Including Specific Inlet Feature (e.g., Shape, Size, Etc.) Patents (Class 209/734)
  • Patent number: 8955691
    Abstract: The invention comprises a hydrocyclone separator which includes a first segment including a fluid inlet, an overflow outlet and a spiral fluid ramp having a first and second end. The first end of the spiral fluid ramp is in fluid communication with and extends from the fluid inlet. The second end of the spiral fluid ramp is connected in fluid communication with the wider end of a frustoconical second segment and the narrower end of the frustoconical second segment is connected in fluid communication with a first end of a third segment comprising a tubular element. An underflow outlet is located at the second end of said tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Roy D. Lister
  • 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: 8911635
    Abstract: It is disclosed a hydrocyclone type separator having small dimensions for possessing high capacity for fluid processing by virtue of structural characteristics for feeding, of an upper outlet orifice (overflow) and of a lower outlet orifice (underflow). The feeding comprises two equal channels (18), diametrically opposed and curved, wherein the transverse cross sectional area gradually diminishes for accelerating the two phase fluid stream in a moderate manner. The possibility of the connection of interchangeable devices (2) and (6) to the upper outlet orifice (13) permits changing the diameter of said outlet orifice and, in this manner, altering the hydrodynamic characteristics of the hydrocyclone and increasing the capacity of same to operational ranges suitable for fluid flows having high oil content, medium oil content and low oil content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.—Petrobras
    Inventors: Carlos Alberto Capela Moraes, Darley Carrijo De Melo, Luiz Philipe Martinez Marins, Fabricio Soares Da Silva
  • 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: 8343360
    Abstract: A device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two different fractions with differing average mass density, comprising an elongate separating space which is circle-symmetrical in axial direction and enclosed by a stationary casing (2), wherein the casing is provided with feeds for a mixture for separating and at least two discharges (9, 10) for discharging at least two fractions with differing mass density, and rotation means located in the separating space for causing the mixture to rotate as a vortex in the separating space. Also disclosed is a method for separating a flowing medium mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Tail-End Oil Company N.V.
    Inventor: Robert Schook
  • Patent number: 8202415
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for treating a drilling fluid mixture including feeding the drilling fluid mixture to a hydrocyclone (or hydrocyclones) with a flow-volume-adjustable inlet for controlling flow of the drilling fluid mixture into the hydrocyclone(s). This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Thomas Robert Larson
  • Patent number: 8097051
    Abstract: A separator for liquids, in particular condensate, from liquid-loaded compressed gases-generally serves, by coarse separation of condensate from the compressed gases, to protect downstream prefilters of cold dryers or adsorption dryers against overload due to condensate. In the separator of the invention, in a pot-shaped housing, a separator element in the form of a hollow cylinder is arranged, which consists of a multiplicity of flow chicanes formed from guiding bodies and impact bodies. The moisture-loaded gases are passed from the interior of the hollow cylinder to the exterior via these flow chicanes, condensate separating off on the chicanes and collecting in the collecting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alexandros Zachos
  • 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: 7635430
    Abstract: Well head hydrocyclone separators are typically used for separating particulates from fluids such as gas, oil and water and mixtures thereof. Well head separators are useful to prevent wear and blocking of choke valves, rupture of piping, damage to instruments and to prevent vessels from filling with particulate materials. In the present invention, the cyclone separator assembly includes an inlet, an overflow outlet and a segmented cyclone separator tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Axsia Serck Baker Limited
    Inventors: Richard Treve Mildren, Neville Ernest Lange
  • 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: 7314560
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclone separator made up of a cyclone portion for generating an eddy flow at a given flow rate by feeding a liquid containing a fine substance from liquid discharge passageways, for transferring the fine substance to an outer circumferential side by applying a centrifugal force to discharge the fine substance-free liquid from a liquid flow-out passageway, and for precipitating the fine substance by decelerating the eddy flow. The liquid discharge passageways are disposed at plural sites and the cyclone separator further contains a liquid pressurizing chamber formed around the plural liquid discharge passageways in communication therewith, and a liquid introduction passageway for introducing the liquid containing the fine substance into the liquid pressurizing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Hideto Yoshida, Kunihiro Fukui, Kazuaki Takahashi, Junichi Nakamura
  • 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: 7185765
