Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack in fluid communication with a separator. The separator has a first portion and a second portion forming a chamber. The first portion has a continuous inner wall and an end wall, with an inlet conduit connected to the inner wall and a liquid drain connected to the end wall. The second portion has an end wall and an outlet conduit extending into the chamber to form a channel with the inner wall of the first portion. A fuel cell separator includes a first end and a second end connected by a side wall to define a separation chamber. An inlet conduit is tangentially connected to the wall. An outlet conduit is connected to the first end and extending into the chamber to form a channel with the wall. A liquid drain is connected to the second end.

Abstract: A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.

Abstract: A method for classifying a ground material-fluid mixture and a mill classifier improve the grinding and classification process, wherein a fine material-fluid flow leaving a dynamic classifier part with angular momentum is subjected to a swirl reduction or swirl elimination, with the aid of a guiding apparatus and a displacement body and is made uniform in a classifier outlet housing and deflected into a virtually linear flow. The fixed guiding apparatus arranged coaxially with the classifier axis in the classifier outlet housing and the displacement body may be formed as one unit, and the guide elements of the guiding apparatus may be arranged on the displacement body and extending into the vicinity of the inner wall of the classifier outlet housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclone separator for blast furnace gas including: a cyclone vessel having a central axis and including a side wall, a top wall and bottom wall; a first inlet duct connected with an end to the side wall of the cyclone vessel at a predetermined position intermediate the top and bottom wall; and a central outlet duct which traverses through the top wall of the cyclone vessel and extends into the cyclone vessel, and a further inlet duct connected with an end to the side wall of the cyclone vessel in circumferentially spaced relationship to the first inlet duct.

Abstract: Described is a cyclone separator comprising a cyclone housing (1), a discharge duct (5) and a central tube (3) for diverting gases, said central tube (3) extends axially into the cyclone housing (1) and being composed by a number of segments (3a) which are suspended on a supporting element (15) provided in the area between the cyclone housing (1) and the discharge duct (5). The cyclone separator is peculiar in that it comprises a number of carrying means (17) which are evenly distributed and fixed to the inner side of the cyclone housing (1) and/or the discharge duct (5), and in that the supporting element (15) comprises an annular disc which is loosely fitted on top of the carrying means (17) and having an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the cyclone housing (1) and/or the discharge duct (5) so that a clearance (18) is provided between the annular disc (15) and the cyclone housing (1) and/or the discharge duct (5).

Abstract: Device and method for removing heavy contaminants from an apparatus for treating a fibrous suspension. The device includes at least one connection part being coupleable to a heavy contaminants outlet of the apparatus. The at least one connection part includes an inner surface having a polygonal cross section and at least one heavy contaminants outlet.

Abstract: A classification apparatus including a magnetic stirrer composed of main body (1) and rotor (2) and, arranged on the main body of the magnetic stirrer, classification tube (3). The interior of the classification tube is provided with classification compartments (A-E) partitioned from each other by divider plates (5a-5b). The lowermost classification compartment (A) is furnished with gas emission conduit (7). In the classification compartment (A), the rotor (2) of the magnetic stirrer is arranged. From gas supply source (8), a high-pressure gas is fed into the gas emission conduit. By means of the gas emitted from the gas emission conduit, a vortex flow rising from the lowermost classification compartment sequentially toward higher classification compartments is generated in the classification tube.

Abstract: A method and a device classifies splinters and wood chips. The device includes a centrifugal classifying unit, a countercurrent classifying unit, a separating funnel for the coarse fraction and a separating cyclone for the fine fraction. A gas or a gas mixture is circulated in the system via a blower. It is tangentially introduced into the lower classifying chamber, initially flows through the countercurrent classifier, through the gaps between the blades of the centrifugal classifier and then into the separating cyclone before being returned to the blower.

Abstract: A cyclone used in a separator apparatus includes a body and a vortex finder. The body includes an inlet passageway, a cylindrical passageway connected to the inlet passageway, and a conical passageway connected to the cylindrical passageway. The cylindrical passageway has an upper end through which first particles in a fluid are exhausted, and a lower end. The conical passageway has an upper end connected to the lower end of the cylindrical passageway, and an opened lower end through which second particles having a specific gravity greater than that of the first particle are exhausted. The vortex finder is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical passageway. A first exhaust passageway is vertically formed in the vortex finder so that the first particles spirally ascend through the first exhaust passageway from the cylindrical passageway.

