Separation Device Cyclic Sealing for Sieve Unclogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation devices for fluid media, such as those used in paper pulp recycling, face issues with sieve clogging due to solid constituents of similar size to perforations, leading to reduced separation selectivity and increased energy consumption, with current unclogging methods being costly and requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device with a closed chamber and a conduit system featuring activatable sealing means that can control pressure deviations by cyclically opening and closing, allowing for adjustable unclogging frequencies and intensities to prevent clogging without disrupting the separation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the caliber of perforations is increased to avoid clogging, then the unclogging effect is improved, but the separation selectivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a rotor with rotary blades that dynamically adjust the flow conditions through the sieve by creating a counter-current. This dynamic action prevents clogging without requiring larger perforations, thus maintaining separation selectivity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor operates periodically, creating cyclic counter-currents that prevent clump formation on the sieve. This periodic action maintains clear passage through the sieve without compromising the fine perforation structure, resolving the contradiction between unclogging effect and separation precision.
2Reliability
If the rotation speed of the rotor is increased to improve unclogging effect, then the unclogging frequency is improved, but energy consumption increases and separating selectivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blades perform partial unclogging action by creating localized counter-currents that are sufficient to prevent clogging. This partial action is achieved through optimized blade design and rotation speed, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining effective unclogging frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the rotation speed parameter of the rotor to achieve the minimum effective speed for unclogging. By carefully selecting this parameter, the system achieves adequate unclogging frequency without unnecessary energy consumption, balancing reliability and energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If the rotor is placed directly within the tub to unclog the sieve, then the unclogging effect is improved, but the risk of medium contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor acts as an intermediary element that creates counter-current flow without directly contacting the sieve surface. This indirect action allows the rotor to prevent clogging while minimizing contamination risk, as the blades operate in the fluid stream rather than directly on the sieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The unclogging function is extracted from direct mechanical contact with the sieve and achieved through fluid dynamic counter-current creation. This separation of functions allows the rotor to perform unclogging without compromising the sieve integrity or increasing contamination risk.
4Reliability
If the rotor is placed directly within the tub, then the unclogging action is effective, but maintenance operations become more complex and frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly is segmented into removable components including blades and housing. This segmentation allows for easy disassembly and maintenance without requiring complete system shutdown or complex repair procedures, reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining effective unclogging action.
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 effectively prevents sieve clogging, maintains separation selectivity, reduces energy consumption, and allows for continuous operation by adjusting pressure conditions to lift clumps, thereby improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
The solution effectively prevents sieve clogging, maintains separation selectivity, reduces energy consumption, and allows for continuous operation by adjusting pressure conditions to lift clumps
Data Source
AI summary
A device for separating the constituents of a fluid medium includes an element for separating the constituents, helping to define, upstream and/or downstream from the separation element, a closed chamber, to which at least one conduit is connected. The conduit includes at least one activatable sealing device, the activation of which is capable of at least partially closing and opening the conduit. The device also includes a controller for the activation of the sealing device, controlling the closing and opening, at least partially, of the conduit cyclically, at a frequency greater than 0.008 Hz.