Liquid purification or separation – Processes – Using magnetic force
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-06
2001-02-20
Reifsnyder, David A. (Department: 1723)
Liquid purification or separation
Processes
Using magnetic force
C210S222000, C209S228000, C209S232000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190563
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This invention is generally directed to a method and apparatus for multi-particle filtration and separation. More particularly, the invention contemplates an apparatus and method which can effectively both filter and separate multi-particles suspended in a medium, wherein the multi-particles may comprise magnetic and/or non-magnetic particles.
In the art of treating mediums which have been contaminated with particulate matter, such as magnetic and non-magnetic particles, various types of individual filtration and separation devices have been developed. Such devices have become necessary in order to remove particles from a medium, where a cleaner medium is required in order to provide that the medium can perform a certain function, such as where the medium is to be used as a coolant or as a lubricant.
Present particle removal systems typically utilize a first device to filter the larger particles from the medium. Then, a second device is used to separate the magnetic particles from the medium. Finally, a third device is used to settle out the smaller particles from the medium. As a result, the typical particle removal system is complex and consists of various individual particle removal units, along with associated conduits and flow valves. Consequently, the typical particle removal system has a high initial cost of purchase.
Moreover, the typical particle removal system uses a magnetic filtration device to separate the magnetic particles from the medium. The typical magnetic filtration device consists of a electromagnetic matrix which attracts the magnetic particles from the medium as the medium flows thereby. Unfortunately, the matrix, in addition to attracting the magnetic particles thereto, typically accumulates non-magnetic material thereon. This accumulation on the magnet requires that the magnet be cleaned periodically because the accumulation can reduce the effectiveness of the filtration device as less and less magnetic particles are attracted to the magnet and the flow rate through the filtration device becomes hindered. To remedy this accumulation problem, a cleaning process is typically utilized, such as a manual cleaning in order to remove the accumulation of particles within the filtration device. Alternatively, the filtration device may be cleaned by conducting a series of flushes therethrough. Regardless, the cleaning process usually translates into maintenance and cleaning costs, as well as system down time.
In contrast to conventional filtration/separation devices, the present invention both filters and separates particles from a medium utilizing, essentially, a single device. The present invention allows for the removal of magnetic and/or non-magnetic particles (multi-particles) contained in a medium, without the need to use several complex individual filtration and settling devices, and without the need for the associated conduits and flow valves which would normally be required to inter-connect the individual devices. This results in a lower initial cost of purchase, along with a reduction in the amount of maintenance and upkeep required.
Further, the present invention provides that magnetic particles can be removed from a medium without having to employ an electromagnetic matrix. However, if an electromagnetic matrix is employed with the present invention, the present invention provides that non-magnetic particles which begin to build up on the electromagnetic matrix are easily removed during operation, thereby alleviating the accumulation problem associated with conventional magnetic filtration devices, and avoiding the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY
A general object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for the removal of particles from a medium.
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for the removal of magnetic and/or non-magnetic particles from a medium, without necessarily having to employ an electromagnetic matrix.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and highly efficient apparatus and method for the continuous removal of magnetic and/or nonmagnetic particles from a medium, without the continuous need to manually shutdown, clean, and service the apparatus.
Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention envisions a filtration and separation device and method for removing particles from a medium. The device includes a containment vessel for accumulating particles, and the containment vessel includes an increased diameter, generally spherical portion for accumulating the particles therein. The containment vessel may also include an electromagnetic matrix which is capable of being energized and de-energized. A blow valve is located at a lower portion of the containment vessel, and the blow valve is capable of being opened and closed, and can preferably be operated simultaneously with the energizing and de-energizing of the electromagnetic matrix. Opening of the blow valve preferably provides that the particles can evacuate from the containment vessel, and specifically from the increased diameter, generally spherical portion thereof, through the blow valve.
The method for removing particles from a medium in accordance with the present invention envisions introducing a flow of the medium to a containment vessel having an increased diameter, generally spherical portion while simultaneously maintaining a valve on the containment vessel in a closed position. The increased diameter, generally spherical portion generally retains the particles as purified medium leaves the containment vessel. After a period of time, the blow valve is opened, resulting in the particles being evacuated from the containment vessel. The steps of the method can be repeated at periodic time intervals.
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Reifsnyder David A.
Trexler, Bushnell Giangiorgi, Blackstone & Marr, Ltd.
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