FIELD OF THE INVENTION

(001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to centrifugal basket for horizontal centrifugals or centrifuge machines and in particular relate to a perforated centrifuge sieve support basket and a method of forming the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket including variable sized perforations all around the centrifuge sieve support basket for horizontal centrifugals or centrifuge machines.

BACKGROUND

[002] Centrifugals utilize centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotations, is used to separate one type of material from another type. Centrifugation can be used to recover solids from slurries, to clarify liquids, or to clarify solids for example, solids from liquids. In general, a centrifuge machine utilizes a rapidly rotating cage or basket into which the material to be separated is placed. Centrifuge machines may be either the batch process type or the continuous process type. In one form of continuous centrifugals, an inverted conical shaped basket is rapidly rotated so that liquid is forced through a selectively permeable membrane or filter screen mounted internally of the conical basket and the partially dry solids are gradually forced up along the basket and out over the top into a separate container.

[003] As referred above, the filter screens are used to separate solids from liquids and such filter screens are not adequately strong enough to be self-supporting under operating pressure of the centrifugal machine. Therefore, common practice up to this time has been to provide a basket made of heavy and thick metal plate formed in the shape of a conical basket for supporting a filter screen in the interior of the basket. The forming of the baskets from thick and heavy metal plates as heretofore encountered in the art results in an expensive operation. Also, the baskets formed from thick metal plates results into heavy baskets requiring experienced laborers or work force to handle centrifugal machine operations and thus, increasing wastage of man power and funds. [004] The usual practice heretofore encountered in the art is to manually place a filter screen in position within the centrifugal basket and then retain the same by means of, internal metallic bands of substantial width overlying the screens, in conjunction with bolts expanding bands and clamping the filter screen between band and inner wall of centrifuge. Fitting and replacement of such arrangements covers a long period of time and requires expert labor. It has been common practice to employ a reticulated backing interposed between the filter screen and surrounding wall of the basket for holding filter screens in place in centrifugal basket. However, owing to the fact that reticulated backing under constant centrifugal pressure tends to flatten against the surrounding basket wall, thus impeding circulation, and also tends to make ridges or breaks in filter screen which is pressed against it leading to considerable wear and tear of filter screen incorporated in the support basket.

[005] Conventional type of perforated holes found in presently used centrifuge support basket, which interrupts movement of washing water all along the height of basket. Therefore, enclosing the filter screen in centrifugal separators incorporated these baskets results into improper cleaning of coagulated filter screens, and which further requires periodic washing, and cleaning of filter screens, which is a time consuming operation.

[006] However, all the existing centrifuge support baskets which are used heretofore encountered in the art struggling for achieving strength, to avoid mechanical failures and in achieving strength factor, the support baskets become heavier to be handled by a single person. Centrifuge support baskets, which are used heretofore encountered in the art incorporating clogged filter screens within, reduces overall efficiency and throughput of centrifugal machine.

[007] Therefore, in view of above prior art, there is a need for developing a lighter, stronger and more reliable centrifuge sieve support basket of completely integral construction, thereby forming a basket whose circumferential wall is provided with variable sized perforations and substantially uniform distribution or spacing of such perforations throughout the perforated area of the basket.

[008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a light-weight conical shaped centrifuge sieve support basket of increased strength and stiffness with variable sized perforations all around may be used for horizontal centrifugals or centrifuge machines.

[009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a centrifuge sieve support basket having increased open area for free flow of filtrate in centrifuge basket resulting in increased efficiency of the centrifugals. This is achieved by fabricating perforations, which are alike quadrilateral shaped perforations, leaving thin continuous webs all around the circumferential wall of the basket.

[0010] A still another object of the present invention is to provide a centrifuge sieve support basket which is an ideal support for the filter screen along closely spaced lines, thereby leading to relatively longer life of the filter screen, improved cleaning and efficient draining of liquid filtering through the screen to achieve desired separation of liquid and solid.

[0011] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a centrifuge sieve support basket providing uninterrupted discharge perforations throughout the circumferential wall of the basket to prevent clogging of material filtering out through the basket. [0012] Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description.

