US917120A - Centrifugal ore-separator. - Google Patents

Description

P. F. PEGK. GBNTRIPUGAL ORE SEPARATOR. APPLIQATION FILED JULY 22, 190B.

Patented Apr. 6, 1909.

14 3 SHEETSB HEET .1.

Hi ll 4 I I W .4 wa wwl INN W l I t a a w m w fl 1 & w fi P. F. PEOK.

GENTRIFUGAL ORB SEPARATOR.

AIYLIUATION FILED JULY 22, 1908.

Mm 9T, o w@% 7 PHILIP F. PEOK, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

CENTBIFUGAL ORE-SEPARATOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

fatented April 6, 1909.

Application filed July 22, 1908. Serial No. 444,787.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, PHILIP F. PEoK, a

citizen of the United States, residing at Chi ca e, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Centrifugal.OreSeip-' arators, of which the following is a speci cation. I r

The objects of myinvention are to construct a separator employing centrifugal force and assisting agencies for separation of particles of waste andvalue in pulverized ores while mixed with liquid, in the most complete manner, With as, slight a loss as possible, as hereinafter more fully set forth,

and of the same general character or class as those illustrated in my ap lications SerialNos. 453,526 and 453,527, th filed September 17, 1908, and'application Serial No. 456,060, filed October 3, 1908.

.In the accompanying drawing Figure 1 is a side elevation of the rotatable portions and the frame of my separator, as well as showing the launderintransverse central section. isa top plan view of my se arator.

. Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical centra section of my separator, excepting the frame, which is shown in side elevation. Fig. 4 is princi ally an enlarged transverse section of the left side of the main rotating arts, similar to that illustrated in Fig. 3, ut with the flexible portion shown partly expanded and with liquid shown present as it occurs during operation. Fig. 5 is similar to Fig.4 except that the liquid is not illustrated present, and the flexible portion is shown as contracted to substantially its minimum size. Fig. 6 is a transverse section of my separator, on line 6-6, of Fig. 3, looking'in the direction of the arrows, showing a distended state of the flexible portion, as in Fig. 4. Fig. 7, is a vertical cross section of the flexible covering element to the deflector, removed and broken near its center to reduce the size of this figure. Fig. 8, is a transverse sectional view similar to Fig. 4 of the separator, showing a modified deflector supporting part. Fig. 9, isan outside elevation of a fragmentary segmental art of the deflector supporting structure, 'lustrating the modification presented in-Fig. 8.

in making my improved centrifugal separator, I provide a member having a separating surface, which. member I prefer to be in the form of a vessel A, with a closed bottom and substantially open top. The bot tom of the vessel has a central hub B, that engages rigidly a shaft C, that is mounted in journal boxes D and D, respectively, to support it vertically; the journal boxes are attached to a suitable general supporting frame E of the separator, and the lower-en of the shaft is stepped on .an anti-friction bearing F, (Fig. 3) to carry its weight. The vessel A is turned smoothly on its inner wall, which affords the separating surface G, over which the substances to'be separated pass, a

as hereinafter described, and the rim of the open or upper edge of the vessel is flanged outward as shown and indicated by H, which flange has an annular recess at its outer top edge, around into v-rhich the depending part of the ring I, is seated. I The rin 'l, from'its depending part extends inward some distance toward the axis of the vessel, thereby partly closing the o ening in the top of the vessel. The depep ing part on this ring is some greater in width than the depth of the annular recess in the flange H, so there is left between the ring and the flange, when the two are seated together, an annular space J. The vessel is preferably made larger at its open end then at its closed, thereby inclining its walls and the separating surface outward from the bottom of the vessel as illustrated toward its top. .The rirg 1, extends a greater distance toward the axis than the extent of outward slant or inclination of the Walls of the vessel, so that the bore or opening of the ring is less in diameter than the diameter of the bottom of the vessel, resulting, when desired during operation, in a suilicient body of the liquid, supplied to the vessel, being retained in the vessel to fill the separating passage and submerge its inner walls and the separating surface. The ring I is held in place on the flange of the vessel by the screws K, which pass through the ring and are threaded into the flange as shown. This ring around its outer diameter, through its de ending part is provided with a row of screw tlireaded holes communicating with the space J, into hich are placed plugs L, that are provided ith small holes L shown in Fi s. 4 and 5, of suitable size to permit of (ischarge of liquid and material from the vessel, yet to retain a sufficient quantity in the vessel to fill the separating channel and submerge the separating surface, as above stated.

