US1894520A - Apparatus for separation - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 17, 1933.

l F. A. QUIROZ APPARATUS FOR SEPARATION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May :51. 1929 IN VENT 0R TTORNE Y v2 sheets-sheet 2 V78 F. A. QUIROZ IN VEN TOR APPARATUS FOR SEPARATION Filed May 51, 1929 u 5 W, f WM W Y M B W W 7 W 8 l Jan. 17, 1933.

atented el TES TED sr PATENT OFFICE .APPARATUS FOB. SEP a a Application led May 31,

' 10 mentioned character which may be carried on in practice in a simple, efficient and reliable manner. Another ob]ect is to provide a method of the above-mentioned character for achieving high elliciency of separation and for removing solid matter from a li uid with constant uniformity. Another object is to provide a separating apparatus that will be of sim le and thoroughly practical construction, t orou hly de endable action in practical use, and capable of effecting separation of solid matter from a liquid with a high degree of efficiency, uniformity and speed. Another object is to provide a separating apparatus of rugged and inexpensive construction and well adapted to meet the varying conditions of hard practical use. Another object is to provide a separating apparatus with means for dependably and efliciently removing therefrom the separated constitu- 3@ ents and particularly for removing the solid matter or particles with a minimum or-no admixture of liquid. Another object is to provide an apparatus for separating a liquid from suspended solid matter or particles by the action of centrifugal force in which the mixture of solid matter and liquid may be supplied to the apparatus without disturbance of the actionlof the apparatus and while maintaining continuityand uniformity of 'separation'. Another object is to prdvide a separating apparatus of the above-mentioned character in which `the removalA of one of the constituents is automatically controlled by the constituent to be removed. Another object is `to provide a separating apparatus of the above-mentioned character in which centrifugal forces may be dependably and ref liably lutilized not only for effecting a separation of the mixture into its constftuents, but also for dependably and uniformly con- TION 1929. Serial No. 367,406.

trolling the extent or rate of removal from the apparatus of a separated constituent in accordance with a predeterminable degree of isolation of the constituent from the mlxture. Other objects will be in part obvious or in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, :combinations of elements, arrangementsl of parts and in the several steps and relation and ordery of each of the same to one or more of the others as will be illustratively described herein, and the scpe of the a plication of which will be indicated in the f )ollowin lclaims..

In the accompanying rawings in which are illustrated several of various possible embodiments of the mechanical features of my invention, y

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a separating apparatus, certain parts bein shown in vertical central cross-section in or er to show the construction of the separating apparatus more clearly;

Figure 2 is a vertical transverse sectional1 view of the separatin apparatus as seen along the line 2-2 of/ igure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section of a preferred form of construction of separating apparatus, and n Figure f4 is a vertical sectional view as seen along the line 4.-4 of igure 3,

Similar reference charact rs refer t'o similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. l Referring now to the drawings and more particularl to Figure `1, there is shown at 10 a suitable ase car 'ng at its left-hand end avsuitable source'o drlving power illustratively shown in Figure 1 as taking the form of an'electric'motor 11. The motor 11 is rovided with a driving Vshaft 12 supporte in suitable bearings 13 and 14 'carried by the motor frame. f

The driving shaft 12 extends into a suitable enclosure or casing formin a chamber generally indicated at 15; the c amber 15 is made up of a casing member generally indicated at 16 and shaped to provide an outer peripheral substantially circular wall 1'?, a I

similar wall 18 of lesser radius and an end wall 19. The peripheral wall members 17 and 18 are connected by a vertical wall member 20. 'lhe casing member 16 may conveniently take the form of a casting open at its bottom as at 21 and 22, the openings 21 and 22 registering with openings 23 and 24 in the base 10. 'llhe left-hand wall of the chamber 15 (as viewed in Figure 1) may be made up of a plate 25 suitably secured to the casing member 16 and to the base 10, the plate 25 being provided with a suitable opening throng which the driving shaft 12 extends into the chamber 15.

rlhe driving shaft 12 has mounted thereon to rotate therewith a separating vessel generally indicated at 26; this vessel 26 is preferably of substantially cylindrical shape, being provided with a circular end wall 27 preterably cast integrally with a hub 23 into which the shaft 12 extends and'is securely connected therewith. Upposed to the end wall 27 is a circular end wall 29 connected with the end wall 27 by means ot the peripheral or ring-like wall 30. rllhe end wall 29, however, is provided with a preferably centrally disposed opening 31.

