Centrifuge Drum Lid Segmentation for Pond Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drum covers of solid bowl screw centrifuges face challenges in achieving a large pond depth without excessive weakening due to the positioning of outlet openings radially far inward, which affects the flow of clarified medium under high centrifugal forces.

Innovation Solution

The drum cover design includes a third drum cover section positioned radially outside the weir edge, allowing for unhindered flow of clarified medium while maintaining structural support, and a fourth section radially inside to connect the first and second cover sections, creating a grid-like reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If outlet openings are positioned radially far inward to achieve large pond depth, then the pond depth is improved, but the drum cover rigidity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepond depthVSAvoiddrum cover rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The drum cover is divided into multiple sections (first drum cover section containing outlet openings, second drum cover section for bearing support, and at least one third drum cover section for connection). This segmentation allows the outlet openings to be positioned radially far inward for large pond depth while the separate connection sections maintain structural rigidity without interfering with the outlet flow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection sections are positioned in the axial direction to connect the first and second drum cover sections, rather than extending radially inward. This dimensional arrangement allows radial positioning of outlet openings for maximum pond depth while maintaining structural connectivity through axial positioning of support sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If outlet openings are positioned radially far inward, then the pond depth is increased, but the flow of clarified medium deteriorates due to centrifugal forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepond depthVSAvoidflow of clarified medium
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drum cover is segmented into functional sections where the first section contains outlet openings positioned radially far inward for large pond depth, while the third connection sections are positioned to not interfere with the radial flow path of clarified medium. This segmentation allows both large pond depth and unhindered flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the drum cover have different functional qualities: the first section is optimized for liquid discharge with outlet openings, while the third connection sections are optimized for structural support. This local differentiation allows the outlet openings to be positioned for maximum pond depth while the connection sections provide support without obstructing flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If third drum cover section is positioned radially outside the weir edge, then structural support is maintained, but the flow path may be obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrum cover supportVSAvoidflow of clarified medium
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drum cover is divided into functionally separate sections: the first section with outlet openings for liquid discharge, and the third section as a connection element. This segmentation allows the third section to be positioned radially outside the weir edge for structural support while the free spaces between sections maintain unobstructed flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The third drum cover section acts as an intermediary connection element between the first section (outlet openings) and the second section (bearing support). It provides structural connectivity and support while being positioned to not interfere with the flow path of clarified medium through the outlet openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design enables a large pond depth without compromising the drum cover's rigidity, ensuring efficient discharge of clarified medium and reducing energy requirements by preventing medium from hitting rotating components.

Implementation Method 1

a first drum lid section in which outlet openings are located, at which a clarified medium can flow from inside the drum over a weir edge to outside the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3181231B2Drum lid of a solid bowl screw centrifuge
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 FLOTTWEG GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP3181231B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3181231B2 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3181231B2 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A drum lid (30) of a drum of a solid-bowl screw centrifuge rotatable about a centrifuge axis (18) is configured with a first drum lid section (32) in which at least one outlet opening is located, through which a clarified medium can flow from inside the drum over a weir edge (40) to outside the drum, as well as a second drum lid section (34) which, viewed axially, is located outside the first drum lid section and which is designed to rotatably support the drum, and at least a third drum lid section (82) via which the first drum lid section (32) is statically connected to the second drum lid section (34). According to the invention, the at least one third drum lid section (82) is located radially outside with respect to the weir edge (40) when viewed radially.