Horizontal centrifuge

Abstract

The present invention discloses a horizontal centrifuge using the gyroscopic effect with horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly comprising a sieve basket disposed within the sieve assembly. A motor is coupled to the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly and enables the sieve basket to rotate along with the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly. The sieve basket is mounted to the motor shaft of the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly. The support and drive structure comprising a support frame structure configured for mechanically supporting and transferring the weight of the horizontal centrifuge to the ground and at least a set of gimbal mounts configured for allowing rotating parts to freely spin to maintain a steady direction of its axis of rotation and prevent transfer of significant forces to the support frame structure. The motor supporting structure configured for holding the motor which is further connected with the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly and securing the gimbal mounts.

Description

HORIZONTAL CENTRIFUGEFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to centrifuges or centrifugal machines which are used for liquid / solid separation in the starch industry, industrial wastes, minerals, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to horizontally rotating machines or a horizontal centrifuge that does not transmit significant forces to support frame structure when subjected to unbalanced forces and provides negligible vibrations.BACKGROUND

[0002] Vibrations are found almost everywhere in rotating machines. Vibrations in centrifuges or rotating machines are common due to mechanical issues including mass unbalance, coupling misalignment, mechanical looseness, and many other causes. Unbalanced forces are a major cause of machine vibration, an unbalanced rotor always cause more vibration and generates excessive force in the bearing area and reduces the life span of critical parts of the machine, such as bearings, seals, gears and couplings. Higher vibrations ultimately result in decreased component life due to cyclic loads, lower bearing life, distortion to foundation, frequent seal failures etc.

[0003] Rotor unbalance is a condition in which the center of mass of a rotating assembly, typically the shaft and its fixed components like disks and blades etc. is not coincident with the center of rotation. When an unbalanced system is rotating, periodic linear and / or torsional forces are generated which are perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The periodic nature of these forces is commonly experienced as vibration. These vibration forces may exceed the design limits of individual machine elements, reducing the service life of these parts. For instance, a bearing may be subjected to forces that would not occur in a nominally balanced system. Such excessive forces will cause failure of components with in short time periods. Shafts with unbalanced forces can be bent by the forces and experience fatigue failure or cause damage to the surrounding seal geometry that is installed in rotating machines for accommodating the strain associated with such unbalanced forces, or the components mounted on said shaft becoming in contact with surrounding stationary components causing damage.

[0004] The difficulties in balancing the rotating component of centrifuges can be somehowcontrolled by designing a suitable mounting system for the centrifuges, which can withstand vibrations induced by such unbalance forces. Firstly, the centrifuges with supporting framework are rigidly constrained to the ground or floor. But mounting such a big machine directly on the floor or ground is cost and labor intensive and tedious and also the floor must be sufficiently strong to accommodate all vibrational forces generated without collapsing so the associated costs can be very large. The centrifuges must be sufficiently strong to transfer such forces to the floor without failure.

[0005] Secondly, the centrifuges with the supporting framework can also be mounted on flexible rubber supports so that the machine and floor are no longer subject to such a large amount of vibrational forces as discussed above, but by this way the centrifuges are still subjected to vibrational forces which poses problems for components such as bearings, seals, gears and couplings and service connections such as water supply, feed, outlet flow 1, outlet flow2 and high-pressure water supply. All such connections need to be sufficiently flexible, so that no further stresses are transferred to connecting conduits. This is often overlooked and results in failure of conduits. Further it is very difficult to make this type of coupling to be used in hygienic food industry applications.

[0006] However, in order to suppress unbalanced forces associated with horizontally rotating machines or horizontal centrifuges used heretofore, the rotating component of horizontal centrifuges are being held rigidly on a shaft causing shaft flexes to such a point that damage occurs to it and to other associated components with the shaft and centrifuge. The difficulties in balancing baskets of horizontally rotating machines or centrifuges are caused primarily by unbalanced forces; that is to say, the center of mass of the rotating body does not coincide with the geometrical axis of rotation. The machine therefore tends to rotate on its center of mass, generating a couple which tends to gyrate or rotate the entire machine on the center of mass and generate well-known vibrations. The problem is that whilst all efforts (usually successful) to balance the rotating parts of the centrifuge, the maker and the operator have little control over how the product may distribute itself inside the basket. Mostly the distribution can be kept reasonably even and hence the vibrations are nominal, however there are times when this is not the case and the vibrations are significant and unacceptable.