Abstract: A method of the present invention separates lightweight grains from raw grains. In a primary separation step, raw grains containing the lightweight grains are whirled upward with primary air along the inner wall of the cylindrical section for allowing raw grains and part of the lightweight grains to stay in a certain flow area by frictional resistance with respect to the wall surface generated by whirl, and to drop into the conical section on the downside by their own weight. In a secondary separation step, secondary air is blown toward the raw grains dropping into the conical section in the primary separation step to blow the contained lightweight substances upward to the space in the cylindrical section. In a discharging step, raw grains with the lightweight grains removed are taken out from the conical section. A tertiary separation step for blowing the tertiary air may be added.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone which includes a main body having a chamber therein, the chamber including an inlet section, and a separating section, the separating section having an inner side wall which tapers inwardly away from the inlet section, the hydrocyclone further including a feed inlet feeding a particle bearing slurry mixture into the inlet section of the chamber, an overflow outlet at one end of the chamber adjacent the inlet section thereof, and an underflow outlet at the other end of the chamber remote from the inlet section of the chamber. The hydrocyclone further includes an overflow outlet control chamber adjacent the inlet section of the chamber of the hydrocyclone and in communication therewith via the overflow outlet, the overflow outlet control chamber including a tangentially located discharge outlet and a centrally located air core stabilising orifice which is remote from the overflow outlet.

Abstract: An air classifier to separate solids by air classification while eliminating emissions. The air classifier includes an in-feed delivery mechanism, such as a continuous conveyer belt in order to deliver solids to an input chamber. A hanging curtain is movable in response to solids entering the input chamber. A balanced gate moves in response to solids exiting from the input chamber. An air fan delivers forced air to an air classifier chamber which is in communication with the input chamber. A heavy fraction discharge is in communication with the air classifier chamber to receive a portion of the solids heavier than the force of air delivered to the air classifier chamber. A light fraction discharge in communication with the air classifier chamber removes light solids. A return air duct in communication with the light fraction discharge returns air from the light fraction discharge to the fan. A bleed-off duct delivers a portion of forced air from the fan back into the input chamber.

Abstract: A separator that provides a convergent conical flow path for a mixture introduced into the separator at fairly high velocity. Within the convergent flow path, the angular velocity of the spiraling mixture increases such that heavier species are segregated from lighter species. The convergent flow path transitions into a substantially uniform flow path where the spiraling mixture maintains a fairly uniform velocity and further separation occurs. The uniform flow path then transitions to a divergent conical exhaust flow path where some or all of the heavier species are exhausted from the separator. Within the substantially uniform flow path, a retrograde flow of the lighter species is created with an interaction with a diffuser surface arranged in the exhaust flow path. As such, the lighter species are channeled to a separate exit port to provide some degree of separation of the mixture.

Abstract: An arrangement of hydrocyclones, resulting in a greater density of hydrocyclones packaged in a given volume. One or more overflow extensions is secured to the overflow portions of one or more hydrocyclones to permit individual hydrocyclones to be placed into an axially staggered arrangement with respect to each other. By keeping the larger hydrocyclone heads from being directly adjacent that of a neighbor's, the maximum diameter of the hydrocyclones no longer becomes a limitation on the proximity of one hydrocyclone to another. The inlet section of one of a group of hydrocyclones is disposed to be adjacent either the separation portion of an adjacent hydrocyclone or an overflow extension, thereby permitting denser packaging. In another aspect, groups of axially staggered hydrocyclones are axially offset from and intermeshed with one another, permitting greater density in packaging.

Abstract: A device for de-dusting a particle flow associated with a unit for dense loads supplying said particles and for removing dust in an enclosure in a generally downward direction, characterized in that it comprises:

Abstract: An apparatus for separating coarse particles from a stream of gas entrained with a mixture of coarse and fine particles includes an outer casing, an inner casing disposed within the outer casing and configured to define a passageway between the outer casing and the inner casing through which the stream of gas and mixture of coarse and fine particles can flow substantially upwardly, a plurality of angled vanes for imparting a rotational flow to the stream of gas and particles as the stream passes from the passageway to within the inner casing in order to separate the coarse particles from the fine particles entrained within the stream of gas, a plurality of outlets for discharging the stream of gas and fine particles from the apparatus, and at least one distribution vane pivotably mounted with respect to the outlets for controlling the distribution of fine particles among the various outlets by affecting the rotational flow of the stream of gas and fine particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is dense medium cyclone for separating particles of varying sizes from within a fluid stream. The particles to be separated are entrained within the fluid stream. The fluid stream is then introduced into a cyclone that includes a body and a side wall comprising an upper wall portion and adjacent lower wall portion tapering inwardly in a direction away from the upper wall portion. The cyclone further includes a vortex finder projecting substantially axially into the interior space through the upper end of the body and terminating at an internal end positioned below an inlet, the vortex finder defining an overflow outlet which removes the remaining fluid and entrained particles from the cyclone. The vortex finder and the upper wall portion are configured to define a feed zone of decreasing cross sectional area from the inlet to the internal end of the vortex finder.

