IMPROVEMENTS IN CENTRIFUGAL MACHINES FOR SEPARATING SUBSTANCES FROM EACH OTHER PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVE-
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Johannes Ernst Meyer of Copenhagen in the Kingdom
of Denmark for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN CENTRIFUGAL MACHINES
FOR SEPARATING SUBSTANCES FROM EACH OTHER PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVE-
1tS
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Jobannes Ernst Meyer at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th January 1883.
JOHANNES ERNST MEYER of Copenhagen in the Kingdom of Denmark
"IMPROVEMENTS IN CENTRIFUGAL MACHINES FOR SEPARATING SUBSTANCES FROM
EACH OTHER PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER
MACHINES
"
This invention has for its object improvements in centrifugal machines for
separating substances from each other parts of which improvements are applicable
to other machines.
It relates primarily to centrifugal machines of the kind wherein substances such
as milk are treated in a rapidly rotating drum or vessel so that by contrifugal
force the heavier portions are forced against the inner surface of the annular wall
of the drum or vessel whilst the lighter portions are caused to occupy positions
nearer the axis of the drum or vessel; thus, in the case of milk under treatment,
forming in the drum or vessel two concentric annular walls, the outer one being
skim milk, and the inner one cream.
With a view to strengthen the drum, to reduce its liability to vibration whilst
working, and also to allow of its being made of thinner metal than heretofore usual,
it is, according to my invention, firmly connected with the vertical shaft or axis
at the top as well as at the bottom, apertures with doors being provided in the
top of the drum, whereby its interior is rendered accessible for cleansing and other
purposes.
According to one arrangement the said apertures are closed by doors secured
by cross-bars, screws and nuts, so that when the nuts are tightened up, the doors
are pressed down on the drum cover, thus forming fluid tight joints.
The drum is equally divided by two or more vertical radial partitions extending
from the bottom to the underside of the drum cover or nearly so, each of these -
partitions has formed on its edge next the axis a somewhat deep groove, or
vertical channel open towards the axis and extending from the bottom of the drum
through the drum cover, and terminating in a lip looking outwards from the axis,
and so positioned that any liquid leaving the lip may be thrown by centrifugal
force into a suitable fixed receiver.

page_text: These vertical grooves or channels are of a uniform depth for about two-thirds
of their length from the cover of the drum, but after this, they are gradually
deepened until the bottom of each channel reaches the outter wall of the drum,
therefore it will be seen that at the part where the partitions join the bottom of
the drum a horizontal section would shew each partition formed of two plates
separated from each other by the width of the vertical channels and equidistant
from, and parallel to, the partitions. At or near the extreme ends of the deepened
parts of these channels, holes aré pierced through each side wall of the channel
close to the outside wall of the drum.
On the bottom of the drum are several vertical projections extending some
distance towards the cover of the drum, the transverse section of these projections
may be that of a U trough with the open side facing the axis; the sides or lips of
the trough being parallel to the axis and situated at a radial distance greater than
that of the lips of the previously mentioned channels from the axis.
The channels in these vertical projections are continued downward through the
bottom of the drum so that fluid passing over the sides of the channel will pass
:through the bottom of the drum and he thrown out by centrifugal force into a
fixed receiver and from thence be conducted where required. The use of these
partitions grooves and troughs is as follows:-The liquid to be treated as will be
hereinafter explained is introduced through a channel bored vertically through
the upper part of the main axis and terminating in horizontal openings com-
municating with the interior of the drum and discharging liquid between the
aforesaid partitions, care being taken that none of the inflowing liquid shall pass
into the aforesaid channels.
The object of the partitions before named is to cause the liquid introduced into
the drum to rotate with the drum steadily with as little local disturbance as
possible.