[0007] Therefore, in view of above prior art, there is a method that can be considered to overcome this serious problem. The method is to accept the unbalanced condition of the rotating component and construct a support and drive system for the horizontal rotatingmachine allowing the rotating parts to freely spin on its center of rotation with minimum disturbance using the gyroscopic effect. Thus, no unbalanced forces are transferred to the supporting frame of the horizontal rotating machines. Further, there is need for a design of the horizontal rotating machine using gyroscopic effect that provides negligible vibrations.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a horizontal centrifuge, which drastically reduce the induced forces in the machine and provides negligible vibrations.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly configured to receive sieve basket of different dimensions.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motor supporting structure configured for holding a motor and securing the at least one set of gimbal mounts and horizontally adjust the portion of the motor to achieve balance.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic labyrinth system with an airgap to control velocity of airflow preventing leakage of liquids back to the solid compartment and of solids to the liquid compartment.

[0012] Another object of the invention to provide a gimbal mounted support and drive system for the horizontal centrifuges allowing torque free precession, which does not transfer significant forces to the support frame structure of the machine.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a support and drive system with increased vibration tolerance for horizontal centrifuges in order to obtain a high speed rotating centrifugal that does not have any speed restriction due to unbalance forces. The higher speed increases productivity as well as separation efficiency of the horizontal centrifuges.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a support and drive system that does not rigidly restrain the rotating component or the basket of horizontal centrifuges allowing the use of baskets having a lesser included angle and / or larger diameter.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a support and drive system for horizontal centrifuges utilizing high-speed rotation to increase the dewatering efficiencyof liquid / solid separation, resulting in higher dry substance of the discharged solid fraction.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a support and drive system for horizontal centrifuges which reduces the manufacturing cost of the horizontal centrifuges as a whole driving train component is removed to simplify mounting of the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly to the motor of the horizontal centrifuges.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a support and drive system for horizontal centrifuges which reduces operating costs and also lowers production down time of the horizontal centrifuges as this design allows balanced loads to operate and unbalanced forces to become cleared of their own accord without causing any serious damage or vibration to the machine.

[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a superior horizontally orientated centrifuge which can accommodate out of balance product loads without damage to the sieve basket and without vibrational forces being applied to the support system and the connecting conduits. As a corollary to this, the basket can be rotated at speeds higher than currently used systems without further additional vibration loads on the support system.

[0019] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a mounting arrangement for all rotating parts to the support system, which allows free movement of the rotating parts of the horizontal centrifuge.

[0020] Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description.SUMMARY

[0021] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention discloses a horizontal centrifuge. The horizontal centrifuge comprises a horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly comprising a sieve basket disposed within the sieve assembly. The sieve assembly having a longitudinal axis and the sieve basket is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the sieve assembly. The horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly is configured to enable circular motion of the sieve basket along the longitudinal axis of the sieve assembly, which drastically reduces the induced forces and provides negligible vibrations. The horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly is configured to receive sieve basket of different dimensions. The horizontal centrifuge further comprises a support and drive system. The support and drive system comprises a supportingframe structure, configured for mechanically supporting and transferring the weight of the horizontal centrifuge to the ground. The support and drive system further comprises at least one set of gimbal mounts, configured to allow the rotating parts to freely spin on their combined center of rotation in order to not transfer unbalanced forces to the support frame structure. The support and drive system further comprises a motor supporting structure, configured for holding the motor which is further coupled with the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly and further secures the gimbal mounts. The motor supporting structure is configured to horizontally adjust the position of the motor to achieve or adjust balance. The motor is coupled to the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly and enables the sieve basket to rotate along with the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly. The sieve basket is directly mounted to the motor shaft of the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly. The support and drive system further comprises a motion limiter, configured for generating resisting force which keeps free movement of the rotating components within a limit. The horizontal centrifuge further comprises a labyrinth system with an airgap to control velocity of airflow preventing leakage of liquids back to the solid compartment and of solids to the liquid compartment. The labyrinth system is further configured to prevent solid from returning inside the basket.

[0022] Further embodiments in accordance with the present invention include the supporting frame structure comprising at least two supporting legs, configured for mechanically supporting and transferring the weight of the centrifugal machine to the ground. The supporting frame structure further comprises at least two support plates, which are mounted on top of the supporting legs for securing the gimbal mounts. The supporting frame structure is further attached with the motion limiter comprising one or more bars, a disc and other components and is attached to the supporting legs for holding the disc of the motion limiter. The supporting frame structure further comprises a support frame, itself comprising a motor mounting plate for mounting the motor coupled with the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly. The supporting frame structure is also provided with a space for mounting the motor supporting structure in between the supporting legs.

