TECHNICAL FIELD

The aspects and embodiments thereof relate to the field of plate assemblies for plate type rotational separators.

BACKGROUND

Devices for separating components from a fluid (gas, liquid or combinations thereof) are known in the art. One sort of separating devices separates different fluids and/or solids from fluids or droplets or particles from gases by a difference in specific gravity. For instance in settlers, this kind of separation technique is applied by using gravity as the driving force. For certain applications, where small particles or droplets are dispersed in a fluid or gas, gravity is not sufficient to separate the different phases.

To enhance separation, the centrifugal force is used. For instance in the milk industry, to separate fat particles from whole milk, centrifuges are found to be suitable separators. Due to their high rotational speeds, these devices can reach centrifugal accelerations that are several orders of magnitudes higher than the gravitational acceleration.

This results in that the separation velocity is very high and the separation very efficient. In order to further increase the efficiency of these centrifuges, they are often provided with internals. These internals increase the efficiency by preventing turbulence and increasing the effective surface area. The most frequently used internals are plates in different shapes and sizes.

W02009005355 discloses a plate type rotational separator for separating one or more components from a feed stream. The plate type rotational separator of W02009005355 comprises plates that are able to spread out during cleaning. SUMMARY

Although the known separator of W02009005355 provides for good separation results, and is convenient to clean by virtue of the plates being able to spread out, it is an object to improve on the known separator, in particular with regards to easy of assembly and/or ease of cleaning.

A first aspect provides a plate assembly for use in a plate type rotational separator for separating one or more components from a feed stream. The plate assembly comprises a plate carrier, a plurality of plates, extending generally radially relative to the plate carrier and connected, in particular hingedly connected, to the plate carrier, and a locking member, wherein the locking member is connected to the plate carrier, and prevents at least one plate in the plurality of plates from disconnecting from the plate carrier.

By virtue of the locking member, which may thus be a separate component of the plate carrier, a convenient method of assembly the plate assembly may be achieved.

The locking member may restrict a circumferential movement of at least one or even all of the plates relative to the plate carrier. As such, in assembled state, both a radial movement as well as a circumferential movement of the at least one plate may be restricted relative to the plate carrier. During assembly, before the locking member is connected to the plate carrier, a circumferential movement of a plate relative to the plate carrier may be used to provisionally connect said plate to the plate carrier. By subsequently connecting the locking member to the plate carrier, this circumferential movement used during assembly may be restricted or even pre-vented.

In general, the plurality of plates may comprise any number of plates. For example, the plurality of plates may comprise 10 or more plates, 20 or more plates, 40 or more plates, or even 80 or more plates. Furthermore in general, a plate may be embodied as a thin sheet, for example comprising a metal. A plate may be a curved plate, or at least comprise a curved portion. Furthermore in general, a plate may be flexible or resilient - i.e. arranged to elastically deformed in use.

When the plate carrier comprises a first carrier segment and a second carrier segment, the first carrier segment may be axially spaced apart from the second carrier segment. By virtue of the first carrier segment being axially spaced apart from the second carrier segment, a fluid flow may be introduced between the first and second carrier segments. Such a fluid flow may for example be used for cleaning the plate assembly, in particular cleaning a space between adjacent plates.

For example in order to maintain an axial spacing between the first and second carrier segments, one or more axial spacers may be positioned inbetween the first carrier segment and the second carrier segment. Between the axial spacers, and between the first and second carrier segments, a fluid flow may be introduced, for example for cleaning the plate assembly. One or more axial spacers may be positioned radially closer to the centreline of the plate assembly than the plates.

When the plate assembly comprises at least one axial spacer, the at least one axial spacer may comprise a passage therethrough. In such embodiments, the plate assembly further comprises a rod extending through the passage, the rod extends into or through the first carrier segment and the second carrier segment, and the axial spacer is compressed between the first carrier segment and the second carrier segment by virtue of the rod being tensioned. By virtue of this particular arrangement of the at least one axial spacer and the rod, a convenient way of assembling the plate carrier may be obtained.

The first carrier segment may be positioned relative to the second carrier segment such that an at least partially radially directed flow of fluid is allowed between the first carrier segment and the second carrier segment. The flow of fluid may be radially inward or radially outward, and may be used for cleaning the plate assembly.

