Cyclone feed distributor with externally-removable ports and cyclone manifold cyclone assembly thereof
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure IB2026051158_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CYCLONE FEED DISTRIBUTOR WITH EXTERNALLY-REMOVABLE PORTS AND CYCLONE MANIFOLD CYCLONE ASSEMBLY THEREOF
[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to cyclone manifold apparatus for use within the slurry particle classification arts (e.g., radial, canister, in-line, and / or spider-type manifold systems), and in particular, to an improved cyclone feed distributor component within a cyclone manifold system which is configured for easier, quicker, and / or safer overhauling, maintaining, or refurbishing.
[0004] More particularly, embodiments relate to methods of constructing / manufacturing, overhauling, maintaining, or refurbishing a cyclone feed distributor or cyclone manifold system incorporating the same.
[0005] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0006] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in the arts.
[0007] Internal portions of components of cyclone manifold systems, in particular, radial cyclone manifold systems 1 (e.g., FLSmidth® KREBS® radial manifold systems) can wear during operation. For example, a conventional cyclone feed distributor 2' comprising a number of liner-protected permanently-attached ports 15 may experience significant wear from abrasive slurry being fed from the cyclone feed distributor 2' to feed pipes 16 feeding inlet heads 18 of a number of cyclones 3 surrounding the distributor 2. This may be appreciated from FIGS. 2.
[0008] Since ports 15 extending from a conventional cyclone feed distributor 2' are permanently attached to a body portion thereof, conventional methods for refurbishing an internally-worn cyclone feed distributor 2' of a cyclone manifoldsystem typically require removing the distributor 2' from the cyclone manifold system 1 , subsequently removing a cap 28 of the distributor 2' from a body portion 20 thereof, and replacing / re-lining worn internal portions of a liner therein (e.g., adjacent exit ports 15 thereof). This process is both labor and time intensive and may require shipping the body 20 or the entire distributor 2' to a refurbishment shop.
[0009] The aforementioned conventional refurbishment process not only requires removal of the distributor 2 from the manifold system 1 , but also requires the removal of the distributor cap 28 from the distributor body 30 (for gaining internal access to portions of liner 45). Cap 28 removal from the distributor body 20 requires the removal of a significant number of bolts from holes 33, replacing a sealing gasket between a flange 23 of the cap 28 and a flange 24 of the main body 20, and then replacing and re-torquing the bolts in the holes 33, thus leading to increased OPEX, higher maintenance labor costs, longer downtime, and exposing personnel to additional potential hazards (e.g., pinch points during lifting / hoisting and reassembly of cap 28).
[0010] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an aim of embodiments of the invention to provide a cyclone manifold system 1 which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above; or, which at least provides a useful alternative to conventional cyclone manifold systems.
[0012] For example, it is desired to provide a cyclone feed distributor 2 apparatus which comprises novel features which enable maintenance personnel to easily replace high wear portions therefrom externally - e.g., without necessarily needing to remove a cap 28 from a body 20 portion of the distributor 2. Such high wear portions may include regions of high wear adjacent ports 15.Such novel features may provide means for allowing refurbishment of a cyclone feed distributor 2 (e.g., adjacent ports 15) without removing it from the manifold system 1 .
[0013] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention aim to improve upon existing cyclone feed distributors 2' and / or cyclone manifold systems 1 by incorporating technical features which allow simple external removal and / or installation of modular port extenders 32 from the distributor 2, thus avoiding the need to remove the cap and / or the distributor from the manifold system to repair or replace worn areas around ports 15.
[0014] It is further desired to further extend the usable life of a cyclone feed distributor 2 / cyclone manifold system 1 by providing technical features adjacent ports 15 which are more robust to wear and abrasion.
[0015] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.
[0016] SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0017] A modular port extender (32) for a cyclone feed distributor (2) of a cyclone manifold system (1) may be configured to be separated from and secured to the cyclone feed distributor (2). The modular port extender (32) may comprise a tube (56). The modular port extender (32) may comprise a proximal flange (57).
[0018] The modular port extender (32) may be characterized in that it may further comprise: a distal flange (54); a distal end (66); and / or a distal insertion portion (64) defined between the distal flange (54) and distal end (66).
