Abstract: There is described a low energy separator for separating solid components out of a liquid mixture, comprising (a) a vessel having a cylindrical outer wall and a base at one end, (b) a body which is provided within the vessel and which defines with the base an annular opening spaced from the outer wall, (c) an inlet for introducing the liquid mixture into the vessel said inlet opening directly into the vessel, (d) an outlet in the upper region of the vessel for removing from the vessel liquid from which solid components have been separated, (e) a primary annular dip plate extending downwardly toward the base from an upper region of the vessel and spaced from the outer wall of the vessel, and (f) means for promoting a rotational movement of liquid and suspended solids within the vessel, said rotational movement being sufficient to cause or enhance an inward sweeping effect towards the annular opening on solids accumulated at the base of the vessel, while being of sufficiently low energy that separation of the s

Abstract: A soil reclamation system that separates the contaminant from all soil particles greater than one micron in diameter and generates resuable soil and contaminant products. The process is based on a novel application of gas-sparged centrifugal separation under operating conditions and equipment specifications tailored to optimize the separation of the particular contaminant. The apparatus is mounted on a front-end loader for mobility and self-contained on site operation.

Abstract: A method of coalescing a disperse phase within a continuous phase of a fluid mixture comprising the steps of:(a) supplying said fluid mixture to a primary inlet of a coalescing device;(b) passing said fluid mixture from said primary inlet to a substantially cylindrical chamber of said coalescing device, said primary inlet being arranged substantially radially of said chamber;(c) introducing a fluid to said chamber via a secondary inlet of said coalescing device, said secondary inlet being arranged substantially tangentially to said chamber, thereby setting said fluid mixture into rotating motion within said chamber; and(d) allowing said fluid and said fluid mixture to exit said chamber via an outlet of said coalescing device having a longitudinal axis arranged coaxially with said chamber, such that said exiting fluid and fluid mixture are caused to spin about said longitudinal axis to cause coalescing of said disperse phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing an ore sample and recovering water from a drilling rig is disclosed. Ore sample and water recovery apparatus (10) includes a slurry inlet (12) for receiving slurry from a drilling rig. Slurry is directed from slurry inlet (12) to a diffuser chamer (13) which includes an abrasion-resistant, rubbercoated diffuser (14) and a slurry converger (16). Slurry is then directed through a first vibrating sieve screen (21) which separates large particles from the slurry and directs them directly into sample tank (58). The slurry is passed on to a second vibrating sieve screen (22) which screens out progressively smaller sized particles and directs them into sample tank (58). The reminaing slurry is directed into a slurry basin (26) and infused into a hydraulic carrier medium of water using jet pump infuser (34). The slurry is then directed into cyclone separator (48) which extracts the remaining particles from the slurry and directs them into sample tank (58).

Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator for separating oil and water components of a fluid mixture to provide a more dense water component that is substantially free of oil, having three outlets at the end of the hydrocyclone opposite the inlet end. One of the outlets receives the more dense water component of the mixture. A second of these outlets receives an axial stream of the less dense oil components from the separating chamber. A third outlet is concentrically arranged around the first outlet for the removal of a stream of the oil/water mixture in which one of the components has a presence of the other component which is greater than desired. The stream from this third outlet is then recycled to the inlet end of the separating chamber.

Abstract: A material extraction nozzle for separating a mixture of materials having different densities, comprising: a nozzle body shell having an outer surface with a tangentially located material inlet at an upper portion thereof and an inner surface defining in part a frustrum of a cone; a substantially conical diffuser section having an outer surface terminating in an apex, the diffuser section axially aligned within the nozzle body shell in a spaced relation therewith so as to form an extraction chamber with the inner surface of the nozzle body shell and the outer surface of the substantially conical diffuser section; an extracted material outlet port positioned axially through the substantially conical diffuser section; and at least one rejected material capillary outlet located below the apex of the diffuser section.