For connecting one or more plates to a carrier segment, a carrier segment such as the first carrier segment may comprise a plurality of radially extending plate connection members, which in particular extend radially outward. One or more plates in the plurality of plates may be connected to the first carrier segment via the plurality of the plate connection members such that the plate connection members prevent or restrict a radial movement of the plurality of plates relative to the plate carrier. This radial movement may otherwise be caused by centrifugal forces exerted on the plates in use of the plate assembly, when the plate assembly is rotated about an axis parallel to an axial direction. Preferably, a hinging movement between the plates is allowed relative to the first carrier segment.

At least one or even all of the plate connection members may comprise a radial protrusion with a thickened end section. In use, a plate may be hooked behind the thickened end section, which thickened end section may hence restrict a radial movement of said plate relative to the plate connection member. A thickened end section may be thickened in a circumferential and/or tangential direction. In general, the wording thickened in thickened end section implies that a circumferential and/or tangential footprint of the thickened end section is larger or at least different than that of at least part of the radial protrusion of which the end section is thickened.

At least one or even all of the plates in the plurality of plates may comprise at least two axially spaced openings. The openings may be used to connect the plate or plates to the plate carrier of a plate assembly. For example, the openings may be hooked behind part of the plate carrier, such as a thickened end section of a radial protrusion of a plate connection member.

In general, embodiments of plate assemblies are envisioned comprising only one, or more than one locking members. When a plate assembly comprises at least two locking members, a first locking member may be connected to a first carrier segment and a second locking member may be connected to a second carrier segment. When a plate assembly comprises a single carrier segment, the first and second locking member may both be connected to the single carrier segment, for example to opposite sides of the single carrier segment.

When a plate assembly comprises at least two locking members, the first carrier segment and the second carrier segment may be positioned in-between the locking members. This may allow for even further convenient assembly of the plate assembly.

One or more locking members may comprise two or more radial protrusions between which an indentation is formed. In assembled state of the plate assembly, part of at least one plate may be positioned in the indentation. An indentation may also be referred to as a slit, slot, groove or notch. The indentation may be shaped and sized to accommodate a thickness of a plate, and preferably is shaped and sized to allow hinging of the plate relative to the locking member.

Any locking member may have a smaller height than any plate carrier. In particular, a height of the locking member may be 20% or less of a height of the plate carrier, or even 10% or less of a height of the plate carrier. This may allow for a compact design of the plate assembly. A locking member may hence be shaped as a flat ring-shaped locking member. Any locking member may be formed as a single monolithic body, or may be formed from multiple sub-members, which sub-members for example together may form a flat ring-shaped locking member.

As a particular option, applicable for any embodiment of the plate assembly, the plate carrier comprises a first carrier segment and a second carrier segment, and at least one of the plates of the plurality is connected to the first carrier segment and is not connected to the second carrier segment. Another one of the plates of the plurality may then be connected to the second carrier segment and may not be connected to the first carrier segment. This particular option may allow for a reduced spacing between adjacent plates.

When the plate carrier comprises a first carrier segment and a second carrier segment, each plate carrier may comprise a plurality of radially extending plate connection member, and plate connection members of the first carrier segment may be misaligned with plate connection members of the second carrier segment. This particular option may allow for a reduced spacing between adjacent plates.

A second aspect provides a plate type rotational separator for separating one or more components from a feed stream. Examples of components which may be separated from the feed stream are particles such as fine clays and sensitive algae, micro oil droplets, and fluids.

The plate type rotational separator according to the second aspect comprises one or more plate assemblies according to the first aspect. The rotational separator further comprises a drum surrounding the one or more plate assemblies, a motor for rotating the one or more plate assemblies and the drum about a rotation axis parallel to or preferably aligned with a centreline of the one or more plate assemblies, and a feeding pump for feeding a feed stream to the one or more plate assemblies.

A third aspect provides a method of assembling a plate assembly, for example a plate assembly according to the first aspect. The method comprises steps of providing a plate carrier, connecting a first plate to the plate carrier, connecting a second plate to the plate carrier, and connecting a locking member to the plate carrier, which locking member prevents the first and second plates from disconnecting from the plate carrier.

