Abstract: A centrifuge concentrator bowl has feed deposited onto a base of the bowl and includes a plurality of recesses at axially spaced positions along a peripheral wall of the bowl. The peripheral wall is formed of a rigid metal skeleton frame of rings and upstanding support members on which is molded a urethane liner material to form an integral structure with the rings located at ribs between the recesses. A fluidization water injection system includes an outer container on the bowl, which also acts as a clamping assembly and a plurality of liquid entry openings through the peripheral wall at the base of the recesses allowing flexing of the peripheral wall in response to changes in pressure in the fluidizing liquid. The bowl is formed of separate sections defined by a bottom concave base section and the cast skeleton wall all clamped together to allow replacement of the separate parts.

Abstract: A centrifuge having a vertical axis of rotation. The centrifuge includes a rotatable drum configured to process an inflowing suspension, the rotatable drum including an assembly configured to supply a washing liquid into an interior of the drum. The centrifuge also includes a plurality of supply pipes arranged in the drum and configured to conduct the washing liquid into the interior of the drum. Each of the supply pipes have a section extending radially within the drum and a curved section adjoining thereon at a radially distal end of the supply pipes proximate an inner wall of the drum.

Abstract: An electric motor is provided with a hollow rotating drive shaft extending along the central axis of the motor, a stationary liquid supply line and a rotating union which communicates with the liquid supply line and the hollow interior of the drive shaft for supplying liquid to the hollow interior of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A horizontal solid-bowl centrifuge with cleaning-in-place jet nozzles for cleaning the bowl in a manner complying with good manufacturing procedure is provided. The bowl is cleaned by a defined arrangement of the cleaning jet nozzles, as the bowl rotates at a speed insufficient to produce a centrifugal force equal to gravitational acceleration, where gravitational acceleration is equal to 1.0 g. The cleaning liquids are then removed after the bowl stops rotating at the lowest point of the bowl.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for removably interfacing with a removable-member for performing a reaction therebetween. The microfluidic flow cell device comprises at least one reaction portion defining with the removable-member a reaction chamber when in an interfaced position thereof. The microfluidic flow cell comprises at least one fluid-receiving portion for receiving a fluid therein and being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. When the microfluidic flow cell and the removable-member are in the interfaced position, the cell is adapted to allow for the fluid in the fluid-receiving portion to flow to the reaction chamber. Devices, systems and methods comprising this microfluidic flow cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A centrifuge having a vertical axis of rotation. The centrifuge includes a rotatable drum configured to process an inflowing suspension, the rotatable drum including an assembly configured to supply a washing liquid into an interior of the drum. The centrifuge also includes at least one supply pipe arranged in the drum and configured to conduct the washing liquid into the interior of the drum.

Abstract: A centrifugal concentrator in which there is a common shaft for the drive motor and concentrator bowl. The cost of bearing assemblies is thereby minimized. The bowl is driven and suspended from above to keep the motor out of the slurry area and maximize the simplicity of the design. A fluidizing fluid is delivered through the common shaft.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bio cell cleaning centrifuge including: a motor; a rotor rotated by the motor; holders that are equipped on the rotor and that hold test tubes to be pivotable toward a rotational radial direction of the rotor; a cleaning liquid distributor mounted on the rotor to supply a cleaning liquid to the test tubes; a locking mechanism that locks the holders so that the test tubes are in a vertical state with respect to the rotational radial direction; and a controller that controls the motor and the locking mechanism, wherein the holders are configured to hold the test tubes so that central axes thereof are inclined from a rotational axis direction toward a rotational tangent direction of the rotor.

Abstract: A method for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising centrifuging at least two separation bags containing two discrete volumes of a composite liquid respectively, so as to separate therein the first and second components; transferring at least one fraction of a first separated component from the separation bags into satellite bags connected thereto respectively; detecting a characteristic of a component at determined location in each separation bag; and stopping transferring the at least one fraction of the first component from each separation bag into the first satellite bag connected thereto, upon detection of the characteristic of a component at the determined location.

