Compact Cyclonic Separator for Gas Liquid Solid Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating gases, liquids, and solids in industries like petroleum and cement are costly and space-intensive, requiring multiple devices and complex piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus featuring a vertical cylindrical tube with a tangential inlet, centralized vertical pipe, and controlled exit points for gases, liquids, and solids, utilizing inflatable elements, annulus valves, and rotational movements to manage flow and prevent plugging, along with a method involving tangential feeding and controlled withdrawal of phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate vessels and complex piping systems are used for phase separation, then reliable separation of gas, liquid, and solid phases is achieved, but equipment cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gas-liquid separation and liquid-solid separation functions into a single cyclonic separator vessel. The cyclone simultaneously performs gas-liquid separation in its upper section and liquid-solid separation in its lower section, eliminating the need for multiple separate vessels and complex interconnecting piping systems while maintaining reliable phase separation
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclonic separator is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple separation tasks within one unit: gas-liquid separation, liquid-solid separation, and phase redistribution. This universal design reduces equipment complexity while ensuring reliable separation of all three phases through integrated functional zones
2Reliability
If multiple separate vessels and complex piping systems are used for phase separation, then complete phase separation is achieved, but space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separation vessels into one compact cyclonic separator unit, dramatically reducing the equipment footprint. The integrated design performs gas-liquid and liquid-solid separation in a single space-efficient device while maintaining complete phase separation through vertically stacked functional zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple separate vessels to a vertical integration within a single cyclone. By stacking separation functions vertically (gas-liquid separation zone above liquid-solid separation zone), the design achieves complete phase separation while minimizing the horizontal footprint
3Productivity
If solid rich slurry flows through the lower part of the vertical tube, then liquid withdrawal is effective, but plugging of the tube may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cyclone interior into distinct functional zones with different flow patterns. The lower section is designed as a separate liquid-solid separation zone with its own exit, preventing solid-rich slurry from entering the liquid withdrawal path. This segmentation maintains liquid withdrawal efficiency while preventing tube plugging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the liquid-solid separation function from the main gas-liquid separation zone and places it in a dedicated lower section. By taking out the liquid withdrawal function and positioning it above the liquid-solid separation zone, the design ensures that only liquid flows to the withdrawal point, maintaining efficiency while preventing solid accumulation and plugging
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective separation of gas, liquid, and solid phases, reducing equipment costs and space requirements while preventing plugging and ensuring complete separation.
Implementation Method 1
a tangential inlet for the mixture at an inlet location between the top and the bottom of the vertical cylindrical tube
Implementation Method 2
a first bottom exit point for transporting liquids from the vertical cylindrical tube and a second bottom exit point for draining solid rich slurry mixtures
Data Source
AI summary
A compact cyclonic separator is described which can handle mixtures of solids, liquids and gases in one vessel and provide continuous separation. The invention operates by providing tangential flow into a vertical cylindrical tube and utilizing the tangential flow and gravity to separate into a gas stream, a clean liquids stream, and a solid rich slurry mixture. Several embodiments for controlling the flow of the solid rich slurry mixture are described.