Centrifugal Separator Control Liquid Channel Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifugal separators face challenges in achieving precise control of axially movable slides, leading to inefficient discharge of solids and sludge, due to complex and voluminous control liquid channels that require multiple drilling directions and plugging.

Innovation Solution

A centrifugal separator design with a control liquid channel that extends partially through the valve body, reducing the channel's volume and length, allowing for more responsive pilot valve control and simplified manufacturing by aligning the channel with the valve body's movement, thus enabling precise control of the axially movable slide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control liquid channels are designed with multiple drilling directions and plugging to control the axially movable slide, then the slide can be controlled to open and close outlet openings, but the channel volume and complexity increase, reducing responsiveness and increasing manufacturing difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precision of axially movable slideVSAvoidcontrol liquid channel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control liquid channel is divided into two segments: a first control liquid channel extending from the control liquid source to the pilot valve, and a second control liquid channel extending from the pilot valve to the actuation pressure receiving area. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall structure by avoiding complex multi-directional drilling and plugging requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control liquid channels are arranged to extend substantially radially inwardly toward the rotational axis, utilizing the radial dimension of the rotor body. This dimensional arrangement simplifies the channel geometry compared to multi-directional drilling, as it follows the natural radial gradient of the rotor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If control liquid channels are made voluminous and complex with multiple drilling directions, then the axially movable slide can be controlled, but the responsiveness of the pilot valve decreases and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepilot valve control responsivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of control liquid channels
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the control liquid channel into two distinct channels with specific functions, the design simplifies manufacturing. The first channel extends from the control liquid source to the pilot valve, while the second channel extends from the pilot valve to the actuation pressure receiving area, eliminating the need for complex multi-directional drilling and plugging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control liquid channels are arranged to extend substantially radially inwardly toward the rotational axis, utilizing the radial dimension of the rotor body. This dimensional arrangement simplifies the channel geometry compared to multi-directional drilling, as it follows the natural radial gradient of the rotor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If the control liquid channel volume is reduced by extending through the valve body, then the pilot valve responsiveness improves, but the channel length and structural integration requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepilot valve response speedVSAvoidcontrol liquid channel length
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control liquid channel is segmented into two portions: a first portion extending from the control liquid source to the pilot valve, and a second portion extending from the pilot valve through the valve body to the actuation pressure receiving area. This segmentation allows the channel to be optimized for both length and functional requirements, with the second portion extending through the valve body to reduce overall channel volume and improve responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances the responsiveness and precision of the pilot valve and axially movable slide, facilitating efficient discharge of sludge and solids with reduced manufacturing complexity and operational force requirements.

Implementation Method 1

A portion of the control liquid channel extends through the valve body to the actuation pressure receiving area. The control liquid channel extends to an actuation pressure receiving area of the valve body.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

A high speed centrifugal separator comprises a rotor that is rotated about a vertical rotational axis in use of the separator. Solids, particles, and/or sludge are transported by centrifugal force towards a periphery of the separation space.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

the valve body being movable in parallel with the longitudinal axis from a first radial position to a second radial position under influence of the control liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4406657A1Centrifugal separator
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 ALFA LAVAL CORP AB
  • EP4406657A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4406657A1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4406657A1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The disclosure concerns a centrifugal separator comprising a rotor (4) with a rotor body (8) provided with outlet openings (10) and a slide (30) arranged within the rotor body (8) for closing the outlet openings (10). An operating chamber (32) is provided between the axially movable slide (30) and the rotor body (8) for receiving an operating liquid to displace the slide (30). An operating liquid discharge channel (34) extends in the rotor body (8) from the operating chamber (32) to an exterior space (36). A pilot valve (40) is arranged in the rotor body (8) to close and open the operating liquid discharge channel (34), and a control liquid channel (46) extends to the pilot valve (40) for supplying a control liquid thereto. A portion (46') of the control liquid channel (46) extends through the valve body (42).