Exchangeable Centrifugal Separator Insert for Flexible Fluid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separation systems lack flexibility in placing fluid connections and require complex support structures for self-supporting single-use rotors, limiting their usability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular centrifugal separator system with a self-supporting exchangeable separation insert, featuring a rotor casing that rotates about a short axial extension entrainment member, allowing flexible fluid connection placement and reducing the need for external support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a self-supporting single use rotor is used, then flexibility in fluid connection placement is improved, but device complexity increases due to extensive support structures required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable base unit and a disposable separation insert. The base unit contains the drive arrangement and support structures, while the separation insert contains only the rotor casing and fluid connections. This segmentation allows the fluid connections to be placed flexibly on the disposable insert without increasing the complexity of the reusable base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable separation insert acts as an intermediary between the drive arrangement and the fluid processing function. It transfers the rotational motion from the base unit while providing flexible fluid connection placement on its own structure, effectively decoupling the support function from the fluid handling function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid connections are placed at both ends of the rotor casing, then flexibility is improved, but the support distance increases requiring more extensive support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The separation insert is designed as a self-contained disposable unit with fluid connections at both ends of the rotor casing. This allows flexible fluid routing while the actual support distance is minimized because the disposable insert is lightweight and the base unit provides the primary support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation insert is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded after use. This allows for optimized fluid connection placement at both ends of the rotor casing without concern for long-term durability or extensive support structures, as the entire insert is replaced rather than maintained.
3Ease of operation
If a modular design with disposable insert is used, then ease of operation is improved through sterilization, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the reusable base unit from the disposable separation insert. The separation insert can be manufactured with standard precision using common plastics, then sterilized as a complete unit. This segmentation allows the disposable insert to be manufactured more easily than a permanent stainless steel system would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation insert is designed as a disposable component made from plastic materials that can be sterilized and then discarded. This approach simplifies manufacturing compared to reusable stainless steel systems, as the disposable insert does not need to meet the same long-term durability and precision requirements.
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 system provides flexible fluid connection placement and reduces rotating mass, enabling efficient separation of liquid mixtures into heavy and light phases while maintaining a sterile environment, with the rotor casing being self-supporting and lightweight.
Implementation Method 1
modular centrifugal separator system configured for separating a liquid feed mixture into a heavy phase and a light phase
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure concerns a separator system (2) comprising a base unit (4) and an exchangeable separation insert (6). The base unit (4) comprises a drive arrangement (32). The exchangeable separation insert (6) comprises a rotor casing (8) configured to rotate about a rotational axis (10) and a first stationary portion (12). The drive arrangement (32) comprises an entrainment member (34) through which a portion of the exchangeable separation insert (6) comprising the first stationary portion (12) extends. The entrainment member (34) engages with the rotor casing (8). The entrainment member (34) has an axial extension < 50%, such as < 40% of a total axial extension of the rotor casing (8). The rotor casing (8) is supported in the entrainment member (34) over a distance < 30%, such as < 20%, such as < 10% of the total axial extension of the rotor casing (8).