Patent Abstract:
The teachings of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for enhanced incineration. A method for improving the performance of an incinerator may comprise separating one or more substances from a process fluid using a classifying centrifuge, ejecting a first substance from the classifying centrifuge, the first substance having characteristics optimized for incineration, incinerating the first substance, and using heat generated from the incineration of the first substance to enhance the combustion efficiency of an additional substance separated from the process fluid.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/927,366 entitled “Annular Groove Solids Collection and Transport Systems for Centrifuges” filed May 2, 2007; U.S. provisional application No. 60/927,386 entitled “Stacked Cones with Single or Multi-Diameter, Multi-Outlet Centrifuges” filed May 2, 2007; and U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/928,476 entitled “Method of Multiple Phase Separation or Classifying to Enhance Incineration” filed May 8, 2007. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention is related to the separation of substances from a process fluid, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for enhanced incineration. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A centrifuge typically comprises a piece of equipment operable to put objects or a process fluid in rotation around a central longitudinal axis. Rotation applies centripetal force to the contents of the centrifuge. Over time, the heavier or denser substances contained therein will settle at the greatest distance from the longitudinal axis. A centrifuge may be used to separate one or more substances from a process fluid. 
         [0004]    One useful process making use of a centrifuge is known as classifying. Classifying allows removal of one or more substances from a process fluid as well as separating the different substances from one another. Such classification may be used in a variety of processes (e.g., kaolin classification, cattle product rendering, many food processes, and/or metal recovery). 
         [0005]    For example, used drilling mud returning from a well bore may include barite, hematite, or other additives, as well as solids debris from the drill bit or rock, plus water or other fluids used to transport those materials. While the solids debris is unlikely to be of further utility, the barite, hematite, and/or other additives may be used again if they can be separated from the drilling mud and the debris. In addition, the water and/or other transport fluid may be prepared for reuse or environmentally acceptable disposal by removal of one or more substances listed above. 
         [0006]    Often, classifying is performed in two or more separate steps, using separate pieces of equipment. An improved classifying centrifuge may provide the same benefit but simplify and/or reduce the maintenance, operation, cost and/or energy consumption over known classifying centrifuges. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, one embodiment may include a method for improving the performance of an incinerator. The method may include separating one or more substances from a process fluid using a classifying centrifuge, ejecting a first substance from the classifying centrifuge, incinerating the first substance, and using heat generated from the incineration of the first substance to enhance the combustion efficiency of an additional substance separated from the process fluid. The first substance may have characteristics optimized for incineration. 
         [0008]    Another embodiment may include a system for removing substances from a process fluid. The system may comprise a centrifuge body rotatable around a longitudinal axis, an outlet extending from the centrifuge body, and an incinerator coupled with the outlet to receive substances removed from the process fluid by the centrifuge body. The centrifuge body may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured for receiving the process fluid. The second end may be configured for dispensing a clarified fluid. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    A more complete and thorough understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  depicts a cross-section view of a classifying centrifuge in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  depicts a cross-section view of a classifying centrifuge in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of an internal working space of a classifying centrifuge in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3B and 3C  depict a close-up of the cross-section view shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4A  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a component of a classifying centrifuge in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4B  depicts a cross-section view of part of an internal working space of a classifying centrifuge in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  depicts a cross-section view of multiple components which may be used to form a classifying centrifuge in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  depicts a cross-section view of one embodiment of a classifying centrifuge in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  depicts a top view of an incinerator in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross-section view of an incinerator in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  depicts a cross-section view of an incinerator in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    The teachings of the present disclosure may demonstrate a classifying centrifuge, methods of use and/or methods of construction of a classifying centrifuge. Preferred embodiments of the invention and its advantages are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 1-9  wherein like number refer to same and like parts. 
         [0022]    As used throughout this disclosure, the term “fluid” may be used to include liquids, gases or a combination of liquids and gases with or without suspended solids or particulate matter. 