Abstract: A clean-in-place decanter centrifuge for processing a combined liquid and solid material to separate the solid material from the liquid. The centrifuge is designed for use in the food processing industry, particularly for dairy products, and therefore has fluid injectors for cleaning all surfaces within the centrifuge including the opposed mating surfaces which function as non-contacting seal mechanisms. The centrifuge has no metal-to-metal contact areas within the interior of the bowl and scroll assembly. In one embodiment, the outer wall of the bowl and scroll assembly comprises a plurality of drain lines located in the rear wall section of the bowl to allow essentially all liquid to drain from the bowl and scroll assembly. In another embodiment, the bowl hub comprises at least one drain line to allow lubrication oil to drain into said cavity and prevent ingress of lubrication oil into said bowl and scroll assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating a centrifuge which has a drive shaft used for loading, a drum which is connected to the drive shaft and has a drum casing and a drum base, a filter with a working region situated within the filter, an annular space formed between the filter and the drum casing, at least one drum base opening which is formed in the drum base and opens out into the annular space, and at least one swirl nozzle which is arranged in such a manner that it injects a fluid through the at least one drum base opening into the annular space.

Abstract: A centrifuge concentrator bowl has feed deposited onto a base of the bowl and includes a plurality of recesses at axially spaced positions along a peripheral wall of the bowl. The peripheral wall is formed of a rigid metal skeleton frame of rings and upstanding support members on which is molded a urethane liner material to form an integral structure with the rings located at ribs between the recesses. A fluidization water injection system includes an outer container on the bowl, which also acts as a clamping assembly and a plurality of liquid entry openings through the peripheral wall at the base of the recesses allowing flexing of the peripheral wall in response to changes in pressure in the fluidizing liquid. The bowl is formed of separate sections defined by a bottom concave base section and the cast skeleton wall all clamped together to allow replacement of the separate parts.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for separating heavier particles from lighter particles and water comprises a conical lead-in wall leading of the bowl to a single recess or a pair of annular recesses at axially spaced positions. Each recess is generally V-shaped with an upper side wall, a lower side wall and a base. The base contains a plurality of angularly spaced valve controlled discharge ducts each having a mouth projecting through the base into the interior of the bowl for discharging the heavier particles in a continuous operation. The lead-in surface is stepped to cause tumbling of the flowing feed materials. The recess or recesses contain a concentrator ring which projects into the recess toward the base to reduce the amount of concentrate in the recess.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for separating heavier particles from lighter particles and water comprises a conical lead-in wall leading of the bowl to a single recess or a pair of annular recesses at axially spaced positions. Each recess is generally V-shaped with an upper side wall, a lower side wall and a base. The base contains a plurality of angularly spaced valve controlled discharge ducts each having a mouth projecting through the base into the interior of the bowl for discharging the heavier particles in a continuous operation. The lead-in surface is stepped to cause tumbling of the flowing feed materials. The recess or recesses contain a concentrator ring which projects into the recess toward the base to reduce the amount of concentrate in the recess.

Abstract: A solid or screen bowl decanting-type centrifuge comprising: a rotatable bowl; a helical scroll conveyor which rotates coaxially within the bowl at a different rotational speed, the helical scroll comprising a hub carrying a plurality of flights whose radially outer edges lie close to an inner wall of the bowl such that, in use, solids are scrolled by the conveyer to solids discharge ports at one end of the bowl, with separated liquid being discharged from liquids discharge ports at the opposite end of the bowl. The conveyor hub carries a plurality of nozzles in a wash zone for supplying wash fluid to solids being scrolled by the conveyer towards the solids discharge ports. The conveyor hub also carries a blade in the region of the nozzles and intermediate adjacent flights of the conveyor for directing fluid droplets from the nozzles over said solids.

Abstract: A method for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes feeding a fluid containing a particulate matter into a chamber of a vessel through an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral wall and the chamber also communicating with a first outlet and a second outlet. The vessel is rotated such that at least a portion of the particulate matter settles out of the fluid against at least a portion of the peripheral wall. At least a portion of the particulate matter settled against the peripheral is subsequently disturbed so that at least a portion of the particulate matter is resuspend within the fluid. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the fluid having the resuspended particulate matter therein through the first outlet and removing through the second outlet the fluid from which the particulate material has settled out.

