Fluid Separator Recirculation Paths for Low-Pressure-Drop Droplet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid separators are inefficient, bulky, and disruptive to downstream devices, and they do not effectively separate liquid droplets from gas under various operating conditions, leading to decreased efficiency and premature wear.
Innovation Solution
A fluid separator device with a dual flow path system, including a first flow path for separating liquid droplets and a second flow path for recirculating gas, utilizing a swirler member to centrifugally separate droplets and a compact design with modular components for efficient manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fluid separating devices are used, then they may remove liquid droplets from fluid stream, but they are bulky, heavy, and contain large number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow paths (first flow path through inner flow member and second flow path between outer wall and inner flow member) into a single integrated separator device. The inlet, outlets, and dual flow paths are merged into one compact structure, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining effective liquid droplet removal through centrifugal separation in both flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner flow member is nested within the outer wall member, creating a compact concentric structure. The first flow path passes through the inner flow member while the second flow path exists in the annular space between the inner and outer walls, allowing multiple separation zones to be nested within a single device footprint, thereby reducing overall size and part count.
2Reliability
If existing fluid separating devices are used, then they may separate components in fluid stream, but they disrupt flow to downstream device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different flow characteristics in different regions: the first flow path through the inner flow member provides intense centrifugal separation for liquid droplet removal, while the second flow path in the annular region provides a smoother, lower-resistance flow path. This local differentiation allows effective separation in one region while maintaining good flow properties in another region for downstream delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual flow path system dynamically distributes fluid between two separate paths with different separation intensities. The first flow path handles the separation function with high centrifugal force, while the second flow path handles the transport function with minimal disruption, allowing the device to simultaneously achieve both separation effectiveness and flow efficiency for downstream devices.
3Reliability
If existing fluid separating devices are used, then they may remove liquid droplets, but they are inefficient to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is segmented into two main components: the outer wall member and the inner flow member. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard machining or molding processes, then assembled together. The modular design simplifies manufacturing compared to attempting to create complex internal flow paths in a single monolithic piece, improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the dual flow path separation performance.
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 device effectively separates liquid droplets from gas across a wide range of conditions with minimal pressure drop, ensuring efficient operation and reduced wear on downstream devices while being lightweight and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a swirler member to centrifugally separate droplets
Implementation Method 2
a second flow path that is at least partly defined between the outer wall member and the inner flow member. The second flow path extends in a second downstream direction from the outlet end toward the inlet end. The second flow path is configured to receive flow from the first flow path.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid separator device includes an outer wall member defining an interior, an inlet end with an inlet, and an outlet end with a first outlet and a second outlet. Additionally, the fluid separator includes a fluid flow path system defined within the interior. The fluid flow path system includes a first flow path extending in a first downstream direction from the inlet and through an inner flow member toward at least one of the first and second outlet. The fluid flow path system further includes a second flow path that is at least partly defined between the outer wall member and the inner flow member. The second flow path extends in a second downstream direction from the outlet end toward the inlet end, the second flow path configured to receive flow from the first flow path.