EP3962659A1

EP3962659A1 - Cyclone

Info

Publication number: EP3962659A1
Application number: EP20723344.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Uwe Ludwig; Florian Michaelis; Roman Kraus
Original assignee: Woco Industrietechnik GmbH
Current assignee: Woco Industrietechnik GmbH
Priority date: 2019-04-29
Filing date: 2020-04-29
Publication date: 2022-03-09
Also published as: DE202019102394U1; WO2020221814A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cyclone (1) for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden flow, comprising a flow guide body (3) which extends along a longitudinal axis and has a concave cone surface area (5), which surface area widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction in order to divert the liquid-laden flow, which flows in to the flow guide body, in the radial direction (R) relative to the longitudinal axis (9).

Description

Centrifugal separator

The present invention relates to a centrifugal separator for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden stream. The centrifugal separator is preferably used to separate liquid water from a water-laden stream, in particular a water-laden product stream of a fuel cell. The invention also relates to a fuel cell system for a motor vehicle, comprising a fuel cell and a centrifugal separator arranged in a line system carrying water particles.

In its preferred field of application, the centrifugal separator can also be referred to as a liquid separator or a water separator. Water separators in fuel cell systems are used in particular to regulate the water balance in the fuel cell system. Depending on the fuel cell, field of application and possibly upstream process for hydrogen production, it may be necessary to separate water from a flow at some points and to supply it again at other points. For example, water can be separated from a product stream of a fuel cell in order to be able to return unused starting materials such as hydrogen and / or oxygen to the fuel cell. In the case of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEM fuel cells), the separated water can be used, for example, to humidify the educt-air flow in order to protect the ion exchange membrane of the polymer electrolyte fuel cells from drying out. In the case of combustion processes that can be connected downstream of a fuel cell in order to burn unused hydrogen or oxygen, water separators can be connected between the fuel cell and the burner in order to reduce the water content of the streams supplied to the burner. As an alternative or in addition, water separators can also be connected downstream of a burner in order to recover the water that is produced. In addition to using the separated water for humidifying streams, it can also be fed to an evaporator for generating water vapor for a steam reformer or a water-gas shift reactor for converting methanol into hydrogen. In the case of liquid separators, a distinction can be made between active and passive separators. With active separators, additional energy is applied to the liquid flow in order to achieve increased separation efficiency. For this purpose, for example, a paddle wheel can be driven by a motor, which sets the liquid-laden stream in a rotational movement. The resulting centrifugal force separates the liquid from the stream. In the case of passive separators, on the other hand, the separation is effected in particular via the geometric configuration of the separator. In the case of a cyclone separator, for example, a liquid-laden flow is set in rotation through the shape of the cyclone separator in order to apply a centrifugal force to the liquid. As a result, there is no need to apply additional energy to the liquid flow, so that a drive can be saved. Furthermore, the space requirement of the liquid separator can also be reduced by the saved drive.

Nevertheless, the space required by known, passive liquid separators, such as cyclone separators, in particular for use in fuel cell drives, such as in fuel cell vehicles, is unsatisfactory. DE 101 20 018 Ai presents a water separator with which the space requirement of a water separator is to be reduced. For this purpose, a swirl device with several arc-shaped blades extending helically around a central shaft is provided in an inlet pipe of a water separator, which set the water-laden flow in a whirling motion and thereby drive the water centrifugally out of the water-laden flow onto the wall of the inlet pipe. The water separated in this way flows along the wall of the inlet pipe through a gap between the inlet pipe and an outlet pipe into a collecting container. The remaining stream flows centrally and at a distance from the wall of the inlet pipe into an outlet pipe. However, the degree of separation achieved with this embodiment has proven to be insufficient in some applications. Furthermore, although the solution presented therein has proven to be relatively space-saving transversely to the direction of flow, it is not sufficiently space-saving in the direction of flow.

It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a centrifugal separator that has an increased degree of separation and / or requires less space, particularly in the direction of flow.

The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. According to a first aspect of the invention, a centrifugal separator is provided for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden flow, which comprises a flow guide body extending along a longitudinal axis with a concave-shaped conical surface that widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction around the liquid-laden flow flowing towards the flow guide body in the radial direction to redirect to the longitudinal axis. A centrifugal separator is preferably to be understood as a liquid separator, particularly preferably a water separator. The liquid-loaded stream is to be understood in particular as a liquid-loaded gas stream. The stream preferably comprises air, in particular oxygen, and / or gases, such as hydrogen, which release energy through a reaction with oxygen. These can be combustion processes in which the combustion gas releases thermal energy by reacting with oxygen. However, it is preferably hydrogen which, by reacting with oxygen in a fuel cell, releases electrons which are diverted in such a way that an electric current is generated. In addition to the gas flow, the liquid-laden flow includes a liquid with which the gas flow is charged. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid is liquid water, which is formed in particular when hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the fuel cell.

The separation of the liquid from the liquid-laden stream is to be understood in particular to mean that the liquid portion in the liquid-laden stream is reduced. It is clear that this does not necessarily mean that all liquids are separated from the liquid-laden stream. Before and in the following, the term separating is used analogously to the term separating.

The liquid is to be understood in particular as a multiplicity of liquid particles, in particular a liquid particle flow. The centrifugal separator is preferably used in liquid-laden flows in which the liquid or the liquid particles are water or water particles. The liquid-laden stream comprises in particular the liquid and a gas stream that is loaded with the liquid. The gas flow can, for example, be an air flow, an oxygen flow and / or an educt flow, such as a flow of combustion gases or hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment, the gas flow is the product flow of a fuel cell. The gas stream particularly preferably comprises oxygen and hydrogen. The liquid-laden stream preferably comprises oxygen, hydrogen and water particles. The centrifugal separator is preferably designed to remove liquids from a liquid-laden stream with a volume flow of at least 50 1 / min, 100 1 / min, 200 1 / min or 400 1 / min, particularly preferably from 600 1 / min to 1000 1 / min, to be deposited. This is to be understood in particular that the centrifugal separator should be designed in such a way that it can separate a substantial part of the liquid from the liquid-laden flow with such volume flows. In this context, an essential part is to be understood as meaning in particular at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the liquid with which the stream is charged. The separation of the liquid from a liquid-laden stream is particularly preferably to be understood as a separation of 99% of the liquid from the liquid-laden stream.

The centrifugal separator is preferably a passive centrifugal separator. A passive centrifugal separator is to be understood in particular as a separator in which the separation of the liquid from the liquid-laden stream takes place essentially via the geometric configuration of the separator. The passive centrifugal separator is preferably free of a drive, such as a motor, via which the centrifugal separator is driven in order to achieve the separation of the liquid from the liquid-laden stream. In this way, in particular, the installation space required for the deposition can be reduced. Furthermore, in particular the costs, for example acquisition costs and maintenance costs, can thereby be reduced.

The flow guide body is used in particular to apply a centrifugal force (centrifugal force) to the liquid-laden flow in order to separate the liquid from the liquid-laden flow. Due to the concavely shaped conical surface, which widens in the direction of flow in the longitudinal axis, a liquid-laden flow flowing towards the flow guide body in the direction of flow in the longitudinal axis is deflected in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis. The liquid-laden stream is directed through the concave-shaped conical surface onto a trumpet-funnel-like or stalactite-like path, which generates a radial force component directed in particular orthogonally to the conical surface, which in particular separates the liquid from the liquid-laden stream. The trumpet-funnel-like path onto which the liquid-laden stream is deflected is to be understood in particular as the fact that a stream flowing towards the conical surface in the direction of the longitudinal axis is fanned out in the radial direction and is set into a rotary movement by the concavity of the conical surface. The Rotary movement of the liquid-laden stream, in particular about an axis extending annularly around the longitudinal axis. As a result of the centrifugal force directed onto the surface of the cone, the liquid is driven in particular against the surface of the cone and is separated from the fluid-laden flow there. The concavely shaped conical jacket surface preferably extends in the radial direction over at least 40%, 60%, 80% or 90% of the flow guide body. It has surprisingly been found that the rotary movement of the liquid-laden flow generated by the measure according to the invention about the axis of rotation extending in a ring around the longitudinal axis can achieve a higher degree of separation than the known flow guide bodies. Furthermore, it has been found that the measure according to the invention can reduce the installation space required for the separation, in particular in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the flow.

The longitudinal axis flow direction is to be understood in particular as the flow direction of the liquid-laden flow along the longitudinal axis of the flow guide body. In particular, the longitudinal axis flow direction is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis and points from the upstream end of the flow guide body in the direction of the downstream end of the flow guide body.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conical surface, preferably the flow guide body, is designed to be rotationally, preferably rotationally symmetrical. The conical surface is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis. It should be clear that a rotationally symmetrical design does not necessarily mean an ideal rotational symmetry. Small deviations from the rotational symmetry, for example due to manufacturing inaccuracies or due to assembly projections, should not stand in the way of the rotational symmetry of the conical surface or the flow guide body. The surface of the conical surface that is decisive for the deflection of the fluid-laden flow should, however, preferably be essentially rotationally symmetrical. The rotationally shaped circumferential conical surface is preferably to be understood as meaning that the circumferential conical surface extends in the shape of a trumpet funnel or stalactite along an axis of rotational symmetry, in particular the longitudinal axis. A trumpet funnel-shaped conical jacket surface is to be understood in particular as a conical jacket surface which, starting from an upstream circumference, widens radially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of flow to a downstream circumference. Opposite is under one Stalactite-shaped conical lateral surface is to be understood, in particular, that it essentially widens starting from the longitudinal axis in the longitudinal axis flow direction radially to a downstream circumference. The downstream perimeter is preferably at least 1.5 times, 2 times, 2.5 times, 3 times or 4 times larger than the upstream perimeter. In particular, a conical surface whose downstream circumference is at least 5 times, 6 times, 7 times, 8 times, 9 times or 10 times as large as its upstream circumference should be viewed as a stalactite-shaped conical surface.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the concavely shaped conical surface forms at least one arcuate section in cross section, preferably over an angle of at least 15 ⁰ , 3o ⁰ , 45 ⁰ , 6o ° or 75 ⁰ , with preferably two arc sections extending in cross section, in particular mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal axis are formed. The cross section is to be understood in particular as a central section through the flow guide body in a plane extending in the radial direction and in the longitudinal axis flow direction. In this context, the indication of the angle of the curved section should not be understood to mean that the curved section must have a constant curvature. Rather, it is preferred that the radius of curvature of the curved section decreases in the direction of longitudinal axis flow. The specified preferred angle ranges are measured between the longitudinal axis and a tangent at the downstream end of the conical surface, the angle being measured starting from the longitudinal axis in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction up to the tangent. This angle is particularly preferably between 80 and 90 °.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow guide body has at least one, preferably 2 to 20, 4 to 18, 6 to 16 or 8 to 14, guide vanes for deflecting the flow flowing towards the longitudinal axis in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis. This preferred embodiment provides, in addition to the centrifugal force component as a result of the deflection in the radial direction, a further centrifugal force component as a result of the deflection of the liquid-laden flow in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis. As a result, the degree of separation of the centrifugal separator can in particular be increased. In particular, the guide vanes set the liquid-laden flow in a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis. This creates a radial force component in particular, which is directed orthogonally to the guide vanes and the liquid drives against this, so that the liquid is also deposited on the guide vanes. The guide vanes preferably extend rotationally symmetrically around the longitudinal axis.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guide vane is curved in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis and preferably has a radius of curvature which decreases in the radial direction.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guide vane connects orthogonally to the conical surface. As an alternative or in addition, the at least one guide vane preferably protrudes from the conical surface in the direction opposite to the direction of flow in the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one guide vane extends along the conical surface in the radial direction and in the circumferential direction. In particular, the combination of the guide vanes and the conical surface causes the liquid-laden flow to be subdivided into several partial flows, which are limited by the conical surface and by two guide vanes adjacent in the circumferential direction. This means that the partial flows have an increased separation surface, which again increases the degree of separation. Preferably, the at least one guide vane and the conical surface are arranged in such a way that partial flows flowing between the guide vanes of the conical surface are guided along a flow channel which is curved in the circumferential direction, the circumferential extension of which widens in the radial direction, and / or the extension of which increases along the longitudinal axis in the longitudinal axis flow direction .

