Solid-Liquid Separator With Vibrational Energy And Tortuous Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-liquid separation technologies, such as those used in the oilfield industry, face challenges in efficiently separating solids from liquids and entrained gases, with a need for enhanced methods to improve separation efficiency and clarity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of vibrational energy sources into the solid-liquid separator system, combined with a tortuous flow path and vacuum assistance, to disrupt molecular bonding and facilitate the settling of solids, while also removing entrained gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional solid-liquid separation methods are used, then the separation process is simple, but the separation efficiency and clarity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibrator motor mounted on the separator unit to enhance the separation of solids from the solid-liquid mixture. The vibration disrupts molecular bonding and facilitates particle settling, significantly improving separation clarity and efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a tortuous or serpentine flow path within the separator to enhance solids separation. The curved flow path creates alternating upward and downward flow directions that improve particle-liquid separation by utilizing centrifugal forces and flow direction changes, achieving better clarity without requiring complex mechanical components.
2Productivity
If vibration sources are added to enhance separation, then separation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A vibrator motor is mounted on the exterior of the separator unit to generate mechanical vibration that passes into the interior of the separator. This single vibration source significantly enhances solids separation efficiency by disrupting molecular bonding and facilitating particle settling, while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
3Manufacturing precision
If a tortuous flow path is used, then solids separation is enhanced, but the flow path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator incorporates a tortuous or serpentine flow path with alternating upward and downward sections. This curved flow configuration enhances solids separation by creating centrifugal forces and flow direction changes that promote particle-liquid separation, achieving improved clarity while containing the flow path within a compact vertical footprint.
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 approach significantly enhances the separation of solids from liquids, improving the clarity and efficiency of the separation process, allowing for effective removal of solids and gases, and can be integrated with existing systems like de-silters and centrifuges.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sources of vibration to enhance the solid-liquid separation occurring in a solid-liquid separator system
Implementation Method 2
Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected.
Implementation Method 3
A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification
Implementation Method 4
A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system
Implementation Method 5
The liquid to be treated is directed through a conduit within the separator. Preferably the conduit within the separator is configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected.
Implementation Method 6
As solids fall out of solution, they are collected
Implementation Method 7
A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method is directed to improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid and removal of entrained gasses. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid is directed through a conduit within the separator. This conduit can be configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed along with height adjustable weirs and an oil accumulator.