Abstract: An integrated vortex separator (IVS) is disclosed. The IVS includes a housing in communication with a waste inlet via which a waste stream is drawn under suction into a waste tank. In a first stage, the waste stream is drawn into a centrifugal vortex flow to facilitate the removal of solid and liquid waste from the waste stream, leaving a primary airstream. Within the housing, a filter assembly includes outer and inner inverted cones with a conical cavity therebetween, the cavity serving as a second stage into which the vortex flow is redirected to remove additional liquid from the airstream. Radial vanes extending inward from the outer cone define portals between adjacent vanes, through which the redirected vortex flow is isolated from the original vortex flow. Exhaust ports in communication with the conical cavity allow the substantially moisture-free airstream to be drawn from the IVS via a vent line.

Abstract: A bypass flow regulator for a vacuum waste system (VWS) is disclosed. The bypass flow regulator includes a valve assembly installable in an aircraft vent line leading outside the aircraft from an onboard VWS waste tank. The vent line directs an airstream pumped from the waste tank to an external outlet under suction (from which outlet the airstream is ejected from the aircraft). The valve assembly includes a group of valves (e.g., umbrella valves) set into the path of the airstream. The valves may collectively modulate the flow rate of the airstream by adjusting their effective flow area.

Abstract: A bypass flow regulator for a vacuum waste system (VWS) is disclosed. The bypass flow regulator includes a valve assembly installable in an aircraft vent line leading outside the aircraft from an onboard VWS waste tank. The vent line directs an airstream pumped from the waste tank to an external outlet under suction (from which outlet the airstream is ejected from the aircraft). The valve assembly includes a group of valves (e.g., umbrella valves) set into the path of the airstream. The valves may collectively modulate the flow rate of the airstream by adjusting their effective flow area.

Abstract: An integrated vortex separator (IVS) is disclosed. The IVS includes a housing in communication with a waste inlet via which a waste stream is drawn under suction into a waste tank. In a first stage, the waste stream is drawn into a centrifugal vortex flow to facilitate the removal of solid and liquid waste from the waste stream, leaving a primary airstream. Within the housing, a filter assembly includes outer and inner inverted cones with a conical cavity therebetween, the cavity serving as a second stage into which the vortex flow is redirected to remove additional liquid from the airstream. Radial vanes extending inward from the outer cone define portals between adjacent vanes, through which the redirected vortex flow is isolated from the original vortex flow. Exhaust ports in communication with the conical cavity allow the substantially moisture-free airstream to be drawn from the IVS via a vent line.