Abstract: Cyclone separator apparatus for separating a gaseous mixture of a at least two respectively lighter and heavier gases. The apparatus includes a first tubular section and an elongated tubular section adjoined to the first section, which converges at a constant angle. A gaseous mixture is flowed into the interior of the first section to achieve cyclonic rotation of the mixture, the rate of which increases with the convergence at the conical section, thereby effecting separation of the lighter and heavier gas components. A lighter gas outlet is connected to the interior of the apparatus for withdrawing the lighter gas from the axial portions of the cyclone, and a heavier gas outlet is connected to the interior of the apparatus at the converged end of the conical section for withdrawing the heavier gas which the cyclonic action moves radially and which then moves toward the outlet due to a pressure drop in the apparatus.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particulate matter from an air stream is disclosed in which an air stream is passed into a chamber defining a curved path and over a baffle located within the chamber. The baffle separates the air stream, skimming off the particulate matter and allowing it to fall into an airlock for collection while the air stream is vented into the outside environment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating solid particles from gas exhausted from the reaction chamber of a fluidized bed reactor, the separator apparatus comprising a vortex chamber which is in horizontal direction defined by vertically-extending outer walls formed of planar water tube panels, the inside of the 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, at least one gas inlet, at least one gas outlet; and at least one solids outlet, in which apparatus the vertically-extending outer walls of the vortex chamber form at least one corner, the angle between the sides of which exceeds 90 degrees, the corner being rounded by a refractory lining on the inside of the outer walls.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the reduction in entrainment of solids and liquids, and loss of valuable chemicals such as catalysts, in processing and refining sequences that employ separation devices in which non-vapors are to be separated from vapors. The methods comprise regulating the velocities of the incoming stream and the vapor being separated, and creating and maintaining the flow of the incoming stream tangentially to the inner surface of the separation vessel, so as to aid in the reduction in entrainment and loss of valuable chemicals.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.

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: The invention relates to a method for separating materials of two different phases from one another and an assembly for implementing the method. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second phase having the material in suspended or dispersed form is separated from the first phase by centrifugal force. At least one separator comprises a multiport cyclone into which the material flow is passed via an infeed nozzle having an annular cross section.

Abstract: Oil which has been heated by use in a gas compressor is cooled by transferring the heat from the oil to gas upstream from the compressor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing air from blood which contains air. The air-containing blood is conducted through a cyclone device as a rotating cyclone stream, so that centrifugal forces for the separation of the air from the blood are produced in the rotating cyclone stream.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the reduction in entrainment of solids and liquids, and loss of valuable chemicals such as catalysts, in processing and refining sequences that employ separation devices in which non-vapors are to be separated from vapors. The methods comprise regulating the velocities of the incoming stream and the vapor being separated, and creating and maintaining the flow of the incoming stream tangentially to the inner surface of the separation vessel, so as to aid in the reduction in entrainment and loss of valuable chemicals.

Abstract: Cyclonic separating apparatus (10) comprises a cyclone body (12) having an inlet (16) for introducing dirt-laden air into the cyclone body (12) in a tangential manner. A central outlet (18) is provided for conducting cleaned air out of the cyclone body (12). The apparatus (10) further comprises a dirt-collecting chamber (14) having an entry portion (30) communicating with the interior of the cyclone body (12) and a collecting portion (32). The apparatus (10) further comprises an air return duct (42) having a first end communicating with the collecting portion (32) of the dirt-collecting chamber (14) and a second end communicating with the interior of the cyclone body (12). This arrangement allows a proportion of the main airflow to be bled into the dirt-collecting chamber (14) and returned to the cyclone body (12) without passing back along the entry portion (30).

