Fuel centrifuge

Abstract

fuel centrifuge (1) comprising: - a rotor housing (21) with a radially external collecting reservoir (33) formed therein and extending in the direction of rotation around the rotor housing (21) for water to be separated from the fuel; - a gas discharge device (47) which extends radially inwards from an end face (11) of the rotor housing (21) centrally into the rotor housing (21), wherein the discharge device (47) is formed by means of a bearing journal (13) of the rotor housing (21) and wherein an opening (51) of the discharge device (47) is protected against the ingress of fuel by a co-rotating element (61); - a fuel supply device (39) which is formed by means of the bearing journal (13), wherein the bearing journal (13) further comprises a baffle element (45).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel centrifuge, in particular for diesel fuel according to the preamble of claim 1. The fuel centrifuge is usable with a fuel conditioning system.

[0002] When using a fuel injector with high-pressure fuel, a high concentration of dissolved or free air in the fuel, as well as the presence of water, can cause cavitation during fuel expansion within the injector. In the initial stage of cavitation, gas bubbles consisting of fuel and water form. These bubbles create heterogeneous nuclei that promote cavitation. Components at risk include the pilot valve, the nozzle needle seat, and the injection holes. High-pressure pumps with suction valves can also be affected by cavitation.

[0003] Generally, a separator, e.g., in the form of a cyclone, can be used to separate water from fuel. In addition, German patent application DE 10 2007 016 943 B4 proposes using such a separator as an alternative for fuel degassing. German patent application US 3 960 319 A describes a three-phase centrifugal separator for a mixture that may contain, for example, oil, water, gas, and / or solids. German patent application DE 10 2007 016 943 B4 describes a fuel processing system for degassing vegetable fuels.

[0004] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide a fuel centrifuge that enables combined degassing and water separation, wherein the centrifuge is advantageously simple and robust in design.

[0005] This problem is solved by a fuel centrifuge having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments and embodiments of the invention are specified in the further claims.

[0006] According to the invention, a fuel centrifuge is proposed with a rotor housing in which a radially external collection reservoir for water to be separated from the fuel is formed, extending in the direction of rotation around the rotor housing. The centrifuge further comprises a discharge device for gas, in particular free air, which extends radially inside from a (first) end face of the rotor housing centrally into the housing, wherein the discharge device is formed by means of a bearing journal of the rotor housing and an opening of the discharge device is protected against the ingress of fuel by a co-rotating element. The centrifuge also comprises a fuel supply device formed by means of the bearing journal, wherein the bearing journal further comprises an impact element.The fuel centrifuge formed in this way allows for the simple removal of gas (from the fuel) which collects in the area of ​​the axis of rotation during operation of the centrifuge, as well as the separation and accumulation of water (from the fuel) in a peripheral reservoir which can be easily emptied due to its advantageous positioning.

[0007] Preferably, the centrifuge further comprises an outlet from the rotor housing, which is arranged radially between the outer collection reservoir and the inner discharge device. This allows fuel with high purification quality to be dispensed easily. The outlet is preferably formed on a second end face of the rotor housing.

[0008] For simple manufacturing of the fuel centrifuge, the collection reservoir can be formed by means of a cross-sectional widening and a cross-sectional narrowing of the rotor housing.

[0009] In preferred embodiments of the fuel centrifuge, the discharge device is guided by, and preferably also formed by, a bearing journal of the rotor housing. This enables trouble-free gas discharge from the centrifuge and simultaneously ensures stable mounting of the rotor housing. The bearing journal is preferably located on the (first) inlet (end) side of the rotor housing.

[0010] According to the invention, the fuel centrifuge has a fuel supply device that extends radially inward from the (first) end face of the housing centrally into the housing. The fuel supply device is formed by the bearing journal of the housing, on which the gas discharge device is also provided. Furthermore, the bearing journal has an impact element. This can serve to distribute the fuel all around within the centrifuge upon entry.

[0011] According to the invention, the outlet of the discharge device, in particular all of them, is protected against the ingress of fuel (from inside the centrifuge) by an element that rotates with the rotor housing, in particular by a cage or a barrier labyrinth. This allows any fuel potentially entering the outlet to be flung off.

