Abstract: An inertial particle separator (IPS) for a gas turbine engine, has: a plenum circumferentially extending about a central axis and defined between an outer wall and an inner wall, the plenum having an inlet facing a circumferential direction relative to the central axis, a radius of the outer wall decreasing in an axial direction relative to the central axis between the inlet and an annular splitter extending circumferentially around the central axis and located downstream of the inlet radially between the outer wall and the inner wall, a particle outlet including an annulus radially between the outer wall and the splitter, an air outlet fluidly connectable to a compressor of the gas turbine engine and defined radially between the splitter and the inner wall.

Abstract: A continuous reflux reactor and controlled condenser system for thermochemical treatment of plastic and/or elastomeric waste has five zones with different complements. The zones comprises the bottom zone, pyrolysis zone, meeting zone, reflux zone and extraction zone. The reactor uses a reflux zone to increase the production of a light oil in the process. The reflux zone is equipped with some studded tubes that enhances the contact area. Cold molten salt is used as the cooling element of this step. The pyrolysis zone, where the material will be pyrolyzed, has the differential of being equipped with molten salt coils using hot molten salt as the heating element. After the material passes to all zones, the material goes to a cyclone that will condense heavier hydrocarbons present in this step and send the light hydrocarbons to the condensers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an inlet particle separator for a gas turbine engine having an inlet flow path, a scavenge flow path, a core flow path, and a flow splitter disposed between the scavenge and core flow paths. A plurality of grooves may be disposed about an inner surface of a wall of the separator within the inlet flow path.

Abstract: A particle separator and air filter system are provided and may include a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The housing may remove debris from air entering the housing at the inlet prior to expelling cleansed air at the outlet. A baffle may be disposed within the housing and may define a first path for directing cleansed air to the outlet and may cooperate with an inner surface of the housing to define a second path that causes the air to circulate within the second housing. The baffle may include an opening permitting communication between the first path and the second path.

Abstract: A system for separating contaminants from an airstream, including a centrifugal fan and housing; a contaminant containment vessel mounted to an outer surface of the housing; and a diverter in the airstream downstream of the fan and within the housing, the diverter being configured to separate a portion of the airstream from a remainder of the airstream, accelerate the portion of the airstream towards the containment vessel, and thereafter guide the portion of the airstream towards the remainder of the airstream. The diverter preferably does not negatively impact the rated performance of the fan, such that a performance of the system is not measurably different than the rated performance of the fan and housing combination. The diverter may accelerate contaminants entrained in the airstream toward the containment vessel, thereby separating the contaminants from the airstream.

Abstract: This patent pertains to self-cleaning fan assemblies. One implementation includes electronic components positioned in an enclosure. This implementation also includes a fan assembly that is configured to impart rotational force on air to move the air from outside the enclosure to inside the enclosure and around the electronic components. The fan assembly is further configured to separate contaminants from the air based upon differences in density between the contaminants and the air.

Abstract: A system for separating contaminants from an airstream, including a centrifugal fan and housing; a contaminant containment vessel mounted to an outer surface of the housing; and a diverter in the airstream downstream of the fan and within the housing, the diverter being configured to separate a portion of the airstream from a remainder of the airstream, accelerate the portion of the airstream towards the containment vessel, and thereafter guide the portion of the airstream towards the remainder of the airstream. The diverter preferably does not negatively impact the rated performance of the fan, such that a performance of the system is not measurably different than the rated performance of the fan and housing combination. The diverter may accelerate contaminants entrained in the airstream toward the containment vessel, thereby separating the contaminants from the airstream.

Abstract: Concentrating particles in a turbulent gas flow may include receiving, in a receptacle, a turbulent gas flow that includes particles. The concentration of particles in a gas flow exiting the receptacle at a first port is increased as compared with a concentration of the particles in the gas flow received by the receptacle. The increased concentration of particles is accomplished by removing a portion of the gas flow by using a second port, and fluidly communicating the gas flow through a tube in the receptacle. The tube has a smaller diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow exits the tube than diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow is received.

