inlet 30 communicates airflow to the cyclone chamber 14 at a relatively constant velocity by varying an opening 32 in response to airflow which enters the inlet 12. During a relatively low airflow condition the variable inlet 30 directs airflow closer to a center of the cyclone chamber 14 which increase the angular velocity of the airflow by directing airflow toward smaller radii 42s within the cyclone chamber. During a relatively high airflow condition the variable inlet directs airflow toward the outer diameter of the cyclone chamber 14 and larger radii 42 L to assure an angular speed sufficient to separate out undesirable particles yet prevent an undesirable pressure drop across the air cleaner system 10. By varying communication of airflow to particular radii within the cyclone chamber 14, a relatively constant pressure drop across the air cleaner system 10 is provided regardless of airflow velocity.

Abstract: A novel air knife. The novel air knife is circumferential. That is, the novel air knife injects a gas stream along the inside walls of the air knife. The air knife can be advantageously placed at or near the entrance to a suspension vessel to reduce buildup of solid materials transported to the suspension vessel. The gas stream is injected at a rate sufficient to reduce the buildup of solid materials on the walls of the air knife (and thus at the entrance to the suspension vessel). The air circumferential air knife is particularly useful in a TiCl4 production process for reducing buildup of hygroscopic cyclone dust at the entrance to a suspension vessel.

Abstract: A novel air knife. The novel air knife is circumferential. That is, the novel air knife injects a gas stream along the inside walls of the air knife. The air knife can be advantageously placed at or near the entrance to a suspension vessel to reduce buildup of solid materials transported to the suspension vessel. The gas stream is injected at a rate sufficient to reduce the buildup of solid materials on the walls of the air knife (and thus at the entrance to the suspension vessel). The air circumferential air knife is particularly useful in a TiCl4 production process for reducing buildup of hygroscopic cyclone dust at the entrance to a suspension vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating two phases from each other. According to the invention, a stream made up of at least two phases is directed to a separation apparatus, which comprises a separation container (25) and cyclones (26) arranged in the flow direction in parallel and in succession, the cyclones having each an elongate separation chamber wherein the phases are separated from each other. According to the invention, the cyclones used are multi-inlet cyclones (26), the total number of which is at least 10. The stream to be treated is directed to each multi-inlet cyclone (26) in a substantially radial direction. Through the placement of a large number of multi-inlet cyclones in parallel, a purification element resembling a filter is obtained.

Abstract: A method of separating particles from particle laden air is described. The apparatus employed is a multiple stage separator in which the first stage comprises a generally cylindrical chamber (18) having a hollow central member (50) extending axially from one end thereof with openings (53) in its wall remote from the said one end. The first separation step is achieved by introducing air tangentially into the chamber (18) near its said one end, the tangential entry in combination with an unapertured region of the wall of the central member (50) establishing a rotating mass of air in the chamber, thereby causing heavier than air particles to migrate to the outer regions of the chamber (18) under centrifugal force. Suction is applied to the interior of the central member (50) to cause an axial movement of air through the chamber before it can exit through the openings (53) in the wall of the central member (50).

Abstract: A system and a method for separating interdispersed gas and liquid components of an inlet stream includes introducing the inlet steam into a vessel having a dry gas outlet and a liquid outlet, passing the inlet stream into at least one vortex tube supported within the vessel, the vortex tube having a gas outlet and a liquid outlet, rapidly rotating the inlet stream within the vortex tube to separate entrained liquid and passing reduced moisture outlet gas from the vortex tube into the interior of the vessel and passing the outlet gas through a mist eliminator within the vessel to provide gas that is passed out the vessel dry gas outlet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a powder transfer duct uses a pressurized volume of air directed at an interior surface of the duct to dislodge powder particles adhering to the interior surfaces or that are entrapped within a volume or region of the duct interior. In one embodiment of the invention, the duct is a passageway for powder that is entrained in an air stream from a powder spray booth to a powder collection device such as, for example, a cyclone separator. Pressurized air is provided by a device that can be selectively activated to direct a blast of high pressure air into the duct interior in a direction that is generally transverse a primary air flow through the duct. The device may be realized in the form of a pulse valve that has an outlet that opens to the duct interior and directs a pulse of pressurized air at a surface or region within the duct where powder tends to accumulate, either from eddy current characteristics or from impacting the interior surface.

Abstract: A method for entraining and mixing gas with liquids within a conduit or drop structure, comprising the channeling of one or more liquid flows into spiral flows of predetermined radius (radii), reducing the predetermined radius (radii) to increase the centrifugal forces acting upon the spiral flow(s) as the spiral flow(s) enter the conduit, and allowing gas access to the conduit to mix with and entrain within the spiral flow within the conduit or drop structure. The method can facilitate the mixing of gas with one or more fluid flows and/or reduce the release of gas emissions from the fluid(s) into the surrounding environment.