Dynamic Air Separator with Coaxial Fan Wheel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic air separators for granular material separation are bulky and complex, with external fans and cyclones leading to inefficient air distribution and increased space requirements, making them unsuitable for compact installations.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a fan wheel coaxially with the fines recovery chamber and air distribution chamber, allowing for uniform air recirculation and distribution around the rotating cage, eliminating the need for external fans and cyclones, and optimizing air flow for improved separation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If external fans and cyclones are used in dynamic air separators, then air separation function is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparator structureVSAvoidair distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the fan directly into the separator body, merging two previously separate components (separator and fan) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for external fans and cyclones, reducing device complexity while maintaining air separation functionality through the integrated air recirculation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fan is positioned coaxially within the separator body, with the fan wheel nested inside the air distribution chamber. This nested arrangement allows the fan to be housed within the separator structure itself, eliminating external components and reducing overall device complexity while preserving air circulation functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of stationary object

If external fans are positioned outside the separator, then air intake is simplified, but space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidair flow distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fan is merged with the separator body, with the fan wheel positioned coaxially within the air distribution chamber. This integration eliminates the need for separate external fan housings and connection ducts, significantly reducing the overall installation space while maintaining effective air flow distribution through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If volute is used for air distribution, then air flow direction is controlled, but material deposits prevent uniform distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution uniformityVSAvoidvolute design
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air distribution system is segmented into multiple air distribution channels arranged radially around the cage, replacing the single volute structure. This segmentation allows uniform air distribution through multiple pathways while preventing material deposit accumulation in any single location, maintaining distribution uniformity without complex volute geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a volute to guide air in a spiral path, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the fan coaxially and allowing air to distribute radially outward through multiple channels. This inverted air distribution approach eliminates the volute structure and its associated material deposit problems while achieving uniform distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution results in a more compact, high-performance separator with uniform air distribution, preventing particle segregation and enabling installation in cramped spaces, while maintaining separation efficiency across the entire circumference and height of the cage.

Implementation Method 1

a fan wheel (3) positioned coaxially with the rotating cage (1) and to the fines recovery chamber (2) at the end of said outlet duct (4) to suck, in use, this air and send it to the air distribution chamber (5) around the rotating cage (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The recovery chamber arranged coaxially to the rotating cage is part of the body of the separator. This type of air separator therefore does not require a cyclone or external filter to separate the fine material from the separation air. The recovery chamber takes advantage of the air vortex created by the cage for cycloning.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP2755777B1Separator for granular materials
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 MAGOTTEAUX INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP2755777B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2755777B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2755777B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dynamic air separator for separating materials consisting of particles of different sizes into particle-size fractions, said separator including a rotary housing (1) and a chamber (2) for recovering the fine particles, which is coaxially arranged in alignment with the rotary housing, characterized in that: said separator includes a fan wheel (3) positioned coaxially to the chamber for recovering the fine particles; and said fan wheel is located at the end of the outlet duct (4) for purified air from the chamber for recovering the fine particles, in order to suck in said air during use and send the latter to the air-distribution chamber (5) around the rotary housing.