[0013] SUMMARY

[0014] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention discloses a perforated centrifuge sieve support basket is provided herein. The perforated centrifuge sieve support basket comprising a basket base, a basket top and an integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall. The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall is further secured in between basket top and basket base to form a perforated centrifuge sieve support basket. The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall is formed by combining and rolling plurality of perforated continuous ribs. The perforated continuous ribs are coupled together in abutting relationship joined with seam to form a perforated circumferential wall. The perforated circumferential wall is further rolled in conical shape with its abutting end edges welded together and joined at another seam to form an integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall. [0015] In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the perforated continuous ribs are formed by fabricating perforations of desired size and shape on the surface of continuous ribs, using a laser cutting machine or any other type of engraving, perforating, abrasion, carving, drilling or cutting machine. [0016] In one another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the perforations formed are alike quadrilateral shaped perforations which are rounded at the corners and thus forming uniform shaped perforations such as but not limited to rounded quadrilaterals, rounded rectangle, rounded square, and oval.

[0017] In one another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the integral perforated circumferential wall is disposed at an included angle lies in between 56 degrees and 42 degrees within the basket base and the basket top.

[0018] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention discloses a method of forming perforated centrifuge sieve support basket is provided herein. The method includes fabricating perforations on the surface of the continuous ribs using a laser cutting machine or any other type of other engraving, perforating, abrasion, carving, drilling or cutting machine to form perforated continuous ribs. The method further includes combining a plurality of perforated continuous ribs which are coupled together in any suitable manner such as but not limited to welding, riveting etc. and in present instance the perforated continuous ribs are welded together, say at one seam forming an interposed side wall at each junction and thus forming a perforated circumferential wall. The method further includes rolling the perforated circumferential wall in conical shape with its abutting edges welded together at other seam fonning another interposed side wall and thus forming an integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall. The method further includes disposing the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall at an included angle from the base of the basket. The method further includes securing top and bottom edges of the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall to the basket base and basket top in any suitable manner such as but not limited to welding, riveting etc. and in present instance the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall is welded to the basket base and the basket top to form the basket having perforated passages all around its circumferential wall.

[0019] In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the fabricating of the perforations on the surface of the continuous rib is performed by a laser cutting machine or any other type of other engraving, perforating, abrasion, carving, drilling or cutting machine to form the perforated continuous rib.

[0020] In one another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the shape of the perforations thereof fabricated on the surface of the continuous rib is alike quadrilateral shaped perforations.

[0021] In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the shape of the perforations thereof fabricated on the surface of the continuous rib is rounded quadrilaterals, rounded rectangle, rounded square, and oval.

[0022] In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the disposing of integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall in between basket top and basket base is carried out by inclining the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall at an angle preferably lies in between 56 degrees and 42 degrees from the base of the basket.

[0023] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention discloses a method of cleaning the perforations of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket is provided herein. The method includes installing a back flush baffle in close proximity of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket covering full height of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket and thus covering entire length of filter screen enclosed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket. The method further includes collecting filtrate filtered out through the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket. The method further includes generating high turbulence on the surface of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket to such a degree that liquid ejected with the filtrate re-enters through the perforations to clean the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket. The angular nature and shape of the perforations of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket facilitates the usage of flushing action generated by the back flush baffle for clearing the perforations of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket.

[0024] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some aspects of embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of perforated centrifuge sieve support basket for horizontal centrifugals or centrifuge machines showing perforated centrifuge sieve support basket comprising perforations alike quadrilateral shaped perforations all along the circumferential wall of the centrifuge sieve support basket;

[0027] Figure 1 (a) illustrates a schematic representation of sectional view of perforated circumferential wall of centrifuge sieve support basket showing perforated circumferential wall formation by combining two perforated continuous ribs which are coupled together to form perforated circumferential wall of the centrifuge sieve support basket;