[0012] Within the scope of the invention, it is further preferred that the fuel centrifuge has a first chamber in which the collection reservoir is formed and into which the gas discharge device extends with an opening. The first chamber may preferably have longitudinal ribs to minimize any distortion of the fuel flow.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the fuel centrifuge has a second chamber downstream of the first chamber in the flow direction of the centrifuge, in which the fuel is forced from radially outer positions to radially inner positions along the flow path to an outlet, in particular alternately, wherein the discharge device extends radially inside with an opening preferably also into the second chamber. The second chamber can have longitudinal ribs and centrally open transverse ribs as well as communication openings to guide the fuel between radially outer and radially inner positions through the second chamber, in particular in a meandering manner.

[0014] Preferably, the centrifuge further comprises a third chamber, which is arranged downstream of the second chamber in the flow direction, the third chamber being designed to stabilize the flow and in particular comprising the centrifuge outlet. In preferred embodiments, the first chamber can communicate with the second chamber, or with the second and third chambers, via radially outwardly located bores in a wall separating adjacent chambers.

[0015] The fuel centrifuge can be used with a fuel conditioning system. Preferably, an ultrasonic degassing unit can be installed upstream of the centrifuge in the fuel conditioning system.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures in the drawings, which show details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in any combination in a variant of the invention.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1. Exemplary and schematic sectional view of the fuel centrifuge according to a possible embodiment of the invention with buffer tank and drive unit; Fig. 2. Exemplary and schematic external view of the rotor housing of the fuel centrifuge according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3. Exemplary and schematic sectional view of the rotor of the fuel centrifuge according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4. An exemplary and schematic sectional view of the rotor according to Fig. 1 to 3 and Fig. 4a a detail from Fig. 4; Fig. 5. An exemplary and schematic sectional view of the rotor according to Fig. 1 to 4; Fig. 6. Exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view of the rotor, in which the fill levels of the centrifuge are shown according to Fig. 1 to 5 are marked; Fig. 7. Exemplary and schematic representation of a fuel system and a fuel preparation system with a fuel centrifuge according to a possible embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 8 and Fig. 8a Exemplary and schematic sectional view of an ultrasonic degassing unit of a fuel treatment system according to Fig. 7.

[0018] In the following description and drawings, identical reference symbols correspond to elements of the same or comparable function.

[0019] The Fig. Figures 1 to 6 show views of a fuel centrifuge 1, which is equipped with a fuel treatment system 3, in particular according to Fig. 7. The centrifuge 1 is designed to separate gas (air), in particular free air, and water, in particular free water, from the fuel, which may be diesel fuel. Fuel in which the bound water or bound air has been converted into free water or free air can be provided, for example, by means of ultrasonic pretreatment. The centrifuge 1 can be used with a motor vehicle, for example, a ship or a commercial vehicle, or, for example, with a stationary system such as a combined heat and power plant.

[0020] The fuel centrifuge 1, szB Fig. 1, preferably comprising a housing 5 or a casing which accommodates or surrounds a rotor 7 of the fuel centrifuge 1. The housing 5 may be designed to collect splash leakage and may, for example, have an outlet 9 to discharge the leakage, for example, by gravity. Furthermore, the housing 5 may be designed to support the rotor 7.

[0021] Preferably, the rotor 7 can be supported at a first end face 11 (inlet end face) on a bearing journal 13, which bearing journal 13 is supported, for example, on the housing 5 or a wall of the housing 5. Alternatively, a separate bearing arrangement can be provided. The bearing journal 13 is preferably fixed, while the rotor 7 is preferably rotatably mounted on the bearing journal 13. The mounting of the rotor 7 on the journal 13 can be effected, for example, by means of sliding bearing bushings or sealed rolling bearings, wherein the bearing journal 13 can be guided into the rotor housing 21 via a through-opening 19 at the first end face 11, e.g. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3.

[0022] Preferably, the rotor 7 can have a bearing journal 25 on a second end face 23 (outlet end face), which is preferably integrally formed with the rotor housing 21 (rotationally fixed). A plain or roller bearing can again be provided for support. In preferred embodiments, the bearing journal 25 can be provided for a direct connection to a drive unit 27, and more specifically, such that the drive unit 27 also assumes responsibility for supporting the rotor 7 via the bearing journal 25. Fig. 1. Alternatively, a separate bearing device can be provided for the bearing journal 25. An electric motor, or for example a belt drive, can serve as the drive unit 27.

