Including Specific Underflow Discharge Feature (e.g., Apex Construction, Secondary Vortex Chamber, Etc.) Patents (Class 209/733)
  • Patent number: 11911775
    Abstract: A compact hydraulic particle separator apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus comprises an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a partition. A liquid fluid flow upwelling through the partition from the lower chamber is caused to mix with tangential jet of fluid flowing introduced above the partition in the upper chamber produces an upwardly-flowing cyclonic flow within the upper chamber. Particle mixtures containing low- and high-density particles and other solids are introduced into the upper chamber through a feed tube having a mouth that is offset from the center of the upper chamber. Low-density particles are immediately entrained in the cyclonic flow and swept upward and exit the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventors: John M Richmond, Michael Gray
  • Patent number: 11857902
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-stability shale gas desanding device with a gravel storage mechanism, comprising a shale gas desanding assembly, a driving assembly, a flow stirring assembly and a flow guide assembly, wherein the shale gas desanding assembly comprises an outer side gas-solid separation tank, an inner side gas-solid separation tank is sleeved inside the outer side gas-solid separation tank, the inner side gas-solid separation tank is communicated with a shale gas mixture ingress pipe of the flow guide assembly, a top of the shale gas desanding assembly is communicated with an interior of the outer side gas-solid separation tank through a first pressure balance pipe, the outer side gas-solid separation tank is communicated with the shale gas mixture ingress pipe through a second pressure balance pipe, a pressure regulation and control assembly is arranged on the second pressure balance pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TIANJIN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Li He, Pengdong Yan, Yizhong Chen
  • Patent number: 11779937
    Abstract: An improved modular hydrocyclone and method of operating for centrifugal cleaning fluid wherein the hydrocyclone has a plurality of inserts each of different sizes and configurations for selectively and interchangeably inserting into the modular body thereby adjusting capacity and cleaning efficiency of the hydrocyclone without changing out the body. One or more embodiments relate to systems and methods for utilizing a hydrocyclone system with interchangeable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Virgilio Garcia Soule
  • Patent number: 11738318
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an external loop slurry reactor, comprising a gas-liquid integrated distributor, a riser, a degassing zone, a solid-liquid separation circulation unit, and a storage tank. When the reactor works, reactants are injected into the riser through the gas-liquid integrated distributor; the slurry mixes and flows upwards to the degassing zone at the top for gas removal, and a large number of bubbles are removed. The slurry with catalyst particles then enters a downcomer and flows downwards. The slurry flows into a first-stage hydrocyclone and a multi-stage hydrocyclone in sequence for solid-liquid separation. The diameter of the first-stage hydrocyclone is larger than that of the multi-stage hydrocyclone. The separated solid particles flow back into the riser to continue to participate in the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignees: QINGDAO INSTITUTE OF BIOENERGY AND BIOPROCESS TECHNOLOGY, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, INSTITUTE OF PROCESS ENGINEERING, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Qingshan Huang, Aqiang Chen, Shujun Geng, Hang Xiao, Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 11719614
    Abstract: A method of analyzing particles present in a service fluid of a device includes analyzing the particles during operation of the device where a service fluid flows through a service fluid circuit of the device during the analyzing. The method further includes branching off a service fluid stream at a first branch point of the service fluid circuit, feeding the branched-off service fluid stream to a separation unit, branching the branched-off service fluid stream into a first service fluid stream and a second service fluid stream by the separation unit, feeding a majority of particles present in the branched-off service fluid stream to the first service fluid stream by the separation unit, and ascertaining at least one parameter of the particles fed to the first service fluid stream by an evaluation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Niklas Berberich, Dominik Huber
  • Patent number: 11613978
    Abstract: A system for transporting corrosive or erosive fluids having a conduit or flow equipment with a flow bore, comprising; a flexible pipe, an adapter, an end connector, a clamp connector, insert(s), and a metal spacer. Insert(s) comprise an erosion resistant coating disposed around the internal structure that is a spring or helical structure. The insert(s) is/are disposed inside the flow bore and provide erosion and/or corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Fink, Julian Keihany
  • Patent number: 9248456
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a separation barrel with an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, and a cylindrical wall defining a separation chamber. A spin plate extends substantially across the separation chamber adjacent to the lower end thereof. A post including a central passage extends from the spin plate along the central axis of the separation barrel. The post includes at least one opening for fluid to flow from the central passage of the post to the separation chamber. An inlet in fluid communication with the separation chamber allows solids-laden fluid to flow into the separation chamber. An outlet in fluid communication with the separation chamber allows substantially-clean fluid to flow out of the separation chamber and out of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Claude Laval Corporation
    Inventors: Steven David Ford, Jeremy Benjamin Isch, Timothy Alan Raiskup
  • Patent number: 8951418
    Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vulco S.A.
