Patent ID: 8197679
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: B03B,B07B

Abstract:
1. A particle separation assembly comprising a vessel, the vessel comprising an inlet for receiving fluid carrying particles, a first outlet below the inlet, a second outlet above the inlet, and a plurality of tubes extending from adjacent the inlet to adjacent the second outlet, the assembly being so arranged that when a fluid carrying particles is pumped through the inlet into the vessel and the flow rate of fluid through the inlet is greater than the flow rate of fluid through the first outlet, the difference between the flow rate of fluid through the inlet and the flow rate of fluid through the first outlet gives rise to a resultant upwardly directed fluid flow which acts to convey a substantial proportion of particles below a predetermined mass through one or more of the tubes to the second outlet, the particle separation assembly further comprising a flow rate adjuster operable to vary the cross sectional area of, selectively, one or more than one of the tubes in fluid communication with the second outlet, and adjust the velocity of the resultant fluid flow through the vessel.