Centrifugal Separator Outlet Positioning for Compact Crankcase Gas Cleaning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifugal separators for cleaning crankcase gases are too large, making them unsuitable for smaller combustion engines, and reducing their size while maintaining separation efficiency is a challenge.

Innovation Solution

The centrifugal separator design features an outlet opening positioned opposite the stack of separation disks through the side wall, eliminating the need for gas outlet channels above or below the separation space, allowing for a compact design with improved gas flow distribution and reduced re-mixing of cleaned gas and liquid particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the diameter of the stack of separation disks is reduced to decrease the size of the centrifugal separator, then the device size is reduced, but the separation efficiency deteriorates unless the height of the stack is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of centrifugal separatorVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet opening is repositioned from the traditional side wall location to a position opposite the stack of separation disks, utilizing the axial dimension more effectively. This dimensional repositioning allows for a more compact radial design while maintaining efficient gas flow paths and separation performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the outlet opening on the side wall as in conventional designs, the outlet is positioned opposite the stack, inverting the traditional outlet configuration. This inversion enables shorter gas outlet channels and eliminates the need for gas outlet space above or below the separation space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Length of stationary object

If the height of the centrifugal separator is reduced for a compact design, then the device size is reduced, but the gas flow distribution and separation efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight of centrifugal separatorVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet opening is repositioned from the traditional side wall location to a position opposite the stack of separation disks, utilizing the axial dimension more effectively. This dimensional repositioning allows for a more compact radial design while maintaining efficient gas flow paths and separation performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The position parameter of the outlet opening is changed from side wall location to opposite the stack, which fundamentally alters the gas flow path length and distribution characteristics, enabling compact design without sacrificing separation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If traditional side wall outlet opening configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the gas outlet channels and gas outlet space above or below the separation space increase the device size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the outlet opening on the side wall as in conventional designs, the outlet is positioned opposite the stack, inverting the traditional outlet configuration. This inversion enables shorter gas outlet channels and eliminates the need for gas outlet space above or below the separation space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas outlet function is extracted from the traditional side wall location and repositioned to be opposite the stack, eliminating the need for extensive gas outlet channels and gas outlet space that would otherwise be required above or below the separation space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 results in a more compact separator with enhanced separation efficiency, improved pumping capability, and reduced flow resistance, making it suitable for smaller engines while maintaining effective separation of liquid impurities.

Implementation Method 1

centrifugal separator for cleaning gases containing liquid impurities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS10532365B2Centrifugal separator having an outlet opening opposite a stack of separation disks

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 ALFA LAVAL CORP AB

AI summary

A centrifugal separator for cleaning gas containing liquid impurities includes a stationary casing, enclosing a separation space through which a gas flow is permitted. The stationary casing includes a surrounding side wall, a first end wall and a second end wall. An inlet extends through the stationary casing and permits supply of the gas to be cleaned. A rotating member includes a stack of separation disks rotatable around an axis of rotation. A drive member rotates the rotating member. A gas outlet permits discharge of cleaned gas, and includes an outlet opening through the side wall. A drainage outlet permits discharge of liquid impurities separated from the gas. The outlet opening is positioned opposite to the stack of separation disks.