Inertial separation pre-cleaner

Abstract

An inertial separator (172) includes an inlet portion connected to a y-junction (179), the y-junction (179) having a first conduit (180) fluidly extending from the inlet portion and a first conduit (180) fluidly extending from the inlet portion. The second conduit (182). A separator wall (184) is disposed between and along at least a portion of the first conduit and the second conduit. The separator wall (184) has a tip (185) extending into the y-junction (179) between the inlet to the first conduit (180) and the inlet to the second conduit (182). An acute angle (α) is formed between the main longitudinal dimension of the separator wall (184) and the centerline of the inlet portion, and in the direction of the airflow from the inlet opening (170) towards the first and second outlets at the y-junction ( A ramp (186) is formed upstream of 179) adjacent the second end of the generally straight inlet portion. During operation, debris entering the inlet section is separated from the airflow and exhausted through the second conduit (182), while air is exhausted through the first conduit (180).

Description

technical field [0001] The patented invention relates generally to material separators, and more particularly to air cleaners for use on engines. Background technique [0002] Internal combustion engines are supplied with a mixture of air and fuel for combustion within the engine, which produces mechanical power. To maximize the power produced by this combustion process, engines are often equipped with turbocharged induction systems. [0003] To prevent possible contamination and damage to internal engine components by ingested debris from the environment, such as dust and other debris, engines typically employ filters to separate the dust and other debris from incoming engine air. For large displacement engines and for engine applications on vehicles operating in harsh environments, a pre-separator can also be used upstream of the air filter to remove larger debris particles from the air for extended filter life period and increase the service interval for the machine in ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although centrifugal pre-separators are at least partially effective in removing larger debris particles from incoming air, they are not suitable for all types of operating environments

For example, machines operating in landfills, forests, and other areas where large debris may be present, such as leaves, twigs, shredded paper, fabric fibers, etc., may be prone to have their pre-separators clogged with large debris

Clogged pre-separators, even when not severe, can increase the engine's intake air pressure drop, which can reduce pumping efficiency and increase engine fuel consumption

Additionally, severe clogging conditions can render the engine inoperable and require maintenance

Centrifugal pre-separators are especially prone to clogging due to debris larger than the diameter of the air vortex tubes used to generate centrifugal force

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