[0023] A further embodiment in accordance with the present invention is the motor supporting structure comprising a motor support plate mounted in between the supporting legs of the support frame structure. The motor supporting structure supports the basket and motor assembly on the gimbal mounts. The motor supporting structure further comprises a base plate for retaining the motion limiter, thereby absorbing vibrations created due to lateraland vertical movement of the motor supporting structure.

[0024] A further embodiment in accordance with the present invention is that the gimbal mounts are positioned in line with the horizontal axis on top of the supporting legs of the supporting frame structure and secured in between the motor supporting structure and the top of the support plate of the support frame structure for dampening induced vibrations in the basket-motor assembly.

[0025] A further embodiment in accordance with the present invention is the motion limiter comprising a rubber mount, a motion limiter pin, a sleeve bearing, a clamp plate and an end disc. The motion limiter pin further includes the sleeve bearing, which is held in place by the end disc, thereby allowing free movement of the basket motor assembly until a threshold limit is reached. The sleeve bearing extends around the motion limiter pin and allows the sleeve bearing to rotate on the motion limiter pin, thereby allowing unrestrained precession to occur.

[0026] The preceding is a simplified summary of the invention to provide an understanding of some aspects of the embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a horizontal centrifuge showing horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly comprising sieve basket and motor supported by a support structure enclosed in dotted lines and a motor within a motor casing;

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a support and drive structure withoutthe motor casing depicting components of the support and drive structure and their assembly arrangement within the horizontal centrifuge;

[0030] FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic representation of a supporting frame structure;

[0031] FIG. 3B illustrates a zoom view of a support frame structure depicting the arrangement and alignment of various components of the support frame structure;

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation and perspective view of a motor supporting structure depicting the arrangement and interconnection of various components of the motor supporting structure;

[0033] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic representation and perspective view of the position of the gimbal mounts depicting the position of the gimbal mounts with respect to the support frame structure;

[0034] FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic representation and an angled view of the gimbal mounts and orientation of the rotating parts with respect to vertical and horizontal axes;

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of the gimbal mount;

[0036] FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic representation of a motion limiter depicting position and alignment of the motion limiter with respect to the supporting frame structure and the motor supporting structure;

[0037] FIG. 7B illustrates a simplified drawing and sectional view of the motion limiter depicting the arrangement and alignment of various components of the motion limiter;

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of the horizontal centrifuge comprising a horizontal centrifuge basket and motor assembly supported by the supporting frame structure mounted with the gimbal mounts, depicting the movement axes of the rotating components of the horizontal centrifuge.

[0039] FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the horizontal centrifuge of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of a support and drive structure without the motor casing;

[0041] FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view showing horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly and sieve basket;

[0042] FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates a structure connecting the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly and the support and drive structure.

[0043] FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates the sieve basket and rim of the sieve basket;

[0044] FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates another view of the sieve basket and rim of the sieve basket.

[0045] FIG. 15 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of the sieve basket;

[0046] FIG. 16 exemplarily illustrates a labyrinth system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 17 exemplarily illustrates a seal to seal the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly from the motor casing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation 100 of a horizontal centrifuge showing a horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 comprising a sieve basket 106 supported by a support structure 104 enclosed in dotted lines and a motor 108 within motor casing 112.

[0050] With specific reference to FIG. 1, horizontal centrifuges sieve assembly 102 comprising the sieve basket 106 supported by the support structure 104 is described herein. The whole drive train, which is used heretofore for coupling the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly with the motor, is fully eliminated in the present invention as necessitated by previous constructions. The sieve basket assembly 106 enclosed within the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 is coupled with the motor 108, thereby vibrational forces generated by this arrangement are subsequently accommodated by the gimbal and support structure. The sieve basket 106 is disposed within the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102. The horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 is configured to enable circular motion of the sieve basket 106 along the longitudinal axis of the sieve assembly 102, which drastically reduces the trapped forces and provides negligible vibrations. The motor 108 is coupled to the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 enables the sieve basket 106 to rotate along with the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102. The sieve basket 106 is directly mounted to the motor shaft.