    Inventor: Eduardo Francisco Olivares Castro
  • Patent number: 8945399
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating sand and other solids from oil and other fluids produced from a well. The present systems and methods introduce the fluids at relatively high speed into a generally cylindrical separation chamber. The fluids flow in a generally circular path within the chamber, causing the solids and higher density fluid/media to be urged outward from the axis of the chamber as the fluids flow from the upper portion of the chamber. Because the solids become concentrated at the outer wall of the chamber, the fluid in a central portion of the chamber is substantially free of the solids, and can be removed from the chamber via a fluid outlet. The solids concentrated at the outer wall of the chamber continue to move downward into an accumulation chamber in which the fluid speed is reduced, allowing the solids to settle out of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Taper-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Erik M. Howard
  • Patent number: 8789709
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone (1) for separating a liquid mixture into a heavy fraction including heavy particles and alight fraction, comprising a housing (2) forming an elongated separation chamber (3) having a circumferential wall (4), abase end (5), an apex end (6), at least one inlet member (7) for supplying a liquid mixture into the separation chamber (3), at least one of the inlet member/s (7) positioned at the base end (5), a first outlet member (8) for discharging separated light fraction from the separation chamber (3) at the base end (5), a second outlet member (9) for discharging separated heavy fraction from the separation chamber (3) at the apex end (6), means (10) for supplying the liquid mixture to the separation chamber (3) via the at least one inlet member (7), so that during operation a liquid stream is generated as a helical vortex (11) about a center axis (12) in the separation chamber (3), said helical vortex (11) extending from the base end (5) to the apex end (6), a first flow deflection means arrang
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ovivo Luxembourg S.å.r.l.
    Inventors: Jan Backman, Valentina Kucher, Björn Tidbeck
  • Patent number: 8617405
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Patent number: 8439206
    Abstract: A cyclone apparatus for separating a mixture containing at least one fluid and a further constituent based on the densities of the mixture constituents. The apparatus includes a first hollow pressure vessel having an overflow plate positioned at an overflow end of the first hollow pressure vessel and an end plate for sealing the overflow plate. The cyclone apparatus also comprises an underflow plate positioned at an under-flow end of the first hollow pressure vessel and a hollow pressure vessel with one end being sealed against the under-flow plate and another end being closed. The overflow plate and the end plate are shaped such that when they are brought together they form separate adjacent overflow compartments between them. The underflow plate and the second hollow pressure vessel are shaped such that when they are brought together they form separate adjacent under-flow compartments between them which correspond to the overflow compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Merpro Tortek Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Beedie, Mark Wolf
  • Patent number: 8252179
    Abstract: A liquid cyclone is configured for inflowing raw water containing impurities as targets of collection to be forced to swirl inside to spin down impurities contained in raw water, an inflow pipe is connected with an upper portion of the liquid cyclone to supply the liquid cyclone with raw water, and configured for supplied raw water to be forced to swirl inside the liquid cyclone, a connecting portion is connected with a lower portion of the liquid cyclone, and configured with a discharge port to discharge spun down impurities from the liquid cyclone, an impurity collector is connected to the liquid cyclone with the connecting portion in between, and configured to collect impurities discharged from the liquid cyclone, an obstacle is disposed in or near the discharge port, , and configured to prevent impurities collected in the impurity collector from backing up into the liquid cyclone, and an outflow pipe is connected with a top portion of the liquid cyclone, and configured for raw water having got rid of impu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Aoki, Yasushi Yamamoto, Takashi Menju, Mii Fukuda, Atsushi Yukawa
  • Patent number: 8205756
