Three-Phase Separator with Segmented Lamella Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-phase separation devices are limited by low liquid flow rates and incomplete separation of gas and solids, restricting water purification capacity and flexibility in wastewater treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
A three-phase separation device comprising two distinct separators: a first separator for gas separation with four lamella blocks and a second separator for solid separation, where the three-phase mixture enters only through the first separator, ensuring complete separation of gas and solids, and allowing operation at higher liquid flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single separator with fins is used for three-phase separation, then the device structure is simple, but the separation of gas and solid is incomplete and liquid flow rate must be kept low
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into two distinct functional sections: a first separator dedicated to gas separation and a second separator dedicated to solid separation. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its separation function independently, enabling higher liquid flow rates while maintaining complete separation of both gas and solids.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the separation process by arranging the first and second separators in series along the liquid flow path. The first separator handles gas removal while the second separator handles solid removal, creating a multi-stage separation process that increases productivity without compromising separation completeness.
2Device complexity
If a single separator with fins is used, then the device structure is simple, but gas and solid separation is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into two distinct functional sections: a first separator dedicated to gas separation and a second separator dedicated to solid separation. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its separation function independently, enabling complete separation of both gas and solids.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas separation function is extracted from the solid separation function by placing a first separator specifically for gas removal before the second separator for solid removal. This extraction ensures that gas is removed in a dedicated stage, improving the completeness of separation for both phases.
3Productivity
If high liquid flow rate is used, then water purification capacity increases, but solids are entrained upwards with liquid flow and separation becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into two distinct functional sections: a first separator dedicated to gas separation and a second separator dedicated to solid separation. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its separation function independently, enabling higher liquid flow rates while maintaining complete separation of both gas and solids.
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
Enables almost complete separation of gas and solids, allowing for higher throughput and improved process flexibility in wastewater treatment, increasing the amount of water purified per time and reactor volume.
Implementation Method 1
the separation of gas from the three-phase mixture at the upper end of the lamella(s) takes place and the separation of solid from the mixture takes place by sedimentation of the solid at the lower end of the lamella(s) towards the reactor bottom
Implementation Method 2
the separation of solid from the mixture takes place by sedimentation of the solid at the lower end of the lamella(s) towards the reactor bottom
Implementation Method 3
Due to the attached gas bubbles, the specific weight of the microorganism pellets or flakes decreases, which is why at least some of the pellets or flakes rise up in the reactor
Data Source
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AI summary
A three-phase separator, for the separation of gases and solids from a three-phase mixture of liquid, gas and solid, comprises an inlet region (12) for the three-phase mixture, an outlet (14) for a fraction enriched in solid, an outlet (16) for liquid a first separator (18) for separating gas from the three-phase mixture with formation of a two-phase mixture containing liquid and solid and a second separator (20), of separating solids from the two-phase mixture formed in the first separator (18), wherein the first separator (18) and the separator (20) each comprise a plate block (22)with a least three parallel plates (24), between which a flow channel (26) is formed, the first separator (18) being designed such that mixture entering through the inlet region (12) is introduced into the at least two flow channels (26), in a downward direction relative to the vertical and the second separator (20) is designed and arranged relative to the first separator (18) such that the two-phase mixture exiting the first separator (18) is introduced into the at least two flow channels (26) of the second separator (20) in an upward direction relative to the vertical and the three-phase separator is designed such that the three-phase mixture can only enter the three-phase separator via the inlet region (12) in the first separator (18).