[0051] Any suitable motor, preferably an electric motor 108, being convenient for the purpose can be used. The selection of the motor 108 entirely depends upon the rotation speed set according to the process requirements. For other preferred speeds, the motor 108 could be connected to the power supply via a variable speed drive. The casing 112 entirely covers the motor 108 and is connected with the support structure 104. The area enclosed with dotted lines within FIG. 1 depicts the support structure 104. The casing 112 comprises a buffer to prevent the water from getting into the motor 108.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation 200 of the support and drive structure without the motor casing 112 (shown in FIG. 1) depicting various components of the support and drive structure and their assembly arrangement within the horizontal centrifuge.

[0053] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention and referring to FIG. 1 & FIG. 2, the support structure 104 with its components is described herein. The support structure 104 comprising a support frame structure or supporting frame structure 300 (shown in FIG.3A and FIG. 3B) configured for mechanically supporting and transferring the weight of the horizontal centrifuge to the ground. The support and drive structure further comprises at least one set of the gimbal mounts 204, configured to allow the free spin of rotating parts around its center of rotation in order to prevent it from transferring significant forces to the support frame structure 300. The support and drive structure further comprises a motor supporting structure 206, configured for holding the motor 108 and securing gimbal mounts 204. The support and drive structure further comprises a motion limiter 208 configured to generate a resisting force to keep free movement of the rotating components within a threshold limit.

[0054] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a schematic representation of the supporting frame structure 300 depicting arrangement and alignment of various components of the support frame structure 300.

[0055] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention and referring to FIG. 3B, the supporting frame structure 300 depicting arrangement and alignment of various components of the support frame structure 300 is described herein. The support frame structure 300 comprising at least two supporting legs 302 which are configured for transferring the weight of the horizontal centrifuge and motor to the ground. The support frame structure 300 further comprises at least two support plates 304 which are fixed on top of each of the supporting legs 302, which are configured for holding the gimbal mounts 204 (shown in FIG. 2). The support frame structure 300 is further with a motion limiter pin 310, configured for securing the sleeve bearing of the motion limiter 208 in place. The support frame structure 300 further comprises a house mounting plate 114, which is welded to the supporting legs 302. The support frame structure 300 is further provided with lugs configured for holding the support frame structure 300 to the ground.

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation and perspective view 400 of the motor supporting structure 206 depicting the arrangement and interconnection of various components of the motor supporting structure 206.

[0057] The motor supporting structure 206 comprises a motor support plate mounted in between the supporting legs 302 of the support frame structure 300 (shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B). The motor supporting structure 206 is configured for holding the motor 108 and providing full support to the motor 108. The motor supporting structure 206 supports the basket and motor assembly on the gimbal mounts 204. The motor supporting structure 206further comprises at least one top plate and at least one Z-shaped section connected with the motor support plate for securing the gimbal mounts 204 on the support frame structure 300, thereby allowing the basket motor assembly to freely spin on its center of rotation or gimbal axis. The present invention uses the gyroscopic effect in the horizontal centrifuge. The motor supporting structure 206 further comprises a base plate, at rear end, for holding the disc of the motion limiter 208, thereby transferring vibrational forces of the motor supporting structure 206 to the motion limiter 208, only when the free movement limit of the basket motor assembly has reached its maximum value. The free movement of the basket motor assembly is developed due to out of balance forces. The free movement applies some forces to the support frame structure 300, because of the nature of the elastomeric gimbal mounts 204. To limit the magnitude of the free movement, the motion limiter 208 provides resistance, which increases resistance as the magnitude of the free movement increases. The resistance provided by the motion limiter 208 apply additional forces to the support frame structure 300. The motor supporting structure 206 provides support to the motor 108 and is supported by the gimbal mounts 204.

[0058] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic representation and perspective view 500a of the position of the gimbal mounts 204 depicting the alignment of gimbal mounts 204 in the support frame structure 300 (shown in FIG. 3 A and 3B).

[0059] The gimbal mounts 204 are positioned in line with the horizontal axis with its intersection point of the two axes coincident at the center of mass of the basket-motor assembly in horizontal centrifuge. The gimbal mounts 204 are secured in between the top plate of the motor supporting structure 206 and a lower fixing plate 502, which is affixed over the support plate 304 of the supporting frame structure 300 (shown in FIG. 3A and 3B).

