Abstract: A filter centrifuge includes a centrifuge drum having a solids removal opening for solids collected in the centrifuge drum. A solids drying housing into which the solids removal opening opens is provided. The solids drying housing has a sieve bottom, a gas inlet for introducing a drying gas, and a gas outlet for removing the drying gas.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator has a housing with a generally cylindrical inner surface defining an inner chamber. A hollow rotor is disposed within the chamber for rotation therein. At least one inlet is provided for introducing a liquid mixture into the annular volume between the rotor and the housing, where it is then directed into the rotor. An upper rotor assembly separates the liquid mixture by phase densities with the disparate components directed to respective outlets. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper rotor assembly includes an easily removable weir ring to facilitate "tuning" of the separation process. The rotor of the separator is mounted on a unitary rotor shaft that extends axially through the separation chamber to upper and lower bearing assemblies in the separator housing.

Abstract: A feed accelerator system for use in a centrifuge, the system comprising a conveyor hub rotatably mounted substantially concentrically within a rotating bowl, the conveyor hub including at least one passageway connecting an inside surface of the conveyor hub to an outside surface of the conveyor hub for a feed slurry exiting the conveyor hub. The passageway may be associated with a variety of feed slurry accelerator enhancements such as a baffle extending into a slurry pool formed on the inside of the conveyor hub, a divider, a U-shaped channel, an extension tube, and/or a flow directing and overspeeding member. These accelerator enhancements may be combined within the passageway or incorporated into a feed slurry accelerating nozzle apparatus removably secured to the passageway. The passageway and/or the nozzle apparatus may include a cross-sectional area having a longer axis approximately parallel to the conveyor hub axis of rotation.

Abstract: A rotating drum divided in axial spaced compartments with one of the compartments includes paddles and coalescing material to separate the fluid from the liquid and the other compartment includes a stationary third pump and a stationary water pump for effectively separating fluid such as oil or gas from liquid such a water. Another embodiment includes a simplified version of the fluid/liquid separator adapted for zero gravity environment and includes a device for purging the lines from air prior to pumping the liquid. An electrical sensing circuit including conductivity sensors or an electronic controller including pressure sensors serve to control the rate of removal of the separated component or controlling the purging device.

Abstract: A feed accelerator system for use in a centrifuge, the system comprising a conveyor hub rotatably mounted within a rotating bowl, the hub including an inside surface and an outside surface. At least one feed slurry passageway is disposed between the inside surface of conveyor hub and the outside surface of the conveyor hub, and at least one helical blade having a plurality of turns is mounted to the outside surface of the conveyor hub. A vane apparatus is associated with the passageway and is disposed between two adjacent turns of the helical blade. The vane apparatus may include an inwardly extending baffle and/or an outwardly extending accelerator vane. Alternatively, a U-shaped channel may be associated with the passageway, the U-shaped channel including a plurality partitions attached to the discharge end of such channel so as to form a plurality of discharge channels and a flow directing and overspeeding vane disposed within each channel, each vane having a different forward discharge angle.

Abstract: A separator for separating a first fluid from a second fluid through rotation about an axis of rotation, the first fluid having a density less than the density of the second fluid. In one embodiment, the separator includes a separation chamber mounted for rotation about the axis of rotation. A first weir is positioned in fluid communication with the separation chamber. A second weir is positioned over which the second fluid may pass to exit the separation chamber through a collection chamber. A fluid pressure chamber is positioned radially outwardly from the crest of the second weir to receive the second fluid as it passes over the second weir. The fluid pressure chamber is partially defined by an exit weir over which the second fluid may pass.

Abstract: A separator for separating a first fluid from a second fluid through rotation about an axis of rotation, the first fluid having a density less than the density of the second fluid. In one embodiment, the separator includes a separation chamber mounted for rotation about the axis of rotation. A first weir is positioned in fluid communication with the separation chamber. A second weir is positioned over which the second fluid may pass to exit the separation chamber through a collection chamber. A fluid pressure chamber is positioned radially outwardly from the crest of the second weir to receive the second fluid as it passes over the second weir. The fluid pressure chamber is partially defined by an exit weir over which the second fluid may pass.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled centrifuge in which a heat exchanger is attached to the bottom portion of the centrifuge bowl to remove heat from the bowl and materials within the bowl interacting therewith. In one embodiment, a heat exchange plate having a plurality of substantially annular channels is appropriately attached to the bottom of the centrifuge bowl and has a surface which is thus substantially coextensive therewith. Each of these channels are positioned at different radial distances from the central axis of the heat exchange plate and each extends substantially about such axis. An appropriate heat transfer medium may thus be circulated through each of these channels to thereby substantially control a temperature across the entire bottom of the bowl. The heat transfer medium may be provided to each of the channels by a common feed inlet which also allows for the use of flow regulators where appropriate, and the heat transfer medium may also thus be removed from the channels by a common dump line.

Abstract: A centrifugal oil filter comprises a bowl which is rotatable about a vertical axis within a fixed casing and which is open at its upper and lower ends, the inner wall of the bowl being provided with grooves which trap particles in the polluted oil fed into the bowl as the bowl is rotated and the oil flows upwards along the wall under centrifugal action and which allow the particles to fall therefrom under gravity to a particle collector positioned below the open lower end of the bowl when the bowl stops rotating. The inner wall of the bowl is also formed with an annular recess above the particle trapping grooves. This recess fills with oil when the bowl is rotated, and this oil flows out and downwards along the wall under gravity when the bowl stops, thereby cleaning the filter wall.

Abstract: A centrifugal apparatus including an annular shell of flexible material with annular end rings and means for driving the shell in rotation through the end rings, an external discharge roller in engagement with the outer surface of the shell and directing material toward a discharge nozzle within the shell with the nozzle leading outwardly for delivery of the material from the shell. In one form, the ends of the shell are connected to the rigid ends by rings of flexible material. An arrangement is provided for applying axial tension to the flexible material of the shell.