US3747306A

US3747306A - Array of cyclonic separators

Info

Publication number: US3747306A
Application number: US00072951A
Authority: US
Inventors: N Wikdahl
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-09-29
Filing date: 1970-09-17
Publication date: 1973-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 1990-07-24
Also published as: BG18829A3; FR2112898A5; CA982065A; DE2133098A1; CH528925A; DK128191B; SE364642B; CH527638A; NL7108712A; DE2133098C2; GB1348685A; FR2062764A5; GB1258389A; ZA706648B; US4070171A; NL7014149A; DE2046892B2; SE346706B; BE769778A; ZA714270B

Abstract

Apparatus is provided containing an array of cyclonic separators in which the separators are oriented about a common geometric axis, to which the geometric axis of each separator is preferably disposed at the same angle. The groups of cyclonic separators are in turn oriented about a common geometric axis, to which the geometric axis of the groups is preferably disposed at the same angle. The array arrangement is particularly suited for small cyclonic separators, of the type useful in separating mixtures of gases.

Description

O 1 Ilmted States Patet 11 1 1111 $77,300 Wikdahl 1 July 24, W73

[54] ARRAY OF CYCLONIC SEPARATORS 3,415,375 12/1968 Wikdahl 209/211 [76] Inventor: Nils A s Lemur w kdahl 42 Sgt-rite:

Bravauavagen Djursholm Sweden i FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [221 Sept 1970 161,327 9/1953 Australia 55 349 [21] Appl. No.: 72,951 73,663 5 1952 Netherlands 551349 I Primary Examiner-Frank W. Lutter F [30] oreign Application Priority Data Assistant Examiner-Ralph J. Hill Sept. 29, 1969 Sweden 13322/69 Atmmey Janes & Chapman 55/17, 210/512 M, 209/144, 209/211 1571 ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl 801d 53/24 Apparatus is provided containing an array of cyclonic [58] Field of Search 209/144, 211; separators in which the separators are oriented about 210/512 M; 55/349, 17; 62/5 a common geometric axis, to which the geometric axis of each separator is preferably disposed at the same an- [56] References Cited gle. The groups of cyclonic separators are in turn ori- UNITED STATES PATENTS ented about a common geometric axis, to which the 2,671,560 3/1954 Fontein et al 209/211 gmups is Preferably dispsed 2,765,918 l0/1956 FOnteln et 61.... 209/211 x the Same angle- 2,804,206 8/1957 Turpin 209/211 The array arrangement is particularly suited for small 9 4/1964 Aflliol cyclonic separators, of the type useful in separating Fabl'e et a1... X mixtures of gases 3,296,807 1/1967 Fekete 62/5 3,335,860 8/1967 Baxter 209/211 20 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures F,. .1 1H 20 7 a 8 1- 2- 1s I I 4 M15 6 -7 7- 16 1 PAIENIEfiJuLeausrs Y SHEH 1 BF 5 PAlEmiuJuLzalsra

sum

2 or 5 3347. see

PAIEN-IEDJuLumn sums nr 5 ARRAY F CYCLONIC SEPARATORS Cyclonic separators are in common use in a number of industrial processes for theseparation of gaseous or liquid mixtures or suspensions, emulsions, and other dispersions. The size of the cyclonic separators depends upon the requirements of the process, but it is usually necessary in industrial operations, where the volume of production is high, to employ a plurality of cyclonic separators for the separation stage of the process.

The arrangement of such separators can pose a considerable physical problem, because the space available for the separation stage in many industrial plants is limited. This imposes severe limitations, which have to be met by an efficient arrangement of the separators. Various arrangements have been proposed.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,374, patented Dec. 10, 1968, to Nils Anders Lennart Wikdahl, describes an arrangement in which the cyclonic separators are disposed in superimposed horizontally oriented layers, arranged to discharge each of the two separate fractions from the outlets of the separator into one of two common outlet compartments. An inlet compartment is also provided, common to all feed inlets to the array. In this array, the individual separators are radially arranged about a common axis, with the apex ends of the separators facing inwardly and the base ends of the separators facing outwardly. This arrangement is quite satisfactory for many uses. However, it does not efficiently utilize the space when cyclonic separators of small size are needed. Moreover, because only one column of separators are provided, for large production rates, a plurality of arrays are needed. From the standpoint of efficiency of space utilization, however, it is desirable to house as many cyclonic separators as possible in a single housing.

