US499348A

US499348A - Aet of centrifugal separation

Info

Publication number: US499348A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1893-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 1910-06-13

Description

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.v

0. B. PBGK.

` ART 0F GENTRIPUGAL SEPARATION. No. 499,348. Patented June 13', 1893.'

1u: Nonnls Firms am wnoaumol. WASHINGTON, D. c.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.. v

Y O. B.PECK.

. ART 0F CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATION. No. 499,348. Patented June 1 3, 93.

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LLQLJ d Ni VL T LJ, l

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

0. B. PBCK. ART OF GENTRIFUGAL SEPARATION.

Patented June 13, 1893.`

@vih/Wawy UNrTEfD STATES PATENT OFFICE.'

ORRIN B. PECK, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO MELINOA PECK, OF

' SAME PLACE. Y

ART OF CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATION.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 499,348, dated June 13, 1893. Application filed March 6,1893. Serial No. 464,798. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, ORRIN B. PECK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in the Art of Centrifugal Separation, of which the following is a specification.

To enable a more comprehensive understanding of my invention or improvements, the purposes and description thereof, I will here state that the velocity of flow of a constant quantity of water increases or varies inversely as the variance in the size of the opening or area of a channel, passage, or space through which it liows, and its momentum or impulse varies as the square of the variance in its velocity of iiow. Therefore, if in the operation of 'a centrifugal ore separator, in which the vessel thereof contains a channel or passage around near its outer diameter in which the separation is eectedhe vessel be rotated at a sufficient speed to develop centrifugal force of a desired minimum intensity, and at the same time, material containing heavier and lighter substances be'introduced for separation with a suicient quan? tity of Water to till the channel or passage, and to flow through the same with suicient rapidity to develop momentum or impulse of vrequisite intensity relative to the centrifugal force being developed to move and carry the' lighter portions of the material through the channel or passage, and to permit the heavier to accumulate therein; the size of thechannel or passage, or the space through which the water is flowing will be at once diminished by the accumulation of the heavicrsubstances, and the velocity of'tlow of the water will be proportionately increased, while its momentum or impulse will be increased, or as the square of its Velocity; hence the desired relative proportion of intensity of the centrifugal force'and momentum or impulse will be immediately destroyed,- the latter, very quickly increasing to such an extent as to carry the heavier portion of material through with the lighter, without separation. If, however, my improved processes or methods of operating a centrifugal ore separator, and separating material as hereinafter described, be employed; the iiow of water to the sepa` rater, or through the channel or passage in the desired relative degrees or proportions of intensity of the forces will be maintained approximately constant during the operation, and the separation of the heavier and lighter portions ofthe material will be effected.

In the drawings Figure 1, is a Vertical central longitudinal section of my improved separator,showing some ot the parts in elevation. Fig. 2, is an enlarged detail of the left hand end of the deliector shaft or `trunnion. Fig. 3, is a vertical cross section of Fig. l, taken on line 3. 3. looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 4, is an end elevation of the feed end of a modified form of xnyimproved separator, taken on line 4. 4.- ot'v Fig. 5, looking in vation and Figs. 6, and 7, are enlarged detail Y side elevations of thevcam wheels, valves, and some of their connecting parts.

To enable the carrying out of my improved processes or methods, I preferably construct a separator embodying the means illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and herein described, of which- A, is the bed plate or base on which the operative parts are preferably mounted.y I provide a treatment vessel or cylinder B, although not necessarily a cylinder in a technical sense, and preferably partly close it at its end so as to be adapted to'contain a body of water, or a sufficient quantity to submerge the separating surface and the material under treatment. I provide it with a separating surface B', on its inside, forminga larger part of its interior Wall. This vessel is preferably arranged in a horizontal position, and

is mounted on brackets A', supported bysuit- I able shafts or trunnions a, in bearings a. It is preferably provided with a belt surface or pulley b, mounted on the extended endof one of the trunnions so that it may be rotated by means of a belt b', operated by any convenient motive power, although, if preferred, other means may be used to rotate it. The vessel or cylinder is preferably provided with the hollow trunnions or shafts a, as shown, for purposes hereinafter described. If desired, however, the vessel or cylinder may be made in other appropriate form and it may be arranged in a vertical instead of a horizontal position.