[0019] The distal insertion portion (64) may be configured to be received within an aperture / opening (47) of a mount (30), for example, which may be provided to the cyclone feed distributor (2). The distal end (66) of the modular port extender (32)may be configured to extend through the mount (30) and / or be exposed to a distribution chamber (35) within the cyclone feed distributor (2), without limitation.
[0020] In some embodiments, the modular port extender (32) may comprise an inner liner (58). In some embodiments, the inner liner (58) may comprise a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the tube (56) may comprise a metallic material.
[0021] In some embodiments, an end of the inner liner (58) may be at the distal end (66).
[0022] In some embodiments, the modular port extender (32) may comprise a distal external interface (65) between a portion of the inner liner 58 and a distal end (49) of the tube (56); for example, at an outer surface of distal insertion portion (64).
[0023] In some embodiments, the distal end (66) may comprise a rounded or chamfered portion (50). In some embodiments, a distal end (49) of the tube (56) may comprise a rounded or chamfered portion (68).
[0024] A cyclone feed distributor (2) for a cyclone manifold system (1) is also disclosed. The cyclone feed distributor (2) may comprise a body (20) comprising an outer wall (29). The cyclone feed distributor (2) may comprise a plurality of ports (15) extending through the outer wall (29).
[0025] The cyclone feed distributor (2) may be characterized in that at least one of the ports (15) may comprise a modular port extender (32) as defined in any of the embodiments described above.
[0026] In some embodiments, the cyclone feed distributor (2) may comprise a mount (30). The mount (30) may be provided at one (or more) of the ports (15) for attaching the modular port extender (32).
[0027] In some embodiments, the mount (30) may comprise an annular ring member (53).In some embodiments, a cyclone feed distributor (2) may include a tube (44) of liner material (45) extending through a portion of the mount (30), such as along an inside diameter (57) of the annular ring member (53).
[0028] In some embodiments, a cyclone feed distributor (2) may comprise a bumpout (48) adjacent at least one of the ports (15). The bumpout (48) may be formed in a lining material (45) of an outer wall (29).
[0029] In some embodiments, a cyclone feed distributor (2) may comprise a transition (51 ) between the bumpout (48) and other portions of liner material (45) within outer wall (29).
[0030] In some embodiments, the mount (30) may extend from a planar ring panel (39) portion of the outer wall (29). In some embodiments, the mount (30) may be devoid of a flange at its distal end surface (63). In some embodiments, an inside diameter (47) of the mount (30) may comprises a lead-in angle (70).
[0031] Embodiments of a cyclone feed distributor (2) may comprise a lined face (62), gasket, or gasketing portion at an end surface (63) of the mount (30).
[0032] A cyclone manifold system (1) is further disclosed. The cyclone manifold system (1) may comprise a cyclone feed distributor (2) as described above. The cyclone feed distributor (2) may be equipped with a modular port extender (32) according to any one of the above embodiments. The cyclone feed distributor (2) may be equipped with the cyclone feed distributor (2) according to any one of the above embodiments.
[0033] A method of maintaining or refurbishing a cyclone feed distributor (2) or cyclone manifold system (1) as described above, is also disclosed. The method may comprise any one or more of the following steps in any combination:
[0034] removing bolts from bolt holes (61) a distal flange (54) of a modular port extender (32), and from bolt holes (43) of a mount (30);
[0035] extracting a distal insertion portion (64) of the modular port extender (32) from an aperture / opening (47) in the mount (30); andinserting a replacement modular port extender (32) into the aperture / opening (47) of the mount (30);
[0036] fastening the replacement modular port extender (32) to the mount (30) in a reverse manner of the above step of removing bolts.
[0037] In some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of retaining a cap (28) of the cyclone feed distributor (2) to the body (20) prior to the step of removing bolts.
[0038] A modular port extender (32), cyclone feed distributor (2), and / or cyclone manifold system (1 ) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the examples described in the description or to any one of the accompanying drawings is contemplated.
[0039] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.
