Apparatus for Separating a Mixed Liquid Containing Components of Different Specific Gravities

This invention relates to an apparatus for separating a mixed liquid containing components of different specific gravities.

Heretofore, a mixed liquid containing components of different specific gravities, such as oil and water, were drained from a source and introduced into a cistern or a pool so that the liquid would naturally separate itself into two layers as the lighter liquid component floated to the surface. However, a wide area for the separating pool was required for such an operation and also it took a long time to complete the separating operation. Further, there is a great need for an apparatus which serves to completely collect oil floating on the sea or other body of water due to a marine accident or the like at a low cost and in a short period of time.

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of known prior art arrangements and satisfies the aforementioned by utilizing the centrifugal force generated by rotation of a cylindrical chamber within a separating structure, in which liquid from a source is continuously and completely separated into two cylindrical layers of different specific gravities, such as oil and water, each of which passes separately out of outlets disposed at the upper part and the lower part of the apparatus.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for separating a mixed liquid consisting of two kinds of liquid having different specific gravities, continuously with scientific exactitude.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which may be used for collecting raw petroleum floating on the sea or other body of water due to a marine accident continuously and smoothly in a short period of time at low cost without requiring expensive chemical treatment.

Other features which are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described in relationship to specific embodiments, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

Apparatus for separating a mixed liquid containing components of different specific gravities includes an outer cylinder having a discharge opening at a lower portion thereof through which separated components of higher specific gravity are discharged. An inner cylinder is rotatably disposed in the outer cylinder and drive means are provided for rotating the inner cylinder. An inlet introduces mixed liquid into the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder has a concentric opening at the upper longitudinal end thereof through which separated components of lesser specific gravity pass. A cover is mounted on the outer cylinder for receiving the separated components of lesser specific gravity from the concentric opening. Disk means are disposed at one longitudinal end portion of the inner cylinder and is arranged such that generally inner and outer concentric columns of separated components of lesser and greater specific gravities respectively extend between the disk means and the upper longitudinal end of the inner cylinder. Operable means leading from the outer concentric column of separated components of higher specific gravity to the discharge opening in the outer cylinder is operable to mitigate the effects of centrifugal force on the separated liquid component of heavier specific gravity as the latter passes to the discharge opening in the outer cylinder.

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing an apparatus for separating a mixed liquid according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1a is a sectional view taken along the line A--A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1b is a partial sectional view taken along the line B--B in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view showing an alternate apparatus similar to the first embodiment but wherein the structure at the inlet portion for introducing liquid differs from that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of another alternate embodiment showing another variation of the first embodiment in which mixed liquid to be separated flows from the upper part of the apparatus thereinto and pedestals are provided at the bottom thereof.

FIG. 3a is a sectional view taken along the line A--A in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of another alternate embodiment showing the main part of an apparatus for separating a mixed liquid according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of another alternate embodiment showing the main part of an apparatus for separating mixed liquid according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of another alternate embodiment showing the main part of an apparatus for separating mixed liquid according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of another alternate embodiment showing the main part of an apparatus for separating mixed liquid according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of a first embodiment of the present invention in which there is provided an inner cylinder 2 having two ends 3 and 4 and which is installed in an outer cylinder 1 in such a manner that the inner cylinder 2 rotates separately from the outer cylinder 1 by means of a shaft 11 driven by an electric motor 12 disposed on the apparatus. At the lower part of the outer cylinder 1 there is provided a plurality of outlets 15 for discharging liquid of high specific gravity and at both ends 3, 4 of the inner cylinder 2, openings 9 and 10 of the same diameter are provided which are centered around the shaft 11. In the inner cylinder 2, a divisional disk 5 is attached to the top of an inlet passage 18 for introducing mixed liquid and further, a plurality of stationary spaced disks 6 for mitigating centrifugal force by dampening or retarding the movement of the liquid are secured to the inlet passage 18 by struts 18s and these disks 6 are arranged to form openings between the inlet passage 18 and the disks 6.

A cover 14 used as a casing for collecting liquid of lesser specific gravity is disposed on the outer cylinder 1 to collect and take out separated liquid of lesser specific gravity. A casing 13 including a plurality of inlet openings for introducing mixed liquid is formed at the lower part of the outer cylinder 2. The rotary shaft 11 extending from the electric motor 12 extends down to the bottom of the casing 13 and is disposed in a bearing support 17. From intermediate portions of the shaft 11 supporting bars 16 are provided which extend to the inner cylinder 2 to be fixed to the latter.

In the first embodiment of the present invention constructed with the foregoing elements, the apparatus is adapted to be first disposed in such a manner as to be located or partially submerged in the liquid over which oil or bubbles are floating. Just the lower half of the apparatus is disposed in the liquid. At this time the opening of the casing 13 is positioned in the floating oil. In such a disposition, the floating oil begins to flow into the inner cylinder 2 together with some quantity of water and passes above the divisional disk 5 through the casing 13 and the passage 18.