Within the treatment vessel I preferably arrange a deflector C, the outside of which, or the larger portion thereof, preferably corresponds to that of the inside of the vessel, leaving an annular space, channel or passage C', between them, in which the separation of the material is effected as hereinafter described, and with the separating surface preferably forming one side or wall of such channel or passage. This deflector serves to assist in distributing the material being treated uniformly on the separating surface and to deflect and guide it along near, or in proximity to such surface. If desired, however, the deflector may be dispensed with, when the nature of the material being treated, and the conditions attending the operation will permit, and when it is used, it is not necessary that it be in the form shown.

The channel or passage in which the material is treated need not necessarily be annular or extend clear around the interior of the treatment vessel, as separate channels may be used instead of one continuous annular channel, if preferred. I shall for convenience, however, describe the construction, arrangement and operation of my improvement as they are exhibited in the drawings, but do not intend to limit myself strictly to details, for as much latitude may be indulged as the material under treatment and the condition may permit.

The deflector is preferably provided with shafts or trunnions c, which extend out through the hollow trunnions of the vessel, and are suitably supported in bearings c.

In order to rotate the deflector, I mount a pulley D, on one end of its shaft or trunnion, so that it may be rotated by a belt operated by any convenient motive power, although other means may be used to effect its rotation if desired.

The rate of speed of rotation of the vessel or separating surface, and the deiiector is preferably somewhat different, and varied to such a degree as to best suit the conditions under which it is operated, and to enable the delector to most effect uall y assistin distributing the material over the separating surface. lf desired, however, in some cases the deflector may be secured to the treatment vessel and carried around with it, thereby dispensing with the shafts or trunnions, bearings and pulleys required to independently support and rotate it. I prefer, however, to use these parts, and that the defiectorbe susceptible of an independent or differential rotation.

Within the vessel near its feed end, I prefer to locate two or more floats D', preferably made of sheet metal and arranged with their larger portion nearest the outer diameter of the vessel. These floats preferably have one end of rods d', secured to them, the opposite ends of which rods are beveled or inclined as particularly shown in Fig. 2,-and are extended through a slot in the deflector shaft c, as hereinafter described. The iioats are loosely held in place by guides e, or by other suitable means, and may be freely moved by the water in or out-adesired distance, toward, or from the axis of rotation; their outer movement preferably being limited by the extended end of the outer wall of the dellector, upon which they may rest when not supported by the water within the vessel.

The left-hand end of the deflector shaft or trunnion, is preferably made hollow, and provided with an elongated hole or slot e', through it. In the hollow portion of the shaft I preferably insert the rod E, which is provided with an elongated hole or slot E', located to correspond with the hole or slot in the defiector shaft. Both of these slots are appropriately located to receive the incline or bevel end of the float rods, in the manner particularly shown in Fig. 2. The beveled ends of the rods are made of such size and form as to be inserted in slots, and to move or slide therein and move the rod E, against the springf, or permit it to be forced outward thereby. Preferably to the outer end of the rod E, is connected in a rotatable hinged manner, one end of a lever F, which is fulcrumed to the adjustable supportf, and at its opposite end, is hinged to a lever F', which in turn is hinged at one end of afixed support Gr,and at its opposite end to a rod g, which rod is hinged at its opposite end to a lever or handle g', of the feed valve G. The rod g, is preferably provided with a turn buckle or nut h, so that its length may be adjusted. By this arrangement, as the floats are moved toward the center of rotation of the vessel, the rod E, will be moved in by its contact in the slot with the beveled or inclined ends of the float rods, and be crowded against the spring f, compressing it to such extent. The in, or endwise movement of the rod E, will rock the lever F, swinging the lever F', which will move the rod h, carrying with it the end of the feed valve lever or handle, which will move the valve in a closing direction, thereby diminishing the How of water to the separator, or in an opening direction, if the movement of the floats, rods, levers, dac., be in the reverse direction, thus automatically regulating the amount of water flowed to the vessel and consequently its velocity of flow and momentum or impulse through the channel, passage or space in which the separation is effected. If the floats move outward permitted by the diminution of water in the feed end of the vessel, and carried by centrifugal force, the inclined ends of their rods will ICO IIO

or curbing H, is preferably arranged around' these discharge holes to'catch the water and material discharged thereat, so that it may be carried off by a discharge' pipe or pipes H. Preferably located at the lower side of the trough, and in line with the discharge holes h', are one or more overiiow pipes I, extending into the vessel a desired distance, which serve to maintain a constant head of the Water accumulated at the discharge end of the vessel, and prevent it from rising above Athe desired point.