Abstract: Concentrating particles in a turbulent gas flow may include receiving, in a receptacle, a turbulent gas flow that includes particles. The concentration of particles in a gas flow exiting the receptacle at a first port is increased as compared with a concentration of the particles in the gas flow received by the receptacle. The increased concentration of particles is accomplished by removing a portion of the gas flow by using a second port, and fluidly communicating the gas flow through a tube in the receptacle. The tube has a smaller diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow exits the tube than diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow is received.

Abstract: A rigid or semi-rigid demister pad is positioned between an air turbine and an inertial water removal device such as extractor in an air conditioning system for an aircraft. The demister pad comprises packed fibers or strands whose diameter typically ranges from approximately 10 or fewer microns to approximately 280 microns. The demister is capable of catching very small droplets discharged from the air turbine that coalesce into larger droplets that exit the demister pad and enter an adjacent water removal device downstream from the pad to separate the larger water droplets from the stream of air. This avoids using a water separator containing a coalescer bag that requires frequent maintenance and is sensitive to dirt and freezing. The demister can operate at freezing temperature, is not dirt-sensitive and requires no maintenance.

Abstract: A particle separator for use in connection with a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The particle separator extends circumferentially less than 360 degrees between a first end and a second end. In one embodiment, an inner scavenge conduit is spaced radially inward from an outer scavenge conduit. An inlet can be located between the outer scavenge conduit and the inner scavenge conduit and adapted to receive airflow. A plurality of separated airflow paths can be located between the inner and outer scavenge conduits. The outer scavenge conduit and the inner scavenge conduit can be adapted to receive particles separated from the inlet airflow as the inlet airflow passes along the curved separating portion.

Abstract: An environmental control system (ECS) for an aircraft may be employed to regulate temperature of air entering a cabin of the aircraft. During conditioning of the air, condensate may form in the air. A multiple-stage condensate extraction unit may be incorporated into the ECS to remove the condensate. The extraction unit may be provided with two fluid collection stages built into a cylindrical duct. The duct may have a bend therein. One of the collection stages may be positioned on an upstream side of the bend while the second one of the stages may be positioned on a downstream side thereof. The combination of the two stages and their positioning on either side of the bend may provide a particularly compact and efficient condensate extraction unit.

Abstract: A particle separator for separating particles and/or materials entrained in a flow of air is disclosed. The particle separator includes an annular inlet defined by an outer shroud and an inner shroud. An upper forward flow divider and a lower forward flow divider is disposed within the annular inlet. A first and second radially spaced annular flow divider is adapted for directing said flow of air into at least a first, second, third and fourth flow passageway. At least four curved flow splitters are utilized for separating particles and/or materials entrained in the flow of air as it passes through the first, second, third and fourth flow passageways.

Abstract: An air guide filter for an internal combustion engine includes an air filter having a pair of support rings coupled to upper and lower portions of the filter. A pleated filter plate is disposed between the support rings, and an air guide is disposed between the support rings parallel with the filter plate. The air guide comprises a plurality holes defined by half-cone cross-section depressions uniformly disposed about its face, such that, when the air guide is placed at a certain elevation angle with respect to the support rings, air flowing into the filter is guided, rotated and mixed with fuel to generate a uniform air-fuel mixture. The uniform mixture improves combustion and engine performance.

Abstract: Devices for measuring at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a line, having an inlet conduit an outlet conduit, having the disadvantage in the prior art that liquids flowing into the inlet conduit can reach a measurement element and alter the measurement characteristic curve behavior of the measurement element. A device of the invention has, between the inlet conduit and outlet conduit, a deflection conduit with a separation element, by which the liquids are separated out and therefore do not reach the measurement element.

Abstract: A water extractor of an environmental control system includes a swirl section and a water collector downstream the swirl section. The water collector includes an upstream sump having an inlet positioned to capture the bulk of water droplets leaving the swirl section. The water collector further includes a downstream sump for capturing water droplets that were not captured by the first sump.