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of top sectional view of perforated centrifuge sieve support basket for horizontal centrifugals or centrifuge machines showing perforated centrifuge sieve support basket comprising perforations alike quadrilateral shaped perforations all along the circumferential wall of the centrifuge sieve support basket; [0029] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of side elevation view of perforated centrifuge sieve support basket showing oval shaped perforations along the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket, and a circumferential wall segment showing oval shaped perforation being exploded and shown in enlarged perspective; [0030] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of side elevation view of perforated centrifuge sieve support basket showing rounded quadrilateral perforations along the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket and a circumferential wall segment showing rounded quadrilateral perforations being exploded and shown in enlarged perspective; [0031] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of back flush system showing a back flush system consists of a back flush baffle installed in close proximity of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket for clearing the perforations of the centrifuge sieve support basket as well as cleaning coagulated filter screens enclosed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket of horizontal centrifugals or centrifuge machines; [0032] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic representation of horizontal centrifugal sieving assembly showing a horizontal centrifugal assembly used for separating solids from liquids in horizontal centrifugal;

[0033] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary flowchart depicting a method of forming a perforated centrifugal sieve basket; and [0034] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary flowchart depicting a method of cleaning the perforations of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket.

[0035] To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] As used throughout tins application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and "includes" mean including but not limited to. [0037] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. [0038] The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms "comprising", "including", and "having" can be used interchangeably.

[0039] The term "automatic" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be "material". [0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of perspective view and top sectional view of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 comprising perforations 110 alike quadrilateral shaped perforations all along the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a conical shaped perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 is described herein. The perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 comprising a basket base 104, basket top 106 and an integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118. The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is disposed in between basket base 104 and the basket top 106 at an included angle lies in between 56 degrees and 42 degrees from the basket base of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is further secured in between the basket base 104 and the basket top 106 of perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 to form the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is formed by combining and rolling a plurality of perforated continuous ribs 108.

[0042] The perforated continuous ribs 108 are formed by fabricating perforations 110 on the surface of the continuous ribs using a laser cutting machine or any other type of engraving, perforating, abrasion, carving, drilling or cutting machine. The continuous ribs on which perforations 110 fabricated thereof are selected from thin metal sheets, plates, panels or alike. In order to withstand the substantial centrifugal force developed in high speed rotating centrifugals, the shape of perforations 110 fabricated thereof are alike quadrilateral shaped perforations which are rounded at the corners. The shape of perforations 110 is such as but not limited to rounded quadrilateral, rounded rectangle, rounded square, and oval etc.

[0043] The perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 including perforations 110 are of variable size and uniform shape for providing uninterrupted passages for filtrate, filtering through the filter screen. The width of perforations 110 increases towards the larger diameter of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The size and shape of perforations 110 fabricated thereof entirely depends on choice of customers, number and thickness of perforated continuous ribs 108.

[0044] The perforated continuous ribs 108 are emanated from the basket base of perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102 at a 45 degrees projected angle to the central axis of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The projected angle of perforated continuous ribs 108 preferably lies in between 35 degrees to 55 degrees to the central axis of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. [0045] The perforated circumferential wall 116, as shown in Figure 1 (a), is formed by combining at least two perforated continuous ribs 108. The perforated continuous ribs 108 are coupled together in any suitable manner such as but not limited to welding, riveting etc. and in present instance, for example, two perforated continuous ribs 108 are welded together, at one seam forming an interposed side wall 112 and thus forming a perforated circumferential wall 116.

[0046] The number of the perforated continuous ribs 108 entirely depends on included angle of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102, diameter of basket base 104 and spacing between the perforated continuous ribs 108 for forming perforated passages all around the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The number and thickness of the perforated continuous ribs 108 are selected to such a degree that open area for the flow of feed material within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 accomplished to its maximum capacities to maximize the productivity of the centrifugals. The number and thickness of the perforated continuous ribs 108 are selected in such a way that strength and stiffness of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 accomplished to its maximum capacities to increase the efficiency of the centrifugals. The width of perforated continuous ribs 108 generally increases towards the larger diameter of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0047] The perforated circumferential wall 116 is rolled in conical shape and welded at other seam forming another interposed side wall 114 as shown in Figure 2 and thus forming an integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118. The included angle at which the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is disposed lies in between 56 degrees and 42 degrees of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. Further, the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is secured in between the basket base 104 and the basket top 106 to form a perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0048] The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 may be secured in any suitable manner such as but not limited to welding, riveting etc. and in present instance, the top and bottom edges of integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 are welded to the basket base 104 and the basket top 106, at each junction for securely holding the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 in a rigid structure and thus forming a rigid, light-weight and stronger perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 having uninterrupted perforated passages and a space for attaching a filter screen disposed across the inner edges of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0049] Further, the included angle is the angle at which the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is disposed to form the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is disposed at an included angle preferably lies in between 56 degrees and 42 degrees from the basket base 104 of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 may also be disposed at any other alternative angle depending on choice of customers, number and thickness of the perforated continuous ribs 108.

[0050] By decreasing the included angle of the conical shaped perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102, as compared to conventional centrifugal baskets used heretofore, the strength and diameter of the basket base 104 is increased to the maximum level thus resulting in high efficiency of centrifugals. It is further contemplated that due to increased strength and diameter of the basket base 104 of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102, it is possible to fabricate base grooves 120 on the basket base 104 for holding filter screen in place within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0051] The basket top 106 is further integrated with a clamping ring 122 to provide additional support to the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 as shown in Figure 1. The clamping ring 122 is formed depending on the size of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The clamping ring 122 is also used for securing the filter screen on the outer surface portion of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0052] A further feature of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 embodying in the present invention is provision of using the clamping ring 122 for securing the filter screen on the outer surface portion of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102, as a screening medium for the filtrate in the centrifugals. The clamping disc is eradicated from the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 as used in conventional centrifuge support baskets heretofore for holding the filter screen within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. Thus, this additional feature simplify the existing replacement procedures of filter screen and avoids the necessity to seal the filter screen to top rim of the centrifuge basket. Thus, preventing leakage of liquid filtering through the filter screen and allow free passage of filtrate through the filter screen. The other advantage of this clamping feature is to increase availability of more filter screen space for filtering purposes thus increases the throughput of centrifugals. [0053] From a further consideration of Figure 1 and Figure 2, it should be understood that mounting method of the filter screen within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102may differ from conventional centrifugal baskets heretofore used. The filter screen is mounted on base grooves 120 fabricated on the basket base 104, thus eliminating the need of clamping disc for holding the filter screen in the basket base 104. This mechanism prevents the filter screen from buckling or creasing under pressure of the centrifugals and thus increasing the productivity of the centrifugals or centrifuge machines by maximizing the open area within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The filter screen is secured using the clamping ring 122, which is a part of the filter screen on the outer surface portion of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. This clamping ring 122 increases availability of more filter screen space for filtering purposes thus increases the efficiency of centrifugals.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of side elevation view of perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 showing oval shaped perforations 110 along the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102, and a circumferential wall segment showing oval shaped perforation 110 being exploded and shown in enlarged perspective.

[0055] Referring to Figure 3, the perforated circumferential wall 116 having oval shaped perforations 110 is rolled to form an integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 having oval shaped perforations 110. The perforated continuous ribs 108 having oval shaped (or any shape) perforations 110 are emanated from the basket base at a projected angle lies in between 35 degrees and 55 degrees to the central axis of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The perforated circumferential wall 116, as shown in Figure 1 (a), is formed by combining at least two perforated continuous ribs 108. The perforated continuous ribs 108 are coupled together in any suitable manner to form the perforated circumferential wall 116 having oval shaped (or any shape) perforations 110 which is further rolled to form the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 having oval shaped (or any shape) perforations 110 . The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 having oval shaped (or any shape) perforations 110 is disposed at an included angle in between 56 degrees and 42 degrees from the basket base 104 of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. Further analyzing the enlarged view of oval shaped perforations 110, it is interpreted that dimension of oval shaped perforations 110 entirely depends on number and thickness of the perforated continuous ribs 108 which are coupled together to form the perforated circumferential wall 116 of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0056] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of side elevation view of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 showing rounded quadrilateral shaped perforations 110 along the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 and a circumferential wall segment showing rounded quadrilateral shaped perforation 110 being exploded and shown in enlarged perspective.

