Liquid-Solid Separator Recirculation With External Pump Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal sump pumps in liquid solid separators often fail, leading to maintenance issues, downtime, and increased operational costs due to the need for specialized equipment and personnel, especially in industrial settings.

Innovation Solution

Implementing external and internal recirculation systems with dual pumps, including an external pump sump and an internal pump in the lower basin, along with various connections and level detection devices to manage reject streams and prevent pump failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an internal sump pump is used in the liquid solid separator, then the need for additional handler units is eliminated, but maintenance complexity and downtime increase due to pump failures requiring specialized equipment and personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpump maintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. The pump assembly can be divided into removable sections, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service individual components without dismantling the entire separator unit. This segmentation enables easier repair while maintaining integrated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump is designed as an extractable module that can be removed from the liquid solid separator without requiring specialized equipment. The pump assembly includes quick-connect interfaces and removable mounting structures, enabling it to be taken out for maintenance or replacement while the separator remains operational or is easily reconfigured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If an internal sump pump is used, then integration is improved, but reliability decreases due to repeated breakdowns and operational downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidpump operational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system incorporates preliminary maintenance features including accessible wear components, pre-positioned replacement parts, and designed-service intervals. Critical wear components are positioned for easy inspection and replacement before failure occurs, and the pump includes diagnostic capabilities that detect potential issues before they lead to breakdowns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pump assembly includes built-in protection features such as overload protection, thermal safeguards, and wear-resistant components designed to withstand anticipated stress. Backup components and redundancy features are incorporated to cushion against unexpected failures, maintaining operational reliability while preserving system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Volume of stationary object

If an internal sump pump is used, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance cost increases due to specialized equipment and personnel requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparator internal volumeVSAvoidmaintenance resource requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system is designed with self-service maintenance capabilities, including easy-access service ports, user-replaceable filters and seals, and diagnostic indicators that guide operators through maintenance procedures. This reduces the need for specialized personnel and equipment while maintaining compact integration within the separator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pump incorporates inexpensive, easily replaceable components such as seals, gaskets, and wear plates that can be quickly swapped without specialized tools. These consumable parts are designed for cost-effective replacement rather than complex repair, reducing maintenance resource requirements while preserving the integrated compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Reduces maintenance downtime and costs by allowing for easy access and quick maintenance of external pumps, and ensures reliable operation through automated pump control and bypass systems.

Implementation Method 1

a rotating filter belt receives influent for liquid sold mixture sieve processing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSieve processing: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

level detection devices to manage reject streams and prevent pump failures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLevel detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250262575A1Liquid Solid Separator Recirculation Systems

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 MITCHELL JOHN CHRISTOPHER

AI summary

A liquid solid separator has a main container wherein a rotating filter belt receives influent for liquid sold mixture sieve processing. Various recirculation systems are proposed including an external pump sump, internal pump recirculation and dual pumps with one disposed externally in a sump and one internally in the lower basin of the container. Recirculation points include an inflow pipe connection, an influent basin connection located above the influent basin and influent basin connection located underneath the liquid solid mixture influent level.