The method generally allows for convenient assembly of the plate assembly. Preferably, the plates are connected one-by-one to the plate carrier, and subsequently prevented from becoming disconnect by virtue of one or more locking members. The method may prevent a need of threading a plate carrier through openings of the plates, which may be cumbersome. The first plate and the second plate may be radially hooked behind protrusions of the plate carrier. This may allow radial movement of the first plate and the second plate becoming restricted or even prevented relative to the plate carrier. As a particular option, the locking member may restrict a circumferential movement of the first and second plates after being connected to the plate carrier.

When being connected to the plate carrier, the locking member may be axially moved relative to plate carrier and the first and second plates when being connected to the plate carrier.

A fourth aspect provides a method of cleaning a plate assembly of a plate type rotational separator for separating one or more components from a feed stream, which in particular may be any plate assembly according to the first aspect and/or any plate type rotational separator according to the second aspect.

The cleaning method comprises providing a flow of fluid, such as a liquid and/or a gas, over a flow path extending generally radially between an inner passage through the plate assembly and a radially outer end of a first plate in the plurality of plates. The flow path is provided in-between the first plate and a second plate adjacent to the first plate.

The cleaning method may in particular be used when settled matter is present between the first plate and the second plate. The flow of fluid may be used to dislodge at least part of the settled matter present between the first plate and the second plate, and as such the plate assembly may be cleaned.

It will be understood that options disclosed herein in conjunction with a plate carrier of the first aspect may be readily applied to any plate type rotational separator according to second aspect, and vice versa. A method according to the third aspect may be used to assemble a plate assembly according to the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures,

Fig. 1 shows part of a rotating part of a plate type rotational separator for separating one or more components from a feed stream;

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section view of part of a plate type rotational separator;

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a plate carrier;

Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of a plate carrier;

Figs. 5A-5C schematically depict steps in a method of assembling a plate assembly;

Figs. 6A-6C schematically depict further method steps in the method of assembling a plate assembly;

Figs. 7 A and 7B respectively show a detailed view of part of Figs. 6B and 6C;

Figs. 8A and 8B show, respectively in an isometric and a top view, a plate assembly;

Figs. 9A and 9B show yet a further method step in the method of assembling a plate assembly;

Figs. 10A and 10B show an embodiment of the plate assembly;

Fig. 11 shows a detailed view of part of the plate assembly of Fig. 10B; and

Figs. 12A-13 show an alternative embodiment of a plate assembly.

It will be understood that the figures show particular embodiments, which are not be construed in a limitative way for the scope of this disclosure. Options discussed in conjunction with the summary may be readily applied to the embodiments depicted in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 shows part of a rotating part 201 of a plate type rotational separator for separating one or more components from a feed stream. The separator is depicted comprising two plate assemblies 100, 100’, but may conceivably comprise a single plate assembly, or more than two plate assemblies.

In use, the rotating part 201 is positioned vertically, i.e. with a centreline 203 parallel to the gravity vector. The rotating part 201 is generally elongated over the centreline 203. Throughout the present disclosure, an axial direction is defined as a direction parallel to the elongation direction of the rotating part 201, thus in use vertical. The axial direction is in Fig. 1 indicated with arrow A. Furthermore indicated in Fig. 1 is a generally circumferential direction C, a radial direction R, and a tangential direction T.

When the separator comprises multiple plate assemblies, the plate assemblies 100, 100’ are preferably coaxially positioned relative to each other - i.e. aligned on the centreline 203. Because the rotating part 201 is in use rotated at high rotational velocities, it is preferred to provide for a rotationally symmetric design around the centreline 203. The plate assemblies 100, 100’ may be axially positioned in-between two seals 208, 208’, which are also indicated in Fig. 2.

The rotating part 201 further comprises a shaft 204, with the plate assemblies 100, 100’ generally positioned at or near a first end, a motor interface 206 at an opposite end. At the motor interface 206, a motor may be used to rotate the rotating part 201.

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section view of part of a plate type rotational separator 200 for separating one or more components from a feed stream, in particular part of a rotating part 201 of the rotational separator 200. The rotating part 201 further comprises a drum 210, in which the plate assemblies 100, 100’ are positioned.

