Magnetic Float Separator for Backwater Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid separators, particularly those with float valves, face issues such as permanent power requirements, susceptibility to damage, and malfunctions due to dirt accumulation, leading to potential backwater situations and operational uncertainties, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A light liquid separator with a float body that automatically closes the drain when a maximum absorption capacity is reached, incorporating a detection device to monitor the float's position and generate alarms or initiate measures, and a backwater safety device with an automatic closure to prevent undesired inflows, utilizing magnetic means for precise position detection and wireless transmission for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a float valve is used for automatic closure in a separator, then the outlet can be automatically closed when maximum capacity is reached, but the system requires permanent power supply and is susceptible to damage and dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical float valve system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are embedded in the float body, and reed switches or Hall sensors mounted on the container wall detect the float's position without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical linkages and seals that require power and are prone to dirt accumulation, while maintaining automatic closure functionality through electronic actuation of the outlet valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the float and the detection system. Instead of direct mechanical contact or electrical contacts that require power connections through the liquid environment, the magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator that transmits position information from the moving float to the stationary sensors on the container wall, eliminating the need for power supply to the float and reducing susceptibility to damage.
2Measurement precision
If probes are used to measure liquid levels in separators, then position information can be obtained, but the probes require constant power supply and can easily become contaminated or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical probes that extend into the liquid with external magnetic sensors mounted on the container wall. The float contains magnets that generate a magnetic field detectable by reed switches or Hall sensors outside the liquid environment. This eliminates the need for probes to physically contact the liquid, preventing contamination and damage while maintaining precise position detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that allows position information to be transmitted from the float to external sensors without physical contact. This intermediary mechanism enables the detection system to remain outside the harsh liquid environment, avoiding contamination and damage while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the separator is installed in hard-to-reach locations, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance and monitoring become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position indication systems with wireless or remote-readable magnetic detection systems. The float contains magnets that can be detected by external sensors, and the system can be integrated with wireless transmission capabilities to send position data remotely. This allows the separator to be installed in hard-to-reach locations while maintaining ease of monitoring and maintenance through remote diagnostics.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic detection system provides self-monitoring capability where the float's position is automatically detected and can be transmitted remotely. The system requires minimal human intervention for monitoring, and the non-contact nature of the detection means there are no moving parts to maintain in the liquid environment, reducing maintenance needs even in hard-to-reach locations.
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
Ensures permanent functional reliability and safety by preventing backwater situations and allowing for remote monitoring, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a float body (89), which is capable of floating in the liquid and can change its position, at least in the vertical direction, depending on the type and/or quantity of liquid in the container
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a detection device to monitor the float's position and generate alarms or initiate measures, and a backwater safety device with an automatic closure to prevent undesired inflows, utilizing magnetic means for precise position detection
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for determining the position of a float (89) in a container (86) and to a device (85) for receiving a liquid, comprising a container (86) with an inlet (87) and a closeable outlet (88) for the liquid, and a float (89) that can float in the liquid, wherein the position thereof in the container (86) is dependant on the kind and/or amount of the liquid in the container (86). An outlet control device (100) for controlling the outlet (88) is provided, which can close or open the outlet (88) as a function of the position of the float (89) in the container (86). According to the invention, a detecting device is provided, which detects at least one position of the float (89) in the container (86) and provides information, at least when the float (89) reaches the at least one position.