Abstract: A centrifugal separator 110 (FIG. 1) for removing contaminants from a pumped liquid such as engine lubricant, having a separation rotor 130 rotatable about axis 124 at high speed by a jet 178 of the liquid impinging upon impulse turbine blades 174. The rotor includes a separation and containment vessel 132 having impervious side wall 134 spaced from the rotation axis and at least one end wall 138 open at 142 permit liquid to leave the vessel as fast as it can enter, so that a zone 140 is defined adjacent side wall 134 that holds a volume of liquid much less than the whole volume encompassed by the vessel walls and filled in conventional high speed separators. Lower inertia and reduced pressure gradients in the liquid permit it to be spaced further from the axis than is conventional, with improved separation efficiency.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator (10) for an engine includes a rotor (30) mounted within a housing (12, 14) for rotation on hollow spindle (42) to the end of which oil is supplied at high pressure to enter the rotor. To prevent the rotor from flying from the base and oil spraying if the cover (14) is removed without shutting off the oil supply via optional valve (80), a rotor restraint (90) is provided in the form of a ring (91) which surrounds and overlies a flange of the rotor. The ring may be complete or discontinuous and may also include an interlock to prevent attachment of the cover and/or supply of oil if the ring is not in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor for a centrifuge intended for the separation of solid particles from a fluid, in particular from the lubricating oil of a Diesel combustion engine, with a rotor housing that is rotatable about a central rotational axis and cylindrical in its basic shape, wherein the rotor housing comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet with one or more propulsion nozzles for driving the rotor by means of the fluid flowing through them, and walls that are provided in and partition the interior region of the rotor.

Abstract: A filtering system (10) is provided for filtering working fluid from a machine (12) and includes a cleanable filter (16) and a centrifuge (82) where filter capacity is too low for a permanent filter yet flow rate is too high for a centrifuge. The system transfers the contaminant storage function from the cleanable filter to the centrifuge. A simple effective centrifuge is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of between about 1000 g and about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes a housing having a base portion defining a fluid inlet, a rotor subassembly in the housing and including a centertube and a shaft. The shaft defines a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid passageway in flow communication therewith. The fluid passageway communicates with the fluid inlet such that oil delivered to the centrifuge flows through a portion of the centrifuge shaft and exits from the fluid outlet ports. Press fit into the centertube is a baffle sleeve which is initially positioned so as to cover the fluid outlet ports when the baffle sleeve is in a first position. The baffle sleeve is movable with the rotor subassembly to a second position where the plurality of fluid outlet ports are uncovered.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base plate and a rotor shell. The base plate has a center tube extending therefrom along a longitudinal axis. The center tube is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid containing particulate matter. A rotor shell has an inner cavity and a plurality of spiral vanes extending along the longitudinal axis within the inner cavity. The spiral vanes extend spirally around the center tube and the spiral vanes are integrally formed with the rotor shell. In one form, spiral vanes are also formed on the base plate and are nested in between the spiral vanes of the rotor shell.

Abstract: A free-jet centrifuge which, in contrast to prior art centrifuges which are braked by bearing friction, includes a device for braking the rotor when the oil pressure falls below a predetermined value. The rotor is mounted in a slide bearing (12), which simultaneously forms the centrifuge oil inlet (23), and also is provided with a roller bearing (19), which minimize bearing friction and enables the rotor to attain the highest possible rotational speeds. Friction partners (15a, 15b) are disposed on the centrifuge housing (10) and rotor (11) and are pressed against one another by a spring (20) when the oil pressure drops below operating pressure, to stop the rotor in order to minimize run-on of the centrifuge and the noise and bearing wear associated with run-on.

