Hydrocyclone for separating solids and / or liquids from gaseous process stream

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydrocyclone (1) for separating solids and / or liquids from a gaseous process stream (26), comprising: a treatment chamber (3) which is formed by a circumferential wall (2) and has a cylindrical shape in a first treatment chamber section (3.1), the axial direction (A) of the treatment chamber (3) extending vertically, and the axial direction (A) of the treatment chamber (3) extending vertically in a second treatment chamber section (3.1); the lower region (7) of the treatment chamber (3) is designed to be filled with a treatment liquid (27) up to a filling height (25); an inlet (8) penetrating the circumferential wall (2) in the lower region (7) of the process chamber (3) for allowing the process flow (26) to enter in the circumferential direction of the process chamber (3); an outlet (6) arranged at an upper end (5.2) of the process chamber (3) for discharging the process stream (26); and guiding means (10) extending coaxially with the circumferential wall (2) in the process chamber (3) for guiding the process flow (26) in a spiral shape between the inlet (8) and the outlet (6). The invention also relates to a hydrocyclone arrangement (15) comprising a hydrocyclone (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrocyclone for separating solids and / or liquids from a gaseous process stream and to a hydrocyclone arrangement comprising such a hydrocyclone and a process liquid tank. Background Art

[0002] In hydrocyclones that are basically known from the prior art, a gaseous process stream is directed along a spiral trajectory in order to convey solid particles and / or liquid droplets contained in the gas stream radially outwards. In this case, a treatment liquid is introduced into the process stream or into a specific region of the hydrocyclone in order to bind the solid particles and / or liquid droplets for easier separation and / or in order to agglomerate them for better separation. For example, it is known that a treatment liquid is entrained by the process stream or sprayed into a hydrocyclone designed as a cyclone scrubber.

[0003] A disadvantage of known hydrocyclones is that the process stream is subject to high pressure losses. Furthermore, the desired degree of separation can only be achieved within a very narrow range of volume flow rates. If the volume flow of the process stream varies or fluctuates, solid particles and / or liquid droplets may pass through the hydrocyclone. Furthermore, there is the problem that the process liquid is discharged from the hydrocyclone together with the process stream and potentially damages downstream equipment components, such as further filter stages. Finally, depending on the type of process stream, known hydrocyclones tend to be contaminated, which has a negative impact on the degree of separation and pressure losses and requires extensive cleaning procedures. This problem occurs, for example, when separating aluminum abrasive wear from process air, because aluminum particles or agglomerates thereof adhere to the walls of the hydrocyclone. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on this situation, the object of the present invention is to propose a hydrocyclone that does not suffer from at least one of the aforementioned problems. In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose a hydrocyclone with low pressure losses and a high degree of separation.

[0005] The objects of the invention are achieved by the features of the independent main claim. Advantageous embodiments are provided in the dependent claims. Where technically feasible, the teachings of the dependent claims can be combined as required with the teachings of the main claim and the dependent claims.

[0006] Advantages of the claimed aspects of the invention are explained below, and preferred variant embodiments of various aspects of the invention are further described below. The explanations, especially regarding the advantages and definitions of features, are essentially descriptive and preferred rather than limiting examples. If the explanations are limiting, this will be explicitly mentioned.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a hydrocyclone for separating solids and / or liquids from a gaseous process flow, the hydrocyclone comprising: a process chamber formed by a circumferential wall and constructed as a cylinder in a first process chamber section, wherein the axial direction of the process chamber extends vertically and the lower region of the process chamber is arranged to be filled with process liquid up to a filling height; an inlet penetrating the circumferential wall in the lower region of the process chamber for introducing the process flow in the circumferential direction of the process chamber; an outlet arranged at the upper end of the process chamber for discharging the process flow; and a guide device extending coaxially with the circumferential wall in the process chamber for guiding the process flow in a spiral shape between the inlet and the outlet.

[0008] A hydrocyclone is understood to mean a device in which a separating force is generated and in which solids and / or liquids are separated, the separating force acting on the solids and / or liquids contained in the process flow by guiding the process flow, which is mainly gaseous, along a spiral trajectory. Here, the separation is carried out by radial discharge of solids and / or liquids. In this case, the solids and / or liquids are brought into contact with a process liquid such as water in order to bind solid particles and / or droplets and / or agglomerate them for better separation by centrifugal force. A spiral shape is also and in particular understood to mean a spiral shape with an outer diameter that tapers at least in some regions.

