Rotary Phase Separator Stepped Drum Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-phase separation systems are not compact or lightweight enough for long-duration missions, such as space missions, where minimizing mass, volume, and power consumption is crucial, and they fail to efficiently separate water from gas and pump water at higher pressure for downstream processing.
Innovation Solution
A rotary phase separator system with a rotating assembly that includes a hollow shaft, an accumulator section, and an impeller pump section, operating at two speeds to centrifugally separate and accumulate water, and then pump it at higher pressure, minimizing power consumption and maximizing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional two-phase separation systems are used, then separation function is provided, but mass and volume are excessive for space missions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate functions (separation, accumulation, and pumping) into a single integrated rotary assembly. The rotating assembly includes a separation section with centrifugal force generation, an accumulation section for liquid collection, and an impeller pump section for pressurized discharge, all mounted on a common rotating structure that operates as one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates gas-liquid two-phase flow using centrifugal force, accumulates the separated liquid in the accumulation section, and pumps the accumulated liquid through the impeller section. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, reducing overall system mass and volume.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional two-phase separation systems are used, then separation function is provided, but volume is excessive for space missions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate functions (separation, accumulation, and pumping) into a single integrated rotary assembly. The rotating assembly includes a separation section with centrifugal force generation, an accumulation section for liquid collection, and an impeller pump section for pressurized discharge, all mounted on a common rotating structure that operates as one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulation section is positioned within the rotary assembly structure, with the impeller pump section nested within the same rotating framework. The hollow shaft and internal components are arranged in a compact nested configuration, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall volume footprint.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional two-phase separation systems are used, then separation function is provided, but power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate functions (separation, accumulation, and pumping) into a single integrated rotary assembly. The rotating assembly includes a separation section with centrifugal force generation, an accumulation section for liquid collection, and an impeller pump section for pressurized discharge, all mounted on a common rotating structure that operates as one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary assembly operates continuously with the motor driving the rotation throughout the entire process. The centrifugal separation, liquid accumulation, and impeller pumping occur in continuous sequence during rotation, eliminating idle periods and maintaining constant productive action. The system processes two-phase flow continuously as long as the motor operates.
4Device complexity
If separation and pumping are performed separately, then each function is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate functions (separation, accumulation, and pumping) into a single integrated rotary assembly. The rotating assembly includes a separation section with centrifugal force generation, an accumulation section for liquid collection, and an impeller pump section for pressurized discharge, all mounted on a common rotating structure that operates as one unified system.
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 system effectively separates water from gas, accumulates, and pumps water at higher pressure while minimizing power consumption, achieving efficient operation with low power usage and compact design suitable for space missions.
Implementation Method 1
separating the two-phase flow such that a liquid component is centrifugally separated radially outward relative to the axis of rotation into the accumulator section mounted about the hollow shaft
Implementation Method 2
pumping out the liquid component with the impeller pump section mounted about the accumulator section in response to said step (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A rotary phase separator system generally includes a rotary drum separator (RDS) (16) and a motor assembly. The RDS includes a stepped drum (50) having an accumulator section (52) and an impeller section (54). The aspect ratio of the stepped drum minimizes power for both the accumulating and pumping functions. The accumulator section of the RDS has a relatively small diameter to minimize power losses within an axial length to define significant volume for accumulation. The pumping section of the RDS has a larger diameter to increase pumping head but has a shorter axial length to minimize power losses. The motor assembly drives the RDS at a low speed for separating and accumulating and a higher speed for pumping.