Batch centrifuge filter screen

Abstract

A batch centrifuge having a filter screen that can be expeditiously removed and replaced and that is more rigid and more durable than filter screens that are typically employed in current practice. The batch centrifuge may include a centrifuge basket and a cylindrical filter screen disposed within the centrifuge basket, wherein the filter screen is formed of a plurality of curved panels that fit together at adjoining edges. In some embodiments, each of the curved panels may be small enough to fit through an opening in the top of the centrifuge basket without being bent or otherwise deformed.

Claims

1. A method for providing a filter screen for a batch centrifuge, the method comprising: providing, a plurality of filter panels comprising a screen portion and a frame, wherein each frame includes a pair of opposing lateral sides with each opposing lateral side including one or more coupling features with the coupling features of the opposing lateral sides being complementary; inserting, each of the plurality of filter panels, successively, through an opening in a basket of the batch centrifuge into an interior of the basket of the batch centrifuge; and interlocking, successively, the one or more coupling features of adjacent lateral sides of adjacent filter panels to define a screen joint, wherein each screen joint includes an overlap of the adjacent lateral sides defining each screen joint.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein inserting further comprises inserting each of the plurality of filter panels through the opening in the basket of the batch without bending and/or deforming the plurality of filter panels.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the complementary coupling feature of the opposed lateral sides include a hook feature and a loop feature such that the step of interlocking adjacent laterals sides of adjacent screen panels defines at least one hook and loop screen joint.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking further comprises: coupling two or more filter panels of the plurality of filter panels together, along adjacent lateral sides, by indenting the associated one or more coupling features inward; and pushing edges of the two or more filter panels outward until the two or more filter panels pop into place against a surface in the interior of the basket of the batch centrifuge.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises separating sugar crystals from massecuite, wherein separating further comprises: placing an amount of massecuite containing sugar crystals in the basket of the batch centrifuge; accelerating the basket of the batch centrifuge to spin for a predetermined spin time; forcing the massecuite out of the interior of the basket of the batch centrifuge through the filter screen; and removing sugar crystals from the filter screen.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises disconnecting the one or more coupling features associated with the plurality filter panels and withdrawing each of the plurality of filter panels, successively, through the opening in the basket of the batch centrifuge.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the complementary coupling features of the opposed lateral sides include a tongue feature and a groove feature such that the step of interlocking adjacent lateral sides of adjacent screen panels defines at least one tongue and groove screen joint.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the complementary coupling features of the opposed lateral sides include opposed shoulder features such that the step of interlocking adjacent lateral sides of adjacent screen panels defines at least one shoulder screen joint.

9. The method according to claim 3, wherein interlocking further comprises inserting at least one mechanical fastener through the at least one shoulder screen joint.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: placing a ring clamp within the interlocked plurality of filter panels, the ring clamp including a band having a band opening at each end of the band; and coupling the band openings together with a fastener to secure the ring clamp against the interlocked plurality of filter panels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an isometric cutaway view illustrating an exemplary batch centrifuge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

(3) FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating the filter screen of the batch centrifuge shown in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is an isometric view illustrating a curved screen panel of the filter screen of the batch centrifuge shown in FIG. 1.

(5) FIGS. 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views illustrating alternative embodiments of the screen portion of the filter screen shown in FIG. 3.

(6) FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the filter screen of the batch centrifuge shown in FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 6 is an end-on view illustrating engagement between three curved panels of the alternative filter screen shown in FIG. 5.

(8) FIG. 7a is section of a front view illustrating engagement between two curved panels of the alternative filter screen shown in FIG. 5.

(9) FIG. 7b is an enlarged front view illustrating engagement between two curved panels of the alternative filter screen shown in FIG. 5.

(10) FIGS. 7c and 7d are cross-sectional views illustrating engagement between two curved panels of the alternative filter screen shown in FIG. 7b.

(11) FIGS. 8a and 8b are isometric views illustrating engagement between two curved panels of the alternative filter screen shown in FIG. 7b.

(12) FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating another alternative filter screen of the batch centrifuge shown in FIG. 1.

