Method and apparatus for controlling a pump upstream of a centrifuge
US5494584A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2221/04
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for removing insoluble materials from a liquid mixture, including spinning at least one centrifuge separator at a predetermined speed and pumping the mixture to the spinning centrifuge separator at a predetermined rate. The rate in which the mixture is pumped to the separator is varied in response to a variable angular moment of force in the centrifuge separator caused by density variations in the mixture. The method is carried out by an apparatus including at least one centrifuge separator coupled in fluid communication to at least one pump. A closed-loop feedback system is operably coupled to the devices driving both the separator and the pump to control the rate in which the mixture is supplied to the separator. The rate is determined by the angular moment of force in the separator which then allows the system to increase, maintain, or decrease the output of the pump. The apparatus further includes a system for temporarily storing the mixture and effluent discharged from the separator as well as a system for disposing of the insoluble materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.