The discharge pipe H is preferably divided or diverged into two branches z', and t, as shown in Fig. l, one of which branches leads to a place for the disposition of the lighter material, and the other to a bin or desired point of deposit for the heavier material. At the junction of these branches, is preferably located a hinged door or partition I', which may be swung from one side to the other covering the entrance to either branch, and deiiecting the material being discharged, into its appropriate branch. This door may be moved or swung to the desired position by a handle or lever, extended out through the wall of the pipe, so that it i-s convenient of access, although not shown in the drawings.

In operation, the vessel is rotated With suficient rapidity to develop the amount or intensity of centrifugal force desired, and the material to be treated is preferably fed by the pipe J, into a hopper J', or other suitable means, which is suitably shaped to extend into the hollow trunnion of the treatment vessel, and deliver the material in a finely divided or powdered condition, and preferably mixed o'rdiluted/With AWater, into the receiving end of the vessel. The material and Water immediately pass through the action of centrifugal force, to the Wall of the vessel, and pass into the channel or passage, along the separating surface toward the discharge holes or orifices. The feed pipe, valve and hopper are supported by suitable brackets j. The requisite quantity or amount of Water is introduced to the vessel with the material, to preferably fill the channel or passage in which the separation is effected, and to create a sufciently rapid current'or flow therethrough, at this time, the beginning of the operation, to develop momentumV or impulse of sufficient intensity relatively to the centrifugal force beingldeveloped, to move the lighter substances of the material under treatment,

carrying them through the channel or passage to the opposite end Where they are discharged through the holes or orifices, but not sufficient to carry the heavier portions of the material through, but to permit them to lodge in the channel or passage upon the separating surface; the valve in the pipe J, or other equivalent means for supplying Water, of course, having been adjusted to supply the desired amount at this time.

Before the operation is commenced a sufcient quantity of Water is preferably introduced into the treatment vessel to partially till it, and as the operation begins the water Y in the vessel assumes a position at the outside as before stated. And as the operation proceeds, the heavier substances or portions of the material lodging or collecting in the channel or passage, immediately begin to lessen the space therein, through which the Water is floWing,and in which the separation is being effected, and as the size of the space decreases, the velocity of the current of -water Would increase in the same ratio or proportion, and, as the momentum of Water increases, or as the square of the velocity of How, if the same amount or quantity of water were permitted to continue to` pass through the space, while it is decreasing in size, the' relative intensity of momentum or impulse of the Water and the centrifugal force being developed would be varied immediately; the momentum or impulse of the increasing velocity of flow, through the decreasing space in the channel, would very soon become suf- \1icient to carry all of the material through.

To be discharged Without effecting a separation, it is necessary therefore, to vary or decrease the amount orquantity of Water flowed through channel or passage, as the size of the space or opening therein is varied or decreased by the accumulation of the heavier portions of the material. In this Way the velocity of the flow of the-Water may be kept approximately constant, and the intensity of its momentum or impulse may be maintained in a practically constant proportion to that of the centrifugal force developed, While the separation proceeds and the channel or passage, or the space therein is being decreased bythe accumulation of the heavier. .After an appropriate quantity of the heavier yportions of the material'have accumulated, preferably a sufficient amount to largely fill the channel or passage, the supply or feed of material for treatment is preferably discontin ued. The door or plate I', in the discharge is moved to a position to divert the heavier material-to be discharged into its appropriate branch of the pipe, and an additional amount or quantity of Water introduced sufficient to wash out the accu mutated heavier substances. After the heavier portion or substances of the material have been Washed out or removed from the separator, and discharged lthrough the orifices h', the door in the discharge pipe may be again swung or turned to its originalv IOO position, and the ow of water for washing the heavier material out, discontinued, after which, the material for separation may be again introduced with the appropriate quantity of water, as in the beginning, and the operation may be repeated.

