Stackable Oil Water Separator Plate With Adjustable Pin And Socket Spacing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil water separators are inefficient due to turbulence between plates and limited spacing options, which hinder the migration of oil and solid particles, leading to suboptimal separation performance and potential corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
The design features a stackable oil water separator with bi-directionally corrugated plates and pin and socket mechanisms for adjustable spacing, along with sloping surfaces and oil ramps to facilitate oil and solid particle separation, using non-corrosive materials like polypropylene to enhance coalescence and prevent degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional coalescing media with fixed plate spacing is used, then the separator structure is simple, but turbulence between plates hinders oil migration and separation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed plate spacing with adjustable spacing mechanisms. The spacing between coalescing plates can be dynamically adjusted to optimize separation efficiency for different operating conditions, reducing turbulence while maintaining structural feasibility. This allows the system to adapt to varying flow rates and separation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the spacing parameter between plates to be varied. By changing the distance between coalescing plates, the system can optimize oil droplet migration conditions, reduce turbulence effects, and improve separation efficiency without fundamentally changing the separator structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If symmetric plate stacking is used, then manufacturing is simple, but limited spacing options fail to account for efficient flowing process conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static symmetric stacking to dynamic adjustable stacking. The plate assembly mechanism allows operators to adjust spacing between plates according to specific process conditions, enabling optimization of oil-water separation efficiency while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized plate designs.
3Productivity
If conventional plate designs are used, then oil capture occurs, but oil does not disengage well from the plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing plates with different surface characteristics in different regions. The plates feature specific surface treatments or geometric features on their undersides that promote oil disengagement, while maintaining other properties for effective oil capture. This localized optimization improves overall separation efficiency without requiring complete redesign of all plate surfaces.
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 configuration improves oil disengagement and separation efficiency by reducing turbulence and allowing for customizable spacing, leading to better effluent quality and reduced clogging risks, while preventing corrosion and enhancing the coalescing process.
Implementation Method 1
These special materials are utilized to avoid corrosion or degradation of the equipment and also to enhance the coalescing of the oils on the under surface of the plates utilizing Van der Waals forces.
Implementation Method 2
The plates are designed with under surfaces that slope upward to allow for coalesced oil disengaging from a liquid mixture to migrate upward toward the oil ports in the top of the plates. The plates are designed with upper surfaces that slope downward to allow for solid particle disengaging from the liquid mixture to migrate downward toward the solids dump holes in the bottom of the plates.
Data Source
AI summary
A separator plate is used for separating immiscible liquids and solids from a liquid mixture. The oil water separator plate is composed of bi-directional corrugations extending in both lateral and longitudinal directions, thereby forming a plurality of peaks and valleys. A ramp extends from each peak to the neighboring valleys. An elongated oil port is formed in the peak for passing immiscible liquids that disengage from the liquid mixture. The oil port includes a tip portion angled approximately vertically from horizontal. Solids disengaged from the liquid mixture translate through a solids aperture. Fences are included along the lower surface of the plate to guide rising immiscible liquid. The separator plate is configured for stacking by selectively engaging a pin with one of a number of sockets in another plate. The pin and sockets permit varied vertical spacing and alignment in both lateral directions and longitudinal directions.