[0060] The gimbal mounts 204 are affixed over the support plates 304 through the lower fixing plate 502 allowing the rotating parts of the horizontal centrifuge to freely spin on its center of rotation. The gimbal mounts 204 allow some minor rotational, vertical axis movement and some minor lateral axis movement. These movements are necessary in order to not transfer significant forces in these directions due to the effect of inertia of the rotating components of the basket-motor assembly in the horizontal centrifuge around the gimbal axis.

[0061] FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic representation and an angled view 500b of the gimbalmounts 204 and orientation of the rotating parts with respect to vertical and horizontal axes.

[0062] It is further contemplated by analyzing the FIG. 5B, that the gimbal mounts 204 are suitably positioned, and further the gimbal mounts 204 are flexible enough to accommodate the rotational inertia effects around the two axes other than the center of rotational axis. The gimbal mounts 204 allow freedom of rotation around the gimbal axes while accommodating the torque generated in the basket-motor assembly in the horizontal centrifuge. The gimbal mounts 204 provide adequate vertical downward support and further also facilitates adequate free movement of the rotating parts of the horizontal centrifuge in lateral and vertical directions.

[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation 600 of the gimbal mount 204. The gimbal mounts 204 are formed by at least two thick conical membranes, which are joined at their base plate or bracket 604 to create a highly elastic mounting. The gimbal mounts 204 are secured in between the top plate of the motor supporting structure 206 and a lower fixing plate 502, which is affixed over the support plate 304 of the supporting frame structure 300 (shown in FIG. 3A and 3B). The conical membranes are made up of elastomeric material such as but not limited to rubber, polyurethane elastomers etc. which are flexible enough to accommodate the excess vibrations or oscillations generated by the basket-motor assembly in horizontal centrifuge due to unbalanced forces. The elastomeric material used provides intrinsic damping with a corresponding ability to absorb energy, which gives appreciable advantages over metallic springs. The gimbal mounts 204 provide high axial elasticity and acts as a progressive buffer against shocks or unbalanced forces generated due to an uneven load.

[0064] The gimbal mounts 204 are selected depending upon the process requirements of the horizontal centrifuges such as density and amount of the filtrate and speed of the motor at which the basket is rotated etc. Gimbal mounts 204 are selected that are highly flexible, thereby enabling minimal transmission of vibrational forces to the support frame structure 300.

[0065] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate a schematic view 700a and sectional view 700b of the motion limiter 208 depicting the position and alignment of the motion limiter 208 with respect to the supporting frame structure 300 (shown in FIG. 3A) and the motor supporting structure 206. The support frame structure 300 is further provided with a motion limiter pin310, configured for securing the sleeve bearing of the motion limiter 208 in place.

[0066] The motion limiter 208 comprises a disc made of rubber or other elastomeric material clamped in between the base plate of the motor supporting structure 206 and a clamp plate 702. The clamp plate 702 is secured by bolting screws to the base plate of the motor supporting structure 206. The motion limiter pin 310 further includes a sleeve bearing 714which is held in place by the end disc 710 and the screw 704.

[0067] It is further contemplated by analyzing FIG. 7B in detail, that the rubber (also referred as gimbal mounts 204) 706 is conical in shape and there lies some free space 708. The motion limiter 208 for allowing unrestricted free spin movement of the basket- motor assembly in horizontal centrifuge without transferring any forces to the support frame structure 300 until the magnitude of rotational movement of the motor supporting structure 206 is too large for the sealing assembly to accommodate. When the radial movement of the motor supporting structure 206 becomes excessive due to unbalanced forces in the horizontal centrifuge, rubber 706 absorbs the excess vibrations generated in the motor supporting structure 206, and thus transferring minimal forces to the support frame structure 300, which is detailed in forthcoming paragraph.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 7 A and 7B, rubber 706 connects motor mount plate / motor mounting structure 206 with the frame via rod / motion limiter pin 310, depending on rubber 706 stiffness more or less of the forces are transmitted to the frame structure 300. If the rubber is very stiff more force will be transferred to the support frame structure 300, but movement amplitude is dampened to a higher extend. Conversely, low stiffness of rubber 706 will not transfer the forces to the frame structure 300 but may allow excessive movement. The rubber 706 is further fastened with bolts 704. The Rubber 706 is wedged in between plates 702 and 710. Further, by adjusting bolts 711, the effective stiffness of rubber 706 is altered, thereby altering movement dampening. The tuning of bolts 711 by rotating nuts 713 aims to minimize forces transmitted to the support frame structure 300 without allowing rotating parts to touch.

