Cyclone Separator with Guide Fin Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclone separators are relatively bulky due to the need for separate discharge provisions for heavy and light fractions, which increases their minimum length and pressure drop.
Innovation Solution
The cyclone separator incorporates hollow or channel-equipped guide fins and additional flow passages to allow discharge of fractions at the swirl element position, reducing the separator's longitudinal dimensions and optimizing space usage, with discharge openings strategically placed near the downstream end and in converging portions to enhance separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate discharge provisions are made for heavy and light fractions downstream of guide fins, then complete separation of fractions is achieved, but the separator becomes bulky with increased minimum length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the discharge functions by allowing both heavy and light fractions to be discharged through the same axial outlet at the downstream end. The flow body's geometry and the guide fins' configuration enable both fractions to converge and exit through a common discharge point, eliminating the need for separate discharge provisions and reducing the separator's longitudinal dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a longitudinal discharge arrangement (separate outlets at the end) to a radial discharge arrangement (outlets in the cylindrical portion). By providing discharge openings in the cylindrical portion of the flow body, the separated fractions can be discharged radially outward through the guide fins, utilizing the radial dimension rather than requiring extended longitudinal space.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate discharge provisions are made for heavy and light fractions, then complete separation is achieved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the discharge paths of heavy and light fractions into a common axial outlet or coordinated discharge system, the patent reduces the number of separate discharge provisions. This merging of discharge functions simplifies the flow paths and reduces the cumulative pressure drop that would result from multiple separate discharge arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the discharge function from the downstream end and relocates it to the cylindrical portion of the flow body. By providing discharge openings in the cylindrical portion, the separated fractions can be discharged earlier in the flow path, reducing the distance over which pressure drop occurs and eliminating the need for extended downstream discharge provisions.
3Length of stationary object
If discharge openings are placed in the cylindrical portion of the flow body, then compactness is improved, but separation efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing discharge openings specifically in the cylindrical portion of the flow body rather than uniformly throughout. The guide fins are configured with specific geometries in different regions: the converging portion directs heavy fraction toward the axial outlet, while the cylindrical portion with its discharge openings is optimized for light fraction discharge. This localized optimization maintains separation efficiency while achieving compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow body into distinct functional regions: a converging portion for heavy fraction separation and discharge, and a cylindrical portion with discharge openings for light fraction discharge. The guide fins are also segmented with different configurations in these regions. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining overall separation efficiency while enabling compact discharge arrangements.
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 design results in a more compact cyclone separator with reduced pressure drop and improved separation efficiency, making it suitable for well-head applications and maintaining high separation performance.
Implementation Method 1
Provided on the flow body are guide fins with which the mixture flowing into the tube under overpressure is brought into rotation. As a result of the centrifugal forces occurring due to the rotation, the relatively heavy fraction of the mixture is flung outward, while the relatively light fraction of the mixture is displaced in a zone along the flow body.
Implementation Method 2
Separating devices for separating such mixtures, such as mixtures of oil and gas, are known in which use is made of the differences in specific weight of the parts of which the mixture is made up.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating a mixture containing solid particles, liquid and/or gas into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, the separator comprising: - a casing (2) defining a flow space through which the mixture is to flow; - an elongated flow body (5) arranged in the flow space along which the mixture to be separated can be carried; - at least one swirl inducing element (10) arranged between the flow body and the inner casing, the swirl inducing element being curved so as to set the incoming mixture into a rotating movement for the purpose of separating the mixture into the heavy fraction and the light fraction; - discharge means for discharging the separated heavy and light fraction, wherein the discharge means comprise at least one flow passage defined inside said at least one swirl element .