US2734630A

US2734630A - van der wal

Info

Publication number: US2734630A
Authority: US
Priority date: 1952-01-25
Publication date: 1956-02-14
Anticipated expiration: 1973-02-14
Also published as: DE1088891B; FR1075281A; NL75677C; BE517007A; GB724656A

Description

Feb. 14, 1956 G. J. VAN DER WAL 2,734,630

MULTIPLE HYDROCYCLONES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 22, 1955 INVENTOR GERRIT JAN VAN DER WAL,

ATTOR Y Feb. 14, 1956 G. J. VAN DER WAL MULTIPLE HYDROCYCLONES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 22, 1953 INVENTOR GERRI T JAN VAN DER WAL,

dwmgfix ATTORNEY Feb. 14, 1956 G. J. VAN DER WAL 2,734,630

MULTIPLE HYDROCYCLONES Filed Jan. 22, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVEN Milka... 0c

ATTORNE TOR GERRIT JAN VAN DER WAL,

Feb. 14, 1956 G. J. VAN DER WAL MULTIPLE HYDROCYCLONES 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 22, 1953 lllllllll a k 1 {I F G. IO. INVENTOR GERRIT JAN VAN DER WAL,

ATTORN 1956 G. J. VAN DER WAL MULTIPLE HYDROCYCLONES 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 22, 1953 ATTO R United States Patent MULTIPLE HYDRQCYCLUNES Gerrit Jan van der Wal, Amsterdam, Netheriands, as-

signor to Don-Oliver Incorporated, a corporation of Delaware Application January 22, 1953, Serial No. 332,555

Claims priority, application Netherlands January 25, 1952 Claims. (Ci. 2=--2li) This invention relates to hydrocyclones. More particularly, it relates to a structural unit comprising a plurality of hydrocyclones, which unit is usually termed a multiple hydrocyclone.

Hydrocyclones are known to be useful in classifying, thickening, and otherwise separating solids suspended in liquids. Briefly, a hydrocyclone is an enclosed vortex space bounded along the length thereof by a continuous surface of revolution with a smooth inner wall, having feed inlet means disposed tangentially either clockwise or counter-clockwise to the surface of revolution at one end thereof as well as having at the same end a base located, axially disposed, discharge outlet or overflow aperture, and having axially disposed at the opposite end of the space a second discharge opening or underflow aperture. In the most frequently used form of hydrocyclone the vortex space is enclosed by a cylindrical chamber subtended by and opening into without interruption a conical chamber. In this type of hydrocyclone the underflow aperture is usually located at the apex of the conical space and is sometimes referred to as the apex discharge outlet, while the feed inlet means are usually disposed tangentially to the widest part of the space. For best operation of the hydrocyclone it is desirable to insert a tubular member through the base discharge opening and extend it along the axis of the vortex space to a point below the level of the feed inlet means. Such a tubular member is often referred to as a vortex finder.

For convenience the invention will hereafter be described with reference to the cylindrical-conical type of hydrocyclone although it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to this form.

In operation whereby such separations are made a liquid containing solids is introduced into the cylindrical chamber through the tangential feed inlet means under enormous pressures so that the feed slurry whirls about the vortex space producing centrifugal forces so great that the force of gravity is in eifect eliminated. Accordingly, under these conditions, a hydrocyclone may be successfully operated in any position. A fraction of the feed upon introduction into the vortex space is discharged through the base aperture as overflow. As a result of the centrifugal forces and drag forces so developed, there occurs a segregation of the solids within the liquid feed based upon the differences in gravity settling rates in still water. In specific gravity separations specifically light particles are discharged in the overflow fraction while specifically heavy particles exit through the apex discharge outlet as the underflow fraction. In separations based on particle size, in other words classification, the finer solids are discharged in the overflow and the coarser solids are discharged in the underflow. By adjusting the rate of apex discharge, thickening of the underflow fraction may be accomplished.

It is known that there are several factors which influence the critical particle size and critical specific gravity about which separations are made in the hydrocyclone.

' discharge means, and common control means.

