CA1195235A - Welding smoke filter - Google Patents
Welding smoke filterInfo
- Publication number
- CA1195235A CA1195235A CA000396711A CA396711A CA1195235A CA 1195235 A CA1195235 A CA 1195235A CA 000396711 A CA000396711 A CA 000396711A CA 396711 A CA396711 A CA 396711A CA 1195235 A CA1195235 A CA 1195235A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- conduit
- chamber
- gas
- downstream
- aperture
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 title abstract description 18
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 title abstract description 11
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000003638 chemical reducing agent Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 claims 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 25
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 46
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000013521 mastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 101100493712 Caenorhabditis elegans bath-42 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011362 coarse particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 exhausts Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010419 fine particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D50/00—Combinations of methods or devices for separating particles from gases or vapours
- B01D50/40—Combinations of devices covered by groups B01D45/00 and B01D47/00
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Separation Of Particles Using Liquids (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A small, inexpensive apparatus for receiving and purifying the smoke generated at a welding station comprises four serially arranged chambers and a gas flow conduit, with a vacuum means for drawing the smoke through the conduit. The conduit is equipped with fixed vanes to induce circulatory motion of the gas therein, and a circumferential aperture so that heavy particles forced to the outside of the conduit by the centrifugal force induced by the vanes exit through the circumferential aperture. The gas and particles thus removed pass into a water bath, in which the particles are absorbed, the purified gas passing through the water and recombining with gas in the conduit, through an inlet aperture disposed in the second chamber. The purified gas proceeds out of the conduit in a third chamber, where it impinges upon a surface bearing adhesive coating to remove the fine suspended particles from the gas, and leave substantially clean air to issue from the apparatus.
A small, inexpensive apparatus for receiving and purifying the smoke generated at a welding station comprises four serially arranged chambers and a gas flow conduit, with a vacuum means for drawing the smoke through the conduit. The conduit is equipped with fixed vanes to induce circulatory motion of the gas therein, and a circumferential aperture so that heavy particles forced to the outside of the conduit by the centrifugal force induced by the vanes exit through the circumferential aperture. The gas and particles thus removed pass into a water bath, in which the particles are absorbed, the purified gas passing through the water and recombining with gas in the conduit, through an inlet aperture disposed in the second chamber. The purified gas proceeds out of the conduit in a third chamber, where it impinges upon a surface bearing adhesive coating to remove the fine suspended particles from the gas, and leave substantially clean air to issue from the apparatus.
Description
_IELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to air p~rifying apparatus, and more particularly to a form of apparatus useful for treatment of contaminated air or smoke generated as a result of a metal ~orking operation such as welding.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Welding operations generate substantial amounts of contaminant gases, exhausts, smoke and the like, as well as substantial amounts of air-borne contaminant particles. For the comfort and safety of the welding operator, it is desirable to conduct the generated smoke and contaminated gases away from the location of the welding operation, continuously as the welding operation proceedsu Nevertheless, the smoke and f~mes so generated are obnoxious, and need to be purified, or alternatively conducted to a location at which they are unobjectionable and preferably harmless.
Since welding operations are commonly conducted at a variety of fixed locations, using portable welding tools and apparatus, any devices useful in receiving and purifying the fumes and smoke generated as a result of a welding operation should also be small and portable, preferably at least as easily portable as the welding apparatus itself. Moreover, it is of course desirable that any such apparatus should be kept as simple and economical to manufacture and maintain as possible.
This invention relates to air p~rifying apparatus, and more particularly to a form of apparatus useful for treatment of contaminated air or smoke generated as a result of a metal ~orking operation such as welding.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Welding operations generate substantial amounts of contaminant gases, exhausts, smoke and the like, as well as substantial amounts of air-borne contaminant particles. For the comfort and safety of the welding operator, it is desirable to conduct the generated smoke and contaminated gases away from the location of the welding operation, continuously as the welding operation proceedsu Nevertheless, the smoke and f~mes so generated are obnoxious, and need to be purified, or alternatively conducted to a location at which they are unobjectionable and preferably harmless.
