Density-Based Separator With Inclined Surfaces For Continuous Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional density-based separators are inadequate for simultaneously and individually separating components in a fluid where one component has a lower density than the fluid and the other has a higher density, resulting in limited purity and batchwise operation, with issues of entrapment and reduced throughput due to interaction between components.
Innovation Solution
A density-based separator with a unique design featuring inclined rise and descend surfaces that minimize collision distance and optimize flow paths, allowing for counter-gravitational and gravitational laminar flow paths, which enhances separation efficiency by reducing collisions and increasing separation speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional density-based separators are used to separate components with different densities, then separation occurs, but the purity is limited and operation is batchwise due to entrapment and component interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into multiple distinct sections: a first section for receiving the feed stream, a second section with inclined descend surfaces for the heavier component, and a third section with inclined rise surfaces for the lighter component. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each section's function, enabling continuous operation while maintaining high separation purity by preventing component entrapment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inclined surfaces (both descend and rise surfaces) that create diagonal flow paths rather than simple vertical separation. This dimensional change in flow geometry allows the lighter component to be actively directed upward against gravity in the third section, improving separation purity while maintaining continuous throughput.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional separators allow components to settle or float, then separation occurs, but entrapment of one component in another reduces purity and requires batchwise operation
Solution Approach 1:
The second section with inclined descend surfaces prepares the heavier component by directing it downward before it reaches the third section. This preliminary action ensures that the heavier component is properly positioned and separated from the lighter component before the lighter component undergoes counter-gravitational rise, preventing entrapment and enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surfaces act as intermediaries between the feed stream and the final separated outlets. The descend surfaces mediate the separation of the heavier component, while the rise surfaces mediate the separation of the lighter component, preventing direct interaction and entrapment between components while enabling continuous flow-through operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the separator uses only rising or only descending particles based on density, then simple separation occurs, but simultaneous separation of both lighter and heavier components is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The separator device performs multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it receives feed streams, separates heavier components via inclined descend surfaces, separates lighter components via inclined rise surfaces, and provides continuous operation. This multi-functionality achieves simultaneous separation of both lighter and heavier components without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator dynamically adapts to different component densities by providing both descend and rise surfaces with appropriate inclinations. The flow paths automatically adjust based on component density, with heavier components following the descend surfaces and lighter components following the rise surfaces, enabling versatile simultaneous separation while maintaining a relatively simple single-device structure.
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 separator effectively separates components with different densities, achieving higher purity and enabling continuous operation by minimizing entrapment and optimizing the separation process, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
Gravity separation may be considered a general term for the separation of components based on their density
Implementation Method 2
The solid particles typically fall through a liquid and deposit by sedimentation on, for instance, a surface
Implementation Method 3
a counter-gravitational laminar flow path can be provided between the inclined surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is in the field of separators, in particular the invention is directed to a density-based separator for separating a first and a second component comprised in a feed fluid, wherein said first component has a lower density than said fluid and said second component has a higher density than said fluid. The separator comprises a output section and a separation chamber. The invention is further related to a method for separating two components comprised in a feed fluid. The separator may be particularly suitable for water purification systems.