Venturi Liquid Separator for Machining Coolant Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial machining coolants become contaminated with solid and liquid contaminants, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased costs due to premature degradation, as existing separation methods are inefficient in removing finely divided particles and tramp oils, which can destabilize emulsions and require costly replacement.
Innovation Solution
A venturi device-based apparatus for separating machining coolant from tramp oils, utilizing a holding tank with a venturi passageway and liquid conductor to increase velocity and separate the liquids, along with liquid separating components to effectively remove contaminants, allowing for the recovery and recycling of coolant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If settling is used to separate solid contaminants from coolant in the sump, then separation can occur, but it is not particularly effective for finely divided solid particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a venturi device that creates a pressure differential to draw air through the coolant mixture. This pneumatic-hydraulic system forces air bubbles through the liquid, creating intense agitation that effectively separates both fine solid particles and liquid contaminants, overcoming the limitations of passive settling.
2Reliability
If mechanical filters are used to remove solid particles, then particle removal can occur, but liquid contaminants such as tramp oils remain and can destabilize the emulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The venturi device segments the separation process into distinct phases: first, air bubbles are forced through the coolant mixture to agitate and separate solid particles; second, the continued air injection and agitation separate liquid contaminants like tramp oils from the emulsion. This segmented approach addresses both contamination types that previous single-method systems failed to handle comprehensively.
3Duration of action of moving object
If coolant is constantly recirculated between the working area and sump, then cooling function is maintained, but the coolant becomes increasingly contaminated over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the coolant to treat itself during normal recirculation. The venturi device, positioned in the recirculation line, continuously injects air bubbles that agitate the coolant, causing self-separation of contaminants without requiring shutdown or external intervention. This maintains coolant effectiveness throughout continuous operation.
4Reliability
If disk or belt skimmers are used to remove floating liquid contaminants, then tramp oils can be removed, but the process does not address fine solid particles suspended in the coolant
Solution Approach 1:
The venturi device uses pneumatic action to force air through the coolant at high velocity, creating intense hydraulic agitation. This turbulence effectively suspends and separates fine solid particles that floating skimmers cannot reach, while simultaneously continuing to agitate the surface to allow skimmers to remove liquid contaminants. The system thus enables both separation functions to work synergistically.
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 apparatus effectively separates machining coolant from tramp oils, extending the coolant's useful life, reducing waste, and improving operational efficiency by maintaining coolant effectiveness and preventing bacterial growth in machining facilities.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi passageway is located in the first transfer conduit between the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the first transfer conduit. The venturi passageway is configured to increase the velocity of the pressurized mixture of the first liquid and the second liquid flowing through the venturi passageway
Implementation Method 2
separating at the liquid separating components the first liquid from the second liquid in the pressurized mixture of the first liquid and the second liquid
Data Source
AI summary
First and second liquids are separated from mixtures thereof in a holding tank that holds quantities of the two liquids after they have been separated and a quantity of the mixture that has not been separated. A first transfer conduit receives a pressurized mixture of the first and second liquids which is discharged into the holding tank. A venturi passageway is located in the first transfer conduit. A liquid conductor has an entry opening positioned so that at least a portion of the entry opening is located within the quantity of the mixture that is held in the holding tank and an exit opening that is in fluid communication with the venturi passageway. The increase in the velocity of the pressurized mixture flowing through the venturi passageway and the accompanying reduced pressure causes the mixture held in the holding tank to flow through the liquid conductor into the venturi passageway.