Rotating Drum Centrifugal Separator for Continuous Vehicle Wash Water Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle washing systems face challenges in continuously and cost-effectively cleaning used washing water due to the batch-wise operation of mechanical separation devices, which can lead to malfunctions and higher operating costs, especially when dealing with large quantities of process water.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a centrifugally operated rotating drum with multiple openings, where process water is fed under excess pressure, creating g-forces that prevent particles from entering the drum, allowing for continuous particle separation and removal outside the drum, thus enabling cost-effective and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical separation devices operate in batch mode to separate particles from washing water, then particle separation is achieved, but continuous operation is disrupted and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by allowing the drum to rotate continuously without batch interruptions. Process water is continuously supplied to the drum, particles are continuously separated via centrifugal force, and the filtered water continuously exits through the filter cloth, eliminating the need for periodic stopping and scraper intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cloth performs self-cleaning through the continuous rotation and centrifugal action. The accumulated particles on the filter cloth are automatically removed by the continuous flow of process water and the rotational motion, eliminating the need for external scraper mechanisms or manual intervention.
2Productivity
If complex constructive options are used to enable continuous removal of filter cake, then continuous operation is possible, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scraper mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of adding complex constructive options for continuous filter cake removal, the solution removes the need for scrapers by using the continuous rotation and centrifugal force to naturally shed particles from the filter cloth surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cloth performs self-cleaning through the continuous rotation and centrifugal action. The accumulated particles on the filter cloth are automatically removed by the continuous flow of process water and the rotational motion, eliminating the need for external scraper mechanisms or manual intervention.
3Reliability
If basket centrifuges with filter cloth are used to separate particles, then particle separation is achieved, but batch-wise operation requires periodic interruption and scraper intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by allowing the drum to rotate continuously without batch interruptions. Process water is continuously supplied to the drum, particles are continuously separated via centrifugal force, and the filtered water continuously exits through the filter cloth, eliminating the need for periodic stopping and scraper intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cloth performs self-cleaning through the continuous rotation and centrifugal action. The accumulated particles on the filter cloth are automatically removed by the continuous flow of process water and the rotational motion, eliminating the need for external scraper mechanisms or manual intervention.
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 allows for continuous, trouble-free operation of vehicle washing systems by effectively separating particles from the washing water, reducing the risk of malfunctions and lowering equipment costs, while maintaining high operational reliability even with large volumes of process water.
Implementation Method 1
the speed of the drum and the pressure level of the particle-rich process water supplied via the process water inlet being adjustable in such a way that the process water enters the drum via the openings, whereas particles are prevented from entering the drum via the openings due to the rotation of the drum. Due to the rotation of the drum, g-forces of at least 300 g act on the particles
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for cleaning used wash water (2) from vehicle washing systems by particle separation is presented and described, using a cleaning device (1) for process water (2), wherein the cleaning device (1) has at least one drum (8) rotatably arranged in a housing (3), at least one process water inlet opening into the housing (3) outside the drum (8), at least one process water outlet discharging from the drum (8), at least one housing outlet arranged outside the drum (8) for particle removal from the housing (3), and a rotary drive (10) for the drum (8), wherein the drum (8) has a plurality of openings (23), wherein the rotational speed of the drum (8) and the pressure level of particle-rich process water (2) supplied to the housing (3) via the process water inlet under overpressure are adjusted such thatthat process water (2) enters the drum (8) via the openings (23) and particles are prevented from entering the drum (8) via the openings (23) due to the rotation of the drum (8) with multiple g-forces and wherein g-forces of at least 300 g act on the particles due to the rotation of the drum (8).