Oil-Lubricated Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump Integrated Separation Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps face challenges in oil separation and reprocessing, including inefficient separation of fine oil particles, potential for oil foam impairment, and maintenance complexities due to external separation device interfaces and connections.

Innovation Solution

The integration of two separating devices within the oil separation and reprocessing housing, with a fine separation device followed by a secondary separation device, eliminates the need for external interfaces and ensures step-like separation, enhancing oil separation efficiency and simplifying maintenance by allowing for convenient access and removal of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single separation device is used for oil-gas separation, then the device structure is simple, but the separation efficiency for fine oil particles is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidseparation device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation device is divided into multiple independent separation stages (coarse separation, fine separation, and post-separation) arranged in sequence. Each stage uses a different separation mechanism optimized for specific particle sizes, achieving high overall separation efficiency while maintaining modular simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separation process transitions from a single-stage approach to a multi-stage sequential arrangement in the gas flow direction. This dimensional expansion of the separation process allows each stage to specialize in different separation tasks, improving overall efficiency without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If external separation devices with interfaces and connections are used, then separation functionality is provided, but maintenance complexity increases due to multiple interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separation functions (coarse separation, fine separation, post-separation) are merged into a single integrated housing structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple external interfaces and connections, simplifying maintenance while maintaining comprehensive separation functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single housing structure serves multiple separation functions simultaneously through internally arranged separation stages. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, reducing interface complexity and easing maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If oil separation and reprocessing device is housed separately from rotary vane housing, then oil separation is optimized, but overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil separation performanceVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oil separation and reprocessing device is merged with the rotary vane housing to form an integrated structure. The housing serves dual purposes as both the rotary vane enclosure and the oil separation chamber, eliminating the need for a separate external housing while maintaining optimized oil separation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration improves oil separation efficiency, reduces operational risks, and simplifies maintenance by providing a valve-free gas path and easy access to components, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the vacuum pump.

Implementation Method 1

A fine separation can also be provided to separate oil and gas, with the gas stream being passed through a special filter mat, for example.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A coarse separation of large oil drops can be provided by a corresponding filter element, as well as alternatively or in combination with gravity and/or impact separation by redirecting the gas-oil mixture and alternatively or in combination by slowing down the flow.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity separation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

A coarse separation of large oil drops can be provided by a corresponding filter element, as well as alternatively or in combination with gravity and/or impact separation by redirecting the gas-oil mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact separation: Impact Force

Implementation Method 4

The oil can also become dirty due to contact with the pumped medium or change as a result of possible chemical reactions. This results in preferential treatment of the oil after it leaves the blower area.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 5

The breakdown of oil foam can be provided in a further sub-process. Air bubbles trapped in the oil can enter the rotary vane chamber in the form of foam and impair the function of the pump.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoam breakdown: Antifoam

Data Source

PatentEP3482078B1Oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 GEBR BECKER GMBH
  • EP3482078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3482078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3482078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump (1) comprising a rotary vane unit (2) that includes a rotary vane chamber (5) and a rotary vane rotor (6), the vacuum pump further comprising an oil separation and reprocessing device (3) in which oil and gas that have penetrated into the rotary vane unit (2) are separated by a separation device (T1, T2) preferably formed by a filter element and/or a gravitational and/or impact separator (24) and/or a fine particle separator (25), preferably along with an oil foam decomposition device and/or with an oil cooler and/or with an oil pump; one or more monitoring and/or maintenance devices (37) are provided for said devices, and the oil separation and reprocessing device (3) is accommodated in an oil separation and reprocessing housing (13) that includes side walls (14, 15), a base (16), a top (17) and face walls (18, 19), the side walls (14, 15) extending transversely to a plane of rotation of the rotary vane rotor (6) and defining a longitudinal direction of the oil separation and reprocessing housing (13). In order to improve a rotary vane vacuum pump of said type in particular in respect of the oil separation process while providing the vacuum pump with a design that is favorable for handling and/or maintenance and/or manufacturing purposes, the gas successively flows through two separation devices (T1, T2) within the oil separation and reprocessing housing (13), and said two separation devices are both accessible for maintenance from a face wall (18).