Abstract: A centrifuge concentrator bowl includes a plurality of fluidized recesses at axially spaced positions along the peripheral wall. Each recess is defined by two side walls which has water injection holes for fluidizing materials collecting in the recess. Some of the recesses are at least partly defined by a removable insert member arranged to be attached to a suitable mounting on the wall of the bowl. Each insert member includes a face portion defining a surface facing toward the axis of the bowl for engaging the slurry and preventing wear. The face portion may include a side portion on one side or both sides located radially inwardly of a rib on a respective side of the recess and at least partly covering the rib so as to prevent the slurry from contacting the rib and causing wear to the rib.

Abstract: A centrifuge having a drum rotatable in a predetermined direction about a drum axis has a cleaning device with a cleaning shaft extending generally parallel to the drum axis into the drum along a shaft axis. A pair of elongated slat-shaped cutters have inner ends fixed on the shaft, outer ends, and project radially outward of the shaft axis from the shaft. The inner ends are separated by a relatively narrow space, and the cutters diverge from their inner ends toward their outer ends. The shaft can be moved such that the cutters are displaced between a standby position offset from the drum and a cleaning position closely juxtaposed therewith. A cleaning liquid is fed to each cutter such that it flows along the cutters.

Abstract: A multiple sample processing apparatus for a continuous flow centrifuge, including a plurality of axially aligned processing chambers and expressor chambers, each chamber comprising an axial opening, in a fixed arrangement, and a plurality of central hubs disposed in the axial openings, the central hubs constructed and arranged to define passages for fluid communication between the chambers and a fluid supply.

Abstract: A centrifuge concentrator bowl includes a plurality of fluidized recesses at axially spaced positions along the peripheral wall. Each recess is defined by two side walls converging toward a base which has water injection holes for fluidizing materials collecting in the recess. The volume within which collection occurs is defined by a replaceable plastic strip member across the recess spaced from the base so that a water channel is formed inside the bowl between the base of the recess and the strip. Water from the channel is injected through holes in the strip in a generally tangential direction around the recess. The use of the replaceable strip allows the injection openings of the bowl to be tailored to requirements and/or to be cleaned of scale by rapidly removing and replacing the strips in the bowl.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl has a bottom accelerator for accelerating the materials from a feed duct extending into the bowl. The accelerator is a molded body having a top plate with a central hole arranged to receive the materials from the bottom feed mouth of the duct and a plurality of vanes underneath the top plate, each vane extending generally outwardly from an inner nose underneath an outer edge of the hole to an outer end at an outer edge of the top plate. The vanes each have a bottom surface lying in an imaginary bottom surface of the molded body which is conical and contains fasteners arranged to be fastened to the conical bottom wall of the bowl. A deflector plate lies underneath the hole with a bottom surface spaced from the imaginary bottom surface and intersecting the height of the vanes.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for separating heavier particles from lighter particles and water comprises a first conical bowl wall leading to a pair of annular recesses at actually spaced positions. Each recess is generally V-shaped with an upper side wall, a lower side wall and a base. The base contains a plurality of angularly spaced discharge ducts each having a pinch valve by which it can be closed and mouth projecting through the base into the interior of the bowl for collecting the heavier particles. Each recess includes injection openings in the upper and lower side walls of the recess arranged to inject fluidizing water in a direction generally parallel to the base and across the mouth of each discharge duct. An insert member formed by two annular screens can be inserted into the recess radially inwardly of the discharge and injection holes and contains a bed of beads which act to float inwardly while the valves are closed and to collapse outwardly when the valves are opened.

Abstract: A bio cell cleaning rotor assembled in a centrifuge. The rotor includes a plurality of test tube holders for holing a plurality of test tubes. The holders are pivotally movably supported to a rotor body so that the test tube holders are moved toward a horizontal direction upon application of centrifugal force. A cleaning liquid distributor is positioned above the rotor and is rotatable together with the rotor for distributing even amount of cleaning liquid to the plurality of test tubes. The distributor includes a disc like upper segment and a disc like lower segment in opposition thereto. The upper and lower distribution segments are molded products and have radially outer side flat sections in intimate contact with each other. A plurality of radial grooves are formed in at least one of the flat sections. The radial grooves serving as cleaning liquid distribution nozzles each having radially outer end open toward each opening of each test tube.