Abstract: A cyclone separator with an inlet and two outlets for separating oil and water from an oil-water mixture wherein the separation chamber has a large diameter inlet end and a smaller diameter underflow outlet end, and is generally comprised of first, second and third chamber portions axially arranged in that order from the larger diameter end to the smaller diameter end, a first inlet portion is followed by a tapered, second portion and then a substantially cylindrical third portion. The overflow is arranged as an axial outlet at the inlet end of the chamber. The underflow outlet end is provided with a cone shaped end portion of increasing diameter in the direction of flow and a choke portion downstream of the cone shaped portion, the choke having a reducing diameter configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a liquid mixture to separate a clarified fraction therefrom leaving a concentrated sludge fraction involve injecting a flocculent material into the liquid mixture; and inletting the liquid material and the flocculent maerial tangentially into a vertical tank having a perforated plate spaced from its upper end dividing the tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, a to produce a flow in the lower chamber having a rotational velocity in the horizontal direction adjacent the outer periphery of the lower chamber, and a lower rotational velocity in the horizontal direction adjacent the center of the lower chamber. The holes in the perforated plate define reduced-area passages from the lower chamber to the upper chamber producing a vertical flow of low velocity in the lower chamber and of higher velocity through the passage in the perforated plate.

Abstract: Cyclone separator for separating liquid components from a liquid mixture, having an axially extending separating chamber (12) with an underflow outlet (22) for outlet of more dense components at one end thereof and an overflow outlet (18) for outlet of less dense components at the other end thereof, the separating chamber having a portion (16) which exhibts a taper, in the direction towards the underflow outlet, the taper angle (half angle to the separating chamber axis) of 11/2.degree. to 3.degree..

Abstract: A process for separating emulsified, suspended and separate oil as well as other contaminants from the water phase of a compressed air system condensate comprises the steps of discharging air and condensate from a compressed air system into a water filled separation tank where air is separated from the condensate. Some of the contaminants heavier than water are allowed to settle to the bottom of the separation tank while lighter oil contaminants are allowed to float to the surface where they are removed. Water and the remaining contaminants which did not flow to the surface or settle to the bottom of the tank are drained away until a given amount of liquid mass has been accumulated. Pressure applied to the liquid mass forces the mass into and through an underwater coalescing media. Such action causes substantially all of the remaining oil constituents to coalesce and thereby form a floating oil phase while other contaminants are retained by the coalescing media.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering a wide size range of impurities from a fluid. The filter assembly comprises a basket having a porous surface of a first average pore size defining an interior space for collecting impurities filtered from a fluid and a filter liner of a second average pore size less than the first average pore size disposed inside the basket for filtering impurities from the fluid. A nozzle is disposed at approximately a 20.degree. angle from the vertical axis for providing an unfiltered fluid to the filter assembly and for increasing the swirling intensity of the fluid therein. The present invention also contemplates a filtration unit including at least one filter assembly described above and a pump for suctioning an unfiltered fluid through the filter assembly so that the pump will draw a filtered fluid.

Abstract: A cyclone separator comprising at least a primary portion having generally the form of a volume of revolution and having a first end and a second end, the diameter at said second end being less than at said first end, at least one inlet, the or each said inlet having at least a tangential component at or adjacent said first end for introducing feed to be separated into the cyclone separator, and the separator further including at least two outlets, one at each end of the primary portion, in which cyclone separator the following parameters are related according to a specified set of design and operating conditions as defined in claim 1: (i) diameter of the primary portion where flow enters, d.sub.1 : (ii) projection of the cross sectional area of x.sup.th inlet, Aix; (iii) diameter of the primary portion at point Z.sub.2, d.sub.2 ; (iv) distance along the cyclone separator axis from the inlet, Z; (v) diameter of the cyclone at Z, d, (vi) axial position of the x.sup.th inlet, Z.sub.

Abstract: Solids contained in waste water are separated and dewatered by a separator comprising a cylindrical strainer basket and a rotary screw disposed in said basket. The screw terminates short of an outlet end of the basket. Waste water introduced into the separator is advanced by the screw until a solids slug is formed between a discharge end of the screw and a solids discharge formed by a cylindrical tube extending forwardly from the basket. About seventy to ninety-five percent of the slug is contained in the basket and is pressed laterally against a wall of the basket to promote the removal of water. The terminal portion of the screw tapers in order to maximize the compaction of the solids slug.