Abstract: A fluid separation centrifuge for the separation of particulate matter from a flow of oil is designed with a disposable rotor assembly including a molded plastic rotor housing and a fluid separation device positioned within the rotor housing. Included as part of the fluid separation device is a unitary, molded plastic base plate which is designed and arranged with a peripheral lip formed with a channel portion therein. In a cooperating manner, the rotor housing is constructed and arranged with a molded plastic, generally cylindrical projection which is designed and arranged to receive the channel portion so as to create a fluid-tight, sealed interface at the location of contact between the projection and the channel portion.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base having a pair of tangential jet nozzles for generating the self-driven force for the centrifuge. Connected to the base is a centrifuge shell which defines a hollow interior space. A hollow rotor hub having a central axis of rotation is assembled to the base and extends through the hollow interior space. A support plate is positioned within the hollow interior space and, in cooperation with the rotor hub, defines an annular flow exit opening for the circulating liquid. Positioned within the hollow interior space is a separation vane module which is constructed and arranged so as to extend around the rotor hub and positioned so as to be supported by the support plate. The separation vane module includes a plurality of axially-extending and spaced-apart separation vanes.

Abstract: A centrifuge assembly for processing a flow of oil so as to separate out particulate matter includes a centrifuge, a housing base, and a flow-control piston which is assembled into the housing base. The centrifuge includes a housing which defines a hollow interior with a centrifugal separator positioned within the hollow interior for separation of particulate matter from the flow of oil. The housing base defines an incoming oil conduit, a drain conduit, an air-in passageway, and air-out passageway. The flow-control piston is movable between a normally-closed position and an open position in response to incoming oil pressure. When in the closed position, neither oil nor air are able to flow into the centrifuge assembly. In the open position, both oil and air are able to flow into the centrifuge assembly. The air which is introduced is under pressure and provides air-assisted drainage of the oil from the centrifuge housing back to sump.

Abstract: A centrifuge filter for removing soot from engine oil. The centrifuge filter includes a rotor adapted to be rotated inside a centrifuge housing by an electric motor or other means. The rotor preferably includes a reusable aluminum support casing and a disposable plastic cartridge. The plastic cartridge includes a trap with partition walls to prevent wave formation in the rotating liquid contained in the trap. The cartridge includes an annular inlet through its top end, a winding flow path through the cartridge and an outlet at the bottom enc. The centrifuge housing includes an isolated sealed rotor chamber. Using the venturi effect, air is evacuated from the rotor chamber to provide a partial vacuum to reduce air drag on the rotor. Resilient rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce vibrations and engine induced shock loads from reaching the rotating element. A side oil inlet is provided in the cartridge to receive unfiltered oil at a location offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A disposable, cone-stack, self-driven centrifuge rotor assembly for separating particulate matter out of a circulating flow of oil includes first and second rotor shell portions which are injection molded out of plastic and joined together by induction welding engaging edges so as to create an enclosing shell with a hollow interior. An injection molded, plastic support hub is assembled into a central opening in the lower half of the rotor shell and extends upwardly into the hollow interior. An injection molded, plastic alignment spool is assembled into a central opening in the upper portion of the rotor shell and extends downwardly into the hollow interior. A cone-stack subassembly, including a plurality of individual separation cones which are injection molded out of plastic, are arranged into an aligned stack and positioned within the hollow interior and cooperatively assembled between the support hub and the alignment spool.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operation of a free jet centrifuge installed in a fluid system, and a free jet centrifuge suitable for installation in such a system. The centrifuge (10) is provided with sensors, such as a piezoelectric sensor (22) and/or a rotational speed sensor (24), which enable determination of the operating parameters of the centrifuge rotor, such as accumulation of separated sediments, bearing wear, or other malfunctions independent of any axial force generated by the centrifuge nozzles (18). Signals are obtained, which can be evaluated by an electronic analysis system (23), and which can output an error signal (f).

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a stand pipe that is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid. A vane assembly is adapted to receive fluid from the stand pipe. The vane assembly includes a liner and a plurality of vanes. The liner defines an inner cavity and the vanes extends within this inner cavity. Each of the vanes has a radially outer edge portion and integrally formed with the liner and an opposite free edge. The vanes are oriented in a parallel relationship with the stand pipe, and the free edges of the vanes define a stand pipe passage in which the stand pipe is received.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base having a pair of tangential jet nozzles for generating the self-driven force. Connected to the base is a centrifuge shell which defines a hollow interior space. A disposable liner is positioned within the centrifuge shell. A hollow rotor hub is assembled to the base and extends through the hollow interior space. A support plate is positioned within the hollow interior space and, in cooperation with the rotor hub, defines an annular flow exit. Positioned within the hollow interior space is a unitary separation vane module which is constructed and arranged so as to extend around the rotor hub. The separation vane module includes a plurality of axially-extending and spaced-apart separation vanes. In one embodiment the vane module and a liner shell are formed as a unitary component.

