Multi-stage Cyclone Separator Nanoparticle Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle separation devices, such as filters and cyclone separators, face inefficiencies in separating nanoparticles from gas flows, with filters clogging over time and cyclones requiring additional filters for microparticle removal.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage cyclone separator device with overlapping blocking means and vortex generators that forces particles to move inward, preventing direct axial conveyance and enhancing filtration efficiency by maintaining a consistent gas flow direction, thereby improving nanoparticle separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If filters are used for particle separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but the filters become clogged with particles over time requiring frequent changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation efficiencyVSAvoidfilter replacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the particle separation process into multiple sequential cyclone stages (first cyclone generator, second cyclone generator, third cyclone generator) with different blocking means positioned at different locations. Each stage handles different particle sizes or concentrations, segmenting the overall filtration task to prevent any single filter element from becoming completely clogged, thereby maintaining separation efficiency while reducing replacement frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If cyclone separators are used for particle separation, then filter replacement is reduced, but additional particle filters are still required for microparticle removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter replacement frequencyVSAvoidnumber of separation components
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the cyclone separation function with the filtration function by integrating blocking means directly within the cyclone generator structure. The blocking means are positioned to intercept particles that have been thrown outward by the vortex, combining the centrifugal separation action with the particle capture function in a single integrated component rather than requiring separate cyclone and filter elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking means serve multiple functions: they block the axial flow path to force inward particle movement, they capture particles thrown outward by the vortex, and they maintain the structural integrity of the cyclone generator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate particle filters while achieving comprehensive particle removal including microparticles.

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

3Measurement precision

If multiple cyclone stages are added to improve nanoparticle separation, then separation efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanoparticle separation efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of cyclone stages
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a nested arrangement where the first cyclone tube encloses the second cyclone tube, which in turn encloses the third cyclone tube. This concentric nesting allows multiple cyclone stages to be integrated within a compact structure, reducing the overall device footprint and complexity while maintaining the benefits of multi-stage nanoparticle separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Measurement precision

If blocking means are positioned to force inward particle movement, then particle separation efficiency is improved, but gas flow direction changes may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation efficiencyVSAvoidgas flow direction consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means are positioned and shaped to work in conjunction with the curved vortex flow path. The blocking means force particles inward along the curved flow trajectory rather than creating sharp directional changes. The vortex generator and cyclone tube geometry guide the gas flow in smooth curved paths, maintaining flow stability while achieving effective particle separation through the combined action of centrifugal force and inward blocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 device achieves more efficient filtration of nanoparticles by preventing axial conveyance and maintaining a consistent gas flow direction, reducing clogging and the need for frequent filter changes, and effectively separating particles down to sizes smaller than 1 micrometer.

Implementation Method 1

gas to be filtered is forced to rotate in a vortex, wherein the particles are thrown out towards the sides where they are separated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

particles are thrown out towards the sides where they are separated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

the first blocking means overlaps the further inlet seen in the direction of the length axis so that the particles after the passage of the vortex generator in the first cyclone generator has to be moved inwards towards the length axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical blocking: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 4

a first cyclone generator comprising a first cyclone tube with a length axis and a first blocking means arranged so that an annular first inlet is arranged between the first cyclone tube and the first blocking means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP2906351B1Device for separation of particles from a gas flow
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 NANO CONTROL
  • EP2906351B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2906351B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2906351B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1) for separation of particles from a flow of gas is described. The device (1) comprises a first cyclone generator (6) comprising a first cyclone tube (8) with a length axis (4) and a first blocking means (9) arranged so that an annular first inlet (10) is arranged between the first cyclone tube (8) and the first blocking means (9). A first vortex generator (11) is arranged in the first inlet (10). The device comprises a further cyclone generator (12) comprising a further cyclone tube (13) with a length axis (4) and a further blocking means (14) arranged so that an annular further inlet (15) is arranged between the second cyclone tube (13) and the further blocking means (14), and a further vortex generator (16) arranged in the further inlet (15), and an outlet tube (22) comprising an outlet (23) and a length axis (4), which outlet tube (22) is arranged concentric in relation to the second cyclone tube (13). The first blocking means (9) overlaps the further inlet (15) seen in the direction of the length axis (4) and the second blocking means (14) has essentially the same extension as the outlet (23) seen in the direction of the length axis (4). The further cyclone generator (12) is arranged between the first cyclone generator (6) and the outlet (23).