In use, the drum 210 and the plate assemblies 100, 100’ rotate together. As such, no friction is present between the plates 108 and the drum 210. Although a small gap is in Fig. 2 visible between an inner wall 212 of the drum and the plates 108, as the plates 108 are rotated, centrifugal forces may deform the plates 108 such that radial outer ends of the plates are pressed against the inner wall 212 of the drum 210. Preferably, the plates are only elastically deformed. Additionally or alternatively to the plates elastically deforming, a hinging movement of the plates relative to the plate carrier may allow the radial outer ends of the plates to become pressed against the inner wall of the drum.

Two typical flow paths for a feed stream through the separator 200 are shown in Fig. 2 with dashed lines ending in an arrow. The feed stream enters the rotating part 201 generally parallel to the centreline 203, preferable as a substantially laminar flow. After the feed stream reaches a top of the drum 210, the flow path of the feed stream is turned radially outward, and subsequently moves down and past the plate assemblies 100, 100’. In particular, the feed stream flows in-between plates 108 of the plate assemblies 100. As such, as the plate assemblies 100 rotate, one or more components with a relatively high density may be separated from the feed stream as these components move radially outward due to a centrifugal force exerted on said one or more components.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a plate carrier 102, which may be comprised by embodiments of a plate assembly for use in a plate type rotational separator for separating one or more components from a feed stream. The plate carrier 102 is in Fig. 3 depicted in a state ready for one or more plates to be connected thereto. Fig. 4 shows an axially exploded view of the plate carrier 102 of Fig. 3.

The plate carrier 102 comprises a first carrier segment 104 and a second carrier segment 106, which in this embodiment may be essentially ring-shaped carrier segments with an inner passage through them. The plate carrier 102 further comprises an optional third carrier segment 107. In general, a plate carrier 102 may comprise one, two, three, four or even more carrier segments. The carrier segments are generally positioned coaxially relative to a centreline 103. An axial direction is defined as being parallel to centreline 103.

The first carrier segment 104 is axially spaced apart from the second carrier segment 106, and the second carrier segment 106 is axially spaced apart from the optional third carrier segment 107. Preferably, the axial spacing between adjacent carrier segments is substantially constant for the plate carrier 102.

The axial spacing is obtained by virtue of axial spacers 112. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, four axial spacers 112 are positioned in-between the first carrier segment 104 and the second carrier segment 106. As an option shown in Fig. 4, the axial spacers 112 may comprise a passage 116 therethrough. As such, the axial spacers 112 may be generally cylindrically shaped. The passage 116 allows a rod 114 to extend through the axial spacers 112. Preferably, each of the axial spacers 112 has a passage 116. A rod 114 may extend through one or a plurality of the axial spacers 112, in particular through axial spacers 112 which are aligned along an axis parallel to the centreline 103. It will be understood that any number of axial spacers and rods may be used between adjacent carrier segments, such as two, three, four, five, six or even more.

Carrier segments, such as the first carrier segment 104, second carrier segment 106, and optional third carrier segment 107, may comprise one or more through-holes 120 through which part of one of the rods 114 can extend. The through-holes 120 may thus be sized to allow passage of at least part of one of the rods 114. Preferably, however, the through-holes 120 are sized such that the axial spacers cannot pass through them. As such, although an axial spacer 112 can be aligned between through-holes 120 of adjacent carrier segments, the spacer 112 can be sandwiched in-between the adjacent carrier segments.

By virtue of the rods 114, carrier segments can be axially tightened together with one or more of the axial spacers 112 sandwiched in-between adjacent carrier segments. One or more bolts 118 may be used as tensioners, and the bolts 118 may be threaded into ends of the rods 114, as generally shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

In Fig. 3, also a connection hole 117 is indicated. In use, the connection hole 117 may be arranged for receiving at least part of a locking member connector therein. The connection hole 117 will be further elaborated on in conjunction with Figs. 9A-10B.

In general, any through -hole 120, connection hole 117, or other hole in or through-hole through a carrier segment may be surrounded by a reinforced section 119. For example, such a reinforced section 119 may be formed by a part of the carrier segment with a higher thickness regarded in a radial direction, compared to parts of the carrier segment tangentially or circumferentially adjacent to the reinforced section 119. This may allow for a more optimised weight and strength of the carrier segment.

It will be understood that for clarity of the figures, less of the axial spacers, passages, bolts, hooks and rods that are shown are actually provided with a reference numeral. The same generally also applies to other components and features in other figures.

