Abstract: A gyroscopic apparatus (100), having application as a prime mover, comprises a pair of discs (102) disposed opposite one another with arms (104) rotatably supporting the discs (102) connected at a pivot point, the pivot axis thereof lying in a plane midway between the discs (102). A drive arrangement (124, 126, 180) operates to spin the discs (102) in opposite directions while simultaneously rotating the whole assembly of discs (102) and arms (104) about a second axis in the same plane as, but perpendicular to, the pivot axis. A camming arrangement (144, 146, 152) working in conjunction with the rotation about the second axis periodically forces the spinning discs (102) to pivot about the pivot axis to thereby generate a force along the second axis which can be used to perform useful work.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of multiphase mixtures and more particularly, though not exclusively, to multiphase mixtures in which at least two of the phases are liquids and the least dense liquid phases is present in quantities of at least 5%. One preferred application of the present invention relates to the treatment of oil/water mixtures (which may include gaseous and solid phases) such as that discharged from oil wells.Research into the use of cyclone separators for the separation of oil/water mixtures has increased in recent years. One of the reasons for a growing interest in this area is because of the particular problems associated with off-shore platforms. One of the major problems is that of the weight of processing equipment and, as a result of this, attempts are continuously being made to try and reduce the weight of processing equipment. It is with this in mind that investigations have been conducted into the use of cyclone separators.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making a cyclone having an ejection moulded plastic inner body.

Abstract: A cyclone separator (10) for liquids having a denser liquid component outlet (23) and a less dense liquid component outlet (32). In order to improve separation efficiency a third outlet (54), for the less dense liquid component is located within the separator adjacent the denser liquid component outlet.

Abstract: Separating apparatus for separating components of a liquid mixture one from the other and method of separating such components.Liquid mixture to be separated is passed via inlet means (18) including a duct (40), to tangential inlets (20, 22) of a cyclone separator (10) so that the less dense component of the mixture emerges from an overflow outlet (34a) of the separator (10) and the more dense component emerges from an underflow outlet (16a) of the separator. Gas is entrained in the incoming liquid mixture in duct (40) by expressing the gas into the duct via a manifold (42a) having openings (42a). The gas is admitted under conditions of relatively high pressure of incoming mixture in duct (40) whereby to substantially dissolve in the mixture whereby to come out of solution in the form of fine bubbles under pressure reduction occurring inside the separator (10).

Abstract: A method for continuous analysis of mixtures for determining selective properties of components in the mixture flowing along a flow path includes the steps of, firstly, directly measuring and/or calculating the pressure, temperature, density and mass flow rate of the mixture at a first point upstream of a characteristic change zone in the flow path. A change in the characteristics of the mixture flow is caused in the characteristic change zone, and thereafter, the pressure, temperature, density and mass flow rate are measured directly and/or calculated at a second point downstream of a characteristic change zone. Selected properties of the mixture are determined on the basis of the information collected together with known parameters using algorithms.

Abstract: Provided is a system of process components which will enable conversion of a bank of hydrocyclones from parallel operation to series operation and vice versa.

Abstract: A cyclone separator having an inlet with inner and outer profiles, viewed in section transverse to the separator axis. This location of any particular point on the outer profile is defined by a vector contained in a plane normal to the separator axis, and having its origin at a location (C) where the outer profile meets the adjacent inner circumference of the separator. As the magnitude of the vector (T) increases, an angle (.theta.) between the vector (T) and a tangent to the circumference (C) which passes through location (C) never decreases and never becomes less than negative 0.1 radian. The location of any particular point on the inner profile is defined by a vector (U) having its point of origin at a location (E) where the inner profile or at least its projection meets the separator circumference. As the magnitude of vector (U) increases, an angle (.zeta.) between vector (U) and a tangent to circumference which passes through location (E) never decreases and never becomes less than negative 0.

Abstract: A liquid separator apparatus comprising a plurality of cyclone separators having feed inlets, overflow outlet and underflow outlets. The cyclone separators are enclosed substantially within a partitioned housing such that an overflow outlet of a first cyclone separator comprises a first outlet for the housing, and an underflow outlet of a second cyclone separator comprises a second outlet for the housing. The feed inlet of the first cyclone separator being in fluid communication on one side of the partition with the housing inlet and the feed inlet of the second cyclone separator being in fluid communication with the underflow outlet of the first cyclone separator on the other side of the partition.