Method and apparatus for separating gas from a gaseous material

A method of separating gas from a cellulose fiber suspension utilizing a spiral housing having a central axis, a suspension inlet channel, a suspension outlet, a gas outlet, and a rotor rotatable in the spiral housing, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a first pressure forcing the suspension from a conduit to the suspension inlet channel;
• (b) maintaining a pressure differential between the inlet channel and the spiral housing;
• (c) converting the pressure differential between the inlet channel and the spiral housing to kinetic energy of the suspension by causing the suspension to flow through one or more stationary spiral flow paths through the inlet channel toward the spiral housing, gas starting to separate from the suspension in the inlet channel;
• (d) imparting a strong centrifugal force to the suspension within the spiral housing by rotating the rotor to effect greater gas separation than in the inlet channel and to cause gas to separate from the suspension and collect adjacent the central axis of the spiral housing;
• (e) removing the gas from adjacent the central axis;
• and
• (f) using the strong centrifugal force to discharge the suspension from the suspension outlet.

Apparatus for separating gas from a liquid or suspension comprising:

• a spiral housing having a central axis, a substantially axial liquid or suspension inlet channel with an inner wall, a liquid or suspension outlet, and a separated gas outlet, said separated gas outlet adjacent said central axis;
• a shaft disposed within said spiral housing and connectable to means for rotating said shaft about said central axis;
• a flange extending generally perpendicular to said shaft within said spiral housing for rotation about said central axis, at least one opening extending through said flange generally parallel to said axis of rotation;
• a plurality of blades mounted to said flange on a face of said flange opposite said liquid suspension inlet;
• and
• one or more stationary spiral strips disposed in said inlet channel and connected to said inner wall of said inlet for effecting spiral rotational movement of the liquid or suspension as it moves in said inlet channel toward said spiral housing.