It will be understood' that the water, in the construction of the separators illustrated in the drawings, is principally forced or flowed through the channel or passage, by the centrifugal pressure of that portion of the water contained or accumulated in the receiving end of the vessel, and that anincreased rapidity or velocity of flow through the channel or passage, requires a larger quantity or accumulation of water at the receiving end` of the vessel, to exert thenecessary force to produce such increased velocity, which increased accumulation would bring the surface of water at the receiving end of the vesseh-nearer the axis of its rotation. It therefore follows, that during the operation as the channelh or passage, or the space therein, decreases, and the flow or current of water begins to become more rapid through such contracti'ng or decreasing channel, caused by the increasingaccumulation of water at the receiving end of the vessel, the inner surface of suchwater will thereby approach nearer the axis of rotation, and move the floats toward the center of the vessel, carrying or forcing the beveled ends of the rods farther through the slot, forcingthe rod E, endwi'se farther in the hole or openingin the shaft or trunnion of the delector, which endwise movement, as hereinbefore explained, will rock the lever F, and through its connections will, move the valve in a closing direction, thereby lessening the flow of water to the vessel, and through the channel or passage. If, however, the quantity of water accumulated at the receiving end of the vessel begins to lessen, the floats will be enabled to move out farther from the center of rotation, carried' by the action of centrifugal force, and will withdraw the inclinedr or tapered end of their rods from the slots, tosuch degree, permitting the rod E, to be moved by the spring f, in an out direction, and through its connection with the feed valve, farther open it and increase the tiow of water to the separator to such extent. Therefore, as the velocity of iiow of the water through the channel or passage is proportioned to, or determined by, the head or accumulated quantity of water at the receiving end of the vessel, as above explained, it follows, that when the floats are used, they are moved in or out as the head or quantity of water changes in the receiving end of the vessel, and through their operative connection with the supply valve, in the manner hereinbefore explained, the valve is gradually and automatically regulated, governing the flow of water to the vessel, and automatically maintaining an approximately constant velocity of iiow and momentum or impulse in the channel or passage during the operation.

The supply or feed valve is intended to be sufliciently large, and the means through which it is operated, to be proportioned and adjusted properly to regulate the flow of water as desired. If desired, however, and the `separators be constructed to permit of it, all vof the water flowed through the channel or passage need not necessarily be introduced Ithrough the feed pipe, and regulated during the operation by the feed valve, as the separators may be arranged or constructed to circulate a portion of the water repeatedly vthrough the channel or passage, before it is discharged from the vessel, and in that instance the ow of the water through the chanl nel or passage, would be regulated wholly orin part, as the instance might be, by the means through or by which it was repeatedly circulated.

In Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7, I have illustrated ,modified means for regulating the supply of water to the separator, and of maintaining an approximately constant intensity of momentum or impulse of water in the channel or passage, as the operation progresses. To'the gextended end of the deflector shaft c, shown in Fig. 5, I have arranged in a fixed manner, an elongated cone-shaped pulley K, and on the extended end of a screw threaded rod 7c,

I have arranged another cone-shaped pulley vK.

The rod k, is suitably supported'in a bearing lo', andfthe cone pulleys are connected 1 by a belt L, which passes over them through the adjustable guide Z, by means of which the belt may be guided or moved to run over any desired portion of the cone pulleys, regulating, increasing or decreasing the speed' of rotation of the rod, and the partsoperated by it.

On a shaft L', supported in suitable bearings Z,I mount a worm or screw wheel O, engaging with the threads on the rod 7c, so that as the rod revolves through its connect-ion with the cone pulleys, the worm wheel and shaftwill be slowly revolved. On the shaft Land with their respective periphery surfaces operating in contact with the valve stems M', N, or the rollers m, n, thereon,I preferably mount two cam wheels M', N. One of these cam wheels, as particularly shown in Fig. 6, is

