Oil Purification With Adaptive Disc Stack Centrifugal Backpressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing purification systems for oils, such as slop oil, struggle to achieve consistent results due to varying compositions and properties among different batches, leading to inefficient separation of oil and water phases.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically adjusts the backpressure at the light and heavy phase outlets of a centrifugal separator based on measured properties like density, viscosity, and flow rate, allowing for continuous adaptation to different oil types, using sensors and control systems to optimize the interface position between oil and water phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed gravity disc and level ring are used in the centrifugal separator, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot adapt to different oil compositions and achieves poor purification results
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed gravity discs and level rings with movable interface position control. The interface position between oil and water phases can be dynamically adjusted by controlling the backpressure at the heavy phase outlet, allowing the system to adapt to different oil compositions without changing the physical structure of the separator.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by controlling the backpressure parameter at the heavy phase outlet to adjust the interface position. By changing the backpressure parameter, the system can optimize separation for different oil types with varying densities and viscosities, achieving adaptability without structural modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different gravity discs and level rings are changed to adjust the interface position for different oils, then the system can adapt to different compositions, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical system of changing physical gravity discs and level rings with a pressure control system. Instead of mechanically adjusting components, the interface position is controlled by adjusting the backpressure parameter, which simplifies operation and reduces the skill level required for effective system adjustment.
3Reliability
If manual adjustment of gravity discs is performed for each batch of slop oil, then purification can be optimized for specific compositions, but the loss of time for adjustment and the inability to provide consistent results across batches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor the properties of the separated phases (such as density, viscosity, or composition) and automatically adjusting the backpressure to maintain optimal interface position. This closed-loop control ensures consistent purification results across different batches without manual intervention or time loss for adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting changes in oil composition and adjusting the interface position without human intervention. The control system monitors separation quality and autonomously optimizes the backpressure parameter, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring consistent results across all batches.
4Manufacturing precision
If the interface position is fixed in the centrifugal separator, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide good purification results for oils with varying densities and viscosities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies pneumatics and hydraulics by using backpressure control (a fluid pressure mechanism) to adjust the interface position between oil and water phases. This hydraulic/pneumatic control method provides precise and continuous adjustment capability, enabling high purification quality without complex mechanical moving parts.
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
Enables effective purification of oils with varying compositions by dynamically controlling the fluid levels in the phase outlets, ensuring consistent and efficient separation of oil and water phases regardless of batch variations.
Implementation Method 1
disc stack centrifugal separator which separates the contaminated oil into a light phase and a heavy phase
Implementation Method 2
separating the contaminated oil into a light phase and a heavy phase whereby a light phase is retrieved from the centrifugal separator via a light phase outlet and a heavy phase is retrieved from the centrifugal separator via a heavy phase outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for purification of contaminated oil. The method comprising providing contaminated oil into a disc stack centrifugal separator (3). The disc stack centrifugal separator comprises a light phase outlet chamber (33) and/or a heavy phase outlet chamber (31) in which a fluid level can be controlled. Separating the contaminated oil in the disc stack centrifugal separator (3) into a light phase and a heavy phase. Measuring one or more properties in a light phase retrieved from the disc stack centrifugal separator (3), wherein said one or more properties comprise one or more of a density, a viscosity, an amount of heavy phase content and a flow rate of the light phase. Controlling a backpressure provided to a heavy phase outlet (5b) and/or a light phase outlet (5a) of the disc stack centrifugal separator (3) and hereby controlling a fluid level in the heavy phase outlet chamber (31) and/or light phase outlet chamber (33), said controlling being dependent on at least one value of said one or more measured properties.