Surprisingly, it has been found that the separation of the liquid caused by the deflection of the liquid-laden flow in the circumferential direction can be achieved in a smaller installation space compared to the known helical guide vane arrangements, in particular through the combination of guide vanes and a concave-shaped conical surface. One possible explanation for this is that the extension of the guide vanes along the radially widening conical jacket surface can shift the extension of the guide vanes in the radial direction in favor of the longitudinal extension thereof.

If before or below a surface is referred to as concave, this always means the surface around which the liquid-laden stream flows. Both surfaces with a concave flow and surfaces with a convex flow can cause a flow to rotate. However, it is advantageous on concave surfaces in particular that the centrifugal force that arises is directed at the concave-shaped surfaces, so that the liquid separated by the centrifugal force is driven in the direction of the concave-shaped surface from which it can be drained. In contrast, the radial force is directed away from the surface in the case of a convex surface, so that the separated water is driven away from the surface and separate drainage devices may have to be provided, which in turn can increase the space required for the separation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal separator further comprises a liquid conduction jacket which surrounds the flow guide body and extends along a jacket axis for conveying the separated liquid, wherein preferably the liquid guide jacket is partially hollow cylinder and / or the jacket axis extends along, preferably parallel, the longitudinal axis and / or has in sections a concave-shaped funnel jacket surface which widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis flow. The jacket axis of the liquid guide jacket preferably corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the flow guide body. The liquid conduction jacket is particularly preferably designed to be rotationally, preferably rotationally symmetrical. The liquid guide jacket preferably completely surrounds the flow guide body in the circumferential direction. Particularly preferably, the liquid guide jacket and the flow guide body, in particular the conical jacket surface, overlap in the radial direction. The radial outer area of the conical jacket surface particularly preferably protrudes into the radial inner area of the liquid conducting jacket. The overlap between the deflection body and the liquid guide jacket in the radial direction is preferably at least 5%, 10% or 20% and / or at most 40%, 50% or 60% of the total extent of the deflection body in the radial direction. The radial outer section of the conical jacket surface is preferably spaced apart from the radial inner section of the liquid conducting jacket in the direction of longitudinal axis flow. The flow guide body is particularly preferably connected to the radial inner section of the liquid guide jacket via a radial outer section of the at least one guide vane. The connection between the flow guide body and the liquid guide jacket can be made, for example, in a form-fitting, cohesive or force-fitting manner.

The flow guide body and liquid guide jacket are preferably matched to one another in such a way that an annular flow channel is formed between the radial outer section of the flow guide body and the liquid guide jacket, in which the flow leaving the flow guide body can rotate about the jacket axis and / or can rotate in a rotational movement about an axis extending annularly around the jacket axis.

The liquid conducting jacket preferably has a concave-shaped funnel jacket surface which widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the flow. In contrast to the conical surface of the flow guide body, the outer surface of which, viewed in the radial direction, is flowed against by the liquid-laden stream, the inner surface of the funnel jacket surface, viewed in the radial direction, is approached by the liquid-laden stream. The concavely shaped funnel jacket surface is preferably arranged downstream of the flow guide body, so that the flow leaving the flow guide body is deflected once more by the concavely shaped funnel jacket surface, in particular is deflected into a rotary movement around an axis that extends in particular in a ring around the jacket axis. The centrifugal force generated in the process is directed in particular at the concave-shaped funnel jacket surface, so that separated liquid is driven in particular against the funnel jacket surface from which it can be derived. The radius of curvature of the concavely shaped funnel jacket surface preferably increases in the direction of the longitudinal axis flow. Particularly preferably, the concave-shaped funnel sheath surface in cross-section, two in particular symmetrical to the shell axis extending arcuate portions over an angle of at least 15 ^0, 3o ^0, 45 ^0, 75 6o ° or ⁰ on. Particularly preferably, the radial outer area of the conical outer surface and the radial inner area of the funnel outer surface run essentially parallel to one another in sections and / or delimit the flow channel, which extends annularly around the lateral axis and / or the longitudinal axis, between the flow guide body and the liquid guide jacket. The annular flow channel between the flow guide body and the liquid guide jacket is preferably subdivided by the guide vanes of the liquid guide jacket into a plurality of flow channel sections which are arranged in particular equidistant from one another in the circumferential direction. The flow channel sections are preferably delimited in the circumferential direction by the guide vanes of the liquid conduction jacket and / or in the longitudinal axis flow direction by the conical jacket surface and the funnel jacket surface.

The liquid conduction jacket serves on the one hand to collect and divert separated liquid which is discharged downstream from the deflecting body, and on the other hand to separate what is still in the flow downstream of the deflecting body Liquid. This combination of functions can in particular increase the degree of separation and / or reduce the installation space required for the separation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid guide jacket has at least one, preferably 2 to 20, 4 to 18, 6 to 16 or 8 to 14, guide vanes for deflecting the flow flowing towards the liquid guide jacket in the circumferential direction to the jacket axis. In this way, in particular, an additional centrifugal force component can be provided, as a result of which the degree of separation of the centrifugal separator can be increased. Taking into account the above and following statements on the arrangement of the guide vanes relative to the conical surface, the person skilled in the art will recognize that they can transfer this to the arrangement of the guide vanes to the liquid guide jacket and vice versa in order to further increase the degree of separation of the centrifugal separator and / or to increase the space requirement of the centrifugal separator to reduce.

The flow guide body and the liquid jacket are preferably arranged relative to one another in such a way that the liquid-laden flow is deflected into an S-shaped course. Particularly preferably, the conical jacket surface and the funnel jacket surface delimit an S-shaped channel in cross section, which preferably widens radially in the direction of the longitudinal axis flow. Particularly preferably, the S-shaped channel extends first along the longitudinal axis in the longitudinal axis flow direction, describes a curved course in the radial direction up to the apex of the S-shaped course, in particular in the direction of the liquid duct, describes a curved course in the longitudinal axis flow direction downstream of the apex and finally goes into over a course extending in particular in the direction of longitudinal axis flow.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guide vane connects orthogonally to the liquid guide jacket and / or protrudes from the liquid guide jacket in the direction opposite to the radial direction and / or extends along the liquid guide jacket in the longitudinal axis flow direction and in the radial direction. In particular, the guide vanes of the liquid guide jacket extend helically around the jacket axis. In addition, the guide vanes preferably extend in the radial direction, as a result of which, in particular, a greater angle of curvature can be achieved with a constant longitudinal extension and constant radius of curvature. As a result, the degree of separation can again be increased and / or the length of the centrifugal separator can be increased while the degree of separation remains the same be reduced. The extension of the guide vanes in the radial direction is particularly preferably achieved in that the guide vanes are aligned orthogonally on the concavely shaped funnel jacket surface.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal separator comprises a feed line feeding the liquid-laden stream along a feed axis to the flow guide body and a discharge line discharging the liquid-discharged stream from the flow guide body along a discharge axis. Preferably, the feed axis and / or the at least 30 Abführachse ^0, inclined 45 degrees or 6o ° to the longitudinal axis of the flow extends. The feed axis and / or the discharge axis particularly preferably extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis. As an alternative or in addition, the feed axis and the discharge axis extend parallel to one another and are particularly preferably offset from one another in the direction of longitudinal axis flow. The inclined arrangement of the feed axis and / or the discharge axis in relation to the longitudinal axis of the flow guide body has the particular effect that the liquid-laden flow is also deflected upstream and downstream of the flow guide body, in particular set in rotary motion, and is thus subjected to a centrifugal force. Due to the inclination of both the feed axis and the discharge axis to the longitudinal axis, the liquid-laden flow is deflected in particular in a further S-shaped course, with the apex of the further S-shaped course in particular in the area of the flow guide body.

The supply line and the discharge line are preferably tubular. The feed line and / or the discharge line have a deflection area at their end facing the flow guide body, via which the flow is deflected from its course along the feed axis into a course along the longitudinal axis and / or from the course along an axis inclined with respect to the discharge axis in a course is directed along the discharge axis. The deflection section of the feed line and / or the discharge line is preferably angled by 60 ° to 120 °, particularly preferably by 80 ° to 100 ° or by 90 °, relative to the feed axis or the discharge axis.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the feed line merges into the liquid conduction jacket in the direction of longitudinal axis flow, in particular designed in one piece with the Liquidleitmantel. Furthermore, it is preferred that the supply line and the discharge line are formed in one piece.

The S-shaped flow path between the flow guide body and the liquid guide jacket is preferably inclined with respect to the S-shaped path between the supply line and discharge line, in particular by 20 ° to 160 °, 40 ° to 140 °, 60 ° to 120 °, 80 ° to 100 ° or 90 ° inclined.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal separator further comprises a collecting basin for collecting the separated liquid. The collecting basin is preferably arranged downstream of the flow guide body. Alternatively or additionally, the collecting basin is arranged under the flow guide body in the direction of gravity. As an alternative or in addition, the collecting basin has a liquid outlet for dispensing the separated liquid to the environment or to a liquid circuit. The liquid outlet is preferably arranged in the direction of gravity in the lower area, in particular at the deepest point, of the collecting basin. The separated liquid is discharged from the centrifugal separator via the collecting basin, preferably via the liquid outlet. Particularly preferably, the collecting basin is arranged in the direction of gravity below the liquid conducting jacket. The collecting basin is preferably arranged downstream of the supply line and / or upstream of the discharge line. The centrifugal separator is preferably sealed off from the environment via a housing. The housing particularly preferably comprises a flow inlet, a flow outlet and / or a liquid outlet. The flow access is preferably formed by the supply line, the flow outlet by the discharge line and the liquid outlet by the collecting basin. The housing preferably comprises two housing halves, one housing half being formed by the supply line, the discharge line and / or the liquid conduction jacket and / or the other housing half being formed by the collecting basin.

