Centrifuge Separation Discs With Microgrooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifuge separating plates with flow-influencing parts on their surface hinder particle transport and liquid flow, leading to backmixing of solid particles with the liquid, reducing separation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The use of microgrooves with specific orientations and depths on the separating plates, combined with an abrasion-resistant coating and strategically placed tabs, guides solid particles radially towards the outer edge, reducing backmixing and enhancing separation efficiency by creating channels for solid transport and minimizing surface tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flow-influencing parts with square shape are applied to the separating plate surface, then particle attachment is improved, but particle transport in the radial direction is hindered and backmixing occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle attachmentVSAvoidparticle transport efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The surface structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: a roughness structure for particle attachment, microgrooves for guiding particle transport, and a smooth transport zone near the outer edge. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with other functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different surface properties are applied to different radial positions on the separating plate. The inner region has roughness for attachment, the middle region has microgrooves for guided transport, and the outer region has a smooth surface for efficient particle discharge. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between attachment and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If flow-influencing parts are applied to the separating plate surface, then particle attachment increases, but liquid flow is hindered causing backmixing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle attachmentVSAvoidliquid flow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The surface is segmented into attachment zones with roughness and flow channels with smooth surfaces. The flow channels are positioned to allow liquid to pass freely while the roughness zones capture particles, preventing liquid flow hindrance while maintaining particle attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microgrooves act as intermediary structures that guide both liquid flow and particle transport. They provide a pathway that directs liquid flow away from attached particles while simultaneously guiding particles radially outward, preventing backmixing of liquid and solids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If microgrooves are used for particle guidance, then backmixing is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackmixing reductionVSAvoidsurface structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Complex mechanical particle transport mechanisms are replaced by optimizing surface geometry and utilizing centrifugal forces. The microgrooves and surface roughness work passively with the centrifugal field to guide particles, eliminating the need for active mechanical transport systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration effectively reduces backmixing of solid particles with the liquid, improves particle transport, and increases separation efficiency by guiding particles to the outer edge for collection, while preventing clogging and maintaining flow efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a centrifuge with a separation plate pack (2), which is designed to separate solids from a liquid to be clarified in a centrifugal field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

the separating plates have a surface structure, in particular in the form of microgrooves (15), which serve to guide the solid particles on the separating plate in the radial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface structure guidance: Groove

Data Source

PatentEP2704840B1Centrifuge with separation discs
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 GEA MECHANICAL EQUIP GMBH
  • EP2704840B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2704840B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2704840B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a centrifuge, in particular a separator or a solid bowl screw-type centrifuge, comprising a drum in which a separator disk packet (2) made of stacked conical separator disks (3, 3', 30) is arranged, each disk having a separator disk upper face and a separator disk lower face, characterized in that at least some regions of at least one or more of the separator disks (3, 3', 30) have a surface structuring (15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 28, 39) on the separator disk lower face.