Each Extending Away From Region With Significant Downward, As Well As Significant Outward, Component (e.g., Nested Cones) Patents (Class 494/70)
  • Patent number: 11123753
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator (14) comprises a stationary frame (15), a spindle (16) rotatably supported by the frame, a centrifuge rotor 17 mounted to a first end of the spindle to rotate together with the spindle around an axis (X2) of rotation. A stack (10) of separation discs (1) is arranged to rotate coaxially with the centrifuge rotor The stack of separation discs comprises a set of axially aligned separation discs with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality spot-formed spacing members extending from a base from at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface The surface density of said spot-formed spacing members is above 25 spot-formed spacing members/dm2 throughout the inner and/or outer surface of the separation disc. A first region at a bottom of the discs has a higher density of the spot-formed spacing members than a second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Sven-Åke Nilsson, Peter Thorwid
  • Publication number: 20150119225
    Abstract: Conical disc element (22) for a rotor of centrifugal separators, wherein the disc element has a plurality of projections (36) protruding radially outwardly or inwardly from an outer or an inner peripheral edge (28, 26), respectively, of the disc element, and rotors assembled from such disc elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: 3nine AB
    Inventors: Claes Inge, Peter Frenzén
  • Publication number: 20140221187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge having a centrifugal drum in which separator disks are disposed, and at least one of the separator disks includes surface structuring that improves separator performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GEA MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT GmbH
    Inventors: Julian König, Verena Tiggemann, Sarah Ossenbrink
  • Patent number: 8790233
    Abstract: A method for purifying a fluid from contaminating particles in a centrifugal separator with use of a separation aid which is of higher density than the fluid and which binds said particles, the centrifugal separator having a rotor body that rotates about an axis of rotation. The fluid to be purified is led via an inlet into a separation chamber delimited by the rotor body. Separated particles are discharged via a first outlet and clarified fluid cleared is discharged via a second outlet. The fluid being mixed with an amount of separation aid, supplied to the separation chamber. The pollutant particles are bound to the separation aid, which is forced out by the rotation of the rotor body to the periphery thereof. A small flow of separation aid and particles bound thereto are discharged from the separation chamber via the first outlet, and a flow of purified fluid is discharged from the separation chamber via the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Rolf Ridderstrale, Claes Wase
  • Publication number: 20140148327
    Abstract: A separation disc for a centrifugal separator and a method for manufacturing the separation disc are disclosed. The separation disc is of metal material and adapted to be compressed in a stack of separation discs inside a centrifugal rotor for separating a liquid mixture. The separation disc has a truncated conical shape with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of spacing members extending a certain height above at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface for providing interspaces between mutually adjacent separation discs in the stack. The spacing members are of such small size that each one of them has a width which is less than 2 mm along the surface of the separation disc. The surface of the separation disc is configured with a distribution pattern of the small-sized spacing members, in such a way as to provide equidistant interspaces in the compressed disc stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Sven-Åke Nilsson, Peter Thorwid
  • Patent number: 8628458
    Abstract: A separator including a separator drum having a conical interior and rotatably mounted at an axial end about a vertical axis of rotation. A rotating spindle is located at either a lower or upper end of the separator drum and is configured to drive the separator drum. The rotating spindle is disposed in an oscillating manner about a hinge point. Also included is supply tube for a product to be processed and two fluid outlets. One fluid outlet is for a light phase and one fluid outlet is for a heavy phase. A solids material discharge opening is located in an area of the separator drum's largest inner circumference. Further included is a separation pan assembly. A pressure chamber is configured to be acted upon by a fluid to change a location of a separation zone between the light phase and the heavy phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventor: Kim Träger
  • Patent number: 8585566
    Abstract: A rotatable separator drum includes a vertical rotating axis of rotation and at least one flow channel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. Also included is at least one retaining dam arranged in the at least one flow channel in a region between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The at least one retaining dam is configured to allow an overflow of liquid over the at least one dam and to provide for an accumulation of solids in front of the at least one dam. The at least one dam includes at least one rib arranged in a transitional region between opposing wall sections and a distributor base cover and the at least one rib includes portions having differing heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Thomas Bathelt, Ludger Thiemann, Kathrin Quiter, Andreas Penkl, Jürgen Linnemann, Thomas Kleimann, Jürgen Starke, Bärbel Helling, Stephan Helling, Tobias Helling
