Hermetic Centrifugal Separator Outlet Without Paring Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators require significant energy for separation processes due to the need for dedicated devices to convert kinetic energy into pressure flow, and they often include pressure regulating valves that cause energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal separator system with a hermetically sealed outlet and a pressure generating device, such as a liquid feed pump, as the major flow regulator, eliminating the need for internal devices to convert kinetic energy into pressure and reducing the reliance on pressure regulating valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If dedicated devices (pump wheels, paring devices) are installed in the centrifugal separator to convert kinetic energy into pressure flow, then the separated liquid phase can be discharged under pressure, but the energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dedicated kinetic energy to pressure conversion devices (pump wheels, paring devices) from the centrifugal separator. Instead, it uses the pressure generating device located outside the separator to provide the necessary outlet pressure for the separated liquid phase, thereby eliminating unnecessary energy-consuming components while maintaining the required pressure discharge capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure generating device serves multiple functions: it provides inlet pressure to overcome pressure drop in the separator, and simultaneously provides outlet pressure for the separated liquid phase. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated conversion devices, reducing both energy consumption and device complexity
2Reliability
If pressure regulating valves are installed in the centrifugal separator to control back pressure, then optimal functionality is achieved, but energy loss increases due to pressure drop across the valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pressure regulating valves from the centrifugal separator system. Instead, it uses the pressure generating device to directly provide the required outlet pressure, eliminating the energy loss associated with pressure drop across regulating valves while maintaining optimal separator functionality through proper pressure control
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure generating device acts as an intermediary that directly controls the outlet pressure of the separated liquid phase without requiring intermediate pressure regulating valves. This direct pressure provision eliminates the harmful pressure drop and energy loss that would occur through traditional valve-based pressure regulation
3Reliability
If hermetically sealed outlets are used in centrifugal separators, then sealing is improved, but dedicated conversion devices are still required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes dedicated conversion devices (pump wheels, paring devices) from the hermetically sealed outlet configuration. The hermetic sealing is maintained while the pressure generating device located outside the separator provides the necessary pressure for liquid discharge, simplifying the outlet structure by eliminating unnecessary internal components
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 reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for dedicated devices to convert kinetic energy into pressure flow and removes the requirement for pressure regulating valves, leading to more efficient separation processes.
Implementation Method 1
During operation, liquid mixture to be separated is introduced into a rotating centrifuge bowl and heavy particles or denser liquid, such as water, accumulates at the periphery of the rotating bowl whereas less dense liquid accumulates closer to the central axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for separating at least a first liquid phase from liquid feed mixture includes a centrifugal separator, which includes a centrifuge bowl arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation and in which the separation of the liquid feed mixture takes place, an inlet for receiving said liquid feed mixture, and a first liquid outlet for discharging the first liquid phase. The first liquid outlet is hermetically sealed and free of any dedicated device for converting the kinetic energy of the first liquid phase into pressure flow of the first liquid phase. The system includes a pressure generating device for supplying the liquid feed mixture to the inlet of the centrifugal separator, and the system is configured such that the pressure generating device is the major flow regulating device arranged for creating the required outlet pressure for transportation of the first liquid phase from the first liquid outlet.