From the above description it will be understood that as the liquid is introduced
through the vertical shaft into the drum and the latter is rapidly rotated, the
liquid will be carried with it and be disposed as it enters on the inner surface
of the wall of the drum forming as it were a wall of liquid with its inner surface
vertical
As the quantity in the drum increases the inner surface of the liquid wall
will approach nearer the drum axis until the said surface becomes level with the
vertical sides of the channel projections rising from the bottom of the drum and if
the introduction of liquid be continued liquid will escape by these channels through
the bottom of the drum.
Now while this is taking place gradually the heavier particles of the liquid
by their superior gravity will dispose themselves against the walls of the drum
and as apertures are provided as before explained in the sides of the deepened
channels first mentioned the heavier portions will find their way into these
channels and passing out by their continuations through the cover of the drum
will be discharged into the upper fixed receiver to be led away for use.
The partitions before described instead of having channels on their edges may
be forined with two plates fixed parallel to each other at a small distance apart
and extending from the top to the bottom of the drum, apertures being provided
(at the required distance from the axis) in these plates near the wall of the drum
for receiving as before explained the heavier portions of the liquid which may be
led out through the cover of the drum by means of suitable apertures, nozzles, and
lips as required, these being situated at a suitable radial distance from the axis as
before mentioned.
In some cases it may be found advisable that the vertical spaces between
the plates which correspond to the first mentioned channels should be in com-
munication with a space or chamber extended over a portion of the bottom of the
drum the walls of which chamber have holes pierced in them at the circumference
of the drum wall.
-
The before-mentioned projecting channels or troughs for conveying the lighter

page_text: portion of the liquid may be dispensed with by forming suitable apertures in the
bottom of the drum.
At the end of the operation the drum is emptied through the apertures in its
bottom that communicate with the before mentioned projecting channels as when
the drum is stopped the whole of the liquid contents will fall to the bottom of the
drum.
With a view to enable the rotation of the drum to be started and stopped with
as little vibration as possible and to ensure even running the vertical shaft.or
spindle is made of a length about three times that of the drum-it is truly turned
throughout and accurately fitted into the bottom of the drum; it passes through the
drum and at the part where it passes through the cover of the drum it is made
slightly conical so that the drum cover when placed over it and fastened on to
the drum holds it firmly and truly in its proper position on the shaft or spindle.
On the top and bottom ends of the shaft or spindle are fastened with nuts two
conical wearing pieces or ferrules truly turned with their smaller ends upwards;
these rotate and practically form part of the revolving shaft or, spindle, these
conical ferrules run in conical bearings fixed in holding rings by a nut and screws
and these bolding rings are fastened into suitable brackets or plates from the
framing by means of screws, care being taken (in order to prevent vibration)
to interpose leather or some other yielding substance between the holding rings
and the brackets.
The lower end of the shaft or spindle terminates in a hemispherical hardened
steel foot which rests on a hardened steel step adjustable by a set screw,—thus the
drum is free to rotate with the shaft and if perfectly balanced and true will rotate
steadily if driven steadily.
To effect this there is mounted vertically under the druin between the bottom of
the drum and the lower bearing of the drum shaft or spindle in suitable bearings
one at each end a short spindle whose axial line coincides with that of the drum
shaft or spindle-this short spindle is somewhat larger than the lower end of the
drum shinft or spindle and is bored out sufficiently to pass over the satne without
touching it, at its centre is a driving pulley by which it can be driven at the
necessary speed, -as however the hollow spindle does not touch but simply revolves
round the drum shaft or spindle it will not communicate any motion thereto. The
lower end of the hollow spindle is notched crosswise with parallel square grooves
thus forming a sort of clutch; on the drum shaft or spindle and immediately above
its lower bearing is fastened a truly turned cylindrical box or chamber having a
circular aperture in the upper end to admit the lower notched end of the bollow
spindle without touching it.
.
