US1320340A - Apparatus fob separating liquids - Google Patents

Description

H. J. OVERLIN.

APPABAUS FOR SEPARATING LIQUIDS.

4 APPLICATION FiILED MAY3.19|8. l 1,320,340. Patented oct. 28,1919.

3 SHEETS-SiHEET l.

, J.. HV1-1in t attorney J H. J. OVERLIN.

APPARATUS FOR SEPABAHNG Lioulos.

.APPLICATION FILED MAY 3,1918. Patented Oct. 28,1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

- UNTTED sTATEs PATENT HAROLD J. OVERLIN, 0F BUFFALO GAP, SOUTH DAKOTA.

APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING- LIQUIDS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented oet. es, ieia.

To all whom t mayl concern:

Be it known that I, HAROLD J. OVEREIN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Buffalo Gap, in the county of Custer and State of' South Dakota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements 1n .an Apparatus for Separating Liqulds, of which the following is a specification.

y present invention relates to an app ratus for and method of separating liquid, and more particularly to a mechanism and a Vprocess whereby cream can be efficiently principal object of my invention is to has the parts so constructed and arranged that when the liqcompound, as a mechanical mixture, 1s supplied thereto and the apparatusis operated, the separation will be accomplished by takin advantage of the difference in the specific gravity the compound, while centrifugal force will also'be made to play an important part 1n the separating action.

A further olbect lies in arranging substantially truncated separating bowl which bowl 1s spun or turned upon a central axis, and in so arranging the disks that the apex of the cone-shape is disposed downwardly, the arrangement of the parts in accordance with this plan being such that the supply of the liquid to be separated is to the disks as liquid would be poured into a funnel.

Yet another important object is to provide a support for the 'separating bowl, by which this bowl is given bearing at both its l upper and lower ends, and to so arrange one of the bearings that takeupy is provided tol f compensate for wear and to insure that the separating bowl will at all times be true upon its turning axis.

l still further object of the invention resides in providing a liquid to be separated 1s treated to take advantage of the difference in the weight of the liquids making up the compound, in the fullest measure, force in the separating process.

Further objects of my invention lwill `appear in the following detailed description,

drawings,

of the liquid components ofcone-shaped disks within a h justable and movable, in a manner process by which the when using centrifugall taken in connection with the accompanying forming a part of this specification, and in which drawings:

igure 1 is a view partly in elevation of after the manner partly in section and a machine constructed of my invention and adapted to accomplish the-method.

1g. 2 1s an enlarged sectional view through the separating bowl toV show the arrangement of the parts therein.

3 is a view made up diagrammatically 'afterlfigz 2 to better disclose the flow of the liquid in the separating operation.

Fig. 4 is a detail Fig. 5 1s a detail view struction of the bowl pot.

ig. 6 is a fragmentary detail view illusing the ing mountings for the separating bowl by vihich the same is supported removably in p ace.

In the drawings, where similar characters refer to similar parts throughout the views, A designates the main supportin structure which is carried y supporting legs his main supporting structure has a gear case C provided in the base thereof, and connection is established from an operating within the gear case bowl pot AE is supported on the main structure, and a' separating bowl F is mounted revolubly in this bowl ypot by the lower and upper bowl spindles G and a 'drivin connection being established from the drive gears within the case Cto the bowl spindle G to cause the separating bowl to be revolved as the operating handle is turned. The bracket I by which the upper bowl spindle H is mounted is adshowing the conh, and above this spider J is provided on the supporting structure A.' by which a milk supply tank K is carried. A milk supply faucet L leads from this milkA supply tank, and through the feed M, and amilk tube leading there- As has been stated, the separation is accomplished through centrifugal force exerted when the separating bowl is spun or turned, and the separated liquid, as for instance skim milk and cream, will be discharged l view showing one of the i disks as placed within the separating bowl.

` that through this train of gears pivot screw through the spouts N and O, beneath the discharge ends of which spouts, cans or other containers can be placed to catch the separated liquids.

The main supporting structure includes an upright casing portion 1 which extends above the gear case C, and the operating handle D is mounted on a shaft 2 journaled adjacent the upper end of this upright extension and at such a height that it is conveniently accessible to the party operating the separator. This shaft 2 has a b gear 3 secured thereon and this bevel gear meshes with a gear l on the main shaft 5, which latter shaft is journaled in bearings provided in the upright extension 1 of the supporting structure and has the lower end thereof within the gear case. A drive gear G is mounted on the shaft 5 within the gear case, and this drive gear meshes with a pinion 'T on the intermediate shaft 8. The lower spindle G of the separating `bowl is made of conical form at its end and this conical end is received in a step or bearing provided within theI gear case, so that the spindle is held to be properly centered even after the parts have lbeen subjected to considerable wear. An intermediate drive gear 10 is provided on the intermediate shaft 8, and this gear meshes with a pinion 11 on the spindle G, it of course being understood from the l G, the speed of revolution is quite materially built up or increased.

