Vortex classifier

Claim 2

A vortex classifier for comminuted materials and the like that comprises, a stationary substantially circular vortex chamber to receive a fluid stream and sufficiently unobstructed to allow formation of a free vortex, means for introducing to the vortex chamber particles to be classified, means for introducing the fluid near the periphery of the vortex chamber in a direction to provide a free vortex having a tangentiAl velocity vector and an inwardly directed radial velocity vector, an outlet for the fluid near the center of the chamber, means for controlling the tangential velocity and the radial velocity of the fluid flow at radially spaced regions within the chamber, the distribution of said particles in stable radial orbits being determined by the shape, size and density of the particles and the velocity of the fluid at various radial positions of the vortex chamber, and means for selectively removing the particles at spaced radial regions of the vortex chamber.

Claim 3

A vortex classifier as claimed in claim 1, in which the walls of the chamber are contoured to determine the radial velocity vector of the fluid at said radially spaced regions.

Claim 4

A vortex classifier as claimed in claim 1, in which the axis of the circular vortex chamber is oriented vertically to provide a vortex chamber that is oriented substantially horizontally, the fluid passing from the inlet to the chamber to the outlet therefrom, along an inwardly spiraling, generally horizontal path.

Claim 5

A vortex classifier as claimed in claim 3 in which the height or vertical dimension of the vortex chamber is smaller at the periphery that at the center region thereof.

Claim 6

A vortex classifier as claimed in claim 4 in which the means for selectively removing the particles after they have attained an equilibrium radius of rotation comprises scoops adapted to pop into and out of the chamber at said radially spaced regions.

Claim 7

A vortex classifier as claimed in claim 5 in which the means for removing the particles comprises a plurality of scoops disposed in the vortex chamber.

Claim 8

Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 that includes means for comminuting the material prior to introduction thereof to the vortex chamber.

Claim 9

Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 that includes means for providing uniformity of the comminuted materials that are introduced to the vortex chamber.

Claim 10

Apparatus for classifying particles that comprises, in combination: a stationary, substantially circular vortex chamber to receive a fluid and sufficiently unobstructed to allow the fluid to flow in a free vortex flow within the chamber from the periphery to the center thereof; means for introducing the fluid at the periphery of the vortex chamber as a fluid stream forming a free vortex having a tangential component of velocity Co and an inwardly directed radial component Cr thereof, said vortex chamber having a height dimension h between the walls of the chamber that varies from small to large from the periphery toward the center thereof, respectively, the magnitudes of the velocities Co and Cr at any radial position ro within the vortex chamber being a function of the velocities Co and Cr of the fluid upon introduction to the chamber and the magnitudes of h at the radial position ro; means for introducing the particles to the vortex chamber, the particles being propelled by the fluid stream in an orbital path within the vortex chamber; and means for selectively removing the particles at radially spaced regions in the vortex chamber once the particles have achieved rotational equilibrium.

Claim 11

Apparatus for classifying particles that comprises, in combination: a stationary, substantially circular vortex chamber to receive a fluid and sufficiently unobstructed to allow the fluid to flow in a free vortex flow within the chamber from the periphery to the center thereof; means for introducing the fluid at the periphery of the vortex chamber as a fluid stream forming a free vortex having a tangential component of velocity Co and an inwardly directed radial component Cr thereof, said vortex chamber having a height dimension h between the walls of the chamber that varies from small to large from the periphery toward the center thereof, respectively, the magnitudes of the velocities Co and Cr at any radial position ro within the vortex chamber being a function of the velocities Co and Cr of the fluid upon introduction to the chamber and the magnitudes of h at the radial position ro; means for introducing the particles to the vortex chamber, the particles being propelled by the fluid stream in an orbital path within the vortex chamber; and means for selectively removing the particles at radially spaced regions in the vortex chamber once the particles have achieved rotational equilibrium.

Claim 12

Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which the vortex chamber is horizontal, the dimension h being the distance betweeen the upper and lower walls of the chamber.

Claim 13

Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 which includes vanes located outward from said periphery and oriented to direct the fluid into the vortex chamber in the direction which provides said free vortex.