Abstract: A hydro-cyclone includes a hollow round casing having, co-axially in series, a cylindrical portion and a frusto-conical portion tapering toward one end of the cyclone. An end plate closes off the cylindrical portion opposed to the taper end. A tangential inlet conducts a fluid flow stream to be classified tangentially into the cylindrical portion. A co-axial, heavy fraction outlet is provided at the taper end. A co-axial, light fraction outlet is provided through the end plate, preferably via a porthole in the cylindrical portion axially spaced from the end plate. The invention provides for drawing-off of fluid flowing from the inlet inwardly in a boundary layer adjacent the end plate via a circulation outlet in the end plate, preferably annularly around the light fraction outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) for separating components of a liquid mixture such as oil from water. The apparatus comprises a cyclonic device (110) and a separating device (150). The cyclonic device has a tangential inlet (112) for inlet of the mixture, an elongate chamber (114) in which, in use, the admitted mixture is subjected to contrifugal action and an outlet (116) from the components of the mixture are in use together taken. The separating device (150) may be a conventional cyclone separator having a separating chamber (154), with an inlet (152) coupled to in use receive the components from the outlet of the cyclonic device (110) for admission to the separating chamber (154), and separate outlets (156, 158) from the separating chamber (154) for respective outlet therefrom of th separated liquid components.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for separating a liquid medium in different components by gravity in a manner that a medium to be separated is set in slow rotating motion (2) with the axis of rotation substantially vertical, so that the heavier component concentrates in the bottom section of a slow-moving vortex and the lighter component concentrates in the top section of a slow-moving vortex (2). For a more pronounced separation activity and simpler equipment, two or more slow-moving vortexes (2) are contacted with each other in horizontal direction. The outer sections of various settling basins (1) are in contact with each other by way of a gate or channel (40). Various sub-basins (1) can be connected in series or in parallel.

Abstract: A cyclone separator for separating a denser liquid component from a less dense liquid component of a multi-phase liquid mixture wherein one phase is in the form of drops dispersed in the other phase, the separator having an elongated, unobstructed separating chamber with a longitudinal axis of symmetry between opposite first and second ends and including at least one feed inlet adjacent the first end and at least one outlet. The inlet is characterized by the provision of a control means for varying the cross-sectional dimension of the feed inlet. Means are provided for determining the concentrations of at least one of the phases in the mixture, and the control means is operated in response to the determination of phase concentration to vary the cross-sectional area of the feed inlet.

Abstract: A cyclone separator including a cylindrical vessel having a tangentially extending inlet at one axial end and a tangentially extending outlet at the other axial end so that fluid is introduced into the vessel from the inlet and produces a swirl flowing to the outlet. A capturing groove is formed around the vessel and opened to the vessel through a gap. A fluid passage is provided to extend from the groove to the axial center of the vessel so that a circulating flow is produced from the groove through the fluid passage to the axial center of the vessel. The portion of the fluid having a high concentration of a substance of a different density is therefore drawn from the area adjacent to the inner wall surface of the vessel to the groove and the substance is captured by the groove.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the separation of solids from a mixture of solids and fluid, comprising a housing defining a plurality of separation chambers, each chamber being arranged around a central longitudinal axes and having a curved inner wall such that the intersection of the inner wall and a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axes is a concave line, whereby all central longitudinal axes are in one plane, and each chamber having an inlet opening, a solids outlet opening and at least one fluid outlet opening, whereby each fluid outlet opening is in communication with a fluid outlet conduit, and whereby the solids outlet opening of each chamber is in communication with a solids outlet conduit which is in tangential cooperation with the chamber, which apparatus further comprises one supply conduit for the mixture of fluid and solids whereby the supply conduit debouches into a supply opening that is formed by the combined inlet openings of all chambers which openings are communicating with ea

