Centrifugal Separator Flow Measurement Using Alternating Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for measuring liquid flow in centrifugal separators are prone to errors, especially when dealing with varying liquids or temperatures, and often require expensive flow sensors, limiting their effectiveness and applicability.
Innovation Solution
A flow measurement arrangement using multiple containers and load cells to continuously determine flow rate by alternately filling and emptying containers, allowing for almost 100% duty cycle measurement without the need for additional flow sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single container is used for flow measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to interruptions during emptying and refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple containers (at least two) that operate in parallel. While one container is being filled and measured, another container is being emptied, allowing continuous measurement without interruption and achieving nearly 100% duty cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous measurement capability by ensuring that while one container is undergoing filling and measurement, another container is being emptied. This overlapping operation eliminates idle time and ensures uninterrupted flow rate determination.
2Measurement precision
If flow sensors are used to measure liquid flow, then the measurement precision may be improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex flow sensors, the system uses simple containers and weighing devices to measure flow rate. The mass change of the container over time provides an accurate measurement of liquid flow without requiring specialized flow measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs simple, inexpensive containers that can be easily replaced or cleaned, rather than investing in expensive, complex flow sensors. This approach reduces equipment cost while maintaining measurement accuracy through periodic calibration.
3Ease of operation
If traditional flow sensors are used, then the measurement capability is provided, but the ease of operation decreases due to selection difficulties and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The container-based measurement system is universally applicable to different liquid types and flow conditions without requiring specialized sensors for each application. The same basic setup (container + weighing device) can measure various liquids, simplifying operation across different scenarios.
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 solution provides accurate and continuous flow rate measurement with reduced equipment costs and increased efficiency, suitable for applications like biopharmaceutical processing where space is limited.
Implementation Method 1
a first device for measuring a parameter related to the weight of measurement liquid contained in said first container, a second device for measuring a parameter related to the weight of measurement liquid contained in said second container
Implementation Method 2
During operation, fluid mixture that is about to be separated is introduced into a rotating bowl and 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
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a separation system (120) comprising a centrifugal separator (100) for separating a liquid feed mixture, wherein the centrifugal separator (100) is arranged for separating the liquid feed mixture into at least one separated liquid phase and discharging said at least one separated liquid phase. The separation system (120) further comprises a flow measurement arrangement (90) arranged for receiving a measurement liquid; said measurement liquid being either the liquid feed mixture or a separated liquid phase. The flow measurement arrangement comprises a first container (60) for holding measurement liquid; a first device (61) for measuring a parameter related to the weight of measurement liquid contained in said first container (60),a second container (70) for holding measurement liquid, a second device (71) for measuring a parameter related to the weight of measurement liquid contained in said second container (70), wherein the flow measurement arrangement (90) is further arranged to allow emptying said first container (60) of measurement liquid while a further container of the flow measurement arrangement (90) is being filled with measurement liquid and vice versa, thereby allowing alternately filling the first (60) and a further container of the flow measurement arrangement (90) with measurement liquid.