Inline Separator with Vortex Flow for Gas and Solid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas and solid separators for heating and cooling systems are inefficient due to contamination issues, leading to vibration, corrosion, and increased energy consumption, as they require separate systems and frequent maintenance, and are prone to flow resistance and complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A single, in-line separator design with a supply pipe bend and discharge pipe bend that creates a vortex, using centrifugal action to separate both gas and solid particles without baffles, allowing for high throughflow speeds and minimal pressure drop, and featuring a capturing member and screen member for effective particle collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate gas separator and solids separator systems are used, then gas and solid particles can be removed from the system, but the device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gas separation and solid particle separation functions into a single separator device. The separator uses a float valve mechanism that simultaneously achieves gas removal (through float-based gas discharge) and solid particle removal (through screen filtration), eliminating the need for separate gas and solids separator systems while reducing overall device complexity and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The separator is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple separation tasks simultaneously. The float valve mechanism handles both gas discharge and solid particle filtration in one unit, making the separator universal for removing both gases and contaminants from heating or cooling systems, thereby reducing the number of components needed
2Reliability
If filters are used to remove solid particles, then solid particles can be captured, but flow resistance increases and pressure drop occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The separator employs a screen with specifically designed local qualities - a mesh structure with appropriate opening sizes positioned at the outlet. This localized filtration approach captures solid particles effectively while minimizing resistance to fluid flow compared to traditional filters, as the screen allows efficient passage of fluid while intercepting contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve mechanism provides self-cleaning functionality that maintains low flow resistance. As the float rises with accumulated screen debris, it automatically opens the discharge valve to flush out collected particles, preventing screen clogging and maintaining consistent low pressure drop throughout operation without external intervention
3Reliability
If float vent mechanism is used for gas separation, then gas can be removed, but solid contaminants are not effectively separated and accumulate in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The separator merges gas separation and solid particle separation into a single integrated mechanism. The float valve simultaneously performs gas discharge and screen filtration of solid contaminants, ensuring that both gases and particulate matter are removed together rather than allowing contaminants to accumulate in the system
Solution Approach 2:
The separator maintains continuous operation without interruption for maintenance. The float valve mechanism continuously removes both gas and solid contaminants as they accumulate, and the self-cleaning function ensures continuous low-resistance flow, eliminating periods where contaminants could accumulate and cause harm to system reliability
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 solution effectively separates both gas and solid particles with reduced maintenance needs, minimal pressure drop, and no obstruction to flow, enhancing system reliability and efficiency while eliminating the need for separate gas and solid separators.
Implementation Method 1
The circulation of the fluid flow exerts a centrifugal action on the relatively heavy solid particles, which thereby displace in outward direction toward the peripheral wall of the vessel
Implementation Method 2
The circulation of the fluid flow also causes a lower pressure at the central axis, i.e. the rotational symmetry axis of the vessel, around which the fluid flow circulates. Gas bubbles present in the fluid flow will move toward the central axis of the vessel
Implementation Method 3
As soon as these solid particles collide with the capturing member, they will be slowed down considerably, whereby they drop downward under the influence of gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a separator for separating gas and solid material particles from a fluid flow, comprising a vessel and a fluid supply opening which is arranged in the vessel and to which a fluid supply conduit is connectable, a fluid discharge opening to which a fluid discharge conduit is connectable, and a capturing member extending in height direction along the peripheral wall of the vessel, wherein the fluid supply opening and fluid discharge opening are arranged at positions substantially opposite each other in the peripheral wall, wherein the fluid supply conduit comprises within the volume enclosed by the vessel a supply pipe bend which deflects the fluid flow in the peripheral direction of the vessel, and wherein the fluid discharge conduit comprises within the volume enclosed by the vessel a discharge pipe bend having a discharge inlet opening oriented downward to some extent in the direction of the bottom of the vessel. The invention further relates to a method for separating solid particles from a fluid flow with such a device.