Dust Cyclone Dip Tube Vortex Intensification for Fine Particle Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cyclones are ineffective in separating particles smaller than 50 µm, leading to incomplete separation and the need for additional, costly post-separation equipment in processes like fluidized bed gasification, as they fail to utilize the rotational flow within the dip tube effectively for fine particle separation.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of internal components in the dip tube, such as tangential or axial guide elements, vortex generators, and deflection elements, to intensify the turbulent flow and enhance the tangential component of the velocity, allowing for secondary separation of fine particles within the cyclone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional cyclone design is used, then the structure is simple and operating costs are low, but separation efficiency for particles smaller than 50 µm is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidcyclone structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclone is divided into two functional sections: a primary separation zone for coarse particles and a secondary separation zone within the dip tube for fine particles. This segmentation allows each zone to specialize in different particle size ranges, achieving high overall separation efficiency without requiring multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dip tube is equipped with internal vortex-generating elements that create a secondary rotational flow nested within the primary cyclone vortex. This nested configuration enables fine particle separation within the existing cyclone structure, avoiding the need for additional external equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If additional post-separation equipment is added, then fine particle separation efficiency is improved, but operational costs and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine particle separation efficiencyVSAvoidseparation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary separation function is merged into the dip tube by incorporating vortex-generating elements directly into it. This integration combines primary and secondary separation functions into a single device, eliminating the need for separate post-separation equipment and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dip tube is transformed from a simple gas outlet component into a multi-functional element that serves both as a clean gas discharge path and as a secondary separation zone. The internal vortex-generating elements enable it to perform fine particle separation in addition to its primary function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the dip tube is used only for gas discharge, then the structure is simple, but fine particles are not separated and leave with the gas stream

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation efficiencyVSAvoiddip tube structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Vortex-generating elements are installed within the dip tube to create a secondary rotational flow that acts on particles before they exit with the gas stream. This preliminary action of intensifying the vortex ensures fine particles are separated from the gas phase before discharge, preventing them from leaving the cyclone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach enables complete separation of fine particles, reducing the need for additional separation equipment and lowering operational costs by enhancing the separation efficiency of the cyclone, particularly in fluidized bed gasification processes.

Implementation Method 1

internals for intensifying the vortex flow are provided in its immersion tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

As a result of the rotational flow and the resulting centrifugal forces, the heavier solid particles of the gas-solid mixture are forced towards the outer surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

method for intensifying a rotational flow within a dip tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 4

intensify the turbulent flow and enhance the tangential component of the velocity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 5

a deflecting element is arranged at an upper end of the immersion tube... which is designed to separate dust particles from the upward vortex

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4046721A1Dust cyclone with secondary separator, method of amplification a rotary flow within a vortex finder and use of the dust cyclone and apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 GIDARA ENERGY BV
  • EP4046721A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4046721A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP4046721A1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dust cyclone with secondary separation, characterized in that internals for strengthening the vortex flow are provided in the immersion tube.