Centrifugal Separator Air-Trap Detection by Flow Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators used for separating pharmaceutical products are prone to product loss due to air trapped within the rotating bowl, which can cause the mixture to escape through deaeration channels, necessitating improved methods for deaeration with reduced risk.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine if air is trapped within a centrifugal separator by comparing the flow at the inlet with the flow from a restricted outlet, using flow sensors and pressure sensors to detect deviations, and estimating the amount of air trapped, allowing for automatic deaeration when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deaeration channels are used to remove air from the centrifugal separator, then air removal is improved, but product loss increases due to mixture escaping through the channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detector as an intermediary device that monitors the deaeration process and provides information about air presence. This intermediary enables controlled air removal by detecting when air is actually present, preventing premature closure of deaeration channels and ensuring complete air removal without unnecessary product loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detector continuously monitors the deaeration process and provides real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust deaeration channel operation based on actual air presence, optimizing the balance between air removal effectiveness and product loss prevention
2Reliability
If deaeration is performed to remove trapped air, then separation reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector provides real-time feedback on air presence during deaeration, enabling the control system to stop the deaeration process as soon as air is completely removed. This feedback-driven approach prevents unnecessary extended deaeration time while ensuring complete air removal, thus optimizing the balance between separation reliability and processing time
3Measurement precision
If flow measurement and comparison methods are implemented to detect air trapping, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detector as an intermediary device that simplifies the overall system by providing direct air presence information. Instead of requiring complex flow measurement and comparison systems, the detector acts as a dedicated intermediary that performs the air detection function, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving detection accuracy
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 method effectively detects and reduces the risk of air trapped in the centrifugal separator, preventing product loss and ensuring gentle separation conditions for sensitive mixtures like cell cultures, with reduced risk of cell damage.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the centrifugal forces, heavy particles or denser liquid, such as water, accumulates at the periphery of the rotating bowl whereas less dense liquid accumulates closer to the central axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
measuring the flow to the feed inlet and the flow from the restricted outlet; comparing the flow as a function of time between feed inlet and the restricted outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for determining if air is trapped within a centrifugal separator (100). The separator comprises a stationary frame (30), a rotatable assembly (101) and a drive unit (34) for rotating the rotatable assembly (101) relative the frame (30) around an axis of rotation (X); and further a feed inlet (20) for supply of a liquid mixture to be separated, a first liquid outlet (21) for discharge of a separated liquid phase and a second liquid outlet (22) for discharge of a heavy phase having a density that is higher than said liquid phase; wherein the rotatable assembly (101) comprises a rotor casing (2) enclosing a separation space (17) in which a stack (19) of separation discs is arranged to rotate around a vertical axis (X) of rotation. The method comprises the steps of a) closing one of the first (21) and second (22) liquid outlets and restricting the flow from the other outlet; b) supplying feed to the feed inlet (20) and measuring the flow to the feed inlet (20) and the flow from the restricted outlet (21,22); c) comparing the flow as a function of time between feed inlet (20) and the restricted outlet (21,22); and d) determining that air is trapped within the centrifugal separator (100) if the measured flow as a function of time flow deviates between feed inlet (20) and the restricted outlet (21,22).