Separation Disc Spacing Pattern for Uniform Centrifugal Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators face inefficiencies due to uneven interspaces between separation discs, leading to irregular flow distribution and decreased separating efficiency, especially when using thin discs that risk material failure and deformation under high centrifugal forces.
Innovation Solution
The use of small-sized spacing members with widths less than 2 mm, distributed in a pattern on the separation discs to maintain equidistant interspaces, allowing for thinner discs and increased stack capacity without material failure, and combining these with larger spacing members for added support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the separation disc thickness is reduced to maximize the number of discs in the stack, then the stack capacity increases, but the disc strength decreases leading to material failure under centrifugal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing members are divided into multiple small-sized individual members (width < 2mm) distributed across the disc surface, rather than using fewer large spacing members. This segmentation allows the disc to maintain structural integrity while providing sufficient spacing, enabling thinner disc design without material failure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the disc surface are equipped with appropriately sized and spaced spacing members based on local requirements. The small-sized spacing members are strategically positioned to provide local support where needed, allowing the overall disc thickness to be reduced while maintaining strength at critical locations.
2Strength
If larger spacing members are used to provide sufficient interspace height, then the disc strength increases, but the number of discs that can fit in the stack decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fewer large spacing members, the solution segments the spacing function into multiple small-sized members distributed across the disc surface. Each small spacing member provides localized support, collectively achieving the required interspace height while allowing thinner disc design and increasing stack capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing function is transitioned from a few large two-dimensional features to many small two-dimensional features distributed across the surface. This dimensional redistribution allows the disc thickness to be reduced while maintaining sufficient interspace height through the cumulative effect of multiple small spacing members.
3Device complexity
If spacing members are made wider to provide adequate interspace, then fewer spacing members are needed simplifying the structure, but the flow distribution becomes uneven reducing separating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing members are segmented into multiple small-sized units (width < 2mm) distributed across the disc surface. This segmentation creates numerous small flow channels that distribute liquid flow more evenly across the interspaces, preventing channeling effects and improving separating efficiency despite the increased number of spacing members.
Solution Approach 2:
Small-sized spacing members are strategically positioned at specific locations on the disc surface to create localized flow control. This local quality approach ensures that flow is evenly distributed across all interspaces, with each small spacing member managing flow in its local region, collectively achieving uniform flow distribution and high separating efficiency.
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 ensures consistent interspace height, enhancing the separating capacity and efficiency of centrifugal separators by allowing more discs in a given stack height while preventing material failure and maintaining even flow distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the separation discs are exposed to both high centrifugal and liquid forces
Implementation Method 2
the liquid mixture is separated into phases of different densities during operation of the centrifugal separator
Data Source
AI summary
A separation disc for a centrifugal separator and a method for manufacturing the separation disc are disclosed. The separation disc is of metal material and adapted to be compressed in a stack of separation discs inside a centrifugal rotor for separating a liquid mixture. The separation disc has a truncated conical shape with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of spacing members extending a certain height above at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface for providing interspaces between mutually adjacent separation discs in the stack. The spacing members are of such small size that each one of them has a width which is less than 2 mm along the surface of the separation disc. The surface of the separation disc is configured with a distribution pattern of the small-sized spacing members, in such a way as to provide equidistant interspaces in the compressed disc stack.