AU2010100372A4 - Apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids using multiple cyclones - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INVENTION TITLE: Apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids using multiple cyclones The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- -2 Apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids using multiple cyclones DESCRIPTION 5 AIM OF THE INVENTION Apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids using multiple cyclones. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This apparatus is mainly applicable to treating swimming pool water, and it 10 can also be used for treating water in other sectors, such as for example in aquaculture, irrigation, and various industries. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various apparatuses are known which have this function of filtering 15 sediments with multiple cyclones, using the energy contained in the liquid entering the apparatus, and the centrifugal force. These apparatuses generally comprise a body with the conical cyclones being attached to a liquid distributor support; a solids collection tank; a liquid inlet towards the cyclones; and a liquid outlet leading outside. 20 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to improve the structure and functionality of these apparatuses with a low loss of pressure, an efficient separation of the solids according to the characteristics thereof, and low maintenance since it has no mobile parts, all within a very robust apparatus. 25 Also the apparatus has an accessory which makes it possible to stand it on the floor, when it is not possible to support it on a wall with the corresponding attachment means. The apparatus is structured characteristically so that in a first stage it eliminates the solids from the current of water entering, and in a second stage it 30 concentrates said solids by decanting and thickening them in order to save water when removing solids from the apparatus. 22/04/10,va 18609 speci.doc,2 -3 To do this, it has an inlet for the liquid to be treated and an outlet for the liquid already treated, provided in the top lid that closes the apparatus body, making it possible to purge the solids axially from the collection tank; the cyclones that produce the centrifuge are fed radially and are attached at the bottom to a solids 5 distributor; and the decanting-thickening tank comprises at the bottom a deflection device which breaks up back flow under it and makes it possible to thicken the solids at the bottom of the tank. The solids distributor is made up of a tray with radial partitions to avoid back flows and "dead areas" without circulation, and a central opening that flares at the 10 bottom for reducing the entrance speed to the tank and minimising back flows in said tank. These and other characteristics will be more readily apparent from the detailed description provided below, which includes two sheets of accompanying drawings to facilitate the comprehension thereof, which drawings represent a 15 practical embodiment provided purely as a non-limiting example of the scope of this invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings show: 20 Figure 1 is a sectioned perspective view of the apparatus ensemble that is the object of the invention; Figure 2 is an elevation view of said apparatus; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the solids distributor; Figure 4 is a plan view of the main body comprising the cyclones; and 25 Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus in question attached to a support for resting on the floor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to the drawings, the apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids, comprises a cylindrical body (1) to which a domed-shape top lid (2) is 30 attached, which has in the axial direction a tubular entrance (3) for the liquid (L) to be treated, and a tubular outlet (4) for liquid (L') that has already been treated, which is arranged eccentrically. 22 1 04/10,va 18609 speci.doc,3 -4 A disc-shaped support (5) is attached to the base of the lid, which distributes the liquid radially to twenty-four conical cyclones (6), through respective coils (7) (Figure 4) which delivers the liquid tangentially, and work in parallel. A transparent decanting tank (8) is attached to body (1) at the bottom thereof, 5 which has at the bottom thereof a peripheral entrance curve (9), and under cyclones (6) a solids distributor (10) is attached, consisting of a tray with radial curved partitions (11) and a central flared opening (12), which acts as a pacifier. Over the curved area (9) of the decanting tank (8) a deflection device (13) is provided, consisting of various concentric cylinders (14) and radial partitions (15), 10 which act as deflection screens, avoiding turbulence in this area and concentrating the solids (S) at the bottom area of the deflection device, where they thicken. Decanting tank (8) has in the axial direction at the bottom end thereof a mouth (16) for discharging solids, which is provided with a valve (17) that can be operated manually or automatically, according to the level of the solids in the 15 decanting-thickening tank. In this case lid (2) and decanting tank (8) attach to body (1) by means of respective clamps (18 and 19). However other means could be used, for example, screws and bolts. This apparatus comprises an accessory for standing it on the floor, which 20 comprises an annual support (20) (Figure 5) (on which decanting tank (8) rests on its curved area (9)), which has three feet (21) with elastic end caps (22). Cyclones (6) feed the clean liquid through the top mouth thereof, which returns through outlet (4) to the swimming pool, or is directed to a subsequent filter, and through the bottom mouth thereof the solids fall towards solids distributor tank 25 (10) which, in turn, feeds decanting tank (8) with said solids. The decanter-thickener has one inflow and two outflows. The inflow consists of a continuous liquid rich in solids, and it flow in through the solids distributor (10). The first outflow is a continuous clarified liquid outflow (the solids have 30 already been decanted), which returns towards the cavity that defines lid (2) according to the arrow (F). 22/04/lO.va 18609 speci.doc,4 -5 The second outflow is discontinuous and is produced when, if solids accumulate in the bottom area (thickening area) of the tank, the bottom valve is opened to purge the sludge, thereby saving a significant amount of water. The invention, within the essential nature thereof, can be put into practice via 5 other embodiments that only differ in detail from the one provided purely as an example, which embodiments are also covered by the relevant scope of protection. Therefore, this apparatus could be produced for separating solid particles in liquids using cyclones, in any size and shape, with the most suitable means and materials and with the most convenient accessories, it being possible to replace the component 10 elements with other technically equivalent elements, as all is included in the spirit of the claims. 22/04/1O.va 18609 spcci.doc,5

Claims (5)

1. Apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids using multiple cyclones, wherein the body of the apparatus, where the solids are separated using the cyclones, 5 includes a top lid with the liquid inlet and outlet, and at the bottom it is attached to a decanting-thickening tank where the solids are concentrated.

2. Apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids using multiple cyclones, according to claim 1, wherein underneath the cyclones a solids distributor is arranged consisting of a tray with radial partitions and with a central flared opening that acts 10 as a pacifier.

3. Apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids using multiple cyclones, according to claim 1, wherein the decanting-thickening tank includes a deflection device which avoids turbulence and concentrates the solids, which are discharged through a bottom axial mouth arranged on the decanting-thickening tank. 15

4. Apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids using multiple cyclones, according to claim 1, further including an annular support, on which it attaches to the decanting-thickening tank, which is provided with feet for supporting the apparatus on the floor.

5. Apparatus for separating solid particles in liquids using multiple cyclones, 20 according to claim 3, wherein the solids are discharged automatically according to the level of the solids in the decanting-thickening tank. 22/04/10,va 18609 speci.doc,6