Abstract: A dust collection system includes a frame defining an opening through which a particulate material is inserted; a plurality of hollow supports extending across the opening; at least one plate extending along a length of each of the plurality of hollow supports, each of said plates extending from its respective one of the plurality of hollow supports in a downward direction; a plurality of openings extending along a lower side of each of the plurality of hollow supports; and a device for drawing dust in through the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A separator device (3) provided with a cyclone chamber (11, 79) for separating solid and/or liquid particles from a gas flow. The cyclone chamber (11, 79) has an upper wall (49) in which an outlet opening (15) is present, and a substantially rotationally symmetrical side wall (47, 81) in which an inlet opening (13) is present adjacent the upper wall (49). A discharge opening (17, 85) for the separated solid and/or liquid particles is present at a side (55, 83) of the cyclone chamber (11, 79) remote from the upper wall (49). According to the invention, a rotatable annular centrifugal unit (61, 87) is arranged in the cyclone chamber (11, 79) around the outlet opening (15) near the upper wall (49), by means of which unit a short-circuit flow running directly from the inlet opening (13) to the outlet opening (15) in the cyclone chamber (11, 79) is prevented. The efficiency of the separator device (3) is considerably improved thereby.

Abstract: A device for separation of liquid from a gas-liquid mixture has a vortex tube through which a gas-liquid mixture flows at speeds generating centrifugal forces with accelerations >50 g, which cause liquid droplets to precipitate on the interior walls of the vortex tube. The vortex tube has an inlet facility, particularly inlet nozzles, in the inlet area of the tube for introducing the gas-liquid mixture into the vortex tube and setting the gas-liquid mixture into a rotary motion within the tube. Circular evacuation ports are arranged one behind the other in a direction of flow of the gas-liquid mixture for discharge of the precipitated liquid. The ports each have a constant width s over their length l, wherein the length l of each evacuation port is constructed as to maintain a laminar flow of the precipitated liquid. Each evacuation port forms a maximum angle .alpha. of 10.degree. with the longitudinal axis of the vortex tube.

Abstract: A portion of the feed line to a distilling column/flasher (or the like apparatus) is used as a flow-through cyclone to separate vapor and liquid components of the feed. Vortex flow is induced in the flasher feed line with a swirl vane assembly having drainage slots in the bottommost portion thereof for preventing entrapment of liquids therein. A shave-off device at the discharge end of the flasher feed line minimizes re-entrainment. The shave-off device includes a short cylinder, slightly smaller in diameter than the feed line and arranged coaxially therewith to form an annulus, which leads to a circular liquid collection chamber and collection chute draining into the flasher unit. Covers are removable for cleaning. The purpose of the shave-off device is to remove the liquids from the wall of the transfer (flasher feed) line in such a way that re-entrainment of liquids is minimized. The non-intrusive nature of the shave-off device minimizes vapor phase pressure drop.

Abstract: A moisture pre-separator for a steam turbine includes an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder and a bottom interconnecting lower ends of the inner and outer cylinders. An annular collection chamber formed by the outer surface of the inner cylinder and the inner surface of the outer cylinder and the bottom is vented to communicate steam from the collection chamber to the interior of the inner cylinder, thereby equalizing pressure around the circumference of the entry gap and increasing effectiveness of moisture entrapment. Vanes are provided either on the outer surface of the inner cylinder or the inner surface of the outer cylinder, or both, in order to enhance swirling flow of moisture within the chamber, thereby helping to keep moisture away from the outer surface of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing liquid entrained by steam flow through crossunder piping in a turbine installation. The apparatus includes an insert, housed within the piping, having a diverging inlet portion and a substantially cylindrical outlet portion of equal inside diameter as the piping. In such manner, the insert and its housing form an annular-shaped collection chamber from which liquid is removed by a drain pipe.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator includes charging, inertia and collection sections, which are arranged in the order mentioned along the direction of gas flow containing therein particles to be removed. The charging section includes a parallel electrode and a discharging electrode located between the parallel plates, and, thus, the particles floating in the gas passing through the charging section become charged and partly agglomerated. The inertia section includes a deflector plate arranged at a predetermined angle thereby causing the gas flow to change its course of action locally to have the particles impinge on the deflector plate due to inertia. The collection section includes a trough which is formed continuous with the deflector plate with its mouth opened against the gas flow.

