DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid and obtaining a substantially decontaminated fluid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the contemporary world, separation of substances or mixtures, for example, into its constituents is ubiquitous. There are numerous processes in industry and otherwise wherein it is necessary to separate a mixture. For example, in case of vehicles, the internal combustion engine requires a continuous supply of air, which must be essentially free of any dust or foreign matter. Therefore, the air which is being supplied to internal combustion engine is cleaned using a set comprising a pre-cleaner and a filter.
The pre-cleaner may be a device working on the principle of inertia to move particulates/particles from the air, wherein the pre-cleaner may be of the cyclone type or centrifugal type separator. Such cyclone type or centrifugal type separators are well-known in the art.
The conventional cyclone separators remove solid particles such as dust from a flow of air or other gas by subjecting the flow to a spiral like motion during which centrifugal force pushes the particulate matter to move outwardly with respect to the air in which they are suspended.
However, it is observed that in such conventional cyclone separators, there is a considerable pressure loss, which leads to reduced efficiency.
Further, it is observed that in the conventional cyclone separators, there is always a possibility of re-entrainment of dust into the cleaned air resulting in reduction of efficiency and promoting a need for a secondary air cleaner, thereby increasing the overall cost.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Some of the objects of the presently disclosed invention, of which at the minimum one object is fulfilled by at least one embodiment disclosed herein, are as follows.
An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, which overcomes at least one drawback encountered in the existing prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid, wherein the apparatus exhibits reduced pressure loss.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid, wherein the apparatus exhibits an enhanced efficiency.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid, wherein the apparatus is capable of avoiding or at least reducing re-entrainment of dust/contaminants into the cleaned air/fluid.
Other objects and benefits of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to bind the scope of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid and obtaining a substantially decontaminated fluid.
An apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid is disclosed. The apparatus comprising at least one body, wherein the at least one body comprises at least one inlet tube. The at least one inlet one tube having an operative open inlet end and an operative open outlet end, the operative open inlet end being configured to receive the fluid containing contaminants. The body further includes a swirl imparting device operatively disposed at and around the operative open inlet end of the inlet tube, the swirl imparting device being configured to impart a swirling motion to the fluid containing contaminants. Further, at least one outlet tube is provided which includes an operative open inlet end and an operative open outlet end, wherein a portion of the at least one outlet tube at and around the operative inlet end is received in and overlapped by a portion of the least one inlet tube at and around the operative open outlet end, the at least one outlet tube being configured to receive and facilitate passage of decontaminated fluid therethrough.
The apparatus further includes a trough which being configured around and extending from the operative open outlet end of the outlet tube, wherein the trough receives a portion of the at least one inlet tube, the portion being in and around the operative open outlet end to defining an interior portion and an exterior portion. The trough is characterized by having a profile which is configured to receive the contaminants separated from the fluid due to the swirling motion of the fluid in and around the interior portion, and deflect the received contaminants from the interior portion to and out of the exterior portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The present invention will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a single unit of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic diagram of a profile of a trough of the apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic diagram of another profile of a trough of the apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 5A illustrates an isometric view of an air cleaner cluster comprising the apparatus for removing contaminants (dust) from a fluid (air) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the air cleaner cluster comprising the apparatus for removing contaminants (dust) from a fluid (air) of FIG. 5A.
LIST OF NUMERALS
100 - Apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid
100A - Body
100B - Body
100C - Common space
100U - Unit
102 - Inlet tube
102a - Operative open inlet end
102b - Operative open outlet end
104 - Swirl imparting device
106 - Outlet tube
106a - Operative open inlet end
106b - Operative open outlet end
108 - Trough
108a - Interior portion of the trough
108b - Exterior portion of the trough
108p1 - First portion of the trough
108p2 - Second portion of the trough
108p3 - Third portion of the trough
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
All technical terms and scientific expressions used in the present invention have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless and otherwise specified.
As used in the present specification and the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The term "comprising” as used in the present specification will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other extra suitable things, for instance one or more additional feature(s), part(s), component(s), process step(s), sub-step(s), and /or constituent(s) as applicable.
