A liquid-liquid separation device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid-liquid separation device belongs to chemical and pharmaceutical field, including separator, the liquid inlet pipe of being connected in separator top, the light phase liquid discharge pipe of being arranged in the one side of separator top, the liquid distributor of being arranged in the inside of separator, the U type heavy phase liquid discharge pipe of being arranged in the bottom of separator and with the telescopic liquid discharge pipe of heavy phase liquid discharge pipe connection, the liquid distributor is fixed in the separator through the communication of connecting pipe and the liquid inlet pipe outside the separator, is provided with a plurality of sight glasses on the lateral wall of one side of separator, the utility model discloses setting up liquid distributor in the separator, and the mixed solution is evenly dispersed to the separator in the liquid discharge hole on the liquid distributor in the adding process, is sufficient under the condition of continuous liquid inlet separation, and the separation interface is stable, and telescopic liquid discharge pipe is connected on the heavy phase liquid discharge pipe simultaneously, and the change of separation interface is observed through the sight glass, and then telescopic liquid discharge pipe height is adjusted, realizes the accurate control of liquid discharge, simple, convenient, efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of chemical and pharmaceutical technology, and in particular to a liquid-liquid separation device. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid-liquid separation is a common unit operation in industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing, primarily used to separate mixtures of two or more immiscible liquids. Its separation principle is mainly based on the density difference between the liquids; under the influence of gravity or centrifugal force, the heavier phase gradually sinks while the lighter phase gradually rises, eventually forming a clear separation interface. Traditional separation methods mainly employ intermittent static separation, where the mixed liquid is injected into the separation equipment, and gravity naturally separates the phases, allowing the lighter and heavier phases to be extracted separately.

[0003] Currently, liquid-liquid separation equipment used in industrial production mainly falls into two categories: one is the traditional batch separation tank, where the mixture settles in the tank for a sufficient time and then separates into light and heavy phases by gravity, with the latter being discharged separately through outlets at different heights; the other is continuous separation equipment, such as centrifuges and continuous separation towers based on gravity settling. To improve separation efficiency and meet the demands of continuous production, various improvement schemes have emerged in existing technologies. For example, baffles, packing, or coalescer elements are installed within the separator to promote droplet coalescence and separation; external energy, such as heating, is introduced to reduce viscosity and increase density difference; or the valve openings at the outlets of the light and heavy phases are adjusted, U-shaped siphons are used, and the interface position is controlled using hydrostatic principles.

[0004] Despite some technological advancements, significant limitations remain. Intermittent separation equipment suffers from low production efficiency and high labor intensity, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern continuous and automated industrial production. While many continuous separation devices achieve continuous material input and output, they often suffer from poor separation results due to insufficient separation time when handling easily emulsified systems with small density differences or high viscosity, leading to blurred separation interfaces, unclear stratification, and ultimately, poor separation performance. This is especially true when feed flow rates or composition fluctuate, making stable interface control difficult and prone to phenomena such as light phase entrainment of heavy phases or vice versa, affecting product purity. Some devices attempt to stabilize the interface through complex external control systems (such as real-time interface monitoring and valve adjustment), but this increases equipment complexity and investment costs.

[0005] Therefore, developing a liquid-liquid separation device with a relatively simple structure that can effectively stabilize the separation interface and ensure high separation efficiency under continuous operation conditions has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a liquid-liquid separation device, which uses a liquid distributor to evenly disperse the mixed liquid into the separator, extending the separation time and avoiding turbulence disturbance; the height of the heavy phase discharge is adjusted in real time by a retractable drain pipe, and the separation interface is monitored in real time by multiple sight glasses, so as to achieve stable separation and precise control under continuous feeding.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A liquid-liquid separation device includes a separator, an inlet pipe connected above the separator, a light phase drain pipe disposed on one side above the separator, a distributor disposed inside the separator, a U-shaped heavy phase drain pipe disposed at the bottom of the separator, and a retractable drain pipe connected to the heavy phase drain pipe; the distributor is connected to the inlet pipe outside the separator via a connecting pipe and is fixed inside the separator; a plurality of sight glasses are disposed on one side wall of the separator.

[0008] A further improvement of this utility model is that the liquid distributor is configured as a cross-shaped device and has several drainage holes.

[0009] A further improvement of this utility model is that the top of the separator is also provided with a vent and a manhole.

[0010] A further improvement of this utility model is that a switch valve is provided at the connection between the liquid inlet pipe and the connecting pipe.