Since welding operations are commonly conducted at a variety of fixed locations, using portable welding tools and apparatus, any devices useful in receiving and purifying the fumes and smoke generated as a result of a welding operation should also be small and portable, preferably at least as easily portable as the welding apparatus itself. Moreover, it is of course desirable that any such apparatus should be kept as simple and economical to manufacture and maintain as possible.
- 2 - ~ ~
i235 SUM~ARy OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, portable apparatus which will eEficiently purify smoke and fumes generated as a result of a welding operation~
It is a further objection of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which will efficiently remove suspended solid particles from such smoke and fumes.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.
The present invention provides an apparatus especially useful in treating smoke and fumes generated as a result of a welding operation, which treats the gases by a combination of centrifugal separation and liquid absorption of contarninants.
The contaminated gas from the location of the welding operation is drawn by means of a blower through a gas flow conduit, which extends through a plurality of serially arranged chambers. In the first chamber, a circulatory motion is induced into the gas flowing through the conduit, and then the gas encounters a circumferentially disposed aperture, through which heavy suspended or entrained particles and part of the gas exit, due to centrifugal force induced by the circulatory motion.
Substantially clean air proceeds downstream through the conduit, into a portion disposed in a second chamber. The portion of the gas and particles which have exited through the circumferential outlet pass into a water bath, in which the solid particles are ,'Z3S
trapped, with the thus puriEied air proceeding through the water bath, into the second chamber, where it recombines with the clean air in the conduit through an inlet aperture. As the thus purified air exits from the downstream end of the gas flow conduit, it encounters an impingement surface, suitably provided with an adhesive coating, to which any remaining, fine entrained solid particles adhere, leaving substantially pure air to issue from the downstream end of the apparatus.
Thus by a combination of centrifugal separation and liquid absorption, substantially clean air is produced, from the welding location. The apparatus is simple and small, requiring only very limited power means for operation, calling for substantially no maintenance except for the periodic replacement of the liquid bath, and small enough to be readily transportable along with welding equipment.
Thus according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for removing suspended solid particles from a gas stream, and comprising an elongated gas flow conduit means for causing gas flow therethrough;
swirl inducing means in said conduit adapted to cause circulatory motion of the gas in said conduit about the longitudinal axis thereof as the gas moves downstream through the conduit;
an outlet aperture in said conduit downstream of said swirl inducing means and extending around at least the major iZ3~
part of the periphery thereof, to allow exit from the conduit of the radially outwardly disposed portion of the gas and the particles entrained therein;
an inlet aperture in said conduit, downstream of the outlet aperture, the inlet aperture being in fluid communication with the outlet aperture exteriorly of said conduit through the intermediary of a liquid bath;
an impingement surface disposed adjacent to the downstream end of said conduit and arranged to contact gas and particles entrained therein upon issue from said downstream end of the conduit;
said impingement surface having particle retaining means provided thereon.
BRIEF REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view through a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with the top cover removed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Preferably the apparatus according to the present invention comprises a series of chambers, through which the gas flow conduit extends. The liquid bath, preferably a water bath, is provided in the first and second upstream chambers, arranged so that the only fluid communication between the chambers, exteriorly of the gas flow conduit, is through the liquid bath.
i235 SUM~ARy OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, portable apparatus which will eEficiently purify smoke and fumes generated as a result of a welding operation~
It is a further objection of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which will efficiently remove suspended solid particles from such smoke and fumes.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.
The present invention provides an apparatus especially useful in treating smoke and fumes generated as a result of a welding operation, which treats the gases by a combination of centrifugal separation and liquid absorption of contarninants.
The contaminated gas from the location of the welding operation is drawn by means of a blower through a gas flow conduit, which extends through a plurality of serially arranged chambers. In the first chamber, a circulatory motion is induced into the gas flowing through the conduit, and then the gas encounters a circumferentially disposed aperture, through which heavy suspended or entrained particles and part of the gas exit, due to centrifugal force induced by the circulatory motion.
Substantially clean air proceeds downstream through the conduit, into a portion disposed in a second chamber. The portion of the gas and particles which have exited through the circumferential outlet pass into a water bath, in which the solid particles are ,'Z3S
trapped, with the thus puriEied air proceeding through the water bath, into the second chamber, where it recombines with the clean air in the conduit through an inlet aperture. As the thus purified air exits from the downstream end of the gas flow conduit, it encounters an impingement surface, suitably provided with an adhesive coating, to which any remaining, fine entrained solid particles adhere, leaving substantially pure air to issue from the downstream end of the apparatus.