         [0023]    “Process fluid” may generally be defined as a fluid stream containing liquids and/or gases along with suspended solids, colloidal and/or particulate matter including, but not limited to, nanoparticles (e.g., a slurry). Classifying centrifuges may be used to separate various components of a process fluid in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. 
         [0024]    “Clarified fluids” may include liquids and/or gases which remain after one or more substances have been removed from a process fluid. Any substances removed from a classifying centrifuge may be referred to as “ejecta” or “removed solids.” 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  depicts a cross-section view of a classifying centrifuge  10  in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. Classifying centrifuge  10  may include a first end  20 , a second end  30 , a rotational drive  40 , a bottom shell  50 , a top shell  60 , one or more ejecta outlets  70 , a longitudinal axis  80 , one or more annular bodies (e.g.,  102 ,  104 , and  106 ), and one or more internal working spaces (e.g.,  122 ,  124 , and  126 ). Classifying centrifuge  10  may be any body mounted to rotate around longitudinal axis  80  and including appropriate working spaces therein. 
         [0026]    First end  20  may include one end of classifying centrifuge  10  and may be configured for receiving a process fluid. First end  20  may include a process fluid inlet  22  associated with an inlet fluid path  24 . 
         [0027]    Process fluid inlet  22  may include any feature, device, and/or component configured to receive a process fluid. For example, process fluid inlet  22  may include an opening in first end  20 , a tube, a valve, a fitting, a faucet, a tap, a spigot, a port, and/or other inlet. Process fluid inlet  22  may be associated with any feature, device, and/or component configured to deliver a process fluid from an external source. For example, process fluid inlet  22  may be associated with a process fluid line, a piping system, a funnel, and/or any other automatic or manual system for delivery of fluid. 
         [0028]    Inlet fluid path  24  may include any feature, device, and/or component of classifying centrifuge  10  configured to provide a path from process fluid inlet  22  to one or more working spaces  120  within classifying centrifuge  10 . For example, inlet fluid path  24  may include a straight pipe, flexible tubing, an opening bored through some part of the body of classifying centrifuge  10 , and/or any other appropriate fluid path. 
         [0029]    Second end  30  may include one end of classifying centrifuge  10  and may be configured for dispensing a clarified fluid. Second end  30  may include a clarified fluid outlet  32  associated with an outlet fluid path  34 . 
         [0030]    Clarified fluid outlet  32  may include any feature, device, and/or component configured to dispense a clarified fluid. For example, clarified fluid outlet  32  may include an opening in second end  30 , a tube, a valve, a fitting, a faucet, a tap, a spigot, a port, and/or other inlet. Clarified fluid outlet  32  may be associated with any feature, device, and/or component configured to deliver a clarified fluid to an external receiver. For example, clarified fluid outlet  32  may be associated with a process fluid line, a piping system, a funnel, and/or any other automatic or manual system for receipt of fluid. 
         [0031]    Outlet fluid path  34  may include any feature, device, and/or component of classifying centrifuge  10  configured to provide a path from one or more working spaces  120  within classifying centrifuge  10  to clarified fluid outlet  32 . For example, outlet fluid path  34  may include a straight pipe, flexible tubing, an opening bored through some part of the body of classifying centrifuge  10 , and/or any other appropriate fluid path. 
         [0032]    Rotational drive  40  may include any device and/or system operable to rotate one or more portions of classifying centrifuge  10  around its longitudinal axis  80 . For example, rotational drive  40  may include a DC motor, an AC motor, a torque motor, a pneumatic motor, a thermodynamic motor, a hydraulic motor, and/or any other system for converting potential energy to rotational energy and/or torque. Rotational drive  40  may also include any components, devices, and/or features used to deliver such motion, energy, and/or torque to the appropriate portions of classifying centrifuge  10  (e.g., bearings, gears, a transmission, levers, fasteners, a drive shaft, etc.). 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 1 , classifying centrifuge  10  may include separate bottom shell  50  and top shell  60 . In other embodiments, a single shell may provide a housing for one or more of the components making up classifying centrifuge  10 . In embodiments including bottom shell  50  and top shell  60 , bottom shell  50  and top shell  60  may include any component and/or feature of classifying centrifuge  10  configured to provide a frame and/or body for working spaces  120  and/or any components making up classifying centrifuge  10 . For example, bottom shell  50  may include a housing mounted to rotational drive  40  and configured to house one or more annular bodies (e.g.,  102 ,  104 , and  106 ) used to define working spaces (e.g.,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ) within classifying centrifuge  10 . Top shell  60  may include a housing providing process fluid inlet  22  and/or inlet flow path  24  and configured to house one or more internal segments  100  used to make working spaces  120  within classifying centrifuge  10 . 
