Cyclone-Magnetic Separator Design to Reduce Structural Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separators for removing solid particles from fluids in thermal and conditioning plants are complex and costly to manufacture, with cumbersome structures that are difficult to implement on an industrial scale, leading to inefficient particle separation and increased operational risks.

Innovation Solution

A simpler and more compact separator design featuring a tubular body with a cyclone effect generated by flow diverting elements and a magnetic device for attracting ferrous particles, allowing for efficient separation of both ferrous and non-ferrous particles using a straightforward manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex multi-chamber separator structure with inner and outer chambers is used, then particle separation capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation capabilityVSAvoidseparator structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the inner chamber and outer chamber into a single integrated separator body with a unified cylindrical casing. The flow diverting elements create functional zones within this single chamber, eliminating the need for separate inner and outer chambers while maintaining particle separation capability through the cyclone effect and magnetic attraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator is divided into functional zones using flow diverting elements that create a cyclone flow pattern. These elements segment the flow path to separate ferrous particles (attracted to the magnet) from non-ferrous particles (collected in the cyclone vortex), achieving particle separation without requiring multiple physical chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a traditional multi-component separator design is used, then separation efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The separator integrates the cyclone separation function and magnetic separation function into a single unified device. The magnet is positioned within the same chamber as the flow diverting elements, allowing both separation mechanisms to work simultaneously in one compact unit, simplifying manufacturing compared to multi-component designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flow diverting elements with specific geometric parameters (angles, positions, shapes) to optimize the cyclone flow pattern. By carefully designing these parameters, the separator achieves high separation efficiency for both ferrous and non-ferrous particles while maintaining a simple manufacturing process suitable for industrial production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If a compact separator structure is used, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparator sizeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is nested within the separator chamber, positioned among the flow diverting elements. This nested arrangement allows the magnetic separation function to be integrated within the cyclone separation structure, creating a compact multi-functional device without increasing overall volume or requiring additional external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow diverting elements are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the cylindrical chamber, creating a cyclone flow pattern that utilizes vertical and radial dimensions. This spatial arrangement achieves compact separation in a small volume while maintaining structural simplicity through the elegant use of geometric forms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effective separation of solid particles from fluids with a reduced manufacturing complexity and cost, ensuring efficient operation and reduced maintenance, while maintaining a compact structure suitable for industrial use.

Implementation Method 1

The flow diverting elements are configured for generating a cyclone trend of the fluid flow circulating in the separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone effect: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic device (14) engaged with the containing body (2) and configured for attracting to it solid ferromagnetic particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3150266B1Solid particles-fluids separator
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 FIMCIM SPA
  • EP3150266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3150266B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3150266B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention refers to a solid particles-fluids separator (1) comprising: a containing body (2) defining a housing compartment (3), a fluid inlet (4), a fluid outlet (5), a diverter (6) inside the housing compartment (3) and operatively interposed between the inlet (4) and outlet (5). The housing compartment (3) comprising: a first chamber (7) inside the diverter (6) and directly fluidically communicating with the inlet (4) through a through opening (10) positioned at the lateral wall (9) of the diverter (6), and a second chamber (11) delimited at least partially by an inner lateral surface (12) of the containing body (2) and extending at least partially outside the diverter (6) for directly communicating with the outlet (5): the first and second chambers (7, 11) are directly fluidically communicating with each other. The lateral wall (9) of the diverter (6) comprises a predetermined number of flow diverting elements (22, 23) emerging from the lateral wall (9) itself and configured for intercepting and deflecting at least part of the fluid flow entering the separator (1).