[0009] In a hydrocyclone, for example, dust, chips and / or wear debris as well as lubricant droplets or coolant droplets (e.g. from a machining process) can be separated from a gaseous process stream such as an air or inert gas stream. In particular, hydrocyclones are also used for flammable or explosive solids and / or liquids in process streams in order to reduce the risk of fire or explosion compared to separators that do not handle liquids.

[0010] The flowing fluid arranged at a specific point in the hydrocyclone is referred to as a process stream, irrespective of whether there is only gas itself or also solids and / or liquids, in particular process liquids, in the process stream at this point. The respective composition of the process stream along its trajectory in the hydrocyclone is readily understood from the context, respectively. In case the process stream is described as gaseous, this refers to a completely purified process stream and should not be understood as a restriction to laden solids and / or liquids, in particular process liquids.

[0011] The circumferential wall is understood to be a wall forming the geometric envelope of such a spiral shape. The circumferential wall is formed cylindrically in the first process chamber section, i.e. it has a circular cross section and defines a cylindrical coordinate system with an axial direction, a radial direction and a circumferential direction. In general, the basic components of the hydrocyclone are coaxially constructed around this cylindrical coordinate system.

[0012] In the case where the inlet is arranged in the lower region of the treatment chamber, the inlet is located at no distance from the lower end of the first treatment chamber section or at only a small distance compared to the entire axial extent of the first treatment chamber section. In particular, the expected filling height of the treatment liquid is located within the axial extent of the inlet, so that the treatment liquid filled into the first treatment chamber section is also located in the inlet. The process flow is then preferably supplied to the inlet from above so that the treatment liquid cannot reach parts of the device located upstream of the hydrocyclone. Furthermore, the ratio of the expected filling height to the axial length of the first treatment chamber section is preferably between 0.3 and 0.6, preferably between 0.4 and 0.5, and in particular 0.45.

[0013] A first aspect of the invention comprises the following teaching: the process flow entering the treatment chamber rolls up the treatment liquid filled in the lower region of the treatment chamber so that the treatment liquid forms a treatment liquid curtain arranged substantially radially outward in the treatment chamber. In particular, the treatment liquid forms a curtain with a parabolic cross section whose central axis is arranged coaxially with the axial direction. Then, the solid particles and / or liquid droplets contained in the process flow are transported radially outward in the spiral track formed by the process flow in the treatment chamber and come into contact with the treatment liquid curtain there at the latest, so that the solid particles and / or liquid droplets are combined in the treatment liquid and / or agglomerated by centrifugal force for better separation.

[0014] The provision of the guide device ensures that the process flow is guided in its spiral form, so that the turbulence is reduced and, therefore, the flow resistance on the spiral trajectory of the process flow is reduced. This ensures that the hydrocyclone as a whole has a reduced pressure loss compared to a hydrocyclone without a guide device. The guide device extends into the lower region of the treatment chamber and is immersed in the treatment liquid filled into the treatment chamber. Preferably, the guide device extends axially to the lower end of the first treatment chamber section. On the other hand, the guide device preferably extends axially to the upper end of the treatment chamber. Therefore, the cross-section of the first treatment chamber section is limited from a circular shape to a torus shape in which the guide device extends, and thus the size is limited and reduced to the area actually occupied by the spiral trajectory. In addition, by immersing the guide device in the treatment liquid, the surface of the treatment liquid is also limited from a circular shape to a torus shape. In this way, a reduced pressure loss is also achieved by rolling up the treatment liquid to form a treatment liquid curtain, because the turbulence at the treatment liquid is reduced compared to a hydrocyclone without a guide device. In addition, the required amount of treatment liquid that must be filled into the hydrocyclone is reduced.

[0015] Furthermore, surprisingly, a significantly increased degree of separation is achieved by using the guide device, wherein the increased degree of separation is also achieved within an increased volume flow range. Thus, even when the volume flow of the process flow varies or fluctuates, the hydrocyclone maintains a high degree of separation and low pressure losses, wherein the breakthrough (i.e. the amount of solids and / or liquids that pass through the hydrocyclone) is reduced compared to a hydrocyclone without the guide device. For example, a degree of separation of more than 90% can be achieved in the case of solid particles contained in the process flow with an average particle size of 1 micrometer.