    Abstract: Cyclones having abrasion resistant liners with a system and method for replacing the liners when they worn out due to the destructive nature of the materials being classified in the cyclone. The cyclone includes segmented inlet housing liners which are separately removable through the opened top of the cyclone housing. A lifting ring in the bottom of a conical housing has an apex cone and plural cone liners supported in a stacked array thereon within the conical housing and hoisting straps are used to lift the lifting ring, the apex cone and the array of cone liners out of the opened top of the cyclone housing without having to remove the cyclone from its operating position and completely disassemble the cyclone. Wear detector bolts attach the inlet head liners and a cage-like conical housing allows direct viewing of wear detecting weep holes provided in the liners mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Gordon R. Hakola
  • Patent number: 7172706
    Abstract: A liquid separator for separating water from a mixture of water and fuel includes a flow dispersion member which serves to control the flow of the mixture into, through, and out of the liquid separator. The flow dispersion member is placed between a flow inlet channel and a separation chamber and includes a plurality of flow paths that significantly reduces turbulence into and through a separation chamber of the liquid separator thereby improving the separation of the water from the mixture. Further improvement of the separation is provided by the unique arrangement of an inlet port so as to induce a circulatory motion to the incoming mixture and thereby separate some water by centrifugal action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Geoffrey John Ross, Linda Ann Ross
  • Patent number: 7111738
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for use in separating mixtures. A slurry including a separation liquid and one or more particulate media materials is provided. A classification separation is performed on the slurry to produce a classified media having a controlled particle size distribution of the particulate media materials. The classified media is combined with a mixture to be separated to generate a separation mixture. A density separation is performed on the separation mixture. The particle size distribution can be controlled based in part on characteristics of components of a separation system to be used in subsequent density separations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: MBA Polymers, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence E. Allen, III
  • 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: 7028848
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axial feeding method of the material to be separated in a dense-medium dynamic separator (1). This method is based on the principle of imparting to the material and to the fluid in which it is dispersed, in order to facilitate introduction thereof into the separator (1), a rotational velocity component with respect to the axis of the latter, in this way the particles of material have a movement corresponding to that of the dense medium circulating in the separator, so as to prevent uncontrolled dispersion of the particles inside it. The invention also comprises a feeding apparatus (2) for carrying out the abovementioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ecomin SRL
    Inventor: Paolo Bozzato
  • 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: 6878545
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating viable cells from cell suspensions using hydrocyclones, which method can, especially, be carried out continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Gesellschaft fuer Biotechnologische Forschung mbH (GBF)
    Inventors: Wolf-Dieter Deckwer, Ricardo De Andrade Medronho, Birger Anspach, Marc Luebberstedt
  • 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: 6811713
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6811699
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6743359
    Abstract: An improved hydrocyclone provided with a back wall with at least two ramps, where the ramps impart a greater axial velocity component to the fluids at the periphery as measured radially from the longitudinal axis of the hydrocyclone and a lesser axial velocity component to portions of the incoming fluid stream closer to the longitudinal axis of the hydrocyclone. The ramps of the back wall correspond generally to the swirl pattern within the hydrocyclone, a combination of axial and tangential velocity components, enabling the incoming fluid stream to reach the desired flow pattern more quickly and efficiently than otherwise possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Petreco International Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian C. Smyth, Peter A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6739456
    Abstract: An apparatus for classifying a mixture of fine and coarse particles in a fluid stream by size or density comprises a housing, a boundary layer momentum transfer device, and an inlet flow control mechanism. The housing comprises an inlet, an interior chamber, and a fine particle outlet. The boundary layer momentum transfer device comprises a plurality of disks stacked in spaced, parallel relation in the interior chamber. The disks are rotatable about a disk axis. The disks have respective central openings cooperatively defining a plenum having a closed axial end and an opposing open axial end. The plenum communicates with spaces defined between each adjacent disk to cooperatively define a fine particle flow path from the interior chamber, through the spaces, through the plenum and the open axial end thereof, and to the fine particle outlet. The inlet flow control mechanism communicates with the interior chamber and provides an adjustable inlet flow path into the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spyros A. Svoronos, H. Steven Crouch, Hassan El-Sayed El-Shall, Kevin W. Powers, Gary Wayne Scheiffele, Rachel Anna Worthen, Steve Robin Wright