  • Patent number: 8549890
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method and a press tool for manufacturing a separating disk adapted to be included in a disk package of a centrifuge rotor of a centrifugal separator. The separating disk extends around an axis of rotation and has a tapering shape with an inner surface and an outer surface along the axis of rotation. A blank of a material is provided. A central opening is made in the blank. The blank is positioned in a charging position by means of a projecting central portion. The blank is pressed against the first tool part having a shape corresponding to the tapering shape of the separating disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Kjel Klintenstedt, Sven Olov Olsson, Lars Johan Rudman
  • Patent number: 8454487
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separation disc and a milk separator comprising a rotor, which separation disc together with other separation discs forms a stack of separation discs rotatable together with the rotor. The separation disc comprises a truncated substantially conical portion and an annular flange element connected to the conical portion at the smallest radius and extends therefrom radially inwards substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The flange element has a radial extent corresponding to at least 10% of the radial extent of the conical portion. The inner radial edge of the flange element includes recesses distributed along the edge and adapted to protrusions on a column connected to the rotor, extending coaxially through the separation discs. The recesses are substantially filled by the protrusions. The radial extent of the recesses corresponds to at least 20% of the radial extent of the flange element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Per-Olof Lindroth, Johan Bergstrom, Jan Ackalin
  • Patent number: 8337378
    Abstract: A continuous self-cleaning centrifuge assembly having a feed inlet for unclarified liquid and first and second outlets for clarified liquid. Solids are discharged out of a solids holding space in the centrifuge in response to comparison of a measured turbidity to a predetermined turbidity parameter of clarified liquid bled in a detection line in communication with the centrifuge at the second outlet. The turbidity is affected by the degree of build up of solids in the centrifuge. A method of optimizing the clarified liquid outflowing from the centrifuge includes the steps of controlling the flow rate of unclarified liquid into the centrifuge in response to the turbidity of the clarified liquid flowing out of the centrifuge and discharging solids out of a solids holding space in the centrifuge in response to the turbidity measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: GEA Westfalia Separator GmbH
    Inventor: Chris Kwok On Chan
  • Patent number: 8308626
    Abstract: A rotor unit for a centrifugal separator, which centrifugal separator comprises a non-rotatable housing wherein the rotor unit is disposed about a central axis of rotation, an inlet for supply of a mixture of components to be separated, at least one outlet for a component separated during operation, whereby the rotor unit, at least parts of which are made of metal, comprises a separating chamber formed inside the rotor unit, an inlet chamber connected to the inlet and the separating chamber, is formed radially within said separating chamber and is usually shielded from the separating chamber, at least one outlet connected to the separating chamber, a plurality of separating discs disposed at a distance axially from one another in said separating chamber coaxially with the axis of rotation, at least a number of the metal parts of said rotor unit are undetachably joined together to form a composite assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Kjell Klintenstedt
  • Patent number: 8257240
    Abstract: In a compressible unit a plurality of separating discs are provided and adapted to being capable, in a compressed state, of being mounted in and removed from a centrifugal separator rotor, which rotor during operation is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The unit includes a support, a pressure surface, between which the separating discs are disposed abutting against one another. Guide surfaces abut against the separating discs and control radial and polar position. At least one compression mechanism is adapted during compression of the unit to press the support and pressure surface towards one another so that the discs are compressed. During compression, the guide surfaces allow relative movement between the support and pressure surface and the separating discs, and are of at least sufficient extent in the compression direction for the position-controlling abutment between the guide surfaces and the separating discs to be maintained throughout the relative movement during the compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aifa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Kjell Klintenstedt
  • Patent number: 8192342
    Abstract: A separator having a conical separator drum mounted rotatably at only one of its axial ends and having a vertical axis of rotation. The drum includes a rotary spindle for driving the separator drum. The separator includes an inflow pipe for a product to be processed and at least two liquid outlets. The first liquid outlet is for a lighter phase and the second liquid outlet is for a heavier phase. The first liquid outlet includes a stripping disk. Further included is a solids discharge port and a separation plate stack in the separator drum. The second liquid outlet is followed outside the drum by a settable throttle device having an annular disk for displacing a liquid radius of the heavier phase by a throttling in an outflow cross section for the heavier phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Kim Träger, Herbert Kunz