[0016] Preferably, the guide device is formed in a cylindrical shape at least in cross section, but it can also have other, in particular several different, cross-sectional geometries. If the guide device is formed in a cylindrical shape, the ratio of its diameter to the diameter of the circumferential wall is preferably between 0.2 and 0.8, preferably between 0.3 and 0.7, particularly preferably between 0.4 and 0.6, and in particular 0.5.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first treatment chamber section is followed at the top by a second treatment chamber section formed by circumferential wall sections conically converging toward the outlet. The trajectory of the process flow then converges conically in the second treatment chamber section accordingly, wherein the curtain of process liquid entrained radially outward at the spiral trajectory decelerates at the conical circumferential wall section and then at least partially separates from the flow and flows back along the circumferential wall into the lower region of the treatment chamber. Thus, the process liquid is separated from the process flow after solid and / or liquid combination or agglomeration and remains in the hydrocyclone. The ratio of the diameter of the outlet formed by the conical circumferential wall section to the diameter of the first treatment chamber section is between 0.4 and 0.8, preferably between 0.5 and 0.7, and in particular 0.6.

[0018] Further preferably, the guide device extends over the entire axial length of the first treatment chamber section. Particularly preferably, the guide device also extends over the entire axial length of the second treatment chamber section. In this way, the guidance of the spiral trajectory over the entire treatment chamber is achieved, so that the hydrocyclone has a particularly low pressure loss.

[0019] It is also preferred if the guide device has a conically upwardly converging guide device section at the upper end. Such a guide device section then corresponds to a conically converging circumferential wall section, so that the clear cross section of the second process chamber section does not change or changes only slightly relative to the clear cross section of the first process chamber section. Particularly preferably, the conically converging guide device section and the conically converging circumferential wall section extend parallel to one another. It is also preferred that the conically converging guide device section extends axially over the entire axial length of the second process chamber section.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocyclone comprises a top element arranged above the outlet for deflecting the process flow downward, wherein the top element is formed into a can shape having a bottom and a cylindrical side wall extending downward from the bottom. The process flow coming out of the outlet substantially upward then flows against the bottom of the top element and is forced to deflect downward there. The process flow then escapes from the top element in the gap between the side wall and the circumferential wall, wherein the gap surface normal preferably has a substantially radial orientation. As a result of the deflection at the top element, the flow in the gap has a flow direction component that is directed downward. Preferably, the process flow then turns upward immediately after coming out of the gap. This ensures that the solid particles, droplets and / or treatment liquids still contained in the process flow continue to move downward due to inertia, while the purified gas portion in the process flow turns upward. Therefore, the solid particles, droplets and / or treatment liquids cannot follow the sudden deflection of the process flow and are thus separated. Due to the downward movement component of the process liquid still contained in the process flow, a process liquid curtain is generated again at the gap, through which the remaining process flow flows, so that the still unbound solid particles and / or liquid droplets come into contact with the process liquid again or for the first time and bind there. Thus, a hydrocyclone with a top element has an improved degree of separation compared to a hydrocyclone without a top element. The discharge can be achieved or intensified, for example, by suction.

[0021] Preferably, the top element and the first process chamber section are arranged spaced apart from each other in the axial direction by a gap. Further preferably, the top element and the second process chamber section are arranged spaced apart from each other in the axial direction by a gap. However, it is preferably arranged that the gap and the second process chamber section at least partially overlap in the axial direction. Then, the outer side of the conical circumferential wall section forms a guide surface for the process flow at the gap, which corresponds in its orientation to the desired flow direction of the process flow obliquely downward from the gap at the outlet. Then, the flow can also develop in the area of ​​the gap with particularly low pressure losses. The ratio of the height of the gap to the axial length of the first process chamber section is preferably between 0.1 and 0.5, preferably between 0.2 and 0.4, and in particular 0.3.

[0022] Furthermore, the bottom of the top element is also preferably formed conically converging upwards. The deflection of the process flow coming out of the outlet then takes place in a direction extending obliquely downwards, which corresponds to the desired flow direction at the gap. Therefore, no further deflection is required between the top element and the gap, so that an overall low pressure loss is achieved.

