Centrifugal Separator Drum with Magnetic Levitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separators face challenges in achieving high speeds during centrifugal separation due to the design where the rotating container is surrounded by liquid, which slows down the process and limits operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a stationary housing with a rotatable drum, featuring multiple magnetic bearings and outlets positioned radially and axially to allow for higher speeds, with the drum being axially and radially supported, and liquid outlets positioned for efficient phase separation and discharge, enabling speeds up to 20,000 rpm without liquid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the rotating container is surrounded by liquid collecting in the housing, then the separation of phases can be achieved, but the rotational speed is limited and cannot be increased to meaningful levels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful liquid from the rotation path by providing dedicated outlets that remove liquid phases at specific locations. The first liquid outlet removes one phase and the second liquid outlet removes another phase, both positioned to be radially outward from the drum rotation path, thereby eliminating liquid interference with the rotating drum and enabling high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a stationary housing as an intermediary structure between the rotating drum and the liquid collection space. This housing provides a controlled environment where liquid can be collected and removed without directly contacting the rotating drum, allowing the drum to rotate at high speeds without liquid resistance.
2Productivity
If the drum is completely surrounded by outgoing product within the housing, then phase separation can occur, but the drum rotation is impeded and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts liquid phases from the housing interior by providing specific outlets positioned radially outward from the drum rotation path. This removes the harmful effect of liquid surrounding the drum, allowing uninterrupted high-speed rotation and maintaining high productivity.
3Ease of operation
If single-use disposable drums are used for hygienic processing, then cleaning requirements are reduced, but the need for precise magnetic coupling and bearing systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces direct mechanical contact between the drive system and the disposable drum with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic drive device can rotate the drum without physical contact, and the magnetic bearing system supports the drum without mechanical friction. This allows the drum to be a simple disposable component while the complex magnetic systems remain stationary and reusable.
4Productivity
If higher rotational speeds are achieved, then separation efficiency improves, but liquid collecting in the housing interferes with rotation and limits speed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts liquid phases from the housing interior through specifically positioned outlets that remove liquid radially outward from the drum rotation path. This eliminates liquid interference, allowing the drum to rotate at high speeds (up to 20,000 rpm) for efficient separation without liquid resistance.
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 allows for efficient separation of phases at high speeds, maintaining operational stability and enabling the drum and housing to be designed for single-use applications, particularly beneficial for processing pharmaceutical products like fermentation broths, with reduced need for cleaning and potential for component reuse.
Implementation Method 1
The separator according to the invention comprises a bearing and drive device, in particular a magnetic bearing and drive device, having at least two permanently and/or electromagnetically actuated bearing and/or drive units
Implementation Method 2
A suspension to be processed is separated into at least two flowable phases of different densities by centrifugal force during the driven rotation of the drum
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a separator for separating a flowable suspension (S) in a centrifugal field into at least two flowable phases (HP, LP) of different density, said separator comprising the following: a) a housing (10), which is stationary during operation and is designed as a tank having at least three openings, said openings comprising an inlet (103) for an inflowing suspension and two outlets (104, 105) vertically spaced apart from each other for flowable phases (HP, LL) of different density, with which outlets annular spaces (107, 108), respectively, of the housing (10) are associated, b) a rotatable drum (20) arranged within the housing (10) and having a vertical axis of rotation (d), which drum likewise has three openings, which correspond to the openings of the housing from a), c) a multi-part support and drive device (30), by means of which the drum is kept suspended within the housing, is supported and is set into rotation, an air gap (LS) being formed vertically between the two outlets (104, 105) and annular spaces (107, 108) of the housing during operation, which air gap is not filled with one of the outflowing phases (HP, LP) during operation when the drum (20) is rotating.