         [0034]    Ejecta outlet  70  may be any feature, device and/or component of classifying centrifuge  10  configured to provide a path or other outlet for any substances removed from the process fluid during classification. For example, classifying centrifuge  10  may include one or more ejecta outlets  70  associated with each working space  120  therein. Ejecta outlet  70  may include a space between bottom shell  50  and top shell  60  or may include openings, fittings, and/or other features in either bottom shell  50 , top shell  60 , or a unitary shell. 
         [0035]    In embodiments such as that shown in  FIG. 1 , classifying centrifuge  10  may include one or more ejecta outlets  70  associated with each working space  120 . For example, first ejecta outlet  72  may be associated with first working space  122 , second ejecta outlet  74  may be associated with second working space  124 , and third ejecta outlet  76  may be associated with third working space  126 . One or more of these outlets may feed ejecta to ejecta outlet  70  configured to deliver ejecta to the outside of classifying centrifuge  10 . Each ejecta outlet  72 ,  74 , and/or  76  may include any devices, components, and/or features of classifying centrifuge  10  and/or associated working spaces  120  configured to selectively release accumulated substances, solids, and/or other materials collected during the operation of classifying centrifuge  10 . Some embodiments of outlets are discussed with greater detail in relation to  FIGS. 3A-C . 
         [0036]    Longitudinal axis  80  may be any axis around which the various components of classifying centrifuge  10  may rotate (e.g., axis of rotation). Persons having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the placement of longitudinal axis  80  may be important to the maximum rotational speed and, therefore, efficiency at which classifying centrifuge  10  may be operated. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of classifying centrifuge  10  including annular bodies  100  to define working spaces  120 . Other embodiments may include bottom shell  50 , top shell  60 , and/or other shell components which define working spaces  120  without additional components. In one embodiment, bottom shell  50  and top shell  60  may be cylindrical sections having different external and internal diameters. In similar embodiments, classifying centrifuge  10  may include three or more cylindrical sections with increasing internal working spaces  120  and increasing external diameters, resulting in a stepped cylindrical shape for classifying centrifuge  10 . In another embodiment, classifying centrifuge  10  may include a cylindrical barrel with a generally constant external diameter and increasing internal working spaces  120  along its length. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , annular body  102  may define the top half of internal working space  122 . Annular body  104  may define the bottom half of internal working space  122  and the top half of internal working space  124 . Annular body  106  may define the bottom half of internal working space  124  and the top half of internal working space  126 . Annular body  108  may define the bottom half of internal working space  126 . This particular method of construction for classifying centrifuge  10  may be extended to define any number of internal working spaces  120 . 
         [0039]    In general, classifying centrifuge  10  defines multiple internal working spaces  120  (e.g.,  122 ,  124 , and  126 ). Each internal working space may include a characteristic working diameter  150  (discussed in more detail in relation to  FIG. 3A ). Because each section of classifying centrifuge  10  rotates at the same angular speed, variation in working diameter  150  between internal working spaces  120  may provide variation in linear speed at the widest point of each internal working space  120 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , material at the widest point of internal working space  124  will rotate at a higher linear speed than material contained in internal working space  122 . Higher linear speed may exert higher centripetal force against the material. 
