Centrifugal Separator Electromagnetic Actuator Outlet Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separators and decanters face issues with high water consumption and energy usage due to the need for large quantities of water to facilitate the separation and discharge of phases, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance requirements for hydraulic closing devices, which become dirty and require frequent cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic actuator with a ferromagnetic plug and cup spring mechanism is used to efficiently open and close the heavy phase and solid sediment outlets, reducing the need for hydraulic systems and minimizing maintenance, as the electromagnetic actuator operates independently of precision sealing requirements and is less prone to contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large quantity of water is introduced into the drum to facilitate complete discharge of the light phase, then the light phase can be completely recovered, but water consumption and energy usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is activated before the discharge phase to seal the heavy phase outlet, preventing water from escaping. This preliminary action allows the drum to be filled with water for light phase discharge without losing water through the heavy phase outlet, thereby reducing overall water consumption while ensuring complete light phase recovery
2Loss of substance
If a closing device is applied to the heavy phase outlet to reduce water consumption, then water and energy usage decrease, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase due to hydraulic system contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is extracted from the hydraulic system and applied specifically to the heavy phase outlet, isolating it from the separation process. This allows the closing mechanism to operate independently without being exposed to contaminated liquids, reducing maintenance requirements while still enabling water consumption reduction
Solution Approach 2:
An electromagnetic actuator serves as an intermediary between the control system and the closing plug, eliminating the need for hydraulic actuators. This intermediary approach allows precise control of the closing mechanism without requiring a complex hydraulic system, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance needs
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic closing devices are used to control outlet openings, then precise control is achieved, but frequent cleaning and maintenance are required due to contamination from separated phases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator acts as an intermediary that controls the closing plug without being in direct contact with the separated phases. This intermediary arrangement maintains precise outlet control while protecting the actuation mechanism from contamination, thereby reducing maintenance frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic mechanical system is replaced with an electromagnetic actuation system. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid and associated sealing mechanisms that are prone to contamination, while maintaining precise control capability and reducing maintenance requirements
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 significantly reduces water consumption and energy usage by allowing precise control of outlet openings, maintaining efficiency and reliability, and simplifying maintenance operations by eliminating the need for frequent cleaning of dirty hydraulic components.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coil that, when electrically powered, creates a magnetic field adapted to attract the ferromagnetic element
Implementation Method 2
spring means connected to the closing plug to stress said closing plug in closed position
Implementation Method 3
The effect of the centrifugal force together with the presence of said disks (15) creates a separation between phases
Data Source
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AI summary
A centrifugal separator (100) or decanter comprising: a rotary drum (1) wherein product is introduced in order to be separated at least in a light phase and a heavy phase, a first outlet (U1) of the light phase, a second outlet (U2) of the heavy phase, and a closing device (4) adapted to close/open said second outlet (U2) of the heavy phase and/or a third outlet of solid sediments. The closing device (4) comprises an electromagnetic actuator (M).