Centrifugal Disc Stack with Segmented Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centrifugal separators face inefficiencies in separating particles due to recirculation of separated particles into the separating passages between discs, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A disc package design featuring two sets of separation discs with inclined separation surfaces, where the second set has larger diameters and a brim portion, arranged coaxially to minimize axial flow currents and recirculation, while maintaining efficient separation and ease of fabrication and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single brim extension is added to one separation disc, then the disc stack can be divided into purifier and concentrator sections, but particle recirculation into separating passages still occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode of operationVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disc package is segmented into two distinct sets: a first set with smaller diameter discs and a second set with larger diameter discs having brim portions. This segmentation allows different regions of the disc stack to perform different functions - the first set handles primary separation while the second set with brims prevents particle recirculation in specific zones, thereby maintaining separation efficiency while providing operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If separation discs are arranged with large diameters to maximize separation surface area, then separation efficiency improves, but axial flow currents increase causing particle recirculation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidaxial flow currents

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the disc package are assigned different disc diameter qualities. The first set uses smaller diameter discs where axial flow currents are less problematic, while the second set uses larger diameter discs with brim portions in regions where maximizing separation surface area is critical. This local differentiation optimizes separation efficiency in each zone while minimizing particle recirculation hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform diameter discs are used throughout the disc package, then fabrication and assembly are simplified, but particle recirculation cannot be effectively minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication simplicityVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disc package is divided into two sets with distinct disc diameter characteristics. The first set comprises discs with outer diameters of A or below, while the second set comprises discs with outer diameters of B or above. This segmentation into standardized size groups maintains relative fabrication simplicity while enabling the larger diameter discs with brims to effectively prevent particle recirculation in critical zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disc diameter parameter is changed between the two sets to optimize performance. By establishing two distinct diameter ranges (A or below for the first set, B or above for the second set), the design balances manufacturing considerations with the need to minimize particle recirculation through strategically placed larger diameter discs with brim portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design minimizes the risk of particle recirculation, enhancing separation efficiency and maintaining open space for separation, while being easy to assemble and fabricate.

Implementation Method 1

a disc package for a centrifugal separator... each provided with a separation surface with is inclined with respect to the radial direction... the separation discs are arranged coaxially around an axis of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3178565B1Disc stack for centrifugal separator

Publication Date: 2018.06.27 ALFA LAVAL CORP AB

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

Disc package (13) for a centrifugal separator, comprising a first set of separation discs (1), a second set of separation discs (6), wherein each disc of the first and second sets have a separation portion (2, 2') having a surface inclined with respect to the radial direction, the discs of the first and second sets are arranged coaxially around a rotation axis (X) at a distance from each other such that to form passages between adjacent discs, the separation discs of the first set have outer diameters A or below, wherein the separation discs of the second set have outer diameters B or above, wherein diameter B is larger than diameter A, wherein at least two separation discs of the first set are arranged between every two separation disc of the second set, wherein each separation disc of the first set is provided with cut-outs in the form of slits (5) that are open towards the outer radius of the separation disc, wherein each separation disc of the second set is provided with cut-outs in the form of holes (8) that are closed towards the outer radius of the separation disc, and wherein the cut-outs (5, 8) are arranged such that to distribute a flow of fluid to be separated through and over the disc package.