Centrifugal Cleaner Reject Chamber Dilution Nozzle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centrifugal cleaners with reject chambers and dilution nozzles face challenges in maintaining constant operation without blockages, leading to quality losses and capacity issues due to the need for two different sets of parts for vortex direction and countercurrent dilution flow.

Innovation Solution

A central dilution arrangement with at least one dilution nozzle directs a sharp outward dilution fluid flow across the vortex flow in the reject chamber, slowing it down and allowing lightest particles to return to the accept outlet, while also preventing blockages at the reject outlet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dilution nozzle extends up to the cone to create countercurrent dilution flow, then vortex flow is stopped and separation efficiency is improved, but the bottom of the cone is blocked and lightest particles cannot flow back to the accept outlet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidparticle flow path

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dilution nozzle is repositioned from extending into the cone (vertical dimension) to being located at the bottom of the reject chamber, directing flow horizontally across the annular space. This dimensional change allows the dilution flow to slow the vortex without blocking the cone's particle flow path, resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and particle flow accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If two different sets of parts are used for different vortex directions, then vortex flow can be controlled effectively, but device complexity and maintenance confusion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevortex flow controlVSAvoidparts variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dilution arrangement is designed with a central nozzle configuration that can handle both vortex directions universally. The symmetric arrangement of the dilution nozzle relative to the reject chamber allows it to effectively slow vortices regardless of rotation direction, eliminating the need for two different part sets and reducing maintenance complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If hard obstacles are used to slow the vortex, then vortex flow is reduced, but wear on the reject chamber increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevortex flow speedVSAvoidreject chamber wear

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using hard mechanical obstacles to slow the vortex, the invention employs a hydraulic approach by introducing dilution fluid flow through a central nozzle. This fluid-based method reduces vortex speed without the mechanical wear and damage associated with physical obstacles, resolving the contradiction between flow control and component durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 slows the vortex in the reject chamber, reducing wear and allowing better recovery of light filler particles, while maintaining constant operation and preventing blockages, thus enhancing separation efficiency and reducing maintenance complexities.

Implementation Method 1

At least one sharp dilution fluid flow is directed outwards from a central dilution arrangement across the vortex flow coming from the cone part of the cleaner to the reject chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

The circulating motion of fluid coming from the cone of the centrifugal cleaner to the reject chamber slows down

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 3

As the vortex is slower, lightest particles are able to move to the top center of the reject chamber and then go up to the accept outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParticle separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 4

lightest particles are able to move to the top center of the reject chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 5

When the dilution arrangement has also a clearing nozzle, which is directed against the reject outlet, the flow of dilution fluid will keep the reject outlet clear of rejected particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS12233427B2Reject chamber of a centrifugal cleaner and a centrifugal cleaner

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 ANDRITZ OY

AI summary

A centrifugal cleaner with a reject chamber (1) having a center dilution arrangement (3) with a dilution nozzle (4) to deliver dilution fluid to the reject chamber (1), and a reject outlet (7) at the bottom of the reject chamber (1). The dilution nozzle (4) points outwards to create a crossing outward flow of dilution fluid across an annular space (5) around the dilution arrangement (3) to slow circulating fluid flowing down from a cone (2) of the centrifugal cleaner to the reject chamber (1). The dilution arrangement (3) may have a clearing nozzle (6), directed against the reject outlet (7). The dilution nozzle (4) may be pointed below the bottom end (9) of the cone (2) and the dilution arrangement (3) may not extend higher than the bottom end of the cone.