Thus by a combination of centrifugal separation and liquid absorption, substantially clean air is produced, from the welding location. The apparatus is simple and small, requiring only very limited power means for operation, calling for substantially no maintenance except for the periodic replacement of the liquid bath, and small enough to be readily transportable along with welding equipment.
Thus according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for removing suspended solid particles from a gas stream, and comprising an elongated gas flow conduit means for causing gas flow therethrough;
swirl inducing means in said conduit adapted to cause circulatory motion of the gas in said conduit about the longitudinal axis thereof as the gas moves downstream through the conduit;
an outlet aperture in said conduit downstream of said swirl inducing means and extending around at least the major iZ3~
part of the periphery thereof, to allow exit from the conduit of the radially outwardly disposed portion of the gas and the particles entrained therein;
an inlet aperture in said conduit, downstream of the outlet aperture, the inlet aperture being in fluid communication with the outlet aperture exteriorly of said conduit through the intermediary of a liquid bath;
an impingement surface disposed adjacent to the downstream end of said conduit and arranged to contact gas and particles entrained therein upon issue from said downstream end of the conduit;
said impingement surface having particle retaining means provided thereon.
BRIEF REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view through a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with the top cover removed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Preferably the apparatus according to the present invention comprises a series of chambers, through which the gas flow conduit extends. The liquid bath, preferably a water bath, is provided in the first and second upstream chambers, arranged so that the only fluid communication between the chambers, exteriorly of the gas flow conduit, is through the liquid bath.
3~
Then, all the gas and particles which exit through the peripherally disposed outlet aperture, in the first chamber, pass into the water bath, wherein the solid particles are absorbed. Turbulence inducing means are preferably provided in the water bath, so as to ensure adequate mixing and agitation of the gas and solid particles within the water bath to provide for the necessary absorption of particles. The purified air issuing from the water bath, in the second chamber, can then re-enter the conduit through the inlet aperture disposed therein. The size of the inlet aperture, in the second chamber, is preferably adjustable, and can be set to ensure correct flow characteristics. The movement of the gas and particles rrom the first chamber, into the water bath and into the second chamber, is arranged as a consequence of the action of the gas flow causing means, which is preferably a blower located downstream of the end of the gas flow conduit. In this way, the pressure in the first, upstream chamber increases sufficiently to keep the air issuing therein moving through the water bath.
The downstream end of the gas flow conduit is preferably disposed in a third chamber, downstream of a second chamber and fully isolated therefrom. Then, the impingement surface can be formed by the lowermost wall of the third chamber, located adjacent to the downstrearn end of the gas flow conduit. Preferably also, the portion of the gas flow conduit in the third chamber includes a reducer section, so as to 3~i increase the velocity of the ~s flow issuing from the downstream end of the conduit. In this way, any entrained fine solid particles can be made to impinge upon the impingement surface, to adhere to an adhesive or mastic coating preferably provided thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the accompanying drawings, ln which like reference numerals indicate like parts, there is shown an apparatus according to the present invention generally comprising a housing 10 sub-divided into a plurality of compartments, serially arranged with respect to one another, through which there passes a gas flow conduit 12. The upstream end 14 of the gas flow conduit extends beyond the upstream end wall of the first, upstream chamber 16~ At its upstream end, the conduit is releasably connected to a flexible hose conduit 1~, leading to the vicinity of the welding operation being conducted. Within the first chamber 16 is an upstream conduit portion 20, provided therein with a set of fixed vanes 22 constituting a swirl inducing means, and having the form of four vanes defining an aperture therethrough~ Thus as the air passing downstream through the conduit section 20 issues from the vicinity of the vanes 22, it has a circulating, swirl motion as well as a downstream motion, with the result that heavy solid particles entrained therein are moved by centrifugal force through the outer periphery of the conduit section 20.
