Cyclonic De-sander Vessel with Funnel Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal particle separators are inefficient in separating particles from fluid streams, resulting in 'wet sand' that requires additional processing to remove excess water.
Innovation Solution
A cyclonic de-sander with a pressure vessel, fluid inlet, vortex tube, and a funnel positioned to create a pressure drop, optimizing the separation of sand and other solid particulates by reducing water content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centrifugal particle separators are used to separate sand from fluid stream, then particle separation is achieved, but the separated sand contains excessive water requiring additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional centrifugal separation mechanism with a cyclonic separation system. The cyclone separator uses rotational motion generated by fluid flow to create centrifugal forces that separate sand particles from the fluid stream more effectively, producing drier sand without requiring additional water removal processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the separation parameters by operating at different flow rates and pressure differentials to optimize the cyclonic separation process. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective sand separation while minimizing water content in the separated sand, eliminating the need for additional processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional water removal steps are added to process wet sand, then sand drierness is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone separator performs preliminary separation of sand from fluid stream, removing the majority of water content during the primary separation process. This preliminary action eliminates or reduces the need for subsequent water removal steps, simplifying the overall processing system while maintaining effective sand drierness.
3Productivity
If conventional centrifugal separators are used, then particle removal is achieved, but processing capacity is limited due to wet sand handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the centrifugal separation system with a cyclonic separation system that inherently produces drier sand. This replacement increases processing capacity by eliminating the need for additional water removal steps and reducing handling complexity associated with wet sand, thereby improving overall productivity.
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 cyclonic de-sander achieves improved efficiency in sand separation, releasing a drier sand product with reduced water content, thereby enhancing the processing capacity and reducing the need for additional water removal steps.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid inlet is configured to deliver a pressurized fluid stream into the pressure vessel in an eccentric manner. In this way, a cyclone is formed within the pressure vessel as the fluid swirls along the inner wall
Implementation Method 2
The funnel is configured to create a pressure drop within the interior volume of the pressure vessel
Implementation Method 3
The funnel gravitationally receives solid particles from the fluid stream
Implementation Method 4
A cyclonic de-sander with a pressure vessel, fluid inlet, vortex tube, and a funnel positioned to create a pressure drop, optimizing the separation of sand and other solid particulates
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclonic de-sander for a fluid stream. The cyclonic de-sander includes a pressure vessel, with a fluid inlet configured to deliver the fluid stream into the interior volume of the pressure vessel. The fluid inlet delivers the fluid stream in an eccentric manner, thereby forming a cyclone within the interior volume. The de-sander also includes a vortex tube residing vertically within the pressure vessel. The vortex tube comprises an upper end in fluid communication with the upper end of the pressure vessel, and a lower end in fluid communication with the interior volume. Additionally, the cyclonic de-sander includes a funnel. The funnel resides within the interior volume below the fluid inlet and below the lower end of the vortex tube. The funnel comprises a frusto-conical body configured to gravitationally receive solid particles from the fluid stream and inhibit the travel of solid particles back up the pressure vessel.