In accordance with the invention, an apparatus is provided which is capable of housing a large number of cyclonic separators in a quite efficient arrangement. The apparatus of the invention is adapted for use with either large or small cyclonic separators. The apparatus provides separate outlet chambers for the two separated fractions, and an inlet chamber for the material being fractionated or separated. The accessibility to the individual cyclonic separators of the array is excellent.

The apparatus of the invention comprises an array of cyclonic separators in which the separators are arranged in groups, oriented about a common first geometric axis, to which the geometricaxis of each separator (the third geometric axis therein) is preferably at one and the same angle. The groups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and different geometric axis, which is preferably at one and the same angle to the first geometric axis of the groups. The cyclonic separators ineach group are preferably radially disposed about the first geometric axis, with the separators in each row parallel to each other. Separating walls are provided at the apex end and at the base end of the separators in each group, defining an inlet chamber therebetween, with access to the inlet of each individual cyclonic separator of the group. Beyond the wall at the base end of the cyclonic separators there is defined a space serving as a collection and outlet chamber for the lighter fraction emerging from the base end of the separators; and beyond the wall at the apex end of the separators there is defined a space serving as a collection and chamber outlet for the heavier fraction emerging from the apex end of the separators.

Preferably, the orientation of the cyclonic separators in each group of cyclonic separators is the same as in the next adjacent group of cyclonic separators, such that all base ends face the same way, and all apex ends face the same way, and open into the common base end and apex end outlet collection chambers. Thus, the separating walls of the adjacent groups of cyclonic separators can and do serve to define the separate base end and apex end collection spaces for such adjacent groups of separators with the inlet chamber therebetween. This considerably reduces space requirements for the apparatus.

An inlet is provided from the outside of the housing of the apparatus to the inlet chamber between the separating walls at the apex and base ends of each group of separators, and outlet openings are also provided giving separate access to the apex end and base end collection chambers.

The two outlet collection chambers and the inlet chambers are completely separate, with no communication therebetween.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represents schematically, in longitudinal section, an apparatus in accordance with the invention in which the groups of separators are composed of rows of cyclonic separators arranged conically and in paral lel, disposed radially about the geometric axis of each group, and in which the groups are arranged radially about at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 represents schematically another embodiment of apparatus in accordance with the invention, also in longitudinal section, with a similar radial arrangement of the individual and groups of cyclonic separators, but with a different arrangement of the access passages to the inlet and outlet chambers.

FIG. 3 represents a cross-section along the line III- III of the apparatus according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 represents a vertical section on an enlarged scale along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3, and shows the conically radial arrangement of the separators in each group.

FIG. 5 represents a longitudinal section of a vortex separator, taken along the lines V-V in FIG. 4, with the details on a further enlarged scale, and showing the radial positioning of the separators.

FIG. 6 shows, in longitudinal section, another embodiment of the vortex separator shown in FIG. 5. j

FIG. 7 represents a cross-section along the lines VII- --VII in FIG. 6, showing the tangential arrangement of the inlets.

The array of cyclonic separators shown in FIG. 1 has a housing in three parts, top, bottom and center. The central portion is in the form of a cylindrical casing 1, open at each end, with the top open end closed off by a conical section 3, and the bottom open end closed off by frustoconical section 2. The bottom section 2 serves as the support for the casing l and top 3, and is designed to rest upon a foundation or frame (not shown) at flange 4. The flange4a of the centralportion I mates with flange 4 and supports the casing l and top 3 thereon. A leak-proof seal is provided between the bottom portion 2 and the casing l by the gasket 5. It is also possible to attach the casing 1 to the base part 2 by means of a threaded socket or joint.