;
23~ii Also within first chamber 16, the upstream section 20 oE conduit 12 communicates with the downstream section 2~ o~ the conduit. I~he upstream end 26 of the downstream section of the conduit is of smaller diameter than the upstream conduit portion 20, and is disposed concentrically therein, so as to leave a circumerential gap or aperture 28, around the entire circumference of the conduit, and through which heavier entrained particles and portions of the gas stream adjacent the outer walls of the conduit section 20 can exit, into the chamber 16.
Downstream of first chamber 16 is located a second chamber 30, separated therefrom by dividing wall 32, through which gas flow conduit 12 passes in sealing engagement. The bottom portion of dividing wall 32 is provided with an integral trough formation 34 with outwardly extending baffles 36 thereon, and a plugged drain conduit 38 at the bottom portion thereof.
The bottom of trough portion 34 is disposed a short distance above bottom wall 40 of the first and second chambers. Water 42 is disposed to form a water bath extending through the bottom portions of the first and second chambers 16, 30. A filler opening 44 is provided in the top wall of chamber 16, and a drain plug 46 is provided in the bottom, front wall of chamber 16. Bottom-most wall 40 of the chambers 16, 30 slopes downwardly towards drain opening 46, to facilitate drainage of the apparatus and replacement of the water bath therein.
Above the level of the water 42 in second chamber 30, there ar~ disposed splash plates 48, 50, to avoid excessive splashing of water 42 from the water bath as air bubbles therethrough during operation. In the section 24 of the conduit 12 passing through second chamber 30, above the level of the splash plates, there is provided an inlet aperture 52, surrounded by an apertured cylindrical sleeve 54, which can be rotated on conduit section 24 so as to cover more or less of the aperture 52 and hence adjust the size thereof.
The apparatus is provided with a third chamber 56, disposed immediately downstream of the second chamber 30, and separated therefrom by means of dividing wall 58. There is no fluid communication between chambers 30 and 56 other than via gas flow conduit 12, so that water 42 is excluded from the interior of chamber 56 by means of dividing wall 58. The gas flow conduit 12 within chamber 56 has a downwardly curving section 60, of circular cross-section, which changes the direction of flow of the gas therethrough from horizontal to vertically downward. The lowermost end of conduit section 60 communicates with a reducer section 62, also o~ cross-section, which in turn terminates at its downward end in a spreader section 64, of generally triangular form as viewed from the front. The outlet end of spreader section 64 is disposed at a short distance above the bottom-most wall 66 of the fourth chamber 56. This bottom-most wall constitutes an impingement .95;~3~
surface upon which gases and any entrained, fine particles issuing from the spreader section 64 at the lowermost, downstream end of the conduit 12, must impinge at a velocity enhanced by reducer section 62. Impingement surface 66 is provided with a coating of mastic, adhesive material, e.g. tar, so that particles issuing from the spreader section 6~ will adhere thereto, and be removed from the gas stream.
The apparatus is provided with a fourth chamber 70, located immediately downstream of third chamber 56, and separated therefrom by a dividing wall 72. This dividing wall 72 terminates a short distance above impingement surface 66, leaving a small, slotted communication 74 between third chamber 56 and fourth chamber 70, extending the full width of the apparatus, through which purified gases can pass into fourth chamber 70. A blower 76 constituting a means for causing gas flow through the conduit 12 and the apparatus as a whole is mounted on the downstream end wall 78 of the fourth chamber 70.
The blower is of conventional form, centrally apertured so that gases can exit from fourth chamber 70 through the centre of the blower 76. A fifth chamber 80 is provided downstream of fourth chamber 70, communication therewith being provided through the blower 76. On the top wall of chamber 80 is disposed an air cleaner of conventional form, through which gases may pass into the atmosphere, from fifth chamber 80.
5~
Thus the apparatus according to the invention p~rifies particle-laiden gases by means of both centrifugal separation and liquid absorption. By means of the swirl inducing means 22 and peripheral outlet aperture 28 in the first chamber, an initial separation of coarse, entrained particles from the clean air is effected. These coarse particles are removed in the water bath, with the gas separated therewith proceeding through the water bath to be recombined with the clean air in the gas flow conduit, through inlet aperture 52. The required regulation to provide smooth operation and even flow can be devised by adjustment of collar 54 to set the correct size of inlet aperture 52. By providing for such re-combination of the purified air from the water bath with the main stream of clean air in the conduit, the apparatus can be driven by means of a single blower 76. The provision of the baffles 36 on the trough formation 34 ensures a sufficient degree of turbulence within the water bath 42 to ensure thorough mixing of the gas stream with the water and absorption of the solid particles thereby.
