USRE21185E

USRE21185E - Sepabating system and method

Info

Publication number: USRE21185E
Authority: US
Priority date: 1934-02-07
Publication date: 1939-08-29
Also published as: US2076815A

Description

Aug. 29, 1939. J. E. FULWEILER 21,185

SEPARATING SYSTEM AND METHOD Orlginal Filed Feb. 7, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 I N V E N TO R JOHN 50M FOL M945? ATTORNE Aug. 29, 1939. J- E. FULWEILER I 21,185

SEPARATING SYSTEM AND METHOD Onginal Filed .Feb. '7, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Jo /v EDW/A F04 WE/L 5/? ATTORNE Aug. 29, 1939. E. FULWEILER Re. 21,

SEPARATING SYSTEM AND METHOD Onginal Filed Feb. '7, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 A Z Eg B4 X 2 T w g: 2A A 2/ .0 w zmA INVENTOR ATT Reissued Aug. 29, 1939 R 21,185

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SEPARATING SYSTEM AND METHOD John Edwin Fulweiler, Moylan, Pa.

Original No. 2,076,815, dated April 13, 1937, Se-

rial No, 710,056, Februar I, 1934. Application for reissue July 21, 1938, Serial No. 220,599

30 Claims. (01, 183-75) This invention relates to separating methods vertical position with the faces of the plates so and systems and more particularly pertains to disposed that the gases are caused to make an the separation of gases and solid matter carried abrupt change in the direction of flow from a by the gases in suspension. downward to an upward direction, preferably on Separations of this character have heretofore the order of 330 from the original downward been efiected in order to collect the solid matter direction but I do not wish tobe limited to this or to purify the gases in which the solids are value. The total flow area of the space between carried by a separation of the solid matter from the baflle plates in the tiers of each flow path is a portionof the gases carrying the same and a made considerably larger than the flow area of concentration of these solids into another portion the path inlet thereby providing for an abrupt 10 of the gases, accompanied by a freeing of the decrease in velocity at the moment of the change clean gases, followed by the separation of the in direction of flow of the gases. The hopper for solids from the portion of the gases into which collecting the separated solids or dust is disposed they have been concentrated and the collection of directly below the lower end of the. downward the solids. The systems utilized for accomplishpath or paths of flow so that the flow path of the 15 ing these separations have been objectionable beaverage dust or solid particle is continuous in cause the equipment had to be of a comparatively substantially the same direction from its entrance great size to obtain high efiiciency, or the equipinto the separator until it is deposited in the ment has been so complicated in design as to be hopper. If desired a plurality of spaced plates impractical because of its high cost or the conmay be provided in the downward paths of flow 20 centration of the solids in part of the carrying to provide a reduction in flow area for the gases gases has been so low as to render the system and also to provide traps for the solids separated ineflici'ent. from the gases and for delivering these solids to The present invention overcomes these objecthe hopper. The use of tiers of straight, spaced tions to prior systems and provides a novel sepabailie plates is advantageous because of the sim- 25 rating method which may be practiced in equippliclty of construction and the readiness with ment of the baffle type which achieves a high which such construction lends itself to a multiinitial goncentration of the solids, is compact in plication of separating units either for series or form and economical to manufacture and operate, parallel flow, thereby affording great variation in and is capable of being assembled with separator capacity and making it possible to handle large 30 units of the same design to provide variaticns in volumes of gases within comparatively small capacity. The units may also be assembled so as spaces and at the expense of comparatively small to provide a plurality of stages in series to treat pressure drops. gases carrying extremely fine dusts. The nature of the invention will be understood In accordance with the invention, the gases from the following description considered in con- 35 and solids are separated by causing the gases to nection with the accompanying drawings formmake an abrupt change in direction of flow, ing a part thereof and in which: augmented by the fact that this directional flow Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of one form change is from a downward to an upward direcof apparatus embodying the present invention tion thereby utilizing the force of gravity in addiand taken substantially on line l-| of Fig. 3; 40 tion to the momentum of the dust particles in re- Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on line slsting the change of direction and further aug- 22 of Fig. 3; mented by the fact that the velocity of the flow of F'jg 3 is a ti l Sectional View taken the gases in the original downward direction is stantlany on line H of Fig 1; considerably in excess of the velocity of flow in Fig. 4 is a top plan View f the the changed or upward direction. More speciflm Elsa 1 to Cally the downward flow of the gases carrying t Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on solids is through a path of gradually decreasing th t th 1 t of the solid or dust hue L5 flow area 6 ve y Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken subparticles is Substantially The t ti 11 ll s s of F1 7 and illustratin 50 change of direction of flow is accomplished by s an y on De a g means of one or more tiers of straight, spaced another form of the invention assembled in a baflle plates, resembling when assembled, the plurality of separator f connected series; common form of Venetian blind. The tiers of is a vert cal sect onal view taken subbaille plates are disposed in a vertical or nearly stantially on line 1-1 of Fig. 6;

