[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.

62/039,732 entitled Sieve Box and Adjustable Nozzle Assembly with Eccentric Nozzles (filed August 20, 2014), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to sieve boxes, and more particularly relate to sieve boxes including adjustable nozzle assemblies.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional sieve boxes contain stationary nozzles that spray a slurry onto the surface of a sieve screen. Over time, the slurry wears down the sieve screen at the initial contact point, often near the top of the screen, thereby rendering the sieve screen so ineffective that it must be replaced. It is common practice to flip the sieve screen upside down so that the worn area is put on the bottom and an unworn area of the sieve screen is brought to the top where the slurry spraying occurs. Although this practice may marginally increase the life of the sieve screen, it does not provide effective separation, if any, of slurry components since the fluid shear and the fluid flow characteristics proximate to the sieve screen are dramatically altered due to the switch from the initial optimal arrangement. Furthermore, this practice does nothing to change the wear of the sieve screen at the specific worn locations proximate to the top and the bottom of the screen, rendering the screen unsuitable for its intended purpose. In addition, it can be a very time consuming process to at least partially disassemble the sieve box and remove, re-orient, and reattach the sieve screen to the sieve box. The protracted reorienting process is further exacerbated by the noxious and toxic substances from the interior of the sieve basket that a user is exposed during the process. For example, in some applications the slurry can release sulfur oxide gases that can have deleterious effects when inhaled. Therefore, there is a need for an improved approach to extending the operating life of sieve screens. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention alleviates the shortcomings of conventional sieve boxes by providing a novel sieve box with adjustable nozzles that significantly increase the usage life of the sieve screen by properly aligning the nozzles to the screen. In this regard, the translational and rotational degrees of freedom of the nozzles can be accurately configured from the exterior of the sieve box, without disassembling the screen, to provide an efficient and precise device and method of separation.

[0005] In some embodiments, the new solution described herein has all of the sliding parts attached to one slide plate on the front of the sieve box. In some embodiments, slots in the slide plate permit lateral movement of the nozzles to change the location of initial contact of the slurry with the sieve screen. An eccentric reducer may be provided on the spraying end of the nozzles to permit vertical (or any directional) adjustment of the discharge, and with it the location of initial contact of the slurry with the sieve screen. This adjustment may be accomplished by rotating or twisting the spray nozzle, with the eccentric configuration of the end causing the different vertical positioning. Since the eccentric reducer has an off-centered minor diameter, twisting or rotating the spray nozzle will make the spray end move up and down.

[0006] Embodiments disclosed herein may be simpler to manufacture and install than the previous solutions. The users will not have to put holes in their sieve boxes for each set of movable nozzles and then install the hardware to secure them to their sieve box. Furthermore, the novel nozzles disclosed herein are flexible and are suitable for user in many sieve box designs. Moreover the unique design of the present invention makes the sieve box easy to operate since the user can maneuver the nozzles to optimum positions with precision by accessing the nozzles from the exterior of the sieve box.

[0007] Embodiments of the invention relate to a nozzle assembly for a sieve box, comprising: a support structure configured to be mounted to a sieve box; and a nozzle rotatably connected to the support structure, the nozzle being configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis, wherein the nozzle comprises an eccentric outlet that permits adjustment of the position of the eccentric outlet in response to rotation of the nozzle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly further comprises a flow line in fluid communication with the nozzle, the flow line comprising an attachment member affixing the flow line to the nozzle, wherein the flow line is at least partially flexible. [0009] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the nozzle comprises an offset reducer, wherein the offset reducer comprises a first end with a first cross-section and a opposite second end with a second cross-section, wherein a first diameter associated with the first cross section is greater than a second diameter associated with the second cross- section, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first cross-section is offset from a longitudinal axis of the second cross-section.

[0010] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the rotation of the nozzle about the longitudinal axis causes the eccentric outlet of the nozzle to be displaced along a transverse plane, wherein the transverse plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0011] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the support structure comprises a plate defining an opening in which the nozzle is disposed and may rotate.

[0012] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the plate comprises one or more slots, each slot having one or more fasteners disposed within, wherein the plate is configured to slide laterally about the fasteners, wherein the plate and the nozzle, operatively connected to the plate, are configured to be displaced laterally.

[0013] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the nozzle comprises a primary pipe disposed in the opening of the plate a secondary pipe positioned adjacent to the primary pipe through a union, wherein the secondary pipe is stationary and fixed to the plate, wherein the union is configured to enable the primary pipe to be rotated about the longitudinal axis.

[0014] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the nozzle comprises a primary pipe disposed in the opening of the plate a secondary pipe positioned adjacent to the primary pipe through a union, wherein the secondary pipe is rotatably disposed within a shaft collar fixed to the plate, wherein the union enables the primary pipe to be rotated and linearly displaced along the longitudinal axis.

