Continuous Filter Belt Separation With Vacuum and Low Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing materials separators for oilfield drilling fluids face challenges in efficiently separating solid particulates from fluids, particularly in reducing vibrations, noise, and emissions, while maintaining effective separation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A continuous filter belt system with a pressure differential mechanism is employed, utilizing a filter belt supported by a carrier belt, which includes vibrational motion and vacuum assistance to separate fluids from solids, with features like inclined and horizontal portions and sealing mechanisms to enhance separation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a vibratory separator table is used to separate solids from fluids, then separation efficiency is improved, but vibrations and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidvibrations and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies vibratory motion to the filter belt system to enhance separation efficiency. The vibration helps prevent solids from clogging the filter belt pores and maintains continuous flow of fluid through the filter, thereby improving separation performance while using a different mechanism than traditional vibratory tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a carrier belt as an intermediary element between the support structure and the filter belt. This carrier belt absorbs and isolates vibrations, preventing them from being transmitted to the surrounding structure and reducing noise and harmful vibrations while maintaining the separation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter belt is used instead of plates or screens, then vibrations and emissions are reduced, but separation efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibrations and emissionsVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a vacuum system (pneumatic principle) to enhance the filtration process. The vacuum assists in drawing fluid through the filter belt, maintaining high separation efficiency despite using a flexible filter belt instead of rigid plates or screens. This pneumatic assistance ensures consistent flow and effective particle separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible filter belt made of porous material instead of rigid plates or screens. This flexible film design reduces vibrations and emissions while maintaining effective separation through its porous structure, which allows fluid passage while retaining solids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Manufacturing precision

If vacuum assistance is added to enhance separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum system serves multiple functions: it assists in drawing fluid through the filter belt for separation, helps in drying the filtered solids on the belt surface, and maintains negative pressure to prevent fluid leakage. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by achieving multiple separation-related objectives with a single system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively separates fluid and solid portions of the slurry, reducing vibrations and emissions, and increasing the operational life of the filter belt by distributing wear and tear, while maintaining high separation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

A materials separator includes a vibrating sieve-like table upon which solids-laden fluid is deposited and through which clean fluid emerges. The vibratory separator may include a table with a perforated plate, filter or screen.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilter (physical): Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The vibrating action of the vibratory separator table conveys solid particles left behind to a discharge end of the separator table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12491456B2Fluid and solid material separator

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

An apparatus includes a materials separator that includes a continuous filter belt disposed around a plurality of rollers. The apparatus also includes a pressure differential system operatively coupled to the separator and configured to adjust a pressure differential across the continuous filter belt. A vacuum is applied to the continuous filter belt and a fluid portion of the slurry on the continuous filter belt is drawn through the continuous filter belt. An apparatus includes a materials separator having a first deck with a first continuous filter belt and a second deck with a second continuous filter belt.