Abstract: A diffuser system for multi-outlet pipe structures of the type found in coal pulverizer classifier skirts and in the piping between such classifiers and combustion chambers in coal-fired power plant delivery systems. A plurality of vertical and horizontal diffuser elements comprising toothed bars and rings are arranged in the “skirt” or plenum just prior to the multiple pipe outlets so as to effectively diffuse both axial and radial components of uneven flow distributions.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating coarse particles from a stream of gas entrained with a mixture of coarse and fine particles includes an outer casing, an inner casing disposed within the outer casing and configured to define a passageway between the outer casing and the inner casing through which the stream of gas and mixture of coarse and fine particles can flow substantially upwardly, a plurality of angled vanes for imparting a rotational flow to the stream of gas and particles as the stream passes from the passageway to within the inner casing in order to separate the coarse particles from the fine particles entrained within the stream of gas, a plurality of outlets for discharging the stream of gas and fine particles from the apparatus, and at least one distribution vane pivotably mounted with respect to the outlets for controlling the distribution of fine particles among the various outlets by affecting the rotational flow of the stream of gas and fine particles.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone has an inlet head, one or more chambers located beneath the inlet head and terminating in an underflow outlet, a vortex finder located within the inlet head, and an overflow outlet connected to the vortex finder. The overflow outlet has a peripheral annular zone therein that receives coarse particles in the overflow issuing from the vortex finder, and a secondary outlet communicates with the annular zone.

Abstract: A cyclone separator has an inlet chamber 52 and an outlet chamber 53, means 51 for introducing a fluid mixture into the inlet chamber so that it swirls around the chamber and passes to the outlet chamber in which it swirls about an outlet chamber axis, the outlet chamber being provided with means 62 for conducting heavier phase fluids from the outlet chamber at a relatively large distance from the outlet chamber axis and an outlet 63 for lighter phase fluids at a relatively small distance from the outlet chamber axis 55. The flow through the separator and the efficiency of separation are improved by forming at least one of the chambers 52, 53 as involute shaped, the corresponding one 51, 62 of said means being defined by the curved wall of the involute of maximum radius.

Abstract: A diffuser system for multi-outlet pipe structures of the type found in coal pulverizer classifier skirts and in the piping between such classifiers and combustion chambers in coal-fired power plant delivery systems. A plurality of vertical and horizontal diffuser elements comprising toothed bars and rings are arranged in the “skirt” or plenum just prior to the multiple pipe outlets so as to effectively diffuse both axial and radial components of uneven flow distributions.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing uneven distributions of coal fines in the upper, outlet end of a coal mill classifier. A plurality of static diffuser elements is positioned in the upper end of the classifier, preferably within the classifier skirt if the classifier includes such structure, adjacent the inlets of multiple coal discharge pipes leading from the upper end of the classifier to a combustion chamber. In a preferred form the diffuser elements comprise vertically-arranged toothed bars mounted on the inside wall surfaces of the skirt.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating fluids of differing densities comprises a first chamber having a vortex finder and a core member. The vane is arranged co-axial with and adjacent the internal surface of the vortex finder to increase the rotational velocity component of fluids passing through the vortex finder by translating the axial velocity component of the fluids into a rotational velocity component.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator (10) has an outer housing (12) including an upper housing portion (14) and a lower housing portion (16). Upper housing portion (14) has a cylindrical chamber (22) and an involuted entrance (20) to cylindrical chamber (22). A vortex finder tube (24) has a flaring lower end portion (29). A solid core (34) is mounted within finder tube (24) and extends downwardly from finder tube (24) a distance at least equal to 11/2% times the inner diameter of the entrance orifice or opening (30) of finder tube (24). The outer peripheral surface (40) of solid core (34) tapers downwardly and is generally parallel to the inner peripheral surface (44) of lower tapered chamber (46). A strong interface (48) is formed between the downwardly extending outer vortex and the upwardly extending inner vortex with minimal turbulence and intermingling of particles between the inner and outer vortices.