Further, the terms “about” and “approximately" used in combination with ranges of sizes of parts, particles, compositions of mixtures, and/or any other physical properties or characteristics, are meant to include small variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges.
An apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid and obtaining a substantially decontaminated fluid is disclosed.
The apparatus of the present invention overcomes one or more drawbacks of the conventional cyclone separators or pre-cleaners. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention overcomes the problems of pressure loss and reduction in efficiency. Still further, the problem of re-entrainment of contaminants or dust into the cleaned fluid or air is also reduced or eliminated, thereby decreasing the cost.
The present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a single unit of the apparatus of FIG. 1, FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic diagram of a profile of a trough of the apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic diagram of another profile of a trough of the apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 5A illustrates an isometric view of an air cleaner cluster comprising the apparatus for removing contaminants (dust) from a fluid (air) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the air cleaner cluster comprising the apparatus for removing contaminants (dust) from a fluid (air) of FIG. 5A.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus (100) for removal of contaminants from a contaminant entrained fluid is disclosed.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the word removal herein is used to mean separation, or isolate or segregate contaminants entrained in a fluid. The removal of the contaminants may be partial or complete and depends on the apparatus and removal efficiency thereof.
The word contaminant(s) may include any unwanted material or material particles, which is/are to be separated from the fluid, and may be separated from the fluid using a cyclone separator or a centrifugal separator or the like. The contaminant may, for example, include dust, particulate matter, cement dust, solid particles, liquid drops, liquid droplets, ice particles, dry powder, coating powder, dye powder, dry powdered paints, and combinations thereof, or particles of any material, which are entrained within the fluid, and which needs to be removed from the fluid. The above-mentioned are only specific examples and the present invention is not limited to these examples.
The word fluid(s) may include a single fluid or a mixture of fluids. The fluid may be one or more gases or one or more liquids and a combination of one or more gases and one or more liquids. The fluid may also include slurry or slurries. The gas, for example, may include air, fuel vapor, oil mist, vehicle exhaust gas, fume, smoke, aerosol, vapor, and combinations thereof. The liquid, for example, may include oil, fuel, lubricant, water, slurry, and combinations thereof. The above-mentioned are only specific examples and the present invention is not limited to these examples.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus (100) for removing contaminants from a fluid comprises at least one body (100A, 100B). The body (100A, 100B) includes at least one inlet tube (102). The at least one inlet tube (102) includes an operative open inlet end (102a), and an operative open outlet end (102b). The operative open inlet end (102a) facilitates ingress of a contaminated fluid which contains entrained contaminants. In one embodiment, the contaminated fluid may be pumped into the operative open inlet end (102a) using a pump or a fan or the like. In another embodiment, the contaminated fluid may be sucked into the operative open inlet end (102a) wherein the fluid may be sucked into the at least one inlet tube (102) by employing a draft fan which may be engaged at the operative open outlet end (102b). In accordance with one embodiment, the contaminated fluid may be air containing dust particles, which is being supplied to an internal combustion engine via the apparatus (100) of the present invention. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the contaminated fluid may be air entrained with cement particles, wherein the contamination though is cement, is the product which has to be separated from air and captured. Thus, the word contamination herein includes a useful and desired product also. The operative open outlet end (102b) and its role is described herein below.
The apparatus (100) further includes a swirl imparting device (104). The swirl imparting device (104), for example, may include a fan, a vane, a fluid inlet disposed at an angle with respect to a central axis of the at least one inlet tube (102), and a combination thereof. The swirl imparting device (104) is not limited to the above examples and the term swirl imparting device (104) may include any other device or apparatus that may induce a swirling motion to the fluid containing the contaminants. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the swirl imparting device (104) may be operatively disposed at and around the operative open inlet end (102a) of the inlet tube (102). In another embodiment, the swirl imparting device (104) may be disposed out of the inlet tube but at an around the operative open inlet end (102a) of the at least one inlet tube (102). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the swirl imparting device (104) may be integral part of the at least one inlet tube (102), or may be a separate part which is snap fitted or otherwise secured to the at least one inlet tube (102).