[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0042] FIG. 1 suggests a radial manifold cyclone assembly 1 according to an exemplary non-limiting embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 2 depicts a cutaway side view of FIG. 1
[0044] FIG. 3 depicts a cyclone feed distributor 2 component from the assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0045] FIG. 4 depicts the cyclone feed distributor 2 of FIG. 3 with some externallyremovable ports 32 removed therefrom.FIG. 5 depicts a partially-exploded view of the cyclone feed distributor 2 depicted in FIGS. 1-4.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of a cap 28 of the cyclone feed distributor 2 depicted in FIGS. 1-5.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a side partial cutaway view of a main chamber 20 of the cyclone feed distributor 2 depicted in FIGS. 1-5.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a side partial cutaway view of a main chamber 20 of the cyclone feed distributor 2 depicted in FIGS. 1-5.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a top cutaway view of FIG. 7.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a close-up side plan view of a portion of a distributor body 20 taken from the line depicted in FIG. 21.
[0051] FIG. 11 is a top partial cutaway view taken from FIG. 12.
[0052] FIG. 12 is a partial side cutaway view taken adjacent an outlet port of the distributor body 20.
[0053] FIG. 13 is a close-up view taken from FIG. 6.
[0054] FIG. 14 is a schematic side profile cutaway view suggesting a non-limiting method of manufacturing a portion of the distributor body 20 using weldments 46 between separate members 29, 38, 67.
[0055] FIG. 15 is a close-up isometric side cutaway view through a port 15 of the distributor 2 shown in FIGS. 3-7.FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a modular port extender 32 according to some nonlimiting embodiments.
[0056] FIG. 17 is a close-up isometric top cutaway view through a port 15 of the distributor 2 shown in FIGS. 3-7, taken from FIG. 18.
[0057] FIG. 18 shows an isometric top cutaway view through the distributor 2 showing inside portions of ports 15.
[0058] FIG. 19 is a side cutaway view through the distributor shown in FIGS. 3-7.
[0059] FIG. 20 is a side cutaway view through a junction between a mount 30 and a modular port extender 32.
[0060] FIG. 21 is a top-down cutaway plan view of FIG. 9.
[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] As shown in FIG. 1 , a cyclone manifold system 1 according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a cyclone feed distributor 2. The cyclone manifold system 1 may be of the radial type, wherein a number of cyclones 3 (e.g., hydrocyclones) are positioned around the cyclone feed distributor 2. The distributor 2 and surrounding cyclones 3 may be supported on a frame 5.
[0063] The cyclone manifold system 1 may comprise a lower intake 8 for receiving slurry to the cyclone feed distributor 2. The intake 8 may be provided at a lower distal end of a vertical pipe 11 . The vertical pipe 12 may be attached or secured to the frame 5 or other component(s) of the system 1 by one or more supports 12.
[0064] The cyclone manifold system 1 may comprise an overflow outlet / fine solids discharge 6 for delivering separated fines or cyclone overflow to a downstream process. The cyclone manifold system 1 may comprise an underflow outlet / coursesolids discharge 7 for delivering separated coarse particles or cyclone underflow to a downstream process.
[0065] An inlet head 18 of each cyclone 3 in the system 1 may receive feed slurry from the distributor 2 via a feed pipe 16 extending from a port 15 of the distributor 2. The feed pipe 16 may be configured to bolt to an external portion of the distributor 2.
[0066] Overflow may exit a cyclone 3 via its upper fines discharge outlet 17 and enter an overflow catch basin / fine solids collection chamber 26 portion of an upper collector 4a. Underflow may exit a cyclone 3 via a lower coarse discharge outlet 9 and enter an underflow catch basin / coarse solids collection chamber 25 portion of a lower collector 4b.
[0067] The overflow outlet / fine solids discharge 6 may be operatively coupled to and fluidly communicate with the overflow catch basin / fine solids collection chamber 26. The underflow outlet / course solids discharge 7 may be operatively coupled to and fluidly communicate with the underflow catch basin / coarse solids collection chamber 25. One or both of the catch basins / collection chambers 25, 26 may comprise a sloped floor 10 to help convey material therein to its respective discharge 6, 7 using gravity.