The casing 1 and the top 3 preferably are in one piece, or are attached together so that they can be separated together from the bottom part 2, and lifted off, to provide access to the interior of the housing.

Within the casing 1 are disposed two concentric

cylindrical shells

6 and 7; each is closed off at the bottom portions 8, 9, which are in frustoconical form, and spaced from and match the frustoconical bottom 2 of the casing 1. The open top ends of both

cylinders

6, 7 are closed off by a lid 10, which extends out to the inner wall of the casing 1, and is sealed thereto by the gasket or ring seal 11.

The casing is provided with a lifting device 12, which extends downwardly from the top 3, to which it is attached, within the central space 30 of the cylinder 7 to a spider support attached to the bottom portion 9 of the shell 7. The

shells

6, 7 are supported via their bottom portions on the bottom 2 of the housing. The lifting device 12 includes a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic cylinder, and a reciprocable piston, the upper end of which is connected with the top portion 3. Thus, operation of the lifting device lifts the top portion 3 up and away from the base portion 2, carrying with it the casing 1, providing access to the array of cyclonic separators therewithin, attached to the

shells

6, 7.

It will be seen that the

shells

6, 7 serve as supports for the groups 20a of cyclonic separators 20, only one row of such groups being, however, for the sake of simplicity, shown in FIG. 1. The

shells

6, 7 are provided with

apertures

6a, 7a, between which and within which are supported concentric conical shells, inner shells 14 and outer shells 15. Only one row of such apertures is shown in each of the shells in FIG. 1. The base ends of the

shells

14, 15 are anchored in shell 6, and the apex ends in shell 7. The individual cyclonic separators, of which in FIG. 1 only two rows are shown in each of the groups, span the space between the

shells

14, 15, and are attached thereto, with the apex end of each separator at shell 14, and the base end at shell 15. These spaced apart shells define an annular inlet chamber 16, which is common to all of the separators in a group, and gives access to the inlets 27 (FIG. 4) of each separator 20. The apex ends of the inner cones 14 are closed off by wall 19, and the base ends are open at 13, opening into annular chamber 36 between the outside of shell 6 and the inside of casing l. The shell 6-ends of the inlet chambers 16 are closed, and the shell 7- ends open.

The space outside the outer shells 15 extends from end to end between the

shells

6 and 7, and constitutes outlet chamber 33.

It will be noted on reference to FIG. 4 that the individual separators in each group are arranged in rows, in parallel, with the rows radially disposed, with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the walls of the

shells

14, 15. All of the separators are arranged with the apex ends anchored in shell 14, and the base ends in shell 15. The apex ends of adjacent rows in each group open into a common outlet chamber 18, within the inner shell 14. This chamber is closed off at the shell 7-end by the end wall 19. The chamber 18 has its outlet 13 at the shell 6-end. A common outlet chamber 33, including the groups of separation, is closed off at the sides by the

shells

6, 7, at the top by lid 10, and at the bottom by bottoms 8, 9. The chamber 33 is annular, and frustoconical.

This arrangement of separators allows more separators in each group to be fitted in the space between the

shells

6 and 7. It is possible for the shells l4, 15 to be cylindrical, and the cross-section of the

shells

14, 15 may be circular, square, or polygonal, if desired.

The shells l4, 15, the geometric axis of which is approximately perpendicular to the geometric axis of the

shells

6, 7, are provided with a plurality of apertures in which the separators 20 are fitted, in such a way that their longitudinal axes are approximately perpendicular to the walls of the

shells

14, 15.

Each aperture in

shells

6, 7, 14, 15 is formed with an inwardly or outwardly extending flange, so as to provide a good press-fit between the separators 20 and the

shells

14, 15, respectively, and between the

shells

14, 15 and the

shells

6, 7. If desired, these can be fitted by a threaded socket. However, a good leak-tight fit is facilitated by the conical shape of the separators and the

shells

14, 15.