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone (1) for separating a liquid mixture into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, comprising a housing (2) forming an elongated separation chamber (3) having a circumferential wall (4), a base end (5), an apex end (6), means (10) for supplying the liquid mixture to the separation chamber (3) via the at least one inlet member (7), so that during operation a liquid stream is generated as a helical vortex (11) about a centre axis (12), at least one path (13) in the circumferential wall (4) at least over a portion of the separation chamber (3), and at least one means for creating turbulence, which comprises at least one step (14) in the path (13) of the circumferential wall (4) showing an increase of the radius of the separation chamber (3), wherein the at least one step (14) having an angle (?) relative the centre axis (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ovivo Luxembourg S.å.r.l
    Inventor: Jan Backman
  • Patent number: 8182684
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator includes a separator body having an upper body part and a lower body part narrower than the upper body part in diameter; a feeder connected helically to the upper body part from a lateral side for feeding in a raw liquid; an upstream outlet disposed axially within the separator body, having an upper part projecting upward and axially from the upper body part and a lower part extending into the lower body part; a downstream outlet attached axially to the lower body part in spatially communication therewith; and a filtering unit disposed axially within an inner wall confining the upstream outlet. The filtering unit has an upper part projecting upwardly and outwardly from a top end of the upstream outlet and a lower part extending into the downstream outlet. The filtering unit consists of a filtering membrane having an inner wall confining the filtering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Tamkang University Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
    Inventor: Rome-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 7934606
    Abstract: The induced vortex particle separator is a device for separating solid particulate matter from a liquid containing such particulate matter. The liquid enters a housing through an inlet port and is driven about a helical vane to form a helical flow path. Upon exiting the helical vane, the liquid is received within a central portion of the housing where a centralized structure including an annular stator and an inverted diffuser cone drive the liquid to form a free vortex. Under centrifugal force, the solid particulate matter is separated from the liquid and flows, under the force of gravity, into a lower region of the housing. Due to a negative pressure differential, the liquid is driven upwards within an inner cylindrical shell mounted within the housing to flow into a siphon for output through an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Petroleum Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyd B. Greene, Helen C. Greene
  • Patent number: 7909990
    Abstract: A filter device is made up of: a filter portion having a fluid outlet at its axis, and a fluid inlet in a position away from the axis, in which a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed from the fluid inlet to cause a swirling, particles are moved outward in a centrifugal state and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged from the fluid outlet, and the particles separated by slowing down the swirling are allowed to sink; and a settlement portion in which the particles that settle in the filter portion are allowed to settle. Thus, a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed to cause swirling, the particles are separated by a centrifugal force caused by the swirling and allowed to sink and settle, and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged. A large amount of particles can be allowed to settle and be reliably removed in a short time with this small-sized and simple device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Takahashi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Takahashi, Junichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7726491
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing bitumen froth comprising a cyclone body having an elongated conical inner surface defining a cyclone cavity extending from an upper inlet region with a diameter DC to a lower apex outlet with a diameter DU of not less than about 40 mm; an inlet means forming an inlet channel extending into the upper inlet region of said cyclone cavity; and a vortex finder forming an overflow outlet of a diameter DO extending into the upper inlet region of said cyclone cavity toward said lower apex outlet and having a lower end extending an excursion distance below said inlet channel, said excursion distance being operable to permit a portion of bitumen that passes through said inlet channel to exit said overflow outlet without having to make a spiral journey down said cyclone cavity, wherein a lower end of the vortex finder within the cyclone cavity is disposed a free vortex height (FVH) distance from said lower apex outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventors: William Nicholas Garner, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