apparatus shown 45 separator therein Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 is a partial vertical sectional view taken on line 3-9 of Fig. '1.

Like characters of reference designate like or similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings, the disclosed includes a casing designated generally Ill having a front wall ,9. rear wall I2 and side walls l3 and I4. These walls are preferably arranged at right angles to each other to provide a rectangular separator casing. The lower ends of the aforementioned walls of the casing converge to form a hopper i4 having an outlet i5 at the bottom thereof which is controlled by a suitable valve ii. The casing is provided with an inlet I! at its upper end and adjacent the front wall H, as shown, and with an outlet I8 at the upper end of the casing in the rear wall a conduit [3 to an induced draft fan or a stack designated 20 to cause the gases to flow throu h the casing from the outlet to the inlet, or the gases may be forced through the casing by a fan or other suitable means connected to the inlet.

A plurality of straight baflie plates 2| are disposed in spaced relationship along the front wall ll of the casing as shown and are arranged in a plurality of vertically inclined tiers 22, 23, 24 and 25. These bailles 2! in each tier extend from the front wall It to an intermediate wall 23 which extends between the side walls i3 and i4 parallel to the front and rear walls and from the upper end of the casing to' the top of the hopper l4. Wall 25 is provided with wedgeshaped openings 21 and 23 located between the tiers 22, 24 and '23, 25. The baiiies 2! in each of the tiers are disposed in parallel relationship and are arranged so that their faces are inclined to the vertical. The tiers 22 and 23, as clearly shown in Fig. 3, are vertically inclined so that their upper ends or the ends adjacent the inlet II are disposed more closely together than their lower ends. The tier 24 is vertically inclined so that its upper end is disposed more closely to the side wall i3 than the lower end and tier 23 is vertical- 1y inclined so that its upper end is closer to the side wall i4 than its lower end. Each of the tiers or bailies extends from a point somewhat below the top of the casing It to a point somewhat above the top of the hopper M. The upper ends of the tiers 22 and 24 are connected by an inverted V-shaped horizontally inclined hood 23 and the upper ends of tiers 23 and 25 are connected by a similar hood 33 similarly disposed. As indicated more clearly in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the hoods 29 and 33 are disposed somewhat below the upper end of casing l3, and extend from the intermediate wall 26 to the front wall H. An inverted V-shaped plate 3| is disposed at the lower ends of tiers 22 and 24 somewhat above the upper end of hopper l4 and extends from the intermediate wall 26 to the front wall H, and a similar plate 32 is disposed at the lower ends of tiers 23 nd 25 above hopper l4 and between the walls 28 and Ii.

