A helical mixing phase separator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a spiral mixing phase separator belongs to chemical separation engineering technical field, this spiral mixing phase separator includes the barrel, the barrel can rotate, is equipped with the coaxial mixing area in the barrel, and the mixing area supplies light phase fluid and heavy phase fluid premixing, is equipped with spiral channel in the barrel, and the starting end of spiral channel communicates with the mixing area, and the mixed fluid of mixing area enters spiral channel, and through the rotation of barrel mixed fluid flows along spiral channel from starting end to end, and under the action of centrifugal force, and mixed fluid stratifies because of density difference, and light phase fluid is attached to the inner wall of spiral channel and flows, and heavy phase fluid is attached to the outer wall of spiral channel and flows, and the light phase fluid and heavy phase fluid of separation completion are all discharged from the upper and lower sides of spiral channel end. The utility model integrates mixing area and spiral channel in same barrel, realizes the physical unity of mixing and separation function, greatly reduces the equipment quantity, the floor area and external connecting pipeline, makes the system very compact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of chemical separation engineering technology, and in particular relates to a spiral mixing phase separator. Background Technology

[0002] In many industrial fields such as chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, and oil extraction, the mixing and separation of liquid-liquid two-phase flows are common unit operations. For example, in liquid-liquid extraction, two immiscible liquids (light and heavy phases) need to be thoroughly mixed first to promote mass transfer, and then the mixed emulsion is separated to recover the target component.

[0003] Traditional mixing and separation processes are typically performed in separate steps within independent equipment. First, mixing is carried out using equipment such as static mixers or stirred tanks; then, the mixed fluids are transferred to gravity settling tanks or centrifuges for phase separation. This separate process flow has the following significant drawbacks: The equipment occupies a large area: it requires separate installation of mixing and separating equipment, as well as the piping and pumping systems connecting them; The process is discontinuous and inefficient: especially in gravity settling tanks, the separation speed is slow and the equipment required for large processing volumes is huge. High energy consumption: Especially when using centrifuges for separation, although the separation efficiency is high, the equipment structure is complex and the energy consumption is huge; Backmixing may occur: In the separation equipment, the fluids that have been initially separated may be mixed again due to flow disturbance, affecting the separation purity.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a spiral mixing phase splitter to solve the problems mentioned above. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a spiral mixing and phase separating device that has the advantages of compact structure, low energy consumption, and continuous and efficient mixing and phase separation, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the specific technical solution of this utility model for a spiral mixing phase separator is as follows: A spiral mixing phase separator includes a cylindrical body that is rotatable. A coaxial mixing zone is provided within the cylindrical body for premixing a light phase fluid and a heavy phase fluid. A spiral channel is provided within the cylindrical body, with its starting end connected to the mixing zone. The mixed fluid in the mixing zone enters the spiral channel. As the cylindrical body rotates, the mixed fluid flows along the spiral channel from the starting end to the ending end. Under centrifugal force, the mixed fluid separates into layers due to density differences. The light phase fluid adheres to the inner wall of the spiral channel and flows, while the heavy phase fluid adheres to the outer wall of the spiral channel and flows. The separated light and heavy phase fluids are discharged from the upper and lower sides of the end of the spiral channel, respectively.

[0007] Furthermore, a light-heavy phase mixed fluid inlet is provided between the starting end of the spiral channel and the mixing zone, and the mixed fluid in the mixing zone enters the spiral channel through the light-heavy phase mixed fluid inlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the spiral channel has a light phase outlet and a heavy phase outlet at the end. The light phase outlet is located on the upper side of the end of the spiral channel, and the separated light phase fluid is discharged from the light phase outlet. The heavy phase outlet is located on the lower side of the end of the spiral channel, and the separated heavy phase fluid is discharged from the heavy phase outlet.

[0009] Furthermore, the light phase outlet is located at the end of the spiral channel near the inner wall.

[0010] Furthermore, the phase-separated heavy phase outlet is located at the end of the spiral channel near the outer wall.

[0011] Furthermore, the cylinder includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and two first cover plates. The outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are located on the same axis. The two ends of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are connected by the two first cover plates. The outer cylinder, the inner cylinder, and the two first cover plates form an internal chamber, and the inner cylinder forms a mixing zone.

[0012] Furthermore, a spiral plate is connected to the internal cavity, which divides the internal cavity into spiral channels with equal or unequal spacing.