preferably formed with its periphery surface gradually divergin g to a greater distance from the center, throughout an appropriate portion of its circumference, untilv within a desired distance from its greatest diameter, at whichv point it quickly ascends to itsgreatest diameter, and for a desired length, remains at a uniform distance from the center, when it quickly descends to the point of its nearest approach t-o the center, where it begins to diverge, as just explained. The other cam Wheel, especially shown in Fig. 7, preferably has its outer surface or diameter, divided into two parts, each throughout its length preferably a uniform distance from the center with abrupt inclines ascending and descending to the respective planes. Appropriately located I provide a feed pipe P, and a water supply IOO IIO

or flush pipe P', or other suitable equivalent,

means for supplying Water and material to the vessel, with valves p, p', respectively in them. The valves are preferably provided with the extended stems, and preferably with the small rollers at their ends to contact with the periphery surfacesof the cam wheels, as above stated. Around the valve stems are provided coiled springs m', n', contacting with the roller brackets at one end and with the body of the valves at the other. The springs serve to force the stems outward, as far as the cam Wheels Will permit, opening the Valves to that extent. The cam wheel M', is intended to connect With the feed valve stem, and to regulate the supply of water While the separation is being effected, While the cam Wheel N', is intended to contact with the stem that v operates the valve which is designed to oontrol the flow of Water to Wash out the accumulated heavier material at the proper times. The cam wheels are intended to be so located relatively on the shaft L', that When either one -of the Valve stems is at an in position, and its valve consequently closed, the other kvalve will be open an appropriate distance.

In operation the vessel is rotated preferably With a quantity of Water in it, as in the first instance, and at the beginning of the operation the valve p', or the Wash-outvalve as it may be called, being closed by its respective cam, the feed valve stem lVLthrough the revolution of the cam M', and projected by its spring m', is brought to the point of its nearest approach to the center of the cam, opening the feed valvevp, to its greatest eX- tent and admitting the requisite amount or quantity of water into the vessel, to create a sufficient ow through the channel or passage therein to develop momentum or impulse of sufficient intensity, relative to the centrifugal force being developed to move and carry or Wash out the lighter portion of the material being treated, and to permit the heavier to lodge or accumulate. As the channel or passage, or the space therein, is being gradually decreased by the accumulation of theheavier, the cam wheels are slowly being revolved, the diverging periphery surface of the wheel M', contacting with the roller in its valve stem slowly and automatically pushing the stem in, andslowlyclosing the valveand decreasingthe supply of Water, thereby automatically maintaining an approximately constant velocity of flow, and intensity of momentum of Water within the gradually decreasing space in which the separation .is being effected. At such time as there has been an appropriate quantity of heavier material accumulated, preferably enough-to largely fill' the channel or passage, the cam wheel M', is-intended to have reached the point in its rotation, to abruptly finish, closing the valve p, entirely stopping the Iiow of Water and material to the vessel; at this time the cam Wheel N', hasreached the point in its revolution to permit the valve p', to open, and introduce a sufficient quantity of Water to the vessel to -Wash out the accumulated heavier material; after the heavier has been Washed out or removed, the cam wheel N', is intended in its rotation to have reached the point to close the valve pf, and the cam wheel M', to be at a point to again permit the valve p, to openand the operation may be repeated. It will thus be seenby this arrangement of the cam Wheels and their associate parts, that they aord automatic means for intermittently starting and stopping the supply of water and material to the separator at the propertime, and also automatic means for starting and stopping the Iiovv of water to Wash out or remove the accumulated heavier portions of the material. v

When the arrangement of the cam Wheels and their connections, as illustrated in the modification, is used, their size and form, as

lWell as their speed ofV rotation, and` the pro-` portions of the valves and other .parts are intended to be such as to suit the conditions of the material being treated, and to supply the desired amount or quantity of Water, and to gradually decrease it in proportion as `the amount of the heavier that it is desired to collect, fills up the channel or passage in which the separation is effected. The speed of rotation of the cam W-heels may be varied, or

regulated by moving the belt L, through the adjustable guide Z, to operate over the one portion or another of its conepulleys. The guide Z may be adjustedby the nuts o.

- Where the Iioats are used to regulate the How to the separator, as iirstdescribed and illustrated, one or morecam Wheels, or other appropriate means maybe usedif desired, to operate in combination, or conjunction With the ioats, to start and-stop the flow-.0f water, for removing the heavier material, and to start and stop the introduction of material at the proper times, and if desired independent means may be used to introduce material for treatment to the separator'.