[0068] A cavity 13 may extend between the vertical pipe 11 and the upper 4a and / or lower 4b collector as shown. The distributor 2 may be connected to the vertical pipe 11 at a flange 14 provided to an upper portion of the vertical pipe 11 . A lower flange 27 of a lower discharge port 67 extending from a body 20 of the distributor 2 may be configured to connect to the upper flange 14 of the vertical pipe 11. A series of bolt holes 37 may be provided to flange 27 which are configured to align with bolt holes on flange 14. The lower flange 27 may comprise an aperture / opening 36 defined therein for receiving feed into the distributor 2 from the vertical pipe 11 .
[0069] As depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, the cyclone feed distributor 2 may comprise an upper cap 28 attached to a lower body 20. The cap 28 may comprise an upperwall 19, which may be planar, dished, or conical, without limitation. One or more ports 21 may be provided to the upper wall 19 for purposes of . The cap 28 may also comprise one or more lift eyes 22 or other means for hoisting the cap 28 away from the body 20 or for lifting the entire assembled cyclone feed distributor 2 from the system 1 . Surrounding a lower periphery of the cap may be a flange 23 provided with a number of bolt holes 33. The bolt holes 33 may align with bolt holes 34 provided to an upper flange 24 of the distributor body 20.
[0070] As can be more clearly seen from FIGS. 6 and 13, each port 21 extending from the upper wall 19 of the cap 28 may comprise a tube 40 portion, an aperture / opening 41 extending within the tube 40, and a flange 42. These portions may be secured together by welds / weldments 46 and internally-lined with a lining material 45.
[0071] The body 20 of the distributor 2 may comprise an outer wall 29 which may be defined by a plurality of components or sections. An upper portion of the outer wall 29 provided under flange 24 may define a radially outward fluid boundary surface of a distribution chamber 35 within the distributor 20. The underside of upper wall 19 of the cap 28 may define an upper fluid boundary surface of the distribution chamber 35. The outer wall 29 may be tubular (e.g., cylindrical) as shown, however it may also be polygonal, frustroconical, partially spherical, or faceted with planar elements joined together, without limitation.
[0072] A lower / middle region of the distributor 2 may comprise a number of ports 15. To simplify fabrication, the region of outer wall 29 adjacent ports 15 may be configured with a number of ring panels 39, which may be configured as a series of plates welded together in an annular form - each ring panel 39 having an opening through it to define a port 15. Adjacent ring panels 39 may comprise a relative angle 69 extending therebetween (FIG. 21 ) as measured from a line perpendicular to a face of each ring panel 39. The relative angle 69 may be respectively measured between adjacent axes 71 of adjacent ports 15.A mount 30 may extend from each ring panel 39. The mount 30 may be provided adjacent a port 15 & form an aperture / opening 47 therethrough. The mount 30 may be configured to receive and secure a modular port extender 32 having its own aperture / opening 31 extending therethrough. An outer portion of the modular port extender 32, for example, a distal insertion portion 64 of a tube 56 of the modular port extender 32 may be received within the aperture / opening 47 of the mount 30.
[0073] The body 20 of the distributor 3 may further comprise a lower wall / boundary 38. The lower wall / boundary 38 may define a lower fluid boundary surface of distribution chamber 35. A lower discharge port 67 may extending from the lower wall / boundary 38, for example, a central portion thereof as depicted. Accordingly, the lower wall / boundary 38 may be provided in an annular configuration. The lower wall / boundary 38 may be dished as shown, however it may also be curved, frustroconical, planar, or faceted with planar elements joined together, without limitation.
[0074] Turning now to FIG. 10, each mount 30 may comprise an annular ring member 53 having bolt holes 43 extending into an end portion thereof. The annular ring member 53 may be positioned on portion 52 of a ring panel 39. A tube 44 (which may be formed of liner / lining material 45) may extend inside of the annular ring member 53 within and along an inner diameter 59 of the annular ring 53.
[0075] As suggested from FIG. 21 , the tube 44 may define an aperture / opening 47 for accepting a modular port extender 32. The aperture / opening 47 may optionally be provided with a slight lead-in angle 70 with respect to an axis 71 of a port 15. This lead-in angle 70 may facilitate locating and / or seating the modular port extender 32 between tube 44 and a distal insertion portion 64 of a modular port extender 32.
