US 4,090,530 AGranted

Apparatus for multi-phase fluid systems

AssigneeHooker Chemicals & Plastics Corporation

InventorNorbert G. Lange

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Abstract

An apparatus is provided wherein, in a static condition a lower phase liquid is covered by an upper phase liquid which is non-miscible with the lower phase liquid. In operation, the upper phase liquid is removed from a selected area of the lower phase liquid by raising the upper phase liquid to pass over a weir into a second chamber. Simultaneously a portion of the lower phase liquid is circulated over a second weir and caused to pass through a portion of the upper phase liquid to provide a scrubbing or cleansing action. When operation ceases the liquids automatically return to the static condition levels wherein the lower phase liquid is completely covered by the upper phase liquid. During operation articles or materials may be caused to enter and exit the lower phase liquid in the selected area, for treatment therein without contacting the upper phase liquid. The apparatus is useful in cleaning, degreasing, plating, pre-plating treatments and the like.

Claims8

Dependent claims

An apparatus for a multi-phase fluid system having an upper phase fluid and a lower phase fluid wherein, in a static condition the upper phase fluid covers the upper surface of the lower phase fluid and in an operating condition the upper phase fluid is removed from a pre-selected portion thereof;

said apparatus comprising:
(a) a working chamber;
(b) an overflow receiving chamber;
(c) a holding chamber;
(d) a pumping chamber;
each of said chambers having a lower region and an upper region;
(e) a first weir means separating the lower region of the working chamber and the receiving chamber;
(f) a first separating means between the holding chamber and the working chamber having an opening in the lower region thereof to permit fluid flow between the lower region of the holding chamber and the lower region of the working chamber;
(g) a second weir means separating the lower region of the holding chamber and the pumping chamber;
(h) a second separating means between the receiving chamber and the pumping chamber having an opening in the lower region to permit fluid flow between the lower region of the receiving chamber and the lower region of the pumping chamber;
(i) a pumping means having an inlet side in fluid communication with the lower region of the pumping chamber and an outlet side in fluid communication with the lower region of holding chamber;
(j) an equalizing means providing fluid communication from the lower region of holding chamber to the lower region of the pumping chamber.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 05/719,002Filed 30 Aug 1976 · continuation in part
Priority: 30 Dec 1975
Granted: 23 May 1978
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

C23C 18/1601
By reduction or substitution, e.g. electroless plating: process or apparatus
C23C 18/1632
Apparatus for electroless plating: features specific for the apparatus, e.g. layout of cells and of its equipment, multiple cells
C23G 5/04
Using organic solvents: apparatus
C25D 17/02
Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic coating: tanks; Installations therefor