US1721230A - Centrifugal separator - Google Patents

Description

July 16, 1929. MO'LB CH 1,721,230

GENTRIFUGAL SEPARATOR Fned'oct. 19. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 2/ I Eli; N

. f E 6 f9 20 I hi0 7 if v Jul 16, 1929.

E. 8. MGLBACH CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATOR 4 Shets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 19, 1928 E/la Patented July 16, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ELIAS BERNHARD nonnacrr, or rnnnmxssran, NORWAY.

CENTRIEUGAL SEPARATOR.

Application filed October 19, 1928, Serial No. 313,597, and in Norway 0ctober 29, 1927.

This invention relates broadly to the art of separating by centrifugal force and more particularly to the process of separating in a centrifugal separator of the type Where the mass or fluid to be separated is fed to a rotatable drum, containing a stack of conically shaped discs which serve to divide the fluid space of the drum into a number of annular separating compartments.

lVhen operating, the drum containing the fluid and the discs are rotated at a suitable speed, and the separation of the fluid ormass will take place in the annular layer between each pair of discs, the? heavier particles due to the centrifugal force, tending to move radially outwards, until they strike the inner surface of the disc on the outside of the layer, whereafter they will followthis surface to the discharge channel, while the lighter particles will occupy the place closer to the centre of rotation and by means of the feeding pressure be forced to enter rotating discs, thereby facilitating separa-.

tion by avoiding eddies in the fluid on account of the feeding.

Another object if this invention is to provide means whereby the separation cantake place as the fluid or mass is fed from the annular space surrounding the stack of discs towards the centre of rotation, means being provided, whereby fractions of different specific gravityas the fluid is forced towards thev centre of the stackwill,j be

divided into individual layers and discharged through separate channels.

' ment being such that the annular space between main discs and intermediate discs or between intermediate discs each is'in communlcation with separate feeding or discharge channels which are arranged in communication with the corresponding spaces between any other pair of main discs Another object of this invention is to provide a separator of the abovetype with means for utilizing the kinetic energy of the fractions in order to convey them and also to provide a certain back pressure.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the inventionas examples only in connection with the description below.

In the drawings, p

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view on the line-IIII of Fig. 2, showing a centrifugal separator according to the invention.

I Fig. 2 is a horizontal section on the line I I of Fig. 1, this section being such that the left half of the'figure is a sectionihrough a main disc and the right half a corresponding section through an intermediate disc, which-when stacked in the separator-will be placed below the first mentioned main disc.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a combination of a main disc and an intermediate disc on the line III-III of 2.-

Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the lineV'-V of. Fig. 5, similar to Fig. 1, but of a modified emb odiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section on the line IVIV of Fig. 4. similar to Fig. 2-.

Fig. 6 is a detail.

Fig. 7 is another detail.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 9 is an end view of Fig. 8.

With reference to Figs. 1-3, the centrifugal separator consists of a'base 1, suitable for mounting a vertical shaft 2, provided with suitable driving means, such as a pulley or the like 3, the upper end 4 ofthe shaft 1 being' eonically shaped and fitting into a corresponding recess 5, centrally located in the bottom of the separating 'drum 6. Inside the drum 6, the separating main discs 7 and the intermediate discs '8 are alternately stacked.

These discs are shaped in such a manner that when properly arranged, they will form a body, comprising a central opening 9, annular separating spaces 10, 11, 12,'vertical channels 13. communicating with the spaces 11, and radial apertures 14:, connnunicating with the central opening 9. The diameter of the larger discs 7 is such that an annular vertical space 15 will be left between the circumference of the discs and the side walls of the drum 6.

The stack of discs in the separator is held in place by means of a drum cover 16, secured to the drum by means of a nut 17. Between the cover lG and the drum 6 suitable packing is provided, serving to make the joint tight. The cover is so constructed that when the nut 17 is drawn up tightly, the upper part of the cover will press against the stack of discs with a sutiicient pressure to hold them together. It is further provided with channels'and openings in such a manner that the above mentioned channels and openings formed by the discs will be continued through the cover and communicate with collecting chambers 18 and. 19, arranged above the cover, from which pipes 20 and 21 lead out into the open.

The cover is further provided with a num ber of openings 22, connecting the annular space between the top of the top disc 7 and the inside conical part of the cover with the collecting compartment 19.

The operation of the separator is as follows: I

Fluid or mass is fed to the central space 9 from a faucet or the like 23 and passes through the apertures 14 into the space 12- betwcen the upper side of the intermediate discs 8 and the lower side of the discs 7, while the revolving parts of the separator is being rotated.

