Column Collector for Aerosol Particle Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating solid particles from mist aerosols, particularly those with solution droplets, suffer from impaired separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A column collector with a chamber equipped with an inlet at the lower part, an outlet at the upper part, heating elements, movable baffles arranged alternately, and cleaning means, including a suction device with a filter and scraper edges, to force aerosol flow and precipitate solid particles on the baffles for efficient separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If turbulent flow methods are used to separate solid particles from aerosol, then kinetic energy of particles is converted to thermal energy for separation, but separation efficiency for mist aerosols with solution droplets is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of temperature by introducing heating elements to heat the aerosol flow. This causes solution droplets to evaporate and solid particles to precipitate, fundamentally changing the separation mechanism from kinetic energy conversion to thermal-driven precipitation, thereby improving separation efficiency for mist aerosols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the separation process into distinct stages using multiple baffles arranged in sequence: first heating and precipitation stage, then separation stage where particles deposit on baffle surfaces. This segmented approach allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, improving overall separation efficiency
2Reliability
If solid particles are deposited on fixed baffles for separation, then separation is achieved, but removal and cleaning of deposited particles becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the baffles movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned or removed from the chamber. This dynamic design enables easy access to deposited particles for cleaning and maintenance, solving the problem of difficult particle removal while maintaining separation efficiency during operation
3Reliability
If heating elements are added to precipitate solid particles from aerosol, then separation efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heating partially - only to the extent necessary to achieve precipitation of solid particles from the aerosol. The heating elements are positioned strategically and controlled to provide just sufficient thermal energy for separation, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining effective separation efficiency
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
The solution enables efficient separation and quick accumulation and removal of solid particles from aerosol droplets, enhancing separation efficiency and simplifying the process through controlled heating and adjustable flow paths.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber for flow of the aerosol... at least one heating element for heating the aerosol
Implementation Method 2
movable baffles for drawing in and drawing out of the chamber and for depositing solid particles precipitated from the liquid droplets in the aerosol under the influence of temperature
Implementation Method 3
the forcing means for forcing the aerosol flow in the direction from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber are in the form of a suction device positioned at the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
The object of the application is a column collector (1) for separating solid particles (12) from liquid droplets in an aerosol (13), comprising: a chamber (2) for flow of the aerosol (13) provided with an inlet (3) for the aerosol (13) positioned in the lower part of the chamber (2) and an outlet (4) for the aerosol (13) positioned in the upper part of the chamber (2), whereas the chamber (2) comprises at least one heating element (6) for heating the aerosol (13), forcing means (10) for forcing the aerosol (13) to flow in a direction from the inlet (3) of the chamber (2) to the outlet (4) of the chamber (2), movable baffles (5) for drawing in and drawing out of the chamber (2) and for depositing solid particles (12) precipitated from the liquid droplets in the aerosol (13) under the influence of temperature, the baffles (5) being arranged one above another, and cleaning means (9) for removing the solid particles (13) deposited on the movable baffles (5). The object of the application is also a method for separating the solid particles (12) from the liquid droplets in the aerosol (13) by means of the column collector (1).