[0023] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the side wall includes a collar for guiding the process flow as it deflects upward as it exits the top element. The suddenly upwardly deflected portion of the process flow can then flow along the collar with little turbulence and therefore little pressure loss.

[0024] It is further preferred that the top element is held at the guide device by means of a fastening device. The fastening device then preferably extends coaxially with the guide device and thus in the center of the spiral flow trajectory. Thus, the fastening device is not arranged in the direct flow path of the process flow and thus does not cause further pressure losses in the process flow. Furthermore, the fastening device provides an overall compact hydrocyclone.

[0025] Overall, the above-described design provides a hydrocyclone which is easily disassembled and in which the top element can be removed by loosening the fastening means and sufficient access to the process chamber is formed through the subsequently open outlet. Alternatively or additionally, the conically converging circumferential wall sections can also be formed to be easily disassembled. The hydrocyclone is therefore particularly easy to clean. In particular, it is not absolutely necessary to drain the process liquid from the first process chamber section for cleaning, but this is still possible.

[0026] In another embodiment, the guide device is configured to be variable in cross section at least over a portion of the axial extent of the guide device. This means that the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide device can be varied in size, for example, while maintaining the same geometry; the geometry itself can be varied; or the cross section of the guide device can be displaced, for example, transversely to the axial direction. In this way, the guide device can be adapted to the respective process flow, so that the operating parameters are optimized for the process flow. For example, a particularly advantageous ratio between low pressure loss and high degree of separation can be set. The hydrocyclone can be used for various process flows in this way.

[0027] Furthermore, with a variably configured guide device, the cross section can also be adjusted during operation by means of a control unit or regulator to follow a process flow that is changing in at least one characteristic. For example, the process flow can change in terms of its volume flow, its mass flow or its composition, in particular in terms of solid or liquid loading. The characteristics of the process flow are then detected and evaluated, for example by means of sensors, wherein an ideal guide device cross section is calculated by means of a data processing device and adjusted by means of a control device at the guide device.

[0028] For example, the guide device is constructed to be elastic, wherein the inner space of the guide device is designed to be variable in volume so as to change the cross section of the guide device. Optionally, the hydrocyclone may further include a device for compressing and / or stretching the guide device so as to change the cross section of the guide device.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, at least one wall segment of the circumferential wall has a sufficiently low elastic modulus to avoid adhesion at the wall segment by means of elastic deformation of the wall segment. Avoiding adhesion is understood to mean both preventing adhesion of solids and / or liquids and removing already existing adhesion. Adhesion occurs, for example, when solids and / or liquids (in particular solid agglomerates resulting from the treatment of the liquid) are mechanically retained or when another binding force (for example, electrostatic binding force, magnetic binding force or chemical binding force) exists between the solids and / or liquid and the circumferential wall.

[0030] Thus, in the wall segment, the circumferential wall has a combination of material and geometry that allows the wall segment to be elastically deformed without being damaged, in particular to be elastically deformed without being plastically deformed. This deformation may be to the extent that the adhesion is allowed to be removed at the inner side of the wall segment. Thus, as a result of the deformation, a relative movement is generated between the wall segment and the adherend, by means of which the bonding forces between the adherend and the wall segment are released or superimposed. In particular, the adherend accelerates away from the wall segment during the deformation. The relative movement can also be designed so that, for example, by periodically deforming the wall segment at a sufficiently high frequency, it is more difficult or even impossible for the adherend to adhere to the wall segment. The aforementioned design of the hydrocyclone makes it possible to avoid adhesion, in particular to prevent it from occurring and / or, if it does occur, to remove it from the wall segment without interrupting the operation of the hydrocyclone. For example, for this purpose, the wall segment can be deformed from the outside, for example at specific regular intervals. In the simplest case, the hydrocyclone can be deformed manually from the outside, but preferably a corresponding device, in particular an automated device, can be provided for this purpose. Deforming the wall segments preferably makes it possible to avoid sticking in a very simple manner. Furthermore, the elastically designed wall segments enable a reduction in noise emissions during operation of the hydrocyclone.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the inner side of the circumferential wall facing one or both of the process chambers is configured to be at least partially electrically conductive and grounded. This prevents charged solid particles from adhering to the wall segment due to their charge and / or potential difference. In the case of wall segments made of plastic, these properties can be achieved, for example, by means of a coating.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a hydrocyclone device comprising a hydrocyclone according to the first aspect of the present invention and comprising a process liquid tank, wherein the hydrocyclone is formed to be open at the lower end of the process chamber and is arranged upright in the process liquid tank. By using the hydrocyclone device, the advantages described above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention can be basically achieved accordingly. In particular, the hydrocyclone device has a high degree of separation and a low pressure loss.