Such factors, both structural and operational in nature, can be varied in general only within limits. Thus, in separating fairly small particles suspended in liquids it is necessary that small size hydrocyclones operating in parallel be used to carry out the separation, in contrast to using larger sized hydrocyclones for fairly large particles. Because of capacity requirements it can readily be seen that many small size hydrocyclones must be used in order to treat the same amount of suspension as one larger size hydrocyclone. This presents a serious problem from the viewpoint of space requirements, maintenance, construction costs, etc. Consequently, attempts have been made to solve this problem by devising structural units comprising a number of small size hydrocyclones in parallel with common feed means, common Such a unit has been generally called a multiple hydrocyclone.

However such attempts produced multiple hydrocyclones having certain serious disadvantages. For example, the feed volume that such units could handle was low in comparison to the space occupied by such units. This was due to the fact that a substantial portion of the space occupied by such units was unused or dead space. Because of the means of supplying feed to each hydrocyclone, the number of hydrocyclones for each unit was limited and the unused space between the hydrocyclones was large.

Another disadvantage lay in the construction of such units. Many different molds and castings were required in order to obtain all the necessary and small component parts of an operable multiple hydrocyclone. Because of the high feed pressures involved close tolerances between the parts were required, which added to the cost of construction. Furthermore, it was not always easy to obtain uniformity where uniformity was desirable.

Therefore, one object in general of this invention is to devise a multiple hydrocyclone Without these disadvantages.

More specifically, an object of this invention is to devise a multiple hydrocyclone with an increased capacity per unit of space occupied whereby the amount of unused space is minimized and the number of individual hydrocyclones per unit of space is maximized.

Another object of this invention is to devise a multiple hydrocyclone of such structural simplicity that not only are construction costs minimized but the parts can be made more uniformly and without the requirement of close tolerances.

These and possibly other objects are achieved by this invention.

In summary, this invention comprises a block of material with vortex spaces between opposite ends of the block aligned with respect to their longitudinal axes and separated by the material from each other, each vortex space comprising a cylindrical space subtended by a conical space with a coaxial discharge aperture at its apex, and a specially adapted removable cover member covering the cylindrical portion of each vortex space. Each cover member comprises a plate the end adjacent the block being slightly larger than the vortex space, a central discharge outlet disposed through the plate and in axial alignment with the vortex space, a channel-shaped groove extending from and through the side of the plate along the surface of the end adjacent to the block, and adapted to be substantially in tangential alignment with the vortex space when the discharge aperture in the plate is in axial alignment with the vortex space, which groove cooperates with the end surface of the block to form a feed inlet to the hydrocyclones formed by the vortex space and the cover member; Positioning means for maintaining the position of the cover member may also be included. The block and cover members in place are disposed between two metal clamping plates having apertures corresponding in position to the vortex space discharge outlets, means for introducing feed slurry to the spaces formed between the clamping plate pressing down on the cover members and the block, means for collecting discharge from the cover member discharge outlets, means for collecting discharge from the apex discharge outlets, and means for clamping the plates together.

In one embodiment of this invention the vortex spaces may be entirely recessed in the block. In such case the depth of the delivery section of every feed channel in each. cover member should preferably be gradually diminished in order that when the cover member is in position the feed channel will debouch into the vortex space at a small angle in relation to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the hydrocyclone. In another embodiment of this invention a portion of the vortex space may be recessed in the plate portion of the cover member. In such case the feed channel can be of constant depth.

In either cover member embodiment of this invention the feed channels may be curved and the sidewalls thereof may converge over the vortex space. Furthermore for best operation it is preferred to provide each cover member discharge aperture with a vortex finder.

It is preferred too that the cover members be radially symmetrical about the sides thereof with the axis of radial symmetry coinciding with that of the cover member aperture. This shape is preferred in order that in operation the common feed chamber formed between the block and the clamping plate will contain no dead areas where liquid suspension containing organic matter may collect and decay. For the same reason it is desirable that the block be also radially symmetrical about the periphery of the infeed end and the underfiow end.

Because of the dead space problem and because it is desirable to have equal distribution of feed to each hydrocyclone it is also preferred that the feed inlet face away from the overall direction of feed slurry flow over the surface of the block. Since it is a feature of this invention that more than one feed inlet to each vortex space may be easily used, the above preference is satisfied if one feed inlet is faced away from the overall direction of feed slurry flow across the end of the block by proper positioning of the cover member, and that the remainder be spaced equidistantly from the first feed inlet about the infeed end of the cover member.