[0011] A further improvement of this utility model is that: a light phase discharge valve and a first density meter are provided on the light phase discharge pipe; a heavy phase discharge valve and a second density meter are provided on the heavy phase discharge pipe.

[0012] A further improvement of this utility model is that both the light phase discharge valve and the heavy phase discharge valve are butterfly valves.

[0013] A further improvement of this utility model is that: the sight glass is configured as three, respectively disposed on the upper, middle and lower parts of one side wall of the separator.

[0014] A further improvement of this utility model is that the lower part of the separator is conical.

[0015] A further improvement of this utility model is that the liquid distributor is located in the middle position inside the separator.

[0016] A further improvement of this utility model is that the connecting pipe of the liquid distributor is an expandable and retractable structure.

[0017] The technological advancements achieved by this utility model due to the adoption of the above technical solution are as follows: 1. The liquid-liquid separation device provided by this utility model, by setting a unique liquid distributor inside the separator, allows the mixed solution to be evenly and slowly dispersed through the drain hole on it when entering the separator, which greatly reduces the disturbance to the already separated liquid and provides sufficient and stable time and space for droplet coalescence and stratification. This enables the device to maintain a clear and stable separation interface while continuously feeding and discharging, effectively solving the problem of unstable interface and incomplete separation caused by short separation time in traditional continuous separation devices, thereby realizing truly efficient and high-quality continuous production.

[0018] 2. This utility model adopts a combined structure of "U-shaped heavy phase drain pipe + retractable drain pipe", along with multiple sight glasses arranged along the upper and lower walls of the separator and density meters on the light and heavy phase pipes. Operators can intuitively monitor the precise position and changing trend of the separation interface in real time through sight glasses at different heights. Based on the data fed back by the density meters and the principles of hydrostatics, the height of the retractable drain pipe can be precisely adjusted, thereby achieving precise control of the heavy phase discharge level. This dynamic and visual adjustment method ensures that the separation interface remains stable at the optimal position under different operating conditions and material characteristics, greatly improving the accuracy and adaptability of operation.

[0019] 3. This utility model integrates functions such as liquid distribution, sedimentation, monitoring, and control into one unit. Its rational structural design eliminates the need for complex external separation control systems or power components (such as centrifuges). It primarily relies on gravity sedimentation and hydrostatic pressure principles, reducing manufacturing costs, energy consumption, and maintenance difficulty, thus achieving efficient and high-quality continuous production. The vent and manhole at the top facilitate equipment maintenance and venting, while the conical structure at the bottom promotes the collection and complete discharge of the heavy phase liquid. The entire device is reliable and easy to operate (via valves and manual adjustment of the drain pipe), making it highly suitable for the separation and purification of various immiscible liquids in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. It has excellent industrial application prospects and promotional value. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid-liquid separation device provided in an embodiment of this utility model; The components are as follows: 1. Light phase drain pipe; 2. Sight glass; 3. Vent port; 4. First density meter; 5. Light phase discharge valve; 6. Switch valve; 7. Inlet pipe; 8. Manhole; 9. Connecting pipe; 10. Distributor; 11. Separator; 12. Telescopic drain pipe; 13. Second density meter; 14. Heavy phase drain pipe; 15. Heavy phase discharge valve. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: like Figure 1As shown, a liquid-liquid separation device includes a separator 11, an inlet pipe 7 disposed above the separator 11, a light phase drain pipe 1 disposed on one side above the separator 11, a distributor 10 disposed inside the separator 11, a U-shaped heavy phase drain pipe 14 disposed at the bottom of the separator 11, and a retractable drain pipe 12 connected to the heavy phase drain pipe 14; the distributor 10 is fixed inside the separator 11 by a connecting pipe 9, and the connecting pipe 9 is connected to the inlet pipe 7 and the distributor 10; a plurality of sight glasses 2 are disposed on one side wall of the separator 11.

[0022] The retractable drain pipe 12 allows for the calculation of the discharge height of the heavy phase liquid using the pressure principle. By adjusting the height of the retractable drain pipe 12, precise separation of the mixed solutions to be separated can be achieved.

[0023] Furthermore, the distributor 10 adopts a cross-shaped structure, which facilitates uniform liquid distribution and reduces internal space occupancy. Several drainage holes are formed on the surface of the distributor 10 to allow the mixed solution to pass through and be uniformly dispersed into the separator 11. This liquid distribution method significantly reduces fluid disturbance to the already stratified liquid by the incoming liquid, ensuring that the mixed solution enters the separation zone uniformly and slowly, creating stable and sufficient time and space conditions for droplet coalescence and stratification. Therefore, the device can maintain a clear and stable phase interface during continuous feeding and discharging, improving separation efficiency.

