Centrifugal Separator Groove Shield Liquid-Gas Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifugal separators allow a portion of separated oil to pass through the gas cushion and exit with the cleaned gas, and the collection of discharged oil is inefficient due to equidistantly located outlet holes requiring external collection.

Innovation Solution

A centrifugal separator design featuring a groove along the inner wall to collect liquid impurities, which flow radially inward and are discharged through a shield element, preventing them from reaching the gas outlet, and an annular surface with through-flow openings and tongues to enhance gas flow efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gas cushion is created above the shield element to stop downwardly flowing oil, then oil discharge through outlet holes is enabled, but some oil passes through the gas cushion and shield element to follow the gas out through the gas outlet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidoil loss through gas outlet
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning the groove and shield element radially inside the outlet hole, creating a layered structure where the groove collects oil at the inner wall, the shield element blocks radial outward movement, and the outlet hole provides a dedicated discharge path. This multi-dimensional arrangement prevents oil from reaching the gas outlet while maintaining efficient separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If outlet holes are equidistantly located along the periphery of the casing, then uniform oil discharge is achieved, but collected oil requires external collection and transport to a common outlet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform oil dischargeVSAvoidexternal collection system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple dispersed outlet holes into a single integrated liquid outlet structure. The groove collects oil from all locations along the inner wall, and the single liquid outlet combines the discharge function of multiple holes, eliminating the need for external collection systems while maintaining uniform discharge characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single liquid outlet structure serves multiple functions: it collects oil from the groove, provides a common discharge point, and eliminates the need for separate external collection and transport systems. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall device while maintaining separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a groove is added to collect liquid impurities along the inner wall, then complete prevention of liquid-gas mixing is achieved, but device construction becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid-gas separationVSAvoidgroove structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The groove is strategically positioned only at specific locations where liquid impurities accumulate along the inner wall, rather than requiring a complete circumferential structure. This localized approach provides effective liquid collection while minimizing the added structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Effectively prevents liquid impurities from mixing with the gas and improves gas flow efficiency by ensuring complete separation of liquids and efficient collection and discharge of impurities.

Implementation Method 1

a rotating member (4), which is provided in the separation space (2) and arranged to rotate in a direction r of rotation around an axis (x) of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

The liquid impurities, which deposit on or are located in a layer close adjacent to the annular surface of the radial shield element, will be conveyed radially inwardly towards the centre of the separation space along this surface since the rotation of the gas flow in this layer is decelerated by the friction to the non-rotating shield element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1991337B1Centrifugal separator
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 ALFA LAVAL CORP AB
  • EP1991337B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1991337B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1991337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention refers to a centrifugal separator for cleaning of a gas comprising liquid impurities. A stationary casing (1) encloses a separation space (2) and has an inner wall surface (3). The separator comprises an inlet (9) for the gas to be cleaned. A rotating member (4) rotates around an axis (x) of rotation and brings the gas to rotation in a direction (r) of rotation for separation of at least a main part of the liquid impurities from the gas. A gas outlet (10) is provided downstream the rotating member (4) for discharge of the cleaned gas. A first liquid outlet (11) discharges the liquid impurities and comprises at least one outlet hole (21) extending through the wall surface. An annular surface (20) extends inwardly from the wall surface and is located downstream the outlet hole. The first liquid outlet (11) comprises an annular shield element (22) extending from the annular surface at a distance and radially inside the outlet hole. The shield element and the annular surface form an annular groove (23) radially inside the outlet hole.