  • Patent number: 8182408
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a rotating centrifuge rotor having a casing which defines an inner separation space. A set of separation discs is provided in the inner separation space. The centrifugal separator includes a torque transmitting part connected to the centrifuge rotor. A drive motor drives the torque transmitting part for rotation of the centrifuge rotor. The drive motor has a first axial end turned towards the centrifuge rotor and a second axial end turned away from the centrifuge rotor. The centrifugal separator includes a stationary frame and a first bearing and a second bearing, which are connected to the frame. The torque transmitting part is rotatably journalled in the first bearing and the second bearing. The first bearing is provided between the drive motor and the centrifuge rotor. The second bearing is provided outside the second axial end of the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Roland Isaksson, Peter Thorwid
  • Publication number: 20110237417
    Abstract: The invention refers to a disk package for a centrifuge. The disk package comprises a plurality of separating disks provided on each other in the disk package. Each separating disk extends around an axis of rotation for the centrifuge rotor and has tapering shape with an inner surface and an outer surface along the axis of rotation. Each separating disk has inner edge, defining a central opening of the separating disk, and outer edge. Each separating disk is manufactured of a material. The separating disks comprise a plurality of first separating disks comprising a number of distance members, which extend away from the inner surface and/or outer surface. Each distance member comprises at least one contact zone abutting an outer surface and inner surface, respectively, of an adjacent separating disk in the disk package. The contact zone has a continuously convex shape seen in a cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Lars Johan Rudman, Sven Olov Olsson
  • Patent number: 7998051
    Abstract: In a centrifugal separator comprising a first and second separator part having a centrifuge rotor and rotates during operation relative to the first separator part. A space connecting the first and second separator parts houses a rotating liquid body during operation. A mechanical sealing device is provided at the space and includes a first sealing element on the first separator part having a first contact surface, and a second sealing element on the second separator part having a second contact surface. The liquid body on the first sealing element or the second sealing element and displaces the same axially so that the first and second contact surfaces are pressed against each other. A pre-tensioning element exerts force on the sealing element which acts to displace the first contact away from the second contact surfaces so that a gap is formed, forming a throttling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Kjell Klintenstedt
  • Patent number: 7749148
    Abstract: A separator drum for a separator having a vertical rotational axis. The separator drum includes an upper drum section, a lower drum section, and a screw connection formed between the upper end lower drum sections without a locking ring. The upper drum section is screwed into the lower drum section or the lower drum section is screwed into the upper drum section. A portion of the upper drum section adjacent the screw connection engages behind a portion of the lower drum section adjacent the screw connection in a manner of a clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Mackel, Norbert Wegener
  • Patent number: 7537559
    Abstract: A self-dumping separator having a vertical axis of rotation and having a drum (1) into which a disc stack (3) made up of a plurality of conical discs (4) is inserted, a centrifuge feed being introducible via an inlet pipe (6) and a distributor (7) into the centrifuge space (2), which is enclosed by the drum (1), at least two or more fins (17) being arranged in an annular solids space (15) that is arranged radially outside the disc stack (3), the clearance between the fins (17) and the inner wall of the drum (1) being at least three millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Wieking, Siegfried Klapper, Bernhard Heymann
  • Patent number: 7419463
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes at least two centrifugal drums, each drum including a disc stack and each drum being rotatable about first and second axes of rotation. The first axis of rotation extends through a center of gravity of and is within each drum. The second axis of rotation is situated outside each drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Poul-Erik Aagaard, Klaus-Dieter Bröker
  • Patent number: 7416523
    Abstract: A separator for the clarification or separation of liquids includes a double-cone drum having a metal conical drum top part and a metal conical drum bottom part. The drum top part and the drum bottom part are made as metal plates and the double-cone drum has a largest inside diameter greater than 1000 mm. A disk stack including a stack of conical separating disks is arranged in the double-cone drum. The drum bottom part has at least two drum shell sections with different outer angles of taper with respect to an axis of rotation of the double-cone drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Angelika Voltmann