The swirl imparting device (104) imparts or induces a spiral or swirling motion to the fluid within the at least one inlet tube (102). The fluid containing the contaminant is introduced into the at least one inlet tube (102) while being in spiral motion. This spiral motion or the swirling motion displaces the contaminants or particles entrained in the fluid, wherein due to centrifugal force, the particles or contaminants are displaced towards the wall of the at least one inlet tube (102). The particles or contaminants have two momentums, one angular momentum due to the swirling motion, and linear momentum due to the fluid velocity. The particles or contaminants are separated or removed from the fluid, and moves in and around the wall of the at least one inlet tube (102).
The apparatus (100) further includes at least one outlet tube (106), which being defined by and between an operative open inlet end (106a), and an operative open outlet end (106b). The at least one outlet tube (106) is received and disposed within the at least one inlet tube (102). More specifically, at least a portion of the at least one outlet tube (106) at and around the operative inlet end (106a) is received in and overlapped by a portion of the least one inlet tube (102) at and around the operative open outlet end (102b).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one outlet tube (106) is disposed within the at least one inlet tube (102) such that the at least one inlet tube (102) is concentric with the at least one outlet tube (106) and configures an annular clearance between the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106). The annular clearance facilitates passage of some fluid and almost all the contaminants separated from the contaminated fluid therethrough. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the annular clearance may have dimensions suitable for separation and removal of contaminants therethrough. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the annular clearance is having a width in the range of 1 mm to 500 mm. The at least one outlet tube (106) receives and facilitates passage of the substantially decontaminated fluid therethrough to a utility. The utility may be an internal combustion engine, and the substantially decontaminated fluid may be air, wherein the dust and particles are removed therefrom using the apparatus (100) of the present invention.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one outlet tube (106) is disposed within the at least one inlet tube (102) such that the at least one inlet tube (102) is non-concentric with the at least one outlet tube (106) and configures an annular clearance between the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106).
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, some of the at least one outlet tubes (106), but not all, are disposed within the at least one inlet tube (102) such that the at least one inlet tube (102) is non-concentric with the at least one outlet tube (106) and configures an annular clearance between the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) are each independently having a frusto-conical shape, wherein the wall of the frusto-conical shape makes an angle ? with reference to a central vertical axis of the frusto-conical shape. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the angle ? is in the range of 2° to 45°. In one embodiment the angle ? is 5°. In another embodiment, the angle ? is 10°.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one inlet tube (102) is having a diameter d1 at the operative open inlet end (102a), and a diameter d2 at the operative open outlet end (102b), wherein d1 being less than or equal to d2.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one outlet tube (106) having a diameter d1 at the operative open inlet end (106a), and a diameter d2 at the operative open outlet end (106b), wherein d1 being less than or equal to d2.
Though the figures herein depict that the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) each have a single slope or angle, however, each of the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) may have more than one slopes. For example, a first portion of the inlet tube (102) may have a first angle, and a second portion of the inlet tube (102) may have a second angle which is different from the first angle. Similarly, the outlet tube (106) may have more than one slopes. The slopes and angle ? may be used interchangeably and may be one and the same in some embodiments.
In one embodiment, the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) may have a circular shape. But other shapes are also well within the ambit of the present invention. For example, the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) may have a hexagonal shape. It is also possible that a portion of the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) may have a circular shape and another portion of the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) may have a hexagonal shape. All such permutations or combinations are well within the ambit of the present invention.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) each independently may have a diameter which varies along the length thereof.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) each independently having a diameter which is constant along the length thereof.
The apparatus (100) is characterized by having a trough (108), which is configured around and extending from the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106). The trough (108) is configured to receive a portion of the at least one inlet tube (102), the portion being in and around the operative open outlet end (102b), which defines an interior portion (108a) and an exterior portion (108b). The trough (108) is characterized by having a profile, the profile is configured to receive the contaminants separated from the fluid due the swirling motion of the fluid in and around the interior portion (108a), and deflect the received contaminants from the interior portion (108a) to and out of the exterior portion (108b).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the trough (108) may extend integrally from the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106). In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the trough (108) may extend non-integrally from the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the trough (108) may be disposed in contact with the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106). In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the trough (108) may be disposed spaced apart from the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106), defining a gap between the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106) and the trough (108). In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the trough (108) may be spaced apart and another portion of the trough (108) may be in direct contact with the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the trough (108) is characterized by having a profile. The profile of the trough (108) is chosen such that the removal of the contaminants or dust or particles from the interior portion (108a) to the exterior portion (108b) is facilitated. In particular, the profile of the trough (108) facilitates fast movement of the contaminants or dust or particles. In one embodiment, the contaminants are deflected or moved such that the direction of movement of the contaminants is changed or altered. In one embodiment, the contaminants are deflected by the trough up to 180° with respect to the original direction. In another embodiment, the contaminants are deflected by the trough up to 150° with respect to the original direction.