(13) While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(14) The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

(15) Referring now to FIG. 1, an isometric cut-away view illustrating an exemplary batch centrifuge 10 (hereinafter the centrifuge 10) is shown. The centrifuge 10 comprises a first end 11a, an opposite second end 11b and a basket 12 in between arranged along a centrifuge axis. In some embodiments the basket 12 is substantially cylindrical with a circular cross section, while in other embodiments the basket may comprise one or more of suitable elliptical, polygonal or curvilinear cross-sections. The first end 11a, the second end 11b and the basket 12 may be a one-piece construction or may be separate components that are fastened suitably. The first end 11a of the centrifuge 10 may comprise at least one opening, for example the opening 13 illustrated in FIG. 1. In some embodiments the second end 11b also comprises one or more openings or apertures (not shown). In some embodiments, the basket 12 and/or the opening 13 are centered along the centrifuge axis. In some embodiments, the centers of the cross-sections of the basket 12 and the opening 13 are offset from the centrifuge axis. The basket 12 comprises an exterior surface 16a and an interior surface 16b. The basket 12 may further comprise a plurality of apertures or perforations 18 for allowing liquid to be drained out of the basket 12 during a sugar separation process in a manner that will be familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, a cylindrical filter screen 14 may be disposed within the basket 12 in a radially close clearance relationship with the interior surface 16b of the basket 12. In this regard, the filter screen 14 may radially abut, and be supported by, the interior surface 16b. This direct abutment is advantageous in some applications because it enables the sidewall to provide support to the filter screen 14 during operation of the centrifuge 10. However, in some embodiments, there are one or more support components (not shown) between the filter screen 14 and the interior surface 16b of the basket 12. The support components can comprise one or more bars, rods, backing, coarse meshes or screens and the like. The design and materials of the support components may be chosen such that components can withstand high torque and axial and tangential stresses and strains, without affecting their structural integrity, while having minimal weight.

(16) A drive mechanism (not shown) may be operatively coupled to the basket 12 for rotatably driving the basket 12 about the centrifuge axis during operation. A shaft 19 may extend into the opening 13 and may have a scraper arm (not shown) attached to a lower end thereof for removing sugar crystals from the interior surface of the filter screen 14. In some embodiments, the shaft 19 is coincident with the centrifuge axis. The shaft 19 and the centrifuge axis may be vertical (as illustrated by FIG. 1), horizontal or oriented at any suitable angle.

(17) As best shown in the top view of the filter screen 14, in the first embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, the filter screen 14 may be formed of a plurality of curved screen panels 20a-h that are joined together at their lateral sides to form the assembled cylindrical filter screen 14. In some embodiments each of the panels 20a-h may cover at least a portion of the basket 12 and may be shaped substantially similar to the curvature of the basket 12. In some embodiments at least one of the curved screen panels may comprise one or more sub-panels (not shown) arranged to form a filter screen with a grid like structure. In this regard, the sub-panels associated with one screen panel may be arranged in a parallel or a staggered manner with respect to the sub-panels of another screen panel. The optimal size and number of the curved screen panels 20 may be determined based on a number of factors comprising, the size, shape and volume of the basket 12, the dimensions of the opening 13, the rigidity of the materials that the screen panels are constructed out of and the like. For example a basket with the capacity of 30-40 pounds may require 8 panels. As another example, 8 panels, of larger dimensions or substantially rigid materials may be appropriate for insertion into a large opening 13, while 16 panels of smaller dimensions or suitably flexible materials may be suitable for a smaller opening 13. Although termed and illustrated as curved screen panels 20a-h forming a cylinder, for the purposes of example, and not limitation, other embodiments the screen panels 20a-h 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.

(18) An isometric view of an exemplary curved screen panel 20b is illustrated in FIG. 3. It will therefore be understood that the following description of the curved screen panel 20b may generally apply to each of the plurality of curved screen panels 20a, 20c-h and/or the associated sub-panels. The curved screen panel 20b comprises a proximal side 42a, lateral sides (42b, 42d) and a distal side 42c. Although illustrated as comprising four sides, the curved screen panel 20b can comprise more or fewer sides and can be of any suitable shape. The curved panel further comprises a frame 42 forming at least a portion of the perimeter of a screen portion 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the frame 42 surrounds the screen portion 40 on all the sides and is of a substantially similar shape as that of the screen portion 40. The frame 42 of the curved screen panel 20b may be formed of solid metal bar elements that may be welded or otherwise rigidly affixed to the edges of the screen portion 40. The screen portion 40 further comprises an inner surface facing the interior of the basket 12 and an outer surface facing the interior surface 16b of the basket 12 when assembled. For reasons that will become apparent below, in some embodiments the individual curved screen panel 20b may be sized, in some embodiments to be small enough to fit through the opening 13 of the basket 12 (shown in FIG. 1) without requiring deformation or flexure of the panel while in other embodiments, the curved screen panel 20b may be slightly deformed, albeit temporarily, to insert through the opening 13.