  • Patent number: 7410457
    Abstract: A separator including a vertical axis of rotation, a drum having solids discharge openings and a conical centrifugal space, and a disc stack located in the conical centrifugal space. Also included is a plurality of conical discs super-imposed on one another and having disc bores forming at least one rising channel in the disc stack. Further included is a drum, a distributor and a lower base section which expands radially, and on which lower base section are one or more distributor channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Holger Heinrich
  • Patent number: 7354388
    Abstract: A separator including a rotatable drum having a drum top part, a vertical axis of rotation and a disk stack arranged therein. Also included is a piston slide for opening and closing solids discharge openings in the drum. A radial gap is formed between the drum top part and the piston slide in an open condition of the piston slide. Radially successive annular chambers are located in the piston slide and in the drum top part and are mutually connected by a bottleneck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Andreas Schulz
  • Patent number: 7081082
    Abstract: Method for separating blood plasma particles from a blood plasma suspension in a self-discharging centrifuge having two or more discharge slits and axially stacked baffle plates, in which the blood plasma particles are separated from the liquid phase by centrifuging and removal of the liquid phase, suctioning off liquid remaining in the drum after separation of the blood plasma particles and discharging the sediment of solid blood plasma particles from the drum by centrifugal force into a collecting container underneath the drum, the drum and the blood plasma sediment being cooled during one or more of the process steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Scholz, Markus Longerich, Ernst-Ulrich Himmen, Ulrich Esser, Rajesh Sharma, Anshuman V. Patwardhan
  • Patent number: 7074173
    Abstract: A centrifuge including a centrifugal drum that includes a centrifugal chamber and a centrifugal chamber bottom part displaceable relative to the centrifugal drum. Also included is a piston slide axially displaceably arranged to be in and/or on the centrifugal drum. At least one seal is arranged in a surrounding groove on an outer circumference of the centrifugal drum bottom part and further arranged between the piston slide and the outer circumference of the centrifugal chamber bottom part to seal off a gap between the piston slide and the centrifugal chamber bottom part. The groove is configured to be constructed at least in sections and axially open toward the centrifugal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Werner Kohlstette, Willi Niemerg, Thomas Kleimann
  • Patent number: 7001325
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator has a centrifuge rotor and a casing, the casing forming an outer space for the rotor. The rotor is rotatable around a rotary axis and within the casing. The rotor includes a rotor wall, which defines an outer periphery of the rotor and encloses an inner space, an inlet, which extends through the rotor wall and permits feeding of a product to the inner space, and a number of outlets, which extend through the rotor wall and are arranged to permit intermittent discharge of a separated product from the inner space to the outer space. The outlets are distributed around the periphery of the rotor. The number of outlets is uneven, and a valve member extends around the rotor wall to define a space between the wall and the valve member at the level of the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Roland Henriksson, Stefan Szepessy
  • Patent number: 6976948
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an interface formed during operation between a specific light liquid phase and a specific heavier liquid phase to a wanted radial level in a centrifugal separator, in which the separation chamber is emptied of its contents and the inlet opening is brought to a radial inner position in the outlet chamber, after which a pre-determined volume of the specific heavier liquid phase is supplied to the separation chamber and the mixture of the two liquid phases is supplied to the separation chamber via the supply conduit and the inlet chamber whereby the separation chamber is filled up and an interface between the two liquid phases is formed, which is displaced radial outwardly, the displaced specific heavier liquid phase then being pressed radial inwardly in the outlet channel and further into the outlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Ervin Hamblad
  • Patent number: 6869389
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge that includes an inlet tube, a distributor, a centrifugal drum, a centrifugal chamber, a sieve and a solids collecting space. The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning the centrifuge including the step sieve opening the solids collecting space so that liquid from a liquid discharge space return flows through the sieve back into the solids discharge space, detaching one or more of solids and contaminants from the sieve and, discharging one or more of the solids and contaminants from the solids discharge space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Jochen Hamatschek
  • Patent number: 6827680