The carrier segments may comprise a plurality of hooks 122 as plate connection members protruding generally radially outward from their respective carrier segment. In general, the number of hooks 122 comprised by a carrier segment corresponds to the number of plates that can be connected to said carrier segment. The hooks 122 will be elaborated on further in conjunction with Figs. 5A-7. The hooks 122 may be angularly spaced at a generally constant interval. In general, a carrier segment may comprise any number of plate connection members, such as hooks: for example 5 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, or even 50 or more.

Figs. 5A-5C schematically depict steps in a method of assembling a plate assembly 100, respectively in isometric views and in a top view. In particular, a first plate 108’ is being connected to the plate carrier 102, in particular to the first carrier segment 104, second carrier segment 106, and optional third carrier segment 107. The plate carrier 102 may be the plate carrier 102 also depicted in Figs. 3 and 4.

To establish the connection between the plate 108’ and the plate carrier 102, which preferably is a hinging connection, the plate 108’ comprises a number of openings 128. In particular, the plate 108’ comprises a number of openings 128 which is at least equal to the number of carrier segments comprised by the plate carrier 102. When a plate 108’ has more openings 128, the plates may be used with differently axially spaced carrier segments. Preferably, the spacing between the openings 128 is generally constant between some or all of the openings 128 comprised by a plate 108’. In general, an opening 128 may be fully surrounded by the plate 108, or otherwise an opening 128 may be only partially surrounded by the plate 108.

For example, in Fig. 5A, a plate 108’ is shown with more openings 128 than the number of carrier segments comprised by the plate carrier 102. In the example of Fig. 5B, the plate 108’ comprises the same number of openings 128 - namely three - as the number of carrier segments comprised by the plate carrier 102.

The openings 128 are provided at or near a radially inner end 130 of the plate 108’. The opposite end of the plate 108’ is defined herein as a radially outer end 132. As shown for example in Fig. 5C, a plate 108 may be curved from the radially inner end 130 to the radially outer end 132.

In the state depicted in Fig. 5A, the plate 108’ is approaching the plate carrier 102, but is not yet connected to the plate carrier 102. In the state depicted in Figs. 5B and 5C, the plate 108’ has been connected to the plate carrier 102 by virtue of a hook 122 of at least one of the carrier segments being positioned in an opening 128 of the plate 108’.

It will be appreciated that the connection between the plate 108’ and the plate carrier 102 depicted in Figs. 5A-5C is merely one example of envisioned possible connections. For example, in an alternative example, the plates are provided with one or more hooks, arranged to hook behind one or more of the plate carriers. As part of the plates hooks behind one or more of the plate carriers, a radial movement of the plates may become restricted.

Figs. 6A-6C depict further method steps in the method of assembling a plate assembly 100, which may follow the steps elaborated on in conjunction with Figs. 5A-5C. In particular, Figs. 6A-6C show a second plate 108” being connected to the plate carrier 102. In the isometric view of Fig. 6A, the second plate 108” is shown approaching the plate carrier 102, but not yet connected to the plate carrier 102. In the isometric view of Fig. 6B, and in the top view of Fig. 6C, the second plate 108” is shown connected to the plate carrier 102, in particular to the first, second and optional third carrier segments 104, 106, 107.

The second plate 108”may be substantially similarly shaped as the first plate 108’. As such, the second plate 108” may be connected to the plate carrier 102 is a similar way as the first plate 108’, albeit to another hook 122. Preferably, a single plate is connected to each plate connection member, for example to each hook. This may provide an advantageous force distribution when the plate assembly 100 is rotating around the centreline 103 in use, and a centrifugal force is exerted by the plates 108 to their respective hooks 122. Conceivably, also two or more plates may be connected to a single plate connection member, for example on opposite sides of a radial protrusion comprised by a hook as a plate connection member.

In Fig. 6C, a radial distance d between a point on the first plate 108’ and a point on the second plate 108” is indicated as a dotted line, which line is oriented in a radial direction corresponding to the direction of centrifugal force exerted on particular in the feed stream axially passing through the plate assembly. In use, this distance d may determine at least in part a settling distance of a particle in a feed stream passing through the plate assembly. For example depending on the contents of the feed stream, distance d may be between 2 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 10 mm, or even between 7 mm and 8 mm.