[0013] Furthermore, the starting end of the spiral plate is fixedly connected to the inner cylinder, the end of the spiral plate is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder, and the upper and lower sides of the spiral plate are fixedly connected to the two first cover plates respectively.

[0014] Furthermore, a hub is provided in the mixing zone, and multiple connecting spokes are fixedly connected to the hub. The hub is fixedly connected to the cylinder through the connecting spokes, and the hub can be connected to the output end of the drive component to drive the spiral mixing phase separator to rotate.

[0015] Furthermore, the connecting spokes include two first plate portions, which are located at the upper and lower ends of the mixing zone, respectively. A first gap is provided between the two first plate portions, and the inlet of the light and heavy phase mixing fluid is located in the first gap.

[0016] Furthermore, the area ratio of the light phase fluid outlet to the heavy phase fluid outlet is equal to the volume ratio of the light phase fluid to the heavy phase fluid.

[0017] This invention has the following advantages: This mixing and separating device integrates the mixing zone and the spiral channel into the same cylinder, realizing the physical unity of mixing and separation functions. This greatly reduces the number of devices, floor space, and external connecting pipes, making the system very compact. After the light phase fluid and the heavy phase fluid are premixed in the mixing zone, they directly enter the spiral channel for separation and are continuously discharged from the end of the spiral channel. Compared with separate operation, this greatly improves the processing efficiency and automation. At the same time, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the cylinder is used as the separation driving force, which is much stronger than gravity. Therefore, the separation speed is extremely fast and the efficiency is high. It is particularly suitable for difficult-to-separate emulsions or systems with small density differences. Moreover, the centrifugal force also acts as the driving force for the fluid to move forward in the spiral channel, eliminating the need for additional pumping equipment. At the same time, it forms a stable annular stratified flow, which allows the light phase fluid and the heavy phase fluid to flow separately in the spiral path, effectively avoiding backmixing and ensuring separation purity. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the hybrid phase splitter of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the unequal-pitch spiral channel of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the equally spaced spiral channel of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a rear view schematic diagram of the hybrid phase splitter of this utility model.

[0019] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Phase separator; 11. Cylinder; 111. Inner cylinder; 112. Outer cylinder; 113. First cover plate; 12. Mixing zone; 121. Hub; 122. Connecting spokes; 13. Spiral channel; 131. Spiral plate; 14. Light and heavy phase mixing fluid inlet; 141. Light phase outlet; 142. Heavy phase outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0022] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 This invention describes a spiral mixing phase separator, which can be applied to equipment such as extraction towers.

[0023] Currently, traditional mixing and separation processes are usually completed in separate steps in independent equipment. The separate process flow has the problems of large equipment footprint, discontinuous process, low efficiency, high energy consumption, and possible backmixing.

[0024] Therefore, this spiral mixing phase separator includes a cylindrical body 11, which is rotatable. A coaxial mixing zone 12 is provided inside the cylindrical body 11. The mixing zone 12 is used for premixing light phase fluid and heavy phase fluid. A spiral channel 13 is provided inside the cylindrical body 11. The starting end of the spiral channel 13 is connected to the mixing zone 12. The mixed fluid in the mixing zone 12 enters the spiral channel 13. As the cylindrical body 11 rotates, the mixed fluid flows from the starting end to the end of the spiral channel 13. Under the action of centrifugal force, the mixed fluid separates due to the density difference. The light phase fluid adheres to the inner wall of the spiral channel 13 and flows, while the heavy phase fluid adheres to the outer wall of the spiral channel 13 and flows. The separated light phase fluid and heavy phase fluid are discharged from the upper and lower sides of the end of the spiral channel 13, respectively.

[0025] This mixing and separating device 1 integrates the mixing zone 12 and the spiral channel 13 into the same cylinder 11, achieving a physical unity of mixing and separation functions. This greatly reduces the number of devices, floor space, and external connecting pipes, making the system very compact. After the light and heavy phase fluids are premixed in the mixing zone 12, they directly enter the spiral channel 13 for separation and are continuously discharged from the end of the spiral channel 13. Compared with separate operation, this greatly improves processing efficiency and automation. At the same time, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the cylinder 11 is used as the separation driving force, which is much stronger than gravity. Therefore, the separation speed is extremely fast and the efficiency is high. It is particularly suitable for difficult-to-separate emulsions or systems with small density differences. Moreover, the centrifugal force also acts as the driving force for the fluid to move forward in the spiral channel 13, eliminating the need for additional pumping equipment. At the same time, a stable annular stratified flow is formed, which allows the light and heavy phase fluids to flow separately in the spiral path, effectively avoiding backmixing and ensuring separation purity.