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating particulate solids from a liquid suspension relies upon a hydrocyclone having two radially and vertically spaced inlets in the upper portion thereof for establishing throughout the hydrocyclone concentric flow patterns of a fluid stream containing the particulate solids and a stream of wash fluid which are separately fed into the hydrocyclone through the inlets. The particles are efficiently separated and washed by passing laterally from one stream to the other as a result of inherent centrifugal or centripedal forces. Multiple hydrocyclone units arranged in a countercurrent series achieve a high product recovery per unit ratio. The invention is particularly suitable for freeze concentration of high value food products.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating oil-water mixtures in which the oil is present as droplets so as to comprise the disperse phase, the mean droplet size being greater than 56.7 micron, using a cyclone separator having a swirl coefficient, S, in the rangeS'.ltoreq.S.ltoreq.S.sup.u2, whereS'=-0.46 .phi.+31 or S'=2, whichever is the greater, and S.sup.u2 =0.26 .phi.+31.6, where .phi. is the mean droplet size in micron.The swirl coefficient is defined as ##EQU1## where d.sub.i is the effective diameter at the inlet to the separator d.sub.2 is the nominal separator diameter at a downstream location, and A.sub.i is the total effective inlet area.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for separating knots from a fibre suspension in the wood processing industry. A known problem in the prior art has been the quick wear of the screen surface of the knotter when the screen surface has been profiled. On the other hand the ability to separate with an unprofiled screen has not been satisfactory. When using a profiled screen cylinder (5), it has been noticed in performed tests that it is preferable to feed the pulp from the connections (2) in the direction of rotation of the screen cylinder and also to discharge the reject from connections (4) and the accept from the connections (3) in the direction of rotation of the cylinder (5). Accordingly, there is not only less wear of the screen surface, but also a significantly smaller consumption of power per pulp ton than in the prior art apparatuses.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved liquid-solids-gas separator assembly permitting recovery of a major portion of the liquid stream for recirculation to a vacuum producing assembly wherein the separator assembly includes a gas-liquid and solids separator chamber and a liquids separator chamber for recovery of a recycle water stream and wherein the separator assembly comprises a vessel defining a cylindrically-shaped chamber into which a dental effluent including water, gases and lighter and heavier than water particles and from which a gas is vented through an upper conduit and liquid streams are recovered from a liquid pool wherein one liquid stream includes lighter than water particles and in one aspect is combined with heavier than water particles and a second liquid stream is recovered for recycling purposes.

Abstract: Method of separating oil-water mixtures in which the oil is present as droplets so as to comprise the disperse phase, the mean droplet size being in the range 22 to 50 micron. Use is made of a cyclone separator having a swirl coefficient in the range 8 to 30, such as greater than 12.5, or at least 13. The swirl coefficient is defined as ##EQU1## where d.sub.i is the effective diameter at the inlet to the separator d.sub.2 is the nominal separator diameter at a downstream location, and A.sub.i is the total effective inlet area.

Abstract: A process for separating of solid-liquid compositions, comprises providing a liquid to be filtered in a liquid container, circulating the liquid through the liquid container, through a ceramic filter and through a liquid cyclone, filtering fine particles contained in the liquid by the ceramic filter and separating aggregates or coarse particles contained in the liquid by the liquid cyclone. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Particulate material such as coal of a size inferior to 1 mm is recovered by being entrained in a liquid medium and being fed through an apparatus comprising a plurality of cyclone separators connected in series, the cyclone angle of the separators decreasing in the direction of flow. The cyclone angle .alpha..sub.2 of a cyclone separator in the series is within .+-.5% of the angle calculated according to the formula ##EQU1## where .alpha..sub.2 is the cyclone angle of a cyclone separator following a separator with angle .alpha..sub.1 and .phi..sub.1 and .phi..sub.2 represent the geometric mean particle size of the cut of successive separators with these angles.

Abstract: A process for programming of field decay or of increase of channel flow in field-flow fractionation which imparts improved uniformity of fractionating power which comprises an improvement in the field-flow fractionation technique which involves varying one of the parameters that affect the interaction of the sample components with the field and fluid medium in order to reduce separation time and better equalize component separation. These parameters include decreasing the field strength according to a specific power equation, or increasing the flow rate according to another power equation, or use of both parameters together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method incorporating a sorter, cyclone and thickener for removing sludge from water, and includes the step of separating the inorganic constituents or matter in the sludge, such as stones, gravel, sand, etc., from the organic constituents or matter thereof, such as wood, roots, etc. The inventive method is also suitable for processing sediment that contains decaying organisms.