Alternatively, the cyclonic separators can be made with a cylindrical external configuration, in which case sealing can be provided by spaced ridges 22 at the ends (as shown in FIG. 6). This cylindrical form makes it possible to use a

collar arrangement

23, 24, by which means the separators can be fixed in an axial direction. The cyclonic separator variation shown in FIG. 6 is made in two

parts

25, 26. Part 25 contains four tangentially placed inlets 27, best seen in FIG. 7, and a central axial diffuser-tapered outlet 28 at the base end of the separator, for the lighter fraction, whereas the outlet 29 at the apex end of' the separator for the heavier fraction is arranged in the part 26.

The inlets 27a in FIG. 5 of the separators 20 are reached via the inlet chamber 16, which consequently forms a distribution chamber to the separators. There is a distribution chamber for each group of separators, and all of these are connected at the shell 7-end to the space 30 within the shell 7, which thus constitutes a primary inlet distribution chamber, to which access is furnished by the feed line 31.

The chamber 33 between the

shells

6 and 7 communicates directly with the base or cone end outlets of all of the groups of separators and thus constitutes a collecting space for the lighter fraction, which leaves the separators at this end. This collection chamber is provided with an outlet 34.

The chambers 18 open at the shell 6-end into the annular space 36 between the shell 6 and the housing casing 1. The chambers 18 thus form primary collection chambers, each of which communicates with the common secondary collection chamber 36, and this in turn is provided with an outlet 37.

In operation, the fluid material to be separated (composed of a mixture of gases, or liquids, or both) enters the casing housing via the inlet 31, and passes thence to the common distribution chamber 30, whence it flows into the distribution chambers 16 through the open shell 7-ends thereof. It then enters the inlets 27a (FIG. 5) of the individual separators 20, where it is separated by vortical forces into lighter and heavier fractions. The lighter fraction leaves the separators via outlet 32 at the base end, enters the common collection chamber 33, and leaves the housing via the outlet 34. The heavier fraction, discharged from the separators 20 through the apex end outlet 35, enters the collection chambers 18, and passes thence via outlets 13 to the common collection chamber 36, and then to the outlet 37, where it emerges from the housing.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is quite similar to that shown in FIG. 1, and therefore only the differences will be described.

This apparatus also has a cylindrical casing 40, within which are disposed concentric cylindrical shells 411, 42, each with frusto-conical bottom portions, as in the apparatus in FIG. 1. The arrays of cyclonic separators are supported between concentric

conical shells

43, 44, which have the apex at the casing 42, and the base at casing All. The common geometric axis of

shells

43, 44 is perpendicular to that of

shells

41, 42. The geometric axis of the separators 20 is perpendicular to the walls of shells M, M.

In this case, the

shells

43, 44 have the outlet collection chamber 45 open at the shell 42-end, and closed at the shell dll-end, with the result that the apex-end outlet chambers open into the space 46 defined within the shell 42. The inlet chambers 50 defined between shells 43, M are open at the shell dl-end, and closed at the shell d2=end. They thus feed from an annular chamber 39, defined between shell 41 and casing 40. The inlet 38 provides access to this annular chamber. The facing apex ends thus open into the collection chambers 45, which open through the shell 42 into the space 416 within the shell. The chambers 45 serve as primary collection chambers for the heavier fraction, and the secondary common collection chamber 46 communicates with the outlet 47.

The annular space 48 between the

shells

41, 42 communicates with the base ends of the vortex separators, from which the ligher fraction is discharged through the outlet d9.

Thus, in operation, the material to be separated enters the apparatus via the-inlet 3S, and passes through the annular chamber 39 into the inlet distribution chambers 50, and then via the inlets 27 (FIG. 7) into the separators 20, where it is separated into a lighter fraction and a heavier fraction, by vortical forces. The ligher fraction emerges at the base end via outlet 28 (FIG. 6) of the separators into the collection chamber 48, and is then discharged via the outlet 49. The heavier fraction emerges via the apex end via outlet 29 (FIG. 6) of the separators, and is collected in the primary collection chambers 45, whence it passes into the common collection chamber 46, and then emerges from the apparatus via the outlet 47.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the housing can take any suitable cross-sectional form other than the cylindrical form shown in the drawings, which is preferred. The housing can, for example, be in the form of a square or polygonal box, or a truncated cone or pyramid, especially one with a circular or square cross-section. A straight-sided as opposed to curved-sided housing may have more interior waste space in chambers at the periphery of the arrays within the casing.