[0076] Turning now to FIG. 15, a portion of the outer wall 29 adjacent ring panels 39 and ports 15 may comprise a bumpout or protruding liner portion 48. This may serve to reduce wear by providing more liner material adjacent each port 15 and / or affectinternal fluid dynamics of flow in a region of one or more ports 15. A transition 51 may be provided between the bumpout or protruding liner portion 48 and other liner 45 portions of outer wall 29. The transition 51 may be smooth, or abrupt and take any form or shape, such as a diagonal chamfer (as shown) or other blend (e.g., radius, spline curve, etc.). However, the transition 51 preferably configured to maximize wear life, reduce erosion, and / or mitigate velocity of flows immediately adjacent the liner 45 at ports 15.
[0077] Each modular port extender 32 comprises a body primarily defined by a tube 56. A proximal flange 57 comprising bolt holes 61 may be provided at a proximal end of the modular port extender 32. A distal flange 54 having bolt holes 55 configured to align with those 43 provided to annular ring member 55 may be provided along a portion of the tube 56. A distal insertion portion 64 of a tube 56 may be formed between the distal flange 54 and a distal end 49 of the tube 56. The distal insertion portion 64 may be configured to be received within aperture / opening 47, and the distal flange 54 may be configured to seat against and be secured to an end surface 63 of the mount 30 (e.g., against a lined face, gasket, or gasketing portion 62 over annular ring member 53). In the particular non-limiting embodiment depicted, a lined face 62 extends radially from tube 44 to cover and / or protect a mounting surface of annular ring member 52. The lined face 62 may comprise similar material (e.g., overmoulded polymer) as other liner 45 portions. The lined face 62 may be integral with the tube 44 and other portions of liner / lining material 45, without limitation. While not shown, the end surface 63 of the mount 30 may comprise ridges, grooves, or additional sealing means (e.g., o-rings, gaskets, or the like), without limitation.
[0078] The inside of tube 56 may be protected from wear with an inner liner 58 which defines aperture / opening 31. The aperture / opening 31 through a modular port extender 32 defines a fluid surface boundary of its respective port 15. The inner liner 58 may comprise a polymeric material. The distal end of the inner liner 58 may form the distal end 66 of the modular port extender 32 and / or may be configured to overlap a distal end of the tube 56 as shown. As such, the distal endof the inner liner 58 may form a distal external interface 65 at an outer peripheral portion of modular port extender 32.
[0079] The distal end of the modular port extender 32 (and of the inner liner 58) may comprise a rounded or chamfered portion 50 to optimize flow through aperture / opening 31. Similarly, the distal end 49 of tube 56 may comprise a rounded or chamfered portion 68. While not shown, the distal end 49 of the tube 56 may not be rounded or chamfered as depicted at reference numeral 68.
[0080] Depending on methods of construction, a bridge member 60 may be provided to run along upper portions of ring panels 39 and span between the outer wall 29 and regions 52 of the ring panels 39 which are adjacent portions of the mounts 30. For example, the bridge member may be configured as an annular strip of material surrounding the ring panels and compensating for gaps defined between a cylindrical outer wall 29 portion and planar ring panel 39 facets.
[0081] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc. When describing methods and steps thereof, the order or appearance of a listed step may not be important. Thus, it is possible for method steps to be taken out of sequence from what is described.
[0082] The above description of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Theinvention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.
[0083] For example, while circular / cylindrical tubing is preferably depicted for tube 56, tube 40, outer wall 29, and lower discharge port 67 (and / or other components), other cross-sectional shapes or extruded profiles may be utilized. Accordingly, features like “annular ring member” 53 or features including the term “ring” or “annular” or “tubular” may take the form of polygons (e.g., square, rectangular, octagonal extrusions) having faceted surfaces, without limitation.
