Annular Centrifugal Separator to Prevent Liquid Reentrainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separators lack high separation capacity over a wide range of gas flow speeds and pressure levels, and often reintroduce separated liquid back into the gas flow.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal separator design with an annular inner housing and outer housing configuration that directs gas flow upwards, utilizing an annular ridge and tapered walls to separate liquid efficiently, ensuring liquid is discharged without reentering the gas stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional centrifugal separators are used, then liquid-gas separation is achieved, but separation capacity is limited to fixed flow speeds and pressure levels
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into an inner housing and an outer housing, creating distinct functional zones. The inner housing handles high-speed separation while the outer housing manages liquid collection and discharge, allowing the system to maintain high separation capacity across varying flow conditions and pressure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radial dimension for liquid discharge by positioning the liquid outlet opening at the bottom of the outer housing, separate from the gas flow path. This spatial separation in three-dimensional space allows independent optimization of gas separation and liquid discharge, enabling adaptability across wide ranges of flow speeds and pressure levels.
2Productivity
If conventional separators are used, then liquid is separated from gas, but separated liquid is reintroduced into the gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid outlet opening is extracted from the inner housing and repositioned to the outer housing bottom, completely removing liquid from the gas flow path. This extraction ensures that separated liquid is discharged independently without any possibility of reintroduction into the upward gas stream, eliminating the harmful effect of liquid contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer housing acts as an intermediary chamber between the inner separation zone and the external environment. Liquid collected in the outer housing is discharged through a separate outlet, serving as a mediator that prevents direct contact between separated liquid and the gas flow, thereby eliminating liquid reintroduction.
3Productivity
If single housing design is used, then structure is simple, but separation capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The inner housing is nested within the outer housing, creating a compact multi-functional structure. The inner housing performs centrifugal separation while the outer housing provides liquid collection and discharge functionality. This nested arrangement increases separation capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the two housings share common structural elements and mounting interfaces.
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 design achieves efficient liquid-gas separation across varying flow speeds and pressures, preventing liquid reintroduction into the gas stream, thus maintaining optimal operation of pneumatic devices and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the separation of the fluids is based on the centrifugal principles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a centrifugal separator (1) for separating liquid from a wet gas. The separator (1) comprises an inlet opening for wet gas and an outer housing (2) having a liquid outlet opening (4) and a gas outlet opening (5). The centrifugal separator is characterized in further comprising an annular inner housing (3) located within the outer housing (2) and having an inlet orifice (10) of the inlet opening of the centrifugal separator (1). a lower liquid outlet opening (11) and an annular upper rim (12), wherein an inner surface of a top section (9) of the outer housing (2) and the upper rim (12) of the inner housing (3) being located adjacent each other and together defining an upper liquid outlet opening (17) of the inner housing (3), wherein the gas outlet opening (5) of the outer housing (2) is located radially inside the upper rim (12) if the inner housing. and wherein the upper liquid outlet opening (17) of the inner housing (3) is connected to the liquid outlet opening (4) of the outer housing (2).