GB711316A - Apparatus for the centrifugal countercurrent contacting of fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

711,316. Centrifugal-machines. PODBIELNIAK, W. J., and PODBIELNIAK, W. G. June 17, 1952, No. 15275/52. Class 23 [Also in Group XII] A centrifugal machine for contacting two fluids, comprises a rotary operating chamber, means for supplying the heavier fluid to and withdrawing the lighter fluid from the chamber adjacent the axis of rotation, means for forcing the lighter fluid into and withdrawing the heavier fluid from the chamber at its outer periphery, and a series of radially spaced partitions in the chamber having their centres at the axis of rotation and provided with small apertures through which the fluids pass in countercurrent. The chamber is formed in a rotor 31, 32, 36 having a shaft 19 rotated by a pulley 19b within ball-bearings 17 supported by frame-standards 10, 11. The heavier liquid is supplied by a pipe co-operating with a socket 61, a tube 46 fixed within the rotor shaft, and a duct 48 to the inner periphery of the chamber, and is withdrawn from the outer periphery of the chamber by ducts 82, tubes 39, duct 80, annular passage 78 in the rotor shaft, and a pipe co-operating with a socket 83. The lighter liquid is supplied by a pipe co-operating with a socket 71, a tube 70 fixed within the rotor shaft, ducts 73, tubes 38, and ducts 75 to the outer periphery of the chamber, and is withdrawn from the inner periphery of the chamber by duct 65, annular passage 49 in the rotor shaft, and a pipe co-operating with a socket 64. The partition rings 42 may be evenly spaced, or their spacing may decrease with increase in radius as shown. Radial partitions or fine screens may be provided in the chamber to present swirling of the liquids. The rings may be reduced in width with increasing radius in which case the rotor may have a conical form. The apertures are circular, rectangular or oval and the total area of the apertures in a ring is preferably less than the area of the apertures of the adjacent inner ring. The machine is used for the extraction of anti-biotics such as penicillin or, aureomycin from aqueous solutions, and for the contacting of liquid with vapour. Proportions, dimensions and performance figure of the machine are given in the Specification.