Located inside of the vessel A, and to gether with said vessel forming a separating the inside of the vessel A, thereby leaving the separating passage -M, adjacent to the separatlng surface, it is also somewhat shorter than the inside of the vessel A,-and

has a central hub O, which securely and rigidly engages thelower portion of the sleeve P, that is mounted in a rotatable manner around the central shaft C.

Between the u per end of the hub B, and

the lower end 0' the sleeve P, I provide a bearing Q, (Fig. 3), which is preferably of an anti-friction type; this bearing is' of sufficient thickness to hold the bottoms of the vessels A and N apart, and leave a comparatively small space R between them as shown.

On the upper end of the sleeve'P, I provide a pulley S, by whichthe sleeve with the deflector may be revolved differentially to the vessel A, by means of any suitable belt (not shown) from an a propriate source of power. Around the hu O of the deflector vessel, 1. provide a ring T, which rises above the bottomof the vessel and forms a feed chamher U. The ring has a central opening at its top, considerably larger than the outer diameter of the hub O, leaving an annularw space around the hub through which liquid and'material may be introduced into the feed chamber U. This ring T has an outwardly extended flange at its lower edge, that fits in the recess inside of the raised boss V on the bottom of the deflector vessel, and

j is tightly secured to the vessel by the screws W; Near the outer diameter of this feed chamber, I provide a number of holes X, through the bottom of the deflector vessel, which serve as material and liquid from the feed chamber down into t 1e space R, whence such materialand liquid actuated by centrifugal force may be driven into the separating passage as hereinafter described.

The deflector member, :in addition tothe supporting part or element N, which isillustr'ated as a vessel, embodies a flexible part. which I prefer to form by surrounding the circumference of the supporting part with an expansible element Y that may be in the nature of a suitable piece of rubber fabric, jacket or tubing securely and appropriately fastened to the supporting part. The fastening of this expansible element to the supporting vessel or element N, is preferably effected by tightly winding several strands of wire Z around. over the desiredplaces and twisting or otherwise suitably securing the ends of the wiretogether. In thisway the larger part of the circumferential area of the deflector vessel and the expansible jacket element are unattached,"and form facility for expansion chambers 2, which are adapted to receive liquid under pressure for expanding the jacket element to enlarge the. deflector and proportionately decrease the depth of the separating passageas hereinafter. described. The strands of wire wrapped around this expansible element estab ishes complete substantially liquid tight partition or division between these expansion chambers, making them closed or practically so with respect to each other, and cause the expansible member to be revolved with the deflector vessel during operation.

deflector vessel,-one of which is located preferably in transverse axillar alinelnent with each of the expansion chambers;

Around the bottoms of these ring shaped troughs are several holes 5, extending from the channels 4 in the troughs through the wall ofthe deflector vessel, and communicating with their respective expansion chambers. During operation of the separator, liquid introduced into the channels 4 is in part driven b the action of centrifugal force through the holes 5,.into the expansion chambers 2, becoming expanding liquid, and by liquid pressure distending or expanding the jacket element Y outward, enlarging the I diameter of the deflector and proportionassages ately diminishing the size or depth of the space M, which is the separating The degree of expansionfof this jac ret e e ment depends largely on the quantity of liquid introduced and maintained in the channels 4, as heremafter more fully exlained. As means'for introducing liquid into-these channels 4, to effect expansion, there is provided a pipe 6, having branches 7 with their delivery ends in position to flow the liquid into the respective channels, and in each of these branches is a valve 8, which affords facility for independently regulating the supply of liquid flowed into the different channels 4, resulting in the degree of distention 'of the expansible clement over the area of the different expansion chambers and separating surface,' being regulated and governed independently of each other.

The accumulation or quantity of liquid for efiectlng expansion, which it is desired and ern itted 1n the separator is not only regu ated by the valves 8, but any excess lessens the liquid pressure in the expansion chambers and permits a proportionate con-- traction of the jacket element or portion N and consequently enlarges the separating passage as desired, thereby t5. conduits form means for limiting quantity of liquid cx'ertnig expanding pressure on tlc jacket or expansible element, independently of the rotating speed of the deflector mem her, and together with the movali-ly supporting rods 10, hereinafter described, form variable and adjustable means for regulating and limiting such expanding pressure. The amount of expanding liquid removed from either of the channels 4, and their associate expansion chambers, will depend on how far the operatin end of the conduit 9 affecting it, is mover out toward the bot tom of that channel 4.