While I have illustrated and described tvvo ways of changing the flow of Water as the opf eration proceeds, and as the space in thechannel or passage is decreased by the acccumulation of heavier material therein, I do not Wish to confine myself to details of construction, as they maybe varied as the conditions or circumstances Will'permit, and the operator may desire.

I have shown and described the material as being introduced with the water, and'conse-y quently as being decreased or varied as the speed or ow of the Water during the operation. I wish to say that the amount of material fed to the separator may be constant during the operation, and that it may be introduced into the feed hopper of the machine, or by an'y other convenient means, and regulated by aseparate valve, if desired. `When the material for treatment is fed tothe sepa rator through separate` means than the pipe or conduit through Which the Water is fed for diluting and separating it, I prefer to provide IOO rio

the pipe or channel through which it is fed with a valve or stop, and a cam wheel, similar to the wheel N herein illustrated, to operate at the propel' time in conjunction with the other parts, thereby automatically starting and stopping the iiow of material, at the proper time, although of course other means may be employed.

Vhere I have used the term approximately in the specification and claims, I mean it in a sufficiently broad sense to qualify the state, action, result, cause and effect to which it may relate or refer to such extent as to afford such latitude as the conditions of the material or the circumstances attending the operation, may admit, and still secure the desired result.

That I regard as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The method o1' process of separating material containing substances of different degrees of specific gravity, when in a powdered or finely divided condition, which consists in subjecting such material to the action of centrifugal force and at the same time to momentum or impulse of water of sucient intensity to move the lighter substances of the material being treated, and to permit the heavier to accumulate, and maintaining the ratio or proportion of the intensity of such forces developed, approximately constant during the operation, while the space in which the separation is eifected is being varied in size by the heavier portions of the material, substantially as described.

2. The method orprocess of separating material containing substances of different degrees of specific gravity, when in a powdered or finely divided condition, which consists in subjecting such material to the action of centrifugal force while in a submerged state within a covered channel or passage, and at the same time to momentum or impulse of water of suiiicient intensity to move the lighter substances and to permit the heavier to accumulate, and maintaining the ratio or proportion of the intensity of such forces developed, approximately constant during the operation, while the space in which the separation is effected is being varied in size by the accumulation of the heavier substances, substantially as described.

3. The method or process of operating centrifugal ore separators, which consists in rotating the vessel thereof with sufficient rapidity to develop the amount of centrifugal force desired, passing the material to be separated into the channel or passage within the vessel, in which the separation is effected, forcing suiiicient amount or quantity of water through such channel or passage to develop requisite momentum or impulse to move the lighter substances of the material and to permit the heavier to accumulate, and decreasing such amount or quantity of water as the operation progresses approximately as the size of the space within the channel or passage is decreased by the accumulation of heavier sub stances therein, substantially as described.

4. The method or process of operating centrifugal ore separators, which consists in rotating the Vessel thereof with suliicient rapidity to develop the amount of centrifugal force desired of approximatelya eonstantintensity, passing the material to be separated into the channel or passage, within the vessel, in which the separation is effected, forcing suliicient amount or quantity of water through such channel or passage to develop requisite momentum or impulse to move the lighter substances of the material, and to permit the heavier to accumulate and decreasing the quantity of water being iiowed through the channels or passages as the operation progresses, approximately as the size of the space in which the separation is eifected is decreased by the accumulation of heavier portions of the material therein, substantially as described.

5. The method or process of operating eentrifugal oie separators, which consists in rotating the vessel thereof with sufiieient rapidity to develop the amount of centrifugal force desired, passing the material to be separated into the channel or passage, Within the vessel, in which the separation isv effected, forcing sufficient amount or quantity of water through such channel or passage to develop requisite momentum or impulse to move the lighter substances and to permit the heavier to accumulate, and decreasing the quantity of water being fiowed through the channel or passage as the operation progresses, approximately as the size of the space in which the separation is eifeeted is decreased by the accumulation of the heavier substances, until an appropriate amount of heavier has accumulated, and then increasing the quantity of water, to develop the requisite force to remove the accumulated heavier substances, preparatory to repeating the operation, substantially as described.