On the upright portion 1 of the casing, the adjustable bearing for the separating bowl is provided, this adjustable bearing including a supporting member 12, which has a swinging member 13 hingedly mounted thereon, a pin 1l being provided, as better shown in Fig. 6, to be fitted in place to hold the swinging men ber 13 in a fixed position with respect to the portion 12. A 15 is adjustably fitted through a screw-threaded opening provided in the swinging member 13, this pivot screw being made of substantially conical form at its lower end, and the hea of the screw being knurled or otherwise roughened to provide a convenient thumb hold for turning of the screw in the adjustment of the same. he upper spindle H of the bowl l" has a bearing center opening 16 therein, and when the separating bowl is fitted in place and is brought to the upright relation, the pivot screw 15 will fit within this bearing opening 16 and in consequence an upper bearing is provided for the bowl. As the parts wear, the pivot screw can be adjusted to at all times maintain the proper mounting of the spindles G and H, and the settings of the pivot screw will be locked by use o the jam nut 17. When the pin 14: is fitted in place.I the swinging mem r 13 of the bearing the threaded nipple 25, the collar will be maintained in the position shown in Fig. 1, but when this pin is removed the swinging extension may be raised to disengage the pivot screw 15 from the spindle H, and the separating bowl may then be removed.

This separating bowl F, is made up of a shell 18 comprising a side wall of substanand a bottom portially cylindrical form,

tion, and a top or cover 19 is provided to be fitted to and close the open upper end of the shell, this top or cover being provided with a rim fiange 20 which is bent to form a thread or has threads cut therein, and fits upon the upper edge of the shell. As the structure is well adapted for use as the cream separator and as mechanism of this sort is now very commonly employed in that connection, I will hereinafter describe the use of the structure in separating cream from milk, and the parts will be particularly referred to in this connection, although it will of course be understood that the mechanism can be employed in other connections with equal A central tube 21, which will be hereinafter referred to as the cream tube, is adapted to be tted centrally within the shell 18, and has perforations 22 provided therethrough forpassage of' cream from the main portion of the shell. A plurality of disks, generally indicated at 23, are to be mounted within the shell 18 around the tube 21, and a perforated plate 2l is mounted upon the uppermost disk to be spaced somewhat below the top 19 as the same is fitted to the shell. The lower spindle G is rigidly mounted in conjunction with the bottom of the shell 18, and extends upwardly from the inner side thereof, this extension being reduced and being formed into an externally screw-threaded stem or nipple The upper spindle H is made of sufficient length to have the lower end thereof passed into the shell 18 and connected with the lower spindle G, the spindle H having a screw-threaded socket 26 at the lower end thereof for reception of the threaded nipple 25, and the Iparts being thus rigidly connected together. The spindle H has a collar 27 near the upper end thereof and this collar is so located that as the spindle is fitted through a-central opening in the perforated disk 24 and "is tightened upon will bear down upon the perforated disk and will cause the same to clamp against the disks 23 to hold the same in proper mounting. The top 19 has the opening through which the spindle H is received somewhat enlarged as indicated at 28, to provide clearance for a milk supply tube 29 from; which milk is discharged into the receiving chamber' formed between the top 19 and the ",perforated disk 24, and as centrifugal force exerted upon the liquid wherfthe separating into the pan 35,

sob

p to

y their edges turned down up eddies to thus bowl is being spun will cause the same to carry to the side of this chamber formed in the upper part of the shell, the packing ring 30 is providedto guard against the leaking of the liquid between the upper edge of the shell and the top, where these parts are connected together'.

rThe milk supply tube 29 leads from the feed cup M, which in turn receives its sup-- ply from the milk faucet L connected with the milk supply tank K, and it Will of course be appreciated y governed by regulation of the setting of the faucet. However to guard against overflow at the feed cup, it is preferable that the floaty valve 31' be provided within the to close the milk faucet L when the supply to the feed cup is excessive. In the supply of milk through the tube 29, the perforated plate 24 spreads the flow of milk and breaks insure that the milk supplied to the disks to be separated will receive the full effect of the separating force exerted by the spinning ofthe bowl, without feed cup M counter-forces or eddies acting'to hinder .in