Abstract: A vortex generator for accepting high-pressure condensible vapor and separating the condensible vapor into a relatively hot stream of vapor and a relatively cool liquid. The vortex generator includes an inlet at the first end for allowing high pressure vapor to enter, and an outlet at the second end for allowing condensed liquid to exit wherein the outlet communicates with the inlet via a longitudinal chamber. A nozzle located near the inlet having a plurality of equally-spaced tangential inlets along its perimeter for injecting the vapor that is inlet to the vortex generator into the longitudinal chamber as a high-speed vortex vapor stream proximate the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system for removing gas from a stream of a mixture of gas and particulate solids. The system includes a separation vessel having an upstream end portion and a downstream cowl portion, the upstream end portion having an inlet for introducing the stream tangentially into the vessel to separate centrifugally from the stream (i) a rich portion, comprising a solids-rich mixture, proceeding along a helical path at an outer annular portion of the separation vessel to the cowl portion, and (ii) a lean portion, comprising a solids-lean mixture, proceeding along a helical path at an inner portion of the separation vessel to the cowl section, multiple helical ports through which the rich portion proceeds axially through the cowl section, without significantly losing its momentum, to be discharged axially from the separation vessel, and multiple passages between the helical ports through which the lean portion proceeds radially outwards to be discharged from the separation vessel.

Abstract: A vacuum collector is provided comprising a suction hose, a first drum with a cover having a cylindrical head capable of generating powerful, small-diameter cyclones, a second drum capable of generating large-diameter cyclones, and a stack of three modules containing vacuum-producing motors atop a HEPA filter atop primary filters. The suction hose is connected to the inlet of the small-diameter cyclone-generating head on the cover of the first drum. The stack of modules containing motors, HEPA filter, and primary filters is mounted on the second drum. The two cyclonic drums communicate through a flexible vacuum hose. When the vacuum-producing motors pull air from the interior of the vacuum collector, the suction hose sucks atmospheric air mixed with contaminants from a surface into the head, which spins the contaminant-laden air-stream into a powerful, small-diameter cyclone.

Abstract: The particle separation and collection assembly uses cyclonic forces to separate and remove large particles from an airstream and concentrate small particles for sensor/detector technology. This assembly utilizes multiple mini cyclones operating in parallel to reduce the size and velocity of air through the cyclone inlets while maintaining the same fluid or flow rate as compared to one large cyclone. The multiple cyclone system can be arranged in a radial geometry or in a bipolar or uni-polar longitudinal design. The particle separator and collection assembly uses a blower or vacuum pump to draw outside gas into the cyclone particle separator assembly through radial inlets. Vacuum transfer channels, extending the entire length of the assembly, pull gas into the top of the cyclone chambers and out through the bottom apex of cyclone chamber and through the top vortex finder.

Abstract: A separator for separating entrained particles from a fluid flow incorporates a cyclone chamber having an outer wall and a cyclonic flow region; a fluid inlet for introducing a cyclonic fluid flow to the cyclonic flow region; a fluid outlet for removing the fluid flow from the cyclone chamber; a particle separation member positioned in the cyclone chamber beneath at least a portion of the cyclonic flow region, the particle separation member having an upper surface and plurality of apertures; and a particle receiving chamber disposed beneath the particle separation member for receiving particles passing into the particle receiving chamber through the apertures. In operation, a fluid is introduced to flow cyclonically in a chamber having a cyclonic flow region and a particle separation member positioned in the cyclone chamber to define a particle receiving chamber. The back pressure in the chamber is adjusted to promote the formation of a laminar boundary layer adjacent the particle separation member.

Abstract: A roof bolt machine comprising a quartz trapping device adapted to connect with an exhaust stream of a dust system circuit of a roof bolt machine for reducing the amount of respirable dust and respirable quartz that is released into the environment from the exhaust stream. The quartz trapping device comprises, a container partially filled with a liquid, at least one inlet mounted on said container and adapted to connect the container with the dust system circuit of the roof bolt machine for directing the dust exhaust stream inside the container and a plurality of downward extending and upward extending baffles arranged in an alternating configuration.