[0026] The cylinder 11 includes an outer cylinder 112, an inner cylinder 111, and two first cover plates 113. The outer cylinder 112 and the inner cylinder 111 are located on the same axis. The two ends of the outer cylinder 112 and the inner cylinder 111 are connected by the two first cover plates 113. The outer cylinder 112, the inner cylinder 111, and the two first cover plates 113 form an internal chamber. The inner cylinder 111 forms a mixing zone 12. Preferably, the two ends of the outer cylinder 112 and the inner cylinder 111 are welded by the two first cover plates 113 to form the cylinder 11. In other embodiments of this utility model, other fixing methods such as screw connection and snap connection can also be used, as long as the outer cylinder 112, the inner cylinder 111, and the two first cover plates 113 can be fixed.

[0027] A spiral plate 131 is connected to the internal chamber, which divides the internal chamber into continuous spiral channels 13, extending the effective separation path and providing sufficient residence time for the light phase fluid and the heavy phase fluid, so as to achieve full separation under a strong centrifugal force field.

[0028] The starting end of the spiral plate 131 is fixedly connected to the inner cylinder 111, the ending end of the spiral plate 131 is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder 112, and both sides of the spiral plate 131 are fixedly connected to two first cover plates 113 respectively. Preferably, the starting end of the spiral plate 131 can be welded to the inner cylinder 111 or integrally formed, the ending end of the spiral plate 131 can be welded to the outer cylinder 112 or integrally formed, and both sides of the spiral plate 131 can be welded to or riveted to the two first cover plates 113 integrally formed. In other embodiments of this utility model, the spiral plate 131 can also be connected to the inner cylinder 111, the outer cylinder 112 and the two first cover plates 113 by means of screws, bolts, threads, buckles, etc., as long as the spiral plate 131 is fixed to the inner cylinder 111, the outer cylinder 112 and the two first cover plates 113.

[0029] Specifically, the spiral channel 13 has 2-20 turns, and the spiral channel 13 can be equidistant or unequally spaced, with a channel spacing of 5-100mm.

[0030] A light-heavy phase mixed fluid inlet 14 is provided between the starting end of the spiral channel 13 and the mixing zone 12. The mixed fluid of the mixing zone 12 enters the spiral channel 13 through the light-heavy phase mixed fluid inlet 14.

[0031] The spiral channel 13 has a light phase outlet 141 and a heavy phase outlet 142 at its end. The light phase outlet 141 and heavy phase outlet 142 are located on opposite sides of the end of the spiral channel 13. The light phase outlet 141 is located on the upper side of the end of the spiral channel 13, and the separated light phase fluid is discharged through the light phase outlet 141. The heavy phase outlet 142 is located on the lower side of the end of the spiral channel 13, and the separated heavy phase fluid is discharged through the heavy phase outlet 142. Specifically, the light phase outlet 141 is located... At the end of the spiral channel 13 near the inner wall, the heavy phase outlet 142 is located at the end of the spiral channel 13 near the outer wall. In the rotating state, the denser heavy phase is subjected to greater centrifugal force and naturally gathers on the outer wall of the spiral channel 13, while the less dense light phase naturally gathers on the inner wall of the spiral channel 13. By directly setting the light phase outlet 141 and the heavy phase outlet 142 at the corresponding phase gathering positions, the flow paths of the light phase fluid and the heavy phase fluid are minimized, and the flow resistance is minimized, achieving the smoothest and most energy-efficient discharge method.

[0032] Specifically, the light phase outlet 141 and the heavy phase outlet 142 are respectively provided on two first cover plates 113.

[0033] Specifically, the area ratio of the light phase fluid outlet 141 to the heavy phase fluid outlet 142 is equal to the volume ratio of the light phase fluid to the heavy phase fluid, and the area of ​​the light and heavy phase mixed fluid inlet 14 is 1.1-3 times the sum of the areas of the phase-separated light phase outlet 141 and the phase-separated heavy phase outlet 142.