[0024] Furthermore, the top of the separator 11 is also provided with a vent 3 and a manhole 8.

[0025] Furthermore, a switch valve 6 is installed at the connection point between the inlet pipe 7 and the connecting pipe 9. When the switch valve 6 is opened, the liquid enters the separator 11 through the inlet pipe 7, the connecting pipe 9, and the distributor 10.

[0026] Furthermore, a light phase discharge valve 5 and a first density meter 4 are installed on the light phase discharge pipe 1, and a heavy phase discharge valve 15 and a second density meter 13 are installed on the heavy phase discharge pipe 14, to monitor the density changes of the light and heavy phase liquids respectively. By monitoring the density data at the outlets of the two phases, operators can determine the location of the separation interface and the quality of the separation in real time, and can adjust the feed rate or valve opening in a timely manner to achieve efficient and continuous separation operation.

[0027] Furthermore, both the light phase discharge valve 5 and the heavy phase discharge valve 15 are butterfly valves. During the operation of the separator 11, the mixed solution continuously enters the separator 11, keeping the container always full. Driven by the feed pressure, the less dense light phase liquid floats upward, while the more dense heavy phase liquid settles downward. After separation, the light phase liquid is discharged through the open light phase discharge valve 5 and the light phase discharge pipe 1; correspondingly, the heavy phase liquid is discharged from the system through the open heavy phase discharge valve 15 and the U-shaped heavy phase discharge pipe 14.

[0028] Furthermore, three sight glasses 2 are provided, respectively located on the upper, middle and lower parts of one side wall of the separator 11; this facilitates observation of the separation interface or the movement of the intermediate layer of the mixed solution inside the separator 11.

[0029] Furthermore, the lower part of separator 11 is conical to facilitate the discharge of the heavy phase liquid.

[0030] Furthermore, the liquid distributor 10 is positioned in the middle of the separator 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the connecting pipe 9 of the distributor 10 is vertically retractable, allowing the distributor 10 to move vertically within the separator 11. When the mixture consists of different proportions of heavy and light phase liquids, the distributor can be positioned at the correct light-heavy phase separation interface, ensuring that the volume of the light phase is proportional to the volume of the heavy phase. The three sight glasses located at the upper, middle, and lower parts of one side wall of the separator 11 allow for better observation of the separation interface or intermediate layer separation of the mixed solution within the separator 11. The vertically retractable connecting pipe 9 of the distributor 10 also allows the position of the distributor 10 to be adjusted to correspond to the height of the retractable drain pipe 12, facilitating the timely discharge of the separated heavy and light phases. This design allows for use when the mixed solution has different proportions. The retractable structure can be configured as several connecting pipes 9 of different lengths, with different lengths of connecting pipes 9 selected when separating mixed solutions of different proportions; alternatively, the connecting pipes 9 can be made to be longer, so that they can be fixed to the top of the separator 11 and extend beyond the separator 11, and then connected to the switch valve 6 and the inlet pipe 7. When the proportion of the heavy phase in the mixed solution is large, a shorter connecting pipe 9 is selected or the connecting pipe 9 is raised upwards; when the proportion of the light phase in the mixed solution is large, a longer connecting pipe 9 is selected or the connecting pipe 9 is lowered downwards, so that the distributor 10 is positioned at the volume ratio of the light and heavy phases.

[0032] This utility model provides a liquid-liquid separation device that continuously separates light and heavy liquid phases in a mixture. Its core working principle is as follows: (1) The mixed solution first enters the distributor 10, which has a cross-shaped structure and several drainage holes. Its function is to evenly and slowly disperse the mixed solution into the separator 11, effectively avoiding the impact of the feed liquid flow on the already stratified liquid in the separator, greatly reducing fluid disturbance, and creating stable initial conditions for phase separation.

[0033] (2) After the mixed solution enters the separator 11, since the container is always full, under the action of gravity, the denser heavy phase droplets sink downwards, while the less dense light phase droplets float upwards. In a stable flow field and with sufficient time, the dispersed droplets continuously coalesce and merge, eventually forming a clear and stable separation interface in the middle of the separator 11. The light phase liquid accumulates in the upper part of the container, while the heavy phase liquid accumulates in the lower part of the container.