Abstract: A compact cyclonic filter assembly used for separating unwanted debris from a fluid. The cyclonic filter assembly uses the centrifugal forces to separate large pieces of debris from the fluid and a filter to separate the remaining unwanted debris from the fluid. The present invention can be contained in a compact single housing which may be disassembled for easy cleaning and replacement of parts. The cyclonic filter assembly of the present invention has a vertically oriented cylindrical tube which receives a tangential injection of the debris laden fluid. The tangential injection causes the fluid to circulate around a cylindrical vortex finder which is inside of and coaxial with the tube. The centrifugal forces acting on the debris causes the debris to move outward away from the center of the vortex. The vortex finder has an opening which pulls in the relatively clean fluid near the center of the vortex while the debris laden fluid settles into a collection chamber below the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating oil and water and removing suspended solids. It comprises a generally cylindrical first portion with an open end and a closed end. A generally axial overflow outlet is provided in the closed end and a moveable member is associated with this closed end having a plurality of orifices of progressively smaller diameter than the overflow outlet. This moveable member may be moved such that any selected one of the plurality of orifices may be axially aligned with the overflow outlet. The separator includes at least two radially balanced feed injection ports in the cylindrical first portion adjacent to the closed end thereof. A converging tapered second section with open ends is axially flow connected to the open end of the cylindrical first portion and a converging tapered third portion with open ends is axially flow connected to the tapered second portion. A fourth generally cylindrical portion is axially flow connected to the third tapered portion.

Abstract: A downhole fluid separation system is used with submergible pumping systems to separate downhole fluids into different density fluids, recover the lighter fluids to the earth's surface, and dispose the heavier fluids downhole. The fluid separation system includes a plurality of housings connectable one to another, each housing having one or more fluid separators, such as hydrocyclones, therein with an inlet of each fluid separator in communication with an inlet conduit, an overflow of each fluid separator in communication with an overflow conduit, and an underflow of each fluid separator in communication with an underflow conduit. The fluid separation system can be configured for parallel flow where the conduits conveying fluids downstream of a first housing have a greater cross-sectional flow area than corresponding conduits in an adjacent second housing. Also, the fluid separation system can be configured for series flow, for either the separated lighter or the separated heavier fluids.

Abstract: A cyclone having a deblocking device comprising a rod relatively moveable into or out of an orifice to dislodge any solid matter therein. The rod may be provided with a formation to enhance the dislodgement.

Abstract: A combination centrifugal separator for air and solids has a cylindrical vessel with cylindrical side wall and closing end walls, a vortex finder internally and coaxially disposed within the vessel, an inlet mounted on the vessel in a direction tangential to the periphery of the cylindrical side wall, primary and secondary spin plates coaxially disposed within the vessel, a plurality of vane-shaped ribs connecting the primary and secondary spin plates to the vessel, and a plurality of chambers, i.e., an air collection chamber, a spin chamber and a solids accumulation chamber internally disposed within the vessel. The secondary spin plate preferably is perforated. In operation, contaminated and aerated water enters the vessel and due to the cylindrical wall and gravity, spirals downwardly, until reaching the primary spin plate, whereupon clean water and lighter constituents reverse direction and exit the vessel through the vortex finder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for discharge limitation and simultaneous temporary storage of waste water and also separation of settleable and floating matter from foul water and is notable for the fact that it comprises a cyclone chamber (2) which is connected to an inlet (1), which is constructed in accordance with the natural spiral shape of the vortex and which comprises round openings (4; 6) at the top and bottom, and in that a rotationally symmetrical container (8) seamlessly adjoins the top opening (6), in which container (8) a guide pipe is disposed which extends centrally from the top opening (6) to just below the upper edge (10) of the container.

Abstract: A centrifugal cleaner is constructed so that its efficiency is less sensitive to consistency changes of the feed slurry, and so that it can operate at a higher consistency than conventional cleaners, yet optimizes separation efficiency. This is accomplished by disposing a turbulence generator in the tangential inlet to the cleaner, the turbulence generator comprising an abrupt cross-sectional area reduction (e.g. a cross-sectional area of about 0.1-0.3 times as large as the cross-sectional area of the inlet) so as to break up fiber flocs and prevent reformation of the flocs. Existing centrifugal cleaners can easily be retrofit by the method of the invention to achieve the invention's advantages by inserting a turbulence generator into the inlet of an existing centrifugal cleaner. The tangential inlet leads to a hollow main body which includes a vortex finder located in the body top.

Abstract: A cyclone and process for fluidized catalytic cracking of heavy oils is disclosed. Gas and entrained solids are added tangentially around a vapor outlet tube in a cylindrical tube cyclone body. Solids and some gas is withdrawn via a plurality of openings radially and longitudinally distributed in the cylindrical sidewall of the cyclone body. Distributed withdrawal replaces or reduces conventional underflow of solids from an end of cyclone outlet and reduces solids reentrainment. 0-5 micron particle removal is enhanced by reducing eddy formation and particle bouncing near the cyclone sidewall. The device may be used as an FCC regenerator third stage separator.

Abstract: A separator comprises a cyclone for removing more dense particles e.g. sand and a filter for removing less dense particles e.g. organic material from a liquid e.g. water. The arrangement is such that the filter experiences a shearing/scouring force which assists in preventing blockage.