Abstract: A one-pass centrifuge separator for mixtures of two liquids which may also contain gas. The centrifuge uses separation zones on a rotor's inner wall to improve separation efficiency and minimize turbulent mixing. The zones consist of surface and interface vanes, and baffle plates to control flow at the fluid interface. The zones also retain an open concept to facilitate washing by cleaning fluids which are provided by nozzles installed on a stationary feedpipe mounted along the rotational axis of the centrifuge. A fluid accelerator gradually accelerates the fluid from the feedpipe to the inner wall of the rotor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 19, 1996
Date of Patent:
August 15, 2000
Assignee:
ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
Inventors:
Lonny R. Kelley, Mark E. Ehrhardt, Mukhtiar S. Purewal, Jeffrey W. Frederick, Houston G. Wood, III, James P. Johnston