CA2317086C - Centrifugal cleaner for industrial lubricants - Google Patents
Centrifugal cleaner for industrial lubricants Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2317086C CA2317086C CA 2317086 CA2317086A CA2317086C CA 2317086 C CA2317086 C CA 2317086C CA 2317086 CA2317086 CA 2317086 CA 2317086 A CA2317086 A CA 2317086A CA 2317086 C CA2317086 C CA 2317086C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- separator
- fluid
- tank
- casing
- centrifugal
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04B—CENTRIFUGES
- B04B5/00—Other centrifuges
- B04B5/005—Centrifugal separators or filters for fluid circulation systems, e.g. for lubricant oil circulation systems
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04B—CENTRIFUGES
- B04B13/00—Control arrangements specially designed for centrifuges; Programme control of centrifuges
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
- C10M175/00—Working-up used lubricants to recover useful products ; Cleaning
- C10M175/0058—Working-up used lubricants to recover useful products ; Cleaning by filtration and centrifugation processes; apparatus therefor
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16N—LUBRICATING
- F16N39/00—Arrangements for conditioning of lubricants in the lubricating system
- F16N39/06—Arrangements for conditioning of lubricants in the lubricating system by filtration
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Centrifugal Separators (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank.
The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A
centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate and clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air. A
control panel is provided to monitor the operation of the separator and control the pump and source of compressed air to maintain the operation of the separator.
The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A
centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate and clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air. A
control panel is provided to monitor the operation of the separator and control the pump and source of compressed air to maintain the operation of the separator.
Description
TITLE: CENTRIFUGAL CLEANER FOR INDUSTRIAL LUBRICANTS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a filtering apparatus for industrial fluids used in industrial applications. In particular, it relates to a centrifugal separator for use in removing contaminants and cleaning industrial fluids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many industrial processes require suitable fluids for proper operation of the machines utilized in the process.
For example, stamping operations require that the metal to be stamped be properly washed by a lubricating fluid. In the stamping operation, the metal is sprayed or immersed in the fluid and after the washing operation, the fluid is scraped from the surface of the metal to remove contaminants, ditt'; ~-e6c ., present on the surface of the metal. The fluid is then recycled and returned to the equipment for further use in the process. Over time, the fluid becomes contaminated with heavy metals and particulate matter which can result in reduced life of the fluid and the apparatus. At present, such apparatus use cartridge type filters for removing contaminants from the fluid. While such filters are suitable for removing large particulate contaminants, smaller contaminants may pass through the filtering material and are continuously circulate through the system. Over time, in order to remove such contaminants, it may be necessary to replace the fluid and wash the system thoroughly. This results in down time for the apparatus and may significantly increase the cost of products produced by the apparatus.
, Centrifuge fil'ter'g have been utilized in certain automotive applications, particularly internal combustion engines such as are described in US Patent Nos. 4,492,631 and 4,165,032 U.S. Patent No. 4,492,631 describes a centrifugal separator for separating contaminants from contaminated oil. The separator has an outer casing and a rotor mounted within the casing mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. Oil under pressure enters the rotor at one end and exits the other end through jets into a chamber normally filled with air. As the oil passes through the jets, it causes the rotor to spin within the housing, causing a centrifugal force on the wall of the rotor that attracts the contaminants which adhere to the wall. The cleaned oil flows to the sump and is used in the lubricating of the engine. in order to maintain the flow of oil, it is necessary that the casing retain its air and not fill with oil. This is accomplished by supplying air under pressure to the interior of the casing by means of a float operated valve member that detects the level of oil in the casing. While such centrifugal separators have found use in internal combustion engines, they have not been adapted for other applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for an improved method for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate and clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air. A
control panel is provided to monitor the operation of the separator and control the pump and source of compressed air to maintain the operation of the separator.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a filtering apparatus for industrial fluids used in industrial applications. In particular, it relates to a centrifugal separator for use in removing contaminants and cleaning industrial fluids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many industrial processes require suitable fluids for proper operation of the machines utilized in the process.