[0015] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the support structure is configured to move laterally relative to the sieve box, wherein lateral movement of the support structure causes corresponding lateral movement of the nozzle. [0016] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the nozzle is configured to be linearly displaced along the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the support structure is configured to move laterally relative to the sieve box, lateral movement of the support structure causing corresponding lateral movement of the nozzle; and the nozzle is configured to be linearly displaced along the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Some embodiments of the invention relate to a sieve box for separating one or more components of a slurry comprising: a housing, therein the housing further comprises one or more sidewalls defining an interior of the housing and an exterior of the housing; a screen disposed in the interior of the housing, wherein the screen is at least partially enclosed by the one or more sidewalls; an intake manifold for receiving the slurry; the nozzle assembly in accordance with any of the above embodiments further comprising an adjustment feature disposed proximal to a first side of the support structure, the adjustment feature being configured to provide adjustment of the position of the eccentric outlet of the nozzle when the adjustment feature is rotated, wherein the first side is opposite a second side of the support structure connected to the nozzle, wherein: the support structure is mounted on the exterior of the housing such that the adjustment feature is disposed on the exterior of the housing and the nozzle is disposed in the interior of the housing; and the eccentric outlet of the nozzle is disposed proximal to the screen; a flow line comprising an intake side and an outlet side, wherein the intake side is in fluid communication with the intake manifold to receive the slurry, and wherein the outlet side is in fluid communication with the nozzle configured to deliver the slurry to the nozzle.

[0019] In some embodiments, the adjustment feature is a handle, wherein the rotation of the handle about the longitudinal axis causes the eccentric outlet to be displaced along a transverse plane, wherein the transverse plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

[0020] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the support structure is configured to move laterally relative to the sieve box, wherein lateral movement of the support structure causes corresponding lateral movement of the nozzle.

[0021] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the support structure is configured to move laterally relative to the sieve box, lateral movement of the support structure causing corresponding lateral movement of the nozzle; and the nozzle is configured to be linearly displaced along the longitudinal axis.

[0022] Some embodiments of the invention relate to a method of adjusting a nozzle assembly in a sieve box, the method comprising: providing a sieve box assembly comprising: a housing, therein the housing further comprises one or more sidewalls defining an interior of the housing and an exterior of the housing; a screen disposed in the interior of the housing, wherein the screen is at least partially enclosed by the one or more sidewalls; an intake manifold for receiving slurry; a nozzle assembly comprising: a support structure configured to be mounted to a sieve box; a nozzle rotatably connected to the support structure, the nozzle being configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis, wherein the nozzle comprises an eccentric outlet that permits adjustment of the position of the eccentric outlet in response to rotation of the nozzle; and an adjustment feature disposed proximal to a first side of the support structure, the adjustment feature being configured to provide adjustment of the position of the eccentric outlet of the nozzle when the adjustment feature is rotated, wherein the first side is opposite a second side of the support structure connected to the nozzle, wherein: the support structure is mounted on the exterior of the housing such that the adjustment feature is disposed on the exterior of the housing and the nozzle is disposed in the interior of the housing; and the eccentric outlet of the nozzle is disposed proximal to the screen; a flow line comprising an intake side and an outlet side, wherein the intake side is in fluid communication with the intake to receive the slurry and wherein the outlet side in fluid communication with the nozzle configured to deliver the slurry to the nozzle; and rotating the adjustment feature about a longitudinal axis of the nozzle thereby adjusting the position of the eccentric outlet.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to move laterally relative to the sieve box, wherein lateral movement of the support structure causes corresponding lateral movement of the nozzle. The embodiments further relate to a method comprising displacing the support structure thereby causing corresponding lateral movement of the nozzle.

[0024] In some embodiments and in combination with any of the above embodiments, the nozzle is configured to be linearly displaced along the longitudinal axis. The embodiments further relate to a method comprising displacing the nozzle linearly along the longitudinal axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For a more complete understanding, reference should now be had to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. In the drawings:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sieve box assembly according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 2a is a detailed perspective view of the sieve box assembly of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 2b is a detailed perspective view of the nozzle assembly associated with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 2c is a side view of the nozzle assembly associated with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 2d is a cross-sectional view of the sieve box assembly of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 3b is front view of the nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 3a.

[0034] FIG. 3c is a side view of the nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 3a.

[0035] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly according to another embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 4b is front view of the nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 4a.

[0037] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 4a.

[0038] FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of a nozzle assembly according to another embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 5b is a side view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 5a.

[0040] FIG. 5c is a top view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 5a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0041] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments. Other embodiments having different structures and operation do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments described. For example, words such as "top", "bottom", "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," and "downward" merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. Indeed, the referenced components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. Throughout this disclosure, where a process or method is shown or described, the method may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless it is clear from the context that the method depends on certain actions being performed first.