  • Patent number: 7429327
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating solid particles from a fluid. One preferred embodiment includes a tank for settling particles out of the fluid, a conical chamber at the bottom of the tank, an outlet connected to conical chamber, and a conical auger within the conical chamber. The tank may have a tangential inlet that creates a fluid circulation that exerts a centrifugal force on the solid particles to increase the settling of particles out of the fluid. The tank may have a static spiral on the inner wall that helps small particles coalesce into larger particles that settle faster out of the fluid. The fluid content of the solids removed from the tank may be controlled by varying the rotational speed of the conical auger. The rotational speed of the conical auger may be varied depending on the torque required to rotate the conical auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gary Fout, Neale Browne
  • Patent number: 7413669
    Abstract: A separator including a conical member having a base; a substantially cylindrical member extending from the base; a separator inlet for introducing liquid to be separated into the conical member in a substantially tangential direction with respect to a sidewall of the conical member; a heavy phase outlet communicated with an apex portion of the conical member; and a light phase outlet communicated with the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Rafael Gonzalez, Jorge Ramirez
  • Patent number: 7267232
    Abstract: An apparatus for froth flotation including a flotation vessel including a side wall and a bottom wall that includes a fluid drain, and a mixing eductor inside the vessel disposed to impart net rotational force to contents of the vessel about an axis; and a method of separating a desired constituent (e.g., coal) from a mixture of particulate matter, including the steps of conditioning a liquid mixture of particulate matter including a desired constituent with a frothing agent to create a pulp, and injecting the pulp into a vessel to impart net rotational movement of pulp in the vessel, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of Illinois
    Inventors: Latif Khan, Christopher R. Manrique
  • Patent number: 7241393
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating components of a slurry comprising solid particles and liquid components, particularly where the slurry is under pressure. The components are separated in a hydrocyclone such that a solids-enriched slurry exits the separator via an underflow outlet while a solids-depleted slurry exits the separator through an overflow outlet and passes into a products vessel. Fluid communication is provided between the products vessel and the underflow outlet so that gas can circulate through the hydrocyclone. This gas circulation pathway may be achieved by enclosing the separation system in a housing or providing a gas circulation conduit between the products vessel and the underflow outlet of the separator or an optional solids vessel connected to the underflow outlet. Pressure within the separator apparatus may be adjusted and controlled at a negative, neutral or positive pressure while operating the hydrocyclone in balanced mode to achieve efficient separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Stoy, Lee D. Rhyne, Ming He, Lalit S. Shah
  • Patent number: 7108136
    Abstract: A separating device (10) especially for use in a pneumatic flotation system comprises an annular channel (18), at least one nozzle (16) for introducing aerated pulp substantially horizontally and tangentially into the annular channel (18), froth extraction means (26) for the removal of separated froth from the annular channel (18), and pulp extraction means (24) for the removal of separated pulp from the annular channel (18), the at least one nozzle (16) being configured so that the aerated pulp introduced into the annular channel (18) rotates therein with centrifugal forces of between 5 and 20 ms?2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Rainer Imhof
  • Patent number: 6918494
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Petreco International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Keith J. Girdler
  • Patent number: 6849182
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone having a flat lower plate 14 contains a tube or rod 22 placed unconstrained within the body 10. The tube or rod 22 acts as a vortex breaker, reducing the rate at which air is introduced through the center of the vortex at the lower outlet aperture 16 during operation. When the hydrocyclone of the invention is employed for classification of pressurized stabilized gas-liquid emulsions into fractions of greater and lesser bulk density, the greater bulk density fraction is ejected from the lower outlet aperture 16 and the lesser bulk density fraction flows under pressure out the vortex finder tube 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Heron Innovators Inc.
