Gas-Liquid Separator With Conical Vanes for Centrifugal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swirling flow generating members with cylindrical or bullet-shaped vane supporting portions restrict fluid flow, leading to insufficient centrifugal force application on gas-liquid two-phase fluids, which hampers effective liquid separation.
Innovation Solution
A gas-liquid separator with a conical vane supporting portion and stator vanes that guide the fluid to swirl along the outer circumferential surface of the inlet pipe, directing the flow towards the inner surface, enhancing centrifugal force and separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical or bullet-shaped vane supporting portion is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the centrifugal force applied to the gas-liquid two-phase fluid is insufficient, leading to poor liquid separation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the vane supporting portion from a cylindrical or bullet shape to a conical shape. This parameter change allows the outer circumferential surface to be inclined relative to the axial direction, enabling the fluid to flow along this surface toward the inner circumferential surface of the pipe. The conical geometry creates the necessary flow path that generates sufficient centrifugal force for effective liquid separation, while still maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Device complexity
If the outer circumferential surface of the vane supporting portion extends parallel to the inner circumferential surface of the pipe, then the structure is simplified, but the fluid flow is restricted and cannot sufficiently reach the inner circumferential surface, reducing centrifugal force application
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the outer circumferential surface from parallel to inclined relative to the axial direction. This angular parameter change creates a flow path that guides the gas-liquid two-phase fluid along the outer circumferential surface toward the inner circumferential surface of the pipe, enabling sufficient centrifugal force application without increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If the fluid flows around the axial center of the inlet pipe, then the flow path is shortened, but the centrifugal force is not sufficiently applied and liquid separation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conical shape parameter change creates an inclined outer circumferential surface that redirects the fluid flow away from the axial center. The fluid is guided to flow along the inclined surface toward the inner circumferential surface of the pipe, creating an extended flow path that allows sufficient centrifugal force application while maintaining efficient flow through the separator.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical geometry introduces a curved, inclined surface that guides the fluid flow in a specific trajectory along the outer circumferential surface toward the inner circumferential surface. This curved path ensures the fluid follows the intended flow pattern that generates adequate centrifugal force for liquid separation, rather than flowing directly around the axial center.
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 design improves centrifugal force application, facilitating better liquid separation and reducing the risk of fluid bypassing the inner pipe, while allowing for a compact and efficient gas-liquid separator configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the stator vanes provided on the outer circumferential surface of the vane supporting portion direct the flow direction of the gas-liquid two-phase fluid to lean relative to the axial line of the inlet pipe so that the flow of the gas-liquid two-phase fluid becomes the swirling flow. Thereby, the gas-liquid two-phase fluid flowing through the inlet pipe swirls while flowing toward the inner circumferential surface of the inlet pipe. Consequently, the centrifugal force applied to the gas-liquid two-phase fluid and the separation of the liquid can be improved.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a gas-liquid separator that improves the centrifugal force applied to the gas-liquid two-phase fluid flowing through pipes to improve liquid separation performance. The gas-liquid separator includes an inlet pipe (21) and an inner pipe (22). The inlet pipe (21) includes a swirling flow generating member (30) therewithin, and a first drain port (21c) through which the liquid exits. The inner pipe (22) includes an opening (22b) at an end (22a) which is inserted into an end (21b) of the inlet pipe (21). The swirling flow generating member (30) includes a vane supporting portion (31) extending along an axis line (O) of the inlet pipe (21), and stator vanes (32) provided on an outer circumferential surface (31a) of the vane supporting portion (31). The vane supporting portion (31) has a conical shape whose diameter gradually increases from a fluid entering side to a fluid exiting side of the gas-liquid two-phase fluid. The stator vanes (32) surround the outer circumference (31a) with inclining relative to the axis line (O) of the inlet pipe (21).