[0069] Further, bolts 712 form a hard stop i.e., movement can never exceed the limits imposed by the bolts 712. The exact position of these “stoppers” is finetuned by pushing the basket 106 to the maximum allowed vertical deflection and then setting the bolts 712 until touching the plate 702. This procedure is repeated for both upwards and downwards directions. Set in this position they also prevent excessive lateral (backwards, forwards)movement. Further, bolts 712 limits the movement of the basket 106 and motor assembly 108. This system is advantageous during calamities. For example, if operator forgets to open the wash water valve, causing material to get stuck on the rotating basket 106 surface inducing an unbalanced force too large for the dampening system to handle. However, the present invention addresses the unbalanced force by attenuating the amplitude of movement and prevent rotating parts from touching.

[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation 800 of the horizontal centrifuge comprising the horizontal centrifuge basket 106 and motor assembly 108 supported by the supporting frame structure 300 mounted with the gimbal mounts 204 enclosed within the motor casing 112 depicting movement of rotating components of the horizontal centrifuge along vertical, horizontal, and rotational axes.

[0071] In accordance to exemplary embodiment of the present invention and referring to FIG. 8, a horizontal centrifuge comprises a horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 including sieve basket 106 for separating solids from liquids such as but not limited to tapioca, cassava or potato starch separated from slurry. A horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 comprising the sieve basket 106, a starch collection chamber 110 for collecting filtered starch, and a feed tube for supplying slurry to the sieve basket 106. A sieve basket 106 is mounted within the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 of the horizontal centrifuge. The horizontal centrifuge is driven by a motor 108. As the sieve basket 106 is directly mounted to the motor shaft, the horizontal centrifuge generates only negligible vibration. The horizontal centrifuge further includes the support and drive structure comprising the supporting frame structure 300 (shown in FIG. 3A), the gimbal mounts 204, the motor supporting structure 206, and the motion limiter 208 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0072] The motor 108 is further mounted in the motor supporting structure 206 as shown in FIG. 4 in detail. The motor supporting structure 206 is further supported by the support frame structure 300 of the support and drive structure 104 via the gimbal mounts 204. The support frame structure 300 further comprises a house mounting plate 114, which is welded to the supporting legs 302. The horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 may be attached to the support frame 312 by any means and in present instance the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 is attached by bolting the support frame 312 to the house back plate of the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102.

[0073] The gimbal mounted support and drive structure accommodates the torque generated in the basket-motor assembly in the horizontal centrifuge, facilitating torque free precession which does not transfer significant forces to the support frame structure 300. The geometry of the basket-motor assembly in the horizontal centrifuge is roughly symmetrical about the rotating axis allowing easy determination of the mounting point for the gimbal mounts 204. When the balanced horizontal centrifuge is rotated, the axis of center of rotation is approximately the same as the axis of center of mass of the rotating parts for the basket / motor assembly. But, when the horizontal centrifuge is subjected to unbalanced loads, the basket motor assembly will, if unrestrained, rotate around the center of mass. Further, this difference reveals itself as physical movement and significant forces are required to limit (or indeed eliminate as in a conventional centrifuge) this movement. These potential forces are virtually eliminated by using the gimbal supports 204. The gimbal mounts 204 are flexible enough for accommodating movements induced allowing free movement of basket-motor assembly in horizontal centrifuge, thus allowing minimal transfer of forces and vibration to the support frame structure 300.

[0074] When radial movement of the motor supporting structure 206 becomes excessive due to unbalanced forces, the motion limiter pin 310 gradually strikes the disc of the motion limiter 208, thereby generating resisting force which gradually increases to absorb the excess vibrations generated in the motor supporting structure 206, and thus transferring minimal forces to the support frame structure 300.

[0075] By using the support and drive structure as discussed above, a superior horizontal centrifuge is produced which can accommodate unbalanced forces without damaging the sieve basket 106 and further transfer minimal vibrational forces to the support frame structure 300 and connecting conduits and other components. As a corollary to this, the sieve basket 106 can be rotated at higher speeds, thereby increasing productivity as well as separation efficiency of the horizontal centrifuge.

