Rotary Joint Flow Path Layout for Centrifugal Separator Dispersoids

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Solution Overview

Problem

In rotary joints for centrifugal separators, there is a concern about the retention and damage of dispersoids in the liquid due to centrifugal forces and shear stresses, which affects the efficiency and integrity of the separation process.

Innovation Solution

A rotary joint design where the shaft body is immovably installed, and the tube body is rotated, with inclined supply and discharge flow paths and communication paths to minimize centrifugal retention and shear stress, ensuring smooth flow and reduced damage to dispersoids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the shaft body is rotated, then the liquid can be supplied to the centrifugal separation container, but dispersoids may be retained in the flow path due to centrifugal force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation speedVSAvoiddispersoid retention

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional configuration by making the tube body rotatable instead of the shaft body. This inversion allows the flow paths to be positioned such that liquid flows from the inner peripheral surface toward the outer peripheral surface of the tube body, utilizing centrifugal force to push dispersoids outward rather than allowing them to accumulate in the flow path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow paths are designed to extend in the radial direction (from inner to outer peripheral surface) rather than solely in the axial direction. This dimensional change allows the flow path to align with the direction of centrifugal force action, enabling dispersoids to be naturally pushed outward along the flow path rather than accumulating within it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the tube body is rotated, then dispersoid retention in the shaft body flow path is reduced, but shear stress may damage dispersoids due to high peripheral velocity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersoid retentionVSAvoidshear stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow paths, specifically designing them to extend radially from the inner to outer peripheral surface of the tube body. This parameter change allows the flow path length and direction to be optimized, reducing the relative velocity difference between the liquid and tube body while maintaining effective dispersoid removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful centrifugal force that causes dispersoid retention into a beneficial force by designing the flow path to extend in the radial direction. The centrifugal force now acts to push dispersoids outward along the flow path toward the discharge opening, transforming a potential harm into a useful separation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If the flow path extends in the axial direction, then the structure is simple, but centrifugal force causes dispersoid accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path structureVSAvoiddispersoid retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is designed to extend in the radial direction (from inner to outer peripheral surface) rather than solely in the axial direction. This dimensional change adds a radial component to the flow path geometry, allowing it to align with the centrifugal force direction and prevent dispersoid accumulation while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design effectively suppresses the retention and damage of dispersoids, enhancing the separation efficiency and reducing wear on the liquid handling components, allowing for higher speed rotation and improved operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

in a case where the shaft body is rotated, a centrifugal force due to the rotation of the shaft body acts on the liquid flowing through the flow path of the shaft body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

there is a concern that relatively large shear may act on the liquid which flows from the annular flow path between the shaft body and the tube body into the flow path of the tube body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentUS11135600B2Rotary joint and centrifugal separator

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A rotary joint which supplies and discharges a liquid to and from a container which is revolved around a rotation axis, the rotary joint includes: a shaft body which is immovably provided; a tube body into which the shaft body is inserted and which is rotated around the shaft body; a shaft-side supply flow path; a shaft-side discharge flow path; a tube-side supply flow path; a tube-side discharge flow path; a supply communication flow path; and a discharge communication flow path, the tube-side supply flow path is inclined, and the tube-side discharge flow path is inclined.