The inclusion of the adhesive or mastic coated impingement surface 66 provides for a final separation of fine, entrained solid particles from the gas stream. The efficiency of this removal is enhanced by the inclusion of the reducer section 62, to increase the flow velocity ready for impingement on the surface .
In order to provide maximum flexibility and adjusting flow characteristics for greatest efficiency, under a variety of i23~
.. ~
flow conditions, the height of plate 72 can be made adj~stable, so as to adjust the size of gap 7~, as well as making the si~e of inlet aperture 52 adj~stable by means of collar 5~1.
The entire apparatus can be made light and portable, e.g. of plastics material. Its overall length need not exceed 36 inches. It can be mounted on the conventional welding trolley which a welder commonly uses for transportation of his gas cylinder, tool, mask and the like. It can be operated with the minimum of maintenance, requiring only a power source for the blower, and the periodic draining of the water from the water bath and refilling thereof.
Whilst a specific preferred embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that modifications and changes therein can be made, within the skill of the art, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
Then, all the gas and particles which exit through the peripherally disposed outlet aperture, in the first chamber, pass into the water bath, wherein the solid particles are absorbed. Turbulence inducing means are preferably provided in the water bath, so as to ensure adequate mixing and agitation of the gas and solid particles within the water bath to provide for the necessary absorption of particles. The purified air issuing from the water bath, in the second chamber, can then re-enter the conduit through the inlet aperture disposed therein. The size of the inlet aperture, in the second chamber, is preferably adjustable, and can be set to ensure correct flow characteristics. The movement of the gas and particles rrom the first chamber, into the water bath and into the second chamber, is arranged as a consequence of the action of the gas flow causing means, which is preferably a blower located downstream of the end of the gas flow conduit. In this way, the pressure in the first, upstream chamber increases sufficiently to keep the air issuing therein moving through the water bath.
The downstream end of the gas flow conduit is preferably disposed in a third chamber, downstream of a second chamber and fully isolated therefrom. Then, the impingement surface can be formed by the lowermost wall of the third chamber, located adjacent to the downstrearn end of the gas flow conduit. Preferably also, the portion of the gas flow conduit in the third chamber includes a reducer section, so as to 3~i increase the velocity of the ~s flow issuing from the downstream end of the conduit. In this way, any entrained fine solid particles can be made to impinge upon the impingement surface, to adhere to an adhesive or mastic coating preferably provided thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the accompanying drawings, ln which like reference numerals indicate like parts, there is shown an apparatus according to the present invention generally comprising a housing 10 sub-divided into a plurality of compartments, serially arranged with respect to one another, through which there passes a gas flow conduit 12. The upstream end 14 of the gas flow conduit extends beyond the upstream end wall of the first, upstream chamber 16~ At its upstream end, the conduit is releasably connected to a flexible hose conduit 1~, leading to the vicinity of the welding operation being conducted. Within the first chamber 16 is an upstream conduit portion 20, provided therein with a set of fixed vanes 22 constituting a swirl inducing means, and having the form of four vanes defining an aperture therethrough~ Thus as the air passing downstream through the conduit section 20 issues from the vicinity of the vanes 22, it has a circulating, swirl motion as well as a downstream motion, with the result that heavy solid particles entrained therein are moved by centrifugal force through the outer periphery of the conduit section 20.
;
23~ii Also within first chamber 16, the upstream section 20 oE conduit 12 communicates with the downstream section 2~ o~ the conduit. I~he upstream end 26 of the downstream section of the conduit is of smaller diameter than the upstream conduit portion 20, and is disposed concentrically therein, so as to leave a circumerential gap or aperture 28, around the entire circumference of the conduit, and through which heavier entrained particles and portions of the gas stream adjacent the outer walls of the conduit section 20 can exit, into the chamber 16.
Downstream of first chamber 16 is located a second chamber 30, separated therefrom by dividing wall 32, through which gas flow conduit 12 passes in sealing engagement. The bottom portion of dividing wall 32 is provided with an integral trough formation 34 with outwardly extending baffles 36 thereon, and a plugged drain conduit 38 at the bottom portion thereof.
