Centrifugal Separator Independent Intermediate Phase Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifugal separation technologies face challenges in efficiently and losslessly handling the intermediate phase, often resulting in losses or contamination with light and/or heavy phases.

Innovation Solution

A self-reducing separator with independently controllable discharge devices for the intermediate and solid phases, allowing for precise timing and separation of these phases without mixing, using hydraulic or electromechanical controls and piston valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If the intermediate phase is discharged continuously through a single discharge system, then the discharge process is simple, but the intermediate phase cannot be discharged losslessly and becomes contaminated with light and/or heavy phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloss of intermediate phaseVSAvoiddischarge system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge system is segmented into two independent discharge devices: a first discharge device for the solid phase and a second discharge device for the intermediate phase. Each device has its own controllable discharge opening and can operate independently, allowing the intermediate phase to be discharged separately from the solid phase without contamination from light or heavy phases, thereby achieving lossless discharge of the intermediate phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second discharge device for the intermediate phase is extracted as a separate functional unit from the solid phase discharge system. This extracted discharge path enables selective discharge of the intermediate phase without being coupled to the solid phase discharge timing, eliminating the need for recirculation and preventing contamination with other phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of substance

If the intermediate phase is discharged together with the solid phase during emptying, then the discharge system is simplified, but the intermediate phase cannot be discharged without loss or minimal loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloss of intermediate phaseVSAvoiddischarge control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge system employs dynamic control with two independently controllable discharge devices that can be operated at different times. The first discharge device discharges the solid phase while the second discharge device discharges the intermediate phase separately. This dynamic operation allows precise control over discharge timing, ensuring the intermediate phase is discharged when it is most concentrated and free from contamination, achieving lossless discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single piston valve is used for both solid phase and intermediate phase discharge, then the device structure is simplified, but independent discharge control of the intermediate phase is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent discharge controlVSAvoiddischarge device quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single piston valve is segmented into two separate piston valves: a first piston valve controlling the solid phase discharge opening and a second piston valve controlling the intermediate phase discharge opening. Each piston valve can be actuated independently, providing versatile control over discharge timing and enabling the intermediate phase to be discharged separately from the solid phase without structural contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each discharge device is equipped with local control mechanisms including separate piston valves, control chambers, and fluid supply/discharge systems. This local quality differentiation allows the intermediate phase discharge to be controlled independently from the solid phase discharge, providing adaptability for different discharge requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

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

Enables the lossless and precise separation of the intermediate phase, decoupling its discharge from the solid phase, thereby minimizing losses and ensuring purity of the separated phases.

Implementation Method 1

self-emptying separator for the centrifugal separation of a suspension S into at least one light liquid phase LP, one heavy solid phase SP and one medium-heavy intermediate phase IP

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

a drain system with a piston valve that can be moved alternately into an open and a closed position by a fluid, particularly with liquid as the fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4237157B1Separator
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 GEA WESTFALIA SEPARATOR GROUP
  • EP4237157B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4237157B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4237157B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A self-draining separator for the centrifugal separation of a suspension S into at least one light liquid phase LP, a heavy solid phase SP and a moderately heavy intermediate phase IP, which separator comprises at least the following: a) a centrifuging drum (1) which can be rotated about a rotational axis D and into which the suspension S to be processed can be introduced, b) at least one liquid discharge (9) for the light liquid phase, c) at least one or more discontinuously active solid matter discharge opening/openings (13) for the heavy solid phase SP, to which at least one first actuable discharge device (15) is assigned, by way of which the at least one or more solid matter discharge opening/openings (13) can be discontinuously opened and closed again, and d) at least one or more discontinuously active discharge opening/openings (25) for the intermediate phase IP, to which at least one second actuable discharge device (26) is assigned, by way of which the at least one or more discharge opening/openings (25) for the intermediate phase IP can be discontinuously opened and closed again, characterized e) in that the second discontinuously active discharge device (26) can be actuated independently of the first discontinuously active discharge device (15), with the result that the discharge of the intermediate phase IP can take place temporally independently of the discharge of the solid phase SP.