[0043] Referring to the drawings, where like reference numerals refer to the same or similar parts, FIG. 1 shows a sieve box assembly 100 with a front door panel removed for clarity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The sieve box assembly 100 is configured to separate a mixture of solids and/or liquids, such as a slurry into one or more components. For example, as the slurry flows through the sieve box assembly 100, the solid components of the slurry may be separated out from the liquid component of the slurry for further processing. In another example, solid components of a larger size may be separated out from solid components of a smaller size and/or from the liquid component of the slurry. The term "slurry" in this disclosure encompasses fluids, slurries, solutions, colloids, suspensions, gels, foams, emulsions and the like often containing solid components or particulate matter dispersed in a heterogeneous/homogenous mixture. The sieve box assembly comprises a housing 20. The housing 20 defines opposite first and second lateral sides (20a, 20b), first and second transverse sides (22a, 22b) and distal and proximal sides (24a, 24b). The term "side" may refer to a surface of sidewalls of the housing 20, an edge, a vertex, or a general direction of one or more components of the sieve box assembly 100 without having a particular shape or form. The orientation and arrangement of one or more components of the sieve box assembly 100 will hereinafter be described in terms of the sides defined above. Although illustrated as being substantially cuboidal in shape, in some embodiments the sidewalls of the housing may comprise different arrangements, with more or fewer sidewalls, and/or nomenclature of sides. In this regard, the housing may comprise substantially cuboidal, cubical, spherical, cylindrical, conical, a suitable three dimensional shape or a combination of portions/sections of the above. The cross- sections of the housing may comprise polygonal, circular, elliptical, curvilinear or a combination of suitable cross-sections with flat or curved sidewalls.

[0044] More particularly, the sieve box assembly 100 typically includes an inlet manifold

10 positioned along the first transverse side 22a, a first outlet 40 and a second outlet 45. An inlet flow line may be connected to the inlet manifold 10 by a sealed, flanged connection 7 for directing a slurry flow into the sieve box assembly 100. FIG. 1 illustrates the first outlet 40 and the second outlet 45 positioned proximate to the second transverse side 22b; however, the first and second outlets (40, 45) may be positioned along any suitable side. For example, the first outlet may be positioned along the second transverse side 22b, while the second outlet 45 may be positioned along the second lateral side 20b. Typically, the first and second outlets (40, 45) are positioned away from and/or opposite to the inlet manifold 10. Nevertheless, in some embodiments, the inlet 10 and the outlets the first and second outlets (40, 45) may be positioned proximate to one another based on the type of flow, operation and design considerations, for example in the case of outlets and inlets that are configured to be intermittently closed and opened. The housing 20 may be configured to contain the slurry and/or components of the slurry received via the inlet manifold until the slurry and/or components of the slurry are ejected through the outlets (40, 45). In this regard, the sidewalls of the housing 20 act as a barrier between the external environment and the slurry in the interior of the housing, thereby preventing contamination of the slurry, preserving the optimal flows of the slurry, without losses and protecting the users from possible adverse effects of the slurry. In some embodiments, the sidewalls of the housing 20 comprise one or more door panels that can be detached to provide access to the interior of the housing 20, if required, and that may be affixed to the housing 20 during normal operations. For example, the front door panel is removed for clarity in FIGS. 1 and 2 to expose the internal components of the sieve box assembly 100.

[0045] The housing 20 at least partially encloses a screen 30. In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 1, the housing 20 completely encloses the screen 30. The structure and arrangement of the screen 30 will be described in detail elsewhere in the disclosure. The sieve box assembly 100 further comprises a nozzle assembly 50. A first end of the nozzle assembly 50 is typically in fluid communication with the inlet manifold, and a second end of the nozzle assembly 50 is in fluid communication with the housing 20. The nozzle assembly 50 is configured to inject the slurry flow from the inlet manifold 10 into the housing 20. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2a, the nozzle assembly 50 may be positioned on the exterior of the housing 20 such that the translational and rotational degrees of freedom of the nozzle assembly 50 can be accurately configured from the exterior of the sieve box assembly 100, without disassembling the housing 20 for convenient, safe and precise operations. The housing 20, the inlet manifold 10, the first and second outlets (40, 45), screen 30, the nozzle assembly 50 and other components of the sieve box assembly 100, may each further comprise or one or more components that may be fastened together by using suitable methods like welding, brazing, soldering, molding; design properties like magnetic properties, vacuum, friction (interference fits); devices like rivets, screws, bolts, clips, glue, hinges, chains, ropes, wires or any other fastening means known in the art. The components of the sieve box assembly 100 may be manufactured out of same or different materials, such as suitable grades of stainless steel (For example: SAE 300 series, SAE 400 series, austenitic steels and the like), carbon steels, suitable metals, alloys, plastics, composites, natural or synthetic materials, polymers and the like. The materials may be chosen for the specific application based on their strength, ductility/malleability, weight,

rigidity/flexibility, operative temperature ranges, durability, resistance to fatigue and creep, magnetic properties and the like. Furthermore, based on the application, the materials may be chosen for their corrosion resistance, chemical stability or their properties can be augmented by use of coatings or sprays possessing hydrophobic, lipophpobic, oleophobic or other suitable properties. In addition, seals and gaskets made of rubber and other materials can be used between two or more components for effective sealing and/or to preclude galvanic corrosion.