The collecting basin preferably has a drainage slope which is inclined in the direction of gravity and via which the separated liquid is discharged in the direction of the liquid outlet, in particular driven by the force of gravity. Especially preferably, the drainage slope by at least 5 ^0, 15 ⁰ ° or io and / or at most 6o °, 50 °, 40 ° or 30 ° inclined from the horizontal in the direction of gravity is. The collecting basin is preferably offset downwards in the direction of gravity to the feed line and / or to the discharge line, so that the flow in particular is deflected at the transition from the supply line to the catch basin and / or at the transition from the catch basin to the discharge line. In this case, the current is preferably deflected in such a way that a gravitational force is applied to it, so that the degree of separation of the centrifugal separator is further increased.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a centrifugal separator is provided for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden flow, which has a flow guide body extending along a longitudinal axis and at least one guide vane curved with an inconstant radius of curvature around the longitudinal axis for deflecting a stream flowing towards the at least one guide vane in the longitudinal axis flow direction having in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis.

The centrifugal separator according to the second aspect of the invention can in particular be designed according to the centrifugal separator according to the first aspect of the invention and vice versa. In particular, the flow guide body according to the second aspect of the invention can have a concavely shaped conical surface according to the first aspect of the invention. In particular, the flow guide body according to the first aspect of the invention can have at least one guide vane according to the second aspect of the invention which is curved with an inconstant radius of curvature.

An inconstant radius of curvature can in particular be understood to mean a radius of curvature which changes in the flow direction, in particular in the longitudinal axis flow direction or in the radial direction. In particular, the at least one guide vane can extend from a flow receiving section to a flow output section. In this case, an inconstant radius of curvature can in particular be understood to mean a radius of curvature which changes from the flow receiving section to the flow output section.

The fact that the at least one guide vane is curved around the longitudinal axis can in particular mean that the at least one guide vane curves spirally around the longitudinal axis, in particular with the guide vane moving away from the longitudinal axis in the flow direction, in particular in the radial direction. Alternatively or additionally, it can be understood that the at least one guide vane curves around the longitudinal axis, that the at least one guide vane curves helically around the longitudinal axis, the radius of curvature corresponding to the pitch of the helix. The flow guide body preferably has a conical surface area that widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction, from which the at least one guide vane protrudes, in particular protrudes in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction. In particular, the at least one guide vane extends along the axial extension of the conical surface in the direction of the longitudinal axis of flow. Alternatively or additionally, the guide vane extends in the radial direction along the radial extent of the conical surface area. In particular, the at least one guide vane is curved in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis. In particular, the at least one guide vane extends from a flow receiving section at the upstream end of the flow guiding body in the axial direction and in the radial direction to a flow output section at the downstream end of the flow guide body, in particular the radius of curvature changing from the flow receiving section to the flow output section.

According to one embodiment, the radius of curvature changes, in particular reduced, in the flow direction, in particular in

Longitudinal axis flow direction and / or in the radial direction. In particular, the at least one guide vane extends in the flow direction from a flow receiving section to the flow output section. In particular, the radius of curvature is reduced from the flow receiving section to the flow output section.

The direction of flow is to be understood in particular as the direction in which the liquid-laden stream flows along the flow guide body. In one embodiment in which the flow guide body has a cylindrical jacket surface, the flow direction can correspond to the longitudinal axis flow direction. In the preferred embodiment, in which the flow guide body has a conical surface, the flow direction can be a direction superimposed by the longitudinal axis flow direction and the radial direction. In particular, the flow direction can extend along the conical surface, in particular along the concavely shaped conical surface, in particular in the shape of a trumpet funnel or stalactite.

According to one embodiment, the at least one guide vane can extend in the flow direction from a flow receiving section to a flow output section. Preferably changed, in particular reduced, the radius of curvature from the flow receiving section to the flow discharge section by at least 30%, 45% or 60%. Alternatively or additionally, the radius of curvature on the flow receiving section can be at least 70%, 80% or 90% of the extent of the at least guide vane transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the radius of curvature at the flow discharge section can be at most 60%, 50% or 40% of the extent of the at least one guide vane transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the longitudinal axis.

The flow receiving section of the guide vane can in particular be understood to mean the section of the guide vane on which the liquid-laden flow impinges on the at least one guide vane in the longitudinal axis flow direction. The at least one guide vane can extend in the flow direction, in particular starting from a guide nose. In particular, the flow receiving section of the at least one guide vane can be the section which directly adjoins the guide nose in the direction of flow. In particular, the flow receiving section can be the section along which the first 5%, 10% or 20% of at least its guide vane extend in the direction of flow.

The flow discharge section of the guide vane can in particular be understood to mean the section of the guide vane at which the liquid-discharged flow and / or the separated liquid leaves the guide vane in the direction of flow. In particular, the flow discharge section can be the section along which the last 5%, 10% or 20% of the at least one guide vane extend in the direction of flow.

In the preferred embodiment with a particularly concavely shaped conical outer surface of the widening in the longitudinal axis flow direction

Flow guide body, the flow discharge section can be formed on the axial end section of the flow guide body that is widened in the radial direction and / or the flow receiving section can be formed on the axial start section, in particular the guide nose, of the flow guide body which is narrow in the radial direction.

The radius of curvature on the respective flow receiving section and / or on the flow discharge section can in particular be determined in that the radius of curvature is averaged over the respective section. For example, in embodiments in which the flow discharge section extends over the last 5% io% or 20% of the at least one guide vane extends in the direction of flow, the radius of curvature can be averaged over this area. In this way, the radius of curvature of the flow receiving section can be averaged analogously.

In one embodiment, the flow guide body has a conical surface area which widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis, in particular a concave surface, which is designed in particular according to the first aspect of the invention. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one guide vane protrudes from the flow guide body, in particular protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the flow. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one guide vane extends in the radial direction from a flow receiving section to a flow output section. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one guide vane is curved in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the radius of curvature becomes smaller in the radial direction.

In one embodiment, the at least one guide vane protrudes in the opposite direction to the longitudinal axis flow direction by at least 10%, 20%, 30% or 35% of the radial extent of the at least one guide vane. Along its extent in the direction of flow, the protruding part of the guide vane defines a window cross-section at which the separated water can be released. It has been found that the separation rate of the liquid can be increased by enlarging this window cross-section. In particular, it has been found that when the liquid-laden flows to be expected are larger, the window cross-section can be enlarged in order to increase the separation rate. It has also been found that the number of guide vanes can be reduced by maintaining the degree of separation by increasing the window cross-section. This can in particular ensure that there is sufficient space in the circumferential direction for the fluid-laden flow between individual guide vanes so that the separated liquid can be discharged to the guide vane, while the liquid-discharged stream can flow radially spaced from the at least one guide vane.

According to one embodiment, the at least one guide vane has at least 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 guide vanes. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one guide vane has at most 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 35 guide vanes. In one embodiment, the guide vanes are distributed in particular at equidistant intervals in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the distance increases in the circumferential direction between adjacent guide vanes in the radial direction. It has been found that, in order to achieve a high degree of separation, the number of guide vanes can be matched to the diameter of the flow guide body. In particular, the number of guide vanes can be increased as the diameter of the flow guide body increases. A compromise has to be made between providing the highest possible separation surface for the liquid by the guide vanes and providing sufficient space in the radial direction between the guide vanes so that the liquid-discharged flow is separated from the separated liquid in the radial direction at a distance from the guide vanes along the flow guide body and / or the guide vanes can flow.

In the preferred embodiment with a conical outer surface of the flow guide body, the diameter of the flow guide body can be understood to mean the diameter of the flow guide body at its widened end section.

In the case of flow guide bodies with a diameter between 15 mm and 25 mm, in particular between 18 mm and 22 mm, a number of guide vanes from 6 to 10, in particular from 7 to 9, has proven to be preferred. In the case of flow guide bodies with a diameter between 25 mm to 35 mm, in particular between 28 mm and 32 mm, a number of guide vanes from 8 to 12, in particular from 9 to 11, has proven to be preferred. In the case of flow guide bodies with a diameter between 35 mm to 45 mm, in particular from 38 mm to 42 mm, a number of guide vanes from 9 to 13, in particular from 10 to 12, has proven to be preferred. In the case of flow guide bodies with a diameter between 45 mm and 55 mm, in particular between 48 mm and 52 mm, a number of guide vanes from 10 to 14, in particular from 11 to 13, has proven to be preferred.

In one embodiment, the guide vanes can merge upstream of the respective flow receiving section of the guide vanes into a structure that is closed in the circumferential direction, in particular into a guide nose. In this context, a structure that is closed in the circumferential direction is to be understood in particular to mean that there is no distance between the guide vanes in the circumferential direction in this area. In particular, the closed structure can turn out as a cylinder in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction and then in particular as a cylinder in the longitudinal axis flow direction opposite direction tapering especially concavely curved cone extend.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a centrifugal separator for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden flow with a flow guide body extending along a longitudinal axis to accelerate a liquid-laden flow flowing in the longitudinal axis direction of flow onto the flow guide body in the radial direction, a drainage chamber formed radially on the outside of the flow guide body with a liquid passage opening discharge the separated liquid in the radial direction into the drainage chamber and a baffle wall that extends opposite to the direction of gravity from the flow guide body to the liquid passage opening in order to drive the separated liquid opposite to the direction of gravity from the flow guide body to the liquid passage opening.

The centrifugal separator according to the third aspect of the invention can be designed according to the centrifugal separator according to the first aspect and / or the second aspect of the invention and vice versa. In particular, the flow guide body of the centrifugal separator can be designed according to the first aspect of the invention. Alternatively or additionally, the flow guide body can have at least one guide vane according to the second aspect of the invention. In particular, the liquid-laden flow can be accelerated in the radial direction by means of a concavely shaped conical surface of the flow guide body. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid-laden flow can be accelerated in the radial direction by at least one guide vane curved about the longitudinal axis. In particular, due to the curvature of the guide vane around the longitudinal axis, the liquid-laden flow can be deflected in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis, so that the centrifugal force that arises accelerates the liquid-laden flow in the radial direction.

The drainage chamber can in particular extend in the circumferential direction around the flow guide body. In particular, the drainage chamber can extend in a cylindrical shape from the liquid passage opening to a liquid outlet opening, in particular to a collecting basin. In particular, the drainage chamber can extend from the liquid passage opening formed in the gravitational direction above the flow guide body in the gravitational direction to the liquid outlet opening. In particular, the liquid outlet opening in Direction of gravity at least at the level of the flow guide body, in particular below the flow guide body.

According to one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the flow guide body is inclined by less than 30 ⁰ , 15 ⁰ or 5 ⁰ with respect to the axis of gravity. In particular, the flow guide body is oriented such that the longitudinal axis flow direction upstream and / or downstream of the flow guide body is oriented opposite to the direction of gravity in order to flow through the flow guide body opposite to the direction of gravity.