         [0040]    For that reason, classifying centrifuge  10  subjects the process fluid and any solids and/or other substances contained therein to two or more different levels of centripetal force based on the variation between the working diameters  150  of each internal working space  120 . In some embodiments such as that shown in  FIG. 1 , a process fluid will travel from inlet flow path  24  to the first working space  122 . The process fluid will flow from first working space  122  into successively larger working spaces ( 124 ,  126 , etc.). In such embodiments, heavy weight ejecta may accumulate in internal working space  122  while progressively lighter ejecta may accumulate in larger internal working spaces (e.g.,  124 , and/or  126 ). 
         [0041]    A system for the separation of suspended material from a process fluid may use varying internal working spaces  120  to take advantage of the fact that materials with high density may be removed with little force. In some cases, suspended materials with high density are easily separated by rotation. High density materials may separate from a working fluid at low rotational speed and/or at a short distance from the center of rotation. The suspended materials similar in density to the process fluid may require increased rotational speed or relatively greater distance from the center of rotation for separation. Successive removal of suspended solids and/or materials may allow the classification of several different materials from a process fluid stream. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  depicts a cross-section view of classifying centrifuge  10  in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. As with the embodiment described in  FIG. 1 , classifying centrifuge  10  may include a first end  20 , a second end  30 , a rotational drive  40 , one or more ejecta outlets  70 , a longitudinal axis  80 , one or more annular bodies  100 , and one or more internal working spaces  120  with associated working diameters  150 . Classifying centrifuge may be mounted in any appropriate manner to rotate around longitudinal axis  80 . 
         [0043]    In embodiments such as that shown in  FIG. 2 , classifying centrifuge  10  may also include one or more valve systems  90  associated with the one or more internal working spaces  120  and any ejecta outlet  70  (e.g., valve system  92  associated with internal working space  122  and ejecta outlet  72 ). Valve system  90  may include any devices, components, and/or features of classifying centrifuge  10  configured to control the flow of solids, ejecta, and/or any other substance through ejecta outlet  70 . For example, valve system  90  may include systems designed to provide individual valving for each ejecta outlet  70 , synchronized valving for each internal working space  120 , and/or any other combination of valves and controls. One embodiment of valve system  90  is discussed in more detail in relation to  FIGS. 3A-C . 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of classifying centrifuge  10  which does not require any external shells but may have an exterior and one or more internal working spaces defined by annular bodies  100 . In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , classifying centrifuge  10  may be formed by assembling annular bodies  102 ,  104 ,  106 , and  108  in sequence. One assembly method is discussed in relation to  FIG. 5 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , annular body  102  may define the top half of internal working space  122 . Annular body  104  may define the bottom half of internal working space  122  and the top half of internal working space  124 . Annular body  106  may define the bottom half of internal working space  124  and the top half of internal working space  126 . Annular body  108  may define the bottom half of internal working space  128 . Internal working spaces  100  may be arrayed along longitudinal axis  80  so that the entering process fluid may travel from the smallest to the largest internal working diameter  150 . The exterior of classifying centrifuge  10  may be any shape and/or include any features configured to optimize the performance or efficiency of classifying centrifuge  10 . As described in relation to  FIG. 1 , the example embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  may separate multiple materials and/or substances from a stream of process fluid using successively larger internal working spaces. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3A  depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of internal working space  120  of classifying centrifuge  10  in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. In embodiments such as that shown in  FIG. 3 , ejecta outlet  70  may comprise an annular groove arrayed at the widest point of internal working space  120  and perpendicular to longitudinal axis  80 . In some embodiments such as that shown in  FIG. 3A , ejecta outlet  70  may be located at the greatest extent of working diameter  150 . Solids, ejecta, and/or other substances forced into annular groove  70  by centripetal force resulting from the rotation of classifying centrifuge  10  may also undergo mechanical compression by passing through the v-shape formed by the narrowing walls of the internal working space  120 . Additional compaction may result in de-watering and/or other clarifying processes. In other embodiments, the size and shape of annular groove  70  may be designed and/or configured to allow large particles to exit through ejecta outlet  70 . 