The tiers of baiiles 22 and 23 together with the walls II and 25 form a vertically downward inlet path of flow designated A for the gases and solids entering the separator. The tier 24 together with side wall 13 and walls I l and 23 forms another vertically downward path of ilow designated A and the tier 25 together with the side wall i4 and the walls ii and 23 forms still another vertically downward path of flow designated l2. The outlet l3 may be connected by A. Suitable means such as the plates shown and disposed in each of the inlet paths of flow A, A, and A, restrict these paths so as to provide flow paths of gradually diminishing areas of flow from the upper ends of these plates to the upper end.

of the hopper l4. Plates 33 and 34 are disposed in the path A with their upper ends in contact at a point centrally of the path A and below the upper ends of the tiers 22 and 23 and with their lower ends spaced apart above the upper end of hopper l4. These plates 33 and 34 extend between walls I I and 26. Shorter plates 35 and 33 are disposed alongside of the plates 33 and 34 in spaced relationship thereto, and extend between the walls II and 25 and have their upper ends disposed farther from the plates 33 and 34 respectively than their lower ends. Plates 31 and 33, shorter than plates 35 and 36 are disposed alongside of the latter in spaced relationship thereto and between the walls II and 26 and have their upper ends disposed farther from the plates 35 and 36 than their lower ends. Plates 39. 43 and 4! disposed in path A, are similar to plates 34, 33 and 33 respectively, and are disposed with reference to the tier ofbailles 24 similarly to the disposition of the

plates

34, 35, and 38 with respect to the tier of baflies 23. Plates 42, 43 and 44 in path A are disposed with respect to the tier of baiiles 25 similarly to the disposition of the plates 33, 35 and 31 respectively, with respect to the tier of bellies 22.

In the form oi apparatus shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the outlet passage for the gases passing between the baiiies 2i from each of the inlet paths, consists of two par-ts which for convenience are designated B and C. The spaces defined between the tiers of baiiies 22 and 24 constitute the part B of the outlet passage, the spaces between the tiers of baflles 23 and 25 constitute another and parallel part B, designated B, and the space delined by the intermediate wall 26, side walls l3 and I4, and the vertically inclined wall 45 extending between the side walls l3 and I4 and from the lower ends of the bottoms of the tiers of bailles to a pointadjacent the lower part of the outlet IS in the rear wall l2, constituting the part 0. The upper end the plates 3| and 32 at v of plate 45 is spaced from the rear wall l2 so as to provide an outlet 46 for the hopper outlet passage D defined by the plate 45, rear wall l2 and side walls l3 and i4. This hopper outlet passage D is of gradually diminishing flow area from the upper end of the hopper to the outlet 46.

The operation of this form of apparatus is as follows: Gases laden with dust or solid particles from any source are introduced into the inlet I! at the upper end of the separator and after the stream of gases has been divided by the hoods 23 and 33, the divided streams flow into the inlet paths of flow A, A and A. In their downward flow through these paths, parts of the several streams are continuously withdrawn between the bailles 2| in the tiers 22, 23, 24 and 25 into the parts B and B of the outlet paths whence they flow into the part C thereof and out of the separator through the outlet l3 to the fan or stack connected therewith, or to the point of disposal.

In their downward flow through the inlet paths A, A and A, the solid or dust particles are concentrated into a relatively very small portion of the carrying gases due to the separation of part of the gases from each of the downwardly flowing streams and the solids carried thereby by reason of the withdrawal of the separated gas portions hetween the bales of the several tiers and fur- 7 ther due to the fact that the velocity of the downwardly moving solid or dust particles is maintained at a substantially constant speed throughout the length of inlet flow paths by reason 01' the gradually diminishing area of flow through which these particles pass. Some of the particles flowing downwardly in the several streams are trapped between adjacent plates indicated 33 to 44 inclusive and flow downwardly in the spaces between these plates to the hopper ll together with the relatively small quantity of gas carrying them. The gas flowing into the hopper from the several inlet paths of flow together with the solids concentrated therein are separated from these solids by reason of the fact that the gases are caused to abruptly change their direction of flow in the upper part of the hopper from a downward direction to an upward direction, after which these gases enter the hopper outlet gas passage D and flow through this passage to the outlet 45 thereof and through the outlet l8 of the separator apparatus. Any solid particles remaining in suspension in the gases flowing from the hopper through the outlet passage D are removed therefrom prior to reaching the outlet 46 and drop back into the hopper.

Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive illustrate a multi-stage separator embodying the invention. A threestage separator is shown in these figures but it will be understood that any desired number of stages may be employed. For convenience, the stages have been designated X, Y, and Z which indicate respectively the first, second and third stages of the separator. In general, each of the stages is similar to the single-stage separator shown in Figs. 1 to with the exception that the outlet passage C and the hopper outlet passage D together with the vertically inclined plate 45 is not employed nor are the inverted V-shaped hoods, such as 21 and 31! utilized.

The arrangement of the tiers of baffles and the plates in the inlet paths of flow of the first stage are similar to the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 to 5 so as to provide three vertically downward inlet paths of fiow designated A, A and A and two vertically upward outlet paths of flow designated B and B. The relatively small volume of gases carrying the solids which enter the hopper 50 of the first stage make an abrupt change in direction of flow from a vertically downward to a vertically upward direction and are conducted into the outlet paths of flow B and B respectively through the hopper outlets E and E As shown, these hopper outlets, or vents, are in the form of inverted elongated funnels which extend the width of the baffle plates 2| thereby providing an outlet path of flow for the gas from the hopper to the outlet paths B and B of gradually diminishing crosssectional area of flow. The gases moving upwardly through the paths B and B are conducted to the inlet paths of How A and A of the second stage by any suitable means such as the semicircular plates SI and 52 shown. The arrangement of the several parts of the second stage is similar to the arrangement of the first stage except that in the second stage two inlet paths of flow A and A are provided with three outlet paths of flow designated B' B and B In this stage the gases and solids carried thereby from the first stage flow vertically downward through the inlet paths and vertically upward through the outlet paths after passing between the bailles and the relatively small volume of gases which enter the hopper 53 of the second stage after abruptly changing their direction of flow, enter the outlet paths through hopper outlets of gradually diminishing area of flow similar to the outlets E and E of the first stage. The gases and solids flowing upwardly through the outlet paths of the second stage are conducted by suitable means such as the semicircular plates 54 to the inlet paths of flow of the third stage Z. The third stage is identical with the first stage in that it is provided with three vertically downward inlet paths of flow designated A A and A and two vertically upward paths of flow designated B and B The gases and solids carried thereby which enter the inlet paths of the third stage from the second stage flow vertically downward through the inlet path and the gases which flow between the baflle plates in the several tiers and thereby caused to abruptly change their direction, enter the outlet paths B and l? and flow vertically upward. The gases entering the hopper 55 of the third stage after abruptly changing their direction of flow, pass into the outlet paths through hopper outlets similar to the outlets E and E of the first stage. The gases are discharged from the outlet paths of the third stage through outlets 56. These outlets 56 may be connected to a stack or induced draft fan which will cause the gases to flow through the several stages as described or the gases may be forced through by means of a fan or the like connected to the inlet. It is desirable that each of the several stages be provided with its own hopper for collecting the separated solids or dust because of the difference in pressure existing in each of the several stages. The multi-stage series arrangement of the separators of the present invention is particularly useful for the treatment of gases carrying extremely fine dust.

In accordance with the present invention a separating system for the separation of gases from dust or solids carried thereby is provided which is entirely assembled excepting for the curved plates 5|, 52 and 54 in the multi-st'age series arrangement, from straight plates of any suitable material. As a result of this construction, great compactness is obtained with low cost of manufacture and high efliciency of operation. With the present invention it has been found possible to concentrate the solids carried by the gases which enter the separator into about five percent of the total volume of gas.

If desired, the baflle plates 2| instead of being flat as illustrated in the drawings may be given a slight transverse bend or curvature in order to stiffen the plates and to assist in the separation of-the solids from the gases. Where the baffle plates are so curved, the axis of curvature will lie in a horizontal plane and the bailles will, be disposed in the tiers with their concave sides facing in a downward direction. The word "straight as used in the claims in connection with the baflles or bailie plates is intended to include baiile plates curved in this or a similar manner.

