Centrifuge Solids Control via Coriolis Flow Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the emptying of solids in discontinuously self-emptying separators, such as those used in clarifying suspensions, face challenges due to solids blinding photocells, leading to unsatisfactory control and the need for more precise and reliable methods to determine the optimal emptying moment.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing the time behavior and derivatives of suspension parameters, combined with a Coriolis flowmeter for accurate mass determination, triggers emptying when a predetermined solids mass limit is exceeded, ensuring complete or partial emptying of the solids collection chamber and preventing excessive densities by controlling inflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photocell is used to monitor the emptying of the drum's solids chamber, then the emptying process can be monitored, but the photocell becomes blinded by solids over time, making satisfactory control impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the problematic photocell environment by using a Coriolis flow meter to measure the clear phase flow rate outside the drum, and integrating this measurement over time to determine solids mass. This removes the measurement sensor from the blinding environment while still achieving the goal of monitoring solids accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary measurement approach by measuring the clear phase flow rate as a proxy for solids accumulation. Instead of directly measuring solids or turbidity with a blinded photocell, the system uses the clear phase flow rate (measured by a reliable Coriolis flow meter) as an intermediary parameter that correlates with solids mass in the drum.
2Reliability
If the drum is emptied frequently to prevent solids reaching the edge, then the separator performance is maintained, but productivity decreases due to repeated emptying cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors clear phase flow rate and integrates it over time to track solids accumulation. This provides real-time feedback on the actual solids mass in the drum, allowing the system to optimize emptying timing based on actual conditions rather than using fixed or conservative schedules, thus maintaining performance while maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of the optimal emptying moment by continuously integrating clear phase flow rate measurements to calculate accumulated solids mass. This allows the system to proactively schedule emptying at the precise moment when solids mass reaches the maximum allowable limit, preventing performance degradation while avoiding premature emptying that would reduce productivity.
3Productivity
If the inlet flow rate is increased to improve productivity, then more suspension is processed, but the density of solids in the collection chamber increases, risking excessive density conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses feedback control by continuously monitoring clear phase flow rate and integrating it to determine accumulated solids mass. This real-time feedback allows the system to adjust or trigger emptying operations based on actual solids accumulation, enabling higher inlet flow rates to be used safely as long as the integrated solids mass remains below the maximum limit, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and solids density control.
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 approach provides precise and reliable control over the emptying process, preventing solids from reaching the edge of the collection space and protecting the separator from excessive densities, ensuring efficient operation and maintaining separator performance.
Implementation Method 1
A Coriolis flow meter is suitable for determining the suspension and/or solids mass, enabling a sufficiently accurate determination of this value(s) in a simple manner
Implementation Method 2
Method for continuously clarifying a flowable suspension with a centrifuge
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for continuously clarifying a flowable suspension (P) with a centrifuge, in particular a discontinuously solid-discharging - self-discharging - separator, which has a rotatable drum with a vertical axis of rotation, a feed for the suspension (P) to be clarified and at least one liquid discharge for continuously discharging at least one clarified liquid phase (L), and discontinuously openable solid-discharge openings for discontinuously discharging the solid phase (S), comprises the following steps: a) measuring one or more of the suspension parameters mass, mass of solid substance in the suspension, mass flow, temperature, density, cumulative density; and b) initiating a time-limited discharge of solid substance as a result of a repeated determination on the basis of step a) in the event of or after the exceeding of a limit value.