    Abstract: A centrifuge that includes a centrifugal drum having a drum part, a centrifuge chamber bottom, a drum cover, solid matter discharge openings in a jacket area of a drum bottom part, and a piston valve axially movably disposed in the drum bottom part. The piston valve is held in a closed position by springs supported at the drum bottom part. The piston valve is movable by a control medium introduced into an opening chamber between the piston valve and the centrifuge chamber bottom. The control medium can overcome the springs and open the solid matter discharge openings. The springs are made from an unalloyed spring steel and are substantially encapsulated by sleeves made of corrosion resistant material. The sleeves project on one side into the piston valve and, on the other side, into bores of a bottom area of the drum bottom part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Willi Niemerg
  • Patent number: 6716153
    Abstract: In a decanter centrifuge having a rotor and a screw conveyor the rotor is suspended only at its one end, the rotational axis of the rotor extending vertically. The inlet of the rotor for a sludge containing liquid to be separated as well as the rotor outlet for liquid having been freed from sludge are situated at the upper end of the rotor, whereas a sludge outlet for separated sludge is situated at the lower end of the rotor. The rotor as well as the screw conveyor are adapted to be driven through shafts situated at the upper end of the rotor. By the invention it becomes possible by simple implementation to adapt the decanter centrifuge for different separation duties, since the location of the sludge outlet can be chosen freely without other parts of the decanter centrifuge preventing this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Klaus Stroucken, Rolf Riddersträle
  • Patent number: 6712751
    Abstract: In a decanter centrifuge having a rotor and a screw conveyor the rotor is suspended only at its one end, the rotational axis of the rotor extending vertically. The inlet of the rotor for a sludge containing liquid to be separated as well as the rotor outlet for liquid having been freed from sludge are situated at the upper end of the rotor, whereas a sludge outlet for separated sludge is situated at the lower end of the rotor. The rotor as well as the screw conveyor are adapted to be driven through shafts situated at the upper end of the rotor. By the invention it becomes possible by simple implementation to adapt the decanter centrifuge for different separation duties, since the location of the sludge outlet can be chosen freely without other parts of the decanter centrifuge preventing this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Klaus Stroucken, Rolf Ridderstråle
  • Publication number: 20040029696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge that includes an inlet tube, a distributor, a centrifugal drum, a centrifugal chamber, a sieve and a solids collecting space. The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning the centrifuge including the step sieve opening the solids collecting space so that liquid from a liquid discharge space return flows through the sieve back into the solids discharge space, detaching one or more of solids and contaminants from the sieve and, discharging one or more of the solids and contaminants from the solids discharge space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Jochen Hamatschek
  • Publication number: 20040029698
    Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifugal separator with a centrifuge rotor (1) and a casing (3), and such a centrifuge rotor. The rotor is rotatable in a rotary direction around a rotary axis (x). The casing (3) forms an outer space (4) for the rotor. The rotor (1) includes a rotor wall (5), which defines an outer periphery of the rotor and encloses an inner space, at least an inlet (7), which extends through the rotor wall (5) and permits feeding of a product to the inner space, and a number of outlets (8), which extend through the rotor wall and are arranged to permit intermittent discharge of a separated product from the inner space to the outer space (6). The outlets (8) are distributed around the periphery of the rotor and the number of outlets (8) is uneven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Roland Henriksson, Stefan Szepessy
  • Publication number: 20040023783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge (or a separator) comprising a centrifugal drum (1) and a spring-loaded piston valve (5) that is guided in a drum bottom part (2) so as to be axially displaceable. Said piston valve (5) is maintained in a closed position by springs (7) that are supported on the drum bottom part (2), in which position solid discharge openings (6) provided in the jacket area (2a) of the drum bottom part (2f) are closed. A pressure is generated when a control medium is fed to an opening chamber (8) between the piston valve (5) and the centrifuge chamber bottom (3), which pressure overcomes the spring forces so that the piston valve (5) is displaced axially to such an extent that the solid discharge openings (6) are released. The springs (7) are produced from a non-alloy spring steel and are fully enclosed by cylinders (7) from a corrosion-resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Willi Niemerg
  • Patent number: 6579220
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Ismail Bagci, Byron A. Pardue, Mike Conrad, Mike Yost, Richard Jensen, Hendrik N. Amirkhanian
  • Patent number: 6540653
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Richard Jensen
  • Patent number: 6537191