For example, stamping operations require that the metal to be stamped be properly washed by a lubricating fluid. In the stamping operation, the metal is sprayed or immersed in the fluid and after the washing operation, the fluid is scraped from the surface of the metal to remove contaminants, ditt'; ~-e6c ., present on the surface of the metal. The fluid is then recycled and returned to the equipment for further use in the process. Over time, the fluid becomes contaminated with heavy metals and particulate matter which can result in reduced life of the fluid and the apparatus. At present, such apparatus use cartridge type filters for removing contaminants from the fluid. While such filters are suitable for removing large particulate contaminants, smaller contaminants may pass through the filtering material and are continuously circulate through the system. Over time, in order to remove such contaminants, it may be necessary to replace the fluid and wash the system thoroughly. This results in down time for the apparatus and may significantly increase the cost of products produced by the apparatus.
, Centrifuge fil'ter'g have been utilized in certain automotive applications, particularly internal combustion engines such as are described in US Patent Nos. 4,492,631 and 4,165,032 U.S. Patent No. 4,492,631 describes a centrifugal separator for separating contaminants from contaminated oil. The separator has an outer casing and a rotor mounted within the casing mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. Oil under pressure enters the rotor at one end and exits the other end through jets into a chamber normally filled with air. As the oil passes through the jets, it causes the rotor to spin within the housing, causing a centrifugal force on the wall of the rotor that attracts the contaminants which adhere to the wall. The cleaned oil flows to the sump and is used in the lubricating of the engine. in order to maintain the flow of oil, it is necessary that the casing retain its air and not fill with oil. This is accomplished by supplying air under pressure to the interior of the casing by means of a float operated valve member that detects the level of oil in the casing. While such centrifugal separators have found use in internal combustion engines, they have not been adapted for other applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for an improved method for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate and clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air. A
control panel is provided to monitor the operation of the separator and control the pump and source of compressed air to maintain the operation of the separator.
In an aspect of the invention there is provided for a centrifugal separator apparatus for use as a bypass or in-line filter in cleaning fluid utilized in industrial applications. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator for pumping some of the fluid from the tank into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate and clean the fluid. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator for maintaining the volume of air in the casing. A control panel is provided to monitor the operation of the separator and control the pump and source of compressed air to maintain the operation of the separator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a view of a typical metal stamping apparatus including a centrifugal separator apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the centrifugal separator apparatus of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the centrifugal separator apparatus of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is directed to an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. In a preferred embodiment the method and apparatus is used in a stamping process for stamping of metal parts for use in fabrication operations.
Preferably, the stamped metal parts are parts for use in assembly of automobiles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a view of a typical metal stamping apparatus including a centrifugal separator apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the centrifugal separator apparatus of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the centrifugal separator apparatus of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is directed to an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. In a preferred embodiment the method and apparatus is used in a stamping process for stamping of metal parts for use in fabrication operations.
Preferably, the stamped metal parts are parts for use in assembly of automobiles.
A typical stamping apparatus is illustrated in Figure 1. The stamping apparatus has the stamping machine for stamping the metal blanks into the desired shape. The metal blanks are fed into the machine along a conveyor system. During the passage along the conveyor system, the blanks are washed to remove contaminants from the surface of the metal. The blanks are washed by the application of a suitable cleaning fluid, typically a low viscosity oil.
The cleaning fluid is applied to the surface of the metal 1o blank by being pumped from a storage tank and then being sprayed or otherwise applied to the surface of the blank.
After the surface of the blank has been washed, the fluid containing the contaminants is typically removed from the surface of the blank using an elastomeric blade and returned to the storage tank. In a typical stamping operation, the fluid in the tank is cleaned through the use of cartridge or bag filters using suitable filtering elements, either filtering the fluid on its return to the tank or in a bypass mode where some of the fluid from the tank is passed through the filter and then returned to the tank.