[0023] The rotor housing 21, which is rotatably mounted via the pins 13, 25, defines an interior space 29 into which the fuel to be degassed and separated from water can be introduced (explained in more detail below). The rotor housing 21 can be essentially rotationally symmetrical, and can be tapered in a funnel shape from the inlet end 11 to the outlet end 23 via a section 31, e.g. Fig. 1. The rotor housing 21 as well as the rotor 7 can be manufactured (in one piece) as a sheet metal welded construction, or alternatively, for example, as a construction made of aluminum or plastic, especially if the rotor has only a small diameter.

[0024] According to the invention, a radially external collection reservoir 33 for water separated from the fuel is formed in the rotor housing 21, extending around the rotor housing 21 in the direction of rotation (circumference direction). The collection reservoir 33, which is preferably annular, can preferably be formed by a suitable shaping of the rotor housing 21, particularly integrally with it, especially in the form of a circumferential bulge (of the housing wall). The collection reservoir 33 preferably extends continuously and, in particular, completely around the circumference of the rotor housing 21. The collection reservoir 33 enables the accumulation of separated water (also solids or suspended particles) and its easy removal from the interior 29.

[0025] The collection reservoir 33 can generally be formed particularly simply and preferably by means of a cross-sectional expansion (in the axial direction) 35, especially starting from the inlet end 11, and a subsequent cross-sectional narrowing (in the axial direction) of the rotor housing 21, for example section 31. The bulge forming the collection reservoir 33 – in the interior 29 – consisting of the cross-sectional expansion 35 and the cross-sectional narrowing 31 (preferably a funnel-shaped or V-shaped cross-section of the bulge), advantageously enables, on the one hand, the accumulation of water (and solids or suspended particles) and, on the other hand, the simple, especially gravity-assisted, emptying of the collection reservoir 33.

[0026] For introducing fuel into the rotor housing 21, the fuel centrifuge 1 has an inlet-side fuel supply device 39, Bz. 11, which can advantageously be formed simply and robustly by means of the bearing journal 13. For this purpose, the bearing journal 13 can have an axial bore 41, which opens into the interior 29, Bz. 43. A baffle plate 45, which can be accessed via the opening 43 and which can be mounted on the bearing journal 13 (in particular, an extended one), makes it possible, for example, to distribute the fuel easily in all directions.

[0027] According to the invention, the fuel centrifuge 1 further comprises a discharge device 47 for gas, in particular (free) air, which extends radially inwards from an end face, in particular the end face 11 (inlet side) of the rotor housing 21 into the rotor housing 21 (into its interior 29), particularly centrally. The discharge device 47 can preferably be subjected to a (slight) negative pressure to force the discharge of free air from the interior 29. Preferably, the discharge device 47 – like the fuel supply device 39 – can be implemented by means of the bearing or pin 13.

[0028] In a preferred simple and robust embodiment of the fuel centrifuge 1, the discharge device 47 is formed by means of a channel 49 which is led through the - extended - bearing journal 13 into the interior 29 and has at least one outlet 51 there.

[0029] The fuel centrifuge 1 according to the invention, comprising the collecting reservoir 33 and the discharge device 47 according to the invention, advantageously enables the simple separation of two substances (water / air) from the fuel, wherein the fuel has neither the highest nor the lowest density. For particularly simple dispensing of fuel reliably separated from water and gas, it can further preferably be provided that the centrifuge 1 has an outlet 53 from the rotor housing 21 (end face 23), which is arranged radially between the radially outer collecting reservoir 33 and the radially inner discharge device 45, e.g. Fig. 1.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the fuel centrifuge 1 may have a first chamber 55, which is formed adjacent to the inlet side 11. The first chamber 55 preferably has longitudinal ribs 57 distributed around the rotor circumference, which are suitable for carrying the fuel introduced via the feed device 39 (with baffle plate 45) with minimal delay (centrifugal effect). The longitudinal ribs 57 preferably extend over the entire axial dimension of the chamber 55, in the radial direction, e.g., from outer radial positions on the rotor housing 21 to radially more inward positions (while maintaining a distance from the axial axis of rotation, e.g., Fig. 2) The ribs 57 subdivide the first chamber 55 into rib sections A, B, C....