Abstract: A centrifuge for processing a flow of oil in order to remove particulate matter includes a mounting base defining a drain passageway, a drain conduit connected to the mounting base, a unitary housing connected to the mounting base, and a cone-stack subassembly which is positioned in and cooperates with the unitary housing. The mounting base is constructed and arranged to mount directly to a portion of a vehicle engine (or other equipment) and the drain conduit provides a return path to sump for oil from a remote engine (or equipment) location. The unitary housing is an injection molded plastic component including both a main body portion and an integral oil fill port. The oil fill port is substantially cylindrical with a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the axis of rotation for the rotor portion of the centrifuge.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor for a free jet centrifuge for cleaning lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine. The rotor has an inlet, at least one drive nozzle outlet, and a sediment deposition surface interiorly in the rotor. A bearing is provided for rotatably mounting the rotor in a surrounding housing where the bearing includes a friction bearing which simultaneously forms the rotor inlet and a roller bearing which is receivable in a bearing receptacle formed in the surrounding housing. The roller bearing is sealed off from the rotor interior.

Abstract: A centrifuge filter for removing soot from engine oil. The centrifuge filter includes a rotor adapted to be rotated inside a centrifuge housing by an electric motor or other means. The rotor preferably includes a reusable aluminum support casing and a disposable plastic cartridge. The plastic cartridge includes a trap with partition walls to prevent wave formation in the rotating liquid contained in the trap. The cartridge includes an annular inlet through its top end, a winding flow path through the cartridge and an outlet at the bottom enc. The centrifuge housing includes an isolated sealed rotor chamber. Using the venturi effect, air is evacuated from the rotor chamber to provide a partial vacuum to reduce air drag on the rotor. Resilient rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce vibrations and engine induced shock loads from reaching the rotating element. A side oil inlet is provided in the cartridge to receive unfiltered oil at a location offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A centrifuge filter for removing soot from engine oil. The centrifuge filter includes a rotor adapted to be rotated inside a centrifuge housing by an electric motor or other means. The rotor preferably includes a reusable aluminum support casing and a disposable plastic cartridge. The plastic cartridge includes a trap with partition walls to prevent wave formation in the rotating liquid contained in the trap. The cartridge includes an annular inlet through its top end, a winding flow path through the cartridge and an outlet at the bottom. The centrifuge housing includes an isolated sealed rotor chamber. Using the venturi effect, air is evacuated from the rotor chamber to provide a partial vacuum to reduce air drag on the rotor. Resilient rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce vibrations and engine induced shock loads from reaching the rotating element. A side oil inlet is provided in the cartridge to receive unfiltered oil at a location offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a centrifuge housing and a rotor. The housing defines an inner chamber, and the rotor is provided in the chamber. An indicator is provided on the housing. The indicator is constructed and arranged to indicate rotor movement. A rotor sensor is operatively coupled to the indicator, and the rotor sensor is constructed and arranged to sense rotor movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of between about 1000 g and about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a shaft and a center tube. The shaft has a single flow passage from which fluid is supplied and has one or more fluid ports defined therein. The center tube has two sets of openings defined therein. A portion of the fluid in the centrifuge is directed to bypass the cleaning operation and is directly used to drive the centrifuge. The remaining fluid flows through the centrifuge and particulate matter is removed from the liquid. The fluid is then discharged through the nozzles in order to rotate the centrifuge.