[0084] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, “has”, “having”, “incorporates”, “is provided with”, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed. It should further be understood that embodiments described and / or depicted herein are provided for exemplary purposes only, and that certain elements, features, components, or steps described and / or depicted may be optionally omitted, replaced with art-recognized equivalents, or combined in any logical permutation consistent with the aims of the inventive concept.LIST OF REFERENCE IDENTIFIERS
[0085] 1 Cyclone manifold system
[0086] 2' Cyclone feed distributor (prior art)
[0087] 2 Cyclone feed distributor (invention embodiments)
[0088] 3 Cyclone (e.g., hydrocyclone)
[0089] 4a Upper collector (fine solids)
[0090] 4b Lower collector (coarse solids)
[0091] 5 Frame
[0092] 6 Overflow outlet / Fine solids discharge
[0093] 7 Underflow outlet / Course solids discharge
[0094] 8 Intake
[0095] 9 Lower coarse discharge outlet (for underflow of cyclone 3) 10 Sloped floor
[0096] 11 Vertical pipe
[0097] 12 Support (for vertical pipe 11 )
[0098] 13 Cavity
[0099] 14 Flange (of vertical pipe 11 )
[0100] 15 Port (of cyclone feed distributor 2, 2')
[0101] 16 Feed pipe (to inlet head 18)
[0102] 17 Upper fines discharge outlet (for overflow of cyclone 3) 18 Inlet head (of cyclone 3)
[0103] 19 Upper wall (of cap 28)
[0104] 20 Body (cyclone feed distributor 2)
[0105] 21 Port(s) (of cap 28)
[0106] 22 Lift eye (of cap 28)
[0107] 23 Flange (of cap 28)
[0108] 24 Flange (of body 20)
[0109] 25 Underflow catch basin / Coarse solids collection chamber 26 Overflow catch basin / Fine solids collection chamber 27 Lower flange (of lower discharge port 67)
[0110] 28 Cap (cyclone feed distributor 2)
[0111] 29 Outer wall (of body 20)
[0112] 30 Mount (adjacent port 15 & aperture / opening 47)
[0113] 31 Aperture / Opening (through modular port extender 32) 32 Modular port extender
[0114] 33 Bolt holes (of flange 23)
[0115] 34 Bolt holes (of flange 24)
[0116] 35 Distribution chamber (of cyclone feed distributor 2) 36 Aperture / Opening (of lower discharge port 67)
[0117] 37 Bolt holes (of flange 27)
[0118] 38 Lower wall / boundary(of distributor 2, distribution chamber 35)
[0119] 39 Ring panel (of wall 29, body 20)
[0120] 40 Tube (of port 21)
[0121] 41 Aperture / Opening (of port 21)
[0122] 42 Flange (of port 21 )
[0123] 43 Bolt holes (of mount 30, annular ring member 53)
[0124] 44 Tube (of liner / lining material 45)
[0125] 45 Liner / Lining material
[0126] 46 Weld(s) / Weldment
[0127] 47 Aperture / Opening (of distributor 2, port 15)
[0128] 48 Bumpout / Protruding liner portion
[0129] 49 Distal end (tube 56)
[0130] 50 Rounded or chamfered portion
[0131] 51 Transition (liner 45, bumpout 48)
[0132] 52 Portion (of ring panel 39, adjacent mount 30)
[0133] 53 Annular ring member (of mount 30)
[0134] 54 Distal flange (of modular port extender 32)
[0135] 55 Bolt holes (of distal flange 54)
[0136] 56 Tube (of modular port extender 32)
[0137] 57 Proximal flange (of modular port extender 32)
[0138] 58 Inner liner (of tube 56)
[0139] 59 Inner diameter (of annular ring 53)
[0140] 60 Bridge member (along ring panels 39 / spanning 52 and 29) 61 Bolt holes (of proximal flange 57)
[0141] 62 Lined face, or gasket, or gasketing portion
[0142] (of annular ring member 53, tube 44, or liner 45) 63 End surface (of mount 30)
[0143] 64 Distal insertion portion (of tube 56)
[0144] 65 Distal external interface
[0145] (between inner liner 58 & distal end 49 of tube 56) 66 Distal end (of modular port extender 32, inner liner 58) 67 Lower discharge port 67 (of body 20)
[0146] 68 Rounded or chamfered portion (of distal end 49 of tube 56) 69 Relative angle between axes 71 of ports 15
[0147] 70 Lead-in angle (of aperture / opening 47)
[0148] 71 Axis (of port 15)
Claims
CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A modular port extender (32) for a cyclone feed distributor (2) of a cyclone manifold system (1) configured to be separated from and secured to the cyclone feed distributor (2), the modular port extender (32) comprising:a tube (56); anda proximal flange (57); characterized in that the modular port extender (32) further comprises:a distal flange (54);a distal end (66); anda distal insertion portion (64) defined between the distal flange (54) and distal end (66); the distal insertion portion (64) being configured to be received within an aperture / opening (47) of a mount (30) provided to the cyclone feed distributor (2);wherein the distal end (66) of the modular port extender (32) is configured to extend through the mount (30) and be exposed to a distribution chamber (35) within the cyclone feed distributor (2).