         [0046]    In embodiments of ejecta outlet  70  including an annular groove, the configuration of the annular groove may be designed for specific applications. For example, if the working fluid contains a high percentage of one solid material to be ejected, the ejecta outlet  70  for that material may include a relatively wide annular groove configured to allow a large amount of material to collect. In that example, ejecta outlet  70  for other materials may be relatively small. An annular groove may offer reduced hydrodynamic resistance in comparison to known ejecta outlets. 
         [0047]      FIG. 3A  also depicts a valve control system  90  that may be used in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. Valve control system  90  may include bladders  90   a  and  90   b , a conduit  90   c , and one or more lips  161  of liners  160 . In other embodiments, valve control system  90  may include any components or features of classifying centrifuge  10  configured to selectively allow ejecta to travel from internal working space  120  to ejecta outlet  70 . 
         [0048]    Bladders  90   a  and  90   b  may include any inflatable device or component configured to expand in conjunction with an increase in pressure. As shown in  FIG. 3C , expanded bladders  90   a  and  90   b  may exert force against lips  161   a  and  161   b  and that force may resist the separation of lips  161   a  and  161   b . In some embodiments, bladders  90   a  and  90   b  may include annular bladders that extend around the perimeter of internal working space  120 . 
         [0049]    Conduit  90   c  may include any feature or component of classifying centrifuge  10  configured to deliver fluid to bladders  90   a  and  90   b . For example, conduit  90   c  may include a tube, a channel, or any other feature within the annular bodies (e.g.,  102 ,  104 , and/or  106 ) included in classifying centrifuge  10 . In some embodiments, conduit  90   c  may be configured to deliver air, water, and/or oil as a working fluid. 
         [0050]    Liners  160  may include any component of classifying centrifuge  10  configured to mate with the walls of internal working space  120 . For example, liner  160  may include a replaceable sheet of material formed to the shape of internal working space  120 . Liner  160  may deflect and/or absorb the impact of working fluids, solids, and/or other material. In some embodiments, liner  160  may include a sheet of material (e.g., urethane) configured to absorb and force and/or abrasion resulting from the impact of materials on the walls of internal working space  120 . 
         [0051]    Liners  160  may include lips  161 . Lips  161  may include a flange and/or extension of liner  160  configured to protrude beyond the walls of internal working space  120 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-C , lips  161  may protrude into ejecta outlet  70 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A-C , lips  161  may include flexible extensions of liner  160 , configured to flex between an open position as shown in  FIG. 3B  and a closed position as shown in  FIG. 3C . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, lips  161  may tend to rest in the closed position shown in  FIG. 3A  when no external forces are acting on lips  161 . Lips  161  may be pinched closed by inflation of bladders  90   a  and  90   b , movement of a mechanical body against lips  161 , and/or any other means of mechanically deforming liner  160  on either end of ejecta outlet  70 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 3B and 3C  depict a cross-section view of a valve control system that may used in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, each ejecta outlet  70  may be associated with an unique valve system  90 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A-C , ejecta outlet  70  may be associated with a flow path  71  in fluid communication with ejecta outlet  70  and the exterior of classifying centrifuge  10 . Selective operation of valve system  90  may allow the selective dispensing of ejecta from internal working space  120 . 
         [0054]    The valve system  90  depicted in  FIGS. 3A-C  may be disposed in ejecta outlet  70  (e.g., an annular groove). Valve system  90  may include lips  161   a  and  161   b  of respective liners  160   a  and  160   b , as well as inflatable bladders  90   a  and  90   b . As shown in  FIG. 3B , valve system  90  may open as a result of centripetal force exerted by the rotation of classifying centrifuge  10 . As shown in  FIG. 3C , valve system  90  may be pinched closed by inflation of bladders  90   a  and  90   b . Lips  161   a  and  161   b  may be held in a closed position by the expansion of bladders  90   a  and  90   b  even against the centripetal force generated by the rotation of classifying centrifuge  10 . 