Abstract: A free jet centrifuge, especially for cleaning the lubricating oil of an Internal combustion engine. The aim of the invention is to provide a centrifuge which is economical to manufacture and at the same time allows for high speeds. To this end on on side of the rotor a ball bearing (16) is provided in the housing whicb engages a closed stub shaft (14) of the rotor. In the area of the bearing is niot inqreased by the oil pressure in the centrifuge. A friction bearing is provided for the other side of the rotor which is composed of a slide bushing (20) and a bearing bushing (21). In this way a combination of materials which is optimal in terms of tribological properties can be selected. A hollow nipple shaft (19) which acts as an oil inlet (24) for the centrifuge rotor is inserted into the slide bushing (20). To increase speed even further, the invention provides for an impulse channel (30) whichi discharges through nozzles (31).

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base having a pair of tangential jet nozzles for generating the self-driven force for the centrifuge. Connected to the base is a centrifuge shell which defines a hollow interior space. A hollow rotor hub having a central axis of rotation is assembled to the base and extends through the hollow interior space. A support plate is positioned within the hollow interior space and, in cooperation with the rotor hub, defines an annular flow exit opening for the circulating liquid. Positioned within the hollow interior space is a separation vane module which is constructed and arranged so as to extend around the rotor hub and positioned so as to be supported by the support plate. The separation vane module includes a plurality of axially-extending and spaced-apart separation vanes.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator (10) for an engine includes a rotor (30) mounted within a housing (12, 14) for rotation on hollow spindle (42) to the end of which oil is supplied at high pressure to enter the rotor. To prevent the rotor from flying from the base and oil spraying if the cover (14) is removed without shutting off the oil supply via optional valve (80), a rotor restraint (90) is provided in the form of a ring (91) which surrounds and overlies a flange of the rotor. The ring may be complete or discontinuous and may also include an interlock to prevent attachment of the cover and/or supply of oil if the ring is not in place.

Abstract: A free-jet centrifuge which, in contrast to prior art centrifuges which are braked by bearing friction, includes a device for braking the rotor when the oil pressure falls below a predetermined value. The rotor is mounted in a slide bearing (12), which simultaneously forms the centrifuge oil inlet (23), and also is provided with a roller bearing (19), which minimize bearing friction and enables the rotor to attain the highest possible rotational speeds. Friction partners (15a, 15b) are disposed on the centrifuge housing (10) and rotor (11) and are pressed against one another by a spring (20) when the oil pressure drops below operating pressure, to stop the rotor in order to minimize run-on of the centrifuge and the noise and bearing wear associated with run-on.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base plate and a rotor shell. The base plate has a center tube extending therefrom along a longitudinal axis. The center tube is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid containing particulate matter. A rotor shell has an inner cavity and a plurality of spiral vanes extending along the longitudinal axis within the inner cavity. The spiral vanes extend spirally around the center tube and the spiral vanes are integrally formed with the rotor shell. In one form, spiral vanes are also formed on the base plate and are nested in between the spiral vanes of the rotor shell.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a stand pipe that is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid. A vane assembly is adapted to receive fluid from the stand pipe. The vane assembly includes a liner and a plurality of vanes. The liner defines an inner cavity and the vanes extends within this inner cavity. Each of the vanes has a radially outer edge portion and integrally formed with the liner and an opposite free edge. The vanes are oriented in a parallel relationship with the stand pipe, and the free edges of the vanes define a stand pipe passage in which the stand pipe is received.

Abstract: A cone-stack centrifuge for separating particulate material out of a circulating fluid includes a rotor assembly configured with a hollow rotor hub and is constructed to rotate about an axis by the ejection of the fluid from nozzles in the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly is mounted on a shaft that is attached to the hub of a base. The base further includes a fluid inlet, a passageway connected to the inlet and in fluid communication with the rotor assembly, and fluid outlet. A bearing arrangement is positioned between the rotor hub and the shaft for rotary motion of the rotor assembly about the shaft. The base further includes a baffle for re-directing a swirling flow of fluid out of the base in a radial direction and into the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A free jet centrifuge, especially for cleaning the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine. The aim of the invention is to provide a centrifuge which is economical to manufacture and at the same time allows for high speeds. To this end on one side of the rotor a ball bearing (16) is provided in the housing which engages a closed stub shaft (14) of the rotor. In the area of this bearing the rotor is sealed so that friction in the ball bearing is not increased by the oil pressure in the centrifuge. A friction bearing is provided for the other side of the rotor which is composed of a slide bushing (20) and a bearing bushing (21). In this way a combination of materials which is optimal in terms of tribological properties can be selected. A hollow nipple shaft (19) which acts as an oil inlet (24) for the centrifuge rotor is inserted into the slide bushing (20). To increase speed even further, the invention provides for an impulse channel (30) which discharges through nozzles (31).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the separation of contaminants from a pressurized liquid. Specifically, the apparatus is a centrifugal rotor adapted to be reaction driven by the pressurized liquid arranged within a housing. The housing has an outlet that is oriented in a direction substantially opposite the direction of rotation of the rotor to make it easier for the liquid to leave the housing.

