Abstract:
A voraxial separation system having an auxiliary filter is disclosed for separating flowable composite media into components. The voraxial separation system receives a flowing stream of composite media and utilizes centrifugal force to separate the stream into component radial layers according to specific gravity whereafter one or more radial layers may be extracted from the stream. An auxiliary filtration apparatus includes a conduit having a flowable media input, a generally cylindrical filter disposed within the conduit, and filtered and unfiltered media outlets. An elongate spray tube is disposed within the tubular filter substantially adjacent to the radially inner surface of the filter. The spray tube is fluidly connected to a pressurized fluid source and defines a plurality of spray outlets disposed in a direction radially outward so as to direct pressurized fluid onto the cylindrical filter from the filter interior thereof to clean the filter of accumulated substances. A rotational drive system provides powered rotation of the spray tube, and a spectrophotometer assembly monitors the accumulation of component medium on the filter and adjusts rotation speed of the spray tube in response to filter loading.
Abstract:
A voraxial separation system having an auxiliary filter is disclosed for separating flowable composite media into components. The voraxial separation system receives a flowing stream of composite media and utilizes centrifugal force to separate the stream into component radial layers according to specific gravity whereafter one or more radial layers may be extracted from the stream. An auxiliary filtration apparatus includes a conduit having a flowable media input, a generally cylindrical filter disposed within the conduit, and filtered and unfiltered media outlets. An elongate spray tube is disposed within the tubular filter substantially adjacent to the radially inner surface of the filter. The spray tube is fluidly connected to a pressurized fluid source and defines a plurality of spray outlets disposed in a direction radially outward so as to direct pressurized fluid onto the cylindrical filter from the filter interior thereof to clean the filter of accumulated substances. A rotational drive system provides powered rotation of the spray tube, and a spectrophotometer assembly monitors the accumulation of component medium on the filter and adjusts rotation speed of the spray tube in response to filter loading.
Abstract:
A system for separating flowable media into its components includes a pump delivering a flowing stream of the media, a separation tube through which the stream of the flowable media is passed, a mechanism for spinning the stream of flowable media about the axis of the separation tube at sufficient rotational speed that centrifugal force within the stream causes the media components to separate into component radial layers, according to their specific gravities, an extraction conduit for selectively extracting one or more of the radial layers from the separation tube, and monitoring and automatic feed back elements for measuring the component content as the media enters and exits the separation tube and for adjusting the rotational speed of the media. The monitoring and automatic feed back elements preferably include at least one probe extending into the composite media for gathering data concerning the content of the composite media, and an analyzer connected to the at least one probe for receiving analyzing data and for automatically controlling the rotational speed imparted to the media by the rotation mechanism. The analyzer preferably includes a computer.