    Inventor: Carter E. Redding
  • Patent number: 6837990
    Abstract: A new vacuum cyclone seafood collection retainer is disclosed. Two men easily assemble this new cyclone collection retainer, made in portable sections, and the sections can be rotated for best orientation of the hose connections. This vacuum cyclone facilitates the use of a large-scale vacuum system to offload shrimp from the holds and bins of shrimp boats and trawlers up onto the dock and into collection tubs for weighing and processing. This new vacuum cyclone system will offload shrimp and other small seafood much faster, cheaper, and with less damage to the shrimp than the conventional methods now employed. One large-scale vacuum supply pump can be connected through a common vacuum supply tank to multiple vacuum cyclone collection retainers providing multiple unloading dockside facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Layne Orillion
  • Patent number: 6793814
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating solid particles from a fluid. One preferred embodiment includes a tank for settling particles out of the fluid, a conical chamber at the bottom of the tank, an outlet connected to conical chamber, and a conical auger within the conical chamber. The tank may have a tangential inlet that creates a fluid circulation that exerts a centrifugal force on the solid particles to increase the settling of particles out of the fluid. The tank may have a static spiral on the inner wall that helps small particles coalesce into larger particles that settle faster out of the fluid. The fluid content of the solids removed from the tank may be controlled by varying the rotational speed of the conical auger. The rotational speed of the conical auger may be varied depending on the torque required to rotate the conical auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gary Fout, Neale Browne
  • Patent number: 6758343
    Abstract: The main technical problem with Dual Cyclones with Water Injection used as classifiers in grinding circuits is that they do not allow for control and regulation of the input velocity ratio between the first and second cyclone as well as the high pressure required at the intake of the first cyclone to achieve a sound operation of the second cyclone. The disclosed invention solves the technical problem by making the feeding and discharge of both cyclones' overflows form a volute in the horizontal plane with the body of the respective cyclone and by placing, between its bottom and the expansion zone, a selectively, axially-positionable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Weir Slurry Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Oscar Castro Soto
  • Patent number: 6596169
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: University of Queensland
    Inventors: Rui Xuan Richard Rong, Timothy John Napier-Munn
  • Patent number: 6544416
    Abstract: A system and method for separating solids from a fluid environment is provided. The system includes a device having housing with a substantially cylindrical upper portion and a substantially conical lower portion. The device also includes a chamber at an intersection between the upper portion and the lower portion, and an inlet in communication with the chamber for generating a cyclonic flow pattern into the conical lower portion. As the cyclonic flow with a suspension of solids is introduced into the lower portion, the flow decreases in velocity. Thereafter, the flow rises within the conical lower portion at a velocity less than the settling velocity of the solids, generated by gravitational forces, thereby resulting the separation of the solids from the fluid. The ascending fluid substantially free of solids can be collected through an upper portion, while the settled solids can be collected towards an apex of the conical lower portion and subsequently removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Marine Biotech Inc.