In particular, by aligning the longitudinal axis to the axis of gravity, it can be ensured that liquid separated from the liquid-laden flow is driven to the liquid passage opening opposite to the direction of gravity, utilizing the flow energy.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the staggered arrangement of the liquid passage opening in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity relative to the flow guide body in connection with the baffle wall arranged between the flow guide body and the liquid passage opening can increase the degree of separation of the liquid. This can in particular be due to the fact that the acceleration of the liquid-laden flow in the radial direction also causes the liquid to be separated off downstream of the flow guide body.

In particular, the liquid passage opening is formed at a distance from the flow guide body in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, in particular at a distance from the flow discharge section of the flow guide body. The flow discharge section of the flow guide body can in particular be the section of the flow guide body at which the liquid-charged flow and / or the separated liquid leaves the flow guide body in the direction of flow. In particular, in an embodiment in which the flow guide body has a conical jacket surface that widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction, the flow discharge section can be formed by the widened end section of the flow guide body in the longitudinal axis flow direction. Alternatively or additionally, the flow discharge section can be formed by the axial end section in the direction of longitudinal axis flow of the at least one guide vane. In particular, the liquid passage opening is spaced in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity by at least 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% or 100% of the extent of the flow guide body in the longitudinal axis flow direction from the flow guide body, in particular from the flow discharge section of the flow guide body.

In particular, the baffle wall extends in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity from the flow discharge section at least as far as the liquid passage opening. Preferably, starting from the flow discharge section, the baffle wall extends in the gravitational direction at least along 20%, 40%, 60% or 80% of the axial extension of the flow guide body. In particular, the baffle wall extends in the gravitational direction starting from the flow discharge section along at least 20%, 40%, 60% or 80% of the axial extension of the at least one guide vane.

According to one embodiment, the baffle extends around a less than 30 °, 15 ⁰ 5 ⁰ or relative to the longitudinal axis inclined baffle axis. In particular, the baffle wall axis extends parallel, in particular coaxially, to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the baffle wall extends in the shape of a rotation, in particular a hollow cylinder, in particular a hollow cylinder, with a diameter that increases in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity, around the baffle wall axis and / or around the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the baffle wall extends in the radial direction at a distance from the flow guide body. In particular, the baffle wall extends in the radial direction at a distance from the flow guide body around the longitudinal axis and / or around the baffle wall axis in such a way that a flow channel is formed which is delimited in the radial direction on the inside by the flow guide body and on the outside by the baffle wall, in which the liquid flows in the radial direction on the outside over the baffle wall the liquid passage opening can be discharged and the liquid-discharged stream can be discharged in the radial direction on the inside to a discharge line.

In particular, the baffle wall extends in the shape of a hollow cylinder. In particular, starting from the flow discharge section, the baffle extends in the shape of a hollow cylinder in the gravitational direction up to at least 20%, 40%, 60% or 80% of the axial extent of the flow guide body. Alternatively or additionally, the baffle wall extends, starting from the flow discharge section, in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity by at least 20%, 40%, 60% or 80% of the axial extent of the flow guide body. In particular, the limited Impact wall the liquid passage opening in the radial direction on the inside. In particular, the baffle wall is curved in the radial direction like a collar at its downstream end in order to guide the separated liquid along the baffle wall to the liquid passage opening. In particular, the liquid passage opening extends in a ring shape, in particular in the shape of a perforated disk, in particular around the longitudinal axis and / or around the baffle wall axis. In particular, the liquid passage opening is delimited on the inside in the radial direction by the baffle wall, in particular by the collar-shaped section of the baffle wall, and / or on the outside in the radial direction by the liquid conducting jacket described below.

In particular, the distance between the baffle wall in the radial direction and the flow guide body ensures that the separated liquid is directed radially on the outside of the baffle wall to the liquid passage opening, while the liquid discharged flow can be passed on radially on the inside to a discharge line.

According to one embodiment, the drainage chamber is delimited radially on the inside by the baffle wall in order to fluidly shield the drainage chamber in the gravitational direction between the liquid passage opening and the flow guide body from the flow guide body. In particular, the baffle wall extends in the direction of gravity from the liquid passage opening at least to

Flow guide body. Preferably, the baffle wall extends in the direction of gravity from the liquid passage opening at least to

Flow delivery section of the flow guide body. Particularly preferably, the baffle wall extends in the direction of gravity from the liquid passage opening at least up to 20%, 40%, 60% or 80% of the axial extent of the flow guide body. In particular, the baffle wall is designed radially on the outside in such a way that the separated liquid can be discharged on the radial outer surface of the baffle wall in the gravitational direction to a liquid outlet opening.

In one embodiment, the drainage chamber is delimited radially on the outside by a liquid conducting jacket. In particular, the liquid conduction jacket is designed to be rotationally, in particular, hollow-cylindrical. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid guide jacket is spaced apart from the baffle wall in the radial direction. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid guide jacket extends in the direction of gravity from the liquid passage opening at least to the flow guide body. Especially the liquid guide jacket extends in the direction of gravity at least as far as the flow discharge section of the flow guide body. The liquid guide jacket preferably extends in the direction of gravity beyond the flow discharge section, in particular by at least 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% or 100% of the axial extension of the flow guide body beyond the flow discharge section.

In particular, the liquid conduction jacket limits the liquid passage opening on the outside in the radial direction. In particular, the liquid passage opening is delimited radially on the inside by the baffle wall and radially on the outside by the liquid conducting jacket. In particular, an end wall extending radially inward from the liquid conducting jacket is provided for deflecting liquid flowing in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity in the direction of gravity. In particular, the end wall is designed in the shape of a perforated disk. In particular, the end wall extends in the radial direction between the liquid conduction jacket and a discharge line for discharging the liquid discharged stream. In particular, the end wall extends in the direction of longitudinal axis flow at the axial end of the liquid duct. In particular, the end wall extends inwardly in a collar-shaped manner in the radial direction at the end of the liquid conducting jacket that is axial in the direction of flow in the longitudinal axis. In particular, the liquid conducting jacket, the end wall and the baffle wall delimit a liquid channel extending in a U-shape in a cross section along the longitudinal axis. In particular, the U-shaped extending liquid channel is open in the gravitational direction. In particular, the legs of the U-shaped liquid channel extend in the direction of gravity starting from the liquid passage opening. In particular, the U-shaped liquid channel is delimited on the inside and outside in the radial direction by the baffle wall. In particular, the end wall serves to deflect the liquid from the radially inner leg via the liquid passage opening into the radially outer leg of the liquid channel.

In particular, the liquid conduction jacket extends from the liquid outlet opening in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity past the liquid passage opening and in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity passes into the end wall at a distance from the liquid passage opening, which extends inward in the radial direction. In particular, the end wall merges on the inside in the radial direction into a discharge line which extends in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. In particular, the baffle is in the radial direction between the liquid guide jacket and the flow guide body arranged. Alternatively or additionally, the baffle wall is formed in the radial direction between the liquid conduction jacket and the discharge line. In particular, the liquid conducting jacket and the baffle wall extend coaxially to one another. In particular, the discharge line extends coaxially to the liquid conducting jacket and / or to the baffle wall.

In a preferred embodiment, further guide vanes can extend on the liquid guide jacket and / or on the baffle wall.

In one embodiment, the drainage chamber extends from the liquid passage opening in the direction of gravity to a liquid outlet opening in order to guide the separated liquid downstream of the passage opening to the liquid outlet opening using the force of weight. In particular, the drainage chamber extends at least as far as the flow guide body, preferably beyond the flow guide body, to the liquid passage opening, in order to discharge the separated liquid along the longitudinal axis past the flow guide body.

In one embodiment, downstream, the drainage chamber of the liquid passage opening a relative to the horizontal in the direction of gravity inclined, in particular by less than 5 ^0, io °, 15 ⁰ or 20 ° inclined, catch basin on which extends to a supply conduit for supplying the liquid laden stream particular perforated disc . Alternatively or additionally, the collecting basin is formed in the gravitational direction at least at the axial height of the flow guide body, preferably below the flow guide body.

In particular, the collecting basin is at least 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% or 120% of the axial extension of the flow guide body spaced from the flow output section of the flow guide body in the gravitational direction. In particular, the collecting basin extends in the gravitational direction at least at the axial height of the flow receiving section of the flow guide body and / or the guide nose of the flow guide body.

In particular, the drainage chamber is designed as a hollow cylinder chamber that is closed in the direction of gravity. This is to be understood in particular that the drainage chamber delimits a hollow cylindrical space along the longitudinal axis. In particular, the hollow cylindrical space is delimited on the inside in the radial direction by the baffle wall and / or by a feed line. Alternatively or additionally, the hollow cylinder-shaped space is on the outside in the radial direction through the Liquid guide jacket limited. The front end of the drainage chamber in the gravitational direction is in particular delimited by a catch basin, in particular in the form of a perforated disk. In particular, the perforated disc-shaped collecting basin is inclined in relation to the horizontal in the gravitational direction in order to guide separated liquid to a liquid outlet opening using the gravitational direction. In particular, due to the perforated disk-shaped configuration of the collecting basin, the liquid can be guided around the flow guide body and / or around the supply line to the liquid outlet opening. The front end of the drainage chamber in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity has in particular an opening. In particular, the opening is formed through the liquid passage opening, which extends in particular in a ring shape between the baffle wall and the liquid conducting jacket. In particular, in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, offset from the liquid passage opening, the end wall extends from the liquid conduction jacket in the radial direction inward over the liquid passage opening and / or the baffle wall, in particular up to a discharge line.

In one embodiment, the centrifugal separator comprises a feed line for feeding the liquid-laden stream to the flow guide body. The feed line extends in particular around a feed axis inclined by less than 30 ⁰ , 15 ⁰ or 5 ⁰ with respect to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the feed axis is aligned parallel, in particular coaxially, to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the inner jacket surface of the supply line limits the liquid-laden flow upstream of the flow guide body. Alternatively or additionally, the outer jacket surface of the supply line delimits the drainage chamber on the inside in the radial direction. In particular, the feed line merges into the baffle wall in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the feed line extends in the direction of gravity to the catch basin.

In one embodiment, the centrifugal separator comprises a discharge line for discharging the liquid-discharged flow downstream of the flow guide body. In particular, the discharge line extends around a discharge axis inclined by less than 30 ⁰ , 15 ⁰ or 5 ⁰ with respect to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the discharge axis is aligned parallel, in particular coaxially, to the longitudinal axis. As an alternative or in addition, the discharge line extends in the radial direction inside the baffle wall in order to discharge the separated liquid in the radial direction separately from the liquid-discharged stream. A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a centrifugal separator for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden flow with a flow guide body extending along a longitudinal axis from a flow intake section to a flow discharge section, in order to divert a liquid-laden flow from the flow intake section to the flow discharge section in the radial direction to accelerate, a liquid passage opening surrounded by sections in the circumferential direction in order to discharge separated liquid to a drainage chamber, and a liquid conduction jacket surrounding the flow discharge section in sections in the circumferential direction in order to divert liquid leaving the flow discharge section in the radial direction in the circumferential direction to the liquid passage opening.