The diameter of the disc 8 is chosen such that when the fluid reaches the edge of these discs, it will enter the separating space 10 at a neutral distance from the centre of rotation, the neutral zone meaning the zone or stratum which divides theoretically between the heavy and the light particles. The fluid or mass will now be separated into two fractions, the heavier one moving out towards the circumference of the discs and passing into the annular space 15 between the discs and the drum. From here it will continue through the openings 22 in the cover and out into the collecting chamber 19 and will be discharged through the pipe 21, while the lighter fraction will pass in under the discs 8 and be carried through the channels 13 .to the collectingxchamber 18'and pass out of the pipe 20.

In the drawing, the stack of discs-is shown built up of units, each consisting of one main disc .7 and a small disc 8 includingthe necessary spacing collars, all made in one piece. This, of course, is not necessary, as the stack of discs may also be built up of a number of separate large and small discs with individual spacers between.

The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4, 5, (3 and 7 differs "from that just described mainly therein that the fluid or mass to be treated is passing inwardly during the centrifugal separating action. Inthis case the discs 8 and 7 are stacked on a central hollow pipelike member or core 25.

Between the flange 27 formed on the lower end of the core and the bottom of thedrum 6 an opening 28 is formed.

The individual discs 7 and 8 are provided with a number of holes 29, arranged at a distance from the centre and a central hole 30 (Fig. 5), the latter one having such a diameter that it will fit snugly over the pipe 25.

When stacking the discs, one or more of the discs 8 is placed between each pair of main discs 7 in such a'manner that the holes 29 will align to form vertical channels 31 and 32. A star shaped spacer 33-(Fig't' 6) provided withholes 34 and a central hole 35 which will fit over the pipe 25 is placed be tween each pair of discs and is arranged in such a way that one of the said channels 31 and 32 alternately will go through one of the holes 34 and be open to the space between adjacent discs, thereby constituting individual channels, communicating with corresponding spaces between each pair of main discs '7.

If more than one intermediate disc 8 is used between each pair of main discs 7 (say for instance two), then another type of spacer 33 as shown in Fig. 7 may be used, whereby three separate groups of channels will be formed, each group communicating withcorresponding spaces between each pair of main discs 7.

The distances from the centre to the said channels can be different. p

This separator will work in the following manner:

\Vhile the separator is being rotated at a suitable speed, fluid or mass is fed from the faucet and. will pass through the central hole 36 and follow the bottom of the drum 6 radially in all directions. Due to the force of gravity, the centrifugal force or/and artificial pressure 'available'in the feed-line the fluid will be forced to pass up along the vertical inside walls of the drum and further towards the centre of rotation of the discs.

The separation of the fluid will take place between the main discs, while it is forced towards the centre of rotation, the heavier particles will tend to follow the inside of the discs 7 and the lighter-puss will occupy the space further away from' the discs. As the fluid reaches the edge of the disc or discs 8, it will be divided up into two or more different layers of different gravity, each layer being carried away through corre sponding groups of channels-31 and 32; the heavier fraction will go through the channels 31 and the lighter ones through the channel 32..

When more than one intermediate disc 8' is used, the fluid will be'dividcd up into a greater number of fractions of different gravity.

' In F igs..8 and 9 is shown a horizontal separator, where the principle of separation described in connection with Figs. 1, 2 and 3 is applied in combination with a system to some extent already known for utilizing the kinetic energy of the fractions and to establish a back pressure which will tend to force the lighter fraction against the centrifugal force towards the centre of rotation. The principle described below can alsowith suitable modificationsbe applied to the two forms of furnished with a coupling unit or the like 43, suitable to connect the shaft to some driving means, not'shown.

.The openings in the stator 44, through which the shaft extends, are closed by means of bushings 45 and 46. On the right hand side of the stator an annular feeding chamber 47 is arranged in connection wit-h the feed pipe 48. Surrounding the middle part of the stator is a spiral pump house 49, which communicates with the discharge pipe50. On the left hand side of the stator another spiral pump house 51 is arranged, communicating with a discharge pipe 52.

The rotor consists of a casing or drum 53, keyed to the shaft 42, and provided with feeding channels 54 and'discharge channels 55, the first ones in connection with the feeding chamber 47 and .the latter communicating with the pump house 51 by means of an annular chamber 56. In the circumference of the last mentioned chamber 56, a number of pump blades 57 are fastened to the rotor. These serve to aid the pump action and to establish a suction which will aid the lighter fraction in its way towards the centre of rotation, -as will later on be described.- Similar blades 58 are arranged in that part of the rotor casing which terminates in the pump house 49, located in the middle section of the stator and serve to aid'the pump action of the heavier fraction.

Main and intermediate separating discs 59 and 60 are alternately arranged on the shaft 42 inside the casing 53, in such a manner that they will rotate with the shaft. ,These discsas explained in connection with Figs. 4, 5 and 6are provided with holes in such a manner that when assembled, two groups of channels will be formed, the first group communicating with the feeding channels 54 and with all the spaces between the right hand side of the intermediate discs 60 and the adjacent main between the left hand side of the intermediate discs 60 and .the adjacent main discs 59.