[0033] Here, the groove preferably extends radially outwards beyond the circumferential wall and thus forms an overhang relative to the hydrocyclone. In this way, the process liquid escaping from the gap also returns to the groove, for example, in a free fall or along the outer side of the circumferential wall. In particular, the groove wall formed in the circumferential direction extends upwards at the radially outer end, thereby forming a housing around the hydrocyclone. The process liquid is then particularly advantageously retained in the housing thus formed and safely returned to the groove.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, a discharge device, in particular a suction device, for discharging the process stream is arranged above the top element. In particular, the housing formed by the tank wall may also have a housing cover and extend horizontally above the hydrocyclone, wherein the housing cover is penetrated by a discharge opening, in particular a suction opening. The process stream coming out of the gap is then immediately deflected abruptly upwards outside the gap (i.e. outside the hydrocyclone) and the solids and / or liquids contained therein are separated as described above. The hydrocyclone device then has a particularly high degree of separation, wherein the process liquid is also reliably separated from the process stream again. Solids and / or liquids, in particular process liquids, then do not reach components of the device, such as further filter stages arranged downstream of the hydrocyclone device. In the case where the housing comprises a housing cover, the hydrocyclone is completely enclosed and an escape of, in particular, liquids into the environment of the hydrocyclone device is completely avoided.

[0035] In one embodiment of the hydrocyclone device, it comprises a plurality of hydrocyclones, wherein the plurality of hydrocyclone devices are in the same process liquid tank or in the same housing. In this way, the volume flow can be multiplied compared to a hydrocyclone device comprising only one hydrocyclone, in particular without increasing the pressure difference. In this respect, the hydrocyclone device can be expanded in a simple manner by connecting any number of hydrocyclones in parallel. It is also possible to operate several hydrocyclone devices with their own process liquid tank or housing in parallel with the same effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail based on preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.In the accompanying drawings, the term "drawing" is abbreviated to "figure".

[0037] In the attached picture:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a hydrocyclone according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 The invention according to the second aspect of the present invention is shown Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a hydrocyclone device of a hydrocyclone; and

[0040] Figure 3 According to the first aspect of the present invention, Figure 1 A perspective view of the hydrocyclone shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The described exemplary embodiments are merely examples, which may be modified and / or supplemented in various ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature described for a particular exemplary embodiment may be used independently or in combination with other features in any other exemplary embodiment. Each feature described for an exemplary embodiment of a particular claim category may also be used in an exemplary embodiment of another claim category in a corresponding manner.

[0042] Figure 1 A hydrocyclone 1 according to a first aspect of the invention is shown, comprising a circumferential wall 2, wherein a treatment chamber 3 is enclosed by the circumferential wall 2. The treatment chamber 3 spans a cylindrical coordinate system having an axial direction A, a radial direction R and a circumferential direction not shown in detail around a central axis AX of the treatment chamber 3, wherein the axial direction A is oriented vertically. The treatment chamber 3 also has a first treatment chamber section 3.1 formed as a cylinder and a second treatment chamber section 3.2 formed as a cone adjacent to it at the top, wherein the first treatment chamber section 3.1 extends to a first axial length 4.1 and the second treatment chamber section 3.2 extends to a second axial length 4.2. Thus, the second treatment chamber section 3.2 is formed by a conically converging circumferential wall section 2.1. The treatment chamber 3 also has a lower end 5.1 and an upper end 5.2, wherein an outlet 6 is arranged at the upper end 5.2. In the lower region 7 of the treatment chamber 3, the circumferential wall 2 is penetrated by an inlet 8.

[0043] The guide device 10 is arranged coaxially with the central axis AX in the process chamber 3, wherein the guide device is designed cylindrically in the first process chamber section 3.1 and has a conically converging guide device section 10.1 in the second process chamber section 3.2. The guide device 10 is thus designed parallel to the circumferential wall 2 throughout the process chamber 3 and serves to guide the spiral flow of the process flow entering the process chamber 3 through the inlet 8, as described below with respect to Figure 2 Described in more detail.