    Inventor: Neil E. Helwig
  • Patent number: 6530484
    Abstract: The invention provides a cyclone adapted for use in a dense medium separation process comprising an inlet chamber having a tangential raw material feed inlet, a vortex finder extending into the inlet chamber, and defining a low gravity fraction outlet for a low gravity fraction of separated material, a conical section opposed to the vortex finder extending and converging in a direction away from the inlet chamber, an outlet chamber extending co-axially with the conical section and in a direction opposed to the inlet chamber and providing an unobstructed flow path to a high gravity fraction outlet for a high gravity fraction of separated material being disposed generally tangentially relative to the outlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Multotec Process Equipment (Proprietary) Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeremy Brett Bosman
  • Patent number: 6398969
    Abstract: Hydrocyclone and process for removing foreign substances from a liquid to be cleaned. The hydrocyclone includes at least one inlet for the liquid to be cleaned, at least one accepted stock outlet for the cleaned liquid, and at least one reject opening for foreign substances removed from the liquid to be cleaned. The at least one reject opening includes at least one stoppage-hazard zone, and a color layer is coupled to an exterior wall of the hydrocyclone. The color layer changes appearance in accordance with different temperatures. The process includes introducing the liquid to be cleaned into a hydrocyclone through at least one inlet, discharging cleaned liquid from the hydrocyclone through at least one accepted stock outlet, and discharging the foreign substances from the hydrocyclone through at least one reject opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6238579
    Abstract: The present invention provides for discharge (exit) ports for exit fluid flow disposed at or adjacent to one another on one end of a vortex separating body; an inlet port(s) disposed at one end of a separating body having discharge (exit) ports for exit fluid flow disposed at or adjacent to one another at an opposite end of the separating body; increased separation efficiency; solid mass separated per unit energy expended; a body that is predominantly cylindrical in shape that can be made inexpensively from standard sizes of pipe or tubing; a device that is predominantly cylindrical in shape so that the separation (vortex) length of the device can be changed simply by installing or removing sections of pipe or tubing; a device which promotes smooth rotational flow within the vortex region, therefore affecting an efficient separation of particles carried by the transporting fluid therein and reducing the pressure and/or energy required to move the fluid through the device; a device with entrance and especially
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: MBA Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine K. Paxton, Laurence E. Allen, Larry G. Heald
  • Patent number: 6190543
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kvaerner Process Systems A.S.
    Inventor: Bjørn Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6143175
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprising a separation barrel with an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, and an internal circularly cylindrical axially extending wall forming a separation chamber, a collection chamber adjacent to the lower end, a spin plate extending across the separation chamber adjacent to the lower end, a solids slot adjacent to the lower end fluidly interconnecting the collection chamber and separation chamber, a closure containing the upper end having a centrally located exit port, an acceptance chamber wall surrounding the separation barrel adjacent to the upper end to form an annular acceptance chamber between the separation barrel and the acceptance chamber wall, a supply nozzle tangentially entering the annular acceptance chamber and forming a circular flow therein, and a plurality of radially spaced apart axially-extending slots passing through the wall of the separation barrel fluidly interconnecting the annular acceptance chamber and the separation chamber, entering the separation c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Claude Laval Corporation
    Inventors: Steven D. Ford, Emmanuel G. Moya, Thomas Lisy, Robert Garcia
  • Patent number: 6129217
    Abstract: Hydrocyclones for use in separator assemblies, which have stationary wall members or at least one removable wall member and contain a plurality of hydrocyclones, include a tubular body having an under flow end and an overflow end. The hydrocyclone has an interior defined by an axially-extending frusto-conical separating chamber which extends from an inlet chamber nearer the overflow end to an underflow outlet opening at the underflow end. The body also has a rectangular tangential inlet to the inlet chamber. The hydrocyclone further includes a tubular vortex-finder member which fits through the overflow end of the body into a cooperating seat therein. The vortex-finder member is seated in a predetermined position in which a portion thereof extends through the inlet chamber to define the axial overflow outlet from the separating chamber. The portion has a helical guide surface to guide the inlet flow from the tangential inlet towards the separating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Corn Products International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Trickey, Geoffrey J. Childs