[0057] Referring to Figure 4, the perforated circumferential wall 116 having rounded quadrilateral shaped perforations 110 is rolled to form an integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118. The perforated continuous ribs 108 having rounded quadrilateral shaped (or any shape) perforations 110 are emanated from the basket base at a projected angle lies in between 35 degrees and 55 degrees to the central axis of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The perforated circumferential wall 116, as shown in Figure 1 (a), is formed by combining at least two perforated continuous ribs 108. The perforated continuous ribs 108 are coupled together in any suitable manner to form the perforated circumferential wall 116 having rounded quadrilateral shaped (or any shape) perforations 110 which is further rolled to form the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 having rounded quadrilateral shaped (or any shape) perforations 110. The integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is having rounded quadrilateral shaped (or any shape) perforations 110 is disposed at an included angle in between 56 degrees and 42 degrees from the basket base 104 of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. Further analyzing the enlarged view of rounded quadrilateral shaped perforations 110, it is interpreted that the dimension of rounded quadrilateral shaped perforations 110 entirely depends on the number and thickness of perforated continuous ribs 108 which are coupled together to form perforated circumferential wall 116 of perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0058] Figure S illustrates a schematic representation of back flush system 502 showing a back flush system 502 consists of a back flush baffle 504 installed outside the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 for clearing the perforated passages of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 as well as cleaning the coagulated filter screens enclosed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 of horizontal centrifugals or centrifuge machines.

[0059] A further feature embodying in the present invention is provision of installing back flush system 502 consisting back flush baffle 504 for clearing the perforations 110 around the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The back flush baffle 504 is positioned in close proximity of perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102covering full height of perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 for clearing the perforations 110 around the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 as well as cleaning coagulated filter screens enclosed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The back flush baffle 504 may be secured in any suitable manner such as but not limited to welding, riveting, and bolting and in present instance the back flush baffle 502 is secured using bolts.

[0060] The back flush baffle 504 collects filtrate ejected from the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 filtered through the filter screen and generates high turbulence at the outer surface of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 to such a degree that some liquid reenters the perforations 110 and filter screen slots, thus cleaning coagulated filter screens enclosed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 and also clearing the perforations 110 of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 for the flow of filtrate, filtering out the filter screen.

[0061] The angular nature and shape of perforations 110 fabricated thereof on the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 such as rounded quadrilateral, rounded rectangle, rounded square, oval, etc facilitates the usage of flushing action generated by the back flush baffle 504 for clearing the perforations 110 of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 as well as cleaning coagulated filter screens enclosed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 of horizontal centrifugals or centrifuge machines.

[0062] The flushing action generated by the back flush baffle 504 also lubricates the movement of fibrous material through the open area of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 along the axial length of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic representation of horizontal centrifugal sieving assembly 602 used for separating solids from liquids in horizontal centrifugals.

[0064] A perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 is installed in horizontal centrifugal sieving assembly 602 for separating solids from liquids such as but not limited to tapioca, cassava or potato starch separated from slurry. A horizontal centrifugal sieving assembly 602 comprising a sieve housing 604 for enclosing the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102, a feed tube 606 for supplying slurry to the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102, a drive shaft 608, a fibrous material collection chamber 610 for collecting waste, a starch collection chamber 612 for collecting filtered starch, a door assembly 614 and a back flush baffle 504. A motor-driven perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 is mounted on drive shaft 608 and disposed within the sieve housing 604 of the horizontal centrifugal sieving assembly 602. [0065] A filter screen is embedded in the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 for screening the granular material or processed materials through the slurry. The filter screen is a screening medium made of material with specific openings or fine spaces allowing only granular material or in present instance starch material to pass through itself. The thickness of openings depends on filtrate to be processed and in present instance the thickness of specific openings of filter screen is in between 40 μχα. to 125 μτη.

[0066] A wash cone is mounted within door assembly 614 of horizontal centrifugal sieving assembly 602 to assist filtering of granular material or processed materials through the slurry. The wash cone has 48 to 72 nozzles for spraying water continuously or intermittently for washing front face of the filter screen enclosed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The wash cone is installed in such a way that it covers entire length of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 and thus covers entire length of the filter screen placed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102.