The centrifugal separator according to the fourth aspect of the invention can be designed according to the centrifugal separator according to the first aspect and / or the second aspect of the invention and vice versa. In particular, the flow guide body can be designed according to the first aspect of the invention. Alternatively or additionally, the flow guide body can have at least one guide vane according to the second aspect of the invention.

The flow receiving section can in particular be understood to mean that section of the flow guide body at which the liquid-laden flow in the longitudinal axis flow direction first comes into contact with the flow guide body. In particular, the flow receiving section can be formed by a guide nose of the flow guide body. Alternatively or additionally, the flow receiving section can be formed by the first section of a guide vane in the longitudinal axis flow direction, with which the liquid-laden flow comes into contact. In a preferred embodiment in particular, in which the flow guide body has a conical surface that widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis of flow, the flow receiving section can be the section with the smallest radial extent of the conical surface.

The flow discharge section can in particular be understood to mean the section of the flow guide body via which the liquid-charged flow and / or the separated liquid leaves the flow guide body in the direction of flow. In the preferred embodiment with a conical surface that widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the flow, the The flow discharge section can be the axial section of the conical surface with the greatest radial extent. In particular, the flow discharge section can form the axial end section of the flow guide body in the longitudinal axis flow direction. In particular, the flow discharge section can be a tear-off edge which extends annularly around the axial end section of the flow guide body and via which the liquid-discharged flow and / or the separated liquid leaves the flow guide body downstream. Alternatively or additionally, the flow discharge section can be defined by the end section of the at least one guide vane in the flow direction. In particular, in the case of guide vanes extending in the radial direction, the flow discharge section can be formed on the outer section of the at least one guide vane in the radial direction. In particular in an embodiment with a plurality of guide vanes coming in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis, the flow discharge section can be formed by an imaginary jacket surface which connects the end sections of the guide vanes to one another in the circumferential direction.

In particular, the flow discharge section can be understood to mean the last section of the flow guide body in the flow direction, which accelerates the liquid-laden flow in the radial direction. In an embodiment with a conical surface that widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis of flow, this is to be understood in particular as the axial end section, in particular the section with the furthest radial extent, of the conical surface. If, for example, a further flow surface, for example a cylindrical flow surface, extends downstream of the axial end section of the conical surface, over which the flow leaving the flow guide body is not additionally accelerated in the radial direction, this is in particular not to be understood as a surface belonging to the flow guide body.

The fact that the liquid-laden flow is accelerated from the flow intake section to the flow discharge section in the radial direction is to be understood in particular as meaning that the liquid-laden flow is accelerated from the flow intake section to the flow discharge section in the radial direction. Flow surfaces which adjoin the flow discharge section in the flow direction and do not cause any additional accelerations in the radial direction are in particular not to be understood as belonging to the flow guide body. The fact that the liquid passage opening surrounds the flow discharge section in sections is to be understood in particular as meaning that the liquid passage opening is formed at the axial height of the flow discharge section. The fact that the liquid passage opening surrounds the flow delivery section in sections in the circumferential direction is to be understood in particular as meaning that the liquid passage opening interrupts the circumferential extension of the liquid conducting jacket. In particular, the liquid passage opening extends in the circumferential direction around the flow discharge section. For this, the liquid passage opening does not have to be curved. It is only important that the liquid passage opening is not a front passage opening, but a circumferential passage opening.

The fact that the liquid conducting jacket surrounds the flow delivery section is to be understood in particular as meaning that the liquid conducting jacket extends around the flow delivery section at the axial height thereof. The fact that the liquid conduction jacket extends in the circumferential direction in sections around the flow discharge section is to be understood in particular as meaning that the liquid conduction jacket does not completely encircle the flow discharge section in the circumferential direction. Rather, the circumferential extension of the liquid duct is interrupted by the liquid passage opening. Furthermore, the liquid conducting jacket does not have to extend rotationally symmetrically around the flow delivery section. Rather, as described below, it is preferred that the liquid conducting jacket extends in a U-shaped or arch-shaped manner around the flow discharge section.

Due to the design of the liquid conduction jacket at the axial height of the flow discharge section, in particular liquid leaving the flow discharge section in the radial direction can be caught directly by the liquid conduction jacket and passed on in the circumferential direction to the liquid passage opening.

In particular, the liquid passage opening is opened in the radial direction in order to discharge liquid deflected by the liquid conducting jacket in the radial direction via the liquid passage opening to the drainage chamber. In particular, the drainage chamber is arranged in the radial direction below the liquid passage opening. A liquid passage opening extending at the end, in particular in a ring shape between the liquid guide jacket and the flow guide body, should in particular not be understood as a liquid passage opening according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

According to one embodiment, the liquid guide jacket curves in sections in the circumferential direction in an arc shape around the longitudinal axis. In particular, the liquid conduction jacket curves in a U-shape around the longitudinal axis with jacket legs extending to the passage opening.

In one embodiment, the liquid conducting jacket merges into the liquid passage opening in the circumferential direction, in particular with two jacket legs spaced apart from one another in the peripheral direction delimiting the liquid passage opening in the circumferential direction. In particular, the liquid guide jacket extends in an arched or U-shape around the flow discharge section. In particular, the liquid passage opening is formed between the two legs of the arch-shaped liquid duct.

The previously described section-wise extension of the liquid conduction jacket and the liquid passage opening in the circumferential direction around the flow discharge section can in particular ensure that liquid leaving the flow discharge section in the radial direction is caught at the axial level of the flow discharge section and is passed on in the circumferential direction to the liquid passage opening via which the liquid is passed on at the axial level of the flow discharge section can be discharged to the drainage chamber. One advantage is in particular that by extending the liquid passage opening in the circumferential direction around the flow discharge section Liquid that leaves the flow discharge section at the circumferential level of the liquid passage opening in the radial direction can be discharged directly using its accelerations in the radial direction via the liquid passage opening. Furthermore, the liquid conduction jacket merging in the circumferential direction into the liquid passage opening can be used to deflect the liquid in the circumferential direction by the flow guide body in order to first deflect the separated liquid along the liquid conduction jacket and then discharge it via the liquid passage opening. Accordingly, the fourth aspect of the invention is particularly preferably combined with at least one guide vane curved about the longitudinal axis in order to deflect the liquid-laden flow in the circumferential direction. In one embodiment, the longitudinal axis by more than 6o °, 75 ⁰ or 85 ° inclined relative to the direction of gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the Liquidleitmantel extends a more than 6o °, 75 ⁰ or 85 ° with respect to the gravity axis inclined shell axis. This can in particular ensure that liquid leaving the flow guide body in the direction of gravity above the longitudinal axis can be passed along the liquid guide jacket to a liquid passage opening formed in the direction of gravity below the longitudinal axis using the force of gravity.

In one embodiment, the liquid guide jacket extends at least in sections in the gravitational direction above the longitudinal axis around the flow guide body. In particular, the liquid guide jacket completely surrounds at least the part of the flow guide body formed above the longitudinal axis in the circumferential direction. This can in particular ensure that liquid that leaves the flow guide body in the direction of gravity above the longitudinal axis is caught by the liquid guide jacket and, in particular, can be passed on to the liquid passage opening in the direction of gravity.

As an alternative or in addition, the liquid passage opening is designed in the gravitational direction below the longitudinal axis, in particular below the flow guide body. This can in particular ensure that separated liquid can be discharged through the liquid passage opening using the force of gravity. In particular, it can thereby be ensured that liquid leaving the flow guide body above the longitudinal axis is passed on via the liquid guide jacket to the liquid passage opening using the force of gravity.

In particular, the Liquidleitmantel extending U-shaped or torbogenförmig with two mutually horizontally spaced jacket legs that are inclined at more than 6o °, 75 ⁰ or 85 ° with respect to the gravity axis and / or limit the liquid passage opening at its end in the direction of gravity.

According to one embodiment, the liquid guide jacket extends in the radial direction at a distance from the flow guide body around the longitudinal axis such that a flow channel is formed which is delimited on the inside in the radial direction by the flow guide body and on the outside by the liquid guide jacket, in which the liquid in the radial direction on the outside via the liquid guide jacket to the liquid passage opening can be discharged and in which the liquid-discharged stream can be discharged in the radial direction on the inside to a discharge line.

According to one embodiment, an end wall extending radially inward from the liquid duct is provided for collecting liquids flowing in the direction of the longitudinal axis of flow. In particular, the end wall extends in the circumferential direction along the liquid duct. Alternatively or additionally, the end wall extends at a distance from the flow guide body in the longitudinal axis flow direction, in particular from the flow output section of the flow guide body. In this way, in particular, a flow channel for discharging the liquid-discharged flow can be formed between the flow guide body and the end wall. In particular, the end wall can extend in a U-shape or in the shape of an archway along the liquid guide jacket. In particular, the liquid guide jacket has two end walls which each extend from the axial end section and the axial start section of the liquid guide jacket in the circumferential direction in a U-shaped or arched manner around the flow discharge section. In particular, the liquid guide jacket is designed as a U-shaped or arched rail, which is delimited in the direction of longitudinal axis flow by at least one, in particular two, end wall extending in the radial direction. In particular, the upstream end wall merges into a supply line in the direction opposite to the direction of flow in the longitudinal axis.

According to one embodiment, the centrifugal separator comprises a latching mechanism for in particular releasably connecting the flow guide body to a housing, in particular with a supply line for supplying the liquid-laden flow to the flow guide body. In particular, the latching mechanism is designed such that the flow guide body can be connected to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner in both directions of rotation.

In particular, the locking mechanism has at least one locking nose and / or at least one locking receptacle. The at least one latching nose is preferably formed on the flow guide body. The at least one latching lug is preferably formed on the at least one guide vane. The latching lug preferably extends from the guide vane in the radial direction. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one latching lug is at an axial end section in the direction of the at least one opposite the direction of flow of the longitudinal axis Guide vane trained. A latching lug is preferably attached alternately in the circumferential direction to every second, third or fourth guide vane.

The at least one latching receptacle is preferably formed on a feed line for feeding the liquid-laden stream to the flow guide body. In particular, the feed line can be cylindrical or conical. In particular, the conical feed line can widen in the direction of flow in the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the feed line can be convex.

In particular, the locking mechanism can be designed in such a way that the flow guide body can be permanently connected to the housing, in particular to the supply line, via the locking mechanism.

As an alternative to the locking mechanism, the flow guide body can be connected to the housing, in particular to a supply line, in a materially bonded manner, for example by gluing or welding. In particular, if a fluid-tight connection between the flow guide body and the housing, in particular the feed line, is required, a material connection can be preferred.

In one embodiment, the centrifugal separator comprises at least one guide vane curved around the longitudinal axis for deflecting the flow flowing in the direction of the longitudinal axis onto the at least one guide vane in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis, the at least one guide vane being free of undercuts in particular along the longitudinal axis. In particular, the at least one guide vane is designed in accordance with one of the previously described embodiments, in particular in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. As a result, easy final formability of the at least one guide vane can be ensured in particular. In particular, the guide vanes can thereby be produced with a two-part molding tool that can be moved only along one axis for demolding. As an alternative or in addition, the flow guide body can be designed free of undercuts, in particular along the longitudinal axis.

