Wet Scrubber Cyclonic Separation Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas scrubbers are inefficient in separating particles from gases and require large spaces due to external structural support, limiting their compactness and separation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage method and wet scrubber design that utilizes a swirl generator and vertical cylindrical separation space for cyclonic separation, eliminating the need for external structures and allowing adjustable liquid levels to enhance separation efficiency, with the venturi channel integrated within the cylindrical vessel for compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If external steel structures are used to carry the wet scrubber, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but the device occupies more space and becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function into the scrubber's own structure by making the cylindrical vessel wall self-supporting through optimized wall thickness and structural design. The vessel wall itself carries the operational loads and self-weight, eliminating the need for separate external steel support structures, thereby reducing overall space occupation while maintaining required structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scrubber structure is designed to support itself through its own cylindrical vessel wall, which is engineered with sufficient thickness and structural characteristics to bear the device's self-weight and operational loads without requiring external assistance from separate support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a duct is used to connect the venturi channel and the cylindrical separation space, then gas flow path is established, but the device becomes larger and less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow path establishmentVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the venturi channel and cylindrical separation space into a single integrated vessel structure. The venturi channel is positioned within or directly connected to the cylindrical separation space without requiring external ductwork, allowing gas flow to transition directly between functional zones through the vessel's internal geometry, thereby eliminating the need for separate connecting ducts and reducing overall device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The venturi channel is nested within or directly integrated into the cylindrical separation space, with the gas flow path established through the internal geometry of the single vessel structure, eliminating the need for external ductwork and reducing device footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If the liquid level in the liquid tank is increased to improve separation efficiency, then cyclonic action and separation efficiency increase, but the risk of liquid overflow and equipment damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidequipment safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a liquid level sensing and control system that continuously monitors the liquid level in the liquid tank and provides feedback to the liquid supply mechanism. When the liquid level approaches a predetermined safe threshold, the system automatically reduces or stops liquid supply to prevent overflow, while still maintaining sufficiently high liquid levels to ensure effective cyclonic action and separation efficiency during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a safety margin by setting the maximum liquid level below the overflow point, creating a buffer zone that prevents liquid from reaching dangerous levels. The liquid level control mechanism proactively prevents overflow conditions before they can occur, protecting the equipment from damage while maintaining optimal separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 method and scrubber design achieve effective particle separation with increased compactness, reduced wear, and adjustable separation efficiency, minimizing space requirements and external support needs.

Implementation Method 1

a stream of liquid- and particles-laden gas is fed through a venturi channel to increase a velocity of the stream of liquid- and particles-laden gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

the accelerated stream of liquid- and particles-laden gas is fed into a swirl generator for converting the accelerated stream of liquid- and particles-laden gas into cyclonic streams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclonic motion: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 3

cyclonic streams of liquid- and particles-laden gas are fed through a gas opening from the swirl generator into a vertical cylindrical separation space for separating liquid and particles from the cyclonic streams of liquid- and particles-laden gas by means of the cyclonic motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclonic separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 4

separating liquid and particles from the cyclonic streams of liquid- and particles-laden gas by means of the cyclonic motion of the cyclonic streams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3083007B1Method and wet scrubber for removing particles from gases
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 OUTOTEC FINDLAND OY
  • EP3083007B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3083007B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3083007B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and to a wet scrubber for removing particles from gas. The wet scrubber comprises a second vertical cylindrical vessel (10) having a second upper end (11) for receiving an accelerated stream of liquid- and particles-laden gas (25) from a vertically oriented venturi channel (2) and a second lower end (12) for feeding the accelerated stream of liquid- and particles-laden gas (25) to a swirl generator (3). The second vertical cylindrical vessel (10) and the swirl generator (3) are arranged in a vertical cylindrical separation space (5) of a first vertical cylindrical vessel (6). The swirl generator (3) is arranged above the liquid tank (13).