In either embodiment of this invention it is preferred to maintain the position, once established, of the cover members with respect to the vortex spaces in the block by positioning means. Such means may comprise a side wall extension of the cover member, except only for that portion about the feed channel entrance, and interrupted grooves about the vortex space adapted for the corre sponding extension of the sidewalls, the grooves being so located that when the cover member is centrally positioned over the vortex space the overflow aperture is centered on the axis of the vortex space and the feed inlet is facing in the desired direction.

This invention presents an advantage in that all feed channels may be formed by means of one mold or matrix. However, it is preferred that the block and cover members be molded or cast out of a resilient material in order that operating hydraulic pressures and clamping forces may be most efl'iciently utilized to prevent leakages in and out of the structural unit. For the same reason, and in addition, to minimize construction costs of the block housing by permitting rough tolerances, it is desirable to surround the infeed end of the block of vortex spaces with a sealing lip or collar of resilient material projecting outwardly at such an angle to the side of the block, between 90 and 180 so that under operating conditions the hydraulic pressures in the feed chamber formed between the clamping plate and the infeed end of the block will press the lip against the housing surrounding the block. Under such conditions decayable organic feed is prevented from entering any existing dead spaces between the block and the housing.

Feed slurry may be introduced into the space around the cover members by a feed conduit which passes in axial alignment through the common overflow discharge chamber, and into the space through the clamping plate pressing against the cover member. An alternative feed slurry means, which is desirable under certain conditions, comprises a feed conduit passing through the common underfiow discharge chamber, through the clamping plate separating the chamber from the block, and into an axially aligned hole in the block communicating between the two ends of the block. In this alternative case the feed conduit end of the hole is preferably lined about the circumference with a sealing lip of resilient material projecting outwardly and at a small angle from the side of the hole such that when the feed conduit is inserted through the hole the sealing lip will be pressed about the feed conduit by hydraulic pressure under operating conditions.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiments are therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or of forms that are their functional as well as conjointly cooperate equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

With this in mind reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred type of multiple hydrocyclone block partially cut away to reveal the spacial relationship of the vortex spaces which occupy the block and of the specially adapted cover members, and showing all but a few of the vortex spaces capped by the cover members.

Figure 2 is an infeed end View of the complete multiple hydrocyclone block illustrated in the partially cut away view of Figure l, and likewise showing all but a portion of the vortex spaces capped by the specially adapted cover members.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the type of specially adapted cover member found in Figure 1, illustrated here in an upside down position.

Figure 4 is a side view of a segment of the multiple hydrocyclone block showing in more detail two vortex spaces capped by the cover members illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a top view of the cover member of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a bottom view, or discharge end view, of the cover member of Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the specially adapted cover member of this invention, illustrated here in an upside down position.

Figure 8 is another side view of a segment of the multiple hydrocyclone block showing in more detail two vortex spaces which cooperate with the specially adapted cover member illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a top view of the cover member found in Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a bottom view of the cover member of Figure 7.

Figure 11 is a side view of the complete structural unit, or multiple hydrocyclone showing the block and cover members of Figure 1 in operative relationship with the housing frame.

More particularly, in the drawings, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the cylindrical block 21 constructed from a resilient rubber material contains three or more concentric rows of vortex spaces 22, the longitudinal axes of which are in parallel alignment with each other and with the cylindrical axis of the block 21. Each of the vortex spaces comprises a cylindrical section 23 sub tended by a conical section 24. The cylindrical section opens directly onto one end of the block 21, which end shall be referred to hereinafter as the infeed end, while at the apex of the conical section 24 there is an axially aligned passageway 25 referred to as the apex discharge outlet or underflow discharge outlet opening onto the opposite end of the block 21, which end shall be referred to hereinafter as the underflow end. At the infeed end of the block each vortex space is capped by a cover member 26 likewise constructed from a resilient rubber material and especially adapted to provide, when in position, a feed slurry conduit 27 extending from the side of the cover member 26 tangentially to the vortex space 22.

