Separator for a gaseous fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separators for gaseous fluids are inefficient in removing solid particles greater than or equal to 1 micron at high concentrations by weight (above 7 g/Sm3), leading to reduced abatement efficiency and increased wear of the separator device, especially when concentrations are between 20 and 50 g/Sm3, and often result in accumulation and re-entrainment of particles due to inadequate inlet positioning and vortex formation.
Innovation Solution
A separator design featuring a protective casing with an upper inlet port and a spiral separator device with multiple turns, a flow diverter, and discharge ports, which utilizes centrifugal force and pressure differences to effectively separate solid particles by diverting the gaseous fluid flow and pushing particles towards the lower portion of the spiral, reducing wear and improving separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the inlet of gaseous fluid is arranged at the height of the spiral, then the separator can handle higher concentrations of solid particles, but the separator device experiences strong wear and potential damage to the spiral
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional inlet position by placing the inlet at the top of the separator device rather than at the side or bottom. This inversion allows the gaseous fluid to enter horizontally and flow along the spiral path, reducing direct impact with the spiral structure and thereby minimizing wear while maintaining the ability to handle high concentrations of solid particles
2Device complexity
If the inlet of gaseous fluid is arranged below the spiral, then additional components can be added, but solid particles accumulate without being separated and lighter particles are trapped in a vortex
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the inlet position to the top of the separator device, the patent eliminates the need for additional components below the spiral that would cause particle accumulation. The horizontal inlet allows gaseous fluid to flow directly along the spiral path, ensuring continuous separation motion and preventing the formation of vortices that trap lighter particles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the problematic additional components that would be required if the inlet were positioned below the spiral. By placing the inlet at the top, the design achieves effective separation without needing extra components that would otherwise accumulate particles and reduce separation efficiency
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
Achieves 99% separation efficiency of solid particles greater than or equal to 1 micron even at high concentrations, reduces wear on the separator device, and prevents accumulation of particles, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a flow diverter inserted in the space between the upper outlet disk and the separator device to divert the flow of the gaseous fluid entering from the inlet port
Implementation Method 2
a separator device arranged inside the protective casing between the upper discharge disk and the lower discharge disk, wherein the separator device comprises vertical walls wound so as to form a spiral comprising a multiplicity of turns
Data Source
AI summary
A separator separating liquid or solid pollutants in a gaseous fluid flow contains a protective casing having an inlet and outlet ports, an upper outlet disk and a lower discharge disk inside the protective casing, and a separator device between the outlet disk and the discharge disk. The inlet port is hollowed in a vertical wall of the protective casing; the outlet disk includes a central through opening at the outlet port; and there are multiple discharge ports hollowed inside the discharge disk and on the annular edge of the discharge disk, respectively. An upper space separates the outlet disk from the separator device. The inlet port allows the gaseous fluid flow to pass into the upper space. The separator device has vertical walls wound around a vertical longitudinal axis leaving a central space therein to form at least one spiral that has a particular structure and forms a conduit.