(19) The frame 42 and the screen portion 40 may be constructed as a single component or constructed by the assembly of one or more components with appropriate fastening method. The components can be fastened 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 and the like. The frame 42 and the screen portion 40 may be manufactured out of same or different materials, such as suitable grades of stainless steel (For example: SAE 300, 400, 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, magnetic properties and the like. Typically, the materials and the fastening methods are chosen such that the curved screen panel 20b is substantially rigid to withstand loads but flexible enough to be inserted through the opening 13. The material may also be chosen such that the curved screen panel 20b undergoes elastic deformation both during assembly and operation without fatigue or fracture. 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, lipophobic, 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.

(20) The screen portion 40 is formed with a plurality of openings or apertures, with the size and arrangement of the apertures suitably designed based on the application of the screen. In some embodiments the screen portion 40 is constructed out of spirally wrapped wires that form slots and serve as a filtration material. In some embodiments, the screen portion 40 may include as filtration material, a plurality of spaced filter wires, or a wire mesh supported on support rods (not shown). The screen portion 40 is constructed out of one or more screens of filtration material. In some embodiments, the screens may include Vee-Wire type screens. In some embodiments, the screen portion 40 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 screen portion 40. In some embodiments, the screen portion 40 may include as filtration material any combination of wires and plates. In some embodiments the filtration material is magnetic to filter metallic wastes.

(21) In the Vee-Wire type of screen, a filtering surface is formed by wires with a V-shaped cross-section, meaning that they each have a generally triangular-shaped cross-section and which typically are parallel at constant intervals, the space between wires forming the slots of the screen. The wires can be constructed out of circular, polygonal, or any other suitable cross-section based on requirements. In some embodiments these wires are welded to filter support rods (not shown) oriented essentially perpendicularly with respect to the wires, and may be relatively thin in order to maximize the effective opening of the slots. Such a screen portion 40 may have the advantage of being very strong and being resistant to clogging. The screen portion 40 allows fluids and specifically liquids, to pass through it, while preventing particulate matter (For example: sugar crystals) greater than a predetermined size from exiting the interior volume of the basket 12. 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.

(22) Multiple sets of wires can be arranged at angle with each other in the same plane and joined to form the screen portion 40. Therefore, the one or more sets of wires creates the screen portion 40 and defines the interior volume of the assembled filter screen 14. Furthermore, the sets of wires and the filter support rods, if any are present, can be constructed out of metals, composites, plastics, coated materials, natural or synthetic materials based on the desired properties and ease of manufacture, as described previously. 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 screen portion 40. While in other embodiments, the sets of wires may be cast or extruded in the desired contour and then fastened or welded together. Therefore, the screen portion 40 may be formed of one or more layers of wire mesh, perforated sheet metal, or any other structure, configuration, and/or material that is suitable to act as a filter for separating sugar crystals from massecuite during operation of the centrifuge 10. In this regard the mesh size of the wire mesh, or size of the perforations, openings or apertures in the screen portion may be chosen based on the size of the sugar crystals to be filtered. For instance a fine mesh may be used to filter small crystals and a relatively coarse mesh may be used to filter larger sugar crystals. The screen portion 40 may be thicker, more rigid, and more durable than traditional, collapsible filter screens of the type found in many conventional batch centrifuges. For example, the screen portion 40 may be sufficiently thick and/or rigid so as to resist significant bending or deformation under the application of manual force by a human being of average strength. In one non-limiting example, the screen portion 40 may have a thickness in a range of about inch to about inch. The screen portion 40 may be thicker/thinner than the frame portion 42. The present invention with filter screen 14 comprising curved screen panels 20a-h, is more durable than conventional collapsible screens and therefore has to be changed less frequently, thereby reducing operating expenses. The curved screens of the present invention can be assembled and disassembled in the centrifuge 10 with minimal layover time so that regular operations of the centrifuge 10 can commence quickly. Furthermore, due to the panel construction, only the faulty screen portion can be easily removed and replaced. In addition, the low-weight construction of the filter screen 14 aids and improves the operation of the centrifuge 10, increasing the efficiency of operation. In some embodiments, the filter screen 14 can also be inserted into the basket 12, through the partial disassembly of the centrifuge in a significantly quick and efficient manner when compared with conventional methods.

