Centrifuge Separation Body with Variable Chamber Geometry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifuges with plate packs struggle to optimize flow conditions and adapt to diverse separation tasks, particularly when processing solid mixtures with varying particle sizes, as they are limited by the fixed geometry and arrangement of individual plates.

Innovation Solution

A centrifuge design featuring a one-piece separator body with conical annular wall sections and variable web configurations, allowing for adjustable separation chamber sizes and orientations, which can be optimized for specific separation tasks by varying the geometry and number of separation chambers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If plate packs with fixed geometry and arrangement are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow conditions cannot be optimized and adapted to diverse separation tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different separation tasksVSAvoidcomplexity of separator body structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator body is segmented into multiple separation chambers arranged axially, each chamber capable of having different geometric configurations. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for specific separation tasks while maintaining an overall integrated structure that is manufacturable as a single piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the separator body are given different local qualities through varying the geometry, size, and orientation of individual separation chambers. Each chamber can have tailored characteristics (conical angles, wall configurations, baffle arrangements) suited to specific separation requirements, while the entire structure remains integrally formed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If individual plates with fixed arrangement are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the flow conditions cannot be optimized for specific products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow-optimized operationVSAvoidease of manufacturing separator body
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual plates are merged into a single integrally formed separator body through casting or similar manufacturing processes. This combining eliminates the need for separate plate assembly while enabling flow-optimized continuous geometries that would be difficult to achieve with discrete plates, and the integral structure simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If uniform separation chamber geometry is used throughout, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but uniform flow loading cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidvariability of chamber geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator body incorporates dynamic variation in chamber geometry along the axial direction, with chambers transitioning from larger volumes at the inlet to smaller volumes toward the outlet. This dynamic geometric progression optimizes flow distribution and loading uniformity across different sections, enhancing overall separation efficiency while remaining manufacturable as an integral structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 uniform and flow-optimized loading throughout the separation body, allowing for tailored separation and clarification performance, enhancing the centrifuge's adaptability to different products and improving separation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a centrifuge with at least one separator body (12) that can be produced cheaply and easily... conical annular wall sections (13a-c)... axially spaced from one another... separation chambers (15) formed between the wall sections and between two of the webs (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP2352598B1Zentrifuge having a integrally formed separation unit
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 GEA MECHANICAL EQUIP GMBH
  • EP2352598B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2352598B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2352598B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A centrifuge comprising a drum (2) that can rotate about an axis of rotation, with at least one one-piece separating device (12) that supports a clarifying and/or separating process disposed in said drum, said separating device comprising at least two or more wall sections (13a - c) that are aligned diagonally relative to the axis of rotation and axially offset from one another and a plurality of ribs (14) axially connecting the wall sections (13a - c), wherein the wall sections (13) and the ribs (14) delimit separation chambers (15), each of which comprise at least one external radial and at least one further internal radial discharge opening (18, 19).