EP2830777A2

EP2830777A2 - Separator arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP2830777A2
Application number: EP13714233.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wilfried Mackel; Thomas Bathelt; Andreas Penkl; Dieter Strauch
Original assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
Current assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
Priority date: 2012-03-26
Filing date: 2013-03-22
Publication date: 2015-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-22
Also published as: WO2013143985A2; EP2830777B1; EP2830777B2; CN104271249A; AU2013242071A1; TR201809513T4; US20150051059A1; CN104271249B; NZ700141A; PL2830777T3; RU2014142175A; AU2013242071B2; DK2830777T3; WO2013143985A3; DE102013100180A1; US10105717B2; RU2622946C2; BR112014023659B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a separator arrangement, comprising a) a drum (1) with a vertical axis (D), said drum being rotatably mounted in a hooded area (6) and being placed on a rotatable drive spindle (3), and b) a drive area (15) which contains one or more or all of the components of a separator drive (23) and which has c) a sealed drive area (15) design, wherein d) at least one device which generates negative pressure, in particular a pump (14a, b, c..), is provided in order to generate negative pressure in the sealed drive area (15) relative to the surroundings (U) outside of the drive area (15).

Description

separator arrangement

The invention relates to a separator arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

For various applications of separators, in particular in the field of medical or food technology or in the field of milk processing, centrifuge drums are arranged and operated in a space which has a negative pressure relative to the environment.

The separator assembly shown in the generic EP 1 1 19 416 B1 and its counterpart used in practice have a separator drum for liquid / liquid / solid separation with a vertical axis of rotation, which is arranged in a sealed container or hood space in which a negative pressure with respect to the environment can be generated by means of a pump. The separator drum has an inlet pipe and one or more peeling disks for discharging the one or more liquid phases and solids discharge openings for the continuous or intermittent discharge of solids.

The generic construction and its operation have proven themselves.

Nevertheless, there is a need for further improvement of the known separator assembly and method of operation.

The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claim 1 or the backrest of the claims as subordinate claims but also considered as juxtaposed claims 1, 5, 7, 13, 14, 15. According to one invention (claim 1) is at least the drive space under negative pressure set against the environment, in particular, in order to achieve an energy saving at rotating parts of this area. In the components of the drive device - in particular motor, clutch, spindle, bearing and / or other drive components - containing space is to wholly or at least in a sub-region generates a negative pressure relative to the environment.

For this purpose, the drive space area with a pump or other vacuum generating device is evacuated and / or it is connected to the (hood) space which surrounds the drum, so that a pump or a corresponding device, which optionally complementary in this room If the hood area, in which the drum is arranged, is placed under negative pressure relative to the surroundings, an energy saving can also be achieved here.

According to a variant which also forms an independent invention, it is particularly advantageous to provide a vacuum connection on a particularly large radius in the hood space, since here the drum rotation has a supporting effect on the generation of the vacuum. Preferably, both the drum and the hood space are partially conical. A variant for a vacuum connection may be a connection via a bore in the spindle. In this case, the free end of the spindle is guided down through the sealed frame wall and via sealed connections, the connection to a vacuum system. The hole in the spindle ends in the area below the drum in the hood area. The passage of the spindle through the GE partition wall is also sealed by means of sliding elements.

As liquid drains in the drum are usual peeling discs. But it is also a seal / isolation of the gripper / drum by means of a dip disk conceivable.

For the technological background, the non-continuously usable laboratory centrifuge of JP 32 58 359 A is mentioned, in which the products to be spun are taken up in sample glasses, so that the product is well protected during spin-drying. Particularly advantageous is the use of a fluid, especially oil or water cooled engine.

It also appears advantageous to arrange the oil lubrication system, in particular a circulation lubrication system, in the vacuum region, in particular with one or more of the following features:

Oil circulation pump in the vacuum range

Oil tank in the vacuum area,

Heat exchanger (for oil circuit) in the vacuum range

A cooling fluid supply through the drum (according to DE 19922237) also appears advantageous.

In addition, it is particularly advantageous if, during operation, a negative pressure is produced below the atmospheric pressure, in particular 0.3 bar less than this, preferably 0.4 bar less than this, in particular 0.7 bar less than this.

It is also advantageous if the value of the negative pressure is changed in any case in the hood space with the drum during operation depending on the operating state. This is again an advantageous invention. Thus, for example, before, during or after a change in the operating state, a change in the negative pressure take place. In this case, the change in the operating state, which takes place before, during or after the change in the negative pressure, be a solids discharge. For example, the negative pressure can be slightly increased shortly before or at least during emptying (eg from 0.2 bar to 0.5 bar) and lowered again after emptying (eg back to 0.2 bar), so that no solids are discharged adverse effects due to the high negative pressure occur.