(23) As illustrated in FIG. 3, the frame 42 of the curved screen panel 20b, comprises a tongue feature 24, on the lateral side 42b and a groove feature 26 on the lateral side 42d. The tongue feature 24 comprises a projection/protrusion that extends at least along a portion of the length of the lateral side 42b. The tongue feature 24 can comprise square, quadrilateral, triangular, polygonal or curvilinear cross-sections or a combination of suitable cross sections throughout its length. The cross-section of the tongue feature 24 can comprise one or more sides. The one or more sides of the tongue feature 24 can be oriented at a suitable angle with respect to the frame portion 42. For example the sides can be perpendicular to the lateral side 42b as illustrated in FIG. 3 or can be oriented at acute/obtuse angles to form a dovetail joint. Furthermore, the tongue feature 24 may be placed towards the inner surface or the outer surface of the curved screen panel 20b or can be centered in between. In some embodiments the tongue feature 24 extends throughout the length of the lateral side 42d in a straight line or a suitable curve, while in other embodiments the tongue feature 24 extends only along a portion or at intermittent intervals along the length of the lateral side 42d. The groove feature 26 comprises a recess/depression extending along at least a portion of the length of the lateral side 42d to receive the tongue feature 24 of an adjacent curved panel and/or the curved screen panel 20b. In some embodiments the cross section and length of the groove feature is complementary to the tongue feature 24 of an adjacent curved panel. In some embodiments, the cross-sections of the tongue and groove features (24, 26) are chosen such that the tongue feature 24 can be inserted into the groove feature 26 of an adjacent curved panel in a direction perpendicular to the lateral side 42d or in a direction oriented at a finite angle with the lateral side 42d. In this regard the curved panels may be assembled by a snap joint, interference, clearance or transition fit based on the application. In other embodiments, the cross-sections of the tongue and groove features (24, 26) are chosen such that the tongue feature 24 can be slid into the groove feature 26 of an adjacent curved panel in a direction parallel to the lateral side 42d. In some embodiments additional components may be placed in between the tongue and groove features (24, 26) during assembly for enhanced sealing.

(24) Now referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, illustrating a portion of the cross-section of the curved screen panel 20b along the plane A-A of FIG. 3. FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate enlarged views of alternative embodiments of the screen portion 40. In some embodiments, the screen portion includes a single screen layer. In other embodiments, the screen portion 40 is a multi-layer screen comprising at least two layers of screens. In some embodiments, the layers of screens are concentric with respect to the centrifuge axis. For example, a dual screen is illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b and includes a primary screen layer 40a positioned toward the interior of the basket 12 and a secondary screen layer 40b positioned toward the interior surface 16b of the basket 12. Other embodiments can comprise two or more primary and/or secondary screens. The primary screen layer 40a and/or the secondary screen layer 40b, in some embodiments, may be supported by or affixed to filter supports 40c. For example, as illustrated by FIG. 4a, the screen (40a, 40b) can comprise a plurality of wires, and the wires can be fastened suitably, in the desired arrangement to one or more filer supports 40c to form the screen. In this instance, the plurality of wires may be oriented at an angle with respect to the filter supports 40c to form a grid like structure with apertures of suitable sizes. In some embodiments the primary screen 40a can comprise a fine mesh with smaller apertures while the secondary screen 40b may comprise a coarse mesh with larger perforations/apertures as illustrated in FIG. 4a. In other embodiments the secondary screen 40b may comprise of backing material as illustrated by FIG. 4b. Furthermore, FIG. 4b is illustrated with a single filter support 40c. This multi-layer screen is beneficial because the one or more secondary screens support the primary screen, augment the structural integrity of the curved screen panel 20b and enable the filter screen 14 to withstand axial, tangential and torsional loads during operations of the centrifuge. This novel screen is superior to other screens (for example, screens with heavy chain mesh backing) in that the layers of screens provide adequate support without undue increase in the weight of the assembly. In some embodiments, the filter supports 40c also add to the structural integrity of the curved screen panel 20b and/or the filter screen 14.