Figs. 7 A and 7B respectively show a detailed view of part of Figs. 6B and 6C, as generally indicated by the respective circles drawn in Figs. 6B and 6C. Figs. 7 A and 7B show in more detail an example of how a plate 108’ may be connected to a carrier segment 104.

As best visible in Fig. 7B, a hook 122 may be formed by a radial protrusion 134 with a thickened end section 136, which is for example thickened in one or both tangential or circumferential direction(s). The thickened end section 136 extends through or at least in the opening 128 of the plate 108. The radial protrusion 134, the thickened end section 136, and a part of the carrier segment 104 together form a pocket 138 into which a part of the plate 108 can be positioned. It will be understood that the radial protrusion 134 and the thickened end section 136 may have many different shapes, also different from the shapes depicted in the figures.

In use, centrifugal forces caused by a rotation of the plate assembly 100 causes the plate 108 to exert a radially outwards force on the thickened end section 136. The plate 108 is caught behind the thickened end section 136, and as such the thickened end section substantially prevents radial movement of the plate 108.

Figs. 8A and 8B show, respectively in an isometric and a top view, a plate assembly 100 with a plate carrier 102 having a plurality of plates 108 connected thereto. Preferably, the plates 108 are distributed such that the mass of the plate assembly 100 is substantially symmetrically distributed around the intended axis of rotation of the plate assembly 100, which axis of rotation preferably correspond to the centreline of the plate carrier 102. This symmetrical distribution may allow for stability during rotation of the plate carrier 102.

Figs. 9A and 9B show yet a further method step in the method of assembling a plate assembly 100, which may follow the steps elaborated on in conjunction with Figs. 6A-6C. In particular, between the states depicted in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, a locking member 110 is connected to the plate carrier 102, in particular to the first carrier segment 104. The locking member 110 may for example be connected using one or more bolts 140, or more of which may also be used as a bolt 118 connected to a rod 114 - as elaborated on in conjunction with Fig. 4.

In general, one or more locking members 110 may be connected to the first carrier segment 104, because the first carrier segment 104 is positioned as an upper carrier segment. In the embodiment of Fig. 9A, the third carrier segment 107, which is barely visible behind the plates 108 is positioned as a lower carrier segment. As such, also one or more locking member 110 may be connected to the third carrier segment 107. In general, no locking members are connected to carrier segments which are not the upper or lower carrier segment, such as in the example of Fig. 9A the second carrier segment 106.

To connect a locking member to a carrier segment, for example, a bolt 140 may be connected into a connection hole 117 in the carrier segment 104, for example via a threaded connection or a press-fit connection. The locking member 110 may comprise one or more through -holes 142 through which part of a bolt 140 may pass.

In general, a locking member 110 is used to prevent at least one plate in the plurality of plates from disconnecting from at least one of the first and second carrier segments. This may for example be achieved by virtue of the locking member 110 preventing or at least restricting a movement of the at least one plate, in particular in a generally tangential or generally circumferential direction relative to the at least one of the first and second carrier segments.

Preferably, for each plate 108 in the plurality of plates, the plate is prevented from disconnecting from the plate carrier 102 by virtue of at least one locking member 110. Figs. 10A and 1OB show an embodiment of the plate assembly 100 comprising a plurality of locking members 110’, 110”. In general, any number of locking members may be connected to the upper carrier segment - such as the first carrier segment 104. Additionally, or alternatively, any number of locking members may be connected to the lower carrier segment - such as the third carrier segment 107.

In the embodiment of Figs. 10A and 10B, multiple locking members are connected to the upper carrier segment 104. Together, the multiple locking members form a locking ring, which locking ring preferably prevents all of the plates 108 from disconnecting from the upper carrier segment 104. In embodiments, the locking ring may be formed as a single component. When multiple locking members are used, it may be easier to assembly the plate carrier as less plates have to be properly aligned before a locking member is connected to the respective carrier segment.

Fig. 11 shows a detailed view of part of the plate assembly 100 of Fig. 10B, as generally indicated with the circle in Fig. 10B. Fig. 11 shows part of a locking member 110, and a plurality of plates 108. The plates 108 are connected to the first carrier segment 104.