         [0055]    Valve system  90  as shown in relation to  FIGS. 3A-C  may provide improved performance in comparison to valve systems known in the art. For example, valve system  90  may include components which are low in mass in comparison to known valve systems. If valve system  90  rotates with the main body of classifying centrifuge  10 , a reduction in mass may provide reduced energy and/or power requirements for operation. In addition, valve system  90  may open and/or close more quickly than valve systems known in the art. Quick operation of valve system  90  may provide precise control over the release of accumulated solids and may, therefore, prevent the accidental ejection of wet material. 
         [0056]    When the teachings of the present disclosure are combined to provide the control of valve system  90  and the benefit of ejecta outlet  70  including one or more annular grooves, classifying centrifuge  10  may provide one or more of the following benefits: control of the accumulation of solids within the annular groove; control of the length of time any collected solids reside within the annular groove; and the ability to quickly eject accumulated solids from internal working space  120  to ejecta outlet  70 . These benefits may provide precise control over the amount and/or extent of de-watering of any accumulated solids. 
         [0057]      FIG. 4A  depicts an isometric view of liners  160   a  and  160   b  for use with a classifying centrifuge in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. As discussed in relation to  FIGS. 3A-C , liner  160  may include sheets of material configured to mate with one or more interior surfaces of internal working space  120 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , liner  160  may include a sheet of material generally in the shape of a truncated cone. Liner  160  may provide wear resistance to the one or more interior surfaces of internal working space  120 . 
         [0058]    Liner  160   a  may include integral lip  161   a  and/or flange configured to operate as a valve member in conjunction with an opposed lip  161   b  or flange of liner  160   b . Liner  160  may include a ring  163 . Ring  163  may include any feature or component of liner  160  configured to extend from the main body of liner  160 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , ring  163  may be disposed away from lip  161  at the narrowest diameter of liner  160 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 4B  depicts a cross-section view of part of an internal working space of a classifying centrifuge in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4B , classifying centrifuge  10  may include liners  160   a  and  160   b . As discussed in relation to  FIGS. 3A-C , liners  160   a  and  160   b  may be configured to work in conjunction with other components as a valve control system.  FIG. 4B  depicts one example of the mating between separate liners  160   a  and  160   b . In other embodiments, liners  160   a  and  160   b  may be a single sheet of material formed to the shape of annular body  100 . 
         [0060]    Liners  160  may include one or more rings  163 . For example, liner  160   a  may include ring  163   a  and liner  160   b  may include ring  163   b . Ring  163  may include a flexible extension of liner  160  with enough rigidity to return to its original shape when any deforming force is removed. 
         [0061]    Rings  163  may allow selective assembly or replacement of liners  160 . For example, ring  163   a  may be configured to mate with a slot or groove  101  disposed in annular body  100 . Ring  163   b  may be configured to overlap some portion of liner  160   a . In this embodiment, rings  163   a  and  163   b  may cooperate to join liners  160   a  and  160   b  without exposing the surface of internal working space  120  to the working fluid of classifying centrifuge  10 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 5  depicts a cross-section view of multiple annular bodies  100  which may be used to form a portion of classifying centrifuge  10  in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of classifying centrifuge  10  may include annular bodies  102 ,  104 , and  106 . Each annular body  100  may, when assembled, define a portion of one or more internal working spaces  120 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , each annular body  100  may be formed with threads operable to connect with the other annular bodies  100 . For example, annular body  102  may include internal threads  103  operable to connect with external threads  105  disposed on annular body  104 , thus forming an internal working space  120  with a working diameter  152 . Use of the assembly method shown in  FIG. 9  may result in a series of internal working spaces  120  with increasing working diameters (e.g.,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , etc.). 