[0044] The top element 13 is arranged above the outlet 6 and is held at the guide device 10 by means of a fastening device 14. More precisely, the top element 13 is held on the fastening device 14 by means of a nut 14.1. The top element 13 has a bottom 13.1 and a cylindrical side wall 13.2 extending downwards, and is therefore constructed in a substantially pot-shaped manner. The bottom 13.1 is designed to converge conically toward the top. In addition, the top element 13 includes a collar 13.3 at the side wall 13.2. The top element 13 forms a gap S together with the circumferential wall 2, which extends in the axial region of the second process chamber segment 3.2. Therefore, the second process chamber segment 3.2 protrudes into the top element 13. The surface normal of the gap S is oriented radially outward.

[0045] Figure 2 A hydrocyclone device 15 according to the second aspect of the invention is shown and in addition the prevailing flow conditions in the hydrocyclone 1 or the hydrocyclone device 15 are shown, based on which the functioning of the hydrocyclone 1 or the hydrocyclone device 15 is explained in more detail.

[0046] The hydrocyclone device 15 includes the hydrocyclone 1 already described, and a repeated description thereof is omitted. The hydrocyclone device 15 also includes a process liquid tank 16, from which a tank wall 17 extends upward. The process liquid tank 16, the tank wall 17 and a housing cover 18 arranged at the upper end of the tank wall 17 together form a housing 19. A discharge device 20 is recessed in the housing cover 18, which can be particularly designed as a suction device. In addition, a process flow supply device 21 for supplying a process flow from above to the inlet 7 is arranged in the housing 19 or through the housing 19.

[0047] The treatment chamber 3 is configured to be open at its lower end 5.1 and stand upright in the treatment liquid tank 16. The treatment liquid tank 16 and therefore the treatment chamber 3 are filled with a treatment liquid 27 (especially water) until the filling height 25. The filling height 25 extends to a certain height of the inlet 8 so that the treatment liquid 27 partially covers the inlet 8. The process flow 26, which is initially gaseous and loaded with undesirable solids and / or liquids, flows in the treatment chamber 3 along a spiral trajectory and is guided by the guide device 10, wherein the process flow 26 enters the treatment chamber 3 in a circumferential direction through the inlet 8. In this case, the process flow 26 rolls up a treatment liquid curtain 27.1 from the treatment liquid 27, and the treatment liquid curtain 27.1 is formed in a parabolic shape in the first treatment chamber section 3.1. Then, the treatment liquid curtain 27.1 is radially located outside in the treatment chamber 3 and is used to ensure that the solids and / or liquids contained in the process flow 26 and conveyed radially outward in the treatment chamber 3 due to centrifugal force are in contact with the treatment liquid 27 so as to combine and / or agglomerate.

[0048] In the second process chamber section 3.2, both the spiral trajectory of the process flow 26 and the process liquid curtain 27.1 are narrowed in the conically converging circumferential wall 2. In this case, part of the process liquid 27 has been separated from the process flow 26 and flows back into the process liquid tank 16 along the inner side of the circumferential wall 2.

[0049] The process stream 26 and the remaining treatment liquid 27 leave at the outlet 6, are directed mainly upwards, and hit the bottom 13.1 of the top element 13. There they are each deflected downwards and then flow towards the gap S. At the gap S, the process stream 26 is deflected abruptly upwards to the discharge device 20 and guided by the collar 13.3 to avoid turbulence. The treatment liquid 27 cannot follow this deflection and therefore leaves the gap S directed downwards. In the gap S, the treatment liquid 27 forms a further treatment liquid curtain 27.2 through which the process stream 26 flows transversely, so that solids and / or liquids still contained in the process stream 26 are combined at the treatment liquid curtain 27.2.

[0050] Figure 3 The hydrocyclone 1 is again shown in a perspective view from the outside, wherein the elements of the hydrocyclone 1 shown have already been derived from the above description and are therefore not described again.