The profile of the trough (108) may be one selected from the group consisting of U-shaped profile, V-shaped profile, a parabolic profile, a semi-circular profile, a flat bottom U-shaped profile, a flat bottom U-shaped profile, a flat bottom V-shaped profile, a flat bottom parabolic profile, a flat bottom semi-circular profile and combinations thereof. The present invention is not limited to these profiles and any other profiles which may aid in quick, and efficient removal of the contaminants from the trough (108) are well within the ambit of the present invention. In particular, the profile is such that the contaminants due to the angular momentum and the linear momentum firstly enters the interior portion (108a), and then gets deflected at and around the base of the trough (108) and enters the exterior portion (108b) and then out of the trough (108), which is then collected in the area between two outlet tubes (106).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the trough (108) is characterized by having a profile, wherein the profile comprises a first portion (108p1) extending in an operative downward direction from the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106), and a second portion (108p2) extending in an operative upward direction from a free end of the first portion (108p1).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the trough (108) is characterized by having a profile, wherein the profile comprises a first portion (108p1) extending in an operative downward direction from the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106), a second portion (108p2) extending in an operative upward direction from a free end of the first portion (108p1), and a third portion (108p3) disposed between and connected to the first portion (108p1), and the second portion (108p2).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, in case of multiple apparatus (100) comprising inlet and outlet tubes, it is possible to have troughs (108), which have exactly same dimensions and profile. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in case of multiple apparatus (100) comprising inlet and outlet tubes, it is possible to have troughs (108), which have dissimilar dimensions and profile.
The above are just examples, wherein the profile comprises two or three parts. It is possible to have a profile with more than three parts or portions. For example, the profile may be composed of four portions, five portions or even more.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first portion (108p1), the second portion (108p2), and the third portion (108p3) have a profile selected from a straight profile, a curved profile, a wavy line, a step profile, and combinations thereof. Again, the shapes or profiles are not limited to these, and other shapes or profiles are well within the ambit of the present invention.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the at least one inlet tube (102), and the number of the at least one outlet tube (106) is in the range of 1 to 500.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) are independently equidistantly spaced from the adjacent at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106), wherein the adjacent troughs (108) abut with each other, or the adjacent troughs (108) are spaced apart from each other.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) are independently non-equidistantly spaced from the adjacent at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106), wherein the adjacent troughs (108) abut with each other, or the adjacent troughs (108) are spaced apart from each other.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the trough (108) may have an inner diameter (d1) in the range of 0.5 mm to 499 mm, an outer diameter (d2) in the range of 1.5 mm to 500.5 mm, and a maximum depth in the range of 1 mm to 50 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the operative open outlet end (102b) is disposed in spaced apart configuration from the trough (108), wherein the separation between the operative open outlet end (102b), and the trough (108) may be in the range of 1 mm to 50 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, metal alloys, glass, glass fiber composite, carbon fiber composite, polymer composites, metal wire composite, cardboard, and combinations thereof. However, the present invention is not limited to these materials and any other material or composite may be employed for making the apparatus of the present invention. In particular, the material or composite chosen is essentially capable of withstanding the forces, stresses, and the abuse of the fluid flow therethrough.