Abstract: A bio cell cleaning centrifuge having a detachable inner chamber body. The centrifuge includes a rotor detachable from a drive mechanism. Test tube holders are pivotally movably supported on the rotor for holding test tubes. A cleaning liquid distributor is detachably disposed on the rotor for supplying cleaning liquid to the respective test tubes. A bowl detachable from the drive mechanism is disposed below the test tube holders. The inner chamber body is disposed below the bowl for receiving therein supernatant liquid discharged out of the test tubes during rotation of the rotor. The inner chamber body is detachably mounted on a main case. The inner chamber body is detached after the distributor, the rotor, and the bowl are detached.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wet classification device in the form of a centrifuge provided with a stationary outer housing, a centrifugal drum arranged in the outer housing, a device for cleaning sediment deposited on the wall of the centrifugal drum, and inlets and outlets. The cleaning device comprises a shaft which extends into the centrifugal drum and has cutting devices arranged on the periphery thereof, in addition to a device for introducing a dispersing fluid in the centrifugal drum. The cutting devices are configured and arranged in such a way that turbulence can be created in the infed dispersing fluid, thereby resulting in a wash-out effect with respect to the sediment cake and facilitating the removal thereof.

Abstract: A centrifuge is provided for recovering material of interest from the interstitial fluids of plant tissues. The centrifuge includes a rotatable centrifuge bowl having a radially outer wall inclined outwardly so that during centrifugation liquid in the bowl climbs the outer wall. The centrifuge bowl is contained in a vacuum sealed housing so that a material of interest contained in the bowl including said liquid can be subjected to a vacuum. A system for automated cleaning of the centrifuge is also provided.

Abstract: A centrifuge concentrator bowl includes a plurality of fluidized recesses at axially spaced positions along the peripheral wall. Each recess is defined by two side walls converging toward a base which has water injection holes for fluidizing materials collecting in the recess. The volume within which collection occurs is defined by a replaceable plastic strip member across the recess spaced from the base so that a water channel is formed inside the bowl between the base of the recess and the strip. Water from the channel is injected through holes in the strip in a generally tangential direction around the recess. The use of the replaceable strip allows the injection openings of the bowl to be tailored to requirements and/or to be cleaned of scale by rapidly removing and replacing the strips in the bowl.

Abstract: A solid bowl centrifuge with liquid release during rotation includes a frame, solid bowl, drive device, scraper assembly, slurry spray, and liquid collection trough. The solid bowl includes a centrifuge chamber, and a liquid evacuation chamber. A plurality of openings are formed on the outer wall of the liquid evacuation chamber. The solid bowl is pivotal retained in the frame. The liquid collection trough is disposed around the liquid evacuation chamber. The drive device causes the solid bowl to rotate. Slurry is sprayed on to the wall of the centrifuge chamber while in rotation and eventually scraped-off the wall of the centrifuge chamber. A second embodiment of the solid bowl centrifuge with liquid release during rotation utilizes at least three bearing wheels to support an outer perimeter of the solid bowl at a bottom thereof. The liquid evacuation chamber is replaced with a liquid ring attached to a bottom of the centrifuge chamber and a liquid collection trough disposed around the liquid ring.

Abstract: A multiple-component fluid mixture is separated by feeding the fluid mixture into a chamber of a vessel through an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral wall and the chamber also communicating with an outlet. The fluid mixture includes a heavy component and a light component. The vessel is rotated about a rotational axis extending through the vessel such that the heavy component collects toward at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the vessel and the light component collects toward the rotational axis. The light component is removed through the outlet channel. The heavy component is removed through a conduit disposed within the chamber, the conduit extending from the heavy component toward the rotational axis and out of the vessel.

Abstract: A centrifuge is provided for recovering material of interest from the interstitial fluids of plant tissues. The centrifuge includes a rotatable centrifuge bowl having a radially outer wall inclined outwardly so that during centrifugation liquid in the bowl climbs the outer wall. The centrifuge bowl is contained in a vacuum sealed housing so that a material of interest contained in the bowl including said liquid can be subjected to a vacuum. A system for automated cleaning of the centrifuge is also provided.

