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Microwave-emitting rotor, separator apparatus including same, methods of operation and design thereof

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1176032

An apparatus for use in separating, at least in part, a mixture, including at least one chamber and at least one microwave generation device configured for communicating microwave energy into the at least one chamber is disclosed. The rotor assembly may comprise an electric generator for generating electricity for operating the microwave generation device. At least one microwave generation device may be positioned within a tubular interior shaft extending within the rotor assembly. At least a portion of the tubular interior shaft may be substantially transparent to microwave energy. Microwave energy may be emitted in an outward radial direction or toward an anticipated boundary surface defined between a mixture and a separated constituent thereof. A method including flowing a mixture through at least one chamber and communicating microwave energy into the at least one chamber while rotating same is disclosed. Methods of operating a centrifugal separator and design thereof are disclosed.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-99ID13727
Assignee:
Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (Idaho Falls, ID)
Patent Number(s):
7,150,836
Application Number:
10/892,883
OSTI ID:
1176032
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (3)

Demulsification of Emulsions Exploited by Enhanced Oil Recovery System journal January 2003
Oil recovery and waste reduction by microwave radiation journal November 1989
Demulsification of w/o Emulsions by Microwave Radiation journal January 2002

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