[0031] The first chamber 55, which preferably forms the rotating collection reservoir 33, is in particular designed such that a radial gap 59 is formed between the longitudinal ribs 57 and the rotor housing 21, via which radial gaps 59 communication between the longitudinal sections A, B, C,... is enabled, e.g. Fig. 4 and Fig. 4a. This allows separated water to collect on the bottom side during periods of suspended operation, and the reservoir 33 can be emptied by gravity.

[0032] The degassing outlet 43 located in the first chamber 55, which may be designed for coarse separation / degassing, is preferably protected against the ingress of fuel from the first chamber 55. For this purpose, a (ring) barrier element 61, which rotates with the rotor 7 or the rotor housing 21, can be provided around the outlet 51 – advantageously utilizing the centrifugal effect – e.g., a cage element 61 or alternatively, e.g., a barrier grid or a barrier labyrinth – which is gas-permeable and by means of which fuel (e.g., as a mist) is flung off upon approaching the outlet 51. The barrier element 61 is preferably a component of the discharge unit 47.

[0033] The fuel centrifuge 1 can further comprise a second chamber 63, which is adjacent to the first chamber 55 towards the outlet side 23. The cross-section of the second chamber 63 can taper continuously towards the outlet side 23 (within section 31). Like the first chamber 55, the second chamber preferably also has longitudinal ribs 65, which in particular align with the longitudinal ribs 57 and form rib sections A, B, C, ... around the circumference of the rotor housing 21, corresponding to those of the first chamber 55. The ribs 65 preferably extend over the entire axial dimension of the second chamber 63, e.g. Fig. 5.

[0034] Preferably, the first chamber 55 and the second chamber 63 are separated by a partition 67 (in a radial plane), wherein connecting bores 69 are formed in the partition 67 distributed over the circumference of the partition 67, which allow a fuel flow from the first 55 into the second 63 chamber, in particular exclusively.

[0035] The connecting bores 69 are preferably arranged such that the fuel passing from the first chamber 55 to the second chamber 63 via the connecting bores 69 remains in the same fin (longitudinal) section A, B, C,... The radial position of each connecting bore 69 is preferably sufficiently far outwards so that largely gas-free (air-free) fuel can be transferred to the second chamber 63, but also sufficiently far inwards so that the circumferential collection reservoir 33 has a sufficiently large volume and / or cannot be unintentionally emptied via the connecting bores 69 (and / or dirt cannot pass through the bores 69). One possible arrangement provides for the formation of bores 69 at a small distance from the circumferential wall of the rotor housing 21, e.g. Fig. 1, i.e. radially inside adjacent to reservoir 33.

[0036] The second chamber 63 can preferably have at least one, in particular a plurality of, partition walls 71, e.g. three partition walls 71a, b, c (transverse ribs), by means of which the fuel is forced from radially outer positions to radially inner positions along the flow path through the second chamber 63. Fig. 6.

[0037] The partition walls 71a, b, c are preferably arranged side by side (each extending in a radial plane) with axial spacing and each with a central opening 73a, b, c in the second chamber 63, which may be provided for fine separation (water, dirt) / degassing. The partition walls 71a, b, c are preferably configured such that, in the direction from the inlet side 11 to the outlet side 23, first the partition wall 71a with a central opening 73a of a relatively large diameter d1, then the partition wall 71b with a central opening 73b of a smaller diameter d2 compared to the diameter d1, and subsequently the partition wall 71c with a central opening 73c with a relatively large diameter d1, is provided. Fig. 6. The diameters d1 are dimensioned such that fuel flow through the central opening 73a or 73c is ensured when the centrifuge 1 is operated at the intended fuel level, for example. Fig. 6. In contrast, the diameter of the central opening 73b is dimensioned such that fuel flow through it is not possible when the centrifuge 1 is in operation and at the intended fill level.

[0038] Furthermore, in each longitudinal section A, B, C,... of the second chamber 63, preferably only the central partition 71b has (at least) one connecting bore 75, so that, in conjunction with the differently shaped diameters of the central openings 73 a, b, c, the fuel can be forced onto a meandering flow path, which leads from radially outer positions, bores 69 and 75, to radially inner positions, openings 73a and 73c. Fig. 6. The residence time of the fuel in the second chamber 63 is thereby advantageously increased and short-circuit flow is avoided.