6. The method or process of operating centrifugal ore separators, which consists in rotating the vessel thereof with sufficient rapidity to develop the amount of centrifugal force desired, passing the material to be separated into the channel or passage, within the vessel, in which the separation is effected, forcing sufcient amount or quantity of water through such channel or passage to develop requisite momentum or impulse to move the lighter substances of such materialand to permit the heavier to accumulate, and decreasing the quantity of water being flowed through the channel or passage as the operation progresses approximately as the size of the space therein is decreased by the accumulation of heavier substances, until an appropriate amount has accumulated, then stopping the flow of the material into the channel or passage and increasing the flow of wa ter to produce requisite force to remove the IOO IIO

accumulated heavier portions of the material,-

preparatory to repeating the operation, sub,

means for maintaining an approximately coni stant relative degree or proportion of intensity of momentum or impulse of water and centrifugal force developed within the channel or passage in which the separation is effected, while the size of the space therein is being varied during the operation by heavier. portions of the material, substantially as described. Y 9. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable vessel, and means for maintaining an approximately constant velocity of ilow of Water, through the channel or passage in which the separation is progressing, as the size of the space therein is being varied during the operation by the heavier portions of the material, substantially as described.

lO. In a centrifugalore separator, the com-h bination of a rotatable vessel, and automatic means for maintaining an approximatelyconstant Velocity of flow of water through the channel or passage in which the separation is progressing, as the size of the space therein is being varied during the operation by the heavier portions of the material, substantially as described.

1l. In a centrifugalore separator, the combination of a rotatable vessel, and means for varying the flow of water to the separator, in approximately the same degree or amount as the size of the space in the channel or passage in which the separation is effected, is varied during the operation by the heavier portions of the material, substantially as described.

12. In a centrifugal ore separator, the cornbination of a rotatable vessel, and automaticV means for varying the dow of the water to the separator in approximately the same degreev or amount, as the size of the space in the channel or passage in which the separation is eiected is varied during the operation, by the heavier portions of the material,substan tially as described. v

13. In a centrifugal ore separator, the cornbination of rotatable cylinders, one within the other, with a channel or passage between them, in which the separation is eected, and means for maintaining an approximately constant relative degree or proportion of intensity of momentum or impulse of Water, and

centrifugal force developed within the channel or passage, While the size of the space /therein is being varied during the operatlon! by the heavier portions Vof the` material, substantialiy as described.

14. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of rotatable cylinders,one within the,

the heavier portions of the material, substan tially' as described.

15. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of rotatable cylinders, one within the other, with a channel or passage between them, in which the separation is effected,and

means for varying the flow of water tothe separator, in approximately the same degree orV amount as the size of the space in the channel or passage is varied during the operation by the heavier portions of the material, substantially as described.

16. In a centrifugal ore separator, the com bination of rotatable cylinders, one within the other, with a channel or passage between them in which the separation is effected, and automatic means for varying the flow of water to the separator, in approximately the same degree or amount as the size of the space in thechannel or vpassage is varied during the operation, by the heavier portions of the material, substantially as described.

17. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable vessel, means for maintaining an approximately constant relative degree or proportion of intensity of momentum or impulse of water and centrifugal force developed within the channel or passage in which the separation is effected while theI size of the space therein isv being varied during the operation by theheavier portions of material, and means for removing the accumulated heavier portions of material, substantially as described.A

18. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable vessel, means for main-A taining an approximately constant yrelative degree orproportion of intensity of momentum or impulse of water and centrifugal force developed, within the channel or passage in which the separation is effected, while the size of the space therein is being varied during the operation by heavier portions of the material, and automatic means for intermittently supplying water for removing the accumulated heavier portions of the material,

substantially as described.

19. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable vessel, means for maintaining an approximately constant relative degreeor proportion of intensityof momentum or impulse of Water and centrifugal force developed within the channel or passage in which the separation is effected, while the size of the space therein is being varied during the operation by the heavier portions of the material, and automatic means for intel'- mittently starting and stopping the flow of material to separator, and automatic means for intermittently starting and stopping the ow of Water for removing' the accumulated heavier portions of the material, substantially as described.

ORRIN B. PECK.

\Vitnesses:

M. OBRIEN, EDMOND C. PECK.