(25) In some embodiments, the screen layers (40a, 40b) of the multi-layer screen are chosen to provide progressive filtering of fluids in the centrifuge. The filter supports 40c may be one or more rods, bars, sheets or any other suitable configuration or a combination of configurations. The filter supports 40c may be hollow or of a solid construction. Typically, the filter supports are chosen such that they strengthen the curved screen panel 20b with minimum addition of weight. In some embodiments, the filter supports also comprise one or more apertures/perforations or are arranged to create apertures of a suitable size to enable fluid to pass through, thereby further reducing the weight of the assembly while in other embodiments the filter supports 40c are of a solid construction. Although illustrated as comprising Vee-wires with triangular cross-sections, the layers of screens (40a, 40b) can comprise any suitable cross-section of wires or other filter materials or designs. In some embodiments, the layers of screens are placed adjacent one another without the filter supports 40c. In some embodiments, the layers of screens may be fastened to each other, the frame 42 and/or the filter supports 40c. In some embodiments, the layers of screens (40a, 40b) are separate components that are arranged suitably during the assembly of the filter screen 14 in the centrifuge basket 12. The construction and materials used in this regard may be substantially similar to that described above for the curved screen panel 20b.

(26) As described before, the curved screen panel 20b is substantially identical to the curved screen panels 20a, 20c-h shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the curved screen panels 20a, 20h have respective shoulders 28, 30 formed in lateral sides. Referring now to FIG. 2, lateral sides of the curved screen panels 20a-h can be provided with complementary tongue and groove features 24, 26 such that each adjoining pair of curved panels (except for the adjoining curved screen panels 20a, 20h, described in further detail below) can be coupled together via a respective tongue and groove joint 22a-g. One pair of curved panels (panels 20a, 20h in the illustrated embodiment) can be provided with complementary shoulders 28, 30 in lieu of the aforementioned tongue and groove features. In use, these complementary shoulders 28, 30 may fit together to form a lap joint 22h. The lap joint 22h may be securely fastened by one or more removable mechanical fasteners 32 (For example: set screws, bolts and the like) that may extend through the shoulders 28, 30 to fix the curved screen panels 20a, and 20h together. The complementary shoulder 28 comprises a projection/protrusion on the frame portion 42 of the curved screen panel 20h (typically closer to either the inner surface or the outer surface of the curved screen panel 20h) and an adjacent recess to receive a projection/protrusion of the curved screen panel 20a. Similarly, the complementary shoulder 30 comprises the projection/protrusion and an adjacent recess to receive the projection of the curved screen panel 20h.

(27) The opposing lateral sides (42b, 42d) of the frame 42 may be formed with the tongue and groove features 24, 26 described above (and the adjoining frame edges of the curved screen panels 20a, 20h may be formed with the shoulders 28, 30 described above). Thus, the tongue 24 and groove 26 features (or the shoulders 28, 30) may be machined into the opposite lateral sides of the frame portion 42 as described above, can be additional components affixed to the frame portion 24 or can be cast integral with the frame portion 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved panel includes a tongue feature 24 on one lateral side and a groove feature 26 on the opposite lateral side. Thus arranged, when the panels 20a-g are joined together as shown in FIG. 2, joints 22a-h formed by the interlocking tongue and groove features 24, 26 and shoulders 28,30 may be sufficiently tight so as to prevent sugar crystals from passing therethrough during operation of the centrifuge 10.

(28) To install the filter screen 14 in the basket 12, each of the rigid curved screen panels 20a-h may be lowered into the basket 12 through the opening 13 and joined together in a sequential manner. For example, the curved screen panel 20a may first be lowered into the basket 12 through the opening 13, after which the curved screen panel 20b may be lowered into the basket 12 and the tongue feature 24 on the frame edge of the curved screen panel 20b may be fit into the groove feature 26 in the frame edge of the curved screen panel 20a. The remaining curved screen panels 20c-g may be installed in a similar manner, one after another. The curved screen panel 20h may be installed last, with the tongue feature 24 on the frame edge of the curved screen panel 20b being fit into the groove feature 26 of the curved screen panel 20h, and then pivoting the curved screen panel 20h so that the shoulder 28 in frame edge of the curved screen panel 20h is moved into engagement with the shoulder 30 in the frame edge of the curved screen panel 20a to form the lap joint 22h. One or more mechanical fasteners 32 may then be used to secure the lap joint 22h as described above. Since the curved screen panels 20a-h are rigid and must be assembled within a confined space (i.e., in the basket 12), the lap joint 22h allows the curved screen panels 20a-h to be joined together to form the assembled filter screen 14 without requiring any of the curved screen panels 20a-h to be bent or deformed during installation. This innovative solution to assemble the screens is further advantageous since the disclosed curved screen panels 20a-h enable the assembly of the filter screen securely in the confined space of basket 12, even when the opening 13 is the only provision for access. In some embodiments the tongue and groove features (24, 26) and the complementary shoulders (28, 30) may be configured to have a slight relative motion during and/or after assembly to aid the interlocking and disassembly of the curved screen panels 20a-h. The curved screen panels 20a-h of the present invention also have the advantage of providing enhanced sealing for the centrifuge. In this regard the tongue and groove features (24, 26) and the complementary shoulders (28, 30), have at least a partial overlap when assembled in some embodiments, thereby providing tight seals while maintaining the structural integrity of the filter screen 14.