The stamping apparatus illustrated in figure 1 has been provided with a centrifugal separator apparatus of the present invention operating in a bypass filtering mode.
The details of the preferred embodiment of a centrifugal separating apparatus of the present invention adapted for cleaning fluid systems used in stamping operations is illustrated in Figure 2. The apparatus has an inlet feed pipe from the stamping machine fluid tank. The inlet feed pipe is connected to a centrifugal pump to pump the fluid through the apparatus. A suitable valve such as a ball valve is preferably provided in the inlet line between the tank and pump to allow the apparatus to be connected and disconnected from the tank without affecting the operation of the tank. The outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of a centrifugal separator of a design similar to that of U.S. Patent No. 4,492,631. The pump pumps the fluid into the separator at a flow rate and pressure to allow for optimum operation of the separator. The pipe connecting the pump and inlet of the separator is preferably provided with a suitable pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure of the fluid being pumped to the inlet of the separator. The fluid introduced into the separator causes the rotor in the separator to rotate and clean the fluid by causing the contaminants to be deposited on the interior surface of the separator bowl. After the fluid has been cleaned in the separator it is returned to the fluid tank of the stamping machine through suitable outlet piping or tubing. The outlet piping or tubing is also provided with a suitable check valve to prevent fluid from re-entering the separator and to allow the apparatus to be disconnected. The outlet piping or tubing is also provided with a flow indicator to monitor the flow of the fluid from the separator to the tank. A drain hose with a suitable valve is also provided to allow the apparatus to be drained for cleaning. The operation of the system is controlled by a control panel as will be described further below.
A second embodiment of a centrifugal separating apparatus of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 3. The apparatus has an inlet feed pipe with a ball valve from the fluid tank connected to a centrifugal pump to pump the fluid through the apparatus. The outlet of the pump is provided with a suitable pressure gauge and is connected to the inlet of a centrifugal separator to pump the fluid into the separator at a flow rate and pressure to allow for optimum operation of the separator. The inlet of each separator can be connected in parallel to a second or more separator(s) to provide for increased cleaning capacity.
The fluid introduced into the separator(s) causes the rotors in the separator(s) to rotate and clean the fluid by causing the contaminants to be deposited on the interior surfaces of the separator bowls. After the fluid has been cleaned in the separator(s) it is returned to the fluid tank of the stamping machine through suitable outlet piping or tubing provided with a check valve and a flow indicator.
A drain hose with a suitable valve is also provided to allow the apparatus to be drained for cleaning. The operation of this system is controlled by a control panel.
In operation, the fluid in the stamping apparatus is cleaned in bypass or in-line mode. Some of the fluid from the storage tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the centrifugal separator. The control panel controls the speed of the pump by monitoring the pressure in the system as indicated by the pressure gauge as well as the flow rate indicated by the flow indicator. The speed of the pump is adjusted to provide the optimum rotational speed to the rotor of the centrifugal separator. The rotational speed of the rotor should provide a centrifugal force of about 2000g to remove contaminants as small as one-tenth micron in diameter. The rotational speed of the rotor required to generate this force will depend upon the character of the fluid being cleaned, such as its viscosity and flowability.
The lower the viscosity and greater the flowability of the fluid, the higher the flow rate from the pump to provide the proper rotational speed. For most industrial operations utilizing low viscosity fluids, the rotor of the separator should have a rotational speed of about 6000-RPM
to achieve the desired force.
As the rotor spins, the fluid is caused to impinge on the surface of the bowl. The high centrifugal force of the fluid causes the dirt particles and other contaminants down to one-tenth of a micron to be forced out of the fluid and onto the centrifuge bowl surface, where they accumulate and are kept from recirculating. The centrifugal force is so great that the dirt particles and other contaminants are compacted into a solid cake on the bowl wall. This aids in the clean up operation of the separator as the bowl is easily removed and the compacted solids may be scraped from the bowl surface.