The specially adapted cover member 26, referring to Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, comprises in somewhat more 'detail a cylindrically shaped plate of diameter larger than the largest diameter of the vortex space 22, with a channel-like groove 28 of constant width extending from and through the side of the cover member 26 along the surface of the end thereof in an arc-like curve towards the axis of the cover member to terminate by a gradual decrease in depth with the outer edge thereof tangentially meeting and running along the edge of the opening of the vortex space 22 when the cover member is in position. Consequently, when the cover member is placed in position, a feed slurry conduit 27 is formed extending from outside the cover member into the vortex space, one wall thereof consisting of the flat surface 29 of the infeed end of the block 21, and the remaining walls thereof consisting of those of the channel 28. This is shown in Figure 4 wherein the sectional view of the cover member 26 corresponds to that of section 4-4 in Figure 5. Axially disposed through the cover member 26 is a vortex space discharge passageway 30 through which vortex finder 31 is tightly inserted and axially aligned. The vortex finder is also constructed out of a resilient rubber material. To minimize leakages and to maintain the vortex finder in position, it is desirable to construct the vortex finder 31 with a shoulder 32 at the inlet end thereof. Thus, each of the cover members is in proper position, and each of the vortex spaces cooperate together to form individual hydrocyclones.

To properly position the cover member 26, and to maintain that position under operative conditions, posit'ioning means are provided. Such positioning means comprises an interrupted annular groove 33 disposed in the infeed end surface 29 of the block surrounding the vortex space 22, illustrated in Figure 2, and adapted to receive an interrupted or segmental cylindrical wall 34 integral with the cover member 26, the outer face of which is a continuation of the outer cylindrical face of the cover member with the exception of the interrupted or segmented portion and which projects away from the infeed end of the cover member. When properly positioned the cylindrical axis of the cover member will be aligned with the axis of the vortex space, as shown in both Figures 1 and 4. The purpose of interrupting the cylindrical wall 34 is to prevent the cover member 26 from turning about its axis under operative conditions. While this interruption may be located at any place around the cylindrical wall 34, it is preferred that it be disposed about the entrance to the groove 28 as in Figure 3, for ease in molding the cover member 26.

Another cover member embodiment of this invention as illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10, is advantageous whenit is desired to reduce the distance between the underflow end and the infeed end of the multiple hydrocyclone block without reducing the dimensions of the vortex space or, conversely, where it is desired to increase the length of the vortex spaces without increasing the dimensions of the block. In either case, part of the vortex space may be formed by a recess in the infeed end of the cover member. Thus, in Figure 8, the cylindrical multiple hydrocyclone block 121, a part only of a cross section being shown here, but which in all other respects is identical to the block 21, contains vortex spaces 122 which comprises a short cylindrical section 123 subtended by a conical section 124. The cylindrical section opens directly onto the infeed end of the block 121 whereas at the apex of the conical section 124 there is an axially aligned passageway 125, the underflow discharge outlet, opening onto the underflow end of the block 121. Similarly, each vortex space 122 is capped by the modified cover member 126, which, as shown in Figure 7, comprises a cylindrically shaped plate of diameter larger than the cylindrical section 123 with an axially disposed cylindrically shaped recess 125 having a diameter corresponding to that of the cylindrical section 123. Thus, when the cover member 125 is in position over the vortex space 122, a cylindrical space 119 of the desired dimensions is formed by the combination of cylindrical section 123 and the recess 120. Cover member 126 also comprises a channel-like groove 128 of constant width and constant depth extending from and through the side wall of the cover member along the surface of the end thereof in an arc-like curve towards the cover member axis, the outer wall of which curve tangentially meets the cylindrical wall surrounding the recess 120. When cover member 126 is in position, as in Figure 8, a feed slurry conduit 127 extending from the space surrounding the cover member to the vortex space is formed, one wall of which is the infeed end surface 129 of the block 1 21 whereas the remaining walls are formed by the channel-like groove 128. Incidentally, that portion of the cover member illustrated in Figure 8 corresponds to section S8 in Figure 9. Likewise, cover member 126 has an axially disposed discharge outlet 130 through which there is preferably inserted a vortex finder 131 having a shoulder 132 at the inlet 'end thereof. Cover member positioning 'means are provided which comprise an interrupted annular groove 133 concentrically disposed in the infeed end surface 129 of the block about each vortex space 122 and adapted to receive an interrupted cylindrical wall 134 integral with cover member 126, the outer face of which is a continuation of the outer cylindrical face of the cover member with the exception of the interrupted part, and which projects away from the infeed end of the cover member so that when in position the cover member is axially aligned with the vortex space 122. Again it is preferred that the interrupted portion be disposed about the entrance to the groove 128.