Similarly, the inner shells supporting the groups of cyclonic separators are preferably circular in crosssection, as shown, but they can also be square or polygone], and they can also be coneor pyramid-shaped.

Moreover, the angles at which the first and second geometrical axes meet, and at which the cyclonic separators are placed, with respect to the axis of their groups (the second geometric axis), and at which the groups are placed, with respect to the first geometric axis, can be or larger or smaller than 90, from 45 to and the cyclonic separators can be distributed symmetrically, in rows, or in some regular pattern, in the groups. The groups of cyclonic separators can likewise be symmetrically or otherwise arranged, and their geometric axis may also be perpendicular to the geometric axis of the groups.

The conical shells 114, 14 can also be placed with their apices at the shell 6=end, and the

shells

43, 44 can be placed with their apices at the shell 4l-end.

The apparatus of the invention is applicable to any type of cyclonic separator, regardless of size. It is of particular application, however, to smaller cyclonic separators. The preferred cyclonic separators in accordance with the invention comprise a housing with a separator chamber therein that is circular in crosssection, has an apex end and a base end, is cone-shaped at least at the apex end, and has a diameter at the base end of at most 5 mm., and a diameter at the apex end of at least 0.01 mm.; at least one gas inlet through the housing at the base end, arranged for tangential flow of gas from outside the housing into the chamber, to establish a vortical gas flow in the chamber from the base end toward the apex end, with the gaseous components distributed towards the periphery of the vortex with increasing molecular or atomic weight, and towards the core of the vortex with decreasing molecular or atomic weight, the vortex core having a lower gas pressure than the vortex periphery; an outlet through the housing in axial alignment to the chamber at the base end of the chamber; and an outlet through the housing in axial alignment to the chamber at the apex end of the chamber, the apex end outlet receiving peripheral vortical gas flow from the chamber, and the base end outlet receiving core vortical gas flow from the chamber, so that lower molecular or atomic weight components are concentrated in the flow withdrawn via the base outlet, and higher molecular or atomic weight components are concentrated in the flow withdrawn via the apex outlet. This cyclonic separator is simple and straightforward in construction, has no moving parts, and is practical for commercial gas separation on a large scale, despite its small size.

Such cyclonic separators as well as the housings and component parts thereof in accordance with the invention can be formed of any suitable material that is resistant to attack or corrosion by the gas mixtures to be separated under the operating conditions. Metals can be used, such as stainless steel and aluminum, and nickel and chromium alloys. However, unless the metal can be cast, it is difficult to shape it in the very small sizes required in the invention. Ceramic, glass and plastic materials that are strong, resistant to pressure, and capable of retaining their shape under the gas pressures to be encountered, are therefore preferred. Such materials can be shaped or molded by injection or compression molding into the shapes desired, and can be manufactured in quantity without detriment. Materials such as glass, porcelain, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyethylene, polypropylene, synthetic rubbers, phenol-formaldehyde, ureaformaldehyde, and melamine-formaldehyde resins are suitable, as well as polyoxymethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers.

In the preferred embodiment of cyclonic separator, a tubular baffle extends from the base outlet into the chamber to a point beyond the gas inlet or inlets, to deflect gas flow away from the base outlet, and enhance initiation of a gas vortex at the base end, and thence through the chamber towards the apex end. The tangential orientation of the one or more gas inlets imparts a cyclonic or vortical flow to the gas mixture being introduced. The inlets should be uniformly spaced if there is more than one, for initiation of a uniform vortical flow. Usually, from two to six gas inlets are sufficient. Then, when the gas is introduced into the chamber at high velocity, it is constrained by the curved walls of the separator chamber into a vortex which flows helically towards the apex end or peripheral portion outlet end of the chamber.

