A vortex separator
By designing an eddy current separator that utilizes the Coriolis force and Archimedes' principle to separate large particulate impurities in cooling water, the problem of impurity blockage in machine tool cooling water systems has been solved, achieving efficient filtration and low-cost cleaning.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XIAMEN TANWANG TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
In existing machine tool cooling water systems, large particles of impurities in the cutting fluid can easily clog the pipes, leading to insufficient cooling water supply, affecting tool life and machining quality, and increasing cleaning and maintenance costs.
A vortex separator is designed, with the separator body made of SUS304 material. It utilizes the Coriolis force and Archimedes' principle to separate large particulate impurities in cooling water through the vortex chamber. A debris accumulation chamber is set up for easy cleaning, and the filtration rate reaches over 95%.
It effectively filters large particulate impurities in cooling water, avoids pipe blockage, extends tool life, reduces maintenance costs, and improves machining quality and efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN224346087U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to an eddy current separator, and more particularly to an eddy current separator that is compact in structure, low in cost, and can quickly clean large particulate impurities in cutting fluid. Background Technology
[0002] As modern machining demands increase, the cleanliness requirements for cooling water also rise. Currently, most machine tools, aside from adding a central filtration system, cannot improve cooling water cleanliness at low cost. Adding a central filtration system would increase the machine purchase cost by 10-15%, increasing the cost burden on users. Since most machines on the market previously lacked a central filtration system, replacing them with one would require replacing components such as the spindle, further increasing costs.
[0003] Existing machine tool cooling systems, including the cooling water supply to the spindle and the spindle end spray system, frequently experience clogging due to impurities in the cooling water. This leads to insufficient cooling water supply or reduced flow, causing tool damage, workpiece surface scratches, and a corresponding reduction in tool life. Furthermore, the accumulation of chips and sludge in the water tank can clog all water pumps, and the coolant is highly susceptible to spoilage and foul odors, requiring frequent cleaning and incurring high labor costs. Utility Model Content
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a vortex separator that has the characteristics of compact structure, low cost, and rapid cleaning of large particulate impurities in cutting fluid.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a vortex separator, the innovation of which is that: the vortex separator includes a separator body and a vortex chamber disposed within the separator body, the separator body is provided with an outlet located above the separator body and communicating with the vortex chamber, a vortex discharge outlet located below the separator body and communicating with the vortex chamber, and an inlet disposed on the side of the separator body and communicating with the vortex chamber, the inlet being directly opposite the vortex chamber;
[0006] The diameter of the outlet is greater than or equal to the diameter of the inlet, and the diameter of the outlet is greater than the diameter of the vortex discharge outlet.
[0007] Preferably, the separator body has a frustum-shaped structure that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom.
[0008] Preferably, the separator body is made of SUS304 stainless steel.
[0009] Preferably, the wall thickness of the separator body shell is not less than 5 mm.
[0010] Preferably, the central axis of the water inlet is inclined downwards from the horizontal plane, and based on the Coriolis force principle, the angle between the central axis of the water inlet and the horizontal plane is 1-10°.
[0011] Preferably, the angle between the central axis of the water inlet and the horizontal plane is 1°-5°.
[0012] Preferably, the vortex chamber is based on the Archimedes' principle.
[0013] Preferably, a chip collection chamber is provided below the separator body via a connector. The chip collection chamber is vertically arranged and is a transparent material tube with a thickness of at least 6 mm, or a stainless steel tube or other metal tube with a thickness of at least 3 mm.
[0014] Preferably, the connector is provided with an upper valve; the chip chamber is provided with a lower connector located below and connected to the chip chamber, the lower connector is provided with a lower valve, and the lower connector is connected to a drain pipe.
[0015] Preferably, a hexagonal wrench position is provided at the connector position, the connection between the lower connector and the chip chamber, and the connection between the lower connector and the drain pipe.
[0016] The advantages of this invention are as follows: By adopting the above structure, it filters out fine impurities larger than 15µm, preventing blockage of the cooling water (cutting fluid) pipes and avoiding tool damage and poor machining surface. This eddy current separator is made of SUS304 material and is precision dewaxed and cast. Utilizing the water pump pressure and the eddy current chamber inside the separator, and taking advantage of the sinking property of heavier particles, it separates impurities of 15-20µm from the cooling water by accumulating them in the chip collection chamber. Impurities smaller than 15µm are discharged with the cooling water through the outlet channel at the top of the separator, achieving a filtration rate of over 95%.
[0017] This invention can solve the problem of cleanliness of cooling water (cutting fluid) in both old and new machine tools currently on the market, and has the following advantages:
[0018] 1. Improve the machined surface of the workpiece and extend tool life;
[0019] 2. Reduce costs for the machinery processing industry;
[0020] 3. The problem of blockage in the cooling water pipes;
[0021] 4. Reduce the frequency of water tank cleaning and save costs.
[0022] 5. By using a sludge pump and flowing water, the self-cleaning function of the water tank can be achieved. Attached Figure Description
[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an eddy current separator according to the present invention.
[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the separator body in an eddy current separator according to this utility model.
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main body of the separator in an eddy current separator according to the present invention.
[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A sectional view.
[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the separator body in an eddy current separator according to this utility model.
[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip chamber, connector and drain pipe in a vortex separator according to this utility model.