(29) In some embodiments, the assembly of the filter screen 14 in the interior of the basket 12 is succeeded by operations of the centrifuge, for example sugar filtration operations. In this regard the method for separating sugar crystals from massecuite may comprise: placing an amount of massecuite containing sugar crystals in the basket 12 of the batch centrifuge 10; accelerating the basket 12 of the batch centrifuge 10 to spin for a predetermined spin time and at a suitable velocity; forcing the massecuite out of the interior of the basket 12 of the batch centrifuge 10 through the filter screen 14 and the apertures 18 of the basket 12; and removing sugar crystals from the filter screen 14 (for example by using a scraper arm of the centrifuge 10). In some embodiments, in order to remove the filter screen 14 from the basket 12, such as during replacement of the filter screen 14 and/or after the centrifuge operations, the above-described assembly process may be performed in reverse. In the embodiments with sub-panels, the tongue and groove features may also be present on the proximal and/or distal sides of the sub-panel (not shown) in addition to the lateral sides. One or more sub-panels can be assembled to form the curved screen panels and/or the filter screen 14 in a substantially similar manner to the method described above.

(30) Referring to FIG. 5, it is contemplated that, in the second embodiment of the invention, instead of the tongue and groove features 24, 26 and shoulders 28, 30 described above, the opposing longitudinal edges of the frame portion 42 of the curved screen panels 20a-g may alternatively be formed with a plurality of longitudinally-spaced, complementary hook and loop features 124, 126. As depicted in FIG. 6, which illustrates a section of the top view of the assembled filter screen 14, the curved screen panel 20b comprises a hook feature 124 on the on the lateral side 42b of the frame portion 42 and a loop feature 126 on the opposite lateral side 42d of the frame portion 42 (only one hook feature 124 and one loop feature 126 are visible in the edge view shown in FIG. 6). The hook and loop features (124, 126) may be formed integrally with the frame portion 42, may be machined on the frame portion 42 or may be separate components that are fixedly fastened to the frame portion 42. The curved screen panels 20a and 20c-h may also comprise similar hook 124 and loop 126 features. Thus arranged, when the panels 20a-h are joined together as exemplified by the panels 20a, 20b shown in FIG. 7b, joints such as joint 22a formed at the junctures of the interlocked panels 20a-h may be sufficiently tight so as to prevent sugar crystals from passing therethrough during operation of the centrifuge 10. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the hook feature 124 of the curved screen panel 20b may mate with a complementary loop feature 126 of the curved screen panel 20c and the loop feature 126 of the curved screen panel 20b may mate with a complementary loop feature 126 of the curved screen panel 20a. As best illustrated in FIG. 7a, illustrating a section the front view of the filter screen 14, one or more hook and loop features (124, 126) may be present along the length of the lateral sides (42b, 42d). In this regard the spacing between adjacent hook and loop features (124, 126) may be constant or may vary along the length of the lateral sides.

(31) Now referring to FIG. 7b-7d, illustrating an enlarged views of the hook and loop feature (124, 126). The hook feature 124, further comprises a projection/protrusion 124b from the lateral side of the frame portion 42. The projection 124b is illustrated as positioned towards the inner surface of the curved screen panel 20b, however, the projection 124b can be positioned toward the outer surface of the curved screen panel 20b or can be placed centrally. The hook feature 124 further comprises a hook/clasp 124a positioned on the projection 124b, either towards the outer surface or the inner surface of the curved screen panel 20b. The hook 124a comprises one or more sides, of straight or curvilinear shape. In some embodiments, the hook 124a may be a cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the lateral side of the frame portion 42, whose perimeter has at least one opening between the hook 124a and the projection 124b (typically, toward the lateral side 42b), for example an inverted L, U, C or any other suitable cross-section. For instance, as best illustrated in FIGS. 7c and 7d, the hook 124a may comprise a first side and a second side, oriented at an angle with respect to each other forming a substantially L cross-section. One end of the first side may be fixed to the projection 124b such that there is an opening between the second side and the projection 124a.

