SEPARATION APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A separation apparatus and method are employed using a spearation channel (210) for rotation abut an axis. Such channel includes radially spaced apart inner (206) and outer (208) side wall portions and an end wall portion (224). An inlet (226) conveys fluid into the channel. A barrier (232) is located in the channel intermediate of the inner and outer side wall portions. A first flow path communicates between upstream and downstream sides of the barrier. A collection region may be located downstream of the barrier for communication with teh first flow path. An outer side wall section of the channel may be positioned radially outward of an upstream section thereof. The barrier (232) may joing the outer side wall portion (208) along a substantial portion of an axial length of the channel. First and second exit flow paths may allow communication with the channel either upstream or downstream of the barrier or both.