[0030] In the diagram: 1-Separator body, 2-Vortex chamber, 3-Outlet, 4-Vortex outlet, 5-Inlet, 6-Connector, 7-Collection chamber, 8-Upper valve, 9-Lower connector, 10-Lower valve, 11-Drain pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0031] This utility model discloses an eddy current separator comprising a separator body 1, an eddy current chamber 2 disposed within the separator body 1, an outlet 3 located above the separator body 1 and communicating with the eddy current chamber 2, an eddy current discharge outlet 4 located below the separator body 1 and communicating with the eddy current chamber 2, and an inlet 5 located on the side of the separator body 1 and communicating with the eddy current chamber 2, with the inlet 5 directly facing the eddy current chamber 2. The diameter of the outlet 3 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the inlet 5, and the diameter of the outlet 3 is greater than the diameter of the eddy current discharge outlet 4. By employing the above structure, fine impurities larger than 15μm are filtered out, preventing blockage of the cooling water (cutting fluid) pipeline and avoiding tool damage and poor machining surface effects. This vortex separator is made of SUS304 material and is precision dewaxed and cast. Utilizing the water pump pressure and the action of the vortex chamber 2 inside the separator, and taking advantage of the sinking property of heavy particles, it separates impurities of 15-20μm in the cooling water into the accumulation chamber 7. Impurities smaller than 15μm are discharged with the cooling water from the outlet channel above the separator. The filtration rate can reach over 95%.
[0032] The separator body 1 described above has a truncated cone structure that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. The separator body 1 is made of SUS304 stainless steel, and the wall thickness of the separator body 1 is not less than 5mm. The central axis of the inlet 5 is inclined downwards from the horizontal plane. Based on the Coriolis force principle, the angle between the central axis of the inlet 5 and the horizontal plane is 1-10°, with the optimal angle being 1°-5°. According to the Archimedes' principle, utilizing the vortex chamber 2 and the inclined inlet 5, the separator body 1 adopts a structure that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. Pressurized water supplied by the pump flows along the tangential edge of the vortex chamber 2, rotating downwards, increasing the rapid movement of impurities to the bottom of the separator, while clean water flows upwards from the outlet 3.
[0033] To facilitate centralized processing and observation of large particulate impurities in the cooling water (cutting fluid), a chip collection chamber 7 connected to the separator body 1 via a connector 6 is provided below it. The chip collection chamber 7 is vertically positioned and is made of a transparent material tube with a thickness of at least 6 mm, or a stainless steel tube or other metal tube with a thickness of at least 3 mm. For easy control and timely cleaning of the chip collection chamber 7, an upper valve 8 is provided on the connector 6. A lower connector 9 is located below and connected to the chip collection chamber 7, and a lower valve 10 is provided on the lower connector 9. The lower connector 9 is connected to a drain pipe 11. To facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the connections, hexagonal wrench positions are provided at the connector locations, the connection between the lower connector and the chip collection chamber, and the connection between the lower connector and the drain pipe. The hexagonal wrench positions are not shown in the diagram.
[0034] The chip chamber 7 of this invention is a vertically arranged acrylic tube, which is connected to the separator via a connector 6. To facilitate observation of large particles in the cutting fluid, the acrylic tube is a transparent tube at least 8mm thick. An upper valve 8 is installed on the connector 6, and a lower connector 9 is located below and connected to the chip chamber 7. A lower valve 10 is installed on the lower connector 9, which is connected to a drain pipe 11. The upper and lower ends of the chip chamber 7 are connected to the separator body 1 and the drain pipe 11 respectively via connectors 6 and 9. The transparent design of the chip chamber 7 allows for clear observation of the settled impurities and facilitates rapid cleaning and drainage. Connector 6 uses a quick-release fitting to connect to the separator body 1, enabling convenient disassembly, inspection, and cleaning of the chip chamber 7.
[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can make many modifications and variations to some of the technical features based on the content of this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the scope of protection of the invention.
Claims
1. An eddy current separator, characterized in that: The vortex separator includes a separator body and a vortex chamber disposed within the separator body. The separator body is provided with an outlet located above the separator body and communicating with the vortex chamber, a vortex discharge outlet located below the separator body and communicating with the vortex chamber, and an inlet located on the side of the separator body and communicating with the vortex chamber, with the inlet facing the vortex chamber. The diameter of the outlet is greater than or equal to the diameter of the inlet, and the diameter of the outlet is greater than the diameter of the vortex discharge outlet.
2. The eddy current separator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The separator body is a truncated cone structure that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom.
3. The eddy current separator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The separator body is made of SUS304 stainless steel.
4. The eddy current separator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the separator body shell is not less than 5mm.
5. The eddy current separator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The central axis of the water inlet is inclined downwards from the horizontal plane. Based on the Coriolis force principle, the angle between the central axis of the water inlet and the horizontal plane is 1-10°.
6. The eddy current separator as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The angle between the central axis of the inlet and the horizontal plane is 1°-5°.
7. The eddy current separator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The vortex chamber is based on the Archimedes' principle.
8. The eddy current separator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Below the separator body is a chip collection chamber connected by a connector. The chip collection chamber is vertically arranged and is made of a transparent material tube with a thickness of at least 6 mm or a stainless steel tube with a thickness of at least 3 mm.
9. The eddy current separator as described in claim 8, characterized in that: An upper valve is provided on the connector head; a lower connector is provided on the chip chamber below and connected to the chip chamber, and a lower valve is provided on the lower connector head, which is connected to the drain pipe.
10. The eddy current separator as described in claim 9, characterized in that: A hexagonal wrench position is provided at the connector, at the connection between the lower connector and the chip chamber, and at the connection between the lower connector and the drain pipe.