Boris Zaitsev

US Patent:

62139282, Apr 10, 2001

Filed:

Aug 17, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/376038

Inventors:

Shrinivas G. Joshi - Brookfield WI
Boris D. Zaitsev - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

B04B 906
B04B 1500

US Classification:

494 10

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for measuring the thickness of sludge being deposited on the sidewall of a rotating turbine can in a centrifuge by measuring the electrical admittance (capacitance or conductance) between the sidewall of the turbine can and the base, shaft, or body of the centrifuge which is electrically isolated from the turbine can. An electrical circuit is coupled to the sidewall of the turbine can to measure a change in the thickness of the sludge being deposited on the inner surface of the sidewall by measuring a change in voltage, admittance, capacitance, or conductance between the turbine can and the base, shaft or body of the centrifuge which are all at ground potential. The apparatus of the invention includes a typical centrifuge which is modified by adding a pair of insulating rings to the structure of the centrifuge to electrically isolate the turbine can from the rest of the centrifuge structure.