'lhe separating vessel 26 is so proportioned with respect to the parts forming thechamber 15 that the end wall 29 is in substantial alinement with the wall 20, the latter being extended into-the chamber 15 and beyond the peripheral wall 18, as at 32, to closely encompass the circular periphery of the vessel 26 while permitting free rotation oi the vessel 26 with respect to the casing member 16. rlhere is thus formed between the end wall 29 and the extended wallportion 32, on the one hand, and the peripheral wall and the end wall 19 of the casing member, on the other hand, a chamber generally indicated at 33,

the latter being in communication with the interior of the vessel 26 by way of the opening 31 in the end wall 29 and being in communication with the discharge opening 24 in the base 10 by way of the opening 22 formed at the bottom of the casing member 16 and between the wall members 32 and 19.

Formed on the outer face of thewall 19 is 1 a funnel 34 for supplying a mixturefoitI li uid and solid material to the apparatus; the ottom ot the funnel 34 is in communication with a pipe 35, carried by the wall 19, and extending in substantial alinement with the axis of rotation of the vessel 26 into the interior of the latter. The pipe 35 is of materially less diameter than that .of the opening 31 in the end wall 29, thus leaving an ample area of the opening 31 for a purpose to 'be more clearly described hereinafter.

Mounted within the interior of the vessel 26 and with its axis coincident with the axis vot rotation of the vessel 26 is a substantially conically shaped baille 36, the side walls of which are preferably slightly curved. The baille 36 is open-ended and into its smaller end extends the ipe 35, the relation between these two parts eing such as to permit free rotation yof the bae 36 (with the vessel 26) relative to the pipe 35. lts larger or lett-hand open end is held spaced from the wall member 27 by a series of spacers 37 (see also Figure 2) through which pass the screws 36 for securing the baille 36 in place..

The peripheral or ring-like wall 30 of the vessel 26 is provided with a suitable number ot apertures 39 shown in Figure 2 as eight.

in number; it is to be unders, however, that any other suitable number oit apertures 39 with associated mechanism to be hereinafter more clearly described, may be used it desired and that themechanism or apparatus associated with each is preferably of identical construction. lnto each aperture 39 is tted a tube-like member 40, the axis ot which ex tends substantially radially (see Figure 2) and whose outermost annular end tace is adapted to coact with a valve mechanismgenerally indicated at 41 (see Figure 1).

rlllhis valve mechanism 41 includes a valve' member 42 ot substantially cap-like shape and carrying on the inner tace thereof a dislr ot suitable packing material 43, for coaction with the outermost end of the tube-like member 40. The valve mechanism 41 is pivoted upon a pin 44 fixedly supported b peripherally spaced ears45 and 46 (see igure 2), formed upon the vessel 26.

Preferably integrally formed with the valve member 42 and extending at substantially 45 with respect thereto, but on the other side of the ivot 44, is a threaded extension 47 upon which is threaded a weight 48. The.

weight 48 preferably is in the form a ring or collar, internally threaded to mate with the threads on the extension 47. The threaded connection between the members 47 and 48- permts the latter to be moved or adjustably positioned toward or away from the axis of the pivot pin 44, for a purpose more clearly described hereinafter. Any suitable means may be used to lock the weight member 48 in the position into which it has been moved with respect to the member 47 illustratively a set screw 49 (Figure 1) may be used for this purpose.

Considering now the manner of use of the apparatus for carrying out the process ot this invention, it is first to be noted that the motor 11 is set into operation to rotate the vessel 26 at a suitable speed. The speed of rotation may vary according to various practical considerations, foremost among which is the character and physical properties of the solu- 1 tion or mixture to be separated into itsliquidmixture 1s supico contacts with the baille 36, the centrifugal force elfective upon the mixture, due to the relatively high speed of rotation of the apparatus, causes the mixture to be relatively evenly distributed peripherally of the baiiie 36 and, due to the increasing radius of the latter, the centrifugal force causes the mixture to move along the baffle 36 in a'general direction toward the left, as viewed in- Figure l, as well as also in a general direction radially or outwardly away from the axis of rotation of the vessel 26. In this manner the mixture is gradually and uniformly supplied to the outer annular portion of the chamber 26 in which the mixture accumulates to a radial depth equivalent to the radial dimension of the wall 29. In Figure 1, the depth of the mixture is clearly indicated by dotted lines.

