GB1364331A - Continuous flow liquid centrifuge characterized by low pressure drop - Google Patents

Abstract

1364331 Centrifugal separator UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION 26 April 1972 [25 May 1971] 19327/72 Heading B2P A continuous flow liquid centrifuge comprises a vertical rotor 1, a central core 4 within the rotor and defining with its wall a peripheral annular cavity axially segmented into a plurality of sectors 11, axially extended inlet and outlet flow passageways 12 at opposite ends of the rotor, respective inlet and outlet plenums d, Fig. 3, at the inner ends of the passageways 12, and a pluarlity of connecting passages 8, 14 communicating respectively between the plenums d and the sectors 11, the sum of the crosssectional areas of the connecting passages 8, 14, where they communicate with the said plenums, being at least as grat as that of the passageways 12 to avoid reduction of flow area, and the cross-sectional areas of the plenums d being no larger than those of the passageways so as to avoid vortex flow conditions therein, whereby a comparatively low pressure drop occurs through the centrifuge. The sectors 11 are defined by axially extending vanes 9 projecting radially from the core 4. The passages 8 are formed by radial bores through the rotor and the passages 14 are constituted by channels grooved in the conical end surfaces 15 of inserts 16 which are located by pins 17 in cavities 7 in the rotor. Each surface 15 is urged by a spring 19 into contact with the conical surface of a recess 13 in which each passageway 12 terminates within the rotor. Each plenum d is formed at the intersection of the passages 14 at the apex of the corresponding insert 16. In a modification, each passageway 12 is of relatively large diameter and is divided by axially extending septa, vanes or fluted walls to prevent vortex flow formation in the passageway. The septa, &c. are extended into the apex of the corresponding insert 16 and provide equal flow distribution to each of the passages 14.