According to one embodiment, the centrifugal separator is for separating liquid in the form of water, in particular distilled water, from a liquid-laden stream in the form of a water-laden stream, in particular one water-laden anode current or cathode current of a fuel cell. For this purpose, at least one area of the centrifugal separator designed for contact with the liquid-laden stream, in particular a flow guide body and / or at least one guide vane, can be made of material resistant to water, in particular distilled water, in particular polyamide or polypropylene. The flow guide body is preferably made entirely from polyamide or from polypropylene. As an alternative or in addition, the liquid conducting jacket can in particular be made entirely of polyamide or polypropylene. Alternatively or in addition, the baffle can in particular be made entirely from polyamide or from polypropylene. As an alternative or in addition, the supply line and / or the discharge line can in particular be made entirely of polyamide or of polypropylene. As an alternative or in addition, the collecting basin can in particular be made entirely of polyamide or polypropylene.

As an alternative or in addition, one or more of the parts described above can be produced from another material which is resistant to distilled water. Distilled water can have a toxic effect on the material of the centrifugal separator and release material from it, which in particular can impair the fuel toe process and damage the fuel cell. Due to the advantageous configuration with material resistant to distilled water, the service life of the centrifugal separator can be increased and / or the service life of the fuel cell can be increased. Furthermore, the efficiency of the fuel cell in particular can be increased.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a fuel cell system for a motor vehicle, comprising a fuel cell and a centrifugal separator according to the invention arranged in a water particle leading system, the line system preferably carrying a water-laden product stream of the fuel cell, the product stream preferably having a volume flow of at least 501 / min, 100 l / min, 200 1 / min or 400 1 / min, particularly preferably from 600 1 / min to 1000 1 / min. In particular, the water particles form the liquid of the liquid-laden stream. The liquid-laden stream is preferably a water-laden product stream of the fuel cell. Surprisingly, it has been found that a particularly high degree of separation can be achieved with the aforementioned preferred volume flows of the product flow. As an alternative to the design of the fuel cell system for motor vehicles, the fuel cell system can also be designed for other power-operated devices.

In particular, the line system does not necessarily have to carry water particles. Rather, the line system should be particularly suitable for carrying water particles, in particular distilled water. For this purpose, the line system can be designed in particular with materials that are resistant to distilled water, such as polypropylene or polyamide.

The line system is preferably an output line of the fuel cell, via which a water-laden product stream of the fuel cell is discharged from the fuel cell. In particular, the water particles are separated from the product stream via the centrifugal separator in order to return unused starting materials from the fuel cell, such as oxygen and / or hydrogen, via a return system to the fuel cell. The separated water particles can in particular be discharged to the environment via a liquid outlet or fed to a water cycle or a water reservoir for further use. In particular, it can be advantageous to release the separated water particles into the environment at intervals. In this way, particularly at low temperatures, such as at −20 ° C., it is possible to avoid the continuous release of water into the environment, which could lead to the icing of the road, for example. In particular, an intermediate store for separated water particles can be provided. The intermediate storage device can in particular be designed in such a way that the separated water particles and collected therein are automatically released to the environment at predetermined intervals. As an alternative or in addition, the intermediate store can in particular be designed such that the water particles collected therein can be emptied on occasion, for example when refueling with hydrogen. Other possible uses for the separated water particles are in particular cooling circuits for electrical components, regulating the water balance of the fuel cell and / or supplying an evaporator for generating water vapor, for example for a steam reformer or for converting methanol into hydrogen.

The arrangement of the centrifugal separator in the line system is to be understood in particular to mean that the centrifugal separator is connected to the line system via a feed line and a discharge line of the separator. The line system can, for example, the product flow of a fuel cell to Centrifugal separators lead, from where the separated water particles are fed to a water cycle via a liquid outlet of the water separator, for example, and the water-discharged product stream is returned to the fuel cell, for example via a return line, for example in order to utilize unused starting materials such as oxygen and hydrogen in the fuel cell.

The present invention also relates to a fuel cell vehicle with a fuel cell system as described above. The use of the centrifugal separator according to the invention in a fuel cell system according to the invention for fuel cell vehicles is particularly advantageous due to the space savings that the centrifugal separator according to the invention brings about.

The centrifugal separator is preferably used to separate liquid water from a fuel cell product stream, in particular the fuel cell product anode stream. The anode current of the fuel cell includes, in particular, hydrogen, nitrogen, water vapor and liquid water. The material proportions can vary greatly depending on the operating status. Before the fuel cell is started, in particular an air / hydrogen / nitrogen mixture can be present in the anode stream. When the system is started (for about 1 minute) there can be almost 100% hydrogen in the anode current. During operation (about 1 minute operating time) the anode stream can in particular have 40% to 98% hydrogen, 2% to 60% nitrogen and / or 0% to 20% water vapor as a gas stream, as well as liquid water, especially liquid water with volume flows of 750 ml / min up to 2500 ml / min within the anode flow, which in particular flows in droplet form in the gas flow or along the walls of the line system. The separation of the liquid water from the anode flow, in particular from the gas phase of the anode flow, serves in particular to reuse the gas phase for recirculation purposes. The recirculation purpose can be, for example, the return of unused hydrogen to the fuel cell or to the fuel cell tank and / or the feeding of a cooling water circuit with the separated liquid water.

It has been found that with the measure according to the invention, in particular, a separation of up to 2000 ml / min of liquid water from a product anode flow of a fuel cell can be achieved, in particular in a small installation space. A small installation space is to be understood in particular as an installation space of less than 100 mm × 100 mm × 200 mm. In principle it is conceivable through the Measure according to the invention to provide water separators which even take up an installation space of less than 50 mm x 50 mm x 100 mm and in particular achieve a separation rate of up to 2000 ml / min on this installation space. Furthermore, it has been found that the accumulation of water in the centrifugal separator can be avoided in particular through the advantageous alignment of the centrifugal separator, in particular the flow guide body and / or the liquid guide jacket, so that the risk of icing can be reduced.

The outer diameter of the concave-shaped conical surface is greater than the outer diameter of the supply line, in particular 10% to 100%, 20% to 90%, 30% to 80%, 40% to 70% or 50% to 60% greater than the outer diameter of the Feed line. Alternatively or additionally, the inside diameter of the liquid duct, in particular at its widest point, is larger than the inside diameter of the supply line, in particular by 50% to 200%, 60% to 170%, 70% to 150% or 80% to 120% larger than that Inner diameter of the supply line.

The liquid conducting jacket primarily serves to capture and forward the liquid separated by the flow guiding body. Secondary, in particular remaining fluid, in particular not separated via the flow guide body, is separated off by the liquid guide jacket.

Preferably, the longitudinal axis and / or the shell axis by less than 45 ^0, inclined 30 ° or 15 ⁰ to the gravitational direction, preferably aligned parallel to the direction of gravity. By aligning the longitudinal axis and / or the jacket axis in the direction of gravity, the gravitational force can also be used for deflection in order to separate the liquid from the liquid-laden stream. This allows the degree of separation to be increased further. Surprisingly, it has been found, however, that more satisfactory to the gravitational direction of separation can be achieved by the inventive design of the centrifugal separator even when an orientation of the longitudinal axis and / or the Liquidleitmantels 45 ⁰ or 90 °.

As a result of the measure according to the invention, in particular the flow energy of the liquid-laden stream can be used in order to separate liquids from a liquid-laden stream. Compared to the known prior art, a higher proportion of the flow energy can be used for the separation. Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the subclaims.

Further advantages, features and properties of the invention are explained by the following description of preferred embodiments of the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 shows a flow guide body in side view;

FIG. 2 shows the flow guide body from FIG. 1 in cross section; FIG.

3 shows the flow guide body from FIG. 1 in a top view;

4 shows the flow guide body from FIG. 1 in a perspective view;

5 shows a sectional view of a centrifugal separator according to the invention with a supply line protruding into the plane of the drawing;

6 shows a centrifugal separator according to the invention in cross section

Flow guide body, liquid guide jacket, supply line and discharge line;

7 shows the centrifugal separator from FIG. 6 without a flow guide body;

8 shows the centrifugal separator from FIG. 6 in a side view, with an additional

Catch basin is shown with;

9 shows a schematic illustration of a fuel cell system for a

Motor vehicle with a centrifugal separator;

Fig. Io the flow guide body according to FIG. 3 with indicated

Radii of curvature;

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of an alternative to FIG. 1

Flow guide body in perspective view;

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of an alternative to FIG. 6

Centrifugal separator with the longitudinal axis aligned along the gravitational axis in a perspective sectional view; 13 shows an embodiment of an alternative to FIGS. 6 and 12

Centrifugal separator with aligned along the horizontal

Longitudinal axis in perspective sectional view;

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of an alternative to FIG. 13

Centrifugal separator with aligned along the horizontal

Longitudinal axis in perspective view;

15 shows a view from behind of the centrifugal separator according to FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of an alternative to FIG. 14

Centrifugal separator with aligned along the horizontal

Longitudinal axis in perspective sectional view; and

FIG. 17 shows a view from behind of the centrifugal separator according to FIG. 16.

Identical or similar elements are given the same reference numbers below. Illustration of a centrifugal separator according to the invention are given the reference number 1 below. Illustration of the flow guide body are given the reference number 3 below. The longitudinal axis of the flow guide body 3 is given the reference number 9 below and the direction of flow along the longitudinal axis, which runs along the longitudinal axis 9, is given the letter L below. The radial direction to the longitudinal axis 9 is given the letter R below. The circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis 9 is given the letter U below.

1 to 4 show different views of a flow guide body 3 of a centrifugal separator 1 according to the invention. FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 show centrifugal separators 1 according to the invention with a flow guide body 3. In FIG. 7 is to illustrate the installation location of a flow guide body 3 in a centrifugal separator 1 according to the invention the flow guide body 3 is hidden.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the centrifugal separator 1 comprises a flow guide body 3 extending along the longitudinal axis 9 with a concavely shaped conical surface 5 which widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction L in order to deflect the liquid-laden flow flowing towards the flow guide body 3 in the radial direction R to the longitudinal axis 9. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1 to 4, the concavely shaped conical surface 5 is in particular conical or stalactite-shaped. So that the concavely shaped conical surface 5 causes a deflection of the liquid-laden flow in the radial direction R to the longitudinal axis 9, the concave-shaped conical surface 5 is the surface of the flow guide body 3 against which the liquid-laden flow flows in the longitudinal axis flow direction L. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 2, a stream flowing towards the flow guide body 3 in the longitudinal axis direction of flow L is deflected by the conical surface in a rotary movement, in particular converted into a stalactite-shaped propagating stream, which rotates around an axis extending annularly around the longitudinal axis 9 executes.

The conical surface 5 is preferably rotationally shaped, in particular rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 9.

