Annular Centrifugal Extractor With Integrated Solid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annular centrifugal extractors (ACE) in nuclear fuel reprocessing face issues with solid particle accumulation, leading to reduced phase separation capacity, increased maintenance complexity, and safety risks due to high-pressure systems and solid particle handling challenges, which are not effectively addressed by current clean-in-place (CIP) methods.
Innovation Solution
An annular centrifugal extractor with integrated solid separation parts that separates solid particles within the rotating bowl, using centrifugal sedimentation to prevent particle accumulation and enable remote maintenance, eliminating the need for additional systems or facilities for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If high pressure spray nozzles are mounted on the hollow shaft to remove solid particles, then solid particle removal capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the solid particle removal function from the complex high-pressure spray nozzle system. Instead of using nozzles mounted on the rotating shaft, the patent uses a simple removable bottom plate with slots that allows solids to be discharged during normal operation, eliminating the need for complex cleaning mechanisms while maintaining effective solid particle removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-cleaning functionality where the ACE unit automatically discharges accumulated solids during normal operation through the slot-formed openings in the bottom plate. The centrifugal force generated during operation naturally propels solids through the slots, eliminating the need for external cleaning systems or additional operational steps
2Object-generated harmful factors
If high pressure spray nozzles are mounted on the hollow shaft to remove solid particles, then solid particle removal capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex nozzle assembly requiring high-precision manufacturing with a simple bottom plate featuring slot-formed openings. This design can be manufactured using conventional techniques without requiring precision balancing or complex assembly procedures, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining effective solid particle removal
3Reliability
If additional systems are integrated to contain mixed phase inside the stationary bowl, then liquid flow through solid collection pipe is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system relies on the natural centrifugal separation that occurs during normal ACE operation to prevent liquid flow through the solid collection pipe. The centrifugal force naturally directs liquid phases away from the solid discharge path, eliminating the need for additional containment systems or complex control mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated solid separation design enhances ACE operating life, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures safe handling of radioactive solids without additional systems, maintaining mass transfer efficiency and phase separation capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The solid particles settle inside the rotating bowl due to high centrifugal force during solvent extraction
Implementation Method 2
using centrifugal sedimentation to prevent particle accumulation
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an annular centrifugal extractor with Solid Separation Part to Separate Solid Particles Present in Solvent Extraction Fluid. In order to remove solid particles from the solution, a solid separation part/rotating bowl is attached to rotating bowl in such a way that solid particles settle inside the solid separation part. This solid separating centrifugal extractor contains two parts: (I) upper part which acts as a liquid-liquid separator to separate aqueous and organic solution used in solvent extraction operation and (II) bottom part which acts as a solid separator to separate solid particle present in solvent extraction liquids. The bottom rotating rotor is coupled with upper rotating rotor by threading arrangement. Both the rotating rotors are confined within a stationary cylinder. Dispersion with solid particles entering inside the rotating bowl is deflected towards the wall of the rotating cylinder by deflecting baffle by centrifugal sedimentation.