Abstract: Amalgam and other particles of four microns or more in size are removed with at least 95% efficiency from a particle-containing fluid line, preferably connected to a single dental operatory. Desirably a plurality of parallel centrifugal separators have their inlets connected to the fluid line, and gas outlets connected to a dental vacuum pump. The bottom liquid and particle outlet drains to a particle filter. The filtered water can be reintroduced into the gas flow to the vacuum pump, and the collected particles are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

Abstract: A vortex generator for accepting high-pressure condensible vapor and separating the condensible vapor into a relatively hot stream of vapor and a relatively cool liquid.

Abstract: A system for removing gas from a stream of a mixture of gas and particulate solids. The system includes a separation vessel having an upstream end portion and a downstream cowl portion, the upstream end portion having an inlet for introducing the stream tangentially into the vessel to separate centrifugally from the stream (i) a rich portion, comprising a solids-rich mixture, proceeding along a helical path at an outer annular portion of the separation vessel to the cowl portion, and (ii) a lean portion, comprising a solids-lean mixture, proceeding along a helical path at an inner portion of the separation vessel to the cowl section, multiple helical ports through which the rich portion proceeds axially through the cowl section, without significantly losing its momentum, to be discharged axially from the separation vessel, and multiple passages between the helical ports through which the lean portion proceeds radially outwards to be discharged from the separation vessel.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation device is provided having improved pressure loss characteristics. A fluid supply conduit in flow communication with an inlet to a cyclone is located and configured to extend longitudinally through a central portion of the cyclone, whereby the sharp bending of the conduit may be reduced, thereby reducing pressure losses in the device, without unduly interfering with the cyclonic flow within the cyclone. The present invention may be adapted for use with cyclonic separation devices of all types, including single- and multi-stage cyclonic separators. The cyclonic separation device may be incorporated in a vacuum cleaner such as an upright vacuum cleaner. A three dimensional conduit which is optionally used with a cyclonic separator is provided.

Abstract: A device for recovering powder in an installation for spraying pulverulent coating product. The device includes: at least one cyclone for separating the powder recovered in the installation and its conveying air, and a sieve associated with the or each cyclone. The device further includes a perforated plate disposed on the path of the recovered powder, between the cyclone and the sieve.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes (i) a centrifugal separator assembly and (ii) a fluidized bed reactor having a reactor chamber, the separator assembly being connected to the reactor and provided for separating solid particles from gas discharged from the reactor chamber. The apparatus includes planar peripheral walls defining a vortex chamber, having a rectangular cross section, the vortex chamber having an interior gas volume in which at least two vertical gas vortices can be formed, and the planar peripheral walls including a first wall portion connecting the separator assembly to the reactor chamber, at least two gas outlets, disposed one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the vortex chamber, for discharging cleaned gas from the gas volume, at least one solid particles outlet for discharging separated solid particles from the gas volume, and at least one gas inlet, arranged in the first wall portion, for introducing gas from the reactor chamber into the gas volume.

Abstract: An anti-reentrainment device is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The anti-reentrainment device comprises a plurality of upwardly extending members positioned towards the bottom of a cyclone chamber and extending radially inwardly across the cyclone chamber. The vanes separate the lower end of the cyclone from the cyclonic fluid flow portion, thereby creating a reduced flow region above particle settling out of a fluid in the cyclone. The device impedes the cyclonic flow from reentraining the separated particles.

Abstract: A device for reducing wear to the inner wall of a cyclone separator by causing a protective layer of particulate to accumulate along the inner wall. The protective layer is facilitated by securing an expanded metal sheet along the inner wall of a cyclone separator. Once formed the protective layer of particulate acts as a shield and cushion to high-energy kinetic particles as they continue to enter the cyclone separator. The high-energy particles strike the accumulated particulate without harming the inner wall of the cyclone separator.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of operation for separating contamination material from an air stream flow of cotton fibers, the apparatus including a primary chamber having continuous walls, the primary chamber positionable within the air stream of cotton fibers and foreign matter. The chamber may be cylindrical with the continuous walls having a plurality of holes forming porous sides extending the length of the cylindrical chamber. A secondary enclosure is utilized, the secondary enclosure is located adjacent to the primary chamber and below the porous side walls, the secondary enclosure receives foreign matter separated from the air stream of cotton fibers. The air stream flow and cotton fibers are directed through the primary chamber, with foreign matter displaced through the pores formed in the walls of the primary chamber.

Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicate via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member. The particle separation member is provided with an access member which is movably mounted with respect to the particle separation member for providing access to the particle receiving chamber to empty the collected contents therefrom.

Abstract: An anti-reentrainment device is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The anti-reentrainment device has a plurality of vane upwardly extending members positioned in the bottom of a cyclone chamber and extending radially inwardly across the bottom. The vanes separate the bottom of the cyclone from the cyclonic fluid flow portion, thereby creating a reduced flow region above deposited particles settling on the bottom of the cyclone. The device impedes the cyclonic flow from reentraining the deposited particles.

Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicating via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member.

Abstract: The invention provides a domestic vacuum cleaner comprising separating means and particle collecting means, the particle collecting means comprising a side wall (22) and a base (20), wherein the base (20) is releasably connected to the side wall (22) to facilitate disposal of particles separated from the airflow by the separating means and collected in the particle collecting means and further comprises sealing means (44) for sealing the said separated particles within the base (20).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a reduced velocity chamber with a high velocity air inlet, an electric motor, a rotary mechanism driven by the motor for creating a vacuum in the chamber, an outlet for exhausting air from the chamber, which air flows in a selected path from the air inlet, through the chamber and out the air exhaust outlet and a disposable porous sheet filter layer in the chamber for removing large solid particles from the air. The vacuum cleaner also has an improved filter, wherein the improved filter includes a layer of material to remove very fine air particles and a layer of material to remove odors from the air.

Abstract: A method for reducing the carbon content of a combustion ash containing siliceous ash particles and carbon particles includes subjecting the combustion ash to comminution to reduce the particle size of the siliceous ash particles and the carbon particles followed by separating a portion of the carbon particles from the siliceous ash particles by subjecting the comminuted ash to a flow of gas which separates the carbon particles from the siliceous ash particles. The method preferably is performed in a unitary housing by employing autogenous grinding to effect the comminution of the particles and employing a classifying rotor to separate the comminuted portion of the carbon particles based on the density differential between the siliceous ash particles and the carbon particles. A method of making a concrete mixture employing the obtained combustion ash with reduced carbon content is also provided. An apparatus for reducing the carbon content of the combustion ash is also provided.

Abstract: An accumulator for a refrigeration system includes a housing having a cylindrical sidewall and upper and lower end walls. Inlet and outlet tubes are provided in the housing for directing refrigerant into and out of the accumulator. The inlet tube includes a first end fluidly connected to an inlet fitting at the upper end wall of the housing, and a second end located proximate the lower end wall of the housing. A longitudinal orifice is provided along the entire length of the inlet tube, from a location above the level of stored liquid refrigerant in the accumulator, to a location below the level of stored liquid. The orifice is oriented to direct fluid tangentially along the inside surface of the side wall. The inlet tube is formed by a strip of material where the side edges of the strip are brought together to define the opening, or the side edges can be brought into contact along a seam and a plurality of openings can be provided along the tube.

Abstract: A system and method for generating tornadoes and other vortex phenomen in an open air, free space enviroment is disclosed. The system includes a flat surface or deck suspended above the ground, a circular hole in the center of the deck, a means for creating an updraft through the hole in the deck and fans or other air moving means for creating a swirling air flow. Preferably, the fans for swirling the air are angled approximately 45 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the updraft flow through the center hole. For swirling the air at higher elevations, as well as at ground level, a multi level fan arrangement having the layers of fans spaced relative to the deck is used. Alternatively, a single level of fans are used in conjunction with louvers or vanes for deflecting the blown air into a fan shape. In another embodiment of the present invention, tangential flow is established by using a multiplicity of tubes for returning air flow from a plenum above an updraft fan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a device for the separation and purification of gas from a fiber suspension, especially residual gas after ozone delignification or pulp suspension, wherein the suspension together with the gas is introduced into a cyclone (2) or similar in which essential separation of suspension takes place, after which the essentially gas-free suspension is drawn off downwards and the gas (5) containing residual fiber and/or other impurities is drawn off upwards, the gas stream (5), before it is conducted away, being led through a liquid bath for separation of residual fibers and/or other impurities from the gas stream.