Abstract: A bio cell cleaning rotor assembled in a centrifuge. The rotor includes a plurality of test tube holders for holing a plurality of test tubes. The holders are pivotally movably supported to a rotor body so that the test tube holders are moved toward a horizontal direction upon application of centrifugal force. A cleaning liquid distributor is positioned above the rotor and is rotatable together with the rotor for distributing even amount of cleaning liquid to the plurality of test tubes. The distributor includes a disc like upper segment and a disc like lower segment in opposition thereto. The upper and lower distribution segments are molded products and have radially outer side flat sections in intimate contact with each other. A plurality of radial grooves are formed in at least one of the flat sections. The radial grooves serving as cleaning liquid distribution nozzles each having radially outer end open toward each opening of each test tube.

Abstract: A bio cell cleaning centrifuge having a detachable inner chamber body. The centrifuge includes a rotor detachable from a drive mechanism. Test tube holders are pivotally movably supported on the rotor for holding test tubes. A cleaning liquid distributor is detachably disposed on the rotor for supplying cleaning liquid to the respective test tubes. A bowl detachable from the drive mechanism is disposed below the test tube holders. The inner chamber body is disposed below the bowl for receiving therein supernatant liquid discharged out of the test tubes during rotation of the rotor. The inner chamber body is detachably mounted on a main case. The inner chamber body is detached after the distributor, the rotor, and the bowl are detached.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for cleaning substrates using dense fluids under the influence of a continuous centrifugal force. Dense fluid centrifugal separations resolve many problems associated with conventional dense fluid cleaning technology. These include elimination of pooling and supercooling of liquid carbon dioxide trapped within pores and cavities of a substrate—leading to formation of dry ice and recontamination of substrate, ability to precision clean using one unit volume of dense fluid per cleaning operation and ability to remove small insoluble particles from deep voids or cavities. The present invention can perform solvent-aided separation processes heretofore not possible using conventional dense fluid technology. These include liquid-liquid, liquid-supercritical-fluid, froth flotation and centrifugal phase-shift separations.

Abstract: A horizontal solid-bowl centrifuges with cleaning-in-place jet nozzles for cleaning the bowl in a manner complying with good manufacturing procedure is provided. The bowl is cleaned by a defined arrangement of the cleaning jet nozzles, as the bowl rotates at a speed insufficient to produce a centrifugal force equal to gravitational acceleration, where gravitational acceleration is equal to 1.0 g. The cleaning liquids are then removed after the bowl stops rotating, at the lowest point of the bowl.

Abstract: The invention refers to a decanter centrifuge particularly for sludge centrifugation, incorporating a drum, a rotor arranged therein and equipped with a helical screw for feed of sludge, a sludge outlet and a reject outlet and a flush washing device for washing (flushing) in countercurrent to the dewatered sludge. In the rotor in close connection to the blades of the helical screw are provided a number of threaded holes for connection of the nozzles of the flush washing device. In response to the washing requirement, certain or entire groups of threaded holes are closable by means of sealing plugs, so that the washing (flushing) can be effected in several consecutive steps with portions without flushing in between.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for separating heavier particles from lighter particles and water comprises a first conical bowl wall leading to a pair of annular recesses at actually spaced positions. Each recess is generally re-shaped with an upper side wall, a lower side wall and a base. The base contains a plurality of angularly spaced discharge ducts each having a mouth projecting through the base into the interior of the bowl for collecting the heavier particles. A pinch valve is formed as an integral assembly with the mouth and duct and is mounted within a housing carried within the wall of the bowl. The housing, valve and duct can therefore be removed as a separate assembly by pulling from a chamber within the wall of the bowl. A compression fluid supply duct passes through the wall to communicate with the chamber.

Abstract: A one-pass centrifuge separator for mixtures of two liquids which may also contain gas. The centrifuge uses separation zones on a rotor's inner wall to improve separation efficiency and minimize turbulent mixing. The zones consist of surface and interface vanes, and baffle plates to control flow at the fluid interface. The zones also retain an open concept to facilitate washing by cleaning fluids which are provided by nozzles installed on a stationary feedpipe mounted along the rotational axis of the centrifuge. A fluid accelerator gradually accelerates the fluid from the feedpipe to the inner wall of the rotor.