Prior to the supply of mixture to theapparatus, the Weights 48 on the threaded stems 47 of the valve mechanisms 41 are adjusted in a predetermined way. In operation, with the apparatus running substantially without any mixture supplied thereto, the weight or mass to the left of the pivot pins, as viewed in 'Figure l, is greater than the weight or mass of the parts of the valve mechanism to the right of the pivot pins 44; the rotational effect, due to the subsequent rotation of the apparatus, is therefore greater upon theA parts 47-48 than it is upon the parts 42-43, so that centrifugal force is effective to swing the valve mechanisms in aperture-closing position and thereafter hold them in such position.

The subsequent supply of mixture to the apparatus, however, will be sen to impose upon the valve member 42 a column of the mixture Whose cross-section is substantially equal to the area ofthe aperture\40, the column extending, as will be clear from Figure 2, with its axis substantially coincident with a radius. The adjustment of the weights 48,

however, is such that the centrifugal4 action is still effective to hold the valves closed even though the centrifugal action on the abovementioned column of the mixture has now been added in opposition to the centrifugal action upon the parts 47-48. That is, the weight of the parts to the left of the pivot pins, as viewed in Figure 1, is greater than theweight of the parts' of the valve mechanism to the right of the pivot pins plus the Weight of the above-mentioned column of the mixture, assuming that the masses or weights to either side of the pivot pins have substantially equal effective lever arms. With this adjustment, the valve mechanisms are maintained in a position where the apertures 40 are all closed.

However, as the rotation of the apparatus continues, the centrifugal e'ect on vthe particlcs suspended in the liquid is such that they become more and more concentrated about the eripheral portions of the vessel 26 and, in act, due to this centrifugal action, the concentration or density of the solid particles in the liquid increases with increase in the distance from the axis of rotation. Solid matter thus becomes concentrated in the apertures 40 and as this concentration proceeds, the weight or mass of the above-mentioned column increases `so that the unbalance of the centrifugal forces acting upon the two sides of the pivot pins of the valve mechanisms becomes reversed with the result that the valvemechanisms swing in valve-opening direction. In Figures L and 2 the valve mechanisms are shown in approximately the position they assume when this unbalance of centrifugal forces is reversed.`

The opening of the valve mechanisms permits the solid matter or particles to escape, centrifugal force in eHect making certain that they are thrown free and clear of the rapidly rotating vessel 26. Moreover, the valve mechanisms thereafter automatically adjust themselves to permit a predetermined rate of escape of solid particles from the rotating vessel 26, it being pointed out that the escape of liquid matter throuvh the apertures 40 is practically precluded because the adjustment of the weights 48 is preferably such that the valves are held closed as long as there is not a substantial concentration of solid particles adjacent the valve members 42.

The valve mechanisms thus automatically assume positions to give a valve opening adequate to effect dischargel of solid material at substantially the rate at which the solid l material is centrifugally separated out of or segregated from the liquid within the rotating vessel 26. For example, should the solid particles and the liquid, which together form the mixture, be of'such character as to cause a relatively slow separation of the solid material from the liquid, the rate at which the solid particles are concentrated -agalnst the valve members 42 is correspondingly -less and likewise, also, the rate at which the unbalance of the centrifugal forces on the valve mechanisms takes place is diminished with the result that the valve openings are smaller. rIhus, the rate of discharge of separated solid matter can be made to nicely^equal the rate at which the separation takes place.

It might also be noted that should the character of the mixture supplied to the apparatus through the funnel 34 vary, for example, in the percentage content of solid particles, the apparatus automatically adjusts itself tofthese varyingconditmns and e'ects greater or lesser ,Valve openlngs 1n accordance with the greater or lesser -percentage content of solid matter in the liquid being supplied to the apparatus for separation into its constituents.