FIG. 5A illustrates an isometric view of an air cleaner cluster comprising the apparatus (100) for removing contaminants (dust) from a fluid (air) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the air cleaner cluster comprising the apparatus for removing contaminants (dust) from a fluid (air) of FIG. 5A. More specifically, the air cleaner cluster (100U) comprises at least one first body (100A), and at least one second body (100B) which are operatively juxtaposed together at operative back ends thereof to configure a unit (100U) and a common passage (100C) therebetween, the common passage (100C) facilitates passage of the contaminant therethrough in an operative downward direction, and passage of or the removal of decontaminated fluid in an operative upward direction. The air cleaner cluster may be employed in a vehicle with internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or the like.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the number of inlet tubes and the outlet tubes may be in the range of 1 to 500 in a typical cluster. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrates an air cleaner cluster with 24 inlet and outlet tubes juxtaposed together to configure 24 apparatuses (100).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, two or more of the at least one inlet tubes (102) are coupled together to configure an inlet tube cluster, and two or more of the at least one outlet tubes (106) are coupled together to configure an outlet tube cluster, wherein the inlet tube cluster is received over the outlet tube cluster to configure the apparatus (100). Such a configuration facilitates in easy of manufacturing and easy of assembling the two clusters. Further, as depicted in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, two units each comprising one outlet cluster and one inlet cluster are juxtaposed back to back to obtain the cluster (100U).
In an operative configuration, the apparatus (100) facilitates removal of contaminants from the fluid. For example, the air cleaner cluster (of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B) is fitted on a vehicle at a suitable position. The clean air outlet of the air cleaner cluster is coupled with the air intake manifold of the vehicle, whereas the operative inlet ends of the inlet tubes (102) facilitate intake of contaminated air therethrough from the atmosphere. The air is sucked by a suitable suction device which may be fitted on to the vehicle in conjunction with the engine. The air sucked is then passed through the swirl imparting device (104), wherein the air is imparted a swirling motion, which in addition to the linear velocity/momentum, the air along with the dust particles are imparted an angular velocity/momentum. Due to the two momentums, the dust particles while moving through the inlet tubes (102) are propelled towards and into the clearance between the inlet tube (102) and the outlet tube (106), whereas the cleaned air is passed through the outlet tube (106) and into the common passage from where the cleaned air is supplied to the intake manifold of the vehicle’s engine. The dust particles pass through the clearance into the trough (108), wherein the dust particles are separated due to the angular momentum and due to the linear momentum passes and gets deflected due to the profile of the trough (108) from the interior portion to the exterior portion of the trough and then into the common passage and is then removed from the air cleaner cluster at regular intervals.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention provides several technical advances and advantages which include:
• an apparatus (100) which exhibits reduced pressure loss, and enhanced efficiency as compared to the conventional apparatus.
• an apparatus (100) which exhibits reduced re-entrainment of the contaminants into the cleaned fluid or completely eliminates the problem of re-entrainment of the contaminants into the cleaned fluid.
• an apparatus (100) which is easy to manufacture, build, assemble, operate, and maintain.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. An apparatus (100) for removing contaminants from a fluid, the apparatus (100) comprising at least one body (100A, 100B) having:
- at least one inlet tube (102) having an operative open inlet end (102a) and an operative open outlet end (102b), the operative open inlet end (102a) configured to receive the fluid containing contaminants,
- a swirl imparting device (104) operatively disposed at and around the operative open inlet end (102a) of the inlet tube (102), the swirl imparting device (104) configured to impart a swirling motion to the fluid containing contaminants,
- at least one outlet tube (106) having an operative open inlet end (106a), and an operative open outlet end (106b), wherein a portion of the at least one outlet tube (106) at and around the operative inlet end (106a) being received in and overlapped by a portion of the least one inlet tube (102) at and around the operative open outlet end (102b), the at least one outlet tube (106) configured to receive and facilitate passage of decontaminated fluid therethrough,
Characterized in that
- a trough (108) being configured around and extending from the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106), wherein the trough (108) receives a portion of the at least one inlet tube (102), the portion being in and around the operative open outlet end (102b) to define an interior portion (108a) and an exterior portion (108b), wherein the trough (108) having a profile configured to:
o receive the contaminants separated from the fluid due the swirling motion of the fluid in and around the interior portion (108a), and
o deflect the received contaminants from the interior portion (108a) to and out of the exterior portion (108b).