Abstract: Phases of different densities are separated from each other in a vortex separator chamber. A primary flow to be cleaned drives a secondary vortex flow in the chamber. The primary flow is introduced into the chamber centrally between the chamber ends through at least one flow inlet channel or bed having an axial length shorter than an axial chamber length and a radial inlet depth such that the primary flow is adapted to the secondary vortex flow. For this purpose the primary flow is fanned-out so that it smoothly merges into the secondary vortex flow close to the inner surface of the chamber wall to avoid turbulent flows and thus losses of the primary flow energy are reduced. Cleaned gas is sucked out through immersion pipes reaching centrally into the chamber from opposite ends. Heavier particles are removed by centrifugal force and discharged through gaps in the end walls of the chamber and/or through at least one peeling slot in the axial cylindrical or spirally shaped chamber wall.

Abstract: A machine and method for separating aerosol particles in a cylindrical ultrasonic member in which the particles are agglomerated in the presence of an injected allgomeration initiator, and retaining the agglomerated particles in a filter.

Abstract: The drilling fluid returns from underbalanced drilling are introduced into a separator and a separate gas stream is recovered. The gas stream is cleaned at the well site to remove entrained liquid and particulate solids, to produce gas suitable to be fed to a compressor. The cleaned gas is compressed to re-injection pressure and recycled to the well.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator has a plurality of substantially planar walls, including a first wall, defining a vortex chamber having an interior gas volume and for establishing at least one gas vortex in the gas volume, and the gas volume has a cross section that is distinctly non-circular, (and preferably quadrate). In addition to conventional outlets the separator includes a gas inlet having at least one elongated jet-defining wall with a free end portion extending into the gas volume a first distance from the first wall, to define a gas jet that extends substantially tangentially to the gas vortex in the gas volume. An insert extends between the jet-defining wall free end portion and the first wall and defines a gas flow direction changing surface. The insert may be substantially solid refractory material, or include a number of cooling fluids circulating tubes, and a gas flow direction changing surface may be substantially planar or curved.

Abstract: The particulate collector assembly 10 removes solid particulates from a gas stream. The assembly 10 includes an outer housing 12, an intermediate housing 40, and interior housing 54 to form therebetween a clean gas chamber t14, a particulate-laden gas chamber 41, and a particulate chamber. A plurality or cyclone separator units 62 cooperate with the chambers to remove particulates from the gas stream. Each separator unit is fixedly secured to the intermediate housing and extends radially inward through the inner housing 54. A plurality of cyclone supports 82 are secured to a radially inward end of the cyclone housings and are also secured to a center support pipe 90 within the particulate chamber. This arrangement forms a wagon wheel-like structure which provides the desired rigidity to prevent sagging of the cyclone separator units yet allows the assembly components to expand freely and uniformly to minimize stresses to avoid distortions when exposed to high operating temperatures.

Abstract: A mechanical fluid separator defines an interior chamber for centrifugally separating entrained media from a fluid stream. The mechanical fluid separator has a fluid inlet connecting the interior chamber with a media entrained fluid source. A cone shaped baffle disposed within the mechanical fluid separator defines a conical surface having a concave surface and a convex surface. The conical surface has an annular base side and an annular apex side. The base side terminates in a circumferential rim contacting the annular chamber surface above the fluid inlet and said apex side terminates in an apex annular hole. The fluid stream is centrifugally directed in a first direction about the annular chamber surface and the convex surface of the conical baffle to disentrain the entrained media from the fluid stream. The disentrained fluid stream then passes through a window in the cone shaped baffle and escapes through a fluid outlet.

