Separator Particulate-Discharging Subsystem with Rotary Disturbance Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Separator systems face challenges in removing particulates from input mixtures, leading to buildup, corrosion, and reduced system lifespan due to the difficulty in cleaning and the subsequent effects of particulate accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A separator system with a particulate-directing subsystem featuring a disturbance assembly with rotary members and a discharge assembly, controlled by a controller, to effectively direct and separate particulates from the input mixture, reducing buildup and extending system operational life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a separator system is used to separate desired components from an input mixture, then separation efficiency is improved, but particulates build up and pack together in the separator compartment over time making removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidparticulate removal difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by continuously agitating the particulate layer at the bottom of the separator compartment using a rotating member, preventing particulates from packing together and making removal difficult before it happens. This continuous agitation keeps the particulate layer loose and facilitates easier discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses self-service by utilizing a portion of the separated liquid output to drive the rotating member that agitates the particulate layer. The liquid flow itself powers the mechanism that prevents particulate buildup, eliminating the need for external energy sources or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If particulates remain in the separator compartment after separation, then separation completeness is improved, but corrosion and pitting of the compartment walls occur over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation completenessVSAvoidcorrosion and pitting
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by continuously agitating the particulate layer before it can cause corrosion and pitting. The rotating member prevents particulates from settling and packing against the compartment walls, eliminating the harmful contact that leads to corrosion and extends the system's operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a disturbance assembly with rotary members is added to prevent particulate buildup, then particulate removal ease is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticulate removal easeVSAvoidsubsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disturbance assembly is powered by the liquid flow itself, which drives the rotating member through a simple hydraulic connection. This self-service mechanism avoids the need for external motors, power sources, or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while effectively preventing particulate buildup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulics by allowing the liquid flow to directly drive the rotating member of the disturbance assembly. This hydraulic drive mechanism is simple and reliable, converting the kinetic energy of the liquid into rotational motion without requiring complex mechanical transmissions or external power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 efficiently separates particulates, reducing corrosion and extending the operational life and maintenance requirements of the separator system by facilitating easier removal of particulates and preventing damage from accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

The disturbance assembly may comprise at least one rotary member operable to rotate in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction opposite to the first rotary direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 2

The discharge assembly may be configured so as to encourage particulates of the input mixture present in the interior cavity to pass through the output section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9968867B2Separator system, a particulate-discharging subsystem for use in separator systems, and methods of and processes for separating components of an input mixture using a particulate discharging subsystem in a separator system
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 PTT EXPLORATION & PROD PUBLIC CO LTD
  • US9968867B2 patent drawing
  • US9968867B2 patent drawing
  • US9968867B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Example embodiments relate to a separator system comprising a compartment body defining an interior cavity, the interior cavity formed by interior walls of the compartment body. The separator system may further comprise an input section operable to receive an input mixture for housing in the interior cavity. The separator system may further comprise an output section. The separator system may further comprise a particulate-directing subsystem. The particulate-directing subsystem may comprise a disturbance assembly arranged along at least a bottom portion of the interior cavity. The disturbance assembly may comprise at least one rotary member operable to rotate in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction. The particulate-directing subsystem may further comprise a discharge assembly arranged proximate to the output section. The discharge assembly may be configured so as to encourage particulates of the input mixture present in the interior cavity to pass through the output section.