According to a further advantageous variant, for example, the change in the operating state before, during or after the change in the negative pressure takes place, be a start-up or Abfahr- / phase-out.

The invention is particularly suitable for a separator arrangement with a separator having a drum with a vertical axis of rotation, which is mounted on a rotatable drive shaft. spindle is mounted and surrounded by a hood, wherein the drums have a drum diameter greater than 500 mm, in particular 800 mm, most preferably greater than 900 mm and / or speeds, for example, greater 8000 U / min, 5000 U / min, 4000 U / min in operation exhibit.

Preferably, the peripheral speed at the drum outer diameter is at least 100 m / s or more.

The surface of the drum is further preferably 0.5 m ² to 5 m ^2, insbesonde- re 1 -3.5 m ^2, so that the effect of the support of the negative pressure producing a particularly advantageous effect.

Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the remaining subclaims.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing with reference to an embodiment. Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first separator according to the invention with a drive space shown in section.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second separator arrangement according to the invention with a drive space shown in section; FIG. and

3 shows a schematic representation of a third separator arrangement according to the invention with a drive space shown in section; 1 shows a separator arrangement 1 with a separator with a vertical axis of rotation D, which has a rotatable drum 2, which is mounted on a rotatable drive spindle 3. The product feed of a processable product P in a continuous operation is preferably carried out from above through a supply pipe 4 (not shown here in detail). This structure is preferred. But it is also a hanging drum with a drive above the drum feasible.

In continuous processing, the product to be processed is continuously fed into the drum, continuously centrifuged, and at least one or all of those formed upon clarification and / or separation Phases are / are derived continuously. Liquid phase (s) is / are continuously discharged. A possibly also formed solid phase can be discharged continuously through nozzles or not continuously, for example with closable by piston valves openings.

The drum 2 is here designed to separate the product P to be processed into at least one liquid phase L or several liquid phases and a solid phase S. Here, like the drum of EP 1 1 19 416 B1 or the pendant used in practice, it preferably has a separating disk stack of separating discs (not shown here) inside.

The liquid phases L are discharged from the drum 2 via liquid outlets, in particular peeling disks in the manner of a centripetal pump. The derivative of the solid phase S, however, takes place either discontinuously at discontinuously closed solids discharge openings 5 in the drum shell or continuously through nozzles in the drum shell.

The use of a liquid-controlled piston valve in particular appears advantageous.

The drum 2 is inserted in a sealed against the environment hood space 6.

This hood space 6 is here by a hood 7, which is fixed to a foundation - here a machine frame 8 - a cover 9 below the drum, which is fixed to the hood 7 and a spindle housing 10 is limited, which is penetrated by the drive spindle 3 , set.

In this case, preferably between adjacent elements such as between the hood 7 and the machine frame 8 and between the cover 9 and the hood 7 and between the cover 9 and the spindle housing 10 and between the spindle housing (fixed) and the drive spindle 3 (which is in operation rotates) suitable seals arranged to realize a sealed construction. In the hood 7, a solids scavenger 1 1 is further formed, which serves to derive from the drum emerging solids from the hood space by a solids discharge 1 2. To the hood space 6, a pump 14a (or other means for lowering the pressure in the hood space 6 relative to the environment) is further connected to a vacuum port 1 3, with which in the hood space 6 a negative pressure relative to the environment U au ßerhalb the hood space. 6 can be generated. Preferably, this vacuum port 1 3 is formed at a position which is relative to the rotation axis D at a relatively large radius R _p , in particular at a radius which is equal to or greater than the largest radius R _{T of} the drum second

By operating at reduced pressure, in particular at a negative pressure which is more than 0.2 bar lower than the ambient pressure in the environment U, the energy consumption for driving the drum 2 can be lowered. However, this is already known per se, so from the aforementioned prior art.

Compared to the prior art, the energy consumption of the separator arrangement 1 is then further reduced by the fact that not only the hood space 6, in which the drum 2 is arranged, but also a drive space 15, in which one or more components of a separator drive 1 6 are arranged so sealed, that in turn with at least one further pump 14b or also with the pump 14a, a negative pressure, in particular a negative pressure of more than 0.2 bar, compared to the ambient pressure in the environment U generated can be generated or in operation.