The bottom of trough portion 34 is disposed a short distance above bottom wall 40 of the first and second chambers. Water 42 is disposed to form a water bath extending through the bottom portions of the first and second chambers 16, 30. A filler opening 44 is provided in the top wall of chamber 16, and a drain plug 46 is provided in the bottom, front wall of chamber 16. Bottom-most wall 40 of the chambers 16, 30 slopes downwardly towards drain opening 46, to facilitate drainage of the apparatus and replacement of the water bath therein.
Above the level of the water 42 in second chamber 30, there ar~ disposed splash plates 48, 50, to avoid excessive splashing of water 42 from the water bath as air bubbles therethrough during operation. In the section 24 of the conduit 12 passing through second chamber 30, above the level of the splash plates, there is provided an inlet aperture 52, surrounded by an apertured cylindrical sleeve 54, which can be rotated on conduit section 24 so as to cover more or less of the aperture 52 and hence adjust the size thereof.
The apparatus is provided with a third chamber 56, disposed immediately downstream of the second chamber 30, and separated therefrom by means of dividing wall 58. There is no fluid communication between chambers 30 and 56 other than via gas flow conduit 12, so that water 42 is excluded from the interior of chamber 56 by means of dividing wall 58. The gas flow conduit 12 within chamber 56 has a downwardly curving section 60, of circular cross-section, which changes the direction of flow of the gas therethrough from horizontal to vertically downward. The lowermost end of conduit section 60 communicates with a reducer section 62, also o~ cross-section, which in turn terminates at its downward end in a spreader section 64, of generally triangular form as viewed from the front. The outlet end of spreader section 64 is disposed at a short distance above the bottom-most wall 66 of the fourth chamber 56. This bottom-most wall constitutes an impingement .95;~3~
surface upon which gases and any entrained, fine particles issuing from the spreader section 64 at the lowermost, downstream end of the conduit 12, must impinge at a velocity enhanced by reducer section 62. Impingement surface 66 is provided with a coating of mastic, adhesive material, e.g. tar, so that particles issuing from the spreader section 6~ will adhere thereto, and be removed from the gas stream.
The apparatus is provided with a fourth chamber 70, located immediately downstream of third chamber 56, and separated therefrom by a dividing wall 72. This dividing wall 72 terminates a short distance above impingement surface 66, leaving a small, slotted communication 74 between third chamber 56 and fourth chamber 70, extending the full width of the apparatus, through which purified gases can pass into fourth chamber 70. A blower 76 constituting a means for causing gas flow through the conduit 12 and the apparatus as a whole is mounted on the downstream end wall 78 of the fourth chamber 70.
The blower is of conventional form, centrally apertured so that gases can exit from fourth chamber 70 through the centre of the blower 76. A fifth chamber 80 is provided downstream of fourth chamber 70, communication therewith being provided through the blower 76. On the top wall of chamber 80 is disposed an air cleaner of conventional form, through which gases may pass into the atmosphere, from fifth chamber 80.
5~
Thus the apparatus according to the invention p~rifies particle-laiden gases by means of both centrifugal separation and liquid absorption. By means of the swirl inducing means 22 and peripheral outlet aperture 28 in the first chamber, an initial separation of coarse, entrained particles from the clean air is effected. These coarse particles are removed in the water bath, with the gas separated therewith proceeding through the water bath to be recombined with the clean air in the gas flow conduit, through inlet aperture 52. The required regulation to provide smooth operation and even flow can be devised by adjustment of collar 54 to set the correct size of inlet aperture 52. By providing for such re-combination of the purified air from the water bath with the main stream of clean air in the conduit, the apparatus can be driven by means of a single blower 76. The provision of the baffles 36 on the trough formation 34 ensures a sufficient degree of turbulence within the water bath 42 to ensure thorough mixing of the gas stream with the water and absorption of the solid particles thereby.
The inclusion of the adhesive or mastic coated impingement surface 66 provides for a final separation of fine, entrained solid particles from the gas stream. The efficiency of this removal is enhanced by the inclusion of the reducer section 62, to increase the flow velocity ready for impingement on the surface .
