Centrifugal Separator Outlet Restrictions for Stable Yeast Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators face challenges in maintaining stable flow through conduits transporting yeast concentrate due to fluctuations in yeast concentration, leading to clogging and reduced throughput capacity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of flow restrictions, such as nozzles or vortex diodes, in outlet conduits to stabilize the flow and reduce the risk of clogging, combined with a control system to regulate flow rates based on density and flow rate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flow restrictions are introduced in outlet conduits to stabilize flow and reduce clogging risk, then reliability is improved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow restrictions in the form of nozzles or vortex diodes in the outlet conduits. These flow restrictions change the flow parameters by creating a controlled pressure drop that stabilizes the yeast concentrate flow, preventing clogging while maintaining operational reliability.
2Reliability
If frequent peripheral discharges are performed to avoid overfilling sludge space, then reliability is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs turbidity measurement as a feedback mechanism to control discharge frequency. By continuously monitoring the turbidity of the clarified beer and using this information to trigger discharges only when necessary, the system maintains operational stability while maximizing throughput capacity.
3Stress or pressure
If yeast concentrate is transported through conduits without flow restrictions, then pressure drop is minimized, but flow stability deteriorates leading to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow restrictions in the form of nozzles or vortex diodes in the outlet conduits. These flow restrictions change the flow parameters by creating a controlled pressure drop that stabilizes the yeast concentrate flow, preventing clogging while maintaining operational reliability.
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
Stabilizes the flow through outlet conduits, reducing the risk of clogging and enhancing the separator's operational efficiency by maintaining a stable flow, thereby improving the viability of yeast for reuse.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal separator for separation of a liquid mixture into a heavy phase and a light phase
Implementation Method 2
introducing flow restrictions in the form of a nozzle or vortex diode in each of the plurality of outlet conduits... improves stability of a separator... by introducing the flow restrictions, and thus a pressure drop
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal separator for clarification of a liquid mixture into a heavy phase and a light phase, having a centrifugal separator bowl rotatable around an axis and encasing a separation space, and a sludge space radially outward of said separation space. The centrifugal separator bowl includes a hermetic inlet for feeding a liquid mixture to said separation space; a first hermetic outlet for a separated clarified light phase; and a second hermetic outlet for a separated heavy phase; a plurality of outlet conduits extending from an outer position in said sludge space to said second hermetic outlet. Each of the outlet conduits has a flow restriction in the form of a nozzle or vortex diode. A method to control such a centrifugal separator, in order to provide a stable flow through said outlet conduits, is also disclosed.