Referring again to Figures 1 and 2 the block 21 in the preferred arrangement is provided with an axially disposed radially symmetrical hole 35 extending from the underflow end of the block 21 to the infeed end. This hole comprises the main feed slurry conduit 35.

As indicated before, to aid in obtaining equal distribution of feed slurry to each of the vortex spaces and to minimize dead areas the cover members 26 are preferably positioned so that the entrances to the feed slurry conduits 28 are facing away from the overall direction of feed slurry flow over the surface'29 of the block. :In the drawings these inlets are therefore shown facing toward the periphery .of the block and away from the central hole 35.

At the inlet end to the conduit 35 there is provided about the circumference thereof a pressure sealing lip or collar 36 of a resilient material, which sealing lip 36 projects in the overall direction of feed slurry flow. This sealing lip 36 is adapted to cooperate with the pipe means inserted therethrough to form under operative conditions a pressure seal whereby leakage of feed slurry from around the pipe means is prevented. Likewise, to prevent leakage of feed slurry under operating conditions along the sides of the block 21 when it is encased within the housing to be described hereinafter, .an annular seal ing lip or collar 37 of a resilient material is provided about the periphery of the infeed end of the block 21. This lip for best results should project outwardly at an angle lying between 90 and 180 from the sides of the block 21 so that under operating conditions the pressure of the feed slurry will compress the lip against the housing thereby forming a pressure seal.

To successfully operate the individual hydrocyclones so formed in the block with the cover members it is necessary to provide pressurized feed means to the feed slurry conduits 37, apex discharge collection means, vortex finder collection means, and means to prevent the cover members from being pushed out by internal pressures. To meet these requirements a specially adapted housing assembly is used.

Referring now to Figure 11, there is shown the complete block 21 of Figure 1 with all of the vortex spaces 22 capped by properly positioned cover members 26, all assembled Within such a housing assembly to furnish an operative multiple hydrocyclone 40. More particularly, the block 21 with cover members 26 in position is mounted between two round

metallic clamping plates

41 and 45. Clamping plate 41 is adapted to rest on the discharge ends of the cover members 26 and is provided with apertures 42 corresponding in position to the cover member overflow outlet 30 through which vortex finder 31 protrudes, which apertures are just large enough to admit the protruding end of the vortex finder. About the periphery of the clamping plate 41 and integral therewith is a cylindrical rim 43 which projects away from the block 21 when the plate is in position. Integral with the cylindrical rim 43 and at the other end thereof is an outwardly projecting annular flange 44. Clamping plate 45, upon which the underflow end of the block 21 rests is provided with apertures 46 corresponding in position to the apex discharge outlets 25, and with a centrally disposed hole 47 adapted to enable a feed slurry pipe to be passed through it into the central hole 35 of the block. The block and cover mem bers mounted between the two clamping plates are then placed within a cup-shaped housing frame 48 provided with an axially disposed feed slurry pipe integral with the frame having a diameter larger than the opening in the block 21 formed in the central hole 35 between sealing lip 36, and of sufiicient length to pass through the clamping plate hole 47 and protrude through the central hole 35. Projecting inwardly from and around the sides of the frame 48 adjacent the end thereof is a shoulder 50 upon which lies a packing ring 51. The

