Sanitary Gapless Separator Discharge with Flexible Lip Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screen type separators have gaps between the screen frame and the separator wall that lead to reduced efficiency and sanitation issues, especially in sanitary processing, due to product accumulation and residue left on the screen.
Innovation Solution
A particle size separator design featuring an upper and lower separator frame with a screen in between, a combined baffle and seal unit that seals the large particle outlet and constrains particle movement, and a tension ring with a specific orientation to prevent particle accumulation and leakage, enhancing the separation efficiency and sanitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a gap is provided between the screen frame and separator wall, then assembly is easier and screen replacement is simpler, but product accumulates in the gap area reducing yield efficiency and creating sanitation problems
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible lip seal extends from the screen frame into the product discharge outlet, creating a dynamic seal that prevents product accumulation in the gap area while allowing for screen installation and removal. The flexible nature of the lip seal accommodates minor misalignments and wear, maintaining sealing effectiveness throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip seal transitions from a static gap to a dynamic sealing solution that moves with screen installation and removal. The flexible lip can deflect during assembly and then maintain contact with the outlet surface during operation, adapting to operational conditions while preventing product leakage.
2Ease of operation
If a gap is provided between the screen frame and separator wall, then screen installation and removal is simpler, but sanitation problems occur due to product residue accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible lip seal prevents product residue from accumulating in the gap between the screen frame and separator wall, eliminating sanitation problems while maintaining ease of screen installation and removal. The seal flexes during assembly and then maintains a tight seal during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip seal automatically maintains itself through its flexible properties, continuously adapting to screen installation variations and wear conditions without requiring manual adjustment or intervention, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and sanitation.
3Productivity
If a ledge is added inside the product discharge outlet to reduce the gap, then product accumulation is reduced, but the ledge inhibits product discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible lip seal provides gap reduction without creating a ledge structure. The lip extends into the discharge outlet to prevent product accumulation while its flexible nature allows product to flow past it, avoiding the discharge inhibition problem created by rigid ledges.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the sealing approach from a static geometric modification (ledge) to a dynamic flexible element (lip seal) that maintains sealing effectiveness while allowing product flow, fundamentally changing how the gap problem is addressed.
Data Source
AI summary
A particle size separator includes an upper separator frame, a lower separator frame, a screen disposed between the upper separator frame and the lower separator frame, a large size particle outlet having an inlet disposed below the screen, a small size particle outlet disposed in the lower separator frame and a combined baffle and seal unit disposed in an opening in the screen. The unit has a seal face configured to sealingly engage the inlet of the large size particle outlet. The unit has a baffle configured to constrain movement of particles on an upper surface of the screen into the inlet. The baffle is configured to sealingly engage an interior wall of the upper separator frame.