Abstract: Method and device (21) for the supply of control liquid to a rotor of a centrifugal separator, which device (21) includes a cylinder (25), in which a movable wall element (26) is arranged, which axially delimits a storing chamber (29) in the cylinder (25). In the storing chamber (29) a predetermined volume of control liquid is stored. Control liquid is pressed out of the storing chamber (29) into the rotor during axial displacement of the wall element (26). Furthermore, the invention includes a centrifugal separator, which is provided with such a device (21). A portion of the control liquid in the storing chamber (29) is pressed upon displacement of the wall element (26) a first distance out through a first outlet passage (33) in the device with a high flow. The first outlet passage (33) is then closed when the wall element (26) has been displaced this distance.

Abstract: A device for separating components, such as fibrin I from blood, by way of centrifugation about a central axis of rotation comprises a first annular chamber defined by an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, both walls being concentrically accommodated about the axis of rotation, and by a top wall and a bottom wall, where the top wall or the bottom wall is formed by a piston body displaceable within the first chamber. The device comprises furthermore a second chamber communicating with said first chamber through a first conduit and being defined by an outer cylindrical wall concentrically accommodated about the axis of rotation, said bottom wall of the first chamber, and another bottom wall. The second chamber is adapted to be placed below the first chamber during the centrifugation.

Abstract: A centrifuge such as a continuous solid bowl centrifuge, for example, includes a rotatable bowl for receiving a slurry, and defines a zone in which the slurry is accelerated. The centrifuge includes a device such as a slurry feed tube for delivering slurry to the acceleration zone and a device for delivering a plurality of individual streams of flocculant solution coterminating with the slurry delivery device in order to uniformly distribute flocculant solution to the slurry.

Abstract: A self-cleaning rotor assembly for a centrifugal separator can be thoroughly cleaned of accumulated solids without disassembly of the separator. The rotor assembly comprises a fully welded, enclosed rotor body. The rotor assembly has a double-ended, hollow axial shaft. The bottom end of the axial shaft extends through the separator housing and has a high pressure fluid coupling. A plurality of spray nozzles are fitted to the axial shaft within the rotor body. The spray nozzles are arranged to spray a washing fluid radially onto the interior surfaces of the rotor. The interior volume of the rotor is divided into a plurality of chambers by a corresponding plurality of axial vanes. At least one nozzle is disposed within each of the chambers.

Abstract: A centrifuge concentrator bowl of the type having a plurality of fluidized recesses at axially spaced positions along the peripheral wall of the bowl is modified by providing an increase in width of the area between each fluidized recess and the next. In the area between the fluidized recesses is provided a shallower recess which is non-fluidized which provides some collection of materials. The bowl is of a frusto-conical shape so that the open mouth is larger than the base and a restricting ring is attached at the open mouth to define and inner edge of a diameter less than that of the uppermost recess and approximating that of a recess lower in the bowl. The uppermost recess is a fluidized recess and at least one of the lowermost recesses are non-fluidized.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl of the type having a base onto which the intermixed particulate materials in slurry form is fed for passing over the peripheral wall of the bowl includes a plurality of annular recesses at axially spaced positions on the peripheral wall with each recess having a plurality of openings at the base of the recess communicating with the jacket on the outside of the peripheral wall. Water is supplied through a channel in the support shaft of the bowl via a rotary union on the shaft which is arranged to cause a fluctuation in the flow rate of water passing to the jacket.

