Paper Machine Vacuum Water Separator with Cyclone Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water separation systems in paper machine vacuum systems face issues with pulp adherence, maintenance complexity, and condensation-related erosion due to the use of conventional concrete tanks and lamella plates, leading to reduced separation efficacy and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus featuring a concrete separation tank with a guiding baffle structure directing water to the bottom and a droplet separation cell without central lamella plates, coated with a dirt-repelling material, along with a reduced piping system to minimize condensation and facilitate maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional concrete tanks with central lamella plates are used for water separation, then water separation can be achieved, but pulp adherence to walls and plates occurs, deteriorating separation efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the central lamella plates from the separation tank, extracting the problematic component that caused pulp accumulation and adherence. This extraction eliminates the surface where pulp fibers would accumulate and deteriorate separation performance, while the cyclone principle handles water separation without requiring central plate structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical lamella plate system with a cyclone-based separation mechanism. Instead of relying on physical plates that pulp adheres to, the system uses centrifugal force generated by the cyclone to separate water from air, eliminating the mechanical surfaces that cause pulp accumulation problems.
2Reliability
If central lamella plates are installed in the separation tank, then droplet separation can occur, but maintenance becomes extremely lengthy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the central lamella plates entirely, the invention eliminates the components that require lengthy cleaning and maintenance. The cyclone separation system has no internal plates or structures that accumulate pulp, dramatically reducing maintenance time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone separation system is designed to be self-cleaning through its aerodynamic structure. The continuous air flow through the cyclone prevents pulp accumulation, and the system maintains its separation capability without requiring manual intervention or shutdown for cleaning operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long piping is used to connect the separation tank to blowers, then system flexibility is improved, but condensation occurs causing erosion in blade wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the separation tank directly with the blower unit, merging two previously separate components into a unified system. This eliminates the long piping connections that caused condensation and erosion, while maintaining system flexibility through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The short connection passage between the separation tank and blower acts as an intermediary that minimizes condensation formation. By reducing the piping length and optimizing the connection geometry, the system prevents the temperature drops and moisture accumulation that occur in long piping runs.
4Ease of repair
If the separation tank structure is made accessible for maintenance, then cleaning can be performed, but the lamella plate compartment requires door openings and complex access
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the central lamella plates, the invention eliminates the need for complex maintenance access structures. Without internal plates requiring cleaning, the tank becomes a simple open chamber that can be accessed and maintained easily without doors or complicated entry mechanisms.
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 enhances water separation efficacy, reduces maintenance complexity, and lowers costs by preventing pulp adherence and erosion, while allowing for more efficient air flow guidance and easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The guiding baffle structure (1) directs water and pulp to the bottom (B) of the separator tank (T)
Implementation Method 2
the air flow is forced to stream along the walls (W) and ceiling (C) of the separator tank (T), whereby the residual water in the air flow (12) is further separated
Implementation Method 3
a droplet separation cell (4) without central lamella plates, coated with a dirt-repelling material
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for implementing water separation in the vacuum system of a paper machine. The apparatus includes a guiding baffle structure connected to an inlet pipe and a water trap vessel, and a droplet separation cell mounted at the mouth of an outlet pipe.