  • Patent number: 6109451
    Abstract: The conventional infeed head and inverted cone of a Uniflow cleaner are connected by a generally cylindrical channel dam segment which has an annular inwardly extending channel dam. The narrow end of the inverted cone is connected to a separation body through which a vortex finder extends into the inverted cone. The light reject particles are removed from the input flow through the vortex finder. Accepts and heavy rejects flow into an inverted hydrocyclone chamber within the separation body defined between an outer cylindrical ring and an inner cylindrical ring and the vortex finder. An annular heavy rejects chamber is defined exterior to the outer ring, and fluid is drawn off tangentially therefrom. Accepts flow downwardly though the inner ring into a bowl beneath the separation body, where they are removed from an accepts outlet. The cylindrical or concave surfaces of the separation body are economical to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: David B. Grimes
  • Patent number: 6036028
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating out light materials from mineral raw materials is provided. The apparatus includes a charging device that has a charging tube provided with an eccentrically arranged inlet for tangential introduction of raw material. The apparatus also has an inner chamber for separating out coarse sand received from the charging tube, and an outer chamber that serves for sorting out fine sand pursuant to the fluidized bed process. The outer chamber communicates with an overflow chute of the charging tube via an inclined overflow surface. An impingement body is centrally disposed in the inner chamber while leaving free an outer annular gap. The charging tube opens out centrally above the impingement body. A perforated basket, for adjusting flow resistance, is disposed so as to be displaceable in the axis of the charging tube and bridges a space between the impingement body and the end of the charging tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Allmineral Aufbereitungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Jungmann, Walter Strangalies, Thomas Neumann
  • Patent number: 6024874
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: W. Gerald Lott
  • Patent number: 5965021
    Abstract: There is provided a hydrocyclone which operates on a relatively low pressure differential and on a linear flow principle. The hydrocyclone comprises an inlet chamber with a vortex creating a spiral insert therein, which inlet chamber opens in to a frustoconical portion of the hydrocyclone body. The frustoconical portion opens into a cylindrical portion which leads both to the accept and reject outlets at the end. The hydrocyclone is particularly useful for on sight separation of produced water in oil fields. The invention also provides hydrocyclone units of linked hydrocyclones according to the present invention, fluid separation systems incorporating hydrocyclones of the invention and methods of separating fluids using hydrocyclones in the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Fluid Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne W. Hesse, Howard T. Marles
  • Patent number: 5934484
    Abstract: The centrifugal cleaner of this invention is of the type having an inverted cylindrical cone, with a tangential inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom. The improvement consists of placing a ring or flow smoothing means on the inside surface of the cylindrical cone about one-half the diameter of the base of the cone down from the inlet. The ring forces the stock injected into the centrifugal cleaner to flow towards the axis of the cone away from the inside cone wall. Once the stock passes over the dam it once again flows to the inner wall of the cone. The stock, in being forced to flow over the ring, is made uniform, eliminating spiraling of the flow which has been found to decrease the efficiency with which separation within the cleaner is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Grimes
  • Patent number: 5916446
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the separation of solid matter via flotation. The flotation process for the separation of solid matter from a suspension takes place via the utilization of centrifugal forces wherein the suspension is brought into rotation in a separating zone so that the floated components are particularly effectively routed to and concentrated at the center of the separating space, whereby, when viewed axially, floated components and the remaining portion of the suspension is guided in the same direction and out of the separating zone, with the avoidance of vortexes in the flow stream achieving particularly favorable separation effects. In addition, several apparatuses, for carrying out the process, are also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Sulzer-Escher Wyss GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Britz, Alexander Peschl
  • Patent number: 5728262
