Skip to content
PCE
Search Classifications
Search for IPC and CPC classification codes or keywords
IPC Subclass
B04C

APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES

Introduced: September 1968

Classification Context

Section:
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Class:
CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
Subclass:
APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES

Description

B04C covers apparatus that exploit natural vortex formation (free vortex flow) to separate or process materials, with cyclones as the primary example. These devices rely on centrifugal forces generated by rotational fluid motion rather than mechanical rotation, making them suitable for gas-solid, liquid-solid, and liquid-liquid separations in industrial applications. Typical technologies include hydrocyclones, dust cyclones, and classifier cyclones used in mining, chemical processing, and environmental control. This subclass excludes mechanically-driven centrifugal equipment covered by B04B.

Additional Content

Combinations of cyclones with filters, for separating particles from gases or vapours Combinations of cyclones with electrostatic precipitating arrangements Cyclonic type combustion apparatus using fluent fuel Vortex burners e.g. for cyclone-type combustion apparatus

Related Keywords

CYCLONE separatorsremoving SMOKE by centrifugal separationVORTEX separators

6 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

Navigate with arrow keys, Enter to open

  • B04C 1/00 Apparatus in which the main direction of flow follows a flat spiral
  • B04C 11/00 Accessories, e.g. safety or control devices, not otherwise provided for
  • B04C 7/00 Apparatus not provided for in group , or; Multiple arrangements not provided for in one of the groups , , or; Combinations of apparatus covered by two or more of the groups , , or
  • B04C 9/00 Combinations with other devices, e.g. fans

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class B04, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. ALFA LAVAL SE 541
  2. GEA MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT DE 297
  3. CSSC NANJING LUZHOU MACHINE COMPANY 165
  4. GEA WESTFALIA SEPARATOR GROUP DE 138
  5. FLOTTWEG SE DE 124
  6. ANDREAS HETTICH & COMPANY DE 108
  7. OMACHRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CA 98
  8. MANN + HUMMEL DE 95
  9. DYSON GB 87
  10. JIANGSU SAIDELI PHARMACEUTICAL MACHINE COMPANY 82