The conduits 9 are supported by the rod 10 through the swiveled camps l1 and may be independently adjusted to bring their scoop ends in or out in position to remove the expansion liquid from a greater or less I l vice versa. During operation of the separadepth in the channels 4, and the delivery ends of these conduits may terminate at any suit-able place to dispose of the removed liquid but I have illustrated them in position to deliver it into tlc feed chamber I), of t2 e separator, whence it passes through the separating passage.

Water or other liquid with material to be separated is fed to the separator from any suitable source of supply, through a conduit. which I have shown as a ipe 12, with its end entering the s ace lea. ing into the feed chamber U. F iom the feed chamber, during operation, the liquid and material pass through the holes X, down into the space It, and, actuated by centrifugal force, are driven up into the se arating passage M with pressure resulting rom said force on the liquid in the separating passage as well as by the force on progressively following liquid flowing in the space R. The pressure of the liquid in the separating passage exerts a resisting force on'the outer-surface or wall .of the expansible element Y, to the latters expansion and at the same time, and thereby exerts -a liquid compression force thereon, so

scooping the liquid out of the channels at a grea or distance from the axis,

that it f0ll0\ that during operation, while liquid is in the separating passa e, being ac-' tuated by centrifugal force, and iquid is also in the expansion. chambers, being actuated by centrifugal force, the expansible clement under pressure and will yield in expansion orcontraction as the case may be, to the body of liquid which exerts a sufficiently greater or excess pressure to effect suchresult. 'l hus, while operating between yieldable expansion and compression'forces, it will automatically vary the size of the sepa rating passage in conformity with the variation of the expansion and compression forces operating against its respective sides. If it is desired during operation toprocure a of the deflector, w ich will decrease the ing ends of the conduits 9, may be adjusted nearer to: the separator axis and ermit a greater accumulation of liquid in t e channels 4, resulting in a dee or column of liquid accumulating in the eel channels being actuated by centrifugal energy and exerting a consequent greater expanding liquid pressure against the inner Wall of the expansible 'element. This condition may be developed. sufiiciently to over-balance the compression pressure of the liquid in the separating passage and effect expansion to the extent wished. If it is desiredto produce greater expansion in one of the expansion chambers than in another, the position of the conduit 9 which operates with respect to that particular chamber may be adjusted independently to permit a deeper accumulation of actuat ing expansion liquid for that chamber, and

tor the vessel or member carrying the separatingsurface is revolved at a desired rate of speed by a belt (not shown) passing around the pulley 13-, from any suitable source of motive power, and the deflector is revolved at a suflicient speed differential to the separating surface to effect purposes desired. During this time, has been liereinalmve explained, the expansible element orfpertion of the deflector is operating bctweentlre, expanding pressure of the liquid in the expansion chambers and the compression pressure of liquid in the separating passage, and from the fact that this expansible element or portion is secured to its supporting part N, it rotated therewith, and differentially to the vessel A, the separating surface and the liquid and material in the separating pa sage, and through the instrumentality of the liquid in the separating passage transmits a liquid scouring or wa hing friction on. the separating surface, or material that may be thereon. The effectiveness of this scouring friction and its practical results in aiding separation l depend largely on the nearness ofoperating Y is operating between two bodies of liquidgreater degree of ex ansion and greater size depth of the separating passage, the operatill) llZ)

proximity of the flexible element to the surface where separation is being effected, and to obtain the desired nearness 'of operating osition of these differentially moving surfaces, and consequent intensity of frictional wash, a sufficient quantity of liquid may be introduced and maintained in the channels 4 pansion pressure to-effect this as above explained, to create requisite expurpose, and

as separated material lodges an beds on the separating surface, contracting the separat-,

the channels 4, as such accumulation occurs,

the expansible element will be automatically forced backward, but not in so satisfactory manner as when part of the liquid is gradu ally removed from the channels 4.

In operation the liquid, which I prefer to be water, with finely pulverized material to be separated, in a state to flow freely, is introduced into theseparator through thepipe 12her'einabove described, and is driven into the separating passage, the liquid accumulating in a sufficient body to fill the separating passage, the lighter portion of the material withthe liquid then passes up over the separating surface and over its top edge into the space J and to discharge through small holes Lin the'plugs L, While the heavier parts of the material lodge on the separating surface. At the beginning of the operation the member Y is expanded to approach within a short distance of the separating surface in order that its washing friction for assisting in separation may be sufliciently effective, as well as to prevent 1rregularities or uneven-f ness m the bedding of separated mater al.