    Abstract: An asymmetric hydrocyclone is modified and controlled so as to effectively remove contaminants of substantially neutral buoyancy from a paper cellulosic pulp. More specifically, a method includes prepositioning a substantially frusto-conically-shaped separation chamber of the hydrocyclone at an oblique angle to a vertical axis, and introducing a cellulosic pulp through an inlet and into the separation chamber for separation processing. As is known, the pulp composition forms a downwardly-directed helical path, which in turn establishes an opposingly directed, upward helical air core. Centrifugal forces motivate heavier particles toward the sidewalls of the separation chamber and lighter particles are urged toward the air core, with particles of substantially neutral buoyancy circumferentially collected in an intermediate region, but in relatively close proximity to the air core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: Charles S. Moss, Randolph S. Butler
  • Patent number: 5725104
    Abstract: An improved dump valve construction for a high density cellulosic pulp cleaner. The cleaner comprises an upper separating chamber and a lower reject chamber which communicates with the lower end of the separating chamber. Cellulosic pulp is pumped tangentially into the upper end of the separation chamber and is swirled within the separation chamber to cause the high density contaminants to fall into the reject chamber while the pulp is discharged through an outlet in the upper end of the separation chamber. The opening between the lower end of the separation chamber and the reject chamber can be opened and closed by a sliding upper valve while the lower end of the reject chamber is formed with an outlet and the flow through the outlet is controlled by a dump valve having a curved or spherical outer surface which seats on an annular valve seat bordering the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Gerald O. Walraven
  • Patent number: 5693225
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Che-Keung Lee
  • Patent number: 5662790
    Abstract: A deinking system for use with recycled paper pulp includes a number of gas sparged hydrocyclones mounted around the outer periphery of a foam separation vessel, with the slurry outlet from each hydrocyclone introducing slurry into the vessel below the level of liquid in the vessel, and above the accepts outlet from the bottom of the vessel. An annular trough is provided adjacent the top and outer periphery of the vessel, and has a bottom sloping to one or more drain outlets. The hydrocyclone discharge conduits into the vessel are tangential to cause bubble-releasing swirling of the slurry in the vessel. The cyclone preferably is pedestal-less, and has a single gas inlet, and a deflector within the annular air jacket of the hydrocyclone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Oy
    Inventors: Keith A. Carlton, Scott M. Clum, Joseph R. Phillips, Todd A. Salvato
  • Patent number: 5653347
    Abstract: A cyclone separator for separating substances from a fibre-liquid-suspension, particularly a paper pulp suspension, wherein the separator has a main part (3) which includes an inner conical chamber (4) that has a generally tangentially directed inlet at the wider end (5) of the chamber, and in which the chamber (4) tapers conically downwards. The inner surface of the chamber has a screw-like configuration characterized by a helix. The screw-like inner surface includes a first upper surface or flank (1) facing towards the wider end of the chamber and a second, lower surface or flank (2) facing towards the narrower end (6) of the chamber. The flank (1) defines an angle .alpha. with the chamber center line and the second flank (2) defines an angle .gamma. with the first flank (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Cyclotech AB
    Inventor: Karl-Erik Larsson
  • Patent number: 5635068
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Griswold Controls
    Inventor: Ali Marandi
  • Patent number: 5571416
    Abstract: A centrifugal liquid/solids separator includes a cylindrical separation chamber into which a liquid/solid mixture is tangentially introduced. At least some of the solids separate and migrate to a lower collection chamber. A drain port from the collection chamber passes a thikened liquid/solid mixture. A drain conduit from the drain port has parameters such that the mixture fills the conduit and continuously passes through it at a velocity sufficient to prevent settling of solids in it and free-flowing of liquid through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Claude Laval Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Halsup, Phil Pelletier
  • Patent number: 5566835
    Abstract: A cleaner receives input pulp stock in an inverted conical chamber, which acts as a hydrocyclone to direct heavyweight reject flows outwardly, lightweight reject flows into a discharging vortex chamber and accept flows in between to a vortex finder for removal. The cleaner body has an inverted hydrocyclone chamber formed beneath the inverted cone and a ceramic splitter below which skims off the heavyweight reject flow from the accept flow, and diverts it into the inverted hydrocyclone chamber. A portion of the diverted heavyweight reject flow is removed through a toroidal heavyweight rejects relief outlet, but the larger fraction of the heavyweight reject flow is recirculated within the inverted hydrocyclone chamber. Because the chamber narrows as it extends upwardly, the flow increases in speed and angular velocity to such an extent that the flow within the inverted hydrocyclone chamber matches the flow passing by the chamber, thereby preventing turbulent mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Grimes