    Abstract: In a centrifugal separator for separating solids from a liquid mixture in which the solids in the form particles are suspended in a liquid having a density less than that of the particles the centrifugal separator includes a rotor rotatable at a first speed. A screw conveyor is arranged in and coaxial with the rotor and rotates at a second speed differing from the first speed. A drive device is adapted for rotation of the rotor at the first speed and the screw conveyor at the second speed. The rotor is totally supported at one end only through a rotor shaft that is arranged so that the rotor central axis extends substantially vertically. The rotor includes an inlet for the mixture, in the form of at least one inlet channel which extends into the rotor at one end and a liquid outlet for separated liquid, in the form of at least one outlet channel which extends out of the rotor at one end, and a sludge outlet for separated solids situated at an opposite end of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Klaus Stroucken, Rolf Ridderstråle
  • Patent number: 6533713
    Abstract: The invention is an entrainment device for a centrifugal separator. The entrainment device is comprised of two axial delimiting surfaces. One axial delimiting surface turns axially towards and the other turns axially away form an inlet chamber outlet of the separator. The entrainment device permits extended periods of operation without clogging of inlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Leonard Borgstrom, Claes Goran Carlsson, Peter Franzen, Claes Inge, Torgny Lagerstedt, Hans Moberg, Stefan Szepessy, Mikael Sundstrom
  • Publication number: 20030032541
    Abstract: In a decanter centrifuge having a rotor (1) and a screw conveyor (2) the rotor is suspended only at its one end, the rotational axis (R) of the rotor extending vertically. The inlet (22) of the rotor (1) for a sludge containing liquid to be separated as well as the rotor outlet (12; 67) for liquid having been freed from sludge are situated at the upper end of the rotor, whereas a sludge outlet (13) for separated sludge is situated at the lower end of the rotor. The rotor (1) as well as the screw conveyor (2) are adapted to be driven through shafts (5, 8) situated at the upper end of the rotor. By the invention it becomes possible by simple means to adapt the decanter centrifuge for different separation duties, since the location of the sludge outlet (13) can be chosen freely without other parts of the decanter centrifuge preventing this.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus Stroucken, Rolf Ridderstrale
  • Publication number: 20030032540
    Abstract: In a decanter centrifuge having a rotor (1) and a screw conveyor (2) the rotor is suspended only at its one end, the rotational axis (R) of the rotor extending vertically. The inlet (22) of the rotor (1) for a sludge containing liquid to be separated as well as the rotor outlet (12; 67) for liquid having been freed from sludge are situated at the upper end of the rotor, whereas a sludge outlet (13) for separated sludge is situated at the lower end of the rotor. The rotor (1) as well as the screw conveyor (2) are adapted to be driven through shafts (5, 8) situated at the upper end of the rotor. By the invention it becomes possible by simple means to adapt the decanter centrifuge for different separation duties, since the location of the sludge outlet (13) can be chosen freely without other parts of the decanter centrifuge preventing this.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus Stroucken, Rolf Ridderstrale
  • Patent number: 6508752
    Abstract: In a centrifugal separator for separating solid particles from a liquid, a centrifugal rotor (2) has two axially separated end walls (13, 14) and a surrounding wall (17) arranged therebetween. The end walls (13, 14) and the surrounding wall (17) surround a separation chamber (20) in which there are arranged separation discs (21) and one or more conveyor screws (29, 62) for axial transportation of separated solid particles. According to the invention the end walls are connected with each other through a central member (15), which is dimensioned in a way such that during the rotor operation it will take up a substantial part, preferably at least 80%, of the forces acting axially on the end walls (13, 14) as a consequence of centrifugally generated pressure of liquid present in the separation chamber (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Ingvar Hällgren, Hans Martin, Berndt Nyström
  • Patent number: 6475132
    Abstract: A disk centrifuge having an intake device which includes two mutually separated intakes which are concentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the centrifugal drum and lead from opposite ends into a common distributor in the centrifugal drum. In a process for operating the centrifuge, the intake pressure at the upper intake tube is adjusted to be lower than the discharge pressure at the liquid discharge without a separating disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator Food Tec GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Zettier
  • Patent number: 6468198
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for adjusting a liquid content of a liquid and solid mixture withdrawn from a self-discharging centrifugal drum of a separator. The method includes the steps of: feeding a solid and liquid mixture into the separator; rotating the drum; separating the liquid and solid mixture during the rotation; bringing the separator to a halt; aspirating the liquid remaining in the interior of the centrifugal drum until a quantity remains which corresponds to a required consistency of a solid; and emptying the centrifugal drum of the solid with the required consistency from the centrifugal drum at a suitable rotational speed. The apparatus is a separator including: a self-discharging centrifugal drum; withdrawal openings; a solid space and a separating space; a feeding tube; a shutoff element; and a piston-type slide valve. A connection piece for the connection of a suction device is arranged below the shut-off element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Wilfried Mackel