[0039] Obviously, e.g. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 ua, it is preferably provided that the gas discharge device 47 for the discharge of separated air also extends into the second chamber 63, in particular radially inside into a central area of ​​the second chamber 63. For this purpose, the partition wall 67 can have a central opening to allow the entry of the discharge device 47. The discharge device 47, preferably formed by means of the extended, e.g. lance-shaped bearing pin 25, preferably has a further opening 43 in the second chamber 63 for degassing. As with the opening 43 in the first chamber 55, it is also provided for the opening 43 of the second chamber 63 to be protected from fuel ingress by a preferably rotatable barrier element 61, in particular the discharge device 47 – e.g. again by a cage element 61 or alternatively e.g. by a barrier grid or a barrier labyrinth, soThe extended bearing pin 25 can be mounted in the partition wall 67 in a sliding bearing or connected to the partition wall 67 in a relative rotatable manner via a sliding seal.

[0040] Preferably, a third chamber 77 adjoins the second chamber 63 in the direction of the outlet side 23. This third chamber is partitioned off in the interior 29 and, for example, has a constant cross-section. The third chamber 77, which may be designed for fine separation, can be separated from the second chamber 63 by a further partition 79. The third chamber 77 may be free of longitudinal and transverse ribs, for example. Fig. 5, so that a calm flow can be achieved in particular. For fuel passage, the partition 79 can again have radially far outward connecting bores 81, which are distributed around the circumference, preferably uniformly (as are the bores 69, 75).

[0041] The third chamber 77 is preferably limited by the front face 23, which can provide the outlet openings 53 of the centrifuge 1.

[0042] The following section discusses some aspects of the operation of fuel centrifuge 1 according to the Fig. Numbers 1 to 6 received.

[0043] For the operation of the centrifuge 1, fuel, in which the bound water or bound air has been converted into free water or free air, preferably by ultrasound, can enter the interior 29 or the first chamber 55 via the fuel supply device 39 (hollow bore bearing journal 13). The incoming fuel is, for example, scattered at the baffle 45. Particularly when the rotor 7 starts up, the longitudinal ribs 57 can ensure that the fuel is carried along without delay. Separated water (including suspended or solid particles) can collect in the reservoir 33. Air separated as a result of the centrifuge rotation can be removed from the central area of ​​the chamber 55 via the gas discharge device 47, preferably by applying a (slight) vacuum. If fuel comes into contact with the barrier element 61, it can advantageously be flung off again by centrifugal force.

[0044] Along the flow path through centrifuge 1, dashed line in Fig. 6. The fuel can enter the second chamber 63 via the radially far-outer connecting bores 69. Separated air can be discharged centrally via the discharge device 47, analogous to the first chamber 55. After the fuel has passed through the partition walls 71a, b, c of the second chamber 63, it can enter the third chamber 77 via the bores 81, where the fuel can achieve maximum swirl. Fuel discharge is enabled via the outlet openings 53, for example by means of a splash plate 83 arranged around the outside of the centrifuge around the outlet openings 53. The exiting fuel can preferably be directed against a catch plate 85 encapsulating the outlet 53, for example, Fig. 1, which can be ejected, and which can function as a fuel outlet of the housing 5, and through which the fuel can be directed into a buffer tank 87. Fuel pumps or an injection system can subsequently be supplied from this buffer tank 87.

[0045] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates fill levels and a flow path by way of example. The first chamber 55 can be filled during operation up to the central area, i.e., to the maximum extent that the barrier element 61 is not immersed in the fuel. In the second chamber 63, the fill level is preferably set such that the edge 89a, 89c of the central openings 73a and 73c is flooded, while the second partition wall 71b projects above the fuel level towards the center, 89b. The fuel is thus forced onto a meandering flow path through the second chamber 63, which repeatedly leads from a radially outer position to a radially inner position, thus increasing the residence time. The fill level in the third chamber 77 is determined by the radial height of the drain openings 53.

[0046] The centrifuge 1 can advantageously be designed to be maintenance-free. For example, drain valves 91, in particular automatic drain valves 91, can be provided on the collection reservoir 33. The drain valves 91 can open by spring force when the rotor is stationary, so that the entire contents of the rotor 7 and consequently also the collected water can drain away. Alternatively, it could be provided, for example, that the drain openings from the collection reservoir 33 could each be closed with a screw. Furthermore, centrifugal force-assisted emptying is conceivable, for which the valves 91 could, for example, each contain a magnetic switch or be designed such that the valve 91 only closes above a certain rotational speed.