Abstract: A disposable, cone-stack, self-driven centrifuge rotor assembly for separating particulate matter out of a circulating flow of oil includes first and second rotor shell portions which are injection molded out of plastic and joined together by induction welding engaging edges so as to create an enclosing shell with a hollow interior. An injection molded, plastic support hub is assembled into a central opening in the lower half of the rotor shell and extends upwardly into the hollow interior. An injection molded, plastic alignment spool is assembled into a central opening in the upper portion of the rotor shell and extends downwardly into the hollow interior. A cone-stack subassembly, including a plurality of individual separation cones which are injection molded out of plastic, are arranged into an aligned stack and positioned within the hollow interior and cooperatively assembled between the support hub and the alignment spool.

Abstract: A centrifugal filter assembly for filtering particulates from a fluid medium includes a non-rotating filter housing. A filter is disposed within the housing. The filter is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis of rotation. The filter has an inlet and an outlet for the fluid medium. A filter medium is disposed within the filter. A drive mechanism rotates the filter.

Abstract: A self-powered centrifugal separator for removing particulate contaminants from engine lubricant includes a rotor canister which is spun at high speed about a vertical axle by ejection of the lubricant supplied to the canister at elevated pressure by way of apertures in a bearing tube near the upper end of the canister. The canister is separated into upper separation chamber and lower outflow chamber by an annular partition wall which defines a transfer aperture between the chambers by its radially inner edge. The edge of the partition wall also supports concentrically within the separation chamber a separation funnel arrangement having an inclined surface supporting alternate separation ribs and scavenging apertures. Liquid entering the separation chamber is directed radially outwardly and under pressure gradient moves inwardly along the inclined surface. The ribs stand up sharply and create eddies which effect separation of particulate contaminants and their deposition at the surface.

Abstract: A centrifugal separtor for non-cohesive particulates, such as are found in transmission oils and hydraulic liquids, rather than the cohesive combustion products found within internal combustion engine lubricants, consists of a housing enclosing a vertical spindle on which spins a liquid reaction driven rotor container. The container is divided internally by inwardly extending partition wall into separate outflow chambers. Non-cohesive particulates which separate from the liquid, and are held against the peripheral side wall by centrigual force during rotation, slump therefrom in the absence of rotation and risk forming a slurry that gets carried to the outflow chamber.

Abstract: A rotor (1) designed to be installed in the housing (16) of a free jet centrifuge, the rotor being provided with at least one inlet (3) and at least one outlet (4), which outlet is configured as a nozzle which is oriented at least substantially tangentially to the axis of rotation (13) of the rotor. The rotor is provided with receptacles for bearings for rotatably mounting the rotor, and the rotor having at least one guide element (7) which extends from an inner wall (38) to an outer wall (39) of a rotor interior space (8). At least the rotor shell (11) is made of synthetic resin material. Owing to its form, the synthetic resin centrifuge rotor can be made up of a reduced number of parts. The rotor may be composed of two elements, a base (10) and a shell (11), connected together either by a snap connection or by welding, such as vibration welding. An oil centrifuge fitted with such a rotor is particularly suitable for cleaning lubricating oil used in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a biological component from a biological fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving a biological fluid including a biological component, and a rotor for creating a centrifugal field within the chamber. A source of particles may be included wherein the particles have a binding site for selectively binding to the biological component. The particles may be aseptically introduced into the chamber. The apparatus may withdraw whole blood from a donor, separate the whole blood to obtain a target cell population and return a selected one of either the target cell population or at least a portion of the whole blood remainder to the donor or patient. A disposable separation inset for use in conjunction with a rotatable separation device such as the apparatus described above may also be provided.