As can be seen in particular in Fig. 2, 5 in cross-section forms the concave conical surface at least one arcuate section 7, preferably through an angle a of at least 15 ^0, 3o ^0, 45 ^0, 75 ⁰ ° or 6o. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, the angle α is approximately 83 °. Fig. 2 shows how the angle a is measured. Namely, proceeding from the longitudinal axis flow direction L to the tangent T at the radial end area of the concavely shaped conical surface 5, the concavely shaped conical surface 5 preferably forms in cross section two arcuate sections 7 running mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal axis 9, as can be seen in FIG.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 3, the flow guide body 3 preferably has at least one, particularly preferably 2 to 20, 4 to 18, 6 to 16 or 8 to 14 guide vanes 15, around the flow flowing towards the longitudinal axis 9 in the circumferential direction U Deflect the longitudinal axis 9. The guide vanes 15 are curved in the circumferential direction U about the longitudinal axis 9. In addition to being deflected in the radial direction R, the liquid-laden flow is deflected in the circumferential direction U by the guide vanes 15. In this way, in particular, the centrifugal force on the liquid-laden flow can be increased and the degree of separation of the centrifugal separator 1 can thus be increased. The guide vanes 19 divide the liquid-laden flow into several partial flows. The partial flows flow along flow channels 37, which are delimited in the longitudinal axis flow direction L by the concavely shaped conical surface 5 and in the circumferential direction U and in particular in the radial direction R by the guide vanes 15. By redirecting the The liquid-laden flow is divided into several partial flows, in particular due to the limitation of these by the guide vanes 15, the liquid-laden flow has an increased effective area available for separating the liquid. In particular, by deflecting the liquid-laden flow in the circumferential direction U, a centrifugal force is applied to the liquid, which in particular acts orthogonally on the guide vane surfaces 39. In this case, liquid is driven by the centrifugal force against the guide vane surfaces 39, from where it can be diverted.

The concavely shaped conical surface, which widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis of flow, in particular causes a centrifugal force that is orthogonal to the

Conical surface acts, and thereby drives the liquid in the direction of the conical surface 5, from where it can be derived.

The widening of the concavely shaped conical surface 5 is to be understood in particular that the longitudinal axis 9 of the flow guide body 3 is also the longitudinal axis 9 of the conical surface 5 and the conical expansion in

Longitudinal axis flow direction L takes place.

Preferably, the at least one guide vane closes orthogonally to the

Conical surface 5. As a result, U-shaped flow channels 37 are formed in particular. The flow channels are curved in the circumferential direction U, in particular due to the limitation by the guide vanes 15. The

Flow channels 37 as a result of the concavely shaped conical surface 5 in the longitudinal axis flow direction L and in the radial direction R. In particular, the extent of the flow channels 37 in the longitudinal axis flow direction L can be reduced by being partially displaced in the radial direction R.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3, the radius of curvature of the guide vanes 15 in the radial direction R is preferably smaller. This increases the curvature in the radial direction R.

The flow guide body 11 preferably has a guide nose 11 extending along the longitudinal axis 9, the conical surface 5 and / or the at least one guide vane preferably merging into the guide nose 11 in the direction opposite the longitudinal axis flow direction L, in particular forming it. Alternatively or additionally, the guide nose 11 has a further concave shape Conical surface 5 ', which preferably adjoins the conical surface 5 in the radial direction R. Via the guide nose 11, in particular the liquid-laden flow flowing towards the flow guide body 3 is converted into a flow that propagates in the radial direction R in a ring shape. As described above, this creates a stalactite-shaped flow path of the liquid-laden stream. The guide nose 11 preferably forms the axial end of the flow guide body 3 in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction L. The guide nose can have various shapes, from a simple cylindrical shape to a pointed pyramid shape to the preferred shape with a further concave conical surface 5 *, which merges into a convex shape, in particular a hemispherical shape, in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction L. It has been found to be particularly preferred to design the guide nose 11 in such a way that it provides a further concavely shaped conical surface 5 ′. In this way, in particular, the degree of separation can be increased as a result of the deflection of the liquid-laden flow in the radial direction. The axial end 41 in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction L can, as shown here, be formed by a convex hemisphere. Alternatively, the axial end 41 can, however, also be shaped as a tapering end of a stalactite or as a planar end face extending in the radial direction, for example of a cylinder. From the axial end 41, the guide nose 11 extends, preferably in the shape of a stalactite or trumpet funnel, in the direction of longitudinal axis flow L.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2 and 4, the further concavely shaped conical jacket surface 5 ′ can be formed by the guide vanes 15 converging in the direction opposite to the radial direction R. By adapting the distances in the circumferential direction of the guide vanes to one another and / or by adapting the guide vane thickness 43, the further concave-shaped conical surface 5 'can also be formed alternately in the circumferential direction U by the guide vanes 15 and the axial end area of the conical surface 5. Alternatively, the guide vanes 15 could also be designed in such a way that they extend only starting from a certain radial distance to the longitudinal axis 9 and up to this radial distance the further concave-shaped conical surface 5 'is formed by the concave-shaped conical surface 5 itself. In the embodiment shown here, however, the guide nose n is formed by the guide vanes 15 converging in the opposite direction to the radial direction R.

The area of the guide nose 11 extends in the radial direction R in the embodiment shown here from the longitudinal axis 9 to a cylinder section 13. In the area of the guide nose 11, the guide vanes 15 contact each other in the circumferential direction, so that in particular in the area of the guide nose 11 no flow channels 37 are formed by the guide vanes 15. Starting from the cylindrical section 13, there is a distance between the guide vanes 15 in the circumferential direction, whereby the flow channels 37 arise. In the further course in the radial direction R, the distance between the guide vanes increases in the circumferential direction U, so that the flow channels 37 widen in the circumferential direction U. The ratio between the radial extension 45 of the guide nose and the radial extension 47 of the conical surface 5 is, as shown in FIG. 2, preferably about 0.1 to 0.4, particularly preferably 0.15 to 0.25.

The proportion of the radial extension R of the concave-shaped conical surface 5, in particular the sum of the concave-shaped conical surface 5 and the other concave-shaped conical surface 5 ', is preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the total radial extent of the Flow guide body 3.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 5 to 8, the centrifugal separator preferably comprises a liquid guide jacket 17 which surrounds the flow guide body 3 and extends along a jacket axis 19 for conveying the separated liquid. In this case, the liquid conduction jacket 17 serves in particular to convey the liquid that has been deposited on the flow conduction body 3 and diverted away. For this purpose, the liquid guide jacket 17 preferably completely encloses the flow guide body 3 in the circumferential direction U. In particular, the jacket axis 19 runs coaxially to the longitudinal axis 9 of the flow guide body. The liquid conducting jacket 17 is preferably configured in sections to be rotationally symmetrical about the jacket axis 19. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 5, the liquid guide jacket 17 extends upstream and / or downstream of the flow guide body 3, in particular the concavely shaped conical jacket surface 5, 5 ', in particular over the entire axial extent of the conical jacket surface 5, 5'. The wall 49 of the liquid conducting jacket is preferably S-shaped in sections. The upstream end 51 of the wall of the liquid conduction jacket 49 is preferably convex and / or the downstream end is designed as a concave funnel jacket surface 21. The upstream end 51 and the downstream end 21 of the S-shaped wall 49 of the liquid guide jacket are connected to one another at a saddle point 53 of the wall 49. The saddle point 53 of the S-shaped wall 49 extends in the radial direction R, preferably in the area of the radial outer area of the conical surface 5. The radial outer area of the conical surface 5 is preferably offset in the longitudinal axis flow direction L to the saddle point 53 of the S-shaped wall 49 of the liquid duct 17 . In particular, offset by at least the web height of the guide vanes 15 in the radial outer region of the flow guide body 13.

The S-shaped configuration of the wall 49 of the liquid guide jacket can in particular ensure that the fluid-laden flow is deflected in the direction of flow initially through the concave-shaped conical surface 5 of the flow guide body 3 and downstream of the flow guide body by the concave funnel jacket surface 21 of the liquid guide jacket 17. In this case, the fluid-laden flow also assumes, in particular, an S-shaped flow profile. In the area of the flow guide body 3, the liquid-laden flow is deflected in the radial direction R, in particular over an angle a of almost 90 °, so that the liquid-laden flow essentially flows in the radial direction R onto the liquid guide jacket 21 and returns to it through the concave-shaped funnel jacket surface 21 Longitudinal axis flow direction L is deflected. This creates in particular an S-shaped flow course which applies a centrifugal force to the liquid-laden flow twice in succession. Furthermore, the special arrangement of the liquid guide jacket 17 to the flow guide body 3 ensures that the water separated on the flow guide body 3 is released to the liquid guide jacket, where it is enriched by further water separated on the liquid guide jacket 17, or the liquid-laden stream is further discharged.

From the saddle point 53, the concavely shaped funnel jacket surface 21 extends in particular in a rotationally symmetrical manner. The concave-shaped funnel jacket surface 21 widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction L. The radius of curvature of the concave-shaped funnel jacket surface 21 increases, in particular starting from the saddle point 53. The radius of curvature of the concave-shaped funnel jacket surface 21 is particularly preferably inversely proportional to the curvature radius of the concave-shaped cone jacket surface 5 to understand that the concavely shaped conical surface area 5 decreases in the longitudinal axis flow direction L, while the radius of curvature of the concave shaped funnel surface area 21 increases in the longitudinal axis flow direction L.

5 illustrates the demarcation between a conical surface and a funnel surface in the sense of the first aspect of the present invention. In the case of the funnel jacket surface 21 of the liquid guide jacket, the radially inner surface is acted upon by the current, as is the case with a funnel. In contrast to this, in the case of the conical surface 5 or 5 ', the radially outer surface is subjected to the current. At this point it should be clear again that the distinction between concave and convex surfaces depends on the surfaces against which the liquid-laden stream flows. Accordingly, in particular the concave-shaped conical surfaces 5, 5 'and the concave-shaped funnel surface 21 are concave surfaces. In contrast, the radially inner surface of the upstream end 51 of the wall 49 of the liquid conducting jacket is a convex surface. The radially outer surface of the upstream end 51 of the wall 49 of the liquid conducting jacket is also concave, but the liquid-laden stream does not flow against it. Furthermore, it should be understood that a surface against which the flow is flowing is to be understood as a surface on which the liquid-laden flow flows in the direction of flow. In particular, a mere exposure of a surface to the flow should not represent an incident flow in the sense of the present invention. For example, the convex surface of the flow guide body 3, which is opposite in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the concavely shaped conical surface 5, should not be viewed as a surface against which the liquid-laden stream flows. This is only charged with the liquid-laden electricity. Due to the lack of a flow, it cannot make a significant contribution to separating the liquid from the liquid-laden stream.