The drive space 1 5 is here limited to a drive housing 1 7, which, in accordance with the task of generating a negative pressure with respect to the environment U in the drive space 15, is again embodied in a correspondingly sealed design. For this purpose, according to Fig. 1 between elements of the drive housing 1 7 again suitable seals 1 8 are formed. Here, the drive space 15 is bounded by the machine frame 8 and closure plates 19, close the openings of the machine frame. At the top, it is bounded by the cover 9 below the drum 2 and the single or multi-part spindle housing 10.

The pump 14 b can be connected to a vacuum port 20 of the drive chamber 15.

In the drive chamber 15, one or more or even all elements of the Separatorantriebs 16 are housed. Only the drive spindle 3 projects according to FIG. 1 out of the drive space with its upper end in the hood space.

Preferably, the spindle bearing is wholly or partially - here both a neck bearing 21 a and a Fußlager 21 b - arranged in the negative pressure region. But it is also conceivable that one (in particular the neck bearing 21 a) or both bearings 21 a, b do not belong to this negative pressure range.

The spindle housing 10 rests on the machine frame 8 in a flange area supported by elastic elements 40.

Also preferably arranged in the vacuum region, the drive motor 22 is arranged, which is formed here directly in the axial extension of the drive spindle 3, so that a so-called direct drive for the drum 2 is formed. The rotor 22a is here attached directly to the drive spindle 3 and the stator 22b is in a motor housing 23, which in turn is fixed to the side facing away from the hood space 6 side of the machine frame 8. Especially such a direct drive is preferably accommodated in the drive space, but the electric drive motor 22 could also be arranged between the bearings 21 a, b (the latter variant not shown here). It is also conceivable to accommodate the drive motor in the negative pressure region of the drive chamber 15, which is connected via a coupling with the drive spindle 3 (also not shown here). In the drive chamber 1 5 also a lubrication system 24 is arranged, which serves for the lubrication of the spindle bearing 21 and / or for the lubrication of components on the engine. The lubrication system here has a lubricant circuit, which the elements oil reservoir 25, pump 26, supply line 27a, b to the spindle bearing 21, oil collection container 28 which is rotatably connected to the spindle and in which a due to the cup-like design in a radius Oil level is formed, a peeling member 29, which discharges the oil in the collecting container, as well as a return line 27 c, d in the oil tank 25 has. Here, all these elements of the lubrication system are advantageous and compact in the negative pressure area, ie housed in the drive room.

In the drive space also discharge and supply lines 30, 31, 32, 33 of one or more coolant circuits open, here once for the engine 22 and once for the lubrication system 24th

In the machine frame, one or more passage openings 34, 35, 36, 37 are further formed, which ensure that within the drive space 1 5 as possible no pressure gradients arise.

Since in the drive chamber 1 5 relative to the environment also a negative pressure is generated, a further energy savings in operation can be achieved at the rotating parts in the drive compartment.

It should also be mentioned that the entire separator or the machine frame is supported on elastic foot elements 38 on a lost property 39.

According to Fig. 2, the hood space 6 and the drive space 1 5 are not sealed from each other. Here is the example and simply achieved in that the cover 9 is not radially sealed below the drum 2 inside the spindle housing 1 0 but that between these elements, a gap 42 is formed, for a pressure equalization between the hood space 6 and the drive space 1 fifth provides. In this case, no seal, eg no mechanical seal is needed. In this way, if necessary, even with only a single pump 14a, the negative pressure in both chambers 6, 15 can be generated simultaneously. But it can also be provided several pumps. Overall, according to FIG. 2, both the area inside the hood 7 and the drive space 15 with one or more especially rotatable drive components are sealed off from the surroundings U of the hood 7 so that it is possible to use this area with a pump 14a. b, the air / gas from the area between the hood 7 and the drum 2 and / or the drive space 15 can pump to put under negative pressure relative to the environment U.

The entire energy of the engine and the oil supply of the drive (motor) is also shown in FIG. 2 in the closed drive chamber 15. According to FIG. 3, however, no circulation lubrication or no lubricant circuit within the drive chamber 15 is arranged. The lubricating oil supply and removal takes place in this case via an externally (outside the drive space) installed lubricating oil unit (not shown here). All separator arrangement of Figs. 1 to 3 are also the highest energy savings requirements.

It is particularly advantageous again to emphasize that in FIGS. 1 to 3, in each case, the pump 14a is arranged to generate the back pressure by suction on a large, in particular the largest, radius / diameter of the hood 7.

In particular, the suction takes place at a radius of the hood 7, which is based on the axis of rotation on a radius which is greater than 80%, in particular more than 100%, of the largest drum radius. In particular, the support by the drum differential pressure effect has an advantageous effect.

