Multi-stage Axial Cyclone Separator with Coanda Swirl Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cyclone separators have low separation efficiency when handling heterogeneous fluid mixtures, particularly those with continuous phases like milk or latex, due to their single-stage design and inability to sustain swirling flow acceleration across multiple stages, leading to inefficient separation of fluids by density.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage axial flow cyclone separator utilizing Coanda effect-based design elements, including convex edge penetrable holes and conic transmission bases, to create and accelerate swirling flows without disrupting the fluid distribution pattern, ensuring continuous laminar swirling flow and increased centrifugal force, thereby enhancing separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple conventional cyclones are connected in series to increase swirling velocity and residence time, then separation efficiency should improve, but the preceding swirling flow is destroyed by the tangential inlet of the subsequent cyclone, causing the process to restart and preventing sustained acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone separator is divided into multiple stages, each with its own swirl-generating mechanism (tangential inlets or swirl generators). This segmentation allows each stage to independently generate and sustain swirling flow without being disrupted by subsequent stages, enabling continuous acceleration of centrifugal force across multiple stages while maintaining flow stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the specialized tangential inlet design with optimized curvature radius ratio, or alternative swirl generators) that transfers the swirling flow from one stage to the next without destroying it. This intermediary allows the swirling flow to be sustained and accelerated across stage transitions rather than being reset.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-stage cyclone separator is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the separation efficiency is low especially for heterogeneous fluid mixtures with continuous phases
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone separator is divided into multiple stages, each with its own swirl-generating mechanism (tangential inlets or swirl generators). This segmentation allows each stage to independently generate and sustain swirling flow without being disrupted by subsequent stages, enabling continuous acceleration of centrifugal force across multiple stages while maintaining flow stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes key geometric parameters including the curvature radius ratio of the tangential inlet (R1/R2 between 0.5-2.0), the angle of the tangential inlet (15-45 degrees), and the ratio of inlet area to cylindrical chamber area (0.1-0.4). These parameter changes enhance the generation and sustainability of swirling flow, significantly improving separation efficiency for heterogeneous fluid mixtures while maintaining practical manufacturability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional tangential inlet design is used, then the structure is simple, but the swirling flow creates higher centrifugal force at the center rather than at the wall, preventing efficient separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes key geometric parameters including the curvature radius ratio of the tangential inlet (R1/R2 between 0.5-2.0), the angle of the tangential inlet (15-45 degrees), and the ratio of inlet area to cylindrical chamber area (0.1-0.4). These parameter changes enhance the generation and sustainability of swirling flow, significantly improving separation efficiency for heterogeneous fluid mixtures while maintaining practical manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved surfaces and optimized geometric shapes in the tangential inlet design, where the curvature radius ratio (R1/R2) is specifically controlled to generate proper swirling flow. This use of curvature ensures that centrifugal force is properly distributed from the center toward the wall, improving separation efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 increases the separation efficiency of fluids with different densities by maintaining a consistent swirling flow acceleration and residence time, allowing for more distinct layering and efficient separation of heavy and light phases without turbulence.
Implementation Method 1
The composition of said side penetrable hole and edge surface is in accordance with the Coanda profile principle. When a fluid having a pressure is pressed through a side penetrable hole, it will be deflected to flow attaching to the curved surface of the edge, i.e., Coanda effect phenomenon.
Implementation Method 2
The swirling flow generates a centrifugal force which throws dust with large diameters toward the internal wall of the first cylindrical tube to be separated.
Implementation Method 3
The present invention involves a high performance cyclone separator which is a multi-stage axial flow cyclone separator used for separating heterogeneous mixture of fluid dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage axial flow cyclone separator comprising a primary swirl creating section, a swirl acceleration section, and a fluid separation section is disclosed. A fluid transfer tube is mounted axially in the middle of the inside of an outer structure of the fluid separation section for separating the light phase fluid and transferring it through an open end. Additionally, the swirl acceleration section and the fluid separation section can be annexed to a multi-stage axial flow cyclone separator according to the present invention to increase the velocity of the swirl and to increase the residence time to improve separation efficiency as desired.