         [0063]    Removable connections between annular bodies  100  may allow insertion or replacement of liners  160  as discussed with relation to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In addition, removable connections between annular bodies  100  may allow in the insertion of additional components or devices. For example, the insertion of the stacked cones  110  shown in  FIG. 6  may improve performance of classifying centrifuge  10 . The tightly packed stacked cone arrays cannot be inserted into a monolithic centrifuge body of the same shape without significant deformation to fit through clarified fluid outlet  32  or another passage to the internal working spaces  120 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 6  depicts a cross-section view of one embodiment of classifying centrifuge  10  in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 6 , classifying centrifuge may include multiple cone-like members known as stacked cones  110 ,  112 , and  114 . It is known in the art that stacked cone arrays may be used in association with centrifuges to amplify or accelerate the separation of solids or other ejecta from a process fluid. In some applications, solids or other ejecta travel along the surface of the cones toward the outer diameter while lighter fluids travel along the longitudinal axis in the spaces between the cones. 
         [0065]      FIG. 6  shows the classifying centrifuge of  FIG. 2  along with a suitable array of stacked cones  110 ,  112 , and/or  114 . Each array may be configured to result in a tightly packed, or nesting array of cones. The surfaces of stacked cones  110 ,  112 , and  114  may be shaped to channel solids and/or other ejecta toward the widest portion of the respective internal working spaces  120 . The openings at the center of each cone  110 ,  112 , and  114  may allow the lightest liquids to travel through the center of classifying centrifuge  10 . The presence of stacked cones  110 ,  112 , and/or  114  may provide increased residence time for process fluids and/or increased overall efficiency of separation. 
         [0066]    In embodiments including arrays of stacked cones such as  110 ,  112 , and/or  114 , the present disclosure allows stacked cones which closely follow the shapes of internal working spaces  120 .  FIG. 5  demonstrates methods of construction that may facilitate installation of stacked cones  110 ,  112 , and/or  114 . The present disclosure may allow the use of stacked cones to affect the operating efficiency of classifying centrifuge  10 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 7  depicts a top view of an incinerator system. Use of classifying centrifuge  10  in accordance in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure may produce separated materials, or ejecta, subject to rotary spin, centripetal force, and/or high pressure. Ejecta outlet  70  may be configured to atomize ejecta under high pressure, similar to the action of a fuel injector in an internal combustion engine. Because classifying centrifuge  10  may provide separated substances through different ejecta outlets  70 , such ejecta may be selectively delivered to an incinerator or another system coupled with one or more ejecta outlets  70 . Immediate combustion of ejecta may take advantage of the energy used in the separation process when compared to processes which allow the ejecta to settle, phase change, and/or chemically react prior to incineration. 
         [0068]    For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , classifying centrifuge  10  may be disposed within the body of an incinerator  200 . Incinerator  200  may include an inner wall  202 , an outer wall  204 , and a combustion zone  210 . Operation of classifying centrifuge  10  may deliver ejecta through inner wall  202  into combustion zone  210 . Although  FIG. 7  depicts classifying centrifuge disposed within incinerator  200 , persons having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a wide variety of orientations may be used to take advantage of the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         [0069]    Because classifying centrifuge  10  may selectively deliver ejecta to combustion zone  210 , the operation of incinerator  200  may be controlled by selecting the order and amounts of material to be incinerated. For example, if a first component of a process fluid is easier to combust than a second component, the first component may be delivered to combustion zone  210  independently. After the first component is incinerated, the second component may be delivered to combustion zone  210 . The heat of combustion resulting from combustion of the first substance may result in the more rapid, thorough, complete, and/or efficient combustion of the second component. 
         [0070]    For example, treatment of wastewater may include extensive treatment to separate contaminants or other materials and substances from the water. To efficiently combust most such materials, they must be de-watered to reach 45-50% solids content. Incinerator  200  operated in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure may effectively incinerate those materials and facilitate recovery of wastewater. In other applications, de-watering of material may reduce the need to add fuel to initiate combustion. 