Abstract: A separator comprises a vessel having an outer wall (2) and an end wall (3). A body (14) adjacent the end wall (3) defines with the end wall (3) an annular opening (15). In use, a mixture of, for example water and solid material, is introduced into the vessel through a first inlet (4). A circulating motion takes place in the vessel and the solid material falls to the end wall (3) and is removed through the opening (15) to an outlet (6) while clean water flows from the top of the vessel through an outlet (8). In order to increase the energy in the lower region of the vessel so as to assist removal of the solid material, water from the outlet (8) is passed through a pump (P) and reintroduced as energizing fluid to the vessel through a recirculating port (44). Energizing fluid may be taken from sources other than the outlet (8). Various alternative forms of separator are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for separating of solid-liquid compositions, comprises providing a liquid to be filtered in a liquid container, circulating the liquid through the liquid container, through a ceramic filter and through a liquid cyclone, filtering fine particles contained in the liquid by the ceramic filter and separating aggregates or coarse particles contained in the liquid by the liquid cyclone. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for centrifugally separating the component species of a mixture, at least one of which species is a fluid, when the mixture includes at least one or more species of specific weight different from that of the fluid. The mixture is fed tangentially into the inlet end of a converging nozzle, at high speed, to establish an axial helical flow path of the mixture. As the mixture moves along the converging nozzle, generally the lighter species collect in the center and the heavier ones collect at the outside wall. A throat of constant diameter or slightly converging angle may follow the nozzle. As the mixture moves through the throat, the radial separation is maintained similarly as in the nozzle. A diverging diffuser is located downstream of the throat and a throttle valve element is located at least partially within the diverging diffuser. The throttle valve element controls the size of the diffuser gap between the throttle valve element and the diffuser.

Abstract: A hydrocyclonic apparatus has been designed to separate a less dense dispersed phase (either liquid or solid) from a more dense liquid phase. The cyclone separator consists of two generally cylindrical portions positioned around the longitudinal axis in a `piggyback` manner. A vortex finder with an orifice plate captures the dispersed particles entrained in a local secondary flow established by the unique operating and design parameters of the device. Clear fluid is removed from the apparatus through an underflow tube opposite the vortex finder tube. The liquid feed containing dispersed particles is introduced into the primary cyclone around the vortex finder as a swirling annular jet. Another stream, containing no dispersed phase, is introduced as a tangential flow surrounding the annular jet. A polymer stream is injected into the core of the vortex flow of the primary cyclone to increase the stability of the vortex core and to moderate the turbulence.

Abstract: Waste water contaminents are treated and/or removed in a process and a separator that incorporates a hydrocyclone, a constrictive collection passageway for lighter materials to be removed from the water by a skimmer and skimmer ramp that effectively entrap and remove floatable contaminents while clarified water is removed from the separator at a point in the lower portion of the separator below the hydrocyclone after being aerated with recycled and aerated clarified water above the removal level in the separator vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing corrossive contaminants from a halogenated hydrocarbon or a hydrocarbon hydraulic fluid including the steps of mixing water with a halogenated hydrocarbon or a hydrocarbon fluid contaminated with corrossive ions into a mixture and conducting the flow of the mixture tangentially relative to a surface of a plurality of microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes and separating a permeate flow of decontaminated halogenated hydrocarbon or hydraulic fluid from retentate mixture.

Abstract: A process for the removal of solid particles from a mixture containing at least one liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon is described. The solids-containing liquid mixture is introduced into at least one hydrocyclone having a downstream separator. The liquid mixture which has been enriched in solids and discharged from the hydrocyclone is preferably subjected to sedimentation of the solid particles, without the use of centrifugal forces. Efficient removal of interfering particles is achieved in this way, together, with long service lives and a minimum of emission.