shoulder and the ring are so adapted that the clampr ing plate 45 rests thereon. Underflow discharge conduit 52 is disposed to the underflow chamber 53 formed by the shoulder 50, the end of the housing frame 48, and the clamping plate 45. Projecting outwardly at the other end of the frame 48 as an integral part thereof is an annular flange 54 adapted to receive on the inner part thereof a packing ring 55. The sides of the frame 48 are of such length that the annular flange 44 rests upon the packing ring 55 While the clamping plate 45 is resting on the cover members 46. The remainder of the housing comprises a metallic housing plate 56 with a centrally disposed overflow discharge conduit 57 as an integral part thereof, which plate rests upon the annular flange 44. Centering ridges 58 protruding away from the plate closely along the cylindrical rim 43 are provided to lend rigidity to the structural unit. Several threaded bolts 59 spaced equidistantly from each other are disposed through the annular flange 54 and the housing plate 56. By tightening nuts 60 on the bolts the cover members 26 are clamped against the block 21 and leakage is prevented at all joints.

In operation a liquid suspension of solids is introduced under enormous pressure through feed slurry pipe 49 into the central hole 35 in the block from where it flows into the spaces around the cover member 26 formed between the infeed end surface 29 of the block and the clamping plate 41. From these spaces the feed slurry flows through the conduit 27 of each cover member to tangentially enter each vortex space 22 wherein a hydrocyclonic separation of the nature before described occurs whereby a separated portion of the feed slurry is discharged through the apex outlet 25 into the underflow discharge chamber 53 from whence it flows out through discharge pipe 52. The remainder of the feed slurry is discharged from the vortex space 22 through vortex finder 31 into the overflow chamber 61 formed by the clamping plate 41 in cooperation with the housing plate 56. From the overflow chamber 61 the slurry proceeds out through overflow conduit 57.

In the foregoing description both the cover members and the block of vortex spaces are preferably constructed from a resilient material for maximum protection against leakage although the multiple hydrocyclone is operable if only one of the elements is constructed out of resilient material.

I claim:

1. A multiple hydrocyclone comprising a block of material with a flat infeed end parallel to a flat underflow end; vortex spaces disposed in the block With the axis of each in parallel alignment and perpendicular to the plane of the infeed end of the block, each vortex space opening directly onto the infeed end of the block and communieating with the underflow end of the block through a coaxial underflow passageway; cover members capping the vortex space openings at the infeed end of the block, each cover member comprising a plate of significant width with the end adjacent the block slightly larger in size than the adjacent vortex space opening, an annular orifice extending through the plate coaxial of the vortex space, a grooved channel in the surface of the end adjacent the block extending from and through the side of the plate to terminate tangentially to the vortex space, which channel cooperates with the adjacent portion of the flat infeed end surface of the block to form a tangential feed conduit to the vortex space whereby each vortex space and its cover member cooperate to form a hydrocyclone; positioning means associated with each cover member for establishing and maintaining the position of each cover member in relation to each adjacent vortex space opening; a clamping plate spacedly set apart from the infed end surface of the block by the cover member, said plate being at least as large as the infeed end of the block and having apertures disposed therethrough, each coaxial with the annular orifice of the adjacent cover member and of size smaller than the size of the cover member end adjacent the block but at least as large as the annular orifice; support means adjacent the underflow end of the block adapted to permit the discharge from each of the underflow passageway outlets to flow therethrough without obstruction; means for pressing the clamping plate towards the support means; means for housing the assembled block, cover members, clamping plate and support means; conduit means for introducing a pressurized feed into and about the space, interrupted by cover members, formed between the infeed end surface of the block and the clamping plate; means for collecting the pressurized discharges from the vortex spaces, that flow out the underflow passageways through said support means adjacent to the underflow end of the block; discharge conduit means in relation to said collection means; means for collecting the pressurized discharges from the vortex spaces, that flowsout the annular orifice in the cover member and through the apertures of the clamping plate adjacent thereto; discharge conduit means in relation to said collection means; and pressure sealing means about the joints of the entire assembly.

2. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein each cover member also comprises a recess coaxial of the vortex space having the same diameter as said vortex space to form a continuation of the vortex space Jinn 9 into the cover member and the channel-like groove also terminates tangentially to the recess.

3. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein the channel-like groove is of gradually decreasing depth from the inlet thereto to the tangential termination thereof to the vortex space.

4. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein a tubular member is axially disposed through the coaxial annular orifice of the cover member and extends into the vortex space.

5. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein, through the infeed end surface of each cover member, there are several channel-like grooves, each of which extend from the side of the cover member towards the annular orifice to terminate tangentially over the vortex space.

6. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein the pressure sealing means comprises a resilient sealing lip disposed about the periphery of the infeed end of the block to engage the adjacent housing means in a pressure sealing relationship.

7. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein at least the cover members are constructed out of a resilient material.

8. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein at least the material of the block is resilient.

9. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein the positioning means for establishing and maintaining the position of each cover member comprise an interrupted narrow wall, disposed about the periphery of each cover member and integral therewith to project beyond the cover member end adjacent the block, said Wall being interrupted about the inlet to the channel-like groove through said end of the cover member; and an interrupted annular groove concentrically disposed about the vortex space in the infeed end of the block, which groove is adapted to receive the projected, interrupted wall of the corresponding cover member.

10. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein the block cover members, clamping plate, support means, and housing means are all radially symmetrical about the sides thereof.

11. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein the support means adjacent the underflow end of the block comprises a clamping plate at least as large as the said end, with apertures disposed therethrough adjacent the underflow passageway outlets and coaxial thereto.

12. A multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein each vortex space comprises a cylindrical section subtended by a conical section, with the cylindrical section opening directly without obstruction, onto the infeed end of the block.

13. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 1 wherein the positioning means are adapted to establish and maintain the inlets of the channel-like grooves in the cover members away from the direction of flow of the feed through the space about the cover members confined by the infeed end surface of the block and the adjacent clamping plate.

14. A multiple hydrocyclone which comprises a cylindrical block of resilient material with an annular coaxial hole therethrough; vortex spaces concentrically disposed in the block with the axis of each space in parallel alignment with the axis of the block, each vortex space comprising a cylindrical section opening directly onto the infeed end of the block and a conical section communicating at the apex thereof with the underflow end of the block through a coaxial discharge passageway; a cover member capping each vortex space at the infeed end of the block, the cover member comprising a cylindrical plate coaxial of the vortex spaces, a coaxial orifice through the plate, and a channel-like groove in the surface of the plate end adjacent the block extending from and through the side of the plate to treminate tangentially to the vortex space, which channel cooperates with the flat infeed end surface of the block to form a feed inlet to the vortex space, whereby each vortex space and its cover member cooperate to form a hydrocyclone; a cylindrical clamping plate with at least the same diameter as the block, resting on the cover members and having an aperture therethrough for each cover member, which aperture being coaxial with the cover member is smaller than the cover member but larger than the annular orifice through the cover member; cover member positioning means comprising an interrupted, slender cylindrical wall, the face of which is a continuation of the side of the cover member at the infeed end, but with an interruption therein about the entrance to the channel-like groove, and an interrupted annular groove concentrically disposed about the vortex space, which groove is adapted to receive the interrupted wall with the entrance to the channel-like groove facing away from the axis of the block; a cylindrical clamping plate with at least the same diameter as the block and coaxially disposed adjacent to the underflow end of the block with a central hole therethrough corresponding to the central hole of the block, and apertures therethrough correspond ing to the underflow discharge passageway outlets; means for pressing the plates towards each other; conduit means through the underflow clamping plate and extending into the central hole of the block for introducing pressurized feed into the central hole of the block; chamber means for collecting vortex space discharges; conduit means for flowing such discharges away; and pressure sealing means about the joints of the multiple hydrocyclone.

15. The multiple hydrocyclone according to claim 14 comprising a coaxially disposed cylindrical recess in the cover member end adjacent the vortex space, said recess having a diameter substantially equal to that of the cylindrical section of the vortex space, with the channel-like groove terminating tangentially to the recess.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 537,451 Hawley Apr. 16, 1895 1,402,784 Moore Ian. 10, 1922 FOREIGN PATENTS 503,836 Belgium Oct. 10, 1952 1,006,938 France Apr. 29, 1952