[0067] The starch slurry for example cassava slurry is delivered to the perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102 axially via feeding tube 606 to the base of the perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102. As perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102 is cone shaped and spins on its central axis, the centrifugal force generated in the spinning perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102 with integrated filter screen forces granular material or cassava starch present in starch slurry to move through the fine spaces in filter screen and gets collected in starch collection chamber 612. The cassava starch is filtered through the filter screen, and the residue stayed on the surface of the perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102 is thrown away. The front face of the perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102 has certain pressure flushing water sprayed through the wash cone to make cassava residue roll continuously to extract starch out of cassava residue thoroughly. [0068] At the same time, centrifugal forces on fibrous materials or cassava residue present in starch slurry cause them to move along the slope of the perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102 and ultimately fibrous materials flung out to an open end of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 and collected in fibrous material collection chamber 610. Thus, fibrous materials or cassava residue and granular material or cassava starch has been separated and collected in two separate chambers placed outside the sieve housing 604 in the centrifugals. The perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 is perforated enough to provide uninterrupted passage for granular materials or cassava starch to pass through and collected in starch collection chamber 610 of the horizontal centrifugal sieving assembly 602.

[0069] The back flush baffle 504 is installed in starch collection chamber 612 in close proximity of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 covering full height of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 for clearing the perforations 110 around circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The back flush baffle 504 is also cleaning coagulated filter screens enclosed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. The back flush baffle 504 is installed in the starch collection chamber 612 of the horizontal centrifugal sieving assembly 602. The back flush baffle 504 is secured in any suitable manner such as but not limited to welding, riveting, and bolting and in present instance the back flush baffle 502 is secured using bolts in the starch collection chamber 612.

[0070] The back flush baffle 504 is positioned in such a way that the angular nature and shape of perforations 110 fabricated thereof on the circumferential wall of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 facilitates the flushing action generated by the back flush baffle 504.

[0071] The back flush baffle 504 collects filtrate ejected from perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102, filtered through filter screen and generates high turbulence at the outside surface of the perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102 so that some liquid re-enters the filter screen slots, thus cleaning the coagulated filter screens enclosed within the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 and also clearing the perforations 110 of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 for the flow of cassava starch filtering out the filter screen. [0072] The flushing action generated by the back flush baffle 504 also lubricates the movement of fibrous material through the open area of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 along the axial length of the perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102. [0073] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary flowchart depicting a method of forming a perforated centrifugal sieve basket, in accordance with the present invention.

[0074] Initially, at step 702, the perforations 110 are fabricated on the surface of continuous ribs using a laser cutting machine or any other type of other engraving, perforating, abrasion, carving, drilling or cutting machine to form perforated continuous ribs 108;

[0075] At step 704, the two perforated continuous ribs 108 are combined together by welding at one seam forming an interposed side wall 112 at each junction and thus forming a perforated circumferential wall 116;

[0076] At step 706, the perforated circumferential wall 116 is rolled in to conical shape with its abutting edges welded together at other seam forming another interposed side wall 114 and an integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is formed thereby;

[0077] At step 708, the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is disposed at an included angle from the base of the basket; and

[0078] At step 710, the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 is secured in between basket base 104 and basket top 106 and by welding top and bottom edges of the integral conical shaped perforated circumferential wall 118 to the respective ends to form perforated centrifugal sieve support basket 102.

[0079] By the above described method of construction of a light weight perforated centrifuge sieve support basket 102 is produced which is not only superior in strength but which effects a much more complete and satisfactory drainage and also makes provision for the elimination of leakage of material to be purged around the top and bottom edges and permitting the use of a collecting trough the liquid of any desired width instead of being restricted to the narrow widths heretofore necessitated by previous constructions. There are no rivets to shear or to clog drainage openings and no butt straps to impair complete efficiency of drainage. Because of the strong but compact construction of baskets made as above described and it's light weight as compared to centrifugal baskets heretofore used, improved baskets are especially advantageous for use in high speed centrifuging processes such as but limited to for starch extraction and screening, tapioca, cassava processing. The improved baskets can be used in any industry and any place requiring particle separation.

[0080] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary flowchart depicting a method of cleaning the perforations 110 of the sieve support basket 102.

[0081] Initially, at step 802, a back flush baffle 504 is installed in close proximity of the perforated centrifugal sieve basket 102;

[0082] At step 804, the back flush baffle collects filtrate filtered out through the perforated centrifugal sieve basket 102; [0083] At step 806, high turbulence is generated on surface of the perforated centrifugal sieve basket 102 to such a degree that liquid ejected with the filtrate and re-enters through the perforations 110 to clean the sieve basket 102.

[0084] The foregoing discussion of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention. [0085] Moreover, though the description of the present invention has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.