[0034] (3) After separation: The light phase liquid that accumulates in the upper layer is discharged through the light phase discharge pipe 1 under the pressure of subsequent feed. The light phase discharge valve 5 installed on the pipeline is used to control the flow rate, and the first density meter 4 monitors the density of the discharged light phase liquid in real time to ensure stable separation effect. The heavy phase liquid that accumulates in the lower layer is discharged through the U-shaped heavy phase discharge pipe 14. Similarly, the heavy phase discharge valve 15 installed on the pipeline is used to control the flow rate, and the second density meter 13 is used to monitor the density of the heavy phase liquid in real time.

[0035] (4) By monitoring the density data of the two-phase outlet, the operator can judge the position of the separation interface and the quality of the separation effect in real time, and can adjust the feed rate, valve opening or height of the retractable drain pipe 12 in a timely manner to achieve efficient and continuous separation operation.

[0036] The present invention provides a method for using a liquid-liquid separation device: Step 1, Initial Feeding and Dispersion: Open the switch valve 6 on the inlet pipe 7. The mixed solution to be separated flows sequentially through the inlet pipe 7 and the connecting pipe 9, and then enters the distributor 10 located inside the separator 11. The mixed solution is evenly and slowly dispersed into the separator 11 through several drainage holes on the surface of the distributor 10, minimizing turbulence disturbance. After the liquid level in the separator 11 reaches the working range, the switch valve 6 can be closed to provide conditions for static stratification.

[0037] Step 2, Interface Observation and Drainage Preset: By using three sight glasses 2 located at the top, middle, and bottom of the side wall of the separator 11, the position of the separation interface or emulsion intermediate layer between the light and heavy phases can be observed in real time. Based on the principle of hydrostatics, the theoretical discharge height of the heavy phase liquid under the current operating conditions can be calculated, and the outlet height of the retractable discharge pipe 12 connected to the U-shaped heavy phase discharge pipe 14 can be initially adjusted to set the initial operating parameters for continuous separation.

[0038] Step 3: Start monitoring and continuous operation: Turn on the first density meter 4 installed on the light phase drain pipe 1 and the second density meter 13 installed on the heavy phase drain pipe 14; open the light phase discharge valve 5 and the heavy phase discharge valve 15; open the switch valve 6 again to allow the mixed solution to be separated to continuously enter the separator 11; the separated light phase liquid and heavy phase liquid are continuously and stably discharged through the light phase drain pipe 1 and the heavy phase drain pipe 14 respectively, and the device enters the continuous separation operation state.

[0039] Step 4: Dynamic monitoring and precise adjustment: During continuous operation, the readings of the first densitometer 4 and the second densitometer 13 are continuously monitored to grasp the real-time changes in the density of the light phase liquid and the heavy phase liquid. At the same time, the fluctuation of the separation interface or intermediate layer position in the separator 11 is closely monitored through the sight glass 2. Based on the above monitoring results, the retractable drain pipe 12 is dynamically and precisely adjusted to change the height of the heavy phase drain pipe 14, thereby stabilizing and controlling the separation interface and ensuring that the mixed solution can be continuously separated efficiently and thoroughly.

Claims

1. A liquid-liquid separation device, characterized in that: It includes a separator (11), an inlet pipe (7) connected above the separator (11), a light phase drain pipe (1) located on one side above the separator (11), a distributor (10) located inside the separator (11), a U-shaped heavy phase drain pipe (14) located at the bottom of the separator (11), and a retractable drain pipe (12) connected to the heavy phase drain pipe (14); the distributor (10) is connected to the inlet pipe (7) outside the separator (11) through a connecting pipe (9) and fixed inside the separator (11); a number of sight glasses (2) are provided on one side wall of the separator (11).

2. The liquid-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid distributor (10) is configured as a cross-shaped type; the liquid distributor (10) is provided with a number of drainage holes.

3. The liquid-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the separator (11) is also provided with a vent (3) and a manhole (8).

4. The liquid-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A switch valve (6) is provided at the connection point between the liquid inlet pipe (7) and the connecting pipe (9).

5. The liquid-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light phase drain pipe (1) is equipped with a light phase drain valve (5) and a first density meter (4); the heavy phase drain pipe (14) is equipped with a heavy phase drain valve (15) and a second density meter (13).

6. The liquid-liquid separation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both the light phase discharge valve (5) and the heavy phase discharge valve (15) are butterfly valves.

7. The liquid-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sight glass (2) is configured as three, respectively located on the upper, middle and lower parts of one side wall of the separator (11).

8. The liquid-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower part of the separator (11) is conical.

9. A liquid-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid distributor (10) is located in the middle position inside the separator (11).

10. A liquid-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting pipe (9) of the liquid distributor (10) has an expandable and retractable structure.

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