Gas Separation Rotor with Stationary Ribs for Centrifugal Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal pumps and gas separation apparatuses face challenges in effectively separating liquids or suspensions from gases, leading to entrainment issues and requiring complex and costly separation systems, with dynamic sealing arrangements being inadequate for gas removal.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump design incorporating a gas separation apparatus with a radial disc separation rotor and strategically placed openings in the disc to separate gas from liquid, allowing gas to be discharged axially while liquid is returned to the pump, utilizing vanes to balance pressures and prevent liquid entrainment, and stationary ribs to manage centrifugal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional gas separation rotors with open vane passages are used, then gas can flow axially towards discharge easily, but liquid or suspension is not effectively separated and remains entrained with gas
Solution Approach 1:
The separation rotor is divided into multiple functional zones: an inner separation zone with closed or partially closed vane passages for liquid-suspension separation, and an outer gas discharge zone with open passages for gas removal. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both separation reliability and gas discharge ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the separation rotor have different vane passage configurations tailored to local requirements: the inner region has closed passages to prevent liquid entrainment, while the outer region has open passages to facilitate gas flow. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between separation effectiveness and gas discharge efficiency.
2Reliability
If separate separation chambers and discharge channels are arranged outside the pump, then liquid or suspension can be separated from gas, but the structure becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The gas separation rotor is integrated directly into the pump impeller assembly, combining the functions of gas-liquid separation, liquid recirculation, and gas discharge within a single rotating component. This eliminates the need for separate external separation chambers and discharge channels, reducing structural complexity while maintaining separation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation rotor performs multiple functions simultaneously: it separates liquid from gas through centrifugal force, recirculates liquid back to the suction duct, discharges gas axially, and prevents liquid entrainment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into a single device.
3Reliability
If dynamic sealing arrangements are used to seal the pump, then liquid can be prevented from flowing along the shaft, but gas cannot be discharged through the seal
Solution Approach 1:
Gas discharge openings are provided directly through the separation rotor disc, extracting the gas discharge function from the dynamic sealing system. This allows gas to be discharged axially through the rotor without interfering with the liquid-sealing function of the dynamic seal, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and gas discharge capability.
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
This design enhances gas separation efficiency, allowing direct gas discharge and effective liquid recirculation, reducing complexity and cost compared to prior systems, while accommodating varying fluid consistencies and preventing clogging.
Implementation Method 1
the mixture of gas and liquid or liquid suspension that has entered said cavity is, by means of said separation rotor, brought to such a vigorous rotational movement that practically speaking all liquid and possible solid material in the mixture gathers to the circumference of the separation chamber
Implementation Method 2
the vanes of said expeller tend to pump the liquid, first radially outwards, then around the outer rim of the expeller disc to the impeller side cavity of the chamber. Now, however, when the pump is in operation the pressure generated by the impeller to the volute of the pump effects to the opposite direction, whereby a balance is found where the liquid ring rotated by said expeller vanes neutralizes the pressure generated by the impeller
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gas separation apparatus, a front wall and a separation rotor thereof. The invention especially relates to the modification of the separation rotor and/or the front wall of the gas separation apparatus in such a way that liquid or liquid suspension separated from a mixture containing gas and liquid or liquid suspension by means of said separation rotor may be recirculated as simply as possible back to the process flow at the same time as the gas separated from said liquid or liquid suspension is guided out of the process. A characteristic feature of the gas separation apparatus comprising a front wall (50) and a separation chamber (62) arranged in communication with said front wall (50), a disc (60) mounted on the shaft (42) and located within said separation chamber, said disc dividing the separation chamber (62) to a so called front chamber (64), and a so called rear chamber (66), vanes (68) arranged to said disc (60), and at least one opening (70) for allowing gas-containing liquid or gas to enter the rear chamber (66) on the rear side of the disc (60), is that the front wall (50) surface facing the front chamber (64) is at least partially provided with ribs (74), by means of which the rotation of the liquid in the separation chamber (62) is prevented in the front chamber (64).