Self-Emptying Separator Fluid Curtain for Gentle Solids Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-draining separators face challenges in gently and non-destructively discharging solids with high momentum into solids catchers, particularly when processing sensitive products like algae or fermentation broths, as the strong impulse can damage the solids or destroy their structure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a device that generates a fluid curtain, such as a water curtain, around the solids catcher to reduce the momentum of emerging solids before they hit a baffle wall, allowing for gentle and low-shear discharge without altering the existing separator design, which can be retrofitted with nozzles distributed around the circumference to create a cylindrical or conical fluid curtain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solids are discharged directly into the solids trap, then the discharge process is simple and efficient, but the solids experience strong impact forces that can damage sensitive products
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid curtain is introduced as an intermediary medium between the solids outlet and the solids trap. The curtain consists of liquid droplets that the solids pass through, allowing momentum transfer to the fluid rather than direct impact on solid walls. This mediator absorbs and dissipates the impact forces while maintaining efficient discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic approach by introducing a liquid curtain (typically water) into the solids trap. The liquid is sprayed or flowed to create a curtain that the solids traverse. This hydraulic medium provides gentle deceleration and momentum dissipation, protecting sensitive solids from mechanical damage while maintaining discharge productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fluid curtain is generated to protect solids, then the discharge becomes gentle and low-shear, but additional equipment and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply system serves multiple functions: it creates the protective curtain during solids discharge, and can simultaneously function as a cleaning mechanism for the solids trap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving solid protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The same hydraulic system that supplies fluid for the curtain can be used to clean the solids trap by directing the fluid flow appropriately. The system serves itself by using the same infrastructure for multiple purposes, minimizing additional complexity while providing the protective function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If nozzles are distributed around the entire circumference, then the fluid curtain is complete and effective, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly distributing nozzles around the entire circumference, the invention applies nozzles only in specific local regions where they are most effective. Typically, nozzles are positioned at the inlet side or at specific angular positions where the solids first enter the trap. This localized approach provides sufficient protection while significantly simplifying manufacturing compared to complete circumferential coverage.
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 fluid curtain effectively reduces the momentum of discharged solids, ensuring gentle and non-destructive emptying, even for sensitive products, while maintaining the integrity of the separator's structure and operation, and can be easily integrated or retrofitted without significant modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The momentum of the exiting solids is thereby advantageously at least partially dissipated upon impact with the fluid curtain
Implementation Method 2
a product to be processed is clarified in a centrifugal field in the drum of solids
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-emptying separator (1), which has a rotatable drum (2) with an inlet (8), with at least one liquid outlet (9) with outlet openings (3) for solid material (F) and a control system (23), in which a flowable starting product (AP) is cleared of the solids (F) in continuous operation in a centrifugal field in the rotating drum (2), wherein a continuous discharge of at least one cleared liquid phase – a clear phase (KP) – takes place and wherein by means of the outlet openings (3) a discharge of a solid phase (F) – referred to as solids emptying – from a solids collecting space (11) of the drum (2) into an annular solids catcher (13) takes place, is characterized in that the solids catcher (13) has a device for generating a fluid curtain (20) against which the solids (F), issuing from the outlet openings (3) for solid material (F), impact.