Vessel and method for solid-liquid separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-liquid separations are challenging, especially in cryogenic conditions where solids sublimate directly to gases at ambient pressures, leading to clogging and inefficient filtration due to extreme low temperatures and pressure variations.
Innovation Solution
A vessel system that uses a slurry of solids and carrier liquid, where the solids are preferentially conveyed to a heating zone to sinter or melt, displacing the carrier liquid, with a heater and recycle system to enhance separation efficiency, allowing for the removal of a majority of the carrier liquid and purification of the solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solids are filtered using conventional filtration methods, then solids can be separated from liquids, but clogging occurs at the filter media due to solids accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forcing liquid through a filter media that gets clogged by solids, the patent inverts the approach by using a filter media that moves through the liquid while solids are discharged. The filter media is conveyed downward by gravity and upward by gas flow, continuously presenting fresh filtering surface area without clogging issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter media performs self-cleaning through the gas flow that lifts it upward, preventing solids accumulation. The system uses the same gas flow that drives the conveying process to automatically clean the filter media, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms.
2Reliability
If filter media is used to separate solids from liquids, then separation is achieved, but the filter media becomes clogged and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter media is automatically cleaned by the gas flow that conveys it upward. This self-cleaning mechanism prevents solids accumulation and eliminates the need for frequent manual cleaning or replacement of the filter media.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter media continuously moves through the liquid phase, constantly presenting fresh filtering surface area. This continuous motion ensures that the filter media never becomes clogged, maintaining separation efficiency indefinitely without maintenance interruptions.
3Productivity
If solids are conveyed through a vessel, then solids can be transported to a heating zone, but carrier liquid may contaminate the solids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the carrier liquid from the solids conveyance process by using a filter media that separates the two phases. Solids are conveyed on the filter media surface while liquid is filtered out, preventing liquid contamination during transport to the heating zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying system is segmented into distinct zones: a downward conveyance zone where solids are transported on the filter media, and an upward gas flow zone that prevents liquid from reaching the solids. This segmentation ensures solids remain dry and pure throughout transport.
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 effectively separates solids from liquids by reducing porosity and interstitial space through sintering or melting, resulting in a purified product liquid and carrier liquid, with the ability to recycle solids and improve separation efficiency in cryogenic and non-cryogenic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The heater may heat the slurry such that at least a portion of the particles of the solid sinter to form sintered particles
Implementation Method 2
The heater may heat the slurry, melting the particles of the solid to form a product liquid
Implementation Method 3
The inlet pressure may act to compress at least a portion of the particles of the solid in lateral and transverse directions through the Poisson ratio, expelling liquid from interstitial space between and pores in the particles of the solid
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for separating solids from liquids are disclosed. A vessel includes an inlet, a carrier liquid outlet, a product outlet, a purifying section, and a heater. The inlet directs a slurry into the purifying section. The slurry comprises particles of a solid and a carrier liquid. The purifying section preferentially drives the particles of the solid towards a heating zone of the purifying section versus the carrier liquid. This displaces a first portion of the carrier liquid away from the heating zone of the purifying section. The heater heats the slurry. The carrier liquid outlet drives a majority of the carrier liquid out of the vessel. The product outlet is adjacent to the heating zone of the purifying section.