In order to maintain the proper operation of the separator, the fluid level in the separator must be monitored such that the bowl will not fill with fluid and reduce the filtering efficiency. This may be accomplished by the control panel monitoring the flow rate and pressure.
If the flow rate decreases and/or the pressure increases it may indicate an increased fluid level in the separator. To maintain the proper fluid level, air from the source of compressed air is introduced into the separator bowl.
Alternatively, the separator may be provided with a float valve as described in U.S. patent 4,492,631, and the air introduced into the bowl in response to the float valve indication of the fluid level.
The apparatus of the present invention is easily cleaned to remove the accumulated contaminants without requiring the operation of the stamping machine to be shut down. The pump is shut off and the check valves closed to shut off the flow of fluid through the separator apparatus.
Any fluid present in the apparatus may be drained through the drain pipe and the separator disassembled in the usual manner. The separator is the cleaned and after cleaning reassembled. The apparatus is then reconnected to the fluid tank to continue cleaning the fluid.
The apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes of the present invention offers many advantages over presently utilized systems. The apparatus of the present invention does not require the replacement of screens, cartridges or filter elements nor does it require backwashing for cleaning. The apparatus has low maintenance with no liquid loss during operation.
The apparatus of the present invention provides fast, efficient and reliable operation with improved filtering by removing particles and contaminants as small as one-tenth of a micron, much below the limit of particles capable of being removed by other filtering methods.
The apparatus of the present invention is suitable for cleaning fluids of many kinds used in diverse industrial applications. The apparatus can be used to clean hydraulic oil, stamping oil, cutting oil, and most other oils with contaminants. The apparatus can also be used to clean water based fluids including coolants and cleaning water.
The apparatus can be used in many other applications such as spray nozzles, heat exchangers, parts washers, etc.
By providing clean fluid for operation, the apparatus of the present invention provides for optimum production, extended fluid, tool and machine life, reduces downtime and maintenance and extends pump life.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
-s-
The cleaning fluid is applied to the surface of the metal 1o blank by being pumped from a storage tank and then being sprayed or otherwise applied to the surface of the blank.
After the surface of the blank has been washed, the fluid containing the contaminants is typically removed from the surface of the blank using an elastomeric blade and returned to the storage tank. In a typical stamping operation, the fluid in the tank is cleaned through the use of cartridge or bag filters using suitable filtering elements, either filtering the fluid on its return to the tank or in a bypass mode where some of the fluid from the tank is passed through the filter and then returned to the tank.
The stamping apparatus illustrated in figure 1 has been provided with a centrifugal separator apparatus of the present invention operating in a bypass filtering mode.
The details of the preferred embodiment of a centrifugal separating apparatus of the present invention adapted for cleaning fluid systems used in stamping operations is illustrated in Figure 2. The apparatus has an inlet feed pipe from the stamping machine fluid tank. The inlet feed pipe is connected to a centrifugal pump to pump the fluid through the apparatus. A suitable valve such as a ball valve is preferably provided in the inlet line between the tank and pump to allow the apparatus to be connected and disconnected from the tank without affecting the operation of the tank. The outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of a centrifugal separator of a design similar to that of U.S. Patent No. 4,492,631. The pump pumps the fluid into the separator at a flow rate and pressure to allow for optimum operation of the separator. The pipe connecting the pump and inlet of the separator is preferably provided with a suitable pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure of the fluid being pumped to the inlet of the separator. The fluid introduced into the separator causes the rotor in the separator to rotate and clean the fluid by causing the contaminants to be deposited on the interior surface of the separator bowl. After the fluid has been cleaned in the separator it is returned to the fluid tank of the stamping machine through suitable outlet piping or tubing. The outlet piping or tubing is also provided with a suitable check valve to prevent fluid from re-entering the separator and to allow the apparatus to be disconnected. The outlet piping or tubing is also provided with a flow indicator to monitor the flow of the fluid from the separator to the tank. A drain hose with a suitable valve is also provided to allow the apparatus to be drained for cleaning. The operation of the system is controlled by a control panel as will be described further below.
