Centrifugal Separator Pump Wheel Oil Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators used for separating oil from gases generated by internal combustion engines face issues with oil leakage into cleaned gas due to varying orientations and contamination from driving oil, and require multiple passages for oil egress, which defeats the purpose of the separator.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal separator design that includes a pump wheel and a drainage system with a bearing and partition wall configuration, allowing oil to flow via gravity from the separation chamber to the drainage chamber, utilizing centrifugal forces to prevent re-entry and contamination, while also equalizing pressure between chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the centrifugal separator is used in varying orientations due to mounting constraints or vehicle attitudes, then the separator can be installed in different positions, but oil may leak into the cleaned gas and be discharged from the clean gas outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into distinct functional zones: a separation chamber for gas processing and a drainage chamber for oil collection. This segmentation allows the device to maintain reliable oil-gas separation regardless of orientation, as each chamber performs its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding a drainage chamber below the separation chamber, creating a vertical hierarchy where oil drains downward into a dedicated collection area. This dimensional arrangement ensures that gravity-assisted oil drainage remains effective regardless of the separator's operational orientation.
2Power
If a turbine is used to drive the rotor in the drainage chamber, then the rotor can be driven by pressurized oil, but the driving oil can leak into the separation chamber through the bore and contaminate the cleaned gas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the oil-driven turbine function from the drainage chamber by introducing a separate drive shaft that extends through the partition wall into the separation chamber. This allows the rotor to be driven without requiring oil to pass through the separation chamber, eliminating the contamination pathway while maintaining drive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall acts as an intermediary barrier between the drainage chamber and separation chamber. The drive shaft penetrates this partition wall to transmit rotational force, allowing energy transfer while maintaining physical separation and preventing oil contamination of the cleaned gas.
3Productivity
If multiple passages are provided for oil egress, then oil can be drained from the separation chamber, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oil drainage function with the existing partition wall structure and bearing arrangement. The drainage chamber is positioned adjacent to the separation chamber, and oil drains through the bearing into the drainage chamber, consolidating multiple functions into a unified structure rather than requiring separate passages.
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
The design effectively minimizes oil leakage back into the separation chamber, ensuring clean gas output and reducing contamination, with a single efficient drainage path that maintains chamber pressure equality.
Implementation Method 1
centrifugal forces generated due to the rotation of the pump wheel cause the oil to be thrown into the drainage chamber
Implementation Method 2
oil, separated from gas generated by the internal combustion engine can travel via gravity from the separation chamber to the drainage chamber
Implementation Method 3
The pump wheel performs a pumping action when moving oil that contacts the disc from a smaller diameter to a larger diameter
Data Source
AI summary
In a centrifugal separator for cleaning gases generated by an internal combustion engine a housing defines an interior separation chamber. A centrifugal rotor is coupled for rotation to the housing and extends into the separation chamber. A drainage chamber is positioned adjacent the separation chamber and is delimited therefrom by a partition wall. A flow path is provided through which oil, separated from gases generated by the internal combustion engine and collecting on the partition wall, can travel from the separation chamber to the drainage chamber. A pump wheel is coupled to a shaft portion defined by the rotor and extends radially outwardly therefrom. During operation the oil, upon exiting the separation chamber, contacts the pump wheel. Centrifugal forces generated due to the rotation of the pump wheel cause the oil to be thrown into the drainage chamber. The pump wheel also minimizes the potential for oil resident in the drainage chamber to re-enter the separation chamber.