Dual-Path Liquid Separator for Compact Gas and Particle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separators for gas and particle removal from liquids, such as in heating and cooling systems, require a large form factor and have limited efficiency, necessitating a more compact and efficient design.
Innovation Solution
A separator design featuring a collection chamber with a main fluid flow path containing a separating element, such as a spiraling wire structure, and a secondary fluid flow path defined by plates that bypass the separating element, allowing for enhanced bubble growth and particle separation, with the plates positioned to align and relax the flow, reducing turbulence and increasing separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the volume of the collection chamber is increased to effectively separate gas and particles from liquid, then separation efficiency is improved, but the form factor of the separator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection chamber is divided into multiple flow paths (first fluid flow path through separating elements and second fluid flow path bypassing separating elements), allowing the chamber to handle larger volume flows without increasing overall volume. This segmentation enables parallel processing of fluid streams, improving separation efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a bypass flow path that operates in parallel to the main separation path, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the flow configuration. This allows the system to process larger volumes without increasing the vertical or horizontal footprint, resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and form factor.
2Volume of stationary object
If the collection chamber volume is reduced to achieve a smaller form factor, then compactness is improved, but separation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow into multiple paths within the compact chamber, the invention maintains adequate residence time and separation effectiveness despite the reduced overall volume. The separating elements in the first flow path continue to function effectively while the second flow path accommodates bypass flow, preserving separation efficiency in a compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow distribution parameters by introducing a bypass path that handles a portion of the volume flow. This parameter change allows the compact chamber to maintain optimal flow velocities and residence times for separation, preventing efficiency deterioration despite volume reduction.
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 design achieves a higher volume flow through the main path while maintaining efficient separation of gas bubbles and particles, allowing for a smaller form factor and improved separation efficiency, with the secondary flow path contributing to the overall effectiveness by relaxing and aligning the liquid flow.
Implementation Method 1
The separating element is arranged for promoting growth of gas bubbles
Implementation Method 2
the at least one plate and/or an inner wall of the collection chamber bounding the second fluid flow path, relaxes the flow, aligns the flow and/or reduces turbulence
Implementation Method 3
The bubbles then migrate towards a head portion of the degassing device
Implementation Method 4
particles, such as debris, are allowed to sink, and e.g. deposit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7B
AI summary
The invention relates to separator for separating gas bubbles and/or particles from a liquid. The separator comprises a collection chamber, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a first fluid flow path extending from the fluid inlet through the collection chamber to the fluid outlet. The separator includes at least one separating element arranged for separating gas bubbles from the liquid arranged in the first fluid flow path. The separator further includes at least one plate arranged in the collection chamber such that the plate defines a passage forming a second fluid flow path at least partially bypassing the separating element.