In this cylindrical box are provided segmental centrifugal friction pieces that fit
accurately against the internal turned circumference of the box and are provided
with central pieces projecting towards the axis which take into the clutch notches
before described when the lower end of the hollow spindle is inserted into the box;
it will thus be seen that when the hollow spindle is caused to rotate it will turn
the loose centrifugal pieces in the box but will not at first cause the box to rotate;
as the speed increases the centrifugal action of the friction pieces will increase with
corresponding friction against the side of the box and ultimately will cause the
box and the drum shaft or spindle and drum to rotate without giving any vibratory
motion to them.
The reverse action takes place quietly when it is found desirable to stop or lessen
the speed of the drum.
Suitable oil cups are provided where necessary to prevent the lubricant flying
about and injuring the matters under treatment.
The construction of the loose frictional devices interposed between the hollow
spindle and the drum shaft or spindle may be variously modified, also shafts or
spindles employed for various purposes may be driven as above set forth.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Johannes Ernst Meyer in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
9th July 1883.
JOHANNES ERNST MEYER of Copenhagen in the Kingdom of Denmark
IMPROVEMENTS IN CENTRIFUGAL MACHINES FOR SEPARATING SUBSTANCES FROM
'EACH OTHER PARTS OF WRICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER
MACHINES
This invention has for its object improvements in centrifugal machines for
separating substances from each other parts of which improvements are applicablo
to other machines.
It relates primarily to centrifugal machines of the kind wherein substances such
as milk are treated in a rapidly rotating drum or vessel so that by centrifugal
force the heavier portions are forced against the inner surface of the annular wall
of the drum or vessel whilst the lighter portions are caused to occupy positions
nearer the axis of the drum or vessel, thus in the case of milk under treatment,
forming in the drum or vessel two concentric annular walls the outer one being
skim milk, and the inner one cream.
Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates in vertical section a centrifugal
machine according to my invention.
Fig. 2 is a plan with the right hand portion of the cover removed.
Fig. 3 is a section in the line a ẞ of Fig. 1.
With a view to strengthen the drum (a), to reduce its liability to vibration
whilst working, and also to allow of its being made of thinner metal than hereto-
.fore usual, it is, according to my invention, firmly connected with the vertical shaft
or axis B at the top as well as at the bottom, and apertures with doors, are provided 2
in the top a' of the drum, whereby its interior is rendered accessible for cleaning
and other purposes.
-
According to the arrangement illustrated the said apertures are closed by doors b
cach secured by a crossbar ca little longer than the shorter diameter of the
aperture, a screw c' and nut d. Studs projecting from the doors b prevent the 3
cross pieces from turning with the screws and nuts.
To enable the cross-bars to be got into position for holding down the covers b
the holes in the top a' of the vessel a are made of a width from a² to a² slightly
exceeding the length of the cross-bar. When the flange of the cover b has been
placed on the ledge or seat that supports it, the cover is turned round so as to 3
bring the extremities of the cross-bar c under the portions a³ a³ of the top a¹.
When the nuts are tightened up, the doors are pressed down on the drum cover,
thus forming fluid tight joints.
The drum is equally divided by two or more vertical radial partitions g extending
.from the bottom to the underside of the drum cover or nearly so,-cach of these
partitions has formed on its edge next the axis a somewhat deep groove, or vertical
channel open towards the axis and extending from the bottom of the drum
through the drumcover, and terminating in a lip h¹ looking outwards from the
axis and so positioned that any liquid leaving the lip may be thrown by centrifugal
force into a suitable fixed receiver D.
These vertical grooves or channels are of uniform depth for about two thirds
of their length from the cover of the drum, but after this, they are gradually
deepened until the bottom of each channel reaches the outer wall of the drum,
therefore it will be obvious that at the part where the partitions join the bottom
of the drum a horizontal section would shew. each partition formed of two plates t

page_text: separated from each other by the width of the vertical channels and equidistant
from, and parallel to, the partitions. At or near the extreme ends of the deepened
parts of those channels, holes are pierced through each side wall of the channel
close to the outside wall of the drum. The holes & may be larger than is represented
if desired.
