Adjustable Swirl Imparting Means in Cyclonic Fluid Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclonic fluid separators lack flexibility and efficiency in adapting to changing process conditions, as they cannot effectively control the swirling motion of fluids to optimize separation performance.
Innovation Solution
A cyclonic fluid separator design featuring a central body with adjustable swirl imparting means, such as rotatable cylindrical parts and sliding elements, which allow for varying the swirling motion by adjusting the flow passages and vane orientations, enabling control of the tangential and axial velocity ratios to optimize separation based on fluid properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed swirl imparting means are used in the inlet section, then the separator structure is simple, but the separator cannot adapt to changing process conditions and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the swirl imparting means adjustable rather than fixed. The swirl imparting means include adjustable elements that can be positioned at different angles to change the swirling motion of the fluid, allowing the separator to adapt to varying process conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If the swirling motion is increased to improve separation performance, then the tangential velocity increases and axial velocity decreases, but the fluid expansion is reduced and separation efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling adjustment of the swirl imparting means to vary the swirling motion parameters. This allows optimization of the tangential to axial velocity ratio to achieve the desired balance between separation efficiency and condensables discharge, adapting to different fluid properties and process conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable swirl imparting means are added to control swirling motion, then the separator becomes flexible and adaptable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the necessary portions of the separator adjustable - specifically the swirl imparting means in the inlet section - while keeping the rest of the separator structure fixed and simple. This localized adjustability provides flexibility where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire device.
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
This design enhances the separator's flexibility and separation efficiency by allowing adjustments to swirling motion, improving the discharge of condensed and solidified components and adapting to changing process conditions, thereby optimizing separation performance and increasing the amount of condensables discharged via the secondary outlet.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclonic fluid separator comprising a throat portion arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section
Implementation Method 2
creating a swirling motion of the fluid within at least part of the separator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cyclonic fluid separator, method of fluid separation, and a method of installing a cyclonic fluid separator. The cyclonic fluid separator includes a throat portion arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section including an inner primary outlet for condensables depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet for condensables enriched fluid components. A central body extends along a central axis of the cyclonic fluid separator through at least part of the inlet section of the separator. The central body has, at a location upstream of the throat portion, a larger outer width than a smallest inner width of the throat portion; swirl imparting means arranged in the inlet section for creating a swirling motion of the fluid within at least part of the separator. The swirl imparting means are adjustable; and an adjusting mechanism configured for adjusting the swirl imparting means for varying the swirling motion of the fluid.