Curved-Flow Mass Separator for Hydraulic Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass separators for hydraulic systems are inefficient in separating small gas bubbles from organic or oil-based pressure mediums, requiring large space and energy-intensive ultrasonic solutions, and lack flexibility in operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mass separator design with a curved pressure medium flow path and radially arranged lateral surfaces that enhance turbulent fluctuations and shearing, promoting bubble coalescence, combined with micro- or nanoscale surface functionalization to increase wetting and separation efficiency, allowing for smaller installations and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large container or tank is used for bubble separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cyclone separator with curved flow paths and centrifugal forces to achieve efficient bubble separation in a compact design. The curved geometry creates rotational flow that enhances separation performance without requiring large tank volumes, directly resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and installation space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic flow dynamics and pressure differential to drive the separation process. By optimizing the hydraulic circuit integration and using pressure-driven flow through the cyclone separator, the system achieves effective bubble removal without requiring additional energy input or large container volumes
2Productivity
If ultrasonic solutions are used to promote bubble growth, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone separator design allows the hydraulic system's own pressure and flow characteristics to drive the separation process. The system uses the existing hydraulic energy to create centrifugal forces and turbulent flow patterns that promote bubble coalescence and separation, eliminating the need for external ultrasonic energy input while maintaining high separation efficiency
3Volume of stationary object
If traditional cyclone separation is used, then installation space is reduced, but flexibility in separating small bubbles under variable operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable flow control elements and variable geometry features that allow the cyclone separator to adapt to different operating conditions. The system can dynamically adjust flow rates, pressure differentials, and flow path characteristics to optimize separation performance for small bubbles across varying hydraulic conditions, enhancing flexibility while maintaining compact dimensions
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 design achieves higher separation rates with reduced space requirements and energy consumption, effectively separating small bubbles and maintaining efficiency under variable operating conditions without auxiliary energy.
Implementation Method 1
flows along a curved flow path, defined by a radially outer surface, towards outlets. Due to the curvature, the flow path is primarily rotationally dominant
Implementation Method 2
an annular gap flow with a comparatively higher flow velocity than in a pure vortex flow without an inner surface area can develop. This results in both stronger turbulent fluctuations and shear forces with velocity differences in the radial direction
Implementation Method 3
This results in both stronger turbulent fluctuations and shear forces with velocity differences in the radial direction, which increase the probability of collisions—due, among other things, to bubble overtaking
Implementation Method 4
at least one of the shell surfaces and/or an inlet or outlet side surface is structured, at least section by section, on a micro- or nanoscale such that wetting with gas is increased compared to wetting with the pressure medium
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A mass separator for separating bubbles from oily or organic hydraulic pressure medium is disclosed, with a pressure medium flow path that can be formed from a pressure medium inlet towards the outlets of the mass separator and is curved by a radially outer surface. A mass separator arrangement is also disclosed.