Lamellae Separating Unit for Thermal Treatment Fluid Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal treatment devices for products in containers face issues with clogging and high maintenance costs due to the use of filter belts or plug-in screens, which are inefficient and require frequent cleaning, and are prone to clogging with suspended solids and organic matter.
Innovation Solution
A device with a recirculation circuit and a separating unit featuring lamellae arranged in parallel for gravity sedimentation of particles, reducing the risk of clogging and maintaining the separation efficiency by using a compact sedimentation surface that minimizes residue contamination and is easy to maintain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter belts or plug-in screens are used for particle separation, then separation efficiency is achieved, but the risk of clogging increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems (filter belts, plug-in screens) with a hydrocyclone separator that uses centrifugal force generated by rotating flow. This substitution eliminates the mesh structures that are prone to clogging while maintaining effective particle separation through density-based centrifugal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the separation mechanism from static mechanical filtration to dynamic centrifugal separation. By utilizing rotational motion and centrifugal force, the system achieves particle separation based on density differences without requiring fine mesh structures that are susceptible to clogging by suspended solids and organic matter.
2Reliability
If filter belts are used for particle separation, then separation is achieved, but additional machine height is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical belt filtration to a compact hydrocyclone separator that operates in a horizontal plane. The centrifugal separation process occurs within a compact cylindrical or conical structure, dramatically reducing the vertical space requirement while maintaining effective particle separation capability.
3Reliability
If zone-by-zone separation using one screen belt per zone is implemented, then separation is achieved, but costs become disproportionately high
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrocyclone separator serves as a universal particle removal device that can be effectively applied across multiple treatment zones without requiring separate screen belts for each zone. The single hydrocyclone design handles particles from all zones, significantly reducing the number of components needed and lowering overall system complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If plug-in screens are used for filtration, then particle separation is achieved, but machine work and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces plug-in screens that require manual removal and cleaning with a hydrocyclone separator that operates continuously without intervention. The centrifugal separation process automatically handles particle removal, eliminating the need for personnel to pull out and clean screens during operation.
5Reliability
If chemical treatment is used to dissolve suspended solids, then particle removal is achieved, but effectiveness is limited for certain substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical treatment methods with mechanical centrifugal separation. The hydrocyclone separator physically separates particles from the liquid stream based on density and size differences, effectively removing suspended solids, mucilage, and other substances regardless of their chemical composition or solubility characteristics.
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 provides a robust, low-maintenance separation unit with high separation performance, reducing the risk of clogging and wear on components, and allowing for efficient reuse of process liquid with minimal impact from particle size.
Implementation Method 1
a separating unit with a plurality of lamellae arranged essentially in parallel for cleaning the process liquid of particles
Implementation Method 2
The separation unit uses gravity sedimentation, especially for small particles and suspended matter that are carried along in the process liquid
Implementation Method 3
The lamellae provide a large sedimentation surface in a compact form, which the process liquid flows past
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device for the thermal treatment of products in containers, comprising infeed and outfeed conveying devices for containers; at least one sprinkler or spray zone for sprinkling or spraying the containers with a process fluid, for example water; and a circulation circuit for at least partial reuse of the process fluid, wherein the circulation circuit comprises at least one pump; wherein at least one separation unit with several substantially parallel lamellae for cleaning the process fluid of particles, for example glass shards and/or sand, wherein the pump pumps the process fluid along the lamellae.