[0047] Preferably, when the rotor 7 is switched off, it can be moved into a defined position in which one of the drain valves 91 is at its lowest point. A magnet 93 can be provided for this purpose, for example. Fig. 6, by means of which the rotor 7 (when the magnet approaches shortly before coming to a standstill) can be captured, for example, by means of an attached steel plate 95.

[0048] Fig. Figure 7 shows a fuel system 100 with a fuel conditioning system 3, which can be formed using the fuel centrifuge 1. The fuel conditioning system 3 can be used, for example, for stationary, marine, off-road, or vehicle applications. The fuel conditioning system 3 can be provided as an air / water separation module and, advantageously, as a compact unit that can be arranged between a tank and, for example, a pre-supply pump of a fuel (injection) system.

[0049] As part of a fuel system according to Fig. 7 Fuel from a tank 101 can first enter a heat exchanger 103 of the fuel preparation system 3, which can be connected, for example, to the cooling water circuit of an engine 105, Bz. 107. Here, the fuel can be preheated to approximately 50° to approximately 70°. This heating facilitates the activation of the subsequent ultrasonic deaerator 109. The ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic deaerator 109 create pressure waves with high "vacuum" peaks in the fuel, which allows air and water vapor to be extracted.

[0050] By arranging a low-pressure pump 111 downstream of the ultrasonic degassing unit 109 and an adjustable throttle 113 upstream of the ultrasonic degassing unit 109, the pressure can be reduced to a level below ambient pressure, thus further simplifying the degassing process. Alternatively, the low-pressure pump 111 can be arranged upstream of the ultrasonic degassing unit 109, with a supporting vacuum in the degasser 109 being generated by a vacuum pump or a connection to the intake manifold of the engine 105.

[0051] In the centrifuge 1, which is connected downstream of the ultrasonic degassing unit 109 or the low-pressure pump 111 (and, for example, a filter 115), the fuel can be freed from air and water. Advantageously, the low-pressure pump 109 and the centrifuge 1 can be driven by a common drive unit 27, for example, an electric motor. The cleaned fuel at outlet 85 (or 53) can be cooled after the centrifuge 1 by means of an air / fluid heat exchanger 117. The heat exchanger 117 can be supplied with, for example, seawater or cooling air.

[0052] The buffer vessel 87 can compensate for the fuel flow to the high-pressure pump 119 during load changes and when starting the engine 105. Condensed water and dirt can be collected in a separator 121. Leakage fuel from the centrifuge storage, e.g., tank 13, or fuel emptied from centrifuge 1 can be returned to the buffer vessel 87 or, alternatively, to the tank 101 after shutdown. Air and vapor discharged from centrifuge 1 can be returned to the intake manifold of engine 105.

[0053] The (hot) injector leakage from engine 105 can be largely returned to the fuel supply via at least one control valve 123. This has the advantage that the fuel, "pre-aged" by heat exposure, does not dilute the fresh fuel in tank 101. Only in the case of very large return volumes at high temperatures can an excess portion be routed back to tank 101 via a cooler 125. By adding hot return fuel upstream of the ultrasonic degassing unit 109, rapid fuel warm-up can be ensured after a cold start. Alternatively, the return fuel can be added after ultrasonic degassing, provided that the return fuel is already degassed and that the residence time of the fresh fuel to be degassed in the ultrasonic unit 109 is increased.

[0054] Fig. 8 and Fig.Figure 8a shows a schematic detail of an ultrasonic degassing unit 109, wherein the ultrasonic degassing unit 109 preferably has an integrated heat exchanger 127. The heated degassing unit 109 comprises sonication channels 129 along which the fuel is guided through the ultrasonic degassing unit 109 past the ultrasonic transducers 131. The area of ​​the ultrasonic transducers 131 preferably has a large ratio to the volume 129.

[0055] For heat exchange, the channels 129 are preferably surrounded by engine cooling water via an inlet 133 and an outlet 135 of the ultrasonic degassing unit 109. One or more fine-mesh grids or filters 139 can preferably be connected to the ultrasonic section 137, allowing the tiny bubbles to coalesce into larger bubbles. This enables faster separation in the centrifuge 1. Rough surfaces of the degassing unit 109 can promote degassing, e.g., formed by cast surfaces, such as aluminum casting. Stiffening ribs 141 can be provided between the sonication channels 129 and the housing wall 143 to stiffen the ultrasonic degassing unit 109.

