Cyclone Separator Module Using Molded Fiber for Low Pressure Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separation modules in the automotive industry for cleaning air laden with paint overspray are costly to produce and maintain high efficiency, leading to increased pressure loss and reduced effectiveness over time.

Innovation Solution

A separation module comprising multiple cyclone separation elements arranged within a housing, where the cyclone bodies are formed from molded fiber parts, and the gas flow flows parallel to the cyclone elements to minimize pressure loss, with inlet and outlet sections designed to optimize flow and separation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional separation modules are used to achieve high separation efficiency, then separation performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and pressure loss increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The separation module is divided into multiple independent cyclone separation elements arranged in parallel within the housing. Each cyclone element is a separate component that can be manufactured individually and assembled together, allowing for simplified manufacturing processes and reduced overall cost while maintaining high separation efficiency through the combined effect of multiple elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cyclone separation elements are made from molded fiber parts instead of traditional metal or rigid materials. This change in material parameter allows for cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining the necessary structural integrity and separation performance. The fiber molded construction reduces material costs and enables complex geometries to be manufactured as single pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional separation modules operate for extended periods, then continuous separation is achieved, but pressure loss increases and effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational durationVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cyclone separation elements are arranged in parallel, creating multiple independent flow paths for the gas stream. This segmentation allows the gas to distribute across several elements, reducing the pressure loss in each individual element and maintaining overall separation effectiveness over extended operational periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cyclone separation elements are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components. When elements become clogged or less effective over time, they can be discarded and replaced with fresh elements, maintaining optimal separation performance without the need for complex cleaning or maintenance operations that would increase pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Loss of energy

If multiple cyclone separation elements are arranged in parallel, then pressure loss is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure lossVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cyclone separation elements are combined within a single housing structure, sharing common inlet and outlet sections. This merging approach allows the system to benefit from parallel arrangement (reduced pressure loss) while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate units. The housing integrates and organizes the multiple elements, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the cyclone elements, provides common inlet and outlet passages for all elements, and acts as the external enclosure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity despite the presence of multiple separation elements.

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

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 allows for a cost-effective production of separation modules with high separation efficiency, reducing pressure loss and enabling long-term operation with minimal maintenance, as the cyclone elements are made from molded fiber parts and the parallel flow design enhances separation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The cyclone separation elements (112) form, on the one hand, an impact separation stage (114) of the separation module (100) and, on the other hand, a cyclone separation stage (116) of the separation module (100).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

The cyclone bodies (118) thus form, in particular, impact separation elements (122). Both the inner side of the cyclone body (118) facing the cyclone separation chamber (126) and the outer side of the cyclone body (118) facing away from the cyclone separation chamber (126) form separation surfaces for separating impurities from the raw gas stream (102).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 3

the housing (104) and/or the cyclone separation elements (112), in particular the entire separation module (100), comprise or are made of molded fiber parts. In particular, it may be provided that a cyclone body (118), a cyclone lid (134) and/or a dip tube (136) of each cyclone separation element (112) is formed from a molded fiber part.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiber reinforcement:

Data Source

PatentEP3720587B1Filter module and method of fabricating same
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 DUERR SYST AG
  • EP3720587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3720587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3720587B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a separator module for a separator device, which can be simply and cost-effectively produced and demonstrates high separating efficiency, wherein the separator module comprises the following: a housing which encloses an interior chamber through which a crude gas flow can pass, for the purpose of separating impurities from said crude gas flow; and a plurality of cyclone collector elements arranged in the interior chamber.