Magnetic Suspension Separator Drum Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing separators for separating a flowable suspension in a centrifugal field into different density phases face limitations due to the unsatisfactory bearing of the open, cup-like rotor, which results in precession movements and restricted rotational speed, thereby limiting separation performance.
Innovation Solution
A separator design featuring a stationary housing with multiple openings and a rotatable drum inside, supported by a multi-part support and drive device. This includes a stator magnet assembly outside the housing and a rotor magnet assembly inside, allowing for axial and radial centering and support of the drum, which is held in suspension and rotation by an electromagnetic drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open, cup-like rotor is used for magnetic suspension, then contact-free drive is achieved, but precession movements occur and rotational speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is divided into two independent parts: magnetic suspension for axial support and contact-free drive, and mechanical sealing rings for radial support. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between contact-free operation and rotational speed stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing rings are introduced as intermediary elements between the rotor and housing to provide radial support. These sealing rings act as mediators that enable the rotor to maintain stable radial positioning while continuing to rotate at high speeds, eliminating the precession movements that limited previous designs.
2Speed
If mechanical seals are added for radial support, then rotational speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing rings serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide radial support to the rotor, maintain the air gap between rotor and housing, and enable high-speed rotation. By combining these functions into a single component, the design achieves high rotational speed without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enables higher rotational speeds and improved separation performance by effectively centering and supporting the drum, reducing precession movements and allowing for efficient separation of flowable phases of different densities.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-part support and drive device, comprising at least one control device and an electric motor, consisting of a stator, a stator magnet assembly and a rotor magnet assembly, by means of which the drum is held in suspension inside the housing, is radially and axially supported and is set in rotation
Implementation Method 2
a multi-part support and drive device, comprising at least one control device and an electric motor, consisting of a stator, a stator magnet assembly and a rotor magnet assembly
Implementation Method 3
a separator for separating a flowable suspension in a centrifugal field into at least two flowable phases of different density
Data Source
AI summary
A separator includes a housing that is stationary during operation and is a tank having at least two openings. A drum is located inside the housing, has a vertical axis of rotation, and a number of openings to the housing corresponding to the openings of the housing. A single multi-part support and drive device with at least one control device and a motor including of a stator, a stator magnet assembly, and a rotor with a rotor magnet assembly, which keep the drum suspended inside the housing, radially and axially supported, and set in rotation. The stator magnet assembly is located outside the housing and the rotor magnet assembly is located inside the housing on the drum so that an air gap is formed between the housing and the drum while the drum is rotating during operation. The axial support and centering of the drum is implemented by controlling the axial position of the rotor magnet assembly using the control device by actuating the motor.