Also conceivable is / alternatively a vacuum connection to a (not shown here) solid container. Also advantageous is one or another vacuum connection in the control water drainage area below the drum (not shown here).

Equally advantageous and structurally simple would be one or a further vacuum connection through the spindle 3 into the drive space 15 (for example a hole in machines with an external oil aggregate).

Further advantageous is a sealed / insulated embodiment of the peeling discs by means of a dip disk. Further advantageous is the use of a hermetic gripper / pump combination (not shown).

Particularly advantageous is the use of a fluid, in particular oil or water cooled motor, since the cooling effect is reduced by air by the negative pressure in the drive chamber.

The separator arrangement of the type of FIG. 1 also meets the highest energy saving requirements.

It is also advantageous that in Fig. 1, the pump (14a) is designed to generate the Unterstrucks by suction on large, especially the largest diameter of the hood. In particular, the suction takes place at a diameter of the hood, which is based on the axis of rotation on a larger radius than the largest drum radius. In this case, the support by the drum differential pressure effect in particular has an advantageous effect.

Also advantageous is one or another vacuum connection to the pump 14b 14b in the drive space or on a (not shown here solid fuel tank in the center with an "extension tube" of large diameter to "keep clean the vacuum port.

Also advantageous is one or another vacuum port on the pump 14b in the drive space or on a port in the control water drainage area below the drum (also not shown). reference numeral

Separator arrangement 1

Rotation axis D

Drum 2

Drive spindle 3

Product P

Supply pipe 4

Liquid phases L, L1, L2 solids discharge openings 5

Hood space 6

Hood 7

Machine frame 8

Cover 9 spindle housing 10th

Solid scavenger 1 1

Derivation 12

Connection 13

Pump 14a, b Environment U

Radius Rp, RT

Drive space 15

Separator drive 16

Drive housing 17 seals 18

Closure plates 19

Connection 20

Neck bearing 21 a

Foot bearing 21 b drive motor 22

Rotor 22a

Stator 22b

Lubrication system 24

Oil tank 25 Pump 26 supply line 27

Oil catcher 28

Peeling organ 29

Discharge and supply lines 30, 31, 32, 33 passage openings 34, 35, 36, 37 foot elements 38th

Lost property 39

Elastic elements 40

Gap 42

Claims

claims

1 . Separator arrangement for processing a product in continuous operation, with

a) one in a hood space (6) arranged rotatable drum (1) with a vertical axis of rotation (D), which is mounted on a rotatable drive spindle (3)

b) a drive space (15) containing one, several or all components of a separator drive (23),

marked by

c) a sealed construction of the drive space (15), and

d) at least one negative pressure generating device, in particular a pump (14a, b, c ..) for generating negative pressure in the sealed drive space (15) relative to the environment (U) outside the drive space (15).

2. Separator arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the hood space (6) relative to the environment (U) is formed sealed and that with one or the negative pressure generating device, in particular a pump (14 a, b, c ..), in operation a negative pressure in the hood space (6) relative to the environment (U) outside of the hood space (6) can be generated.

3. Separator arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hood space (6) and the drive space (17) are sealed relative zueiander, so that in them a different pressure can prevail in operation.

4. Separator arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that between the hood space (6) and the drive space (15) with each other at least one connection is formed in order to create a pressure equalization between these spaces (6, 15).

5. Separator arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that on / in the hood space (6), a vacuum connection is formed, which on a radius of Hood (7) relative to the axis of rotation (D) of the drum (2), which is greater than 80% of the maximum radius of the drum (2).

6. Separator arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the vacuum terdruckanschluss on a radius of the hood (7) relative to the axis of rotation (D) of the

Drum (2) is greater than 100% of the maximum radius of the drum (2)

7. Separator arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum connection is formed below a solids groove and the discharge (12) of a solids catcher.

8. Separator arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hood (7) and the drum (2) in the vertically upper region have a conical shape.

9. Separator arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drum (2) has one or more peeling discs as a liquid outlet and that it preferably further comprises continuous or dis- continuous solids discharging solids discharge openings.

10. Separator arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one, several or all component (s) of an oil lubrication system, in particular a circulation lubrication system is / are arranged in the under vacuum settable drive space (15).

1 1 .Separatoranordnung according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive motor (22) is arranged in the under negative pressure settable drive space (15).

12. Separator arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive motor is formed liquid-cooled.

13. A method for operating a separator, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the negative pressure in the hood space (6) is changed during operation.

14. A method for operating a separator, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the negative pressure in the hood space (6) is changed during operation in dependence on the current or expected operating condition.

15. A method for operating a separator, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure in the hood space is increased before emptying solids.