Imperforate bowl: centrifugal separators – Including introduction of differing-weight fluids for...
Patent
1994-08-15
1997-04-29
Cooley, Charles E.
Imperforate bowl: centrifugal separators
Including introduction of differing-weight fluids for...
494 56, 494901, B04B 506, B04B 1102
Patent
active
056243715
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to centrifuges, or centrifugal separators, such as are used separating the components of a mixed fluid stream.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Centrifugal separators typically comprise a vessel with a cylindrical wall which is rotated about its axis. A mixture of fluids of different specific gravities is introduced and concentric annular layers of the individual fluids are formed, with the fluid of greatest specific gravity forming the outermost layer against the cylindrical wall and with the liquid with the least specific gravity forming the layer nearest the axis. The separation effected in this way within the centrifuge has of course to be maintained during extraction of the liquids from it, in spite of varying proportions of the liquid in the incoming mixtures. Operation of the centrifuge can be controlled by a flow control system dependent on the use of sensing devices to detect the positions of the level of the layers or radial interface between them, as described, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,780. The level or interface sensing means and related control arrangements represent a considerable complication, making a substantial contribution to the complexity and cost of the equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is accordingly concerned with the provision of a centrifuge or centrifugal separator which is self-regulating and thus not dependent for its operation on the sensing of the position within it of an interface between adjacent layers of separated liquids.
The invention accordingly provides a centrifuge for regulating the flow of fluids so as to effect separation of first and second fluids of a first and a second, greater, specific gravity, respectively, from a mixture of the fluids regardless of the proportions of the fluids in the mixture, the centrifuge comprising a drum (1) rotatable about the axis (6) thereof to form an annular layer (9) of the second fluid around an annular layer (7) of the first fluid, and first (10,11,14,15) and second (20,21,24,25) discharge chambers (11,12) defined by respective first and second walls (10,20) providing first and second annular weir edges controlling the respective discharge flows, for respective discharge of the first and second fluids from the respective layers outwardly of the drum, characterised in that a sleeve (26) concentric with the drum axis (6) extends from the second wall towards the first wall to provide a generally axial flow path for the second fluid which reverses direction at the free end of the sleeve, and extends into the second discharge chamber between the second wall and the side wall (2) of the drum (1). Discharge from the centrifuge is effected by scoops operating in scoop chambers formed at the respective axial ends of the centrifuge, and flows of the liquids from the separated layers within the main volume of the centrifuge is controlled by annular plates or baffles forming weirs which are so dimensioned as to substantially prevent flows from a first layer into the scoop chamber receiving flow from the other layer, even when input to the centrifuge consists substantially entirely of the liquid forming the first layer.
Centrifugal separator devices in accordance with the invention can be employed for example to separate oil from water in an oil extraction system. A well stream may contain gas, oil, water and particulate material, for example, sand. After removal of sand and gas, separation of the oil and water has to be effected to obtain a yield of useful oil thus this can be readily effected by means of the centrifuge of the invention, which is not however limited to this use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is further described below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a typical centrifuge;
FIG. 2 is a partial view, on a slightly larger scale, corresponding to the lower left hand part of FIG. 1 but showing a centrifuge and modified in accordance with
REFERENCES:
patent: 2619280 (1952-11-01), Redlich
patent: 3814307 (1974-06-01), Hengstebeck
patent: 4010891 (1977-03-01), Kartinen
patent: 4362620 (1982-12-01), High
patent: 4842738 (1989-06-01), Greenspan
patent: 4857040 (1989-08-01), Kashihara et al.
Cooley Charles E.
Framo Developments (UK) Limited
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