It ispreferred to placenas any apertures 40 and coacting valve mechanisms about the de aaeatao peripheryof the vessel 26 as possible and the eight apertures and associated valve mechanisms shown in Figure 2 are to be understood as being for purposes of illustration only; the more apertures and valve mechanisms that can be accommodated about the periphery of the vessel 26, the more uniform and rapid will be the action and operation ot the apparatus. At appropriate points spaced peripherally about the exterior of the vessel 26 are provided baffle plates 50 shown in Figures 1 and 2 as two in number, butit is to be understood that a baille plate may, it desired,

be placed between any two successive valve mechanisms. The bame plate facts to diminish the effect of the wlndage on the balance or unbalance of thel valve mechanisms, it being noted that the peripheral velocity of the latter is substantial and that the windage eects may be correspondingly of substantial proportions. Thus, it is insured that centrifugal forces, determined by the concentration of separated solid matters, determine the opening of the valve without interference from external eects, such as windage, tor example. The-llames 50 also act to prevent the accumulation ot solid particles about the inside periphery of the casing 16 and insure the movement ot the solid material discharged from the vessel 26 toward and through the Idischarge passage 23 in the base 10 of the apparatus.

lin connection with the action and operation of the valve mechanisms, as above described, another feature of great advantage comes into play; it has been pointed out hereinabove that the threaded arm 47 of the valve mechanisms extends at an angle of substantially 135 to the1 valve member 42. As the forces above described become edective to cause a valve opening, the center of mass of, the parts 47-48 is moved in a direction, due to the angular relation just described, so that the moment arm of the mass of the parts lll-4:8 slightly increases. This increased moment arm is the moment arml through which, of course, the centrifugal force acts, and the arrangement results in preventing overstepping ot the mechanism in valveopening direction and insures such a nicety of control that there is achieved great preciv sion in therate'of discharge of solid material from'the apparatus. a

The liquid within the rotating vessel 26 becomes freed trom solid particles at those portions of the body of the liquid that are nearest the axis of rotation, and as the mixture is continued to be supplied to the apparatus through the funnel 34, pipe 35 and balile 36, this clear liquid constituent of the mixture overflows, as 1t were, through the end opening 31in the end wall 29 of the'vessel 26, being centrifugally discharged into the chamber 33, whence it passespout through the dis`y charge conduit 24.

The action of the bame 36, during the rotation and operation of the apparatus, is such as to prevent discharge of themixture with in the vessel 26 undergoing separation, the mixture being supplied to the vessel throughout its entire peripheral extent. Thus, eddy currents and the like are prevented and interference with the separating action prevented.

llt will be understood, in view of the foregoin that the degree of unbalance normally ac ieved by the weight 48 may be varied in accordance with various factors met with in practice. For example, the density or weight per unit volume of the solid matter intended to be separated out ot the liquid may in practice vary widely. W'here the density is low it is preferable to move the weights 4:8 inwardly tow ard the axis about which the valve mechanisms 41 pivot in order that the separated solid matter may have a less valveclosing force to overcome while, on the other hand, it the density of the particles is relatively greater, the weights 48 may be moved in the opposite direction or away from the pivot pins all. ln this manner the apparatus may be quickly adjusted to suit the varying conditions ot practical use.y By the same adjustment, it is possible readily to predetermine how great a quantity ot solid particles need be concentrated against the valve mem- 'ber 4:2 in order to edect a valve opening vfor the discharge thereof; this factor may also in practice vary in accordance with various conditions or requirements to be met.

ln Figures 3 and 4 ot the drawings ll have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention and in these two figures ll have illus-` trated an apparatus adapted to have a greater capciy than the apparatus hereinbetore descri e l The apparatus is mounted uponabase52 to f which is bolted a generally circular casing c generally indicated at 53; the upper part 53 lot the casing is preferably removable to peruare? suitably formed to receive therein antitriction, bearings 56 and 57, respectively, suitable means, such as the end plates 58 and v59, respectively, acting, in cooperation with the rotating members carried by the bearings., to substantially encase or ,house the latter. K l

Supported within the casing` 53 and rotata 1y carried by the bearin s 56 and 57 is a separating vessel 60 prefera lyY of drumlike or cylindrical shape; the left-hand end wall 61 of the vessel 60 is formed to provide a hollow trunnion 62 to which the inner race of the anti-friction bearing 56 is secured..