2. The modular port extender (32) according to claim 1 further comprising an inner liner (58).
3. The modular port extender (32) according to claim 2 wherein the inner liner (58) comprises a polymeric material, and the tube (56) comprises a metallic material.
4. The modular port extender (32) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an end of the inner liner (58) is at the distal end (66).
5. The modular port extender (32) according to any one of claims 2-4, further comprising a distal external interface (65) between a portion of the inner liner 58 and a distal end (49) of the tube (56) at an outer surface of distal insertion portion (64).
6. The modular port extender (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end (66) comprises a rounded or chamfered portion (50).
7. The modular port extender (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distal end (49) of the tube (56) comprises a rounded or chamfered portion (68).
8. A cyclone feed distributor (2) for a cyclone manifold system (1 ) comprising:a body (20) comprising an outer wall (29);a plurality of ports (15) extending through the outer wall (29); characterized in that at least one of the ports (15) comprises a modular port extender (32) as defined in any one of the preceding claims.
9. The cyclone feed distributor (2) according to claim 8, further comprising a mount (30) at one (or more) of the ports (15) for attaching the modular port extender (32).10.The cyclone feed distributor (2) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the mount (30) further comprises an annular ring member (53).
11. The cyclone feed distributor (2) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, further including a tube (44) of liner material (45) extending through a portion of the mount (30), such as along an inside diameter (57) of the annular ring member (53).
12. The cyclone feed distributor (2) according to any one of claims 8-11 , further comprising a bumpout (48) adjacent at least one of the ports (15), the bumpout (48) being formed in a lining material (45) of an outer wall (29).
13. The cyclone feed distributor (2) according to claim 12, further comprising a transition (51) between the bumpout (48) and other portions of liner material (45) within outer wall (29).
14. The cyclone feed distributor (2) according to any one of claims 8-13, wherein the mount (30) extends from a planar ring panel (39) portion of the outer wall (29).
15. The cyclone feed distributor (2) according to any one of claims 8-14, wherein the mount (30) is devoid of a flange at its distal end surface (63).
16. The cyclone feed distributor (2) according to any one of claims 8-15, wherein an inside diameter (47) of mount (30) comprises a lead-in angle (70).
17. The cyclone feed distributor (2) according to any one of claims 8-16, further comprising a lined face (62), gasket, or gasketing portion at an end surface (63) of the mount (30).
18. A cyclone manifold system (1) comprising a cyclone feed distributor (2) equipped with a modular port extender (32) according to any one of claims 1 -7, or the cyclone feed distributor (2) according to any one of claims 8-17.
19. method of maintaining or refurbishing the cyclone feed distributor (2) or cyclone manifold system (1) according to any one of claims 8-18, comprising the steps of:removing bolts from bolt holes (61) a distal flange (54) of a modular port extender (32), and from bolt holes (43) of a mount (30);extracting a distal insertion portion (64) of the modular port extender (32) from an aperture / opening (47) in the mount (30); andinserting a replacement modular port extender (32) into the aperture / opening (47) of the mount (30);fastening the replacement modular port extender (32) to the mount (30) in a reverse manner of the above step of removing bolts.
20. The method according to claim 19 further comprising the step of retaining a cap (28) of the cyclone feed distributor (2) to the body (20) prior to the step of removing bolts.21 .A modular port extender (32) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the examples described in the description or to any one of the accompanying drawings.
22. A cyclone feed distributor (2) for a cyclone manifold system (1 ) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the examples described in the description or to any one of the accompanying drawings.
23. A cyclone manifold system (1) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the examples described in the description or to any one of the accompanying drawings.