On the bottom of the drum are several vertical projections m extending some
distance towards the cover of the drum,-the transverse section of these projections
may be that of a U-trough with the open side facing the axis, the sides or lips
of the trough being parallel to the axis B and situated at a greater radial distance
from the axis B than that of the lips of the channels h.
The channels in the vertical projections m.are continued downward through the
bottom of the drum so that fluid passing over the sides of the channels will pass
through the bottom of the drum and be thrown out by centrifugal force into a fixed
receiver C and from thence be conducted where required. The use of the
partitions g, grooves h, and troughs m is as follows, The liquid to be treated, as
will be hereinafter explained, is introduced through a channel e bored vertically
through the upper part of the main axis B and terminating in horizontal openings f
communicating with the interior of the drum and discharging liquid between tho
partitions g, care being taken that none of the inflowing liquid shall pass into the
channels.
The object of the partitions g is to cause the liquid introduced into the drum to
rotate with the drum steadily with as little local disturbance as possible.
From the above description it will be understood that as the liquid is introduced
through the vertical shaft B into the drum and the latter is rapidly rotated, the
liquid will be carried with it and be disposed as it enters on the inner surface of
the wall of the drum forming as it were a wall of liquid with its inner surfaco
vertical.
As the quantity in the drum increases the inner surface of the liquid wall will
approach nearer tho axis B until the said surface becomes level with the vertical
sides of the channel projections m, and if the introduction of liquid be continued,
liquid will escape by these channels through the bottom of the drum.
Now while this is taking place gradually the heavier particles of the liquid by
their superior gravity will dispose themselves against the walls of the drum, and
find their way through the apertures & into the channels hand, passing out by tho
continuations of the channels through the cover of the drun, will be discharged
from the lips.h' into the upper fixed receiver D to be led away for use.
By increasing the number of the partitions g the number of outlets for the
heavier particles of the liquid may be increased thus reducing injurious currents
in the reservoir.
In Fig. 4 I have shewn in horizontal section two modified arrangements of
partition g. Fig. 5 is a vertical section in the line w w of Fig. 4. According to
the arrangement illustrated in the upper part of Fig. 4. the partitions g are formed
of two plates fixed parallel to each other, the space between them being in
communication with a space or chamber extended over a portion of the bottom of
the drum the walls of which chamber have holes & pierced in them near the inner
circumference of the drum wall.
In the modification shewn by the lower half of Fig. 4 the partition 7 is formed
of a single plate with a channel h on its edge which at the bottom communicates
with a space or chambor extending over a portion of the bottom of the drum.
The projecting channels or troughs m for conveying the lighter portion of the
liquid through the bottom of the drum may be dispensed with by forming suitablo
apertures m in the bottom of the drum as shewn in Figs 4 and 5.
At the end of the operation the drum is emptied through the apertures m' or the
channels of the vertical projections m (as the case may be) as when the drum is
stopped the whole of the liquid contents will fall to the bottom of the drum.
With a view..to enable the rotation of the drum to be. started and stopped
gradually, and with as little. vibration as possible and furthermore to ensure

page_text: gradual stopping of the drum in case of sudden stoppage of the motive power the
pulley R through which the power is transmitted is not applied directly to the
shaft or spindle B, but to another axis or spindle M. This spindle M is 'hollow and
surrounds the shaft or spindle B without touching it, it turns in bearings N and O.
The lower end of the hollow spindle M is notched crosswise with parallel square
grooves or notches (see the sectional view Fig. 6) thus forming a sort of clutch; on
the shaft or axis B and immediately above its lower bearing is fastened a truly
turned cylindrical box, chamber or cup P having a circular aperture in the upper
end to admit the lower notched end of the hollow spindle M without touching it.
In this cylindrical box are provided segmental contrifugal friction pieces that
fit accurately against the internal turned circumference of the box P and are
provided with central pieces projecting towards the axis which take into the clutch
notches before described when the lower end of the hollow spindle is inserted into
the box: it will thus be seen that when the hollow spindle is caused to rotate it
will turn the loose centrifugal pieces r in the box but will not at first cause the
box to rotate; as the speed increases the centrifugal action of the friction pieces
will increase with corresponding friction against the side of the box and ultimately
will cause the box and the drum shaft or spindle B and drum A to rotate without
giving any vibratory motion to them..