Claims

1. A MULTIPLE HYDROCYCLONE COMPRISING A BLOCK OF MATERIAL WITH A FLAT INFEED END PARALLEL TO A FLAT UNDERFLOW END; VORTEX SPACES DISPOSED IN THE BLOCK WITH THE AXIS OF EACH IN PARALLEL ALIGNMENT AND PERPENDICULAR TO THE PLANE OF THE INFEED END OF THE BLOCK, EACH VORTEX SPACE OPENING DIRECTLY ONTO THE INFEED END OF THE BLOCK AND COMMUNICATING WITH THE UNDERFLOW END OF THE BLOCK THROUGH A COAXIAL UNDERFLOW PASSAGEWAY; COVER MEMBERS CAPPING THE VORTEX SPACE OPENINGS AT THE INFEED END OF THE BLOCK, EACH COVER MEMBER COMPRISING A PLATE OF SIGNIFICANT WIDTH WITH THE END ADJACENT THE BLOCK SLIGHTLY LARGER IN SIZE THAN THE ADJACENT VORTEX SPACE OPENING, AND ANNULAR OROFICE EXTENDING THROUGH THE PLATE COAXIAL OF THE VORTEX SPACE, A GROOVED CHANNEL IN THE SURFACE OF THE END ADJACENT THE BLOCK EXTENDING FROM AND THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE PLATE TO TERMINATE TANGENTIALLY TO THE VORTEX SPACE, WHICH CHANNEL COOPERATES WITH THE ADJACENT PORTION OF THE FLAT INFEED END SURFACE OF THE BLOCK TO FORM A TANGENTIAL FEED CONDUIT TO THE VORTEX SPACE WHEREBY EACH VORTEX SPACE AND ITS COVER MEMBER COOPERATE TO FORM A HYDROCYCLONE; POSITIONING MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH COVER MEMBER FOR ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING THE POSITION OF EACH COVER MEMBER IN RELATION TO EACH ADJACENT VORTEX SPACE OPENING; A CLAMPING PLATE SPACEDLY SET APART FROM THE INFED END SURFACE F THE BLOCK BY THE COVER MEMBER, SAID PLATE BEING AT LEAST AS LARGE AS THE INFEED END OF THE BLOCK AND HAVING APERTURES DISPOSED THERETHROUGH, EACH COAXIAL WITH THE ANNULAR ORIFICE OF THE ADJACENT COVER MEMBER AND OF SIZE SMALLER THAN THE SIZE OF THE COVER MEMBER END ADJACENT THE BLOCK BUT AT LEAST AS LARGE AS THE ANNULAR ORIFICE; SUPPORT MEANS ADJACENT THE UNDERFLOW END OF THE BLOCK ADAPTED TO PERMIT THE DISCHARGE FROM EACH OF THE UNDERFLOW PASSAGEWAY OUTLETS TO FLOW THERETHROUGH WITHOUT OBSTRUCTION; MEANS FOR PRESSING THE CLAMPING PLATE TOWARDS THE SUPPORT MEANS; MEANS FOR HOUSING THE ASSEMBLED BLOCK, COVER MEMBERS, CLAMPING PLATE AND SUPPORT MEANS; CONDUIT MEANS FOR INTRODUCING A PRESSURIZED FEED INTO AND ABOUT THE SPACE, INTERRUPTED BY CVER MEMBERS, FORMED BETWEEN THE INFEED END SURFACE OF THE BLOCK AND THE CLAMPING PLATE; MEANS FOR COLLECTING THE PRESSURIZED DISCHARGES FROM THE VORTEX SPACES, THAT FLOW OUT THE UNDERFLOW PASSAGEWAY THROUGH SAID SUPPORT MEANS ADJACENT TO THE UNDERFLOW END OF THE BLOCK; DISCHARGE CONDUIT MEANS IN RELATION TO SAID COLLECTIN MEANS; MEANS FOR COLLECTING THE PRESSURIZED DISCHARGES FROM THE VORTEX SPACES, THAT FLOWS OUT THE ANNULAR ORIFICE IN THE COVER MEMBER AND THROUGH THE APERTURES OF THE CLAMPING PLATE ADJACENT THERETO; DISCHARGE CONDUIT MEANS IN RELATION TO SAID COLLECTION MEANS; AND PRESSURE SEALING MEANS ABOUT THE JOINTS OF THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY.