Centrifugal Separator Gas Detection via Pressure Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators face challenges in ensuring reliable separation operations due to the presence of trapped gases, which can lead to undesired leakage and product losses, especially in hermetic separators without effective deaeration mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining gas presence in a centrifugal separator's fluid system involves closing all outlet passages, supplying additional feed liquid, and measuring the pressure increase interval and time period to determine if gas is present based on the pressure change dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deaeration channels are used to remove air from the bowl, then gas presence is eliminated, but liquid mixture may escape through the channels causing product loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary deaeration by introducing inert gas (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the bowl before the separation process begins. This preliminary action removes trapped air from the fluid system without requiring open channels that could cause product loss during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inert gases (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) to displace air from the bowl. These inert gases prevent oxidation and contamination while being safely removed through the outlet passages during the deaeration phase, eliminating the need for permanent open deaeration channels.
2Loss of substance
If hermetic sealing is used to prevent leakage, then product loss is reduced, but trapped gas may cause operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetic seal maintains product loss prevention during operation, while a preliminary deaeration phase is performed before operation begins. This preliminary action introduces inert gas and opens outlet passages temporarily to remove trapped air, then seals the system hermetically for the separation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet passages are designed to be dynamically controllable - open during the preliminary deaeration phase to allow gas escape, and closed during the hermetic separation operation to prevent product loss. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between hermetic sealing and gas removal.
3Loss of information
If pressure increase measurement is performed to detect gas, then gas presence is determined, but additional measurement time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors pressure increase as feed liquid is supplied to detect gas presence. By analyzing the rate and pattern of pressure change rather than using complex sensors, the system achieves accurate gas detection with minimal additional measurement time.
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 method allows for the automatic detection of trapped gases in the centrifugal separator, ensuring proper deaeration and reducing the risk of product loss and leakage, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive processes like cell culture separation.
Implementation Method 1
supplying further feed liquid to the inlet passage... measuring a pressure increase interval within the fluid system
Implementation Method 2
Due to the centrifugal forces created in the rotating bowl, heavy particles and/or denser liquid, such as water, is separated at a periphery of the rotating bowl whereas less dense liquid is separated towards the rotational axis of the bowl
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for determining gas presence in a fluid system of a centrifugal separator including a rotatable assembly, the fluid system includes a separation space in the rotatable assembly, an inlet passage into the separation space, and at least a first outlet passage from the separation space. The method includes providing a feed liquid into the separation space, closing all outlet passages, supplying further feed liquid to the inlet passage, measuring a pressure increase interval within the fluid system, measuring a time period, and determining whether gas is present in the fluid system based on a result of the measuring steps.