A second embodiment of a centrifugal separating apparatus of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 3. The apparatus has an inlet feed pipe with a ball valve from the fluid tank connected to a centrifugal pump to pump the fluid through the apparatus. The outlet of the pump is provided with a suitable pressure gauge and is connected to the inlet of a centrifugal separator to pump the fluid into the separator at a flow rate and pressure to allow for optimum operation of the separator. The inlet of each separator can be connected in parallel to a second or more separator(s) to provide for increased cleaning capacity.
The fluid introduced into the separator(s) causes the rotors in the separator(s) to rotate and clean the fluid by causing the contaminants to be deposited on the interior surfaces of the separator bowls. After the fluid has been cleaned in the separator(s) it is returned to the fluid tank of the stamping machine through suitable outlet piping or tubing provided with a check valve and a flow indicator.
A drain hose with a suitable valve is also provided to allow the apparatus to be drained for cleaning. The operation of this system is controlled by a control panel.
In operation, the fluid in the stamping apparatus is cleaned in bypass or in-line mode. Some of the fluid from the storage tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the centrifugal separator. The control panel controls the speed of the pump by monitoring the pressure in the system as indicated by the pressure gauge as well as the flow rate indicated by the flow indicator. The speed of the pump is adjusted to provide the optimum rotational speed to the rotor of the centrifugal separator. The rotational speed of the rotor should provide a centrifugal force of about 2000g to remove contaminants as small as one-tenth micron in diameter. The rotational speed of the rotor required to generate this force will depend upon the character of the fluid being cleaned, such as its viscosity and flowability.
The lower the viscosity and greater the flowability of the fluid, the higher the flow rate from the pump to provide the proper rotational speed. For most industrial operations utilizing low viscosity fluids, the rotor of the separator should have a rotational speed of about 6000-RPM
to achieve the desired force.
As the rotor spins, the fluid is caused to impinge on the surface of the bowl. The high centrifugal force of the fluid causes the dirt particles and other contaminants down to one-tenth of a micron to be forced out of the fluid and onto the centrifuge bowl surface, where they accumulate and are kept from recirculating. The centrifugal force is so great that the dirt particles and other contaminants are compacted into a solid cake on the bowl wall. This aids in the clean up operation of the separator as the bowl is easily removed and the compacted solids may be scraped from the bowl surface.
In order to maintain the proper operation of the separator, the fluid level in the separator must be monitored such that the bowl will not fill with fluid and reduce the filtering efficiency. This may be accomplished by the control panel monitoring the flow rate and pressure.
If the flow rate decreases and/or the pressure increases it may indicate an increased fluid level in the separator. To maintain the proper fluid level, air from the source of compressed air is introduced into the separator bowl.
Alternatively, the separator may be provided with a float valve as described in U.S. patent 4,492,631, and the air introduced into the bowl in response to the float valve indication of the fluid level.
The apparatus of the present invention is easily cleaned to remove the accumulated contaminants without requiring the operation of the stamping machine to be shut down. The pump is shut off and the check valves closed to shut off the flow of fluid through the separator apparatus.
Any fluid present in the apparatus may be drained through the drain pipe and the separator disassembled in the usual manner. The separator is the cleaned and after cleaning reassembled. The apparatus is then reconnected to the fluid tank to continue cleaning the fluid.
The apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes of the present invention offers many advantages over presently utilized systems. The apparatus of the present invention does not require the replacement of screens, cartridges or filter elements nor does it require backwashing for cleaning. The apparatus has low maintenance with no liquid loss during operation.
The apparatus of the present invention provides fast, efficient and reliable operation with improved filtering by removing particles and contaminants as small as one-tenth of a micron, much below the limit of particles capable of being removed by other filtering methods.