[0046] The screen 30 is configured to separate the slurry into one or more components.

In some embodiments the screen 30 comprises a sieve portion 34 and a frame portion 32 forming at least a portion of the perimeter of the sieve portion 34. The sieve portion 34 may be shaped like flat planes, Euclidean planes, sections of a cylinder, cone or any other three-dimensional geometry, Riemann surfaces or a combination of the above. The frame portion 32 may have a substantially similar shape as that of the sieve portion 34. The frame portion 32 of the screen 30 may be formed of solid metal bar elements that may be welded or otherwise rigidly affixed to the edges of the sieve portion 34. In this regard, the frame portion 32 may support the sieve portion 34 and enhance the structural integrity of the screen 30. In some embodiments, the frame portion 32 is provided to fasten a plurality of components associated with the sieve portion 34 in the desired arrangement. The sieve portion 34 comprises a plurality of openings or apertures, or a plurality of spaced apart, screen elements arranged to permit liquids and/or solids of a smaller size to pass through the screen 30, while preventing solids of a larger size from passing through the screen 30, thereby separating the slurry into one or more components. In some embodiments, the sieve portion 34 is constructed out of spirally wrapped wires that form slots and serve as a filtration material. In some embodiments, the sieve portion 34 may include as filtration material, a plurality of spaced filter wires, or a wire mesh supported on support rods (not shown). In some embodiments, the screens may include "Vee-Wire" type screens. In some embodiments, the sieve portion 34 may include as filtration material, plates (not shown) having perforations, slots, or other filter-type openings. In some embodiments, the spacing and sizes of wires, or other openings, vary along the length or the circumference of the sieve portion 34. In some

embodiments, the sieve portion 34 may include as filtration material any combination of wires, plates or flow control vanes. In some embodiments the filtration material is magnetic to filter metallic wastes.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the sieve portion 34 may include a plurality of wires with a substantially triangular cross-section, and may include the Vee-Wire® type screens (VEE-WIRE is a registered trademark of Bilfmger Water Technologies, Inc.) or wedge wire type screens and which typically are substantially parallel, the space between wires forming the slots of the screen. In one embodiment, the wires and plate openings may be oriented symmetrically, asymmetrically, horizontally, vertically, tangentially, and combinations thereof. Such screens may include embodiments like those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,663,774, filed on October 16, 2001, specifically with respect to the filter wires 28 and the support rods 20 described therein, and embodiments like those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,425,264, filed on July 18, 2005, specifically with respect to the wires 16 and the support rods 17 described therein, the contents of both of which patents are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, each wire includes an inner surface and two lateral surfaces which may converge to a point or another surface based on the cross-section of the wires. The wires are aligned, side- by-side, with their inner surfaces lying in a plane to form a set of wires. When using wires of V- shaped cross-section, a channel is created between lateral surfaces of consecutive wires. Because of the triangular shaped cross-section of the wires in some embodiments, the channels between consecutive wires open away from the plane defined by the face surfaces of the filter wires. Put another way, the filter channels might not have parallel walls, but instead may flare from the face surfaces to the points of the wires. The materials for the wires may be chosen such that the surfaces are abrasion resistant and allow smooth flow of slurry. In some embodiments, of the invention the screen may be created along a flat surface or other shaped surface, and then cut, bent or plastically deformed, to create the required contour for sieve portion 34. While in other embodiments, the sets of wires may be cast or extruded in the desired contour and then fastened or welded together. Multiple sets of wires can be arranged at angle with each other in the same plane and joined to form the sieve portion 34. In some embodiments, the screen 30 comprises one or more screen panels arranged adjacent to one another to form the screen 30. In some embodiments, the screen comprises one or more screen panels arranged in series (one in front of the other) for progressive screening of the slurry.

