Tangential Inlet Flow Tubes for Compact Crankcase Oil Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-gas separation devices for internal combustion engines, such as cyclone and tubular rotary separators, face limitations in separation efficiency and space usage, particularly when dealing with varying flow rates and oil separation from crankcase ventilation gases.
Innovation Solution
The use of flow tubes with tangential gas inlets in a plate-type base support configuration, which creates a combined rotational and axial flow with a 360° vortex, enhancing centrifugal forces and separation performance, while being compact and adaptable to different conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cyclone separators are used for oil separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow tubes are integrated into the valve cover structure, with multiple flow tubes arranged in parallel within a compact configuration. The tangential inlets are formed directly in the valve cover, and the flow tubes are positioned to utilize the available space efficiently, achieving high separation efficiency without increasing overall installation space
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from axial flow to tangential flow configuration, creating a vortex motion that utilizes rotational centrifugal forces. This dimensional change in flow direction enables enhanced separation performance within a compact volume by exploiting the radial component of the vortex flow
2Adaptability or versatility
If multicyclones arranged in parallel are used, then working range is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator device is segmented into multiple flow tubes arranged in parallel, each with its own tangential inlet and outlet. This segmentation allows the system to handle varying flow rates effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to traditional multicyclone systems
Solution Approach 2:
The flow tubes are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both the separation elements and the structural components of the valve cover integration. The tangential inlets are formed directly in the valve cover, eliminating the need for separate inlet structures and reducing overall device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If flow tubes with tangential inlets are used, then separation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow tubes are integrally formed with the valve cover as a single component, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. The tangential inlets are molded directly into the valve cover structure, and the flow tubes are positioned and secured in place during the same manufacturing process, significantly simplifying production despite the complex geometry
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 achieves improved separation efficiency with reduced space requirements and adaptability to varying flow rates, allowing for effective oil separation from crankcase ventilation gases with a simple and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a course of flow is established that results in an improvement of the separation performance as compared to the known tube separators reached by the flow from an axial direction. The tangential flow generates a combined rotational and axial flow with a vortex component in the flow tubes
Implementation Method 2
The tangential flow generates a combined rotational and axial flow with a vortex component in the flow tubes, wherein the rotational flow in the flow tubes repeatedly rotates by 360°
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for separating liquids from gases, especially for separating oil particles from blow-by gases of the crankcase ventilation of internal combustion engines.Proceeding from the drawbacks of the known prior art, a device is to be provided that is characterized by a simple, cost-effective and space-saving construction and with which a high separation performance can be achieved. As a solution, it is proposed that the individual flow tubes 2 have at least one tangentially arranged gas inlet 3 at their end facing towards the direction of gas inlet and are closed at the front side 2a adjacent thereto by means of a cover 5, wherein a combined rotational and axial flow with a vortex component is generated in the flow tubes 2, wherein the rotational flow in the individual tubes 2 repeatedly rotates by 360°.The individual flow tubes 2 are part of a base support that has a circumferential edge 1a. A base support has, for example, from 30 to 40 flow tubes 2 that are immediately adjacent to one another or are arranged in the form of groups. The flow tubes 2 have an inner diameter D of, for example, 5 mm and a length of from 10 to 20 mm.Due to the tangential introduction, the gas flow reaches higher rotational frequencies, and greater centrifugal forces are produced, whereby a clearly improved separating performance is achieved. The device may be designed as a very small and effective component that requires only a small installation space.