(32) The loop feature 126 further comprises a recess/depression 126b on the lateral side of the frame portion 42, complementary to and capable of receiving the projection 124b of an adjacent curved screen panel. In this regard, a small clearance may be provided between the projection 124b and the recess 126b, such that the hook feature 124 and the loop feature 126 may move relative to each other after assembly. Typically, the relative movement between the hook feature 124 and the loop feature 126 is configured such that, one assembled, at least a portion of the projection 124b is in contact with (or overlapping) at least a portion of the recess 126b, thereby maintaining effective sealing. The loop feature 126 further comprises a loop/ring 126a fixed to the portion of the lateral side of the frame portion 42, adjacent to the recess 126b. The loop 126a comprises one or more bars, of straight or curvilinear shape. In some embodiments, the loop 126a may be a cross section, in a plane parallel to the lateral side of the frame portion 42, such that the one or more bars of the loop 126a and/or the lateral side of the frame portion 42 surround a central opening. For instance, as best illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b, the loop 126a may comprise a first bar, a second bar fixed to the first bar and a third bar fixed to the second bar at a suitable angle forming a substantially U cross-section. The ends of the first and third bars not connected to the second bar may be fixed to the lateral side of the frame portion 42 such that there is an opening between the three bars and the frame portion 42.

(33) For assembly, the hook 124a is placed below the loop 126a. The hook 124a is then drawn through the opening in the loop 126a, while the loop 126a is maneuvered through the opening in the hook 124a causing the projection 124b to be received in the recess 126b. This causes the hook and loop features (124, 126) to be interlocked, quickly and easily as best illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b. The hook and loop features (124, 126) can be disassembled by performing the assembly steps in a reverse order. In some embodiments, the hook feature 124 and loop feature 126 are slightly flexible such that the hook 124a and the loop 126a can be snapped into place. Notably, the interlocked hook 124 and loop 126 features may hold all of the panels 20a-h together in the assembled configuration shown in FIG. 5 without requiring any additional mechanical fasteners such as screws. Moreover, since the hooks 124 are able to move laterally a short distance within their respective loops 126 (i.e., since the loops 126 may be larger than the hooks 124), the adjoining panels 20a-h may slide laterally a short distance relative to one another facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the hook and loop features (124, 126) and hence the filter screen 14.

(34) To install the alternative filter screen 14 shown in FIG. 5 in the basket 12 (shown in FIG. 1), each of the rigid curved screen panels 20a-h may be lowered into the basket 12 through the opening 13 and joined together in a sequential manner. For example, the curved screen panel 20a may first be lowered into the basket 12 through the opening 13, after which the curved screen panel 20b may be lowered into the basket 12 and the loop feature 126 on the frame edge of the curved screen panel 20b may be fit over the hook feature 124 on the frame edge of the curved screen panel 20a. The remaining curved screen panels 20c-h may be installed in a similar manner, one after another. Since the curved screen panels 20a-h may be rigid and must be assembled within a confined space (i.e., in the basket 12), the complementary hook and loop features 124, 126 allow the curved screen panels 20a-h to be joined together to form the assembled filter screen 14 without requiring any of the curved screen panels 20a-h to be bent or deformed during installation. In order to remove the filter screen 14 from the basket 12, such as during replacement of the filter screen 14, the above-described process may be performed in reverse.

(35) Referring to FIG. 9, it is contemplated that, instead of the tongue and groove features 24, 26 or the hook and loop features 124, 126 described above, the opposing lateral sides of the frames 42 of the curved screen panels 20a-h may alternatively be formed with complementary shoulders 128, 130 that are similar to the shoulders 28, 30 described above. For example, the shoulders 128, 130 may be machined into the solid metal bar elements positioned on opposite lateral sides of the curved screen panels 20a-h. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the curved screen panels 20a-h includes an outwardly-directed shoulder 128 formed on one lateral side thereof and an inwardly-directed shoulder 130 formed on an opposite lateral side thereof. Thus arranged, when the panels 20a-h are joined together as shown in FIG. 9, lap joints 22a-h formed at the junctures of the adjoining panels 20a-h may be sufficiently tight so as to prevent sugar crystals from passing therethrough during operation of the centrifuge 10. In order to hold the curved screen panels 20a-h in further firm engagement with one another in any of the embodiments described above, a ring clamp 127 be disposed within the assembled filter screen 14 and may be adjustably expanded to exert a radially-outwardly directed force on the curved screen panels 20a-h. In some embodiments, the ring clamp 127 may comprise a band 127a with at least one opening, projections 127b on either side of each opening and a fastener 127c. The projections 127b may comprise one or more threaded bores to receive the fastener 127c (typically, a threaded fastener). The opening enables the band to elastically deform or twist or wrap the band 127 around itself or the ends of the band 127 to overlap. This enables the band to be lowered into the basket 12 through opening 13, with reduced dimensions (diameter of band 127b) and then expanded inside the basket 12. The band can then be secured at the desired diameter and/tension using the projections 127b and the fastener 127c. Although disclosed as projections 127b and fastener 127c, any suitable means of releasably fastening the ends of the band 127a at the one or more openings can be employed. The ring clamp 127 may be installed near a top end of the filter screen, and a substantially identical, second ring clamp (not shown) may be similarly installed near a bottom end of the filter screen 14. The curved screen panels 20a-h may thereby be securely held in the arrangement shown in FIG. 9 with tight seals maintained therebetween. Moreover, since the shoulders 128, 130 of the curved screen panels 20a-h are not rigidly fastened to one another, the adjoining panels 20a-h may slide laterally a short distance relative to one another while maintaining tight seals at the overlapping joints 22a-h therebetween as described here and elsewhere in this disclosure.