[0048] The housing 20 may include any support type structure for supporting the nozzle assembly 50, the screen 30, and the first and second outlets 40, 45. In some embodiments, a base 21 of the housing 20 may be used to secure and position the sieve box assembly 100 to a flat surface for stability and ease of access. The housing 20 may also include one or more sidewalls 23 to form the support structure. The screens 30 are supported within the housing 20. A sealed, flanged connection 25 formed on the frame portion 32, may be used to secure each screen 30 to the inner sidewall surfaces, such as the sidewall 23, of the housing 20. One or more support bars or plates (not shown) may be used to further support the backside of the screen 30. Before inserting the screen 30 into the housing 20 or when positioning the screen 30 into the housing 20, the screen 30 may have a curved shape or may be curved to a shape that generally corresponds to the angle of injection of the slurry to maximize the surface area contact of the slurry with the screen 30. While the screen 30 with a curved contour is beneficial, straight screens 30 may also be employed. The screen assembly 100 can be assembled by permanent or temporary fastening of the one or more components based on methods known in the art. In the exemplary

embodiment, the screen 30 extends from the first lateral sidewall 20a to the second lateral sidewall 20b and between the transverse sides (22a, 22b), demarcating the interior of the housing 20 into two portions: a distal interior portion towards the distal side 24a and a proximal interior portion towards proximal side 24b best illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG 2d. Suitable sealing may be provided between the ends of the screen 30 and the interior walls of the housing 20 such that, below the extent of the nozzle assembly 50, the only fluid communication channel between the distal interior portion and the proximal interior portion is via the sieve portion 34 of the screen 30 during the operation of the sieve box assembly 100. Typically, each outlet and the second end of the nozzle assembly 50 are in fluid communication with only one interior portion of the housing 20. For example, the second end of the nozzle assembly sprays the slurry into the proximal interior portion, while the first outlet 40 receives slurry components (that cannot flow through the sieve portion 34) from the proximal interior portion and the second outlet 45 receives slurry components that have passed through the screen 30, from the distal interior portion.

Therefore, the first and second outlets (40, 45) are configured to collect and direct the separate slurry components to the two outlet flow lines 8, 9, respectively. In this regard, the housing 20 and/or the first and second outlets may comprise (40, 45) oblique or inclined surfaces to facilitate flow. The screen 30 is oriented so as to facilitate flow of slurry along the surface of screen and separation of slurry components through the screen 30. Although illustrated as tangential flow, the flow of the slurry from the nozzle assembly 50 may impinge on the screen at any suitable angle. In the embodiments with two or more screens 30 arranged in series, the interior of the housing is divided into three or more portions, each portion in communication with one of three or more outlets in a substantially similar manner to the arrangement described above.

[0049] The mechanism of operation of the sieve box assembly 100 is described below.

The slurry is received in the inlet manifold 10 through the flanged connection 7. The nozzle assembly 50 is configured such that the slurry is received from the inlet manifold 10 via the first end. The slurry is then sprayed onto the proximal side of the screen 30 through the second end of the nozzle assembly 50. In some embodiments, the frame portion 32, proximate to transverse side 22a comprises a groove 32a, also referred to as a screen end bar, illustrated in FIG. 2d. In this instance, the second end of the nozzle assembly 50 is typically oriented in such a way that the flow of the slurry contacts the sieve portion 34 and not the groove 32a to minimize undesirable dispersion of un-separated slurry and return flow in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the slurry then flows substantially tangential to the surface of the sieve portion 34 comprising wires with triangular cross-sections. The wires are arranged such that the surfaces of the wires facing the proximal side 20a lie on separate parallel curved planes. The velocity and flow rate may be optimized such that the slurry can overcome the surface tension and boundary layers created at the surfaces of the wires of the sieve portion 34. As the slurry continues to flow, the contact of the slurry with the surface of the a first wire of the sieve portion facing the proximal side 20a, causes at least a portion of a fluid component of the slurry to shear away from the tangential path, towards the distal side 20b, while the rest of the slurry continues in the tangential path. Here, the portion of the fluid/slurry that shears away along with small solid components flows around a corner of the first wire and through the aperture between the first wire and an adjacent second wire (positioned below the first wire) into the distal interior portion. Subsequently the remaining portion of the slurry now flows along a proximal surface of the second wire, where another portion of fluid and small particles shears away from the tangential path and through the aperture between the second wire and an adjacent third wire (positioned below the second wire). This process continues until the slurry reaches the transverse side 24b. The filtered components of the slurry from the distal interior portion are collected via the second outlet 45 while the larger components that did not pass through the sieve portion 34 are collected through the first outlet 40. Prolonged exposure of the screen 30 to the shearing flow causes the surfaces of the wires facing the proximal side 20a to wear away and conform to a same curved plane, causing the screen 30 to lose its separating ability. The portion of the screen 30 proximate to the transverse side 22a is most affected by this wear. The adjustable nozzle assembly 50 with eccentric nozzles to reduce the above wear is described in detail below.