Abstract: A preseparator for use in a saturated-steam turbine installation comprising an outer pipe, a first internal pipe positioned within the outer pipe and which includes a constriction, an annular gap of isokinetic size between the beginning of the internal pipe and the outer pipe, a second internal pipe positioned between the first internal pipe and the outer pipe so as to define chambers, and ports communicated with the chambers.

Abstract: A particulate material collecting apparatus including a cylindrical member defining therein a spiral flow chamber for forming a spiral flow of gas therein, an inlet duct and an outlet duct connected to the cylindrical member tangentially to the inner circumferential surface thereof, and a hollow inverted pyramidical member secured to the lower portion of the cylindrical member. A spiral flow guide plate having a convex surface curved radially outwardly of the cylindrical member is interposed between the cylindrical member and the inverted pyramidical member. The spiral flow guide plate is positioned so as to define two openings, one opening being located on the upstream side of the spiral flow of gas and the other opening being located on the downstream side of the spiral flow of gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separaton of the liquid and vapor phases of a fluid incorporating an open ended cylinder in which are arranged blades. Each blade is in the form of a curvilinear triangular surface, whereof a first side contiguous with the cylindrical wall of the cylinder defines a helix whose axis coincides with the cylinder axis, an apex opposite to said first side is arranged substantially at the axis and the remaining sides define a leading edge substantially perpendicular to the cylinder axis and a trailing edge inclined with respect to said axis. A number of blades are joined together at their apices to define the blade arrangement within the cylinder.The invention also relates to a steam generator having an outer casing, a first circuit in which circulates a hotprimary fluid and a second circuit in which circulates a secondary fluid, whereby the latter incorporates at least one group of two separation apparatuses connected in series.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of components of a fluid (gas or vapor) by mass difference, especially for the enrichment of a particular isotopic component in the fluid, e.g. in uranium enrichment, comprises a block of generally rectangular plane configuration formed with passages for the fluid separated by partitions. Adjacent each partition is a row of slots through which the fluid passes for deflection by a nozzle-forming baffle and partial interception by a peel-off or skimming baffle which deflects the selected portion of the stream inwardly through slots of a passage on the opposite side of the partition. The passages are alternately closed and open along opposite walls of the passage block and the baffles overhang the respective rows of slots while being mounted on seating ledges extending parallel to the rows and formed in outer surfaces of the block.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of fluid mixtures, i.e. gases or vapor mixtures, especially for isotope separation or enrichment, whereby the gas mixture is subdivided into a heavy fraction or component, a light fraction or component and an intermediate fraction or component. A unitary, preferably cast, body forms passages for the gas mixture, which passages cooperate with outer and inner plates forming as separating elements and fitted against precision-machined surfaces of the cast body these elements defining nozzle edges, two oppositely directed flow-guiding grooves, slots through which the light and medium fractions are withdrawn from the flow across these grooves, and peel-off or skimming members which separate the components of the stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying clean air to a closed vehicle from an ambient source of air polluted with particulate matter. This is accomplished by drawing in air as a hollow cylindrical flow, converting it to the form of a flat sheet of air having components of motion radial and tangential with respect to an axis, deflecting the air by more than 90.degree. to convert it to a conical whirling flow tapering toward the axis while retaining the tangential component of motion, purging from the flow particulate matter discharged centrifugally at the site of the deflection, skimming the conical flow to remove successive outer portions thereof together with the particulate matter centrifugally displaced thereinto, again deflecting the flow by more than 90.degree.

Abstract: A vessel wall cooperating with a circular array of moisture separators which have a vertical riser tube, centrally disposed hubs, a vertical baffle disposed between the hub and the riser tube, turning vanes and an outer volute partial skirt or wall to compress the steam-water mixture against the volute and vessel wall and utilize the downwardly spiraling flow of liquid film formed on the volute and vessel wall to effectively separate the entrained water from the steam and prevent reentrainment thereof.