Abstract: A centrifugal rotor effects the isolation, in a sequence of steps, of a substance from a mixture of substances dissolved, suspended or dispersed in a sample liquid. Multiple samples are processed simultaneously by means of a plurality of fractionation cells, each of which contains a series of interconnected, chambered and vented compartments in which individual steps of the fractionation and isolation procedure take place. Specific steps in the preferred embodiments include lysis, sedimentation, aggregation, sorption, rinsing, and desorption. The specific compartment occupied by the sample liquid or one of its fractions at any stage of the process is governed by the speed and direction of rotation of the rotor and by gravitational force. The interconnections, chambers and passages of each compartment are sized and angled to prevent predetermined amounts of sample and reagent liquids from overflowing the compartment.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl is used for separating particulate materials of different specific gravity and has a first generally frusto-conical portion of the peripheral wall of the bowl over which the materials are caused to flow, and two axially spaced annular recesses downstream of the first portion and prior to an open mouth of the bowl. The feed materials pass over the peripheral wall causing heavier material to collect within the recesses and the lighter material to discharge through the open mouth. Each recess has a series of angularly spaced discharge ports controlled by pulsed valves. In front of each discharge port is provided a spherical body which directs the material to all sides around the body as it moves towards the discharge port in a generally conical shape. The conical shapes of adjacent discharge ports overlap to provide full discharge of all the material. The first recess acts as a main concentrate collector.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating heavy metals from lighter ore includes a bowl rotatable about its axis and defining annular collection areas on the peripheral surface of the bowl at axially spaced positions along the bowl. At the peripheral wall in each area is provided a plurality of angularly spaced discharge openings which are controlled by pinch valves to periodically allow the radial escape of the collected material. The pinch valves of a first area are controlled at different timing to the pinch valves of a second area to vary the concentration of the materials collected in the different areas. The pinch valves are operated by a pressurized liquid system which is fed to the different areas through a swivel coupling mounted at a longitudinal shaft supporting the bowl.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl includes a flat base and a generally conical peripheral wall upstanding from the base. A jacket surrounding the bowl allows injection of water from a chamber between the bowl and the jacket through openings in the peripheral wall into the bowl for fluidization of materials within the bowl. A feed duct extends to the base and discharges feed materials onto the base for moving outwardly onto the peripheral wall and passing over the peripheral wall. A first portion of the peripheral wall is smooth, imperforate and frusto-conical. At the upper edge of the first portion is provided a pair of axially spaced recesses with injection openings at the base of the recesses for the fluidizing water. Heavier materials collect within the recesses and are discharged outwardly through a plurality of controlled discharged openings around the recesses. Lighter materials escape through the open mouth of the bowl.

Abstract: A liquid-solids separator, or centrifuge, of the type having a screw conveyor is provided with a series of offset conveyor flights. A spacer is positioned within the offset of the conveyor flights to form a channel therein. Rinse liquid is introduced into the channel through the central hub of the conveyor. The channel directs the rinse liquid into the heavy phase cake. An opening may be provided at various radial distances for varying the position of introduction of the rinse liquid from the channel. The amount of rinse liquid introduced through various channels formed by the series of offset conveyor flights may also be varied.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator of the type comprising a bowl having a base and a peripheral wall surrounding a vertical axis about which the bowl rotates and a jacket having a base plate under the base of the bowl and a sleeve surrounding the peripheral wall includes a central bottom discharge for the concentrate. The bowl is mounted on the shaft with a hub connecting the shaft to the base plate of the jacket. Water is supplied through the shaft and into the area of the base of the bowl. Tubular discharge ducts extend from holes in the base plate across the space under the bowl to the base plate of the jacket. These remain open during processing of feed materials supplied to the bowl through a vertical tube feeding onto a base plate carried by the bowl above the tubular ducts, and allow the concentrate washed down from the wall of the bowl to discharge when the feed and the centrifugal action of the bowl are halted.

Abstract: A method of separately extracting mercury and gold from mine tailings includes a centrifugal separator comprising a centrifuge bowl having a plurality of annular rings on the peripheral surface. An outer bowl or sleeve member provides a jacket from which water is injected through holes in the inner bowl into recesses between the annular rings. Feed materials containing gold and mercury are separated so that the gold and mercury is collected with the heavies in the recesses. The liquid mercury escapes through the holes in the inner bowl onto the inner surface of the outer bowl which is provided with an annular receptacle and is shaped to collect the mercury at the receptacle axially spaced from the open mouth of the bowl. A plurality of outlets in the annular receptacle allow the escape of the mercury into a secondary launder inside the outer launder for the main discharge materials from the open mouth.