Horizontal Screw Centrifuge Rotor Resilient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw centrifuges face challenges in providing resilient support for elongated rotors, particularly those with a length-to-diameter ratio greater than 2, which limits operating speeds due to resonance frequencies and structural noise transmission.
Innovation Solution
The use of combined spring/damping elements for resilient support, decoupling the rotor from the frame mass, and isotropic damping to shift natural frequencies above typical operating speeds, allowing for supercritical operation with reduced deflections and noise transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If coil springs are used for resilient support of the drum, then operating speeds above the main resonance frequency can be achieved, but narrow gaps are created between relatively movable parts making the system difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support ring as an intermediary element between the drum and the frame. The support ring provides a stable reference surface that maintains consistent spacing between the drum and stationary parts, eliminating the narrow gaps and control difficulties associated with direct spring support while still allowing supercritical operation speeds.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the rotor is supported rigidly on the frame, then structural noise transmission is reduced, but resonance frequencies limit the possible operating speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support system into multiple independent spring elements distributed around the rotor. This segmentation allows each spring to independently absorb vibrations and reduce noise transmission to the frame, while the collective arrangement maintains sufficient stiffness to support supercritical operating speeds above resonance frequencies.
3Reliability
If damping elements are added to the spring support system, then oscillatory rotor system is damped and deflection at critical speeds is limited, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spring elements and damping elements into an integrated support system. The springs provide resilient support to reduce noise transmission, while the damping elements control oscillations at critical speeds. This merging of functions achieves reliable vibration control without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
4Speed
If the rotor is decoupled from the frame mass, then natural frequencies are shifted to higher frequencies, but the support system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a stable mounting surface for the spring elements, maintains consistent spacing between the drum and stationary parts, and distributes loads evenly across the support system. This multi-functionality achieves the desired decoupling effect for high-speed operation without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Enables high-speed operation above the first rotor natural frequency with minimized deflections and reduced noise, extending bearing life and simplifying sealing due to reduced gaps, while maintaining a compact and quiet centrifuge design.
Implementation Method 1
The drum 2 or the entire rotor is resiliently supported by means of bearing devices 10, 11, which are supported on a machine frame 16 or on a foundation by means of spring elements 17, 18
Implementation Method 2
The spring elements 17, 18 are designed as combined spring and damping elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A screw centrifuge, having a rotor having a drum (2) having a horizontal axis of rotation, comprises the following: - the drum (2) having a horizontal axis of rotation (D); a screw (3) which is arranged in the drum and is rotatable at a differential speed relative to the rotatable drum; bearing elements (10, 11) at both axial ends of the drum (2) for mounting the drum (2); - spring elements (17, 18) for sprung support of the drum (2) on a machine frame (16), in each case at least two of the spring elements (17, 18) are arranged at the two axial ends of the drum, wherein the spring elements (17, 18) are orientated vertically or essentially vertically.