The right-hand end wall 63 of the vessel 60 has secured thereto and coaxial with the trunnion 62 a shaft 64 which passes through iao necesa@ the end wall and has the inner race oi? the anti-friction bearing 57 secured thereto. lhe shatt 6a is of sucient length to have secured v'thereto and carried thereby at its outer end a driving pulley 65.

A series of annular or ring- like partitions 66, 67, 68, 69 and 7() divide the interior of the vessel into a series of annular separating chambers A, B, C, D, E and lll", lJVhile only six such chambers are shown in the drawings, it is to be understood that the number of chambers may :be decreased or increased, as desired, or as may be required by practical conditions of use,

71Ehe peripheral wall of each chamber A, B, C, etc., is provided with a series ci apertures 40, each having associated therewith a tubelilre member 39 with which Vcoacts the valve member l2 of a valve mechanism il pivotally carried between ears d5 and d6 formed upon the drum 60.

The detailed construction of these parts, as well as their action is preferably substantially similar to the construction and action 'i ci the corresponding parts hereinabove describedin detail with respect to Figures l and 2 and they need not, therefore, be further described` in connection with this preferred embodiment of my invention,

The apertures d() and coacting valve mechanisms f' peripherally arranged abouteach separating chamber A, B, C, etc., are preferably closely spaced and, as in 'the case oil the embodiment illustrated in Figures l and 2, they are preferably suiiicient in number so that the valve members l2 constitute substantial portion oi the peripheral supporting wall of each separating clmmber,l lin Figure these parts are shown as tive in number but it is to be understood that this number may be varied, and that these parts are preferably more numerous 'than liveu The mixture to be separated into its liquid and solid constituents is supplied to the apparatus through a pipe 7l, the rate ci dow being controlled by a valve 72; the pipe 7l extends through the hollow trunnion 62 into the Viirst separating chamber Ai, a generally cone-shaped but preferably curved baille 36 being mounted in the chamber A. and lacting similarly tothe bame 36 of Figure l to receive the mixture from the pipe 7l and distributed, centrifugally, to the outer end portions of the separating chamber A, without causing turbulence or eddy 'currents in the mixture undergoing treatment in chamber A,

Y The construction, mounting and action ot the baille 36 are the same as described in connection with Figures l and 2.

'lhe radial depth ol mixture undergoin treatment in each of the separating` chambers A., B, C, etc., is determined by the radial dimension of the adjacent annular wall or partition 66, 67, 68, etc., respectively, the mixture, after undergoing separating action in one against the valve members t2, the corre- -s sponding valve mechanisms 4l of which act, as described in detail in connection with Figures l and 2, to achieve and maintain a sumcient valve-opening to cause the discharge of solid matter from each chamber at substantially ythe rate at which the concentration of solid matter in that particular chamber tes place. llt is to be noted, however, that the concentration of solid matter in each individual chamber need not be as great or as substantial as may be the case with the construction shown in Figures l and 2, for after leaving one separating chamber, such as chamber A, the mixture is passed v into chamber B but only alter a predeterminable amount of solid matter has been removed therefrom in chamber A. Thus, successive separating action taires place as the mixture overflows Jfrom one chamber to the next, the percentage content of solid particles in the mixture diminishing progressively as the last separating chamber iF is approached or reached.

I The liquid component, now free from solid material, discharges through the apertures 73 in the end wall 63, a circular Harige 74 on the latter guiding the liquid component into a circular housing 7 5, mounted interiorly of the casing 53, whence the liquid component is discharged through the outlet 76.'