The transmission of the motion is thus effected with a pressure that is equally
distributed around the axis B and the friction pieces if they are not dispro-
portionally heavy or large, will slide in the box or cup P. on sudden changes of
speed of rotation of the axis M. On the rotation of the axis M ceasing the
pressure of the friction pieces r against the box P ceases also and gradual stopping
of the rotation of the axis B is thus ensured. A certain initial pressure of the
friction pieces against the Box P may be obtained by the use of spiral or other
springs, but as soon as the rotation of M has attained a certain degree of speed, the
elasticity of the springs becomes of no consequence as the friction pieces act on the
box P simply by centrifugal action.
The vertical shaft or spindle B is of a length about three times that of the
drum A it is truly turned throughout and accurately fitted into the bottom of the
drum; it passes through the drum and at the part where it passes through the
cover is made slightly conical so that the drum cover a¹ when placed over it and
fastened on to the drum holds it firmly and truly in its proper position on the shaft
or spindle.
The lower end of the shaft or spindle B terminates in a hemispherical hardened
.steel foot which rests on a hardened steel step K adjustable by a set screw L.
The upper part of the shaft or spindle B turns in the bearing S₁ which is
maintained in place by the screwed piece 8. A shoulder S" on the shaft or
spindle B prevents the shaft from rising from the recess in the bearing K.
Suitable oil cups are provided where necessary to prevent the lubricant flying
about and injuring the matters under treatment.
Shafts or spindles employed for various purposes may be driven in the manner
above described. Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate an arrangement in which the motion is
transmitted from the axis M to the axis B. In order that the centrifugal friction
pieces 7 may be of sufficient length the axis M bas fixed upon it a collar in which
holes are bored for the reception of the projections of the friction pieces 7. The
rotation of the shaft B is caused by the friction between the pieces and the box P
which latter is fixed on the end of the axis B and is closed by a cover that is
screwed on to prevent oil from escaping.
Having described the nature of the said invention, and explained the manner of
carrying it into practical effect. I would have it understood that what I consider
to be novel and original and therefore claim as secured to me under the Letters
Patent, first hereinabove in part recited is,
•
1 The improved centrifugal machine constructed, arranged and operating
substantially as hereinabove described with reference to and illustrated in
Figs 1 to. 3 inclusive of the accompanying drawings.

page_text: 2 In a centrifugal machine the use within the drum of radial partitions having
at their edges grooves or channels such as h terminating in lips such as h¹
substantially as described.
3 The modified construction of radial partition substantially as described with
reference to Figs 4 and 5 of the drawings.
4 Providing the drum of a centrifugal machine with grooved or channelled
projections such as m continued downward through the bottom of the drum so that
Huid passing over the side of the channels will pass through the bottom of the
drum substantially as described.
5 The use for communicating rotary motion from one shaft or spindle to another
of segmental centrifugal friction pieces operated by the driven shaft in combination
with a cup or box fixed on the shaft to which rotary motion is to be communiented
the arrangement being such that the last mentioned shaft shall be actuated by
friction of the said centrifugal friction pieces acting upon the said cup or box as
above set forth whether the arrangement be substantially such as described with
reference to Figs 1 and 6 or as described with reference to Figs 7 and 8.
6 The arrangement described with reference to and illustrated in Fig 1 of the
drawings for guiding and supporting the upper and lower ends of a shaft rotating
at a high velocity and whereby a lateral bearing is dispensed with at the lower
end of the shaft.
In witness whereof I the said Johannes Ernst Meyer have hereunto set my
hand and seal this fifth day of July one thousand eight hundred and eighty
three.
JOHANNES ERNST MEYER (L.S.)