Flexible Strip Tramp Oil Separator for Coolant Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing tramp oil from aqueous coolants in machining operations are inefficient, leading to bacterial growth and environmental concerns due to oil contamination, as they fail to effectively separate immiscible fluids.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring an endless flexible strip with an affinity for the first fluid, advanced through a housing with rotating gears and pathways, which collects and separates tramp oil from the coolant surface using a scraping annulus for efficient removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disk skimmers or belt skimmers are used to remove tramp oil, then oil removal capability is provided, but device complexity and operational inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane that contacts the fluid surface to collect tramp oil. This thin film approach replaces complex mechanical skimmers with a simpler flexible structure that can conform to the tank surface and efficiently capture oil without requiring elaborate drive mechanisms or scraping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential function of oil collection from complex skimmer systems. By using a flexible membrane that simply contacts and follows the fluid surface, it isolates the core oil removal capability from unnecessary mechanical complexity, achieving reliable oil removal with minimal device structure.
2Reliability
If tube skimmers are used to remove tramp oil, then oil collection is achieved, but the device requires complex mounting and operation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane operates autonomously by conforming to the tank's surface geometry and fluid level changes. It self-adjusts to maintain contact with the tramp oil without requiring external mounting structures, adjustment mechanisms, or complex operational controls, thereby simplifying both installation and ongoing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane dynamically adapts to changing fluid levels and tank surface conditions. Its flexibility allows it to move with the fluid surface rather than requiring fixed mounting positions or complex adjustment mechanisms, making the device easier to install and operate in varying conditions.
3Device complexity
If tramp oil remains in the coolant tank, then the tank structure remains simple, but bacterial growth occurs leading to foul odor and reduced coolant life
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane continuously contacts the fluid surface and collects tramp oil as it accumulates. This continuous action prevents oil buildup that would otherwise lead to bacterial growth, extending coolant life without requiring complex periodic maintenance systems or complex tank structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane converts the harmful accumulation of tramp oil into a beneficial continuous collection process. By continuously removing oil before it can cause bacterial growth and odors, the system transforms a potential problem into an ongoing protective function that extends coolant usability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If oil-contaminated coolant is disposed of, then environmental hazards are addressed, but economic costs increase due to loss of expensive coolant
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane extracts tramp oil from the coolant surface, separating it from the valuable aqueous coolant. This extraction prevents oil contamination that would necessitate coolant disposal, thereby eliminating environmental hazards while preserving the coolant for continued use and avoiding disposal costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful presence of tramp oil into a beneficial separation process. By continuously removing oil before it contaminates the bulk coolant, the membrane transforms a disposal problem into a preservation solution, addressing environmental concerns while maintaining coolant value and reducing waste.
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 apparatus effectively separates tramp oil from the coolant, extending the useful life of the coolant, reducing environmental impact, and improving the efficiency of oil disposal by maintaining the coolant in a usable condition.
Implementation Method 1
an endless flexible strip of a material having an affinity for the first fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus separates a first fluid from a mixture of fluids. The apparatus includes a housing that can have one or more entry openings and one or more exit openings. An endless flexible strip of a material having an affinity for the first fluid is arranged to be advanced through the housing. An advancing assembly advances the endless flexible strip through an entry opening in the housing and through an exit opening in the housing, thereby advancing successive portions of the endless flexible strip sequentially from a position out of contact with the first fluid to a position of contact with the first fluid and again to a position out of contact with the first fluid. More than one pathway can be located within the housing along which the endless flexible strip can be selectively advanced. A means for removing from the endless flexible strip quantities of the first fluid that adhere to the endless flexible strip can be provided.