Abstract: In this invention a cyclonic separation method and apparatus discharges particulate solids and gaseous fluids into a separation vessel from a discharge opening of a central conduit and withdraws separated gaseous fluids from the separation vessel with a recovery conduit having an inlet located below the discharge opening. Recovery of separated gases using cyclonic separation is improved by the specific location of the recovery piping inlet which reduces the entrainment of fine particles with the gases.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a dirty air inlet (12, 14) communicating with a clean air outlet by way of an airflow path has a cyclone (18) arranged in the airflow path. In use, air flowing along the airflow path from the dirty air inlet (12, 14) to the clean air outlet passes through the cyclone (18). At least one bleed valve (20) is arranged in the wall of the airflow path upstream of the cyclone (18). Preferably, three bleed valves (20) are located in the wall of the airflow path and, more preferably, the bleed valves (20) are substantially identical to one another. Control may be provided for controlling the amount of air bled through the bleed valve (76) when a single bleed valve is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an ammonia injection scheme for NO.sub.x reductions that also reduces ammonia slip wherein the NO.sub.x containing gas to be treated is upstream of a cyclone separator. The reduction in ammonia slip is accomplished by injecting the ammonia through the outside wall of the cyclone inlet duct.

Abstract: The particulate collector assembly 10 removes solid particulates from a gas stream. The assembly 10 includes an outer housing 12, an intermediate housing 40, and interior housing 54 to form therebetween a clean gas chamber 14, a particulate-laden gas chamber 41, and a particulate chamber. A plurality of cyclone separator units 62 cooperate with the chambers to remove particulates from the gas stream. Each separator unit is fixedly secured to the intermediate housing and extends radially inward through the inner housing 54. A plurality of cyclone supports 82 are secured to a radially inward end of the cyclone housings and are also secured to a center support pipe 90 within the particulate chamber. This arrangement forms a wagon wheel-like structure which provides the desired rigidity to prevent sagging of the cyclone separator units yet allows the assembly components to expand freely and uniformly to minimize stresses to avoid distortions when exposed to high operating temperatures.

Abstract: A method of feeding out dust in a dust discharge system in a power plant including feeding out dust pneumatically from a separator via a suction nozzle by using transport gas with a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure, supplying diluting gas into the transport gas at a location close to the suction nozzle of the dust discharge system, and selecting the flow of diluting gas into the transport gas so that part of the pressure drop (.DELTA.Pgas) of the transport gas across the dust discharge system (.DELTA.p) is maintained.

Abstract: A cyclone separator has with a separation chamber in a spiral housing fitted with an inlet for the material to be separated in parallel to a tangent to the separator housing, a separate tangential inlet for a separator gas, and a longitudinal outlet arranged concentrically about the separator axis to allow the gas and fine particulate matter to pass out of the separation chamber. The separator further has a ring of vanes located in the spiral housing between the separation chamber, which is arranged coaxially to the outlet, and an outer annular space, the material inlet feeding into the separation chamber and the gas inlet feeding into the outer annular space.

Abstract: The Induced Long Vortex Cyclone separation method and apparatus allows a three fold increase in residence time and therefore enhances the separation efficiency. The flow rate capacity is increased about 1.7 times for the same pressure drop and energy consumption compared to a conventional cyclone. The ILV cyclone could be used in addition for centrifugal separation of gases having a large difference between their molecular weights.

Abstract: In a check processing apparatus, a technique for separating multiple checks from single like items, these transported along a track wherein the checks are first subjected to twin opposed vacuums to separate them; their state (whether single or multiple) is then determined by measuring and analyzing the resulting pressure differentials within the vacuum-generating system; which is, in turn, provided with a cyclonic filter/suction pump for removing and storing dust and debris entrained within the vacuum-forming air flow, this cyclonic pump providing a constant vacuum-airflow regardless of the nature or quantity of debris removed and collected; the system being also provided with pressure sensor(s) to indicate whether (single or multiple checks are passing, plus a fail-safe unit to warn of vacuum failure. A pressure sensing unit is further provided with a variable damping stage to mask-out minor, insignificant pressure fluctuations.