[0056] The proposed separation module 3 enables ultrasonic degassing and mechanical separation / degassing. The degassing unit 109 converts the bound air and bound water into the gaseous state, while in the downstream centrifuge 1, air, water vapor, and condensed water are separated from the fuel. Reference sign 1 fuel centrifuge 3 Fuel preparation system 5 cases 7 Rotor 9 Outlet 11 Front 13 bearing journals 19 Passage opening 21 Rotor housings 23 Front 25 bearing journals 27 Drive unit 29 Interior Section 31 33 Reservoir 35 Expanding cross-section 39 Fuel supply device 41 Axial bore 43 Mouth 45 Impact element 47 Collection device Channel 49 51 Mouth 53 Outlet 55 First Chamber 57 longitudinal ribs 59 Radial gap 61 Locking element 63 Second Chamber 65 ribs 67 Partition wall 69 connecting holes 71 Partition wall 73 Opening 75 Connecting hole 77 Third Chamber 79 Partition wall 81 Connecting hole 83 Splash ring 85 Catch plate (outlet) 87 Buffer tank 89 Rand 91 Valve 93 Magnet 95 steel plate 100 Fuel system 101 Tank 103 heat exchangers 105 engine 107 connection 109 Ultrasonic degassers 111 Low-pressure pump 113 Throttle 115 filters 117 heat exchangers 119 High-pressure pump 121 separators 123 Control valve 125 cooler 127 heat exchangers 129 sound reinforcement channels 131 Ultrasound head 133 Admission 135 Outlet 137 Ultrasound section 139 filters / grids 141 ribs 143 Housing wall

Claims

[1] Fuel centrifuge (1) comprising: - a rotor housing (21) with a radially external collecting reservoir (33) formed therein and extending in the direction of rotation around the rotor housing (21) for water to be separated from the fuel; - a gas discharge device (47) which extends radially inwards from an end face (11) of the rotor housing (21) centrally into the rotor housing (21), wherein the discharge device (47) is formed by means of a bearing journal (13) of the rotor housing (21) and wherein an opening (51) of the discharge device (47) is protected against the ingress of fuel by a co-rotating element (61); - a fuel supply device (39) which is formed by means of the bearing journal (13), wherein the bearing journal (13) further comprises a baffle element (45). [2] Fuel centrifuge (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the centrifuge (1) further has an outlet (53) from the rotor housing (21), which is arranged radially between the radially outer collecting reservoir (33) and the radially inner discharge device (47). [3] Fuel centrifuge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the collecting reservoir (33) is formed by means of a cross-sectional widening (35) and a cross-sectional narrowing (31) of the rotor housing (21). [4] Fuel centrifuge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the discharge device (47) is guided by and / or formed by a fixed bearing journal (13) of the rotor housing (21). [5] Fuel centrifuge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the centrifuge (1) comprises a first chamber (55) which has the collection reservoir (33) and into which the gas discharge device (47) extends with the outlet (51). [6] Fuel centrifuge (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the fuel centrifuge (1) has a second chamber (63) downstream of the first chamber (55) in the flow direction of the centrifuge (1), in which the fuel is forced from radially outer positions to radially inner positions along the flow path to an outlet (81, 53), wherein the discharge device (47) extends radially inwards with the opening (51) also into the second chamber (63). [7] Fuel centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized by , that the centrifuge (1) has a third chamber (77) which is arranged downstream of the second chamber (63) in the direction of flow, the third chamber (77) being provided for calming the flow. [8] Fuel centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by, that the first chamber (55) communicates with the second (63) or with the second (63) and third (77) chamber via radially external openings (69, 75, 81) in each of the adjacent chambers (55, 63, 77) separating wall (67, 79). [9] Fuel centrifuge (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first (55) and / or the second (63) chamber has longitudinal ribs (57, 65) to minimize delay in fuel carry-through. [10] Fuel centrifuge (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the centrifuge (1) has longitudinal ribs (65) and centrally open transverse ribs (71) as well as communication bores (73a, b, c) to guide the fuel meandering through the interior (29) between radially outer and radially inner positions. [11] Fuel preparation system (3), characterized by a centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [12] Fuel preparation system (3) according to claim 11, characterized by, that an ultrasonic degassing unit (109) is connected upstream of the centrifuge (1).

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