When the inner cylinder 2 is rotated by the motor 12 through the shaft 11 and the supporting bars 16 connected thereto, the mixed liquid of water and oil flowing into the inner cylinder 2 is effected by the centrifugal force generated by its rotation to be separated in accordance with the difference in specific gravities. Liquid of higher specific gravity, such as water, is centrifuged and accumulates around the inner surface of the cylinder 2 forming into the configuration of a liquid-cylinder 8 because it is more responsive to the centrifugal force. On the other hand, liquid of lower specific gravity, such as oil, forms another liquid cylinder 7 positioned on the divisional disk 5 inside the liquid-cylinder 8 of heavier specific gravity. Liquid of lesser specific gravity will pass out of the opening 9 into the cover 14 to be collected at a location not shown in the drawing if the inner diameter thereof is less than the diameter of the opening 9. Similarly, in such a condition, and referring to the lower part of the liquid cylinder 8 of higher specific gravity, the centrifugal force imparted to the liquid cylinder 8 is somewhat weakened or lessened by means of the divisional disk 5 and the disks 6 and the heavier liquid is directed to flow out of the outlet 15 through the lower opening 10.

Due to the above mentioned discharge both from the upper and the lower openings 9 and 10 respectively, it is possible that the hollow shape of the cylinder is always maintained within regular limits, and only liquid of small specific gravity rises up along the liquid cylinder of higher specific gravity and is collected separately from the heavier liquid.

FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively represent variations of the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, an inlet passage 19 extends from four pipes 20 which are joined to each other at a cross just under the outer cylinder 1. The inlet passage 19 passes through the bottom of cylinder 1a and through opening 10a into inner cylinder 2a ending immediately below shaft 11a.

As regards the alternate variation shown in FIG. 3, the structure of the apparatus is more or less changed. In the example of FIG. 3, an inlet pipe 21 is formed to pass into the cover 14b to extend downwardly to enclose the shaft 11b and to open above the divisional disk 5b. Further, the apparatus is supported on pedestals 22. The operation of the variations of FIGS. 2 and 3 is substantially the same as the operation of the FIG. 1 variation hereinbefore described.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is constructed as shown in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 4 an outer cylinder 1c is provided with a cover 14c for collecting separated liquid of lesser specific gravity and an outlet 15c thereunder for discharging liquid of higher specific gravity. Within the outer cylinder 1c ther is provided an inner cylinder 2c arranged so that it may rotate centering around an inlet pipe 23 for introducing mixed liquid from above. The inlet pipe 23 extends to an intermediate bottom end 24 of the inner cylinder 2c and includes vanes 25 at a position thereon in the cover 14c. At the lower part of the inlet pipe 23, a divisional disk 5c is provided and openings 26 for mixed liquid are located just under the divisional disk 5c. Between the top end 3c and the bottom end 4c of the inner cylinder 2c there is interposed an intermediate bottom end arranged in such a manner as to form outlet openings for separated liquid of higher specific gravity at both sides. The space defined by the top end 3c and the intermediate bottom end 24 is suitably partitioned with a plurality of concentric cylinder which are alternatively disposed in spaced apart relationship from the top end 3c and the intermediate bottom end 24 to define and complete an extended circuitous detour path leading to the outlet openings in the intermediate bottom end 24. Arranged about a supporting shaft 28, is a bottomless stationary chamber 27 for lessening or weakening the effect of the centrifugal force impacted to the liquid of higher specific gravity by suddenly retarding the movement of the liquid passing through the bottom part.

In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 4, when mixed liquid is introduced through the inlet pipe 23 into the inner cylinder 2c after the latter is rotating by means of the electric motor 12c, the liquid, as in the case of the first embodiment, is separated due to the centrifugal force into two cylindrical liquid-layers, that is, inner liquid layer 7c of lesser specific gravity and outer liquid layer 8c of higher specific gravity. The vanes 25 rotate, and generate a rising-flow of air contained in the mixed liquid in a state of bubbles to thereby allow the liquid of lesser specific gravity to rise. When the inner diameter of the liquid of lesser specific gravity decreases to less than the diameter of the opening 9c at the top end of the inner cylinder 2c, it is discharged through the cover 14c. The liquid layer 8c of higher specific gravity positioned outside the above mentioned liquid of lesser specific gravity passes toward the top end 3c and the intermediate bottom end 24 a few times in taking a roundabout or circuitous course along the extended path or detour, separating even the ingredient of smaller specific gravity remaining therein without being separated up. Liquid thus passing through all of the detour flows out of the openings located at the intermediate bottom end 24 to enter the chamber 27 disposed about the supporting shaft 28 so that it may flow out of the outlet at the bottom end of the outer cylinder 1c with lessened or weakened centrifugal force. The apparatus is designed in such a manner that both of the openings 9c and 10c have the same diameter and central point, and the diameter of the divisional disk 5c is smaller than that of the openings 9c and 10c.