By means of the weights d8 associated with each valve mechanism 4l, the valve mechanisms of each separating chamber A., B, C,

Mill

etc., may be given the same adjustment so as i to require the same degree of concentration ot solid particles in order to effect or maintain a predetermined valve opening, or these valve mechanisms may be given such an adjustment as will require a diii'erent degree of conn centration of solid matter in successive chambers. For example, the mixture entering chamber A. has, of course, a far greater perwtha lesser rate of discharge of solid particles since, in subsequent stages or separating chambers, the rate of separation of the solid particles is less, due to the diminishing percentage content of solid matter in the automatically maintain substantial mixture as the linal separating stage or chamber is reached or approached. rlhus, a. nicely graded action of the apparatus may be rea ily achieved, it being noted that once the centrifugally controlled valve mechanisms l1 have been set for a predetermined action, they the corresponding action or control.

lt will thus be seen, in view of the foregoing, that a wide variation of the action ofl the successive separating chambers 'may be achieved and that the widely varying conditions of practical use may be readily met.`

llt might at this point also be noted that, instead of maintaining suchy a flow of mixture to the apparatus (by control of the valve 72) as will cause a very definite successive-treatment of a given quantity of the mixture, first in one chamber and then in the next, as has been above described, the rate of How of the mixture may be varied (as by control of the valve 72), that the time interval allotted to each unit volume of the mixture for treatment in each successive chamber may be varied through wide limits. rlhus, diminishing the rate of flow of mixture through the ipe 71, correspondingly diminishes the rate of dow of the material undergoing treatment from one chamber to the next and causes each portion to be subjected to a greater time interval of centrifugal separating action in each chamber. lncreasing the rate of flow through the pipe 71 has the reverse edect and hence diminishes the time interval of centrifugal separating action to which a unit volume is subjected in each stage. By this means, also, the varying conditions of practical use may be readily met.

Between adjacent valve mechanisms 41 (see Figure 4) are provided bames 50 which prevent windage from adecting the action of the centrifugally actuated valve mechanisms.

The solid particles, discharged centrifugally and peripherally under the control of the chamber mechanisms 41, all as the drum or vessel 6() rotates at an a propriate speed, are thrown against a drum 77 which is rotatably mounted within posed between the latter and the rotating vessel 60, as is better shown in Figure 4. The drum 77 is of substantially the same axial length as the vessel 60 and is rotatably supported in any suitable manner, preferably by means of suitable pairsl of axially spaced rollers 78; there are preferably three pairs of rollers 78 suitably distributed about the periphery of the drum 77 and suitably supported by the base 52 and the casing 53.

As is clear from Figures 3 and 4, the drum 77 has its axis displaced downwardly from the axis of the vessel 60 so as to provide a space between the lower part of the drum 77 and the lower portions of the rotating separating vessel 60. The drum 77 is rotated in clockwise direction, as viewed in the-casing 53 and is inter- ,y

Figure 2, at preferably a very slow rate compared to the rate of rotation of the separating vessel 60, and as the drum 77 rotates it carries the separated solid matter, thrown against its interior sur-tace, into the above-mentioned enlarged space between the drum 7 7 and the vessel 60; in this enlarged space there is fixedly positioned a scraper 79 against the right-hand face of which, as viewed in Figure ll, the solid particles accumulate. A. spiral conveyor 80 extends along the right-hand face of the scraper 79, as viewed in Figure Il, and rotates in a directionto move the separated solid matter in a direction from the right to the left, as viewed in Figure 3, so that it may be discharged through the discharge opening 81 formed in the base of the apparatus 52..

Any suitable means may be utilized to rotate the conveyor drum 77 and to drive the spiral conveyor 80. By way of illustration, l have shown a worm 82 mounted upon the trunnion 62 and meshing with a worm wheel 83 which is thus made to drive, at a. relatively low s eed, a vertical shaft 8a, the latter being suita ly mounted preferably exteriorly of the casing 53. j

At its lower end the shaft 84C carries a spiral gear 85 which meshes with and drives a spira-l gear 86 mounted upon the shaft 87- which carries the spiral conveyor 80. 'lhe shaft 87 extends lengthwise of the apparatus and is mounted in suitable bearings preferably formed in the casing 53.

At the right-hand end of the shaft 87 the latter carries a spur gear 88 which meshes with an internal gear 89 suitably formed or secured upon the right-hand end of the drum 77. The housing 7 5 has secured to it a disklike member 9() (see Figure 3) which overlaps an inwardly directed ange 91 associated with the drum 77 and positioned adjacent the, gear 89. Thus, though the drum and flange 91 rotate with respect to the fixed disk 90,'

the flange 91 and disk 90 prevent solid sepa- )l rated particles or material from reaching the gears 88--89.