[0050] FIGS. 2a-2d illustrate an exemplary installed nozzle assembly 50 in detail. One or more clamps 16 may be used to connect a first end of each of the flow lines 15 to the inlet manifold 10, and a second end of each of the flow lines 15 may be connected to one or more nozzles 53. These connections may be accomplished using pipe to tube connection methods known in the art, tube fittings, tube adapters, vacuum fittings, gaskets and the like. Although twelve flow lines 15 and nozzles 53 are illustrated in FIG. 1, the nozzle assembly 50 may include any number flow lines 15 and nozzles 53, including one through four, or any plurality, of flow lines 15 and nozzles 53 based on the application and the side of the screen 30. The clamps 16, flow lines 15, and nozzles 53 may include any conventional type of connection, fitting, coupling, flow, or injection component as known in the art. In addition, the orientation and/or arrangement of the clamps 16, flow lines 15, and nozzles 53 may include any conventional orientation and/or arrangement of a nozzle assembly for use with sieve boxes as known in the art. In some embodiments, the flow line 15 is at least slightly a flexible pipe/tube. In some embodiments the flow line 15 comprises a woven tube.

[0051] FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate a nozzle assembly 50 that provides an adjustment mechanism according to a first embodiment of the nozzle assembly 50. The nozzle assembly comprises a support structure including a plate member or plate 55 (or other similar support structure). The nozzles 53 may be coupled to the plate 55. One example of an alternative to the plate 55 is a frame with cross-members (not shown). The plate 55 defines openings 57 that may have a contour substantially similar to the cross-section of a pipe 60, for example, a substantially round circumference as shown in FIG. 3a. Typically, the nozzles 53 pass through the openings 57, but are not fixed at that point and are rotatable within the openings 57. An auxiliary pipe 18, however, may be fixed to the plate 55 by means such as an attachment member 58, which may be affixed with a welded connection or other mounting methods. A union 59 connects the auxiliary pipe 18 to a short piece of pipe 60 that is positioned in the opening 57 in the plate 60. In some embodiments, the union can modify, control the rotation of the pipe 60, due to friction between contacting surfaces, type of fit between components and the like. Clamps, such as tri clover clamps, may be used to allow rotation between connected fluid-carrying features. The flow line 15 may be connected to the free end of the auxiliary pipe 18 by methods known in the art. As illustrated by FIG. 2c, the free end of the pipe 18 may comprise a fitting 70 welded to the end so that it can be connected to a male end of a camlock fitting 72. The free end of the camlock fitting 72 may be received within a first end of a female camlock fitting 74. A second end of the female camlock fitting 74 may be coupled with a fitting 76 on the end of flow line 15.

[0052] Now, referring to FIGS. 3a-3c, a reducer 62 may be provided at the end of each nozzle, optionally with another small piece of pipe 63 with a diameter to match the small diameter of the reducer 62, and connected to the pipe 60. The reducer 62 may comprise reduction in both external and internal diameters along the longitudinal axis towards the pipe 63. The reduction in diameter may be step, gradual, tapered or a suitable combination of the preceding types. In some embodiments the offset reducer comprises a first end with a first cross- section and a opposite second end with a second cross- section, wherein a first diameter associated with the first cross section is greater than a second diameter associated with the second cross-section, wherein longitudinal axis of the first cross-section is offset from a longitudinal axis of the second cross-section, wherein the second end is proximate the screen 30 when installed (relative to the first end). In this instance the first and second cross-sections may be substantially circular. However, the cross-sections can comprise polygonal, elliptical, or any suitable curvilinear cross sections. In this instance a first cross- sectional area associated with the first end is typically greater than a second cross-sectional area associated with the second end. In some embodiments the outer surfaces of the reducer may have a substantially similar contour as the inner cross-section. The opening 64 (e.g., an outlet) at the end of the reducer 62 (and, if used, the small pipe 63) is eccentric. In other words, the offset reducer that has an outlet off- center from its inlet or the central axis of the pipe 60 as illustrated in FIG 3c. The side of the opening 64 and the offset distance of the eccentric opening from the central axis may be optimized based on the desired flow characteristics and flow patterns. The union 59, while maintaining a seal between the flow line 15 and the short piece of pipe 60, permits free rotation 61 of the pipe 60 (for example, using a handle 78) and reducer 62, with enough friction that the angular position of the reducer 62 is maintained during use. The handle enables precise and convenient positioning of the nozzle, since it enables a user to reposition the nozzle exit at a suitable position, relative to the screen, by merely rotating the handle 78, and thereby rotating the pipe 60. The nozzle 53 is supported through the union 59, the flow line 15 that is attached to the union 59, and then the attachment member 58 that is substantially rigid and attached to the flow line 15 to support and maintain the orientation of the flow line 15, and the plate 55.

[0053] The unique design of the nozzle assembly described herein may enable the precise movement and positioning of the nozzle opening 64 relative to the screen along at least 3 degrees of freedom (82, 84, 61). When the pipe 60 and reducer 62 are twisted and rotated about the central axis A— A of the pipe 60 (e.g., a longitudinal axis of the pipe 60) along direction 61, the eccentricity causes the position of the opening 64 to change, allowing adjustment of the opening around a circumference of a circle defined by the central axis of the pipe 60 and the central axis of the opening 64 along lateral direction 82 and transverse direction 84. In this regard, the rotation of the pipe 60 about the central axis typically causes the eccentric nozzle opening 64 to be displaced along a transverse plane that is perpendicular to the central axis. Therefore the nozzle opening 64 may be positioned along the width of the screen 30 and at a desired proximity/depth with respect to the proximal surface of the screen 30. Accordingly, adjustment of the position of the discharge in the transverse and lateral directions is possible. In addition, slots 66 are formed in the plate 55. The slots 66 are laterally oriented and receive fasteners 68 that secure the plate 55 and nozzle assembly 50 to the housing 20. When the fasteners 68 are loosened, the plate 55 and nozzle assembly 50 may be slid laterally to change the position of the slots 66 relative to the fasteners and the entire nozzle assembly 50, allowing horizontal adjustment of the nozzle assembly 50. The nozzle assembly 50 may thereby be repositioned along the width of the screen 30 so that the slurry spray does not wear the screen 30 in any specific horizontal location thereby increasing the range of transverse of the nozzle opening 64 along the lateral direction 82.

[0054] FIGS. 4a-4c illustrate a nozzle assembly 50' that provides an adjustment mechanism according to a second embodiment of the nozzle assembly 50'. This second embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment, except that in addition to motion along the lateral direction 82 and the transverse direction 84, the nozzle assembly provides movement along the longitudinal direction 80. The unique design of the nozzle assembly described herein enables the precise movement and poisoning of the nozzle opening 64' relative to the screen along at least 4 degrees of freedom (80, 82, 84, 61). The nozzles 53' comprise translational movement along all three mutually perpendicular directions and rotation along at least one direction. In addition to the features described above, the nozzle assembly 50' in this embodiment comprises a shaft collar 90' positioned around pipe 60'. In this regard, the union 59' may be positioned between the shaft collar 90' and the plate 55'. The shaft collar 90' enables both the rotational motion and translational motion of the pipe 60' because the attachment member 58' secures the shaft collar 90' to the plate 55' instead of the shaft collar 90' being secured to the pipe 18. In some embodiments, the shaft collar 90' comprises a mechanism to loosen or tighten the interface on the interior of the collar that may be in contact with the pipe 60'. For example, the shaft collar 90' may comprise two halves that can be held together using fasteners as illustrated in FIGS. 4a-4c. The fasteners and hence the collar can be loosened, to facilitate rotation and/or linear motion of the pipe 60' to position the nozzle end 63' at a desired position with respect to the screen 30. Once the nozzle has been located at a desired position, the fasteners, and hence the shaft collar 90' may be tightened, to secure the position. Tightening the shaft collar 90' in the desired position also prevents displacement of the nozzle due to vibrations, and other disturbances that may occur during operation of the sieve box assembly 100. Shaft collars 90' in further embodiments, may comprise other means of tightening/loosening for example, magnetic means, electrical means and other suitable mechanical means. Furthermore, other devices, components, couplings, joints or fittings that allow and/or control the rotation and translational motion of the pipe 60' may be employed in lieu of the shaft collar 90'.

[0055] In some embodiments the shaft collar 90' enables the pipe 60' to move along the longitudinal direction 80. This causes the movement of the pipe 63' and the reducer 62' along the longitudinal direction 80 (through the opening 57' in the plate 55') and hence the nozzle opening 64'. In some embodiments the pipe 60' comprises one or more pipe sections that cause the movement of adjacent sections. Therefore, the nozzle opening 64' can be positioned at a suitable location along the length of the screen 30. In some embodiments, the range of variation of the location of the nozzle assembly along the directions 80 and 84 may be bounded by the dimensions of the groove 32a, proximate to the transverse side 22a. In addition the eccentric nozzle 63' may be dimensioned and positioned in the housing 20 such that the spray of slurry from the nozzle does not impinge on the groove 32a. Furthermore, when the pipe 60' and reducer 62' are twisted and rotated about the central axis A— A of the pipe 60' along direction 61, the eccentricity causes the position of the opening 64' to change, allowing adjustment of the opening around a circumference of a circle defined by the central axis of the pipe 60' and the central axis of the opening 64' along lateral direction 82 and transverse direction 84. Therefore, the nozzle opening 64' may be positioned along the width of the screen 30 and at a desired proximity/depth with respect to the proximal surface of the screen 30. Accordingly, adjustment of the position of the discharge in all directions is possible in this embodiment.

[0056] In some embodiments the locations of the nozzle assembly 50 may be manually changed intermittently from the exterior of the sieve box assembly 100 to minimize wear the same portion of the screen. In other embodiments the pipe 60, the union 59 or other parts of the nozzle assembly may be connected to an automated drive system comprising actuators, cams and the like to periodically change the location of the nozzle assembly 50 with respect to the screen 30. In this way, the nozzle assembly 50 may be operable to adjust the location that the slurry is sprayed onto the screen 30 to prevent wear of the screen 30 in one specific location and to increase the screen 30 operating life, without having to remove and reorient the screen 30. In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 50 may be positioned on the housing 20 such that some components are positioned in the interior of the housing 20 (for example, the nozzle components like the pipe 63 that cause/control the spray of slurry) while other components are positioned on the exterior of the housing 20 (for example components that enable control and/or maneuvering of the nozzle positions with respect to the screen 30 like the fasteners 68, plate 55, handle 78 and the like). For example, as illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2a, the plate 55 and the components positioned towards to the proximal side 24b, between the plate 55 and the flow line 15 may be positioned in the exterior of the housing 20. This configuration provides easy access and means to position the nozzle. This configuration also has the added advantage that the nozzles can be easily repositioned even during the operations of the sieve box 100, without affecting the operations or the operators adversely, because the nozzles may be moved entirely from the exterior of the housing without requiring access to the ends of the nozzles 63, 64 or the screen 30. The other components like the reducer 62, pipe 63 may be positioned on the interior of the housing to provide a confined environment for the spray of slurry. The pipe 60 may be located either at the exterior, the interior or halfway in between based on the desired positioning of the nozzle end 64.

[0057] FIGS. 5a-5c show a third embodiment of a nozzle assembly 50", with parts as identified with the figures. Although illustrated in a simplified manner, the nozzle assembly 50" may be substantially similar to the nozzle assemblies 50 and 50' associated with the first and second embodiment. This embodiment comprises a plate 55", a pipe 60" configured to be connected to the union 59 and/or the shaft collar 90'as described previously as illustrated in FIG 5b. Therefore the nozzle assembly 50" comprises at least 3 degrees of freedom and is configured be positioned along the directions described above. In some embodiments the pipe 60" may be connected to the flow line 15" without the union 59 and the shaft collar 90'.

However, the pipe 60 "here is connected to the pipe 63" in the absence of a reducer. Instead, the reducer feature is incorporated into the interior of the pipe 63 ' ' with an eccentric nozzle opening 64" offset from the longitudinal axis A-A. Here, the pipe 63 "comprises a constant outside diameter but a reduced diameter outlet that is offset from the central axis of the pipe. In some embodiments, the pipes 60" and 63" are of a one piece construction. In some embodiments the pipe 63 ' ' may be connected to a reducer 93 ' ' via the plate 55 as illustrated in FIG. 5c. In some embodiments plastic 92 may be provided on the surface of the plate to contact the housing, which may help provide an improved seal. One example of the plastic is ultra-high molecular weight plastic (UHMW).

[0058] In some embodiments, one or more sieve box assemblies 100 may be coupled to or positioned adjacent to one or more other sieve box assemblies 100 to form a bank or group of sieve box assemblies. In some embodiments, the sieve box assembly 100 may include one or more screens 30 positioned within a single, unitary housing 20 or within a plurality of housings 20 coupled together and/or separated by one or more sidewalls 23. In some embodiments, the sieve box assembly 100 may include one or more nozzle assemblies 50 and/or one or more inlet manifolds 10 for distributing slurry flow to the one or more nozzle assemblies 50. For example, a sieve box 100 may have more than one screen 30 in it, and each screen 30 could have one or more nozzle assemblies 50 associated with it. In some embodiments, the sieve box assembly 100 may include one or more first and/or second outlets 40, 45. Embodiments of the sieve box assembly 100 and nozzle assembly 50 may include one or more combinations, in whole or part, of the embodiments described herein.

[0059] In existing conventional applications, nozzles are designed specific to each type of sieve box. Nozzles designed for other sieve boxes are not employed since their location and proximity to the screen cannot be customized after their manufacture or during the operation steps. The various nozzle assemblies disclosed herein can be easily optimized for any sieve box since the nozzles can be positioned at the most suitable location associated with the particular sieve box. Furthermore, manufactured nozzles are inherently different from one another due to unavoidable deviations in dimensions during manufacture and assembly. The configurable nozzle assemblies of the present invention allow adjustment of positions to account for deviations, while maintaining optimum functionality. In some embodiments the nozzle assembly 50 can be operated within a precision range of 1/100 ^th to 1/1000 ^th of an inch, while other embodiments may have higher or lower precision.

[0060] To supplement the present disclosure, the contents of U.S. Patent Application No.

14/166,983, filed on January 29, 2014, entitled "Sieve Box and Adjustable Nozzle Assembly," and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0209530 are hereby

incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0061] While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations and changes to the described embodiments and other new embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the sphere and scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa. As used herein, "at least one" shall mean "one or more" and these phrases are intended to be interchangeable. Accordingly, the terms "a" and/or "an" shall mean "at least one" or "one or more," even though the phrase "one or more" or "at least one" is also used herein. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to the specific embodiments described herein. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of a sieve box, an adjustable nozzle assembly, and components thereof, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.