         [0071]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross-section view of one embodiment of incinerator  200  in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. Incinerator  200  may include multiple ignition sources  212 ,  214 , and  216 , a heat exchanger  220 , and an exhaust  230 , as well as inner wall  202 , outer wall  204 , and combustion zone  210 . 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , classifying centrifuge  10  may include three internal working spaces ( 122 ,  124 , and  126 ) with increasing working diameters. Operation of classifying centrifuge  10  may result in separated ejecta delivered into combustion zone  210  at separated points along longitudinal axis  80  (e.g., ejecta ports  72 ,  74 , and  76 ). A source of ignition may be selectively applied to the separated ejecta in a deliberate sequence chosen to leverage the heat generated by the combustion of the first ejecta to support the combustion of the later ejecta. 
         [0073]    In addition,  FIG. 8  shows clarified fluid outlet  32  along the base of incinerator  200 . In this embodiment, clarified fluid outlet  32  may allow the removal of a clarified fluid after one or more ejecta have been removed from the process fluid. 
         [0074]    Ignition sources  212 ,  214 , and  216  may include blowers to introduce air to combustion zone  210 , open burners, sparking elements, resistance heaters, and/or any other known devices, components, and/or features used to facilitate combustion, including a combination of such devices. In the embodiment shown, ignition sources  212 ,  214 , and  216  may be independently operable to facilitate selective combustion of ejecta from ejecta outlets  72 ,  74 , and  76 . 
         [0075]    Heat exchanger  220  may be located anywhere in combustion zone  210  and may be configured to recover heat from combustion zone  210 . Heat exchanger  220  may include pipes, vanes, fins, and/or any other device or system operable to transfer heat from combustion zone  210  to another device and/or system. Any recovered heat may be used to generate electricity, provide heat, or supplement any other process or system as needed. 
         [0076]    As previously discussed in relation to  FIG. 7 , combustion of ejecta from internal working space  122 ,  124 , and/or  126  may be more easily initiated. As shown in  FIG. 8 , combustion of such ejecta may result in flames and/or heat traveling up toward exhaust  230 . Those flames and/or heat may interact with ejecta from internal working space  124  and/or internal working space  126 , facilitating ignition and/or combustion before reaching exhaust  230 . Any combustion may be accelerated or improved by air injectors or similar devices (e.g.,  212 ,  214 , and/or  216 ). 
         [0077]    Any unburned material collected at port  240  may have been reduced by the successful incineration of those combustible substances removed by the operation of classifying centrifuge  10 . For example, the combustion of contaminants (e.g., volatile organic compounds, flocculants, wash agents, etc.) from the original process fluid may render the remaining material (e.g., the clarified liquid and/or collected solids) more suitable for landfill or alternative disposal means. 
         [0078]      FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an incinerator incorporating teachings of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , classifying centrifuge  10  has a generally cylindrical outer diameter and multiple internal working spaces ( 122 ,  124 , and  126 ) with varying working diameters as discussed in relation to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0079]    Recovery of waste water may become more valuable as the world population grows. At the same time, disposal or incineration of the solids contaminating waste water may require additional resources (e.g., fuel and/or landfill space). Increased efficiency in mechanical de-watering processes may remove more useful water from waste water and reduce the energy required to incinerate the remaining solids. In other cases, increased efficiency in mechanical de-watering processes may reduce the volume of waste that may be stored or disposed. 
         [0080]    In some embodiments, de-watered solids ejected from rotating classifying centrifuge  10  may undergo aerosol dispersal from ejecta outlet  70  into non-rotating combustion chamber  210 . Aerosol dispersal may expand any ejecta into a mist or suspended fluid and may result in increased flammability. Combustion may result in heat added to combustion chamber  210  which may increase the flammability of any material later ejected from classifying centrifuge  10  into combustion chamber  210 . 
         [0081]    One example application is disposal of composted waste. In some composting applications, the resulting sludge is not flammable. Although some material may have been digested by bacteria introduced to the compost, heavy metals are not catalyzed. Using teachings of the present disclosure, however, the heavy metals may be classified and combusted as described above. 
         [0082]    Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5