In order to provide maximum flexibility and adjusting flow characteristics for greatest efficiency, under a variety of i23~
.. ~
flow conditions, the height of plate 72 can be made adj~stable, so as to adjust the size of gap 7~, as well as making the si~e of inlet aperture 52 adj~stable by means of collar 5~1.
The entire apparatus can be made light and portable, e.g. of plastics material. Its overall length need not exceed 36 inches. It can be mounted on the conventional welding trolley which a welder commonly uses for transportation of his gas cylinder, tool, mask and the like. It can be operated with the minimum of maintenance, requiring only a power source for the blower, and the periodic draining of the water from the water bath and refilling thereof.
Whilst a specific preferred embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that modifications and changes therein can be made, within the skill of the art, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. Apparatus for removing suspended solid particles from a gas stream, comprising:
an elongated gas flow conduit and means for causing gas flow therethrough;
swirl inducing means in said conduit, adapted to cause circulatory motion of the gas in said conduit about the longitudinal axis thereof as the gas moves downstream through the conduit;
an outlet aperture in said conduit downstream of said swirl inducing means and extending around at least the major part of the periphery thereof, to allow exit from the conduit of the radially outwardly disposed portion of the gas and the particles entrained therein;
an inlet aperture in said conduit, downstream of said outlet aperture, said inlet aperture being in fluid communication with the outlet aperture exteriorly of said conduit through the intermediary of a liquid bath;
an impingement surface disposed adjacent to the downstream end of said conduit and arranged to contact gas and particles entrained therein upon issue from said downstream end of the conduit;
said impingement surface having particle retaining means provided thereon.
an elongated gas flow conduit and means for causing gas flow therethrough;
swirl inducing means in said conduit, adapted to cause circulatory motion of the gas in said conduit about the longitudinal axis thereof as the gas moves downstream through the conduit;
an outlet aperture in said conduit downstream of said swirl inducing means and extending around at least the major part of the periphery thereof, to allow exit from the conduit of the radially outwardly disposed portion of the gas and the particles entrained therein;
an inlet aperture in said conduit, downstream of said outlet aperture, said inlet aperture being in fluid communication with the outlet aperture exteriorly of said conduit through the intermediary of a liquid bath;
an impingement surface disposed adjacent to the downstream end of said conduit and arranged to contact gas and particles entrained therein upon issue from said downstream end of the conduit;
said impingement surface having particle retaining means provided thereon.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said outlet aperture is formed by an upstream conduit portion and a downstream conduit portion arranged concentrically therewith, said downstream conduit portion being of smaller cross-section than the upstream portion, so as to define therebetween a peripheral aperture presented in the downstream direction.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said downstream conduit portion extends within said upstream conduit portion.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said inlet aperture is of adjustable size.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 including first and second chambers through which the gas flow conduit passes, said first chamber enclosing the outlet aperture and said second chamber enclosing the inlet aperture, the first chamber and the second chamber communicating with one another via said liquid bath so as to provide re-entry to the conduit of gas exiting from the outlet aperture through the inlet aperture after passage of said gas through the liquid bath.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 including a third chamber downstream of said second chamber and into which the gas flow conduit extends, said third chamber having disposed therein the downstream end of said conduit.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said third chamber has a bottom wall constituted by said impingement surface and disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the conduit.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said impingement surface has an adhesive layer thereon to serve as particle retaining means.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the gas flow conduit includes a reducer section disposed in said third chamber, to increase the velocity of flow of gas issuing from the downstream end of said conduit and contacting the impingement surface.
10. Apparatus according to claim 8 further including a fourth chamber downstream of said third chamber and in fluid communication therewith through a narrow bottom gap bounded by said impingement surface.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said fourth chamber carries the means for causing gas flow through said conduit.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000396711A CA1195235A (en) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-02-22 | Welding smoke filter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000396711A CA1195235A (en) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-02-22 | Welding smoke filter |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1195235A true CA1195235A (en) | 1985-10-15 |
Family
ID=4122126
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000396711A Expired CA1195235A (en) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-02-22 | Welding smoke filter |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1195235A (en) |
-
1982
- 1982-02-22 CA CA000396711A patent/CA1195235A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |