Vortex finder for cyclone separator

Abstract

A vortex finder for a cyclone separator, comprising a plurality of superposed rings each including a plurality of suspended plate segments. Each of the plate segments includes a main plate having radially offset upper and lower end portions, opposite inner and outer faces, an upper support member integrally formed with the upper end portion to protrude from the outer face, and a lower support member integrally formed with the lower end portion to protrude from the inner face. The upper support member of the plate segments of the one of the rings engages and is supported by the lower support member of the plate segments of another of the rings positioned above the one of the rings. The lower support member defines an open-bottom pocket having at least one pass-through opening for fluidly connecting a space inside the vortex finder with a space outside the vortex finder.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A vortex finder for a cyclone separator, comprising:
 a plurality of superposed, circumferentially extending rings coaxial to a central axis, wherein each ring comprises a plurality of plate segments positioned to form the ring, each plate segment comprising   a main plate having an upper end portion, a central portion, and a lower end portion, the upper end portion and the lower end portion extend substantially parallel to the central axis,   an upper connecting portion projecting from the upper end portion and extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis,   an upper flange projecting downward from the upper connecting portion and extending substantially parallel to the central axis,   a lower connecting portion projecting from the lower end portion and extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis, and   a lower flange projecting upward from the lower connecting portion and extending substantially parallel to the central axis.   
     
     
         24 . The vortex finder of  claim 23 , wherein the lower connecting portion comprises an opening configured to receive an upper flange of a plate segment associated with an adjacent ring. 
     
     
         25 . The vortex finder of  claim 23 , wherein the upper flange comprises a first upper flange having a first length and a second upper flange having a second length less than the first length. 
     
     
         26 . The vortex finder of  claim 25 , wherein the lower connecting portion comprises a first opening having a first width and a second opening having a second width greater than the first width. 
     
     
         27 . The vortex finder of  claim 26 , wherein the second opening of the lower connecting portion is greater than an area of the second upper flange. 
     
     
         28 . The vortex finder of  claim 26 , wherein the upper flange further comprises a third upper flange having the first length and the lower connecting portion further comprises a third opening having the first width, wherein the second upper flange is disposed between the first upper flange and the third upper flange, and the second opening is disposed between the first opening and the second opening. 
     
     
         29 . The vortex finder of  claim 23 , wherein the plurality of superposed, circumferentially extending rings comprises a first ring and a second ring, wherein the plate segments of the first ring are smaller than the plate segments of the second ring. 
     
     
         30 . The vortex finder of  claim 29 , wherein the plate segments of the first ring have a height smaller than a height of the plate segments of the second ring. 
     
     
         31 . The vortex finder of  claim 29  wherein the lower connecting portions of the plate segments of the first ring are configured to receive the upper flange portions of the plate segments of the second ring. 
     
     
         32 . The vortex finder of  claim 23 , wherein the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion are integrally formed with the main plate. 
     
     
         33 . A plate segment of a vortex finder, comprising:
 a main plate having an upper end portion, a central portion, and a lower end portion, wherein the upper end portion and the lower end portion extend substantially parallel to a central axis;   an upper connecting portion projecting from the upper end portion and extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis;   an upper flange projecting downward from the upper connecting portion and extending substantially parallel to the central axis;   a lower connecting portion projecting from the lower end portion and extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis; and   a lower flange portion projecting upward from the lower connecting portion and extending substantially parallel to the central axis.   
     
     
         34 . The plate segment of  claim 33 , wherein the lower connecting portion comprises at least one opening extending through the lower connecting portion. 
     
     
         35 . The plate segment of  claim 34 , wherein the lower connecting portion comprises a first opening having a first width and a second opening having a second width greater than the first width. 
     
     
         36 . The plate segment of  claim 35 , wherein the lower connecting portion further comprises a third opening have the first width, where the second opening is disposed between the first opening and the third opening. 
     
     
         37 . The plate segment of  claim 33 , wherein the upper flange comprises at least one upper flange extending substantially parallel to the central axis. 
     
     
         38 . The plate segment of  claim 37 , wherein the upper flange comprises a first upper flange having a first length and a second upper flange having a second length less than the first length. 
     
     
         39 . The plate segment of  claim 38 , wherein the first upper flange has a first width and the second upper flange has a second width greater than the first width. 
     
     
         40 . The plate segment of  claim 38 , wherein the upper flange further comprises a third upper flange having the first length, where the second upper flange is disposed between the first upper flange and the third upper flange. 
     
     
         41 . The plate segment of  claim 33 , wherein the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion are integrally formed with the main plate. 
     
     
         42 . The plate segment of  claim 33 , further comprising a reinforcing rib disposed on a surface of the main plate.