Centrifugal Separator Recirculation Conduit for Emulsion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separators face challenges in efficiently separating oils from water and dirt, particularly in forming difficult-to-separate emulsions when recirculating the heavy phase back into the separator.
Innovation Solution
The centrifugal separator design includes a conduit system that recirculates the separated liquid heavy phase to the sludge space without mixing it with the liquid feed mixture, preventing the formation of emulsions and improving separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the separated liquid heavy phase is recirculated back to the inlet of the centrifugal separator, then the amount of liquid light phase separated out with the heavy phase is decreased, but emulsions are formed that are difficult to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful mixing process by introducing recirculated heavy phase directly into the sludge space rather than mixing it with the feed mixture at the inlet. This separation of the recirculation injection point from the feed mixture prevents emulsion formation while maintaining the beneficial effect of heavy phase recirculation on separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The sludge space acts as an intermediary zone where recirculated heavy phase is introduced separately from the feed mixture. This intermediary location allows the heavy phase to be reintroduced into the separation system without directly mixing with the oil-water emulsion forming at the inlet, thus preventing difficult-to-separate emulsions
2Reliability
If the heavy phase is recirculated to the inlet, then separation capability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional conduit requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the recirculation conduit with the existing sludge space structure, utilizing the available space and flow paths within the centrifugal separator. This merging approach integrates the recirculation function into the existing device architecture rather than adding completely separate systems, thereby improving separation capability while limiting complexity increase
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
This approach enhances the separation efficiency of oils from water and dirt by avoiding the formation of emulsions and reducing the need for multiple separation cycles, thereby improving the overall performance of the centrifugal separator.
Implementation Method 1
During operation, liquid mixture to be separated is introduced into a rotating bowl and heavy particles or denser liquid, usually water, accumulates at the periphery of the rotating bowl whereas less dense liquid accumulates closer to the central axis of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a centrifugal separator (1) for separating a liquid heavy phase and a liquid light phase from a liquid feed mixture, comprising a frame (2), a drive member (3) and a rotating part (4), wherein the drive member (3) is configured to rotate the rotating part (4) in relation to the frame (2) around an axis of rotation (X), and wherein the rotating part (4) comprises a centrifuge rotor (5) enclosing a separation space (9a) and a sludge space (9b). The separation space (9) comprises a stack (10) of separation discs (10a) arranged coaxially around the axis of rotation (X) and wherein said sludge space (9b) is arranged radially outside said stack (10) of separation discs (10a). The centrifugal separator (1) further comprises an inlet (14) for receiving the liquid feed mixture into the centrifuge rotor (5), a first outlet (6) for the liquid heavy phase and a second outlet (7) for the liquid light phase. Moreover, the centrifugal separator (1) further comprises a conduit system (30) for recirculating separated liquid heavy phase discharged from the first outlet to the sludge space (9b) within the centrifuge rotor (5) of the centrifugal separator without mixing the recirculated separated liquid heavy phase with the liquid feed mixture. The present invention also provides a method for separating a liquid heavy phase and a liquid light phase from a liquid feed mixture.