  • Publication number: 20030127374
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axial feeding method of the material to be separated in a dense-medium dynamic separator (1). This method is based on the principle of imparting to the material and to the fluid in which it is dispersed, in order to facilitate introduction thereof into the separator (1), a rotational velocity component with respect to the axis of the latter, in this way the particles of material have a movement corresponding to that of the dense medium circulating in the separator, so as to prevent uncontrolled dispersion of the particles inside it. The invention also comprises a feeding apparatus (2) for carrying out the abovementioned method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Paolo Bozzato
  • Publication number: 20030047495
    Abstract: An abrasive removal system for a wet abrasive cutting system includes a recovery tank for receiving a flow from a fluid abrasive cutting jet. A pump is fluidly connected to the recovery tank for removing an abrasive laden slurry from the recovery tank by suction. The pump creates a negative pressure which is directed, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, through a balanced suction manifold which is fluidly connected upstream from the centrifugal pump and positioned in the recovery tank providing a substantially even suction within a lower portion of the recovery tank. In the preferred embodiment of the abrasive removal system, the balanced suction manifold includes a plurality of balanced suction nozzles fluidly connected to and extending from the balanced suction manifold. A solids separator is fluidly connected downstream to the centrifugal pump and removes abrasive grit from the abrasive laden slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen G. Olejnik
  • Patent number: 6478962
    Abstract: The bubble trap is used in extracorporeal blood flow circuits of the type used for open heart surgery. The trap is placed in the external blood flow and it removes small micro bubbles from the blood prior to delivery to the body. The device accelerates the blood flow radially and the small bubbles migrate toward the center of the accelerated flow. These bubbles are concentrated at this location and the blood that contains the micro bubbles is extracted and recirculated before the degassed blood flow is returned to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Alexander Brockhoff, Hans Plechinger, Hans-Jurgen Tiedke
  • Publication number: 20020112998
    Abstract: The invention provides a cyclone comprising a generally cylindrical inlet head into which a vortex finder extends co-axially, and from which a tubular section extends opposed to the vortex finder, a generally tangentially disposed inlet for introducing raw material into the inlet head, the tangential inlet being elongated at the zone of its junction with the inlet head to define a major outer wall and a major inner wall, the major outer wall merging with the wall of the cylindrical inlet head generally tangentially at such junction, while the major inner wall diverges towards the axis of the inlet head at each junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: MULTOTEC PROCESS EQUIPMENT (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
    Inventor: Jeremy Brett Bosman
  • Patent number: 6398973
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: B.H.R. Group Limited
    Inventors: David Henry Saunders, Emil Gyorgy Arato, Owen Matthew Davies
  • 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: 6149825
    Abstract: A tubular vortex separator which can be used to separate particulate matter of higher density from fluids. In a preferred embodiment, the vortex separator is generally tubular, simple in design, and economical to produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Gargas
  • 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: 6090286
    Abstract: The separator centrifuge for separating solid particles suspended in a fluid comprises a container having an inlet for the fluid and an outlet for the fluid once cleaned of the solid particles, the outlet being situated higher than the inlet. The container has a truncoconical wall converging in a downwards direction, at a smaller end of which is located a discharge which is connected to a chamber for collecting the solid particles. The inlet of the container comprises a plurality of mouths each of which is crossed by a fraction of a total volume of fluid entering the container. The fluid is injected into the container in a direction which has at least one component which is tangential with respect to an axis of the truncoconical wall. The separator is particularly useful for separating solid particles in discharge fluids coming from dental equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Cattani S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ennio Cattani
  • Patent number: 5980639
    Abstract: Hydrocyclones and separator assemblies a wherein the hydrocyclones installed in the separator assemblies by a push fit and are under no lateral tensile or compressive stress. The body has an interior defined by an axially-extending frusto-conical separating chamber which extends from an inlet chamber nearer an overflow end to an underflow outlet opening at an underflow end. The body also has a tangential inlet to the inlet chamber. A tubular vortex finder member fits through the overflow end of the body into a cooperating seat therein and is snap fitted in the body. 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, said portion having a helical guide surface to guide the inlet flow from the tangential inlet towards the separating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignees: Richard Mozley Limited, Corn Products International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Trickey, Geoffrey J. Childs
  • 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: 5947300
    Abstract: A separation apparatus for separating a mixture of materials including a cyclone having an inlet capable of being switched into either one of two conditions, such as fully closed and fully or pre-set partially open, by movement of at least part of the cyclone. A plurality of cyclones may be provided enclosed in a pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Neville E. Lange
  • Patent number: 5794791
    Abstract: Fine particle coal is beneficiated in specially designed dense medium cyclones to improve particle acceleration and enhance separation efficiency. Raw coal feed is first sized to remove fine coal particles. The coarse fraction is then separated into clean coal, middlings, and refuse. Middlings are comminuted for beneficiation with the fine fraction. The fine fraction is deslimed in a countercurrent cyclone circuit and then separated as multiple fractions of different size specifications in dense medium cyclones. The dense medium contains ultra-fine magnetite particles of a narrow size distribution which aid separation and improves magnetite recovery. Magnetite is recovered from each separated fraction independently, with non-magnetic effluent water from one fraction diluting feed to a smaller-size fraction, and improving both overall coal and magnetite recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Genesis Research Corporation
    Inventor: James Kelly Kindig
  • Patent number: 5770050
    Abstract: An apparatus for selective particle flotation includes a static mixer connected to a flotation section in lieu thereof of the apparatus. The static mixer is disposed upstream of the flotation section in lieu thereof with respect to a direction of fluid flow through the apparatus. The static mixer mixes sludge with small gas bubbles. A flotation cyclone is disposed in an upstream portion of the flotation section in lieu thereof with respect to the direction of fluid flow through the apparatus. The flotation cyclone is the initial separation device through which the sludge flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Stoffaufbereitung GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Trefz, Thomas Martin, Hans-Dieter Dorflinger
  • Patent number: 5769243
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone for separating lightweight contaminants from a suspension of papermakers'stock as a through-flow design in which an inlet section has a frusto-conical flow controlling wall and has a central flow stabilizer and a tangential inlet. The flow stabilizer has a paraboloid shape and defines with the flow control wall an annular flow space of constant area along the axial length of the flow stabilizer so that fluid entering a tangential inlet at the base of the paraboloid is caused to rotate about the flow stabilizer and is delivered to the interior of the hydrocyclone without a substantial change in axial velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Thermo Black Clawson Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. McCarthy
  • 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: 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: 5651466
    Abstract: A swirl type foreign material removing machine is formed of a casing having an end wall, a smooth side wall connected to the end wall and extending from the end wall, a first outlet formed at a side away from the end wall, an inlet formed in the side wall at a side away from the first outlet, and a second outlet formed in a center of the end wall. A raw material supply path is tangentially connected to the casing through the inlet, and a device for adjusting an opening rate of the inlet is formed in the side wall. An amount of the raw material ejected into the casing is adjusted by the adjusting device, so that the foreign materials are effectively removed from the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Satomi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Satomi
  • Patent number: 5651879
    Abstract: The cell 1 includes an upper cylindrical chamber 2 comprising at its center over its entire height a vertical ink removal pipe 4. A lower lateral pipe 9 receives via an opening 10 a paper pulp feed diluted in water and is fed with air from an upper pipe 12. Injectors placed on the pipe 9 inject the paper pulp and air into the chamber 2. Each injector has the shape of a tube with a constant diameter and opens at its outlet extremity through about twelve honeycomb-shaped orifices, thus ensuring a satisfactory dispersion of the air. The air bubbles lift up the ink particles so as to form a foam evacuated by the pipe 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Pierre Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5587078
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Peter LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 5499720
    Abstract: A multiple hydrocyclone assembly includes a closed tubular vertical housing enclosing two concentric vertical cylinders which cooperate with the housing to define an inner cylindrical outlet chamber and concentric annular inlet and outer outlet chambers. Multiple hydrocyclones or cyclonettes are mounted in axially extending vertical rows and in corresponding radial positions in the cylinders from the outer surface the outer cylinder, and the housing and concentric cylinders are formed in sections which are coupled together in end to end relation. Individual cyclonettes can be removed and replaced after removal of one or more of the housing sections. In order to increase the pressure of the feed stock to be cleaned which is supplied to the cyclonettes in the upper portion or sections of the assembly, vertically extending flow channels are provided in the lower portion of the inlet chamber by omitting cyclonettes from the rows in the lower sections of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Fluid Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Bouchillon, Andrew Franko
  • Patent number: 5466384
    Abstract: A device for separating a mixture comprised of at least a continuous phase I and at least a disperse phase II, one of the phases being a light phase and the other being a heavy phase, comprising canalization means for canalizing a current of the mixture and suited for communicating thereto a helical motion along a central shaft (A) and filtration means, the motion leading to a differentiated radial displacement of the light phase and of the heavy phase under the action of the centrifugal force, during which the continuous phase I flows at least partly through said filtration means. The canalization means and filtration means are arranged to define a helical passage which decreases according to a direction of flow of the mixture through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Isabelle Prevost, Alexandre Rojey
  • Patent number: 5388708
    Abstract: A multiple hydrocyclone assembly includes a closed tubular vertical housing enclosing two concentric vertical cylinders which cooperate with the housing to define an inner cylindrical outlet chamber and concentric annular inlet and outer outlet chambers. Multiple hydrocyclones or cyclonettes are mounted in axially extending vertical rows and in corresponding radial positions in the cylinders from the outer surface of the outer cylinder, and the housing and concentric cylinders are formed in sections which are coupled together in end to end relation. Individual cyclonettes can be removed and replaced after removal of one or more of the housing sections. In order to increase the pressure of the feed stock to be cleaned which is supplied to the cyclonettes in the upper portion or sections of the assembly, vertically extending flow channels are provided in the lower portion of the inlet chamber by omitting cyclonettes from the rows in the lower sections of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Fluid Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Bouchillon, Andrew Franko
  • Patent number: 5348160
    Abstract: Fine particle coal is beneficiated in specially designed dense medium cyclones to improve particle acceleration and enhance separation efficiency. Raw coal feed is first sized to remove fine coal particles. The coarse fraction is then separated into clean coal, middlings, and refuse. Middlings are comminuted for beneficiation with the fine fraction. The fine fraction is deslimed in a countercurrent cyclone circuit and then separated as multiple fractions of different size specifications in dense medium cyclones. The dense medium contains ultra-fine magnetite particles of a narrow size distribution which aid separation and improves magnetite recovery. Magnetite is recovered from each separated fraction independently, with non-magnetic effluent water from one fraction diluting feed to a smaller-size fraction, and improving both overall coal and magnetite recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Genesis Research Corporation
    Inventor: James K. Kindig
  • Patent number: 5337899
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone plant comprises a multiplicity of hydrocyclones arranged in groups of at least two hydrocyclones, each group being made in a single piece. The hydrocyclones extend substantially radially in an annular space for a liquid mixture to be separated. The inlet space extends concentrically around a cylindrical heavy fraction space for receiving a heavy fraction of the liquid mixture from the hydrocyclones. According to the invention, the hydrocyclone groups are distributed around the cylindrical heavy fraction space in the circumferential direction and are spaced from one another in the inlet space to allow the liquid mixture to flow between adjacent hydrocyclone groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Celleco-Hedemora AB
    Inventors: Roine Andersson, Lars-Goran Rundqvist
  • Patent number: 5336410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrocyclone apparatus which is simple in design, more space efficient, and easier to maintain than prior art designs. The invention comprises a three chamber vessel wherein the inlet chamber is between the outlet and overflow chambers. Therefore, the inlets to the liners are between the plates dividing the vessel into separate chambers and the outlets from the liners extend directly into the end chambers the labyrinth of passages and conduits for the overflow liquid. The present invention includes a no bolt securing arrangement for securing the liners in the vessel. In particular, the liner includes a shoulder portion which abuts one of the dividing plates and an end cap which closes the open end of the vessel being in close proximity to the ends of the liners thereby securing the liners in the opening in the dividing plates. The shoulder further includes lobes to limit rotation of the shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Conoco Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. O'Brien, Pete A. Thompson, Stephen T. McCoy