the treatment, and as the skim milk and cream have a gravity flow to be discharged from the shell, the cream provided through the bottom of the shell to open within the tube 2l, while milk outlet passages 33 are provided through the bottom of the'shell lconcentrically around the tube 21. The cream tube 32 discharges into a pan 34v provided in the bottom of the bowl pot E, and the spout O receives the cream from this pan. The discharge of skim milk is from which the spout N leads, and to guard against skim milk finding its way into the pan 34, an apron 36 is provided on the lower side of the bottom of the shell, 'the apron being made suiiiciently wide to cover over the opening provided centrally within the pan 35 to accommodate the cream tube 32 and the, bowl spindle G. As for different uses, it may -be desirable to bring the cream to greater or lesser density, a cream screw 37 is provided in the cream discharge tube 32, and by regulation of this screw the rate of flow through the tube will e governed vand the length of time for which the cream is held within the shell can be regulated.

As has been previously stated, the disks are of substantially truncated cone-shape, and these disks are so placed in their mounting within the shell 18, that the slope of the walls is downwardly from the shell wall 18 toward the tube 21, the apex of the conical form being cut away suiiciently that a central opening is provided which gives clearance around the tube 21. The disks 23 have or flattened out, and then the notches 38 are provided in the turned down edges. Spacing blocks 39 are soldered orotherwise secured upon the disks that the'flowl of milk can be d 'impacted scribed are all outlet tube 32 is .the extension 44, and these shown vin Figs. 1 and .jto'be separated is supplied to the tank K.

to give clearance therebetween when the several disks are mounted within the shell. By providing the spacing blocks 39, forming the central openings of the disks to give clearance around the tube 21, and notching the edges of the disks, the arrangement of the parts is such that when the disks are mounted in place provision is made for free circulation of the liquid within the shell 18, the main body portions of the disks acting only to guide the flow of liquid and being isposed as walls against which the liquid is through the centrifugal force eX- erted by the spinning of the shell. However, due to the fact that the perforated disk 24 covers over and closes the notches of the uppermost disk, the milk is directed to How through the central opening of this disk. It l will be understood that the parts as dcreadily removed from the shell by first removing the top 19 and then loosening the spindle H from its mounting upon the threaded nipple 25, thus all of the parts may be readily vwashed and scalded and may be interchangeably reassembled. To allow for fitting of the shell in place and for ready removal of the same, the bowl pot E is preferably made up of the two members 40 and 41, as shown in Fig. 5, which members are hinged together at 42. As the mem` b ers 40 and 41 are closed around the separating bowl, the latch member 43 is fitted over members are held against separating. vIf desired, packing might be introduced at the edges of the 100 members 40 and 41, or these parts might be ribbed and grooved to provide an interfitting joint, the main purpose being to guard against .splashing of the liquid from the...

pans 34 and 35 and against ingress of dirt or I105 y foreign matter thereto.

he operation of the apparatus and the carrying out of the method are as follows: Assuming that the parts are assembled as 2, milk or other liquid he faucet L is adjusted to secure proper iiow of liquid to the feed cup M, and it will of course be understood that excessive flow will be stopped through action of the 115 float valve 31. The operating handle B is now-turned, and as the liquid Hows through thetube 29 into the chamber formed within the upper part -of the shell 18, this liquid will be spread over the perforated plate 24 120 and will be supplied in an even flow through the body of the shell. Within the shell, the iow of liquid will be substantially as indicated by the fulland dotted line arrows of .i Fig. 3, it of course being understood that A into the lighter and heavier 4be carried out, until the discharge outis induced in the mixture liquids will tom of the shurwhich aow gravity, the separation of lets are reached, where a more` or less perfect separationl will have been attained. Provision of the spindles extending above and below the separating bowl and of the bearinof mountings by which the spindles are he d guards against wearing of the parts through lateral or twisting strain placed upon the separating bowl due to improper leveling of the machine or to any other cause, and as one of these bearings is adjustable, the machine can be at all times maintained in condition for operation at its highest eliiciency.

The process depends for its novelty upon the passing of liquid, as a mechanical mixturc of two or more ingredients of different weights, between disks of substantially truncated cone-shape disposed with their walls inclined upwardly, and this method of treatment is successful due to .the fact that the exertion. of centrifugal settling force is parallel with the settling forces inherent within the mixture through the difference in the weight of the ingredients, rather than counter to the natural settling.

While I have herein shown'and described the parts of my invention as incorporated with` a particular power and drive mechanism, it is to be understood that any standard form of such mechanism might be employed or that special forms could be used where desired, and further that the liquid supply and control might-be varied from 'that here specifically mentioned.