Inasmuch as variations in the separation process herein disclosed or in the several steps thereof as well as in the forms of the illustrated apparatus may be made without departing from the principle of the invention, it will be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention except by the scope of the claims hereto appended.

What I claim is:

1. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough,

a hopper at the bottom oi the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced baflle plates disposed in the casing so as to form an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, means in-the inlet flow path to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing therethrough, said baiiie plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area between said plates is considerably greater than the flow area of the flow path inlet and so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baiiies to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction 01' flow from a downward to an upward direction.

2. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced baflle plates disposed in the casing so as to form an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, means in the inlet flow path to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing therethrough,- said bailie plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area between said plates is considerably greater than the flow area,

of the flow path inlet and so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baflies to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction, and means providing a diminishing area of flow for the gases passing from the hopper to the outlet.

3. Apparatus Ior separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom oi the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced baille plates disposed in the casing so as to form an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, plates in the inlet flow path to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing therethrough, said baifle plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area between said plates is considerably greater than the flow area of the flow path inlet and so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baflles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction.

4. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases.

introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced baflle plates disposed in the casing so as to form an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, means in the inlet flow path to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids ing therethrough, and for trapping solids flowing through the inlet path and delivering them to the hopper, said baflle plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area between said plates is considerably greater than the flow area of the flow path inlet and so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baiiies to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction.

5. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom or the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced baiiie plates disposed in the casing so as to form a plurality of inlet flow paths from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, means in said inlet flow paths to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing through each path, said baille plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area between the baiiie plates at the side of each of said paths is considerably greater than the flow area of the inlet of said paths and so that the gases in flowing from each of the inlet paths and between the bailles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction.

6. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow 'therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced bailie plates disposed in the casing so as to form a plurality of inlet flow paths from. the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, means in said inlet flow paths to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing through each path, said bafile plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area between the baille plates at the side of each of said paths is considerably greater than the flow area of the inlet of said paths and so that the gases in flowing from each of the inlet paths and between the bailles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction, and means providing a diminishing area of flow for the gases passing from the hopper to the outlet.

'7. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gases are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced baille plates disposed in the casing so as to form a plurality of inlet flow paths from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, plates in said inlet flow paths to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing through each path, said baiiie plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area. between the baiiie plates at the side of each of said paths is considerably greater than the flow area of the inlet of said paths and so that the gases in flowing from each of the inlet paths and between the baiiies to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction.

8. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the. gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced baiile plates disposed in the casing so as to form a plurality of inlet flow paths from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, means in said inlet flow paths to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing through each path andior trapping solids flowing through the inlet paths and delivering them to the hopper.

9. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet at the upper part. of the casing, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gases are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced baflie plates disposed in the casing so as to form an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction and the initial portion of an outlet path in a vertically upward direction from the baffle plates to the outlet, a plurality of spaced plates in the inlet flow path to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing through said path and for trapping solids flowing through the inlet path and delivering them to the hopper, said baiile plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area between said plates is considerably greater than the flow area of the path inlet and so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baiiies to the outlet path make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction, and means providing a flow path of diminishing flow area for the gases which enter the hopper from the inlet path and from the hopper to the outlet.

10. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gases are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced baflie plates disposed in the casing so as to form an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, and an outlet flow path in a. vertically upward direction, means in the inlet flow path to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing therethrough, said baiiies being arranged and disposed so that the totalflow area between said plates is considerably greater than the flow area of the inlet and so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baiiies to the outlet path make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a. downward to an upward direction, and means providing a path of flow of diminishing area for conducting the gases which enter the hopper from the inlet path to the outlet.

11. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same comprising a plurality 01 separator units, each comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, a hopper at the bottom of the casing, a plurality 01 straight, spaced baflie plates disposed in the casing to provide an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper and an outlet flow path from the hopper to the outlet, means in the inlet flow path for providing diminishing area of flow for the gases and solids passing therethrough, said baille platm being arranged and disposed to provide a total flow area. between the plates which is considerably greater than the flow area 01' the path inlet and so that the gasesin passing from the inlet path and between the baiiies to the outlet path make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction, means providing a path of flow of diminishing area for conducting the gases which enter the hopper from the inlet path to the outlet path of flow, and means connecting the outlet of one separator unit with the inlet of another.

12. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same comprising a plurality of separator units, each comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, a hopper at the bottom of the casing, a plurality of straight, spaced baifle plates disposed in the casing to provide a plurality of inlet flow paths from the inlet to the hopper and a. plurality of outlet flow paths from the hopper to the outlet, a, plurality of spaced plates in each of the inlet flow paths for providing a diminishing area of flow for the gases and solids passing through said paths and for trapping solids flowing through said paths and delivering them to the hopper, said baffle plates being arranged and disposed to provide a total flow area between the plates in each inlet path which is considerably greater than the flow area of the inlet to each path and so that the gases in passing from each inlet path and between the bailies to each outlet path make an abrupt change in the direction of flow from. a downward to an upward direction, means providing a converging path of flow for conducting the gases which enter the hopper from the inlet path to each outlet path of flow and means connecting the outlet oi one separator unit with the inlet of another.

13. The method of separating solids and gases carrying the same which comprises the steps of flowing a stream of the gases carrying the solids in a vertically downward direction in a path of flow of diminishing flow area, continuously separating from said stream a portion of the gases flowing downwardly and causing the gases so separated to abruptly change their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction whereby the solids carried by the gases are concentrated into a relatively small portion of the gases, causing the solids and the gases into which they are concentrated to flow into a collecting zone wherein the solids are separated from the gases and conducting the gases from the collecting zone through a path oi flow of diminishing flow area.

14. The method of separating solids and gases carrying the same which comprises the steps of flowing a plurality of streams of the gases carrying the solids in a vertically downward direction in paths of flow of diminishing flow area, continuously separating from each of said streams a portion of the gases flowing downwardly and causing the gases so separated to abruptly change their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction whereby the solids carried by each of the streams of gases are concentrated into a. relatively small portion of the gases of each stream, causing the solids and the gases into which they are concentrated to flow into a collecting zone wherein the solids are separated fromthe gases and conducting the gases from the collecting zone through a path of flow of diminishing flow area.

15. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom 01' the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of tiers of substantially straight, spaced baille plates disposed in the casing so as to form a straight inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, said baffle plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area between said plates is considerably greater than the flow area of the flow path inlet and so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baffles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction.

16. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of substantially straight, spaced bailie plates disposed in the casing so as to form a straight inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, means in the inlet flow path to provide a diminishing flow area for the gases and solids passing therethrough, said baffle plates being arranged and disposed so that the total flow area between said plates is considerably greater than the flow area of the flow path inlet and so that the gases inflowing from the inlet path and between the baffle to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction.

17. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a-hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a plurality of tiers of substantially straight, spaced baflie plates disposed in the easing 50 as to form a straight inlet flow pathfrom the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, said bailie plates being arranged and disposed so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baiiies to the'outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction.

18. The method of separating solids and gases carrying the same which comprises the steps of flowing a stream of the gases carrying the solids in a vertically downward direction in a straight path of flow of diminishing flow area, continuously separating from said stream a portion of the gases flowing downwardly and causing the gases so separated to abruptly change their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction whereby the solids carriedby the gases are concentrated into a relatively small portion of the gases, causing the solids and the gases into which they are concentrated to flow into a collecting zone without changing their general direction of flow wherein the solids are separated from the gases and conducting the gases from the collecting zone through a path of flow of diminishing flow area.

19. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, and spaced tiers of baffles in the casing bounding oppositely disposed portions of an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, said baflles being arranged and disposed so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the bailies to said baiiies being arranged and disposed so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baiiles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction.

21. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are 001- lected, spaced tiers of baffles in the casing bounding oppositely disposed portions of an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper in a vertically downward direction, said baiiles being arranged and disposed so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baiiies to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction, and means providing a diminishing area of flow for the gasses passing from the hopper to the outlet.

