GB393644A - Improvements in and relating to the concentration of dispersions or emulsions - Google Patents

Abstract

393,644. Centrifugal machines. RICHARDSON, E. M., 25, Woolwich Common, London. Dec. 10, 1931, Nos. 34238/31 and 26251/32. [Class 23.] Rubber latex and like dispersions having a disperse phase lighter than the continuous, are concentrated by subjecting them to the action of a centrifugal field in apparatus comprising a filter drum whereby the disperse phase moves inwardly away from the filter, and thus does not clog it, and only the continuous phase passes through. A bowl 6 having peripheral grooves 30 leading to discharge openings 31 and an inner filtering layer 15, is mounted on a spindle 2 by means of a cap 7 and nut 9. The spindle is carried in a yoke 12 having a detachable cover 13 to allow of removal of the bowl 6 and filter. Latex is fed by a pipe 26 to a chamber 22, and thence by a bore 20 in the spindle 2 into the apparatus. On rotation the rubber particles crowd inwards, and the serum passes through the filter to the grooves 30 and is collected in a trough 32. Ammonia may be introduced into the concentrate through a passage 38 in the spindle. On completion of the operation, the concentrate is withdrawn through the bore 20 and pipe 27. By providing outlets 45 in the upper cap, and a trough 47, the operation may be made continuous. In this case, a film of resin from the latex, retained on the filter, serves as a lubricant and assists the upward passage of the concentrate.