(36) To install the alternative filter screen 14 shown in FIG. 9 in the basket 12 (shown in FIG. 1), each of the rigid curved screen panels 20a-h may be lowered into the basket 12 through the opening 13 and joined together in a sequential manner. For example, the curved screen panel 20a may first be lowered into the basket 12 through the opening 13, after which the curved screen panel 20b may be lowered into the basket 12 and the shoulder feature 128 on the frame edge of the curved screen panel 20b may be laid on top of the shoulder feature 130 on the frame edge of the curved panel to form a lap joint. The remaining curved screen panels 20c-h may be installed in a similar manner, one after another. Since the curved screen panels 20a-h are rigid and must be assembled within a confined space (i.e., in the basket 12), the complementary shoulders 128, 130 allow the curved screen panels 20a-h to be joined together to form the assembled filter screen 14 without requiring any of the curved screen panels 20a-h to be bent or deformed during installation. The ring clamp 127 (and the additional lower ring clamp that is not shown) may then be inserted into the assembled filter screen 14 and installed as described above. In order to remove the filter screen 14 from the basket 12, such as during replacement of the filter screen 14, the above-described process may be performed in reverse.

(37) In view of the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure provides a filter screen 14 that can be expeditiously removed and replaced and that is more rigid and more durable than thin filter screens that are typically employed in current practice. The filter 14 may therefore have a longer useful life and may require less frequent replacement than conventional filter screens. Moreover, the filter screen 14 may be implemented without a heavy mesh backing (i.e., perforated plate) as is often employed with conventional filter screens, thereby allowing the filter screen 14 to be positioned immediately adjacent the interior surface 16b of the basket 12.

(38) While the above-described filter screen 14 includes a total of eight curved screen panels 20a-h, alternative embodiments of the filter screen 14 are contemplated that employ a greater or fewer number of curved panels as long as each panel is able to fit though the opening 13 of the basket 12 as described above. It is further contemplated that a centrifuge 10 may be provided with filter supports (not shown) interposed between the filter screen 14 and the interior surface of the basket 12, such as for providing the filter screen 14 with additional support. This may be desirable where relatively thinner filter portions 40 are employed such that additional support is desirable. Additionally, while the frame edges of the curved screen panels 20a-h of the exemplary filter screen 14 are shown as being provided with tongue and groove features 24, 26, shoulders 28, 30, hook and loop features 124, 126, and shoulders 128, 130 for forming various types of joints, it is contemplated that the frame edges could be provided with a variety of additional or alternative features or configurations for facilitating interconnection of the curved screen panels 20a-h in a similar manner.

(39) Further, although the previously described embodiments disclose a final section joint comprising a lap joint secured with set screws, it is contemplated that this final joint may instead be made without fasteners or other hardware. For example, the lap joint could be replaced by a joint in which opposing panel edges are fit together with the joint indented inward. The panel edges can then be pushed out until the edges and the panels pop into place against the basket sidewall 16 or a perforated cylinder disposed between the panels and the basket sidewall.

(40) Although the filter screen disclosed herein is described with respect to sugar processing, a filter screen in accordance with the present invention may also be used in chemical and resin industries and other batch filtration operations.

(41) 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.

(42) Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

(43) Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

(44) Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

(45) Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

(46) For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms means for or step for are recited in a claim.