Self-Emptying Separator Fluid Metering for Rapid Solids Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-emptying separators require mechanical actuators for precise metering of fluid volume, which can hinder high dynamic requirements in solids discharge processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-emptying separator with a fluidic measuring principle for the metering device, utilizing a pressure measuring device in a pressure chamber to determine fluid volume without mechanical actuators, ensuring precise and dynamic control of solids discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical actuators are used for metering fluid volume in the separator, then precise metering control is achieved, but the dynamic response speed is limited and high dynamic requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators (threaded spindles, mechanical metering devices) with a pneumatic/hydraulic metering system. A metering piston is displaced by pressure differential between a pressure chamber and a fluid chamber, where the fluid volume to be metered. The piston position is detected by a non-contact measuring device (e.g., optical sensor), and the system is controlled by a control unit that regulates fluid supply to achieve precise volume metering without mechanical transmission components, thereby eliminating mechanical inertia and achieving high dynamic response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic and hydraulic principles to actuate the piston valve and meter fluid volume. Compressed air or fluid pressure is used to displace the metering piston against a spring force, and the pressure differential controls the piston position. The system uses fluid pressure to open and close the piston valve rapidly, and to meter the opening fluid volume by controlling the displacement of the metering piston through pressure regulation, enabling fast and precise control without mechanical actuators.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical actuators with threaded spindles are used for adjusting the metering element position, then precise positioning is achieved, but the system complexity increases and high dynamic requirements are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical actuators with threaded spindles and replaces them with a pneumatic/hydraulic positioning system. The metering element (piston) is positioned by controlling fluid pressure in the pressure chamber, which acts on the piston to achieve the desired position. A non-contact measuring device detects the piston position, and a control unit adjusts the fluid supply to maintain precise positioning, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure while achieving high dynamic response and precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-contact measuring device (intermediary) between the metering element and the control system to detect piston position without mechanical contact. This intermediary enables precise position feedback without adding mechanical complexity, allowing the control unit to regulate fluid pressure and achieve accurate metering element positioning through fluid pressure control rather than mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment of the metering stop position is used, then simple device structure is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for varying emptying volumes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, manually adjusted metering stop into a dynamic, automatically controllable system. The metering element position is no longer fixed by a mechanical stop but is dynamically controlled by fluid pressure regulated through a control unit. This allows the emptying volume to be flexibly adjusted in response to varying process requirements, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple by eliminating complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms and using straightforward pneumatic/hydraulic control components.
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 fluidic measuring principle allows for precise and rapid solids discharge with high dynamic control, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators and enhancing the accuracy and speed of the metering process.
Implementation Method 1
the adjusting system has a measuring device, in particular a pressure measuring device arranged in the pressure chamber with which the pressure in the pressure chamber can be determined
Implementation Method 2
a metering element that is displaceable in a metering chamber and which subdivides the metering chamber into a fluid chamber and into a pressure chamber for the application of compressed air
Implementation Method 3
a pressure chamber for the application of compressed air
Implementation Method 4
a rotatable centrifugal drum having a vertical axis of rotation and provided with solids discharge openings, to which an emptying mechanism having a piston valve is assigned
Data Source
AI summary
A self-emptying separator includes solids discharge openings each having a piston valve that is moveable moved into an opening position and into a closing position in a fluid-actuated manner. The emptying mechanism also has a control assembly assigned to the piston valve and controls the opening and closing movements of the latter. The control assembly also includes a control device and a metering device for metering and dispensing the amount of liquid required for the opening process. The metering device has a metering element that is movable in a metering chamber and which subdivides the metering chamber into a fluid chamber and a pressure chamber intended to be supplied with compressed air. The metering device has an adjusting system for metering the amount of liquid required for the opening process in the fluid chamber. The adjusting system has a measuring device that operates based on a fluidic measurement principle.