It is important that the vortex defined within the cyclone separator chamber (and therefore the separation chamber) have a diameter of not over mm., and preferably 2 mm. or less. The lower limit on diameter is imposed only by the practicality of manufacture of small cyclones. A practical lower limit appears to be 0.1 mm.

The length of the separator chamber is not critical, but it should not be greater than 200 mm. nor less than 5 mm. in length, and if the shape is conical, it should be at least 0.1 mm. in diameter at the apex end.

It has been determined in accordance with the invention that it is not possible to effectively separate gas components according to their molecular or atomic weight, if the chamber has a larger diameter than 5 mm., and since cyclone chambers heretofore have been considerably larger, this is probably one of the reasons why vortex separators have not heretofore been employed for this purpose. If the vortex is larger in diameter than 5 mm., both components move towards the center of the vortex at too great a rate to permit effective separation, and problems begin to be encountered. Hence, the small size overcomes the difficulties that previous workers in the field have encountered with cyclone gas separators.

The cone shape of the separator chamber (and vortex) is quite significant in improving separation efficiency. The chamber must decrease in diameter towards the apex end, reducing the radius of the vortex and increasing centrifugal force. A cone shape is therefore essential. The chamber can be in the form of a straightsided right angle cone from base end to apex end. It can also be partly cylindrical, and cone-shaped only at the apex end. The cone shape need not be uniform or straight sided. Convexly and concavely curved sides can be used, of uniform or increasing or decreasing curvature. The diameter can decrease continuously towards the apex end, or in stages. Thus, a variety of cone shapes are possible, and the shape chosen will depend on the particular conditions of the separation to be carried out, and may be determined by trial-anderror experimentation.

In the case where the gas mixture is to be subjected to a number of vortex stages, it is advantageous to employ an array of cyclonic separators or cyclones, arranged in two series, in cascade. A typical cascade series which can be used is described by Avery, Physics Bulletin (1970), page l8. The core portion from each cyclone stage is separated and combined in series with the apex portion from a later cyclone stage, and this repeated at each stage to the end of the series, while in the other series, the apex portions are separated and sent through with the core portions from a later stage. Any arrangement of the cyclones and the feedback can be used. In this way, no part of the material need be wasted, and eventually all of the components separated can be recovered, if desired.

A cascade series can be arranged within the apparatus of the invention simply by interconnecting the vortex separators of adjacent groups in a manner such that the core portions from each group are separated and combined in series with the apex portions from a later group, and this is repeated with each group to the end of the series, while in the other series (which may, if desired, be composed of a group of adjacent separators within the same housing) the apex portions are separated and sent through with the core portions at a later stage. This is easily done in the apparatus of FIG. 1, for example, by interconnecting, in series, chambers 18, and inlets 16 in another series of groups of separators, and by compartmenting chamber 33 so that base end outlets of adjacent groups of separators in

adjacent cones

14, 15 are kept separate, and linked in series with inlets of another series of groups of separators. The separate and distinct series of separators can be arranged by compartmenting off vertical radial banks of groups of separators.

I claim:

1. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators in the housing, in which the separators are arranged in a plurality of groups, and oriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and the plurality of groups of separators are oriented about a second and different nonparallel geometric axis; such cyclonic separators having an apex end and a base end, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to be separated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; the housing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet for lighter fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the base ends of the separators; the apparatus thereby providing in a plurality of groups a large number of separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the second geometric axis is at an angle within the range from about 45 to about to the first geometric axis.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the individual separators are oriented at substantially the same angle with respect to the first geometric axis.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the groups of separators are oriented at substantially the same angle with respect to the second geometric axis.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the individual separators are oriented at substantially the same angle with respect to the first geometric axis, and the groups of separators are oriented at'substantially the same angle with respect to the second geometric axis.

6. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators in the housing, in which the separators are arranged in groups, and oriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and the groups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and different geometric axis; such cyclonic separators having an apex end and a base end, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to be separated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; the housing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet for lighter fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the base ends of the separators; the apparatus thereby providing a large number of separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space, the cyclonic separators in each group being radially disposed in rows about the first geometric axis, with the separators in each row parallel to each other.

7. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators in the housing, in which the separators are arranged in groups, and oriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and the groups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and different geometric axis; such cyclonic separators hav ing an apex end and a base end, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to be separated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; the housing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet for lighter frac tion in fluid communication with the outlets at the base ends of the separators; separating walls at the apex end and at the base end of the separators in each group, defining an inlet chambertherebetween, with access to the inlet of each individual cyclonic separator of the group; beyond the wall at the base end of the cyclonic separators a space serving as a collection and outlet chamber for the lighter fraction emerging from the base end of the separators; and beyond the wall at the apex end of the separators a space serving as a collection and outlet chamber for the heavier fraction emerging from the apex end of the separators, the apparatus thereby providing a large number of separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, in cylindrical form, with the separating walls in the form of concenwalls at the apex and base ends of each group of separa tors, and outlet openings giving separate access to the apex end and base end collection chambers, the outlet collection chambers and the inlet chambers being completely separate, with no communication therebetween.

11. An apparatus according to claim 110, in which the housing comprises a base portion, the array of cyclonic separators being attached to the base portion, and side and top portions removably attached to the base portion, whereby the housing can be removed from the contents, to provide access to the interior of the housing.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, in which the removable top and side portion of the housing is provided with a lifting device, which extends downwardly from the top of the housing, within a central space thereof to the bottom thereof, to lift said top and side portions of the housing up and away from the contents, providing access to the array of cyclonic separators therewithin.

13. An apparatus according to claim 7, in which the cyclonic separators comprise a housing with a separator chamber therein that is circular in cross-section, has an apex end and a base end, is cone-shaped at least at the apex end, and has a diameter at the base end of at most 5 mm., and a diameter at the apex end of at least 0.01 mm.; at least one fluid inlet through the housing at the base end, arranged for tangential flow of fluid from outside the housing into the chamber, to establish a vortical fluid flow in the chamber from the base end toward the apex end, with the components distributed towards the periphery of the vortex with increasing molecular or atomic weight, and towards the core of the vortex with decreasing molecular or atomic weight, the vortex core having a lower fluid pressure than the vortex periphery; an outlet through the housing in axial alignment to the chamber at the base end of the chamber; and an outlet through the housing in axial alignment to the chamber at the apex end of the chamber, the apex end outlet receiving peripheral vortical fluid flow from the chamber, and the base end outlet receiving core vortical fluid flow from the chamber, so that lower molecular or atomic weight components are concentrated in the flow withdrawn via the base outlet, and higher molecular or atomic weight components are concentrated in the flow withdrawn via the apex outlet.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, in which the cyclonic separators are made of a material that is resistant to attack or corrosion'by the gas mixtures to be separated under the operating conditions, selected from stainless steel, nickel and chromium alloys, ceramic, glass, and plastic materials that are strong, resistant to pressure, and capable of retaining their shape under the gas pressures to be encountered.

15. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators in the housing, in which the separators are arranged in groups, and oriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and the groups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and different geometric axis; such cyclonic separators having an apex endand a base end, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to be separated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex-end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; the housing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet for lighter fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the base ends of the separators; the groups of separators being composed of rows of cyclonic separators arranged conically and disposed radially about the first geometric axis with the groups arranged radially about the second geometric axis, the apparatus thereby providing a large number of separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, in which the groups of cyclonic separators are supported between concentric cylindrical shells, and the rows of cyclonic separators are supported between concentric frustoconical shells extending radially between and attached to the concentric cylindrical shells, with the individual cyclonic separators all facing the same way, and mounted between the conical shells in a manner such that the inlets thereof communicate with the space defined between the conical shells, the housing inlet being in fluid communication with said space, and the shells separating that space from fluid communication with other spaces in the housing, and the base end and apex end outlets of the separators communicate with separate nonintercommunicating spaces beyond the conical shells, the housing outlet for the lighter fraction being in fluid communication with the space beyond the conical shells that is in fluid communication with the base end outlets of the separators, and the housing outlet for the heavier fraction being in fluid communication with the space beyond the conical shells that is in fluid communication with the apex end outlets of the separators.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, in which the interior space of the inner conical shell of each group opens into a first outlet chamber common to all of the groups, and the space outside the outer conical shell extends from end to end between the cylindrical shells and constitutes a second outlet chamber separated from the first by the shells and common to all of the groups.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, in which the separators are arranged with their apex ends anchored in the inner conical shell and their base ends in the outer conical shell, so that the apex ends of adjacent rows in a group are facing the same way, and the base ends of the separators in adjacent groups are facing the same way, with the facing apex ends of adjacent rows in each groups opening into a common outlet chamber within the inner conical shell, and the base ends of adjacent groups of separate opening into a common outlet chamber outside the outer conical shell and between the cylindrical shells.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, in which the rows of cyclonic separators are placed at an angle with respect to the first geometric axis and the groups are placed at an angle with respect to the second geometric axis within the range from 45 to and the rows are distributed symmetrically, with the cyclonic separators parallel to each other.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, in which the cyclonic separators are arranged with their geometric axis perpendicular to the surfaces of the conical shells, and in rows at an angle from 45 to 135 to the second geometric axis.

Claims

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the second geometric axis is at an angle within the range from about 45* to about 135* to the first geometric axis.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the individual separators are oriented at substantially the same angle with respect to the first geometric axis, and the groups of separators are oriented at substantially the same angle with respect to the second geometric axis.

7. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators in the housing, in which the separators are arranged in groups, and oriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and the groups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and different geometric axis; such cyclonic separators having an apex end and a base end, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to be separated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; the housing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet for lighter fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the base ends of the separators; separating walls at the apex end and at the base end of the separators in each group, defining an inlet chamber therebetween, with access to the inlet of each individual cyclonic separator of the group; beyond the wall at the base end of the cyclonic separators a space serving as a collection and outlet chamber for the lighter fraction emerging from the base end of the separators; and beyond the wall at the apex end of the separators a space serving as a collection and outlet chamber for the heavier fraction emerging from the apex end of the separators, the apparatus thereby providing a large number of separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, in cylindrical form, with the separating walls in the form of concentric frustoconical shells, with the groups of separators radially arranged therebetween.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, in which the orientation of the cyclonic separators in each group of cyclonic separators is the same, such that all base ends faCe the same way, and all apex ends face the same way, and open into common base end and apex end outlet collection chambers.

10. An apparatus according to claim 7, enclosed within a housing with an inlet from the outside of the housing to the inlet chamber between the separating walls at the apex and base ends of each group of separators, and outlet openings giving separate access to the apex end and base end collection chambers, the outlet collection chambers and the inlet chambers being completely separate, with no communication therebetween.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, in which the housing comprises a base portion, the array of cyclonic separators being attached to the base portion, and side and top portions removably attached to the base portion, whereby the housing can be removed from the contents, to provide access to the interior of the housing.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, in which the cyclonic separators are made of a material that is resistant to attack or corrosion by the gas mixtures to be separated under the operating conditions, selected from stainless steel, nickel and chromium alloys, ceramic, glass, and plastic materials that are strong, resistant to pressure, and capable of retaining their shape under the gas pressures to be encountered.

15. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators in the housing, in which the separators are arranged in groups, and oriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and the groups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and different geometric axis; such cyclonic separators having an apex end and a base end, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to be separated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; the housing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet for lighter fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the base ends of the separators; the groups of separators being composed of rows of cyclonic separators arranged conically and disposed radially about the first geometric axis with the groups arranged radially about the second geometric axis, the apparatus thereby providing a large number of separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, in which the rows of cyclonic separators are placed at an angle with respect to the first geometric axis and the groups are placed at an angle with respect to the second geometric axis within the range from 45* to 135*, and the rows are distributed symmetrically, with the cyclonic separators parallel to each other.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, in which the cyclonic separators are arranged with their geometric axis perpendicular to the surfaces of the conical shells, and in rows at an angle from 45* to 135* to the second geometric axis.