Cyclone separators

Claim 1

A cyclone separator including a body defining a main vortex chamber therewithin having a main vortex therein during operation, an inlet in the body for a contaminated fluid, an outlet for the fluid, an outlet for the contaminant, wherein the invention comprises a secondary vortex chamber in communication with an opening into the main vortex chamber at the periphery thereof, the secondary vortex chamber being closed at the top and bottom thereof and having an outlet openable periodically for removal of contaiminants whereby in use no net fluid flow into or out of the secondary vortex chamber occurs, both the main and secondary vortex chambers being circular in horizontal cross section with the main chamber being of larger diameter, the main and secondary chambers lying in the relationship of overlapping circles with the opening between the chambers occupying the area of overlap and being unobstructed said main vortex, said chamber overlapping and said opening comprising a means for generating a vortex in the secondary chamber, the opening thus having a "V" shape along its vertical edge when viewed in said horizontal cross section with the edge of the "V" comprising a means for shearing off the dust particles from the vortex of the main chamber and directing them into the secondary chamber.