[0076] FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view 900 of the horizontal centrifuge comprising a horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 supported by a support structure 104 and a motor 108 within motor casing 112.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, the horizontal centrifuge comprises the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 having a longitudinal axis. The sieve basket 106 is disposedwithin the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102. In an embodiment, the sieve basket 106 is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102. In one embodiment, the sieve basket 106 of various type could be used with the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102. In another embodiment, the sieve basket 106 of different dimensions could be used with the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102. Further, the dimension and design of the basket 106 prevents blockage of solids. The basket 106 comprises wider gap apertures to prevents blockage of solids.

[0078] FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates a structure 1200 connecting the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 and the support and drive structure. The horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 is coupled to the support and drive structure. The support structure 104 subsequently accommodates the vibrational forces generated by the horizontal centrifuges sieve assembly 102 and the motor 108. Further, the motor support structure 206 is configured to horizontally adjust the portion of the motor to achieve balance. The free moveable platform or the motor support structure 206 is at the center of the shaft and motor 108. The movement point could be adjusted depending on the weight of the basket 106. The gimble mounts 204 are the only movable part in the horizontal centrifuge. The connecting point between the motor and the metal part of the horizontal centrifuge is flexible. The connecting point between the motor and the metal part of the horizontal centrifuge is configured to bounce to provide a flexible connection. Further, the machine is bolted to the floor and the force inside the machine does not reaches the engine / motor or the center of the centrifuge. The configuration and the design of the horizontal centrifuge extends life of the horizontal centrifuge at least about 20 years and the sieve basket 106 at least about 10 years. The present invention allows for higher efficiency since reduction of vibrations and the correction due to gyroscopic effect allows for faster spin.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 13 to FIG. 14 and FIG. 16, the sieve basket 106 comprises a flexible seal at the rim 1302 of the sieve basket 106. FIG. 15 exemplarily illustrates a labyrinth system 1500, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The labyrinth system 1500 comprises a big gap to control velocity of airflow. The labyrinth system 1500 is an open labyrinth system that allows movement. Further, the labyrinth system 1500 prevents blockage because of airflow. The labyrinth system 1500 further helps in faster drying of sludge in large quantity. The sieve basket 106 is configured to rotate and the wall is fixed. Initially, a product or slurry comprising the mixture of liquids and solids are received in the sieve basket 106. Asthe sieve basket 106 rotates, the liquids and solids as separated. The basket 106 rotates and create a pressure, which is greater than the pressure at the labyrinth system 1500. The air gap at the labyrinth system 1500 is configured to control the velocity of airflow, which separates the liquid to flow opposite to that of the separated solids. The liquid is collected out via the sieve basket 106 and the solids are ejected from the basket 106 to an outer wall (solid chamber) by a centrifugal force. The solids are configured to get more dryer and have the tendency to stick to the outer wall. The diameter of the outer wall is wider than the sieve basket 106, which allows the solids on the outer wall to build up till it can fall off from the outer wall. The distance between the outer wall and the end of the sieve basked 106 in more, which makes the solids to fall down without being hit on the sieve basket 106.

[0080] FIG. 17 exemplarily illustrates a seal 1702 to seal the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 from the motor casing 112, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the seal 1702 is made of elastomeric material. In another embodiment, the seal 1702 is a rubber seal. The rubber seal isolates the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly 102 from motor 108.

[0081] The following examples are illustrative of the present invention; however, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details set forth in the examples.

[0082] Example 1: Improved horizontal centrifuges using this novel support and drive structure is compared with currently used horizontal centrifuges.

[0083] The horizontal centrifuge sieving assembly 102 of the improved horizontal centrifuge produced also known as the Hypersieve was rotated at different speeds that lie in between 100 RPM to 1500 RPM for separating starch from starch slurry and compared for the value of vibrational forces transferred to the support frame structure 300 with the traditionally used horizontal centrifuges by rotating at the same speed for separating the same amount of starch from the starch slurry. Firstly, both centrifuges were attached with a weight of 275 gm at 500mm radius for separating starch from the slurry and then both the centrifuges were rotated at speed that lies in between 100 RPM to 1500 RPM

[0084] It is evident from the table enclosed below, that vibrations induced per frame in the traditionally used horizontal centrifuges significantly increases by increasing the speed of the horizontal centrifuges, while running the improved horizontal centrifuge at the same speed, vibrations induced per frame in this centrifugal is remarkably reduced to minimum value thatlies between 0.5- 1.3. Both centrifuges were attached with a weight of 500gm at 500mm radius for separating starch from the slurry and then both the centrifuges were rotated at speed that lies in between 100 RPM to 1500 RPM. It is apparent from the table detailed below that vibrations induced per frame in the traditionally used horizontal centrifuges are significantly higher to such an extent that the vibrations induced per frame were immeasurable in that case. In contrary to this, the vibrations induced per frame in the improved horizontal centrifuges significantly reduced to minimum value that lies between 0.5-1.3.

