Dual-Path Separator Design for Compact Gas and Particle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separators for gas bubbles and particles in heating and cooling systems require a large form factor and have limited efficiency, necessitating a more compact and efficient design for effective separation.
Innovation Solution
A separator design featuring a collection chamber with a main fluid flow path and a secondary bypass flow path, utilizing a separating element such as a spiraling wire structure, and strategically placed plates to enhance bubble growth and particle separation, allowing for a smaller form factor while increasing 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 becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into multiple functional zones: a first fluid flow path containing separating elements for active separation, and a second fluid flow path serving as a settling zone. This segmentation allows different separation mechanisms to operate in distinct regions, improving overall efficiency without proportionally increasing total volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a bypass flow path that runs parallel to the main flow path, creating a two-path flow configuration. This dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous occurrence of active separation and passive settling processes, increasing separation capacity without linearly expanding the collector chamber volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the collection chamber volume is reduced to achieve a smaller form factor, then compactness is improved, but separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the separator are assigned different functional qualities: the first flow path contains separating elements (spirotubes, wires, or plates) for active bubble-particle interaction, while the second flow path provides a calm settling zone. This local differentiation maximizes separation effectiveness in each region, enabling high efficiency in a compact overall design.
3Productivity
If separating elements are added to promote bubble growth and separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separating elements (spirotubes, wires, or plates) serve multiple functions simultaneously: they promote bubble growth through their surface area, create flow disturbances that enhance separation, and provide structural support for the bypass flow path configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining device simplicity while improving efficiency.
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 improved separation efficiency by promoting bubble growth and particle settling, with a higher volume flow through the main path and reduced turbulence in the bypass path, allowing for effective gas and particle removal in a compact format.
Implementation Method 1
The separating element is arranged for promoting growth of gas bubbles
Implementation Method 2
The bubbles then migrate towards a head portion of the degassing device
Implementation Method 3
particles, such as debris, are allowed to sink, and e.g. deposit
Data Source
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.