Centrifugal Separator Disc-Stack Outlet Layout to Prevent Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators face issues with pipe clogging and unwanted deposit accumulations due to long pipes extending into the sludge space, making cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of contamination during the separation process.
Innovation Solution
The centrifugal separator design incorporates outlet conduits within the stack of separation discs, minimizing bends and void spaces, and using a thick disc to facilitate continuous heavy phase removal, reducing the risk of clogging and enhancing hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long pipes extend from the sludge space to the second outlet, then heavy phase can be transported from the periphery to the center, but pipe clogging and deposit accumulations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the outlet conduit from the sludge space and places it within the disc stack. This removes the conduit from the harmful environment where deposits accumulate, while still allowing heavy phase to be transported from the sludge space to the outlet through the modified conduit path within the disc structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by moving the outlet conduit from a radial extension in the sludge space to a position within the axial disc stack. This dimensional repositioning allows the conduit to avoid the harmful periphery zone while maintaining its transport function through the disc structure.
2Reliability
If long pipes extend into the sludge space, then heavy phase collection is enabled, but cleaning becomes difficult and deposits accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet conduit is extracted from the sludge space and repositioned within the disc stack, removing it from the zone where deposits accumulate. This makes the conduit accessible to cleaning mechanisms that operate within the disc stack area, significantly improving cleaning accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified conduit design within the disc stack allows the system to be self-cleaning to a greater extent, as the conduit is now positioned where cleaning flows and mechanisms can effectively reach, reducing the need for complex external cleaning systems.
3Productivity
If pipes are arranged in the sludge space, then heavy phase transport is efficient, but void spaces create standing liquid and deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet conduit is taken out of the sludge space and integrated into the disc stack, eliminating the void spaces between pipes in the sludge zone where liquid would stand and deposits would accumulate. The conduit maintains its transport function while being positioned in a cleaner environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet conduit is merged with the disc stack structure, combining the transport function with the separation structure. This integration eliminates separate pipe arrangements in the sludge space that would create harmful void spaces, while maintaining efficient heavy phase transport through the combined 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
This design effectively prevents pipe clogging and reduces unwanted deposits, ensuring efficient and hygienic operation by maintaining a continuous flow and easy cleaning of the separator.
Implementation Method 1
During operation, liquid mixture to be separated is introduced into a rotating bowl and heavy particles or denser liquid, usually water, accumulates at the periphery of the rotating bowl whereas less dense liquid accumulates closer to the central axis of rotation
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention provides a centrifugal separator (1) for separating a liquid mixture into at least a light phase and a heavy phase. The separator comprises a centrifuge bowl (5) and a drive member (3) for rotating the centrifuge bowl around an axis of rotation (X). The centrifuge bowl (5) further comprises an inlet (14) for receiving the liquid mixture, a first outlet (7) for said separated light phase and a second outlet (6) for said separated heavy phase, and wherein the centrifuge bowl (5) encloses a separation space (9a) and a sludge space (9b). The separation space (9a) further comprises a stack (10) of separation discs arranged coaxially around the axis of rotation (X) and wherein the sludge space (9b) is arranged radially outside the stack (10) of separation discs. The centrifuge bowl (5) further comprises at least one outlet conduit (30) for transport of heavy phase from said sludge space (9b) to the second outlet (6). At least one outlet conduit (30) is arranged at least with a portion within the stack (10) of separation discs.