Centrifuge Changeable Weir Inserts for Rapid Mode Conversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifuges require cumbersome and time-consuming processes to convert between two-phase and three-phase operations, often necessitating dismantling and transportation to a machine shop for configuration changes.

Innovation Solution

The use of changeable weir inserts within the centrifuge, allowing for fluid communication control between the separation chamber and outlet passages, enables rapid conversion between two-phase and three-phase operations without dismantling the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional centrifuges are converted between two-phase and three-phase operations, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity and downtime increase due to dismantling and reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion between two-phase and three-phase operationsVSAvoiddismantling and reconfiguration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centrifuge is divided into modular components, specifically the weir insert that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the operational mode to be changed by simply swapping the weir insert rather than dismantling the entire centrifuge, thus improving versatility while minimizing device complexity disruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The centrifuge is designed with universal functionality to operate in both two-phase and three-phase modes using different weir inserts. The same centrifuge body and outlet passages can serve multiple operational purposes by simply changing the weir insert configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each operation type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional centrifuges are converted between operational modes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to transportation to machine shop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion between two-phase and three-phase operationsVSAvoiddowntime for conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Different weir inserts are pre-configured for specific operational modes (two-phase or three-phase). The desired weir insert is prepared in advance and can be quickly installed on the centrifuge when mode conversion is needed, eliminating the need for on-site manufacturing or complex reconfiguration processes that would consume significant time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The weir insert is extracted as a separate, removable component from the centrifuge system. This extraction allows the insert to be independently replaced without affecting the main centrifuge structure, enabling rapid mode conversion at the operational site without transportation to a machine shop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If weir inserts are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability decreases for different separation configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidliquid level control and flow direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The weir insert transitions from a fixed to a dynamic, replaceable component. Different weir inserts with varying geometries, heights, and configurations can be installed depending on the required separation parameters, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized mounting interfaces

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

Enables efficient and rapid conversion between two-phase and three-phase operations, minimizing downtime and allowing for adaptable liquid level control and flow direction, thus optimizing separation efficiency without the need for extensive reconfiguration.

Implementation Method 1

a centrifuge for the separation of a liquid-solid mixture and/or multi-phase mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of weir inserts removably disposed within the plurality of apertures to control a flow of one or more fluids from the separation chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Data Source

PatentUS9908125B2Centrifuge and changeable weir inserts therefor

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 M1 LIMITED

AI summary

A centrifuge, including: a flange closing off one axial end of a separation chamber; a plurality of apertures that traverse axially through the flange at a radial distance from a flange axis, wherein at least one aperture is in fluid communication with a first outlet passage; a plurality of weir inserts removably disposed within the plurality of apertures to control a flow of one or more fluids from the separation chamber; wherein at least one weir insert disposed within the at least one aperture in fluid communication with the first outlet passage is changeable to prevent or allow fluid communication between the separation chamber and the first outlet passage.