While the construction described, is generally suficient for substantially perfect-separation of the mixture introduced therein, it might happen that one valve will open before the others, as by reason of a slightly different adjustment of its weight, or greater concentration upon its surface. Should this occur the tendency might beproduced of 1 lill clearly shown in the drawings, and divide the space interiorly of and adjacent each of said apertures from the similar space about the other apertures, thus providing a series of pockets into vvbich the mixture is distributed by the cone-shaped baffle 36. This construction therefore ensures uniformly eilicient separation at all times and under all conditions of operation.

lt will thus be seen that there has been provided in this invention a method and apparatus for e'ecting rapidly and With a high de` gree of eciency the separation of a mixture of solid particles and a liquid into its respective constituentsa lt will further be noted that the apparatus is of thoroughly practical construction and action, is simple and compact and of highly dependableand eflicient action in practical use. lt will also be seen that the method may be readily carried on in practice and achieves highly efcient results. Moreover, it is also to be noted that the varying conditions of practical use may be readily met.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the mechanical features of the above invention and as the art herein described might be varied in various parts all Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is to be understood that all matter hereinabove set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrae tive and not in a limiting sense.

Having novv particularly described and ascertained the nature of my invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, il declare that what l' claim is:

l.. ln apparatus of the character described, in combination, a rotatably mounted container, means for driving said container, a plurality of discharge openings spaced apart about the periphery of said container, a plurality of valves for closing said openings, each mounted upon said container exteriorly thereof in operative relation to its respective opening, and a plurality of baffles provided upon the inner peripheral surface of said container and positioned to form a pocket adjacent each discharffe opening'.

2. ln apparatus for separating solids from a liquid mixture, in combination, a ro tatably mounted container for receiving a mixture and Within which separation of the solid constituent takes place by centrifugal force, said container having a plurality of pockets formed interiorly of the peripheral ivall thereof, openings in said Wall adapted to discharge from said pockets a separated constituent of said mixture, and means operable by ,centrifugal force for automatically controlling the discharge from said openings,

the centrifugal force act-ing alsoupon material in'said pockets, and means ad'ected by centrifugal force and presenting a fixed opposition to the opening of said discharge openings.

3. ln apparatus for separating solids from a'liquid mixture, in combination, a rotatably mounted container having a plurality of pockets formed interiorly of the peripheral Wall thereof, openings in said Wall adapted to discharge from said pockets a separated constituent of said mixture, means operable by centrifugal action for controlling the discharge from each of said openings, and means for preventing air currents caused by the rotation of said container from adversely a'ecting the operation of said discharge controlling means.

d. ln apparatus for separating solids from a liquid mixture, in combination, a rotatably mounted container for receiving a mixture and within which separation of the solid constituent takes place by centrifugal force, said container having a plurality of pockets formed inlteriorly of the peripheral wall thereof, openings in said Wall adapted to discharge from said pockets a separated const'tuent of said mixture, means controlling the discharge from each of said openings, a mixture inlet for said container, means associated therewith adapted to furnish a uniform supply of the mixture to said pockets, and outlet means provided in a wall of said container adapted to discharge therefrom the residue of said mixture and maintain ay substantially constant radial level Within said container.

5. ln apparatus for separating solids from a liquid mixture, in combination, a rotatably mounted drum, a rotatably mounted container disposed Within said drum and provided With openings for discharging separated solids against the interior surface of said drum, means for causing said drum and said container to rotate independently of one another, means for collecting said solids, and means for discharging said solids from the drum.

6. ln apparatus for separating solids from a liquid mixture, in combination, a rotatably mounted drum and means to rotate it at a low rate of speed, a rotatably mounted container disposed Within said drum the axis of said container being parallel to the axis of said drum and positioned above it, means for driving said container at a relatively high rate of speed, means for discharging separated solids from said container at a rate determined by the degree of concentration thereof and directing them against the interior of said drum, and means extending Within said drum beneath said container for collecting and discharging said solids from said drum.,

7. ln apparatus for separating solids from a liquid mixture, in combination, a rotatably mounted drum, a rotatably mounted container disposed Within said drums, means for chambers for discharging separated solids,V

i said driving said container at a relatively high rate,l of speed, means for discharging separated solids from said container ata rate determined by the degree of concentration thereof, anddirecting them against the interior of said drum, and rotatable means extending within said drum for discharging Vsaid solids from said drum, means for driving said rotatable means, and cooperating means on said drum and on said rotatable means for causing rotation Aof said drum at a relatively low rate of speed.