Abstract: A centrifugal filter assembly for filtering particulates from engine oil includes a housing with a threaded connector. A filter disposed within the housing is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis of rotation. The filter has an inlet and an outlet for the oil. A filter head includes a mating threaded connector configured to mate with the housing threaded connector. The filter head includes a venturi section in communication with the outlet. The venturi section is configured to create a vacuum within the housing for drawing oil through the outlet. A brushless direct current motor carried by the filter head has a rotatable output shaft coupled with the filter for rotating the filter about the axis of rotation. A controller carried by the filter head controls operation of the motor. The controller includes a printed circuit board disposed within the filter head which carries the motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the thickness of sludge being deposited on the sidewall of a rotating turbine can in a centrifuge by measuring the electrical admittance (capacitance or conductance) between the sidewall of the turbine can and the base, shaft, or body of the centrifuge which is electrically isolated from the turbine can. An electrical circuit is coupled to the sidewall of the turbine can to measure a change in the thickness of the sludge being deposited on the inner surface of the sidewall by measuring a change in voltage, admittance, capacitance, or conductance between the turbine can and the base, shaft or body of the centrifuge which are all at ground potential. The apparatus of the invention includes a typical centrifuge which is modified by adding a pair of insulating rings to the structure of the centrifuge to electrically isolate the turbine can from the rest of the centrifuge structure.

Abstract: A centrifugal filter assembly for filtering particulates from a fluid includes a rotating filter disposed within a housing and rotatable relative to the housing about an axis of rotation. A turbine is attached to the filter and includes a plurality of turbine blades extending generally radially relative to the axis of rotation. A nozzle having an outlet is aligned relative to the turbine, whereby a pressurized fluid which is jetted from the nozzle impinges upon the turbine and causes the filter to rotate about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: In a reaction-driven centrifugal rotor the interior of its casing is divided into one separation chamber (11) and one outlet chamber (12). The separation chamber (11) has an inlet (8) for pressurized liquid to be treated in the centrifugal rotor, and the outlet chamber (12) has outlets (24) for treated liquid. The outlets (24) extend out through one end wall (1) of the casing from the outlet chamber to the outside of the casing. They are situated at a distance from the rotational axis (R) of the centrifugal rotor and directed in a way such that the centrifugal rotor is subjected to a reaction force in its circumferential direction, when liquid flows out therethrough. An annular partition (9) arranged coaxially with the centrifugal rotor within the casing separates the separation chamber (11) from the outlet chamber (12). However, the two chambers communicate with each other through a space at the radially inner edge of the partition (9).

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for removing particulate contaminants from liquid such as engine lubricants consists of a housing for securing to the engine having a funnel-shaped floor from which oil can drain centrally at a drainage duct. The housing is secured to a legged spider or cage carrying a hollow axle by which the apparatus is secured to the engine and oil delivered to a separation rotor canister. Liquid ejected tangentially from rotor nozzles to cause it to rotate tends to flow around the inside of the housing as a vortex and to prevent rotation of the canister being interfered with by climbing of the vortex or splashing of the liquid from such vortex, one or more vortex disruption vanes are formed with the legs of the cage to deflect liquid.

Abstract: In a rotor for a centrifugal separator there is delimited at one rotor end a distribution chamber (24) for a pressurized liquid supplied to the rotor for being cleaned from particles, and at the opposite rotor end there are liquid outlets arranged for reaction drive of the rotor. The liquid outlets open on the rotor outside in a liquid free space radially spaced from the rotational axis of the rotor. The separation chamber (7) of the rotor, which is situated between the distribution chamber (24) and the outlets (27), contains arcuate separation discs (11), which are distributed around the rotational axis (10) of the rotor and formed such that a lot of axially extending separation channels are delimited, which have a relatively small through-flow resistance to liquid to be cleaned. The separation channels extend axially from the distribution chamber (24) to a collecting chamber (25).