The apparatus of the present invention is suitable for cleaning fluids of many kinds used in diverse industrial applications. The apparatus can be used to clean hydraulic oil, stamping oil, cutting oil, and most other oils with contaminants. The apparatus can also be used to clean water based fluids including coolants and cleaning water.
The apparatus can be used in many other applications such as spray nozzles, heat exchangers, parts washers, etc.
By providing clean fluid for operation, the apparatus of the present invention provides for optimum production, extended fluid, tool and machine life, reduces downtime and maintenance and extends pump life.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
-s-
Claims (4)
1. A method for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes, the method comprising providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in a lubricating or washing fluid tank, the apparatus including more than one centrifugal separator, each separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing, an inlet and an outlet, with the inlets of the separators connected to an inlet manifold and the outlets of the separators connected to an outlet manifold, a centrifugal pump provided between the tank, and the inlet manifold, and a source of compressed air provided connected to the casings of the separators, some of the fluid from the tank being pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separators to cause the rotors to rotate and impinge the fluid on the casings at a rotational force of about 2000 g and clean the fluid, the cleaned fluid being returned to the tank, a control panel monitoring the operation of the separators and controlling the pump and source of compressed air to maintain the rotational force of the separators at about 2000 g.
2. A method for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes, the method comprising providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in a lubricating or washing fluid tank, the tank comprises a sloping bottom which slopes in both linear directions of the tank to provide a low point at one comer of the tank the apparatus including a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing, a centrifugal pump provided between the low point at one comer of the tank and an inlet of the separator, and a source of compressed air provided connected to the casing of the separator, some of the fluid from the tank being pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate and impinge the fluid on the casing at a rotational force of about 2000 g and clean the fluid, the cleaned fluid being returned to the tank, a control panel monitoring the operation of the separator and controlling the pump and source of compressed air to maintain the rotational force of the separator at about 2000 g.
3. A centrifugal separator apparatus for use as a bypass or in-line filter in cleaning fluid utilized in industrial applications, the apparatus comprising more than one centrifugal separator, each centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing, an inlet and an outlet, with the inlets of the centrifugal separators connected to an inlet manifold and the outlets of the centrifugal separators connected to an outlet manifold a centrifugal pump between a cleaning fluid tank and the inlet manifold for pumping some of the fluid from the tank into the separators to cause the rotors to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casings of about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid, a source of compressed air connected to the casings of the separators for maintaining the volume of air in the casings, and a control panel for monitoring the operation of the separators and for controlling the pump and source of compressed air to maintain the rotational force of the separators within at about 2000 S.
4. A centrifugal separator apparatus for use as a bypass or in-line filter in cleaning fluid utilized in industrial applications, the apparatus comprising a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing, a centrifugal pump between a cleaning fluid tank and an inlet of the separator the tank comprises a sloping bottom which slopes in both linear directions of the tank to provide a low point at one corner of the tank where the the centriguagal pump is located for pumping some of the fluid from the tank into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid, a source of compressed air connected to the casing of the separator for maintaining the volume of air in the casing, and a control panel for monitoring the operation of the separator and for controlling the pump and source of compressed air to maintain the rotational force of the separator at about 2000 g.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2317086 CA2317086C (en) | 2000-08-28 | 2000-08-28 | Centrifugal cleaner for industrial lubricants |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2317086 CA2317086C (en) | 2000-08-28 | 2000-08-28 | Centrifugal cleaner for industrial lubricants |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2317086A1 CA2317086A1 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
| CA2317086C true CA2317086C (en) | 2009-07-14 |
Family
ID=4166979
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2317086 Expired - Fee Related CA2317086C (en) | 2000-08-28 | 2000-08-28 | Centrifugal cleaner for industrial lubricants |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2317086C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115419816A (en) * | 2022-07-20 | 2022-12-02 | 江苏省江都水利工程管理处 | Large and medium-sized motor lubricating oil online purification device |
-
2000
- 2000-08-28 CA CA 2317086 patent/CA2317086C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2317086A1 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
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