Abstract: A system is provided for the separation of oil from oily water, particularly where the oily water is available only at relatively low pressures insufficient to drive a hydrocyclone separator. Particular combinations of pumps and hydrocyclones can be effective in these low pressure situations where the pressure boost required is not substantially greater than a differential pressure at which the pump begins to substantially degrade the volumetric mean size of droplets of oil in the oily water passing therethrough. This is achieved by operating the pump at relatively near its maximum flow rate capacity to substantially reduce on a percentage basis the effect of fluid slippage within the pump. Improved techniques for analysis of oil droplet size distribution are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to air sparged hydrocyclone flotation apparatus and methods for separating particles from particulate suspensions (such as coal and mineral ore slurries), wherein fluid discharge is removed annularly from a flotation vessel. Preferably, the flotation apparatus includes a vertically oriented cylindrical flotation vessel having a tangential inlet at its upper end and an annular outlet at its lower end. The annular outlet allows for the smooth exit of fluid discharge from the flotation vessel so as to avoid disturbance of the fluid flow within the flotation vessel. Air is sparged into the vessel and a froth which contains the recovery products exits through a vortex finder positioned in the upper end of the vessel. The apparatus includes a froth pedestal positioned within the vessel which forms the annular outlet with the wall of the vessel. The froth pedestal may take a generally cylindrical or a generally conical configuration.

Abstract: Produced oil and water from a waterflood operation are initially subjected to a rough separation step producing an oil stream and an oily water stream. The oily water stream is mixed with a high density solvent for the oil, and the resulting mixture is processed in a hydrocyclone to produce clean water and an oil-solvent stream. The clean water is reinjected as additional flooding water, and the oil-solvent stream is separated to produce an oil product and clean solvent which is recycled to the process.

Abstract: Waste water contaminents are treated and/or removed in a process and a separator that incorporates a hydrocyclone, a constrictive collection passageway for lighter materials to be removed from the water by a skimmer and skimmer ramp that effectively entrap and remove floatable contaminents while clarified water is removed from the separator at a point below the skimmer and above the hydrocyclone.

Abstract: A method and vortex separator for sequential separation of a medium into different components by means of centrifugal force in a vortex array (2, 2) in a manner that part of the vortex flow (71) proceeds from the outer portions of a vortex (2) into the outer portions of a following vortex (2) and in individual vortexes (2) particles having a major mass concentrate in the outer portions of a vortex and those having a minor mass concentrate in the central portions of a vortex. For increased separation capacity the successive vortexes (2) of a vortex array (2, 2) are backed up substantially on each other while rotating in opposite directions and the flow (71) between individual vortexes is allowed to pass without any substantial movements in the direction of a vortex axis (49).

Abstract: A defrothing apparatus whose inlet opening of the foamed liquid contained in a foam duct of a primary flotation apparatus is provided in the bottom of the foam duct. Starting from the lower area of the defrothing apparatus, a rotary flow (potential vortex) is generated in the apparatus by a recirculated lqiuid quantity from a secondary flotation apparatus. In the core of the rotary flow the gas quantity (air) is collected and removed through a removal pipe. Consequently, the foamed liquid from the foam duct of the primary flotation stage which is pumped to the secondary flotation stage contains small shares of gas relative to the total quantity of liquid, thereby allowing the pump to be optimally sized of efficiency and better control of the system.

Abstract: Separating apparatus for separating components of a liquid mixture one from the other and method of separating such components.Liquid mixture to be separated is passed via inlet means (18) including a duct (40), to tangential inlets (20, 22) of a cyclone separator (10) so that the less dense component of the mixture emerges from an overflow outlet (34a) of the separator (10) and the more dense component emerges from an underflow outlet (16a) of the separator. Gas is entrained in the incoming liquid mixture in duct (40) by expressing the gas into the duct via a manifold (42a) having openings (42a). The gas is admitted under conditions of relatively high pressure of incoming mixture in duct (40) whereby to substantially dissolve in the mixture whereby to come out of solution in the form of fine bubbles under pressure reduction occurring inside the separator (10).

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for separating and/or precipitating of solid and/or liquid particules (disperse phase) from gaseous and/or liquid media (continuous phase) as well as for separating mixed gases (gas-gas-separation) and/or mixed fluids (fluid-fluid-separation) as well as for screening and/or classifying by means of a vortex chamber separator with suction tube 35. For decrease of flow resistance at generation of moment of momentum the contact zone between main flow and eddy is adjusted to cylinder casing that the tangential initial impulse in laminary bottom flow is increased by means of decrease of laminary bottom flow impulse, secondarily circulating in vortex chamber. For reduction of loss of impulse by means of dissipative drop of pressure in flow of main channel, laminary bottom flow is dynamically balanced with constant or mainly constant average main flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing corrossive contaminants from a hydrocarbon including the steps of mixing water with a hydrocarbon contaminated with corrossive ions into a mixture and conducting the flow of the mixture tangentially relative to a surface of a plurality of microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes and separating a permeate flow of decontaminated hydrocarbon from retentate mixture. An apparatus (10) is provided for this separation process which includes a mechanism for removing resistance to flow through the hollow fiber membrane (16) aiding in increased uniform tangential flow through the membrane (16).

Abstract: An improved method for reclaiming waste printing ink is provided that requires no dilution nor blending with virgin ink wherein substantially all entrained water and solvent contamination is removed in a vacuum distillation step. Solid impurities are removed via a subsequent filtration method that leaves the ink's pigment content substantially undiminished.

Abstract: The fuel cleaning system of the present invention includes removal of water and sludge which is accomplished using a gravity separator with a mist extracting means utilizing a large commercial cartridge type filter. The filter removes particles larger than 20 microns plus any water that was not removed in the gravity separator. Clean fuel from the filter is discharged at the bottom of the fuel tank at high velocity through a small opening. This agitates the water and sludge. The suction side of the system is located approximately one inch above the high velocity discharge where it picks up the water and sludge for removal by the separator and filter sections. During the process, water and sludge are drained from the separator and filter as accumulated. The system is powered by an explosion-proof electric motor driving a pump which handles approximately 5 gallons per minute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sludge from water, including separating the inorganic constituents or matter in the sludge, such as stones, gravel, etc., from the organic matter, such as wood, roots, etc. In a first stage, those constituents that are larger than a given size are separated out from the sludge, with inorganic and organic ones of these constituents being separated from one another, being cleaned, and being then provided for subsequent use. In a second stage, inorganic constituents that are larger than a minimum size are separated out from the remaining matter, are cleaned, and are then provided for subsequent use. In a third stage, water is removed from the inorganic and organic slurry of the remaining matter to form a thick sludge and effluent.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cyclone separators. The separator of the present invention may find application in removing a lighter phase from a large volume of a denser phase, such as oil from water, with minimum contamination of the more voluminous phase. Generally, cyclone separators are designed for the opposite purpose, that is, removing a denser phase from a large volume of a lighter phase, with minimum contamination of the less voluminous phase. In one form of the present invention, a typical starting liquid-liquid dispersion would contain under 1% by volume of the lighter (less dense) phase, but it could be more.

Abstract: A separator comprises a vessel having an outer wall (2) and an end wall (3). A body (14) adjacent the end wall (3) defines with the end wall (3) an annular opening (15). In use, a mixture of, for example, water and solid material is introduced into the vessel through a first inlet (4). A circulating motion takes place in the vessel and the solid material falls to the end wall (3) and is removed through the opening (15) to an outlet (6) while clean water flows from the top of the vessel through an outlet (8). In order to increase the energy in the lower region of the vessel so as to assist removal of the solid material, water from the outlet (8) is passed through a pump (P) and reintroduced as energizing fluid to the vessel through a recirculating port (44). Energizing fluid may be taken from sources other than the outlet (8). Various alternative forms of separator are disclosed.

Abstract: Flotation apparatus and methods for separating particles from particulate suspensions such as coal and mineral ore slurries, wherein fluid discharge is removed annularly from a flotation vessel. Preferably, the flotation apparatus includes a vertically oriented, cylindrical flotation vessel having a tangential inlet at its upper end and an annular outlet at its lower end. The annular outlet allows for the smooth exit of fluid discharge from the flotation vessel so as to avoid disturbance of the fluid flow within the flotation vessel. The apparatus includes a froth pedestal positioned within the lower end of the vessel which forms the annular outlet with the wall of the vessel. The froth pedestal further serves to support a froth column formed within the flotation vessel and isolates the froth column from the fluid discharge so as to minimize mixing therebetween.