Abstract This disclosure depicts high efficiency apparatus and methods for separating and removing gases and particles from paper pulp suspensions and other fluids. The mixed fluid is introduced tangentially with high velocity at the periphery of a first vortical separation stage comprising an annular/axial space formed between a pair of modified-funnel-shaped elements, circular in horizontal section, and spaced apart axially the one within the other. The fluid has a rotating, inwardly spiralling trajectory between the modified-funnel-shaped elements and experiences centrifugal acceleration, causing centrifugal separation of gases and particles. The gases, and other components having lower density than the bulk of the liquid, are displaced inwardly toward the surface of the inner modified conical element. The higher density particles and components are centrifuged to the outer modified conical surface. Both, after separation, cannot remix with the main body of clarified liquid rotating within the modified conical annular/axial space. The conical first stage vortical separator has high separational efficiency and can be utilized as a separator by itself for many applications. The overall separational efficiency is further increased by coupling the conical first stage of separation to a second cylindrical columnar separator stage by means of a transition section that suitably couples the first to the second stage. The transition section, whose curvature is selected so as to avoid undesirable remixing of the separated gases and solids into the clarified liquid, connects the first separation stage with a cylindrical columnar second stage where additional separation occurs due to continued fluid rotation and wherein gases and other low density components are collected and removed at the axis thereof. The angle of taper of the second columnar separation stage can be selected so that this cylindrical column diverges away from the fluid entrance section, permitting withdrawal of gases without loss of liquid components. Heavier components and particles also are additionally separated in this second stage, collected, and removed near the outer surface of the cylinder. The clarified liquid collects and is removed from between these regions.
Apparatus for separating the components of a fluid mixture containing same, which comprise a pair of cone shaped elements disposed the one within the other in spaced relationship so as to form a conical chamber between them, inlet means for introducing the mixture tangentially under pressure in the vicinity of the periphery of said chamber to form an inwardly spiralling vortex therein, said conical chamber being shaped to assure that a net outwardly directed centrifugal force will exist at all points therein on said mixture flowing therein, whereby the resulting centrifugal acceleration separates the fluid mixture into its components, at least one substantially annular doctor knife located in the portion of said chamber approaching said apex for physically separating at least two components of said mixture, and outlet means located in the vicinity of the apex of the conical chamber to receive said separated components.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for separating the components of a fluid mixture containing same, which comprise a pair of cone shaped elements disposed the one within the other in spaced relationship so as to form a conical chamber between them, inlet means for introducing the mixture tangentially under pressure in the vicinity of the periphery of said chamber to form an inwardly spiralling vortex therein, said conical chamber being shaped to assure that a net outwardly directed centrifugal force will exist at all points therein on said mixture flowing therein, whereby the resulting centrifugal acceleration separates the fluid mixture into its components, at least one substantially annular doctor knife located in the portion of said chamber approaching said apex for physically separating at least two components of said mixture, and outlet means located in the vicinity of the apex of the conical chamber to receive said separated components.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
ApparaTus in accordance with claim 1 in which said inlet means includes a pump so selected that the fluid mixture is introduced into said separator with a pressure rise contributed by said pump substantially equal to the pressure drop in said separator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 in which means are provided to adjust the pressure rise contributed by said pump to substantially equal the pressure drop through said separator under varying fluid flow conditions.