As the operation proceeds and the separated material accumulates in a bed on the 'sepa rating surface, filling the'separating passage to that extent, the flexible element Yis progressively contracted until there has been a sufficient quantity of separated material or concentrates bedded in the separating channel to practically fill it, then the flow of water with the material for separation is discontinued by closing the valve 14, and the speed 1 of the vessel having the separating surface is decreased to a comparatively slow velocity, which lessens the degree of centrifugal force by which the bedded. material is held on the separating surface, and clean water is introduced by means of the branch pipe 15, which connects with a suitable source of referably clean water supply, the volume 0 which is regulated by the valve 16.. The high speed place desired.

of rotation of the dellcctor is maintained dur ing this time, which greatly increases the differential velocity, and automatically the intensity of the securing force in the separat ing channel.- The intensity of the securing force is automatically increased because the pressure in the expansionchambers remains security, causes this material to quickly yield and be carried out and dischargedwith the Water or other liquid through the holes in the plugs L where it is caught in the launder 17, and as dischargedfrom said launder through the opening 18, may'thc-n be diverted to any The launder is supported by the bracket 19, and has a removable coveror top. 20, While-the bedded accumulation of separated concentrates is being-removed, the pressure of the liquid in the expansion chambers forces the flexible element outward, keeping its outside surface in close operating proximity for effecting that purpose, and if desired during thistime, expansion may be further augmented by permitting a greater accumulation of liquid in the channels 4. After the accumulation of separated material has been discharged, the greater speed of rotation of the vessel 'A is restored, the clean Water valve 16 closed and the material valve 14 opened and the operation is repeated.

there is then a more excessive expansion pressure being exerted on the flexible element than required to best facilitate separation it may be reduced to the desired extent by removing part of the liquid from the channels 4 by means of the pipes 9. The ipes 6, it Will be seen, are suitably supported by the arm 21, and the rod 10 is also adjusta-bly supported to this arm by the bracket 22, through which it passes. The pipe 12 is secured to thegeneral frame of the separator as illustrated. I I 1 j In the modification shown in-Figs. 8* and 9, l[ have employed a supporting element for the flexible member 23 more inthe form of frame work than is the deflector vessel 11, shown in other figures, and I have also o1nitted the. channeled rings 3, employing instead a partition ring 24, Fig. '8; which, together with the element 23, forms annular liquid channels or receptacles- 25, from which the liquid passes readily into contact with the flexible member Y, through the openings in the supporting element 23.

By the term separating surface in the specification and claims I mean it in a broad sense and not necessarily to imply a con tinuous smooth even surface, and of course it will be understood that the various rota member a separating passage which is adapttable thereto in part forming with said first table parts of theseparator will be finished true and concentric, or otherwise made in a manner to permit them to subserve the purposes desired and to be revolved at a suflil ciently high speed without serious vibration. i I prefer that all parts where practicable be E turned smooth and even. I desire to further state that in the specification and claims where I have used the expression that the vessel or member having the separating surface and the member having the expansible element together form the separating pas-. sage, I do not mean to necessarily imply that they wholly form such passage, as they may only in part form it and still come within the scope of my meaning, claims and invention.

Vlfhat- I regard as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1.. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member havin a separating surface, a member differentijly rotamember a separating passage, the second member embodying an element in proximity to the separating surface adapted to be ex panded by li uid pressure, and means adapt- Y ed to supplyiquid for effecting said expanding pressure, substantially as described.

2. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member forming one Wall of a separating assage, and a member differentially rotatab e thereto in part forming the separating passage which is adapted to contain a body of liquid while in operation, the second member embodying an ele ment adapted to be expanded by liquid ressure and to be periodically contracted by pressure of liquid in the separating passage, substantially as described.

3. In a centrifu al separator, the combination of a rotatab e member having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatable thereto,'forming in part with said first ed to contain a body of liquid while in operation, the said second member embodying an exterior element adapted to hold liquid While in operation and to be expanded and contracted by liquid pressure actuated by centrifugal force, substantially as described.