[0051] Reference numerals list

[0052] 1Hydrocyclone

[0053] 2 Circumferential wall

[0054] 2.1 Conical Converging Processing Chamber Section

[0055] 3. Processing Chamber

[0056] 3.1 First processing chamber section

[0057] 3.2 Second Processing Chamber Section

[0058] 4.1 First axial length

[0059] 4.2 Second axial length

[0060] 5.1 Lower end of the processing chamber

[0061] 5.2 Upper end of the processing chamber

[0062] 6Export

[0063] 7 Lower area of ​​the process chamber

[0064] 8Entrance

[0065] 10 Boot device

[0066] 10.1 Conical converging guide section

[0067] 13 Top element

[0068] 13.1 Bottom of the top element

[0069] 13.2 Cylindrical side wall of the top element

[0070] 13.3 Ring of the top element

[0071] 14 Fastening device

[0072] 14.1 Nut

[0073] 15Hydrocyclone device

[0074] 16 Treatment tank

[0075] 17 groove wall

[0076] 18 Shell cover

[0077] 19 Shell

[0078] 20 discharge device

[0079] 21Process flow supply device

[0080] 25 Filling height of treatment liquid

[0081] 26 Process Flow

[0082] 27 Handling Liquids

[0083] 27.1 Handling Liquid Curtain

[0084] 27.2 Handling Liquid Curtain

[0085] A Axial direction

[0086] AX center axis

[0087] R radial direction

[0088] S Gap

Claims

1. A hydrocyclone (1) for separating solids and / or liquids from a gaseous process stream (26), comprising: a process chamber (3) formed by a circumferential wall (2) and having a cylindrical configuration in a first process chamber section (3.1), wherein the axial direction (A) of the process chamber (3) extends vertically and the lower region (7) of the process chamber (3) is provided for filling with process liquid (27) up to a filling height (25); an inlet (8) penetrating the circumferential wall (2) in the lower region (7) of the process chamber (3) for introducing the process flow (26) in the circumferential direction of the process chamber (3); an outlet (6) arranged at the upper end (5.2) of the process chamber (3) for discharging the process stream (26); and A guide device (10) extends coaxially with the circumferential wall (2) in the process chamber (3) for guiding the process flow (26) in a spiral between the inlet (8) and the outlet (6).

2. The hydrocyclone (1) according to claim 1, wherein: Adjoining the first process chamber section (3.1) is a second process chamber section (3.2) formed at the top by a circumferential wall section (2.1) conically converging toward the outlet.

3. The hydrocyclone (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The guide device (10) extends over the entire axial length (4.1) of the first process chamber section (3.1), in particular over the entire axial length (4.1, 4.2) of the process chamber (3).

4. A hydrocyclone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The guide (10) comprises at the upper end a guide section (10.1) which converges conically upwards.

5. The hydrocyclone (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The conically converging guide device section (10.1) extends axially over the entire axial length (4.2) of the second process chamber section (3.2).

6. The hydrocyclone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a top element (13) arranged above the outlet (6) for deflecting the process flow (26) downwards, wherein: The top element (13) is configured in the shape of a pot having a bottom (13.1) and a cylindrical side wall (13.2) extending downward from the bottom (13.1).

7. The hydrocyclone (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The top element (13) and the first process chamber section (3.1) are arranged spaced apart from one another in the axial direction (A) by a gap (S).

8. The hydrocyclone (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The gap (S) and the second process chamber section (3.2) at least partially overlap in the axial direction (A).

9. The hydrocyclone (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The bottom (13.1) of the top element (13) is configured to converge conically upwards.

10. The hydrocyclone (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The side wall (13.2) includes a collar (13.3) for directing the process flow (26) as it is deflected upwardly as it emerges from the top element (13).

11. The hydrocyclone (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein: The top element (13) is held on the guide device (10) by means of fastening means (14).

12. A hydrocyclone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The guide device (10) is configured to have a variable cross-section over at least a portion of the axial extent of the guide device (10).

13. A hydrocyclone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one wall section of the circumferential wall (2) has a sufficiently low modulus of elasticity to avoid adhesion on the wall section by means of elastic deformation of the wall section.

14. A hydrocyclone device (15) comprising a hydrocyclone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a process liquid tank (16), wherein: The hydrocyclone (1) is configured to be open at the lower end (5.1) of the treatment chamber (3) and to be arranged upright in the treatment liquid tank (16).

15. The hydrocyclone device (15) according to claim 14, wherein: A discharge device (20), in particular a suction device, for discharging the process stream (26) is arranged above the top element (13).

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