Abstract: A device for separating gas mixtures having different molecular weights iudes a cylindrical central body having longitudinal deflection channels formed in a circumferential surface with a plurality of elongate separating elements being grouped about the periphery of the central body with each of the separating elements being formed on the side of each separating element facing the central body with a pair of tapered legs defining therebetween a concave prismatic channel. Each of the tapered legs extends into a deflection channel of the central body and terminal edges of the legs operate to generate a nozzle effect.

Abstract: Solid particles suspended in a flowing gas are separated from the gas by gentially driving the gas and particles into a substantially cylindrical eddy chamber substantially along the entire axial length of the chamber. Axially arranged suction pipes are connected to suction fans and reach mirror-symmetrically into the eddy chamber for withdrawing the clean gas from a central zone of the chamber. The eddy chamber has end walls through which the suction pipes extend concentrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical eddy chamber. Particle exits are provided in the chamber end walls at points to which secondary flows tend to transport the particles. These particle exits are so located that they are in line with the transport direction of the particles by the secondary flows.

Abstract: An improved mining machine including apparatus for cleaning particle-laden gas, of the type which includes a duct in which liquid droplets are introduced into particle-laden gas flowing through the duct, a demister in the duct for removing liquid and particles from gas which moves through the duct. The improvement includes at least one curved flow path in the demister for causing the gas to change direction and a liquid collection surface defining the bottom of the demister. Collected liquid is removed from the liquid collection surface. A liquid collection barrier with an aerodynamically curved upper surface is located downstream from the curved flow path and defines the downstream end of the liquid collection surface, the barrier extending the width of the flow path.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning particle-laden gas, of the type which includes a duct where liquid droplets are introduced into particle-laden gas flowing through the duct, a demister in the duct for removing liquid and particles from gas which moves through the duct. The improvement includes at least one curved flow path in the demister for causing the gas to change direction and a liquid collection surface defining the bottom of the demister. Collected liquid is removed from the liquid collection surface. A liquid collection barrier is located downstream from the curved flow path and defines the downstream end of the liquid collection surface, the barrier extending the width of the flow path.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solid particles from vapor which in one embodiment employs at least one zone defined by at least two generally vertical and at least two generally horizontal vanes and in another embodiment optionally employs at least one vane to inhibit turbulence in a lower portion of this apparatus to aid the settling of particles within a particle outlet means.This apparatus is particularly suited to at least partially separating solid particles from a mixture of vapors and solid particles which arise either when restoring the catalytic activity of solid particles that had previously been used to promote a chemical conversion or when carrying out a chemical conversion, such as for example hydrocarbon cracking or reforming.Improved methods employing such apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Air intake filter for combustion engines and other air-aspirating machinery operating under dusty conditions, the filter assembly having a cyclone separator stage and a dust collecting pan which is separated from the filter cartridge and cyclone chamber by a partition wall. The partition wall has a dust discharge opening with a fin-like guide baffle extending inwardly from the partition wall, the guide baffle having a circumferential wall portion and an arcuate radially inwardly pointing wall portion, thereby deflecting the dust particles away from the dust discharge opening.

Abstract: An air intake filter for combustion engines and other air-aspirating machines having a cyclone-type separator stage arranged upstream of a strainer-type filter element. This is accomplished with a filter assembly consisting of an enclosed cylindrical filter housing holding a hollow-cylindrical filter element between its axial ends, the incoming raw air flowing first into an annular raw air space which serves as a cyclone separation chamber, where it is given a helical swirl, and from where the air flows radially inwardly through the filter element. In the bottom portion of the separation chamber is arranged a sheet metal baffle collar with perforations in the form of blind cuts, which create intermediate web portions. The latter are so inclined that the circumferential motion component of the air swirl is reversed, as the raw air passes through the baffle collar, thereby preventing entrainment of particulate matter towards the filter element.