4. In a centrifu al separator, the combination of a rotatable member, forming one wall of a separating passage, a member differenti'ally rotatable thereto, in part forming said separating passage which is adapted to contain a body of liquid while in operation, the second member embodying a substantially non-expansible supporting element and an expansible element adapted to hold liquid While in operation and to be periodically expanded and contracted by iquid pressure actuated b centrifugal force, and means for supplying liquid for effecting said pressure, su stantially as described.

5. In a centrifugal separator, the combiseparating passage, substantially as described.

6. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable vessel having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatable to said vessel, forming therewith a separating passage, said member embodying a yieldable portion adjacent to the separating passage adapted to be subjected to liquid pressure on both of its sides while in operation and to yield toward or from the axis of rotation forced by the liquid on its side which exerts the greater pressure thereon and adapted to generate liquid frictional force within the separating pass-age, substantially as described. 7. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatable thereto forming with said first member a separating passage which is adapted to contain a body of liquid while in operation, means for subjecting said liquid to the action of centrifugal force, the second member embodying a flexible element adjacent to the separating passage, which element is adapted. to contain a body of liquid and to yield 1n" expansion or contraction to the liquid on its side exerting relatively excess pressure thereon and means for subjecting the liquid in the expansible element to the action of centrifugal force, substantially as described.

8. In a centrifugal separator, the comb-ination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatablethereto forming with said first member a separating passage, the second member embodying a yieldable element adapted to be expanded by liquid pressure in relatively varying degrees throughout parts of its area,

and means for supplying liquid expansion pressure in relatively varying degrees throughout different parts of the area of said element, substantially as described.

9. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, and a member differentially rotatable thereto forming with said first member a separating passage which is adapted to contain a body of water while in operation, the second member embodying an element adapted to be expanded by liquid 7 pressure throughout part of its area, irrespective of other parts of its area, substantially as described.

3 10. In a centrifugal separatonthe combi- 1 ing passage and embod ing a non-expansible nation ofa rotatable member having a sepaelement with a sleeve s 'aped expansible elerating surfaceja member differentially rotatable thereto forming with said first member a separating passage, the second member embodying an element in part forming liquid containing chambers and adapted to be eX- panded by liquid pressure relatively to a greater degree throughout one part of its area than another part, and means adapted to supply liquid to said chamber, substantially as described.

11. In a centrifugal separator, the combi nation of a rotatable member, havin a separating surface, a deflector differentia ly rotatable thereto forming with said member a separating passage which is adapted to contain a body of water while in operation, the deflector embodying an exterior portion adapted to be expanded by liquid pressure throughout parts of its area and means adapted to regulate expanding pressure over parts of said area of said exterior portion irrespective of other parts thereof, substantially as described 12. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a sepa rating surface, a differentially rotatable de fleetor forming together with said member a separating passage and embodying a suhstantially non-expansible part. and on the circumference thereof an expansible part adapted to be expanded byliquid pressur said two parts forming a liquid chamber within the deflector and means for introducing liquid in said chamber, whereby expansion is effected, substantially as des u-ieed.

13. Ina centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflector forming vs ith said member.- a sepae rating passage, and embodying a non-expansible part and on the circumference thereof an expansible part, said two parts forming multiple liquid chambers substantially closed with respect to each other, and means for supplying liquid in relatively varying quantities to the separate chambers, substantially as described.

14. In a centrifugal separator, the combi nation of a rotatable. member having a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflector forming v. 1th said mein er a separating passage and embodying asubstantially non-expansible supporting part and on the circumference thereof an expansible part, said two parts forming a substantially continuous liquid chamber around the circumference of the non-expansible part, and means for, introducing liquid to said chambers, substantially as described.

15. In a centrifugal se ')arator, the combination of a rotatable vessel having a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflector forming with said vessel a separatment secured on its circumference, said elements forming multiple substantially circumferentially.continuous liquid chambers around the non-expansible element and means adapted to supply li uid to the respective chambers, substantiall y as described.

16. In a'centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflector forming in part with said member,

a separating passage and embodying a non-' expansible element and on the c1rcumference thereof an expansible element, said two elements in part forming multiple substantially circumferentially continuous liquid chambers around the non-cxpansible elethereof an cxpansible element, the two elements in part forming multiple substantially circumferentially continuous liquid chambers around the non-expansible element, means adapted to supply liquid to the'respecfive chambers and adjustable means adapted to automatically limit the quantity of liquid contained in said chambers, substantially as described.