[0085] A graph is interpolated from the square law relationship in between vibrations induced per frame (Acceleration mm / s2) and speed at which the sieve basket is rotated (Basket RPM) for the same cases discussed above showing that the vibration induced perframe for the improved centrifugal is significantly reduced as compared to traditionally used horizontal centrifuges. The variation of vibrations reduced per frame for improved horizontal centrifuge and currently used centrifugal is shown in the graph.

[0086] As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (z.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (z.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to.

[0087] The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and / or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

[0088] The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

[0089] The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material”.

[0090] The foregoing discussion of the present invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Moreover, though the description of the present invention has included descriptions of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A horizontal centrifuge, comprising: a) a horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly comprising a sieve basket disposed within the sieve assembly, the sieve assembly having a longitudinal axis and the sieve basket is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the sieve assembly; b) a supporting frame structure, configured for mechanically supporting and transferring the weight of the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly to the ground; c) at least one set of gimbal mounts, mounted on the support frame structure, configured for allowing rotating parts to freely spin around its combined center of rotation in order to not transfer significant forces to the support frame structure; d) a motor supporting structure configured for holding a motor and securing the at least one set of gimbal mounts and horizontally adjust the portion of the motor to adjust balance depending on load in the sieve basket; e) a motion limiter, configured for generating resisting force which keeps free movement of the rotating components in a specified limit, and a labyrinth system with an airgap to control velocity of airflow and helps in faster drying of sludge in large quantity.

2. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the labyrinth system is configured to control velocity of airflow in order to prevent leakage of liquids back to the solid compartment and of solids to the liquid compartment.

3. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly is configured to receive sieve basket of different dimensions.

4. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly is configured to enable circular motion of the sieve basket along the longitudinal axis of the sieve assembly, which drastically reduces the trapped forces and provides negligible vibrations.

5. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, further comprises an elastomeric seal to seal the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly.

6. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor is coupled to the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly, the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly enables the sieve basket to rotate along with the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly, wherein the sieve basket directly mounted to the motor shaft of the horizontal centrifuge sieve assembly.

7. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting frame structure comprising at least two supporting legs configured for mechanically supporting and transferring the weight of the horizontal centrifuge and motor to the ground.

8. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting frame structure comprising at least two support plates affixed on top of the atleast one supporting leg, configured for holding the gimbal mounts.

9. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting frame structure comprising at least two bars configured for holding a disc of the motion limiter.

10. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor supporting structure comprising a motor support plate mounted in between the supporting legs of the support frame structure, and a base plate installed at the rear end, configured for holding the motion limiter.

11. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the motor supporting structure is configured to support the sieve basket and motor assembly on the gimbal mounts.

12. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor supporting structure further comprises at least one top plate and at least one Z-shaped section connected with the motor support plate for securing the gimbal mounts on the support frame structure.

13. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one set of gimbal mounts positioned in plane with the horizontal axis on top of the at least one support plate of the support frame structure and secured in between the motor supporting structure and top of the at least one support plate for dampening induced vibrations in the basket-motor assembly in the horizontal centrifuge.

14. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gimbal mounts allow minor movement of the rotational, vertical, and lateral axes, thereby not transferring significantforces in these directions of the rotating components of the basket-motor assembly in the horizontal centrifuge.

15. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one gimbal mount is made of an elastomeric material.

16. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 15, wherein the elastomeric material is rubber, polyurethane elastomers.

17. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motion limiter comprising a disc clamped in between the base plate of the motor supporting structure and a clamp plate via the end disc.

18. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 17, wherein the motion limiter further connected to the motion limiter pin including a sleeve bearing, the sleeve bearing held in place by the end disc, thereby allowing unrestricted free spin movement of the basketmotor assembly.

19. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 18, wherein the disc is conical in shape for absorbing the excess vibrations in a progressive manner in the motor supporting structure.

20. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 18, wherein the disc is made up of an elastomeric material.

21. The horizontal centrifuge as claimed in claim 20, wherein the elastomeric material is rubber or polyurethane elastomers.

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