Inertial Separator With Twisted Inlet For Compact Gas Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclone separators for gas-liquid phase separation require large dimensions and specific geometries, limiting their adaptability and efficiency, especially in compact automotive applications, and are often heavy and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A compact inertial separator design featuring a tubular body with a tangentially oriented inlet and an annular duct that generates a two-stage vortex flow, enhancing separation efficiency through pre-separation of phases and allowing for modular assembly and lightweight, cost-effective manufacturing using injection molding techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large dimensions are used to improve separation efficiency, then gas-liquid phase separation efficiency is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into distinct functional zones: an inlet region with a twisted inlet tube for initial vortex generation, an intermediate separation chamber with annular baffles for pre-separation, and an outlet region. This segmentation allows each zone to perform a specific separation function, achieving high overall efficiency in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet tube is twisted at a predetermined pitch to generate vortex flow in a rotational dimension, while annular baffles create additional swirling motion in a perpendicular plane. This multi-dimensional vortex approach maximizes centrifugal separation forces within a limited axial length, improving separation efficiency without increasing device volume.
2Reliability
If specific geometries are used to improve separation efficiency, then gas-liquid phase separation efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different installation locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The separator employs a standardized tubular body design with a tangential inlet configuration that can be universally adapted to various installation locations. The inlet tube can be oriented at different angles (e.g., horizontal, vertical, or inclined) while maintaining effective vortex generation, making the device versatile for different automotive applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The twisted inlet tube geometry dynamically adapts to different flow conditions and installation orientations. The pitch of the twist and the angle of the inlet can be optimized for specific applications, allowing the same basic design to perform efficiently across multiple installation scenarios without requiring completely different geometries.
3Reliability
If conventional cyclone separator designs are used to improve separation efficiency, then gas-liquid phase separation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separator utilizes thin-walled tubular construction with integrated inlet tubes and annular baffles that can be manufactured as single-piece components or simple assemblies. This reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to conventional thick-walled cyclone separators, lowering both cost and weight while maintaining structural integrity for effective separation.
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 achieves improved gas-liquid phase separation with reduced size and weight, enabling universal adaptability and cost-efficient production, suitable for automotive applications while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a swirling- or vortex flow can be inherently imparted to the supplied two-phase fluid
Implementation Method 2
Centrifugal forces arising from the swirling or vortex-like flow of the two-phase fluid cause the liquid components to spread radially outwardly
Implementation Method 3
The annular duct is adapted to generate an additional swirling motion of the two-phase fluid, thereby supporting generation of a two-stage vortex flow
Implementation Method 4
liquid droplets will form that are to be discharged via a respective outlet. The remaining gaseous phase may exit the container via a separate outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an inertial separator for gas liquid separation, comprising:a tubular body (12) having an inlet (14) extending through a sidewall of the body (12) substantially in tangential direction,an annular duct (16) arranged inside the tubular body (12) and being in fluid communication with the inlet (14),wherein the annular duct (16) extends into an interior chamber (18) of the tubular body (12) via an annular gap (20) extending between an inside facing side wall portion (15) of the body (12) and a first insert (30; 50).