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the profile being one selected from the group consisting of U-shaped profile, V-shaped profile, a parabolic profile, a semi-circular profile, a flat bottom U-shaped profile, a flat bottom U-shaped profile, a flat bottom V-shaped profile, a flat bottom parabolic profile, a flat bottom semi-circular profile and combinations thereof.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trough (108) having a profile comprising
- a first portion (108p1) extending in an operative downward direction from the operative open outlet end (106b) of the outlet tube (106),
- a second portion (108p2) extending in an operative upward direction from a free end of the first portion (108p1), and
- optionally, a third portion (108p3) disposed between and connected to the first portion (108p1), and the second portion (108p2).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the first portion (108p1), the second portion (108p2), and the third portion (108p3) having a profile selected from a straight profile, a curved profile, a wavy line, a step profile, and combinations thereof.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
o the at least one inlet tube (102) being concentric with the at least one outlet tube (106) such that an annular clearance is configured between the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106), wherein the annular clearance facilitates passage of fluid and contaminants separated from the contaminated fluid therethrough into the trough (108), wherein the annular clearance having a width in the range of 1 mm to 500 mm, or
o the at least one inlet tube (102) having a diameter d1 at the operative open inlet end (102a), and a diameter d2 at the operative open outlet end (102b), wherein d1 being less than or equal to d2, or
o the at least one outlet tube (106) having a diameter d1 at the operative open inlet end (106a), and a diameter d2 at the operative open outlet end (106b), wherein d1 being less than or equal to d2, or
o the number of the at least one inlet tube (102), and the number of the at least one outlet tube (106) being in the range of 1 to 500, or
o the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) being independently equidistantly spaced from the adjacent at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106), wherein the adjacent troughs (108) abut with each other, or the adjacent troughs (108) are spaced apart from each other, or
o the swirl imparting device (104) being one selected from the group consisting of a fan, a vane, a fluid inlet disposed at an angle with reference to a central axis of the at least one inlet tube (102), and combinations thereof, or
o the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) are each independently having a frusto-conical shape, wherein the wall of the frusto-conical shape making an angle ? with reference to a central vertical axis of the frusto-conical shape, wherein the angle ? is in the range of 2 ° to 45 °, or
o the trough (108) having an inner diameter in the range of 0.5 mm to 499 mm, an outer diameter in the range of 1.5 mm to 500.5 mm, and a maximum depth in the range of 1 mm to 50 mm, or
o the operative open outlet end (102b) being disposed in spaced apart configuration from the trough (108), wherein the separation between the operative open outlet end (102b), and the trough (108) being in the range of 1 mm to 50 mm.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
o the fluid is one selected from the group consisting of gas and liquid,
o the gas is one selected from the group consisting of air, fuel vapor, oil mist, vehicle exhaust gas, fume, smoke, aerosol, vapor, and combinations thereof,
o the liquid is one selected from the group consisting of oil, fuel, lubricant, water, slurry, and combinations thereof,
o the contaminant is one selected from the group consisting of dust, particulate matter, cement dust, solid particles, liquid drops, liquid droplets, ice particles, dry powder, coating powder, dye powder, dry powdered paints, and combinations thereof, and
o the apparatus is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, metal alloys, glass, glass fiber composite, carbon fiber composite, polymer composites, metal wire composite, cardboard, and combinations thereof.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one first body (100A), and at least one second body (100B) operatively juxtaposed together at operative back ends thereof to configure a unit (100U) and a common passage (100C) therebetween, the common passage (100C) facilitates passage of the contaminants therethrough in an operative downward direction, and passage of the decontaminated fluid in an operative upward direction.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
o two or more of the at least one inlet tubes (102) are coupled together to configure an inlet tube cluster,
o two or more of the at least one outlet tubes (106) are coupled together to configure an outlet tube cluster,
wherein the inlet tube cluster is received over the outlet tube cluster to configure the apparatus (100).
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) each independently having a diameter which varies along the length thereof or wherein the at least one inlet tube (102), and the at least one outlet tube (106) each independently having a diameter which is constant along the length thereof.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 being employed as an air pre-cleaner cluster for a vehicle.
Dated this 15th day of February 2021
For the Applicant

Deepak Pradeep Thakur
The Applicant’s Patent Agent
IN/PA – 3687
To,
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office,
At Mumbai