Centrifugal Separator with Segmented Disc Stack for Cold Milk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separators face reduced efficiency in separating cold milk, particularly at low temperatures, leading to decreased skimming performance and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a centrifugal separator with a disc stack comprising two sets of conical discs, where the first set has a larger separation distance to initially separate larger fat globules, and the second set with a smaller separation distance maintains high skimming efficiency while reducing the risk of fat buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single set of discs with uniform separation is used, then the structure is simple, but skimming performance deteriorates at low temperatures due to fat buildup between discs
Solution Approach 1:
The disc stack is segmented into two distinct sets: a first set with larger separation distances (0.5-1.5mm) to prevent fat buildup, and a second set with smaller separation distances (0.1-0.5mm) to maintain high skimming efficiency. This segmentation allows each set to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the disc stack are assigned different separation distances based on local functional requirements. The first set of discs (upstream) has larger gaps suitable for initial separation and fat globule handling, while the second set (downstream) has smaller gaps for fine skimming. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between preventing fat buildup and maintaining skimming efficiency.
2Productivity
If smaller separation distance between discs is used, then skimming efficiency is improved, but fat buildup between discs increases leading to maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of fat buildup is localized to the first set of discs which are designed with larger separations. The second set of discs, which would be prone to fat buildup if used throughout, is protected by placing it downstream after the first set has removed excess fat. This segmentation isolates the productivity-enhancing small gaps from the fat buildup problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The first set of discs performs preliminary separation action to remove larger fat globules and reduce fat content in the milk stream before it enters the second set of discs. This preliminary action prevents fat buildup in the second set, allowing it to maintain small separations for high efficiency without suffering from the harmful fat accumulation effect.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If larger separation distance between discs is used, then fat buildup is reduced, but skimming efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The disc stack is divided into functional zones: the first set with larger separations (0.5-1.5mm) handles fat globule separation with reduced occlusion risk, while the second set with smaller separations (0.1-0.5mm) provides high-efficiency skimming. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both large and small gap configurations without compromising either fat buildup prevention or skimming efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different separation distances are applied locally to different sets of discs based on their specific functional roles. The first set uses larger gaps locally where fat globule handling is the priority, while the second set uses smaller gaps locally where fine skimming efficiency is the priority. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between reducing fat occlusion and maintaining skimming efficiency.
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 configuration enhances skimming efficiency over a wider temperature range, reduces the risk of fat occlusion, and minimizes maintenance requirements by preventing fat buildup and allowing for increased throughput in milk separation processes.
Implementation Method 1
Separators for separating milk into different phases of varying density under the influence of a centrifugal force are called centrifugal separators
Implementation Method 2
Under the influence of the centrifugal force, heavier components and lighter fat globules in the raw milk begin to settle radially outwards respectively inwards in the separation channels according to their density
Data Source
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AI summary
A centrifugal separator (100) for separating milk (RM) into a cream phase (CR) and a skim milk phase (SM) is disclosed. The separator (100) comprises a centrifuge bowl (101), a disc stack (102) of conical discs (103) arranged inside the centrifuge bowl (101). The disc stack (102) comprises a first set of discs (106) and a second set of discs (107), the discs (103) in the disk stack (102) comprises distribution openings (117) such that the milk (RM) passes the first set of discs (106) before passing the second set of discs (107). The discs in the first set of discs (106) are separated from each other by a first distance (108), and the discs in the second set of discs (107) are separated from each other by a second distance (109) which is smaller than the first distance (108).