1.8. In a centrifugalseparator, the combination of a rotatable element having a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflector forming with said element a separating passage and embodying a non-expansible element and on the circumference thereof an expansible element, said t o elem nts forming multiple substantially circumferentially continuous liquid chambers around the non-expansible element, and an adjustable ccnduit with an opening adapted .to operate against the surface (if the expansion liquid affecting said chambers for removalthereof, substantially as described.

19. in a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a se"p aratin surface a diifrrentiallv rotatable dellector forming with said member a sepanation of a rotatable member ha\ ing a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflector forming with said member a separating passage, said deflector embodyinc a yieldable frictional scouring element adapted to operate between two bodies of liquid under pressure, and to .be expanded or contracted by the relatively varying pressures of the two bodies of liquid, and means for supplying liquid on both sides of said element, substantially as described.

21. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflector, forming with said member a separating passage and embodying a supportiner part and a yieldable frictional part secured to the supporting part forming a liquid chambar and adapted to operate between two bodies of liquid under pressure and to be ex-' panded and contracted by the body of liquid exerting the greater pressure thereon, means having annular liquid channels within the deflector, means for introducing liquid into said channels and means for introducing liquid into a separating channel, substantially as described.

22. In a centrifugal separator, the combi nation of a rotatable member mounted on a supportina shaft and havinq a separating surface, adifferentially rotatable deflector within said member secured to an element journaled around said shaft, the deflector embodying a yieldable element-adapted to be expanded and contracted by liquid pressure, a supporting element to said yieldable element, and means for rotating th support ing element around the shaft, substantially as described.

23. In a centrifu al separator, the combination of a rotatable vessel mounted on a supporting shaft and havine a separatinq surface, journal boxes eneaeing said shaft, a differentially rotatable deflector within the vessel forming therewith a separating passage adapted to hold water while in operation, the deflector embodying a supportine' element enqaaing a sleeve journaled around the vessel shaft and a yieldable element secured to said supporting element, adapted to operate between two bodies of liquid in the separator and to be expanded or contracted by the body of liquid exerting the greatest pressure thereon, means for introducing, liquid to both sides of said yield able element. and means for effecting rotation of the vessel and deflector, substantially as described.

24. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a deflector differentially rotatable thereto forming with said member a separating passage, which is adapted to contain a body of liquid while in operation, said deflector embodying expansible and contractible means adapted through the instrumentality of liquid pressure to be periodically expanded and contracted there by ef ecting: contra tion and enlargement of the separating pave 5e, and means for limiting; the quantity of expan ion liquid within the deflector, substantially as described.

25. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable member having separating surface, a member differentially rotatable thereto in part forn'iing with the first member leeparatinp passage, the second member embodying an element in proximity to theseparating surface adapted to be expanded during operation and to be automatically contracted by pressure of liquid in the separating passage and means adapted to supply liquid to the separating passage, substantially as described.

26. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatable thereto in part forming with the first member a separating passage which is adapted to contain body of liquid while in operation, a yieldably expansibla element adapted to be automatically conracted by ure of liquid inthe separating passage, :1 s adapted to effect yieldable expansion of said expansible element and means for introducing: liquid into the separating passage, substantiz-illy as described.

combination of a rotatable member, having rotatable thereto'in pert forming with the first men'iber r repainting passage, the second member-embo lying; an element in proximity to the separating surface, adapted to auton'iatically yield to the relatively varying expansion and compression forces operating on its respective sides, effecting substantial contraction or enlr 'gement of the separating passage and means for limiting said expansion force independently of the rotating speed of said second member, substantially as described.

28. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatable thereto in part forming with the first member a separating passage, the secondmember embodying an element in to be expanded during operation and to be contracted by pressure of liquid in the separating passage, means adapted to limit expansion pressure on said flexible element variable independently of variation of the rotating speed of said element, and means adapted to supply liquid to the separating passage, substantially as described.

combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatable thereto in part forming with the 27. In a centrifugal ore separator, the

a separating surface, a member differentially proximity to the separating surface, adapted 29. In a centrifugal ore separator, the.

,tojbe expanded during operation, relatively 'to a greater degree'throughout one part of i Witnesses:

first member a separating passage, the secrating passage, and means adapted to supply 01rd member embodying an element in pr0X- "liquid to the separating passage, substanimity to the. separating surface adapted :tially as described.

' PHILIP F. PECK.

JOHN CAMPBELL, JESSE E. PE K.

its area than another part thereof and to be contracted by pressure of liquid in the sepa-

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