Centrifugal Separator Outlet Pipe Compression Force Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centrifugal separators face challenges in securing the position of outlet pipes due to large centrifugal forces, which can lead to pipe displacement and potential shattering during intermittent discharge of the separated sludge phase.

Innovation Solution

The centrifugal separator incorporates a stack of separation discs that are compressed with a compression force, and the outlet pipes form an element for transmitting this compression force to the disc stack, thereby securing the pipes in place and reducing the risk of displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If outlet pipes are used for continuous discharge of liquid heavy phase, then separation efficiency is improved, but pipe position stability deteriorates due to large centrifugal forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous discharge capabilityVSAvoidpipe position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet pipes are integrated with the compression force transmission system. The pipes form part of the element that transmits compression force from the bowl hood to the disc stack, merging the discharge function with the structural support function. This integration ensures pipes remain firmly positioned while enabling continuous discharge operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet pipes are pre-positioned and secured within the compression force transmission element before the bowl hood is tightened. This preliminary positioning ensures pipes are correctly located and stabilized before operation begins, preventing displacement during high-speed rotation and intermittent discharge cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If compression force is applied to disc stack, then separation performance is improved, but outlet pipes may be displaced by the compression force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidpipe position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet pipes are combined with the compression force transmission element, so the same structure that applies compression to improve separation also provides structural support for the pipes. This dual-function design ensures pipes are stabilized by the very compression force that enhances separation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression force transmission element acts as an intermediary between the bowl hood and the outlet pipes. It distributes the compression force evenly while providing a stable mounting structure for the pipes, preventing direct displacement of pipes by compression forces during assembly and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution ensures a stable and continuous discharge of the separated liquid heavy phase by maintaining the position of the outlet pipes, enhancing the operational reliability and efficiency of the centrifugal separator.

Implementation Method 1

During operation, liquid mixture to be separated is introduced into a rotating bowl and heavy particles or denser liquid, usually water, accumulates at the periphery of the rotating bowl whereas less dense liquid accumulates closer to the central axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the stack of separation discs is compressed with a compression force when mounted in the centrifuge bowl and wherein the plurality of outlet pipes form an element for transmitting the compression force to the compressed stack of separation discs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression force: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4268965B1A centrifugal separator
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 ALFA LAVAL CORP AB
  • EP4268965B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4268965B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4268965B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a centrifugal separator for separating at least a liquid heavy phase from a liquid feed mixture, comprising a frame (2), a drive member (3) and a rotatable part (4), wherein the drive member (3) is configured to rotate the rotatable part (4) in relation to the frame (2) around an axis of rotation (X), and wherein the rotatable part (4) comprises a centrifuge bowl (5) enclosing a separation space (9a) and a sludge space (9b). Further, the separation space (9a) comprises a stack (10) of separation discs (40) arranged coaxially around the axis of rotation (X) and wherein said sludge space (9b) is arranged radially outside said stack (10) of separation discs (40). The centrifuge bowl (5) further comprises an inlet (14) for receiving the liquid feed mixture and a first outlet chamber (6) in fluid connection with a heavy phase outlet pipe (6a) for discharging a separated liquid heavy phase. The centrifugal separator (1) further comprises a plurality of outlet pipes (30) for transport of said separated liquid heavy phase from said sludge space (9b) towards said first outlet chamber (6); and wherein the stack (10) of separation discs is compressed with a compression force when mounted in the centrifuge bowl (5) and wherein said plurality of outlet pipes (30) form an element for transmitting said compression force to the compressed stack (10) of separation discs.