Rotating Gravity Separator with Inclined Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gravity separation methods fail to effectively separate particles based on density due to the influence of particle size variations, with finer high-density particles settling slowly and joining the lower-density stream, and larger low-density particles settling rapidly with denser particles, limiting the separation efficiency, especially for particles smaller than 0.100 mm.
Innovation Solution
The use of closely spaced inclined channels in a rotating system creates a high centrifugal force field, combined with a fluidized bed, where particles with a particle Reynolds number between 1 and 500 elutriate based on density, reducing the impact of particle size, allowing for complete separation of particles larger than 0.040 mm, and achieving efficient separation of mixed denser and less dense particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional gravity separation is used, then the separation process is simple, but particle size variations cause poor separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device is divided into multiple inclined channels separated by spaced apart plates, creating numerous parallel flow paths. This segmentation increases the total separation area and allows particles of different sizes to be separated more effectively by directing them into appropriate channels based on their settling characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional horizontal or vertical separation to inclined channels at specific angles. This dimensional change creates a new separation mechanism where particles settle along the inclined planes, allowing gravity to act more effectively while reducing the negative impact of particle size variations.
2Speed
If centrifugal force is increased to separate ultrafine particles, then settling velocity increases, but the separation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the flow regime parameters by using inclined channels that create laminar flow conditions with controlled shear rates. This parameter change generates inertial lift forces that enhance particle separation without requiring high centrifugal forces, thus increasing settling velocity while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spaced apart plates act as intermediaries that create the inclined channels and control the fluid flow between them. These plates generate the necessary shear rates and inertial lift forces to separate particles, serving as a mechanical mediator that translates simple gravity into effective separation forces.
3Manufacturing precision
If closely spaced inclined channels are used, then density-based separation is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple spaced apart plates to create numerous inclined channels in parallel. This segmentation approach achieves enhanced density-based separation through the collective effect of many channels while keeping each individual channel simple in structure, making the overall device more manageable and efficient.
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 approach enhances gravity separation by promoting density-based separation of particles larger than 0.010 mm, achieving high throughput and hydraulic capacity, with less dense particles reporting to the inner region and denser particles to the outer region, effectively overcoming the limitations of particle size variations.
Implementation Method 1
The use of closely spaced inclined channels in a rotating system creates a high centrifugal force field
Implementation Method 2
With closely spaced inclined channels the flow becomes laminar and the shear rate increases, producing inertial lift
Implementation Method 3
With closely spaced inclined channels the flow becomes laminar and the shear rate increases
Implementation Method 4
Particles which settle within the intermediate flow regime, with a particle Reynolds number between about 1 and 500, elutriate on the basis of density
Implementation Method 5
Gravity separation is concerned with the separation of particles on the basis of density
Implementation Method 6
These devices operate according to the principles of solid-liquid fluidized beds
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An enhanced gravity separation device rotates a plurality of rectangular section vessels (2) about a central drive shaft (1). Each vessel has an array of closely spaced plates (8) positioned with the vessel between outer regions (6) and inner regions (7). A feed of mixed dense and less dense fluid matter is fed to the outer regions (6) via a pipe (1a) and conduits (21), through the plate arrays (8) and into the inner regions (7). Overflow of less dense matter reports to the inner regions (7) and underflow of denser matter reports to the outer region (6). The vessels may be fluidised by liquid supplied into the outer regions (7) via annulus (14A) and conduits (14).