[0034] A hub 121 is provided in the mixing zone 12. Multiple connecting spokes 122 are fixedly connected to the hub 121. The hub 121 is fixedly connected to the cylinder 11 through the connecting spokes 122. The hub 121 can be connected to the output end of the drive component to drive the cylinder 11 to rotate. The driving force is transmitted from the central drive shaft to the entire cylinder 11 through the hub 121 and the connecting spokes 122. The power transmission path is direct and efficient, and the spokes provide strong structural support. While ensuring mechanical strength, the structure is simplified to the maximum extent, avoiding the need to open additional holes and weaken the overall strength.

[0035] Specifically, the drive component can be a motor, the output end of which is connected to the hub 121 so that the hub 121 rotates when the output end of the motor rotates.

[0036] Preferably, the connecting spoke 122 may include a first plate portion, which is located at the upper and lower ends of the mixing zone 12 respectively, and a first gap is provided between adjacent first plate portions. The light and heavy phase mixed fluid inlet 14 is located within the first gap. In other embodiments of the present invention, the connecting spoke 122 may also include a first plate portion and a second plate portion. The first plate portion is located at the light and heavy phase mixed fluid inlet 14, and the first plate portion is located at the upper and lower ends of the mixing zone 12 respectively. A first gap is provided between adjacent first plate portions, and the light and heavy phase mixed fluid inlet 14 is located within the first gap. The second plate portion is located at the remaining positions of the mixing zone 12 except for the light and heavy phase mixed fluid inlet 14. The length of the second plate portion is the distance between the two first plate portions plus the first gap.

[0037] Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting spoke 122 can be rectangular. In other embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting spoke 122 can also be circular, elliptical, regular n-sided, or star-shaped.

[0038] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A spiral mixing phase splitter, characterized in that, The device includes a rotatable cylinder with a coaxial mixing zone inside. The mixing zone is used for premixing light and heavy phase fluids. The cylinder also has a spiral channel with its starting end connected to the mixing zone. The mixed fluid in the mixing zone enters the spiral channel. As the cylinder rotates, the mixed fluid flows from the starting end to the end of the spiral channel. Under centrifugal force, the mixed fluid separates into layers due to density differences. The light phase fluid adheres to the inner wall of the spiral channel and flows, while the heavy phase fluid adheres to the outer wall of the spiral channel and flows. The separated light and heavy phase fluids are discharged from the upper and lower sides of the end of the spiral channel.

2. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A light-heavy phase mixed fluid inlet is provided between the starting end of the spiral channel and the mixing zone. The mixed fluid in the mixing zone enters the spiral channel through the light-heavy phase mixed fluid inlet.

3. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spiral channel has a light phase outlet and a heavy phase outlet at the end. The light phase outlet is located on the upper side of the end of the spiral channel, and the separated light phase fluid is discharged from the light phase outlet. The heavy phase outlet is located on the lower side of the end of the spiral channel, and the separated heavy phase fluid is discharged from the heavy phase outlet.

4. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The light phase outlet is located at the end of the spiral channel, near the inner wall.

5. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The phase separation and heavy phase outlet is located at the end of the spiral channel, near the outer wall.

6. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and two first cover plates. The outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are located on the same axis. The two ends of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are connected by the two first cover plates. The outer cylinder, the inner cylinder, and the two first cover plates form an internal chamber, and the inner cylinder forms a mixing zone.

7. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The internal cavity is connected to a spiral plate, which divides the internal cavity into spiral channels with equal or unequal spacing.

8. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The starting end of the spiral plate is fixedly connected to the inner cylinder, the end of the spiral plate is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder, and the upper and lower sides of the spiral plate are fixedly connected to the two first cover plates respectively.

9. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mixing zone is equipped with a hub, on which multiple connecting spokes are fixedly connected. The hub is fixedly connected to the cylinder through the connecting spokes. The hub can be connected to the output end of the drive component to drive the spiral mixing phase separator to rotate.

10. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connecting spokes include two first plate portions, which are located at the upper and lower ends of the mixing zone, respectively. A first gap is provided between the two first plate portions, and the inlet of the light and heavy phase mixing fluid is located in the first gap.

11. The spiral mixing phase separator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The area ratio of the outlet of the light phase fluid to that of the heavy phase fluid is equal to the volume ratio of the light phase fluid to that of the heavy phase fluid.

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