Centrifugal Separator With Integrated Gas Injection Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separators require external mixing devices for gas and liquid, which increase installation effort, space requirements, and certification needs, and are not efficient in gas absorption.

Innovation Solution

A separator with a vertical axis of rotation and integrated gas supply lines within the drum for direct gas introduction into the liquid, utilizing turbulent flow for enhanced gas absorption and eliminating the need for external mixing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external mixing devices are used for gas and liquid mixing, then gas absorption can be achieved, but installation effort and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas absorption efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gas injection function and liquid mixing function into a single integrated separator device. The gas supply line is positioned to inject gas directly into the liquid phase within the separator, eliminating the need for separate external mixing devices. This merging of functions reduces installation complexity while maintaining effective gas absorption through the turbulent flow environment created by the separator's operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If external mixing devices are used for gas and liquid mixing, then gas can be introduced into the liquid, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas absorption efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The separator integrates multiple functions (phase separation, gas injection, and mixing) into a single compact device. The gas supply line introduces gas directly into the liquid phase within the separator's existing volume, eliminating the need for additional external mixing equipment and reducing overall installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If external mixing devices are used for gas and liquid mixing, then gas can be introduced into the liquid, but certification effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas absorption efficiencyVSAvoidcertification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the gas injection and mixing function into the separator itself, creating a single hygienic zone that requires certification. This eliminates the need for separate external mixing devices that would each require individual hygiene certifications, thereby reducing overall certification effort while maintaining effective gas absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If gas is introduced into the liquid within the separator, then installation effort is reduced, but gas absorption efficiency must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidgas absorption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the dynamic turbulent flow conditions created by the separator's operation to enhance gas absorption. The gas is introduced into the liquid phase within the rotating separator, where the turbulent flow patterns and centrifugal forces promote efficient gas-liquid contact and mass transfer, maintaining high absorption efficiency despite the simplified integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design improves gas absorption efficiency, reduces installation complexity, and simplifies hygiene certification by integrating gas supply directly into the centrifugal processing of liquids, enabling phase separation and enrichment with gases.

Implementation Method 1

a separator (4), in particular a separator with a vertical axis of rotation (8), comprising a rotatably mounted drum (5) with a drum interior for centrifugal processing of a liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the introduced gas can be better absorbed by the liquid within the separator due to the turbulent flow prevailing there

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulent flow: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3894083B1Separator and method for operation thereof
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 GEA MECHANICAL EQUIP GMBH
  • EP3894083B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3894083B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3894083B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a separator (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4v, 4v i, 30, 30'), in particular a separator (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4v, 4vi, 30, 30') having a vertical axis of rotation (8), comprising a rotatably mounted drum (5, 31) having a drum interior for centrifugal processing of a liquid (1), the separator, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4v, 4vi, 30, 30') having at least one gas supply line (11, 11', 11'', 11''', 11'''', 11v, 38, 38') for introducing gas (2, 2') into the liquid (1), which gas supply line opens into the drum interior. The invention also relates to a method for operating the separator (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4v, 4vi, 30, 30').