Centrifugal Separator Sludge Space Angle Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators face limitations in increasing separation capacity without incurring significant costs or affecting other operational parameters like energy consumption and rotational speed.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal separator design with a sludge space that tapers radially towards the sludge outlet, featuring an upper sludge space angle of less than 15 degrees, allowing for a larger number of separation discs to be fitted within the same outer size, thereby enhancing separation capacity while maintaining effective sludge discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of the centrifuge bowl is increased to improve separation capacity, then more separation discs can be fitted, but the cost increases and other parts and functions such as energy consumption are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the sludge space by reducing the upper sludge space angle β to less than 15 degrees. This parameter modification allows the centrifuge bowl to accommodate more separation discs (increasing separation capacity) without increasing the overall bowl size, thus avoiding increased costs and energy consumption
2Productivity
If the upper sludge space angle β is reduced to fit more separation discs, then separation capacity increases, but sludge discharge ability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the upper sludge space angle β to a specific range (less than 15 degrees) that simultaneously achieves two objectives: it maximizes the number of separation discs that can be fitted while maintaining sufficient sludge discharge ability. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between increasing separation capacity and maintaining reliable sludge discharge
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 enables a 5-15% increase in the number of separation discs, increasing separation capacity without compromising sludge discharge efficiency, as demonstrated by the successful operation with an upper sludge space angle of 13 degrees in experimental examples.
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
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention provides a centrifugal separator (1) for separating at least one liquid phase and a solids phase from a liquid feed mixture, comprising a frame (2), a drive member (3) and a rotating part (4), wherein the drive member (3) is configured to rotate the rotating part (4) in relation to the frame (2) around an axis of rotation (X). The rotating part (4) comprises a centrifuge bowl (5) enclosing a separation space (9a) and a sludge space (9b) and the separation space (9) comprises a stack (10) of separation discs (10a) arranged coaxially around the axis of rotation (X) and wherein said sludge space (9b) is arranged radially outside said stack (10) of separation discs (10a). The centrifuge bowl (5) further comprises an inlet (14) for receiving the liquid feed mixture, at least one liquid outlet (6,7) for a separated liquid phase, and at least one sludge outlet (17) for a separated solids phase arranged at the periphery of the centrifuge bowl (5). Further, the upper inner surface (28) of the sludge space (9b) that extends to the sludge outlet (17) forms an upper sludge space angle β relative the axis of rotation (X) as seen in an axial plane; and wherein the upper sludge space angle β is less than 15 degrees.