Abstract: A centrifugal oil filter includes a housing having a rotatable bowl disposed in a first fluid chamber and rotatably disposed about a shaft extending through the first fluid chamber. The rotatable bowl has a partition dividing the rotatable bowl into upper and lower portions. A port is formed in the partition so that the fluid flow within the rotatable bowl is directed to a pair of nozzles which act to rotate the rotatable bowl responsive to fluid flow therethrough. The port draws fluid from near the top of the rotatable bowl. Foreign particles are held along the inner wall of the bowl and the top of the partition protecting the particles from the fluid flow within the rotatable bowl.

Abstract: A self-powered centrifugal separator, for separating particulate contaminants from a liquid lubricant of an automobile engine, includes a rotor container rotatable about an axle to which it is journalled by bushes. When the engine is running, a film of pressurized liquid between the bushes and axle lubricates them and provides radial stiffness, but when the engine stops and liquid supply ceases, radial stiffness is reduced and the partially emptying container may vibrate and create wind-down noise. At least one bush, which normally provides a horizontal thrust bearing to support the weight of the container at low speed, has, with the axle portion it surrounds, a region tapering in diameter to center the container with respect to the axle and provide both radial and axial support.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator (FIG. 1) has a base adapted to be mounted to a surface of a machine, such as an engine, with internally communicating high pressure liquid lubricant supply and low pressure drain passages. The base includes a control valve to inhibit supply to the rotor via spindle so that the cover and rotor can be removed whilst the base is still connected to the source of high liquid pressure. The valve takes the form of an aperture containing a valve body rotatable by handle to close the supply passage or (FIG. 2) create a diversion passage directly to the drain passage. An interlock device may be provided to impede cover removal with the valve open and/or impede accidental closure of the valve.

Abstract: A cone-stack centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a cone-stack assembly which is configured with a hollow rotor hub and is constructed to rotate about an axis. The cone-stack assembly is mounted onto a shaft centertube which is attached to a hollow base hub of a base assembly. The base assembly further includes a liquid inlet, a first passageway, and a second passageway which is connected to the first passageway. The liquid inlet is connected to the hollow base hub by the first passageway. A bearing arrangement is positioned between the rotor hub and the shaft centertube for rotary motion of the cone-stack assembly. An impulse-turbine wheel is attached to the rotor hub and a flow jet nozzle is positioned so as to be directed at the turbine wheel. The flow jet nozzle is coupled to the second passageway for directing a flow jet of liquid at the turbine wheel in order to impart rotary motion to the cone-stack assembly.

Abstract: A cone-stack centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a cone-stack assembly which is configured with a hollow rotor hub and is constructed to rotate about an axis. The cone-stack assembly is mounted onto a shaft centertube which is attached to a hollow base hub of a base assembly. The base assembly further includes a liquid inlet, a first passageway, and a second passageway which is connected to the first passageway. The liquid inlet is connected to the hollow base hub by the first passageway. A bearing arrangement is positioned between the rotor hub and the shaft centertube for rotary motion of the cone-stack assembly. An impulse-turbine wheel is attached to the rotor hub and a flow jet nozzle is positioned so as to be directed at the turbine wheel. The flow jet nozzle is coupled to the second passageway for directing a flow jet of liquid at the turbine wheel in order to impart rotary motion to the cone-stack assembly.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid cleaning system includes a centrifugal cleaner through which a proportion of a circulated fluid is diverted, and a drainage assistance arrangement which includes a venturi arrangement through which non-diverted fluid is passed, the venturi developing locally a significant pressure drop in a region into which opens an induction port connected to the cleaner holding sump so that the cleaned fluid is entrained into the non-diverted fluid and returned to the circulation. While the pressure difference between inlet and induction ports is sufficient to drive the centrifugal cleaner rotor, the absolute pressures of the supply to, and drain from, the cleaner do not depend on the ambient atmospheric pressure and the overall pressure drop of the venturi arrangement is small, permitting it to be included within a closed circulation system. A pressure regulator permits bypass of the venturi arrangement to regulate the flow of fluid therethrough.