  • Patent number: 6364822
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Kevin South
  • Publication number: 20020016245
    Abstract: A disk centrifuge having an intake device which includes two mutually separated intakes which are concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the centrifugal drum and lead from opposite ends into a common distributor in the centrifugal drum. In a process for operating the centrifuge, the intake pressure at the upper intake tube is adjusted to be lower than the discharge pressure at the liquid discharge without a separating disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Zettier
  • Patent number: 6319186
    Abstract: In a particular type of centrifugal rotor for dividing a liquid mixture into one liquid phase having a low viscosity and one concentrate phase having a high viscosity, the concentrate phase on its way towards an outlet chamber (17) in the rotor has to flow through a vortex device (20). The vortex device has a property of admitting therethrough a larger flow of a liquid if this has a high viscosity than if it has a low viscosity. For making an operation for cleaning of the rotor and conduits for concentrate phase downstream of the rotor more efficient, a cleaning liquid, which has a low viscosity, is conducted not only through the vortex device (20) to said outlet chamber (17) for concentrate phase but to this outlet chamber (17) also through a separate passage (34). Thereby, it is guaranteed that a sufficient flow of cleaning liquid enters the concentrate outlet chamber (17) and from there can be pumped out of the rotor to the concentrate phase conduits downstream of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Jouko Pitkämäki
  • Publication number: 20010016549
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Ismail Bagci, Byron A. Pardue, Mike Conrad, Mike Yost, Richard Jensen, Hendrik N. Amirkhanian
  • Patent number: 6176820
    Abstract: The invention concerns a connection device for a centrifugal separator having a rotor (2) in a casing (1) and a tubular member (7) attached to the casing and forming an inlet passage for media supply into the rotor (2) and an outlet passage (9, 10) for media discharge therefrom. The connection device includes a connection unit (15) forming a first channel (20) connectable to a first one of the passages (8) and a second channel (21) connectable to a second one of the passages (9). The unit (15) forms a recess (16) to receive the tubular member (7) in such a manner that an end portion of the tubular member projects therefrom. Moreover, the unit (15) is releasably mounted in one single piece onto the tubular member (7). A locking member (19) engages the end portion to press the unit (15) axially against the casing to a determined position in relation to the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Ronald Westerberg
  • Patent number: 6162163
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprises a centrifuge rotor (1), which has a wall (10) defining an interior of the rotor (1) and which during operation of the centrifugal separator is rotatable about a rotational axis (y) with respect to a stationary pipe member (2) comprising at least one passage for the transport of material. The pipe member (2) is provided to extend into the interior of the centrifuge rotor through an aperture of the rotor (1). A product separated during operation is collected in a chamber (9) provided in the proximity of said aperture and partly defined by an end wall portion (11) extending around said aperture and the pipe member (2) in such a manner that a clearance gap is formed between a radially inner edge of the end wall portion (11) and the pipe member (2). The end wall portion (11) is arranged to be deformable in the case that the pipe member contacts the end wall portion during the operation of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Per Gunnar Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6149569
    Abstract: The present invention is a centrifuge essentially comprised of a rotor and a transparent cover which can be fixed to the rotor. The cover is provided with a plurality of spaced concentration lines each extending around the cover and a plurality of different graduated scales extending radially from the center of the cover across the concentration lines at spaced angular intervals. The rotor and the cover also have opposing snap lock elements at a central portion of the rotor and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Firma Andreas Hettich
    Inventor: Guenter Eberle
  • Patent number: 6080098
    Abstract: In a centrifugal rotor there is an inlet chamber (7), a separation chamber (8) and an outlet chamber (10), which chambers are coupled in series. A stationary outlet member (16) is arranged to remove from a predetermined level in the outlet chamber (10) separated liquid during normal operation of the centrifugal rotor. For internal cleaning of the centrifugal rotor there is arranged within the outlet chamber (10) inside said predetermined radial level a preferably stationary reconducting member (26) that is dimensioned to accomplish a recirculation flow of cleaning liquid through said chambers (7, 8, 10) in the centrifugal rotor, which circulation flow is substantially larger than the flow of liquid which during normal operation of the centrifugal rotor passes through these chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Leonard Borgstrom, Patrik Brehmer, Claes-Goran Carlsson, Peter Franzen, Claes Inge, Torgny Lagerstedt, Hans Moberg, Stefan Szepessy