22. Apparatus for separating solids irom gases carrying the same comprising a plurality of sepa-' rator units, each comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, a hopper at the bottom of the casing, a plurality oi spaced tiers of battles in the casing bounding oppositely disposed portions of inlet flow paths from the inlet to the hopper in vertically downward directions, said baffles being arranged and disposed so that the gases in passing from the inlet path and between the baiiles to the outlet path make an abrupt change in their direction of flow from a downward to an upward direction, and means connecting the outlet or one separator unit with the inlet of another.

23. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an. outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper having its inlet connected with the easing and in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, and spaced tiers of baiiles in the casing providing a plurality of inlet flow paths from the inlet to the hopper, the baffles being arranged and disposed so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baiiles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow to thereby free the gases from the solid matter carried thereby.

24. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an. outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper having its inlet connected with the casing and in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, and spaced tiers of straight, spaced bailies in the casing providing a plurality of inlet flow paths from the inlet to the hopper, the battles being arranged and disposed so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the baiiles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow to thereby free the gases from the solid matter carried thereby.

25. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper having its inlet connected with the easing and in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, and spaced tiers of straight, spaced baiiies in the casing providing an inlet flow path from the inlet to the hopper, the bailles being arranged and disposed so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path and between the bailles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow to thereby free the gases from the solid matter carried thereby.

26. Apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same, comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper at the bottom of the casing in which the solid matter separated from the carrying gases are collected, a tier of spaced bailie plates disposed in the casing so as to form one side only of an inlet flow path, and spaced plates in said casing forming the other side of said inlet flow path and for trapping therebetween solids flowing through the inlet path and delivering them to said hopper, said baflles being arranged and disposed so that the gases in flowing from the inlet path between the battles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction of flow.

27. In apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper having its inlet connected with the casing and in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a pair of spaced tiers of bellies in the casing, and means intermediate said pair of spaced tiers of baflles and cooperating therewith to provide a plurality of inlet flow paths therebetween, said spaced tiers of baffles bounding the outer sides of said inlet flow paths and being arranged so that gases in flowing from the inlet paths and between the bailies to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction.

28. In apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a. hopper having its inlet connected with the casing and in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a pair of spaced tiers of baths in the casing, and means intermediate said pair of spaced tiers of bailies and cooperating therewith to provide a plurality of inlet flow paths therebetween, said spaced tiers of batfles bounding the outer sides of said inlet flow paths and being arranged so that gases in flowing from the inlet paths and between the baflies to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction, while said means intermediate the bah fies traps the solids flowing through the inlet paths and delivers them to the hopper.

29. In apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough a hopper having its inlet connected with the casing and in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a pair 0! spaced tiers of baflles in the casing, and. means intermediate said pair of spaced tiers of baiiles and cooperating therewith to provide a plurality of inlet flow paths therebetween, said spaced tiers of baffles bounding the outer sides of said inlet flow paths and being arranged so that gases in flowing from the inlet paths and between the baiiles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction, while said groups of spaced plates intermediate the baflies trap the solids flowing through the inlet paths and deliver them to the hopper.

30. In apparatus for separating solids from gases carrying the same comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, means causing the gases introduced into the casing to flow therethrough, a hopper having its inlet connected with the casing and in which the solids separated from the carrying gas are collected, a pair of spaced tiers of bailies in the casing, and means comprising groups of a plurality of spaced plates arranged in inverted-V relation intermediate said pair of spaced tiers of bailles and cooperating therewith to provide a plurality of inlet flow paths therebetween each including a plurality 01' courses of reduced flow area, said spaced tiers of baflies bounding the outer sides of said inlet flow paths and being arranged so that gases in flowing from the inlet paths and between the baffles to the outlet make an abrupt change in their direction, while said groups of spaced plates intermediate the bailles trap the solids flowing through the inlet paths and deliver them to the hopper.

JOHN EDWIN FULWm-ER.