Michael K Kopper

US Patent:

20110306485, Dec 15, 2011

Filed:

Jun 14, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/160465

Inventors:

Michael Kopper - Beach Park IL, US
Robert Havrin - Lake Bluff IL, US

International Classification:

B04B 1/20
B04B 11/02

US Classification:

494 1, 494 52

Abstract:

A screw type centrifugal liquid separation machine having a continuous decanter and using pressurized air to promote solids transport is provided. The machine has an outer bowl and a conveyor, which are coaxial. A back drive assembly is provided to maintain a difference in speed between the bowl and conveyor so that the conveyor has a mechanical sweeping action within a separation region of the machine. Air is introduced into the machine through the back drive assembly, and is injected into the heavy phase discharge path. In one location, the air acts as a turbulence inducer that at least partially re-suspends grits within the heavy phase material. The air is also injected through lift injectors radially spaced about the solids baffle to provide a uniform solid phase driving force. A flow control is also provided for controlling the discharge rate of the heavy phase material through a discharge port.

US Patent:

20120004088, Jan 5, 2012

Filed:

Jun 30, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/173483

Inventors:

Michael Kopper - Beach Park IL, US
Robert Havrin - Lake Bluff IL, US

International Classification:

B04B 1/20

US Classification:

494 53, 494 52

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a centrifugal liquid separation machine and in particular to a screw type centrifugal liquid separation machine that lifts grit and other solids from the bowl wall in a radially inward manner and resuspends the grit and other solids into the heavy phase discharge flow. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the machine has an outer bowl and a conveyor. The bowl and conveyor are coaxial, and a back drive assembly causes these components to rotate at different speeds to allow the conveyor to mechanically sweep heavy phase materials within a separation region of the machine. Grit is conveyed radially inward along a plow and tumbled into the heavy phase discharge flow, wherein it is resuspended and exits the machine with that flow. Wipers can also be provided for preventing blockage of heavy phase flow under the solids baffle.