Centrifugal Separator Speed Feedback for Drier Sludge Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separators face challenges in minimizing liquid discharge during the intermittent sludge phase, leading to valuable liquid loss during solid phase separation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize rotational speed measurements to control the intermittent discharge process by correlating the decrease in rotational speed with the physical properties of the discharged phase, allowing for optimized dryness regulation through adjustments in rotational speed, feed flow rate, and discharge timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If intermittent sludge discharge is performed to separate solid phase, then solid phase separation is achieved, but liquid phase is lost with the discharged sludge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback control by measuring the decrease in rotational speed after sludge discharge and using this information to control the intermittent discharge process. The control system adjusts discharge timing and duration based on the measured rotational speed changes, optimizing the balance between solid phase removal and liquid phase retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (rotational speed, discharge timing, discharge duration) based on measured rotational speed decreases. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes separation efficiency while minimizing liquid loss in the discharged sludge.
2Productivity
If rotational speed is increased to improve separation performance, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rotational speed control based on measured rotational speed decreases after discharge. Instead of maintaining constant high speed, the system adjusts speed dynamically, increasing it only when needed for effective separation and reducing it when not necessary, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes rotational speed parameters dynamically based on process conditions and measured performance. By adjusting speed according to actual separation needs rather than maintaining constant high speed, the system achieves efficient separation with reduced energy consumption.
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
Reduces liquid loss by enhancing the dryness of the solid phase discharge, improving separation efficiency and reducing valuable liquid waste.
Implementation Method 1
High speed centrifugal separators are generally used for separation of liquids and/or for separation of solids from a liquid mixture. During operation, liquid mixture to be separated is introduced into a rotating centrifuge bowl
Implementation Method 2
measuring the decrease in rotational speed as a function of time immediately after step d)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention provides a method (100) for operating a centrifugal separator (1) for separating at least one liquid phase and a solid phase from a liquid feed mixture. The centrifugal separator (1) comprises a centrifuge bowl (10) arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation (X) and comprising a separation space (9a), in which surface enlarging inserts (17) are arranged, and a sludge space (9b) arranged radially outside the separation space (9a); a drive member (4) for rotating the centrifuge bowl (10) around the axis of rotation (X). The centrifuge bowl (10) further comprises an inlet (11) for supply of the liquid feed mixture, at least one liquid outlet (12, 13) for discharge of a separated liquid phase, a sludge outlet (14) arranged for intermittently discharging a separated solid phase from said centrifuge bowl (10). The method (100) comprises the steps of a) rotating (101) the centrifuge bowl (10) at a rotational speed; b) supplying (102) the liquid feed mixture to the centrifuge bowl (10); c) separating (103) said liquid feed mixture in the centrifuge bowl (10) into at least one liquid phase and a solid phase; d) discharging (105) the solid phase from the centrifuge bowl (10); e) measuring (106) the decrease in rotational speed as a function of time immediately after step d); and f) controlling (107) the centrifugal separator (1) based on the measurements in step e).