8.` ln apparatus for separating solids from a liquid mixture, in combination, a rotatably mounted container provided with an axially d-'sposed inlet for the'admission of the liquid mixture thereto, a plurality of annular partitions disposed at spaced distances transversely of the interior of said container, said partitions serving to provide av plurality of separating chambers within said container, and to determine the radial level of the mixture Within said chambers, a plurality of discharge valves arranged in spaced relation about the peripheral walls of each of said means controlling said valves to provide a determinable degree of separation in each of said chambers, and means for discharging the residual liquid from one of said chambers.

9. 1n apparatus of the character described, in combination, a rotatably mounted container having a peripherally disposed discharge opening, means controlled by a condition of the liquid within said container for controlling the discharge of a separate constituent 'through said opening, a drum about said container for receiving the c onstituent discharged from said container, means for relatively slowly rotating said drum, a batlie substantially contacting with the interior surface of drum to collect the material rcarried thereby, and conveyor means for removing collected material from said drum and adjacent said baffle.

10. ln apparatus of the character described, in combination, a rotatably mounted container having a peripherally disposed discharge opening, means controlled by a condition of the liquid within. said container for controllin the vdischarge of a separated constituent through said opening, a drum about said container for receiving the constituent discharged from said container, means for relatively slowly rotating said drum, and means for removing material discharged onto the inner surface of said drum.

l 11. ln apparatus of the character described, in combination, a rotatably mounted container having a peripherally disposed discharge opening, means controlled by a condition of the liquid within said container for controlling the discharge of a separated constituent through said opening, a drum about aangaan said container for receiving the .constituent discharged from said container, means for relatively slowly rotating said drum, and conveyor means coacting with the inner surface of said drum for removing material collected thereon in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said drum.

12. lin apparatus of the character described, in combination, container having a peripherally disposed discharge opening, means controlled by a condition of the liquid Within said container for controlling the discharge of a separated constituent through said opening, a drum about said container for receivingthe constituent discharged .from said container, means for relatively slowly rotating said drum, and a rotatable helical conveyor blade for removing material collected on the inner surface of said drum. i

13. lin apparatus of the character described, -in combination, arotatably mounted container having a peripherally disposed discharge opening, means controlled by a condition of the liquid within said container for controlling the discharge of a separated constituent through said opening, a drum about said container for receiving the constituent discharged from said container, means including speed reduction mechanism for rotating said drum relatively slowly with respect to the rotation of said container, and conveyor means driven by said mechanism for removing material collected on the inner surface of said drum.

14. A1n apparatus of the character described, in combination, a drum-like container adapted to be rotated at relatively highspeed and having upon its interior a plurality of annular walls sub-dividing the container into a plurality of annular pockets, each pocket a rotatably mounted i.,

having at least one discharge opening in the wall of said contalner, and means responsive to a function of the speed of rotation of said container and to a condition of the liquid being operated upon for controlling the discharge of a separated constituent through the discharge openings, said annular Walls being of such a radial extent as to permit the' overflow of liquid from one pocket, after being operated upon therein, to an adjacent pocket, whereby progressive separation of the mixture into its constituents takes place.

15. ln apparatus of the character described, in combination, a drum-like container adapted to be rotated at relatively high speed and having upon its interior a plurality of annular walls sub-dividing the container into a plurality of annular pockets, each pocket having at least one discharge opening in the wall of said container, means responslve to a function of the speed of rotation of said conill tainer and to a condition of the liquid being operated upon for controlling the discharge of a separated constituent through the distemps@ charge openings, said annuler Weils hein i such a redini extent as to permit the oie1low of liquid from one pocket, after being o eiated upon therein, to nn adjacent poc et9 s whereby progressive separation of the mixture into its constituents takes piece, Ineens for receiving material discharged from the openings in seid pockets, end means for 1removing discharged materiel from seid receivw ing means.

in testimony whereof, have signed my name to this speciication this 27th day of May, 1929.

FRANCISC L @02. E

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