Abstract: This invention relates to an improved particulate receiving chamber within a centrifugal separation device and more particularly within a decanter centrifuge. The improved receiving chamber reduces particle disintegration of the particulates which is particularly advantageous if the particulates are subjected to a further centrifugal separation step because particle disintegration compromises the clarification achievable by successive centrifugal separators. The preferred embodiment of the particulate receiving chamber includes a plurality of spray nozzles for spraying fluid in the chamber whereby the fluid absorbs the impact forces of the particulates which impact against surfaces within the chamber.

Abstract: A special form of fluid cyclone in which the velocity energy in the exit fluid is converted into exit pressure, thus permitting the device to discharge to atmospheric pressure or a higher pressure while a vacuum may exist in the central core of the vortex. A vortex finder defines an uninterrupted annular outlet passage that gradually increases in cross sectional flow area from an axial inlet to a tangential outlet. The length of the axial inlet portion is sufficiently long relative to the radial portion to insure a gradual transition of velocity energy into pressure, thereby avoiding vortex instability in the outlet passage.

Abstract: A special form of fluid cyclone in which the velocity energy in the exit fluid is converted into exit pressure thus permitting the device to discharge to atmospheric pressure or a higher pressure while a vacuum may exit in the central core of the vortex. The result is achieved by use of a curved passage at the exit which starts as a coaxial space and gradually expands and turns outward to become a circular space between two disks. The removal of reject material to atmospheric pressure with a vacuum at the core may be achieved by limiting the restriction in cross-section of the bottom core such that the pressure is atmospheric and allow it to leave through a space between the end of the cone and a blunt shaped surface.