Changes in other details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention; but,

I claim:

1. In a centrifugal machine for separatf ing liquids, a separating bowl having spindles extending above and below the saine to be disposed in substantially vertical `relation when the bowl is mounted for use,

a supporting structure, a bearing formed in conjunction with the supporting structure by which the lowest spindle is mounted, a movable bearing member carried by the supporting structure adjacent the upper spindle, means by which said movable bearing member is held in fixed position, a pivot screw mounted in conjunction with the movable bearing member to engage ,with the upper spindle of said bowl when the movable member is fixed, and means to lock the ivot screw in adjusted positions.

2. In a separating bowl for liquid separating apparatus, a shell including a substantially cylindrical side wall, a plurality of disks of truncated cone-shape made of a size to be received within the shell fitted thereto with their walls sloping downwardly lighter liquid rating apparatus,

from the wall of the shell, a perforated plate mounted upon the topmost disk as the same are placed within the shell, and means to secure said erforated plate in a position to retain the isks in proper fitted positions.

3. A centrifugally-operating bowl having a perforated tube arranged centrally therein, and a plurality of disks of substantially truncated cone-form mounted within said bowl with their central openings clearing said perforated tube, ing up from said central openings.

4:. A centrifugally-operating bowl-having a perforated tube arranged centrally therein, and a plurality truncated cone form mounted within said bowl with their central openings clearing said perforated tube, their walls sloping up from said central openings, said disks being notched at their edges, a liquid discharge tube extending into said shell opening within the perforated tube for discharge of the as separated out, saidbowl having discharge openings for the heavier liquid arranged concentrically around the central tube to receive `the liquid flowing through the notch in the disks,- and means to regulate the flow of liquid from the dis-V charge tube.

5. A centrifugally-ope'rating bowl for liq-l uid separation including a side wall of substantially cylindrical form and a bottom for said side wall which bottom has discharge openings therethrough for heavier and lighter liquids as separated, a perforated tube mounted centrally within said bowl to embrace the dischar e' openings for the lighter liquid, a spindIe connected with the bottom of said bowl extending within the same and terminating within a threaded nipple, a' plurality of separating disks mounted within the bowl, said disks bein@ separated and notched at their periphera edges, a perforated plate mounted on the topmost of said disks, an upper bearing spindle threaded socket at its lower end to receive the threaded nipple of the low'er spindle and having a collar thereon to bear upon the perforated plate to clamp the same against the disks and retain said disks in proper position within the bowl.

6. In a separating bowl for liquid sepaa shell including a substantially cylindrical side wall, a plurality of disks of truncated cone-shape bent down and their walls slop.

for said bowl provided with a screwv at their edges and notched4 in the flanged bowl around the perforated tube with theirV over the notches of said topmost disk, and means to secure said perforated disk in a position to retain the remaining disks in proper fitted positions.

7. A centrifugally-operating bowl for liquid separation Yhaving a perforated tube arranged centrally therein, a plurality of disks of substantial y truncated cone form walls sloping upwardly therefromand having the fianged edges notched to provide recesses adjacent the wall of the bowl, and a perforated plate fitted within the bowl to rest upon the topmost disk and made imperforate at its edge to close the edge recesses of said disk.

8. A centrifugally-operating bowl including a shell. a perforated tube arranged centrally therein, a plurality of disks of substantially' truncated cone-form mounted within said bowl with their central openings clearing. said perforated tube and thelr walls sloping upwardly from said central openings, and a perforated plate mounted upon the topmost .disk in the shell.

9. A centrifugally-operating bowl for liquid separation having a perforated tube arranged centrally therein, a plurality of disks shaped to t within the' bowl around the perforated tube with their walls sloping upwardly therefrom, plate tted within the bowl to rest upon the topmost disk and made imperforate at its edges.

10. A centrifugally-operating bowl for adjacent the wall of the bowl and a perforated liquid separation having a perforated tube arranged centrally therein, the lower end of said tube being closed, a discharge tube extending through the and means carried by to regulate the flow of bottom of said tube, said discharge tube cream therethrough.

1l. A centrifugally-operating bowl for `liquid separation havlng a perforated tube arranged centrally therein, the lower end of said tube being closed, a discharge tube eX- tending through the bottom of said tube, means carried by said discharge tube to said perforated tube and upwardly from said central openings.

12. A centrifugally-operatin bowl for liquid separation havinga perforated tube of said tube being closed, a discharge tube extending through the bottom of said tube, means carried by said discharge tube i to regulate the flow of cream therethrough, a plurality of disks of substantially truncated cone-form mounted within said bowl with their central openings clearing said perforated tube and their walls sloping upwardly from said central openings, said disks having their edges notched to provide recesses and a perforated plate tted within the

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