In particular, Fig. 11 shows a plate 108 with an opening 128. A thickened end section 136 of a hook 122 extends through this opening 128, thus restricting movement of the plate 108 in a generally radial direction. The locking member 110 restricts a circumferential or tangential movement of the plate 108, and as such prevents the thickened end section 136 from moving out of the opening 128. Thus, the locking member 110 and the hook 122 together prevent the plate 108 from disconnecting from the carrier segment 104.

As visible for example in Figs. 9A and 11, a locking member 110 may comprise a number of radially protruding fingers 144, which radially protruding fingers are an example of radial protrusions. Between adjacent fingers 144, an indentation 146 is formed. In use, part of a plate 108 may be positioned in the indentation 146.

By virtue of the axial spacing between the carrier segments, a generally radial flow path 190 is allowed from inside the plate carrier 102 to the outside of the plate carrier 102, via a space between adjacent plates 108. An example of a generally radial flow path 190 is indicated in Fig. 10B.

Typically, in use of the plate assembly 100, sediment is built up between adjacent plates. This sediment has to be removed from time to time, in order for the plate assembly 100 to continue to function properly in separating small particles or droplets from a feed stream. The radial flow path 190 allows a flow of liquid or gas to be forced through the space between adjacent plates, which allows removal of sediment from said space. Sediment may also be referred to as settled matter.

An alternative embodiment of a plate assembly 100 will be elucidated in conjunction with Figs. 12A-13. In this particular embodiment, the plate assembly 100 comprises a plate carrier 102 with a first carrier ring 104, second carrier ring 106, and an optionally third carrier ring 107. A first plate 108 is connected to the first carrier ring 104, but not to the second carrier ring 106, whereas a second plate 108’ is connected to the second carrier ring 106, but not to the first carrier ring 106.

In particular, Fig. 12A shows a schematic isometric view of a plate assembly 100, Fig. 12B shows a detailed partially see-through view of part of Fig. 12A, and Fig. 13 shows an exploded view of a plate assembly 100.

As indicated in Figs. 12A and 12B, the first plate 108 is connected to a first plate connection member 122 of the first carrier ring 104. The second plate 108’ is a connected to a second plate connection member 122’, which is comprised by the second carrier ring 106. This particular arrangement allows the adjacent first plate 108 and second plate 108’ to be positioned closer to each other. This in turn may increase a separation efficiency of the plate assembly in use. Furthermore, the arrangement provides more room in a circumferential direction for the plate connection members, as not all plates have to connected to each carrier ring. This in turn may provide for a more convenient assembly of the plate assembly, for example because the thickened end sections 136 of the plate connection members may be sized larger and/or a gap 139 between a thickened end section 136 of a first plate connection member 122 and an adjacent plate connection member 122” may be larger - as indicated in Fig. 12B. Through this gap 139, during assembly, a plate 108 may have to be inserted, and a larger gap may allow for more convenient insertion of said plate.

It will thus be understood that embodiments of plate assemblies are envisioned in which plates in a first set of plates are connected to one or more carrier rings in a first set of carrier rings, and plates in a second set of plates are connected to one or more carrier rings in a second set of carrier rings. It will be understood that a set may consist of a single item, such as a single carrier ring. Embodiments of plate assemblies are also envisioned comprising three or more sets of plates and three or more sets of carrier rings.

Plate connection members of the first carrier segment 104 may be misaligned with plate connection members of the second carrier segment 106. A spacing between plate connection members of the first carrier segment 104 may correspond to a spacing between plate connection members of the second carrier segment 106.

In the exploded view of Fig. 13, two locking members 110 are shown, which are arranged to in assembled state prevent plates from disconnecting from the plate carrier. In general, a locking member may be used to prevent plates from one or more sets of plates from disconnecting from the plate carrier. More than one locking member may be required to fully prevent a plate from disconnecting from the plate carrier.

In the description above, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being connect to another element, the element is either directly connected to the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. Examples of such elements may be a plate carrier, plate, locking member, bolt, carrier segment, axial spacer, rod, plate connection member, or any other element disclosed herein. Also, it will be understood that the values given in the description above, are given by way of example and that other values may be possible and/or may be strived for.

It is to be noted that the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments that are given by way of non-limiting examples. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. Any feature describer as an option and/or as being generally applicable may thus be readily applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps. Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'an' shall not be construed as limited to 'only one', but instead are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a plurality.