Inlet and discharge pipes 63, 64 and 65 are further provided in connection with the stator, which serve to furnish water, air, etc.

to the space between the rotor and the stator casings 53 and 54, when desired.

The operation of this separator-is as follows: The fluid to be separated is fed through the pipe 48, chamber 47, channels 54 and 61 and will pass out at the right hand side of the discs 60 and enter the separating space between two discs 59 at a suitable, neutral distance from the centre of rotation. The heavier fraction will pass radially outwards along intermediate discs 60, and this fraction will pass through the channels 62 and 55 and the annular chambers 56 to the pump house casing 51. The rotating blades 57, arranged in the circumference of the chamber 56, will tend to aidthe lighter fraction to enter the pump housing and further pass out through the discharge pipe 52.

In order to regulate the density of each of the fractions, choke valves-not shownmay be arranged in one or both of the discharge pipes. I

This invention is not limited to the details of construction described, said description only serving to make the invention more clearly understood, as many changes can be made in the details of construction and in the arrangement of the individual parts.

Claims y 1. A centrifugal separator, comprising a rotatable drum, driving means for said drum, a cover for said drum having feeding and discharge openings, a plurality of conically shaped main separating discs in said drum 1 forming narrow annular separating spaces, said discs having apertures forming channels for feeding the mass or fluid from the feeding hole in said drum to the space between each pair of discs, and means whereby said mass or fluid is guided radially outwards to a neutral zone in the space between each pair of space, and said main discs having apertures and intermediate discs forming discharge channels communicating with each space on the corresponding side of said intermediate discs and said main discs.

2. A centrifugal separator, comprising a rotatable drum, driving means for said drum, a cover for said drum having feeding and discharge openings, a feeding pipe extending from said cover into said drum, a flange on the lower end of said pipe, main separating discs stacked on said pipe, intermediate discs of smaller diameter than said main discs stacked on said pipe between said main discs,

spacers stacked on said pipe between each ofsaid discs, apertures in said discs, and said spacers, forming channels substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and cut-away portions on said spacers connecting corresponding spaces between the individual discs between each pair of main discs to corresponding channels substantially parallel to the axis of'rotation.

3. A centrifugal separator, comprising a rotatable drum, a stator surrounding said drum and having feedingand discharge openings, a plurality of conically shaped main separating discs in said drum, forming narrow annular separating spaces, said-discs having apertures-therein forming channels for feeding the mass or fluid from the feeding hole in said drum to the space between each pair of discs, and means whereby said mass or fluid is guided radially outwards to a neutral zone in the space between each pair of said discs, said means comprising intermediate discs of smaller diameter than the above mentioned discs, the. space on the side of each intermediate disc and the adjacent main disc betweeneach pair of main discs forming part of said feeding channels to the separating space, said main discs and intermediate discs having apertures therein forming discharge channels, communicating with each space on the corresponding side of said intermediate discs and said main discs between each pair of main discs, said separating spaces at the circumference communicating with annular spaces around said stator and said drum, comprising paddle-blades in its circumference to aid the heavier fraction to enter the annular spaces, whereby which establishes a back pressure to aid the lighted fraction to move towards the centre of rotation.

4.'A centrifugal separator, comprising a rotatable drug having feedingand discharge openlngs therein,- a plurality of conically a pump action is securedshaped main separating discs in said drum, forming narrow annular separating spaces, said discs having apertures forming channels for feeding the mass or fluid fromthe feeding hole in said drum to the space between each pair of discs, and means whereby said mass or fluid is guided radially outwards to a neutral Zone in the space between each pair of said discs, said means comprising intermediate discs of smaller diameter than the above wards the centre of rotation and the heavier I fractions to be raised to a level above the head of the feeding line.

5. A centrifugal separator, comprising a rotatable drum, driving means for said drum, a cover for said drum having feeding and discharge openings, a plurality of conically shaped main separating discs in said drum providingnarrow annular separating spaces, conically shaped intermediate separating discs of smaller outside diameter between each pair of said main separating discs, dividing the inner portion of each of said annular separating spaces into a plurality of annular passages outwardly communicating with the outer portion of said narrow annular separating spaces between each pair of main discs, spacers between said main and said intermediate discs, a central axial channel in the drum, said channel and said spacers having radial apertures therein and said discs having axial apertures forming a plurality of annu larly disposed channels around said central channel, one of the said passages between each pair of main discs inwardly communicating with said central axial channel through said radial apertures, and the remainder of said passages between, each pair of main discs communicating with separate groups of said annularly disposed channels around said central channel, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

In testimony whereof I- have signed my

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