The structure of a fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5 an outer cylinder 1d is provided with an inner separating chamber 29 designed with a terraced or stepped configuration which contracts downwardly. The inner chamber 29 is rotated by means of an electric motor 12d via a pipe 23d which is also used as an inlet conduit for introducing the mixed liquid. Supporting bars 16d extending from the inlet pipe 23d and are fixed to the inner cylinder. Also in the inner cylinder of the apparatus, a top end 3d and a bottom end 4d thereof have concentric openings 9d and 10d of the same diameter, but the diameter of a divisional disk 5d located at the lower part of a shaft is designed to exceed the diameter of the above openings 9d and 10d. Between the top end 3d and the bottom end 4d of the inner cylinder, a desirable number of pipes 30 are arranged vertically for the purpose of permitting separated liquid of higher specific gravity to flow out of the inner cylinder into the outer cylinder 1d. A plurality of bottomless dished-plates 31 are arranged at regular intervals on the pipes 30. The bottomless dished-plates 31 have larger diameter openings as compared to the diameter of theopening 9d. Disks 6d for weakening and lessening the effect of centrifugal force are mounted on the supporting shaft 28 which includes outlet openings.

According to this fifth embodiment, mixed liquid flows into the inner cylinder 2d through an opening located at a lower portion of the inlet pipe 23d and rises up along the terraced wall of the inner cylinder as it is centrifuged by rotation of the inner cylinder 2d. Liquid of higher specific gravity is forced outside by the centrifugal force and separates from the liquid of lesser specific gravity remaining in the former liquid by the rotary action of the bottomless dished-plates 31 installed on the pipes 30, and the centrifuged liquid of lesser specific gravity gradually moves inwardly through the intervals or spaces between the dished-plates 31 to meet the layer of the liquid of lesser specific gravity formed in the shape of a cylinder on the divisional disk 5d.

On the other hand, liquid of higher specific gravity thus completely centrifuged enters the pipe 30 from openings disposed at the upper part thereof to be discharged into the lower chamber in which are included the disks 6d for weakening or lessening the effects of the centrifugal force and to flow out of the outlet 15d. Liquid centrifuged inside is in the shape of a cylinder and is discharged through the opening 9d into the cover 14d similarly as in the foregoing two embodiments. Sludge gathered in the inner separating chamber can be removed at regular intervals by means of plugs 44.

A variation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6 an outer cylinder 1e contains an inner rotary cylinder 2e forming a separating chamber and is disposed on inlet pipe portions 20e which are joined at a cross to lead to an inlet passage 18e. The inlet passage 18e opens into the inner cylinder 2e at a position not exceeding or extending above the level of the inlet of the inlet pipe portions 20e. A divisional disk 5e is mounted at the inlet of the passage 18 and the disk 5e has a diameter exceeding that of the top and the bottom openings 9e and 10 of the inner cylinder 2e. To the upper part of the inner cylinder 2 there is fixed a saucer-like element 32 arranged in such a manner as to be contained in another saucer-like element 33 which is fixed to the top of the outer cylinder 1e and leaving a space therebetween in order to rotate therein.

When the apparatus of this latter embodiment is positioned in the mixed liquid so that the inlet portin of the pipe 20e is located in the layer of liquid of lesser specific gravity and the electric motor 12e is operated, the liquid to be separated (the greater part of which is liquid of small specific gravity) flows into the inner cylinder 2e which is rotated by the electric motor via the shaft 11e, through the inlet passage 18e and is scattered with the divisional disk 5e. At the same time of flowing therein, the liquid is subjected to centrifugal force to thereby be separated into two vertical extending layers 7e and 8e of lesser and the greater specific gravities. The liquid of lesser specific gravity flows out of the opening 9e to the saucer-like element 32 to be received in the outer saucer-like element 33 to be discharged from a hose connected thereto. On the other hand, the liquid centrifuged around the inner cylinder 2e flows out of the opening 10e to be discharged from the outlets of the outer cylinder.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7, a pipe 34 for introducing mixed liquid opens into a separating chamber 35 at an expanded portion 36 and includes a divisional disk 5 mounted at the end thereof. On the other hand, a rotary shaft 37 extends through the separating chamber from the opposite direction to form an outlet portion 38 between the divisional disk 5 and the shaft and which is partitioned by a plurality of bars. At both ends of the separating chamber 35 there are provided compartments 41 and 42 for receiving and letting each separated liquid flow out to the outlet pipes 39 and 40 respectively.

When the shaft 37 is rotated by an electric motor (not shown), the separating chamber 35 and both receiving compartments 41, 42 rotate together. Supporting bars 43 are disposed suitably at the narrower portions of the chamber 35 to generate centrifugal force in the chamber. Since the opening to the separating chamber 41 has a larger diameter than the opening to the separating chamber 42, the liquid of lesser specific gravity centrifuged on the inside is discharged to the right and that of higher specific gravity flows through openings in the divisional disk 5 to pass to the left with the effects of the centrifugal force somewhat lessened or weakened by the divisional disk 5 which has a diameter more than that of the left cylindrical portion.

While the invention has been described by means of specific examples and in specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto, for obvious modifications will occur to those silled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.