The radius of curvature of the concavely shaped funnel jacket surface 21 can be so large, in particular infinitely large, in the longitudinal axis flow direction L, that the concavely shaped funnel jacket surface merges into a planar shape.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 7, the liquid guide jacket 17 has at least one, preferably 2 to 20, 4 to 18, 6 to 16 or 8 to 14, guide vanes 15 'for deflecting the flow flowing towards the liquid guide jacket in the circumferential direction U to the jacket axis 19 on. As a result, the liquid-laden flow downstream of the flow guide body 3 is additionally deflected in a rotational movement about the jacket axis 19. As a result, a further centrifugal force component is applied to the liquid-laden stream, which drives the fluid against the liquid conducting jacket. In this case, the liquid-laden flow on the liquid conduction jacket 17 is partially divided into partial flows which flow along flow channel sections. The flow channel sections 37 'are delimited by the concavely shaped funnel jacket surface 21 and the guide vanes 15' of the liquid guide jacket 17. The guide vanes 15 ′ of the liquid guide jacket 17 are curved about the jacket axis 19. In particular, the guide vanes 15 'of the liquid guide jacket 17 extend in the longitudinal axis flow direction L and in the radial direction R along the liquid guide jacket 17, in particular along the concave-shaped funnel jacket surface 21. The guide vanes 15' preferably adjoin the liquid guide jacket 17, in particular the funnel jacket surface 21, orthogonally . The guide vanes 15 'are preferably arranged in the circumferential direction U at equidistant intervals from one another.

Preferably, the longitudinal axis 9 and / or the shell axis 19 is inclined at less than 45 ^0, 30 15 ⁰ ° or to the gravitational direction G, preferably oriented parallel to the gravitational direction G. By aligning the longitudinal axis 9 and / or the jacket axis 19 in the gravitational direction G, the gravitational force can also be used for deflection in order to separate the liquid from the liquid-laden stream. This allows the degree of separation to be increased further. Surprisingly, it has been found, however, that can be obtained by 45 ⁰ or 90 ° more satisfactory to the gravitational direction G of separation 19 by the inventive design of the centrifugal separator even when an orientation of the longitudinal axis 9 and / or the Liquidleitmantels.

The centrifugal separator 1 also has a feed line 29 that feeds the liquid-laden flow along a feed axis 27 to the flow guide body 3 and a discharge line 33 that discharges the liquid-laden flow along a discharge axis 31 from the flow guide body. The feed line 29 and / or the discharge line 33 are preferably tubular, in particular, designed to be rotational. Particularly preferably, the feed line 29 and / or the discharge line 31 extend rotationally, in particular rotationally symmetrically, around the feed axis 27 and / or around the discharge axis 31. The feed axis 27 and / or the discharge axis 31 preferably extend by at least 30 ⁰ , 45 ⁰ or 60 ° inclined to the longitudinal axis 9, particularly preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 9. Alternatively or additionally The feed axis 27 and the discharge axis 31 extend parallel to one another and are preferably offset from one another in the longitudinal axis flow direction L. By means of one or more of the previously described orientations of the feed axis 27 and / or the discharge axis 31 to the longitudinal axis 9, in particular an additional deflection of the liquid-laden flow upstream and / or downstream of the flow guide body can be achieved. Particularly preferably, the liquid-laden stream is additionally deflected in an S-shape due to the orientation of the feed axis 27 and / or the discharge axis 31. The S-shaped deflection of the liquid-laden flow due to the alignment of the feed axis 27 and / or the discharge axis 31 to the longitudinal axis 9 takes place in particular in addition to the S-shaped deflection due to the alignment of the flow guide body 3 to the liquid guide jacket 17 the orientation of the axis of feed 27 and / or the Abführachse 31 is preferably offset from the longitudinal axis 9, in particular at 6o ° angle to 120 ° or 75 ° for ^0-105 S-shaped flow pattern due to the alignment of the flow 3 to Liquidleitmantel 17th As a result, a centrifugal force component is applied to the liquid-laden stream in particular, whereby the degree of separation of the centrifugal separator 1 can be increased further.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 6 to 8, the supply lines 29 and the discharge lines 33 are formed in one piece. Alternatively or in addition, it may be preferred to form the liquid conduction jacket 18 in one piece with the supply line 29 and / or the discharge line 31. The flow guide body 3 can preferably be detachably attached to the liquid guide jacket 17. The attachment of the flow guide body 3 to the liquid guide jacket 17 is preferably carried out in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, the flow guide body 3 can have axial stops 55, via which the flow guide body 3 is supported on the liquid guide jacket 17. The axial stops 55 are preferably formed on the radial outer end of the guide vanes 15. The axial stops 55 extend in particular at the axial end region of the guide vanes 15 in directions opposite to the direction of flow L in the longitudinal axis. To fix the flow guide body 3, in particular for axial fixation, it can have a holding section 57. The holding section 57 preferably extends from the side of the flow guide body 3 opposite the conical surface 5 in the longitudinal axis flow direction L. In particular, the holding section 57 is designed as a hollow body, in particular as a hollow cylinder. The holding section preferably extends rotationally symmetrically to the longitudinal axis 9. The holding section 57 can a recess 59 for receiving a retaining means 61, such as a retaining bar. The recess 59 can in particular be designed as a U-shaped cross section in the holding section 57. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 7, a holding means receptacle 63 can be provided in the centrifugal separator 1, via which the holding means 61 is attached to the centrifugal separator 1. The holding means receptacle 63 is preferably incorporated in the liquid guide jacket 17, in particular as a U-shaped recess. As a result, in order to mount the flow guide body 3, it can first of all be placed against corresponding counter bearings 65 via the axial stops 55 and then axially fixed via the holding means 61. The holding means 61 is preferably attached to the holding means receptacle 63. The fastening of the holding means 61 to the centrifugal separator 1 is preferably carried out in a form-fitting manner. In particular, the holding means 61 is fastened in a form-fitting manner between two housing halves 67, 69 of the centrifugal separator 1. As can be seen in FIG. 7, at least one further recess 59 ′ is made in one housing half 67, which is open towards the other housing half 69, in order to form the holding means receptacle 63. As a result, the holding means 61 can be placed axially against the further recess 59 and axially fixed by connecting the upper housing half to the lower housing half.

The centrifugal separator 1 preferably comprises, as shown in FIG. 8, a collecting basin 23 for collecting the separated liquid. The catch basin 23 is arranged in particular downstream of the flow guide body 3. Alternatively or additionally, the collecting basin 23 is arranged below the flow guide body 3 in the direction of gravity G. In this way, the gravitational force in particular can be used to discharge the separated liquid. The collecting basin 23 in particular has a liquid outlet 25 for dispensing the separated liquid to the environment or to a liquid circuit. The liquid outlet 25 is preferably arranged in the gravitational direction G in the lower area, in particular at the lowest point, of the collecting basin 23. The collecting basin 23 is preferably formed by one, in particular the lower, housing half 67 of the centrifugal separator 1. The supply line 29, the discharge line 33 and the liquid conduction jacket 17 are particularly preferably formed by the other, in particular the upper, housing half 67. The other housing half 67, the housing half arranged at the top in the gravitational direction G, is particularly preferred. In particular, the flow guide body 3 is attached in the upper housing half 67. The catch basin 23 in particular has a drainage slope 71 via which the separated liquid can be guided to the liquid outlet 25.

9 shows an example of a fuel cell system 73 for a motor vehicle, comprising a fuel cell 75 and a centrifugal separator 1, which is arranged in a water particle-carrying line system 77 and embodied in one of the preceding claims. The fuel cell 75 is supplied via a hydrogen tank 79 and via an oxygen or air supply 81 fed. An electrical component 83, such as an electric motor, is driven with the electrical energy generated in the process. The water particle-laden product stream 85 is fed to the centrifugal separator 1, where water particles 89 are separated from the product stream 85. The product stream 85 can be fed to the centrifugal separator 1, for example, via a feed line 29, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. The separated water particles can, for example, be removed via a liquid outlet 25, as shown in FIG. 8. The stream 87 discharged from water particles can for example be discharged via a discharge line 33, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. The further treatment of the stream 87 discharged from water particles is not shown in FIG. 9. However, it is conceivable to recycle air and / or unused starting materials, such as hydrogen, to the fuel cell 75.

The separated water particles 89 are fed to a cooling water circuit 91. The electrical component 83 is cooled via the cooling water circuit 91. The electrical conductivity of the water can increase. Accordingly, a device for determining the electrical conductivity 93 is arranged downstream of the electrical component. Downstream of the device 93, water with a specific electrical conductivity 95 is discharged from the cooling water circuit 91 and the remainder of the water, in particular for cooling, is fed to a heat exchanger 97. Downstream of the heat exchanger 97, the cooled cooling water 99 is fed back to the electrical component 83 together with the water particles 89 which are separated out via the centrifugal separator 1.

In this way, the water particles 89 separated from the product stream 85 can be used to compensate for the conductive water particles 95 to be removed. In the embodiment shown here, the line system 77 carrying water particles leads the product stream 85, the separated water particles 89 and also the cooling water circuit 91. The centrifugal separator 1 is arranged within the line system 77 between the fuel cell 75 and the cooling water circuit 91.

A centrifugal separator 1 according to the second aspect of the invention is shown by way of example in FIG. The at least one guide vane 15 has twelve guide vanes 15 therein. The guide vanes 15 are curved around the longitudinal axis 9 with an inconstant radius of curvature Ki, Ka in order to deflect a liquid-laden flow flowing in the longitudinal axis flow direction L onto the guide vanes 15 in the circumferential direction U to the longitudinal axis 9. As indicated by the dashed circles 101, 103, the radius of curvature Ki at the flow intake section 105 is greater than the radius of curvature Ka at the flow output section 107. This leads to a smaller curvature of the guide vanes 15 on the flow intake section 105 compared to the flow output section 107 For example, the radius of curvature Ki, Ka decreases from the flow receiving section 105 to the flow output section 107 by approximately 60%. In particular, the radius of curvature Ka at the flow delivery section 107 is approximately 40% of the radius of curvature Ki at the flow receiving section 105. By reducing the radius of curvature Ki, Ka from the flow receiving section 105 to the flow delivery section 107, the curvature of the guide vane increases, thereby deflecting the liquid-laden flow in the circumferential direction U is reinforced. In particular, the acceleration of the liquid-laden flow in the radial direction R is thereby increased. In FIG. 10, the radius of curvature Ki, Ka is reduced in the radial direction R. In particular, the radius of curvature Ki, Ka is changed, in particular reduced, in the direction of flow L, R.

The flow direction L, R can be understood to mean the longitudinal axis flow direction L and / or the radial direction R. In the embodiment shown, the flow direction L, R is defined both by the longitudinal axis flow direction L and by the radial direction R. This results in particular from the fact that the flow guide body 3 has a conical surface 5 which widens in the direction of flow L in the longitudinal axis. As a result, the liquid-laden flow flowing towards the flow guide body 3 in the longitudinal axis flow direction L is deflected in the radial direction, so that the flow direction L, R extends both in the longitudinal axis flow direction L and in the radial direction R. In the preferred embodiment shown, the is reduced Radius of curvature Ki, Ka both in the longitudinal axis flow direction L and in the radial direction R.

FIG. 1 shows that the radius of curvature Ki, Ka decreases in the direction of flow L along the longitudinal axis. This results in particular from the fact that the guide vanes 15 extend along the conical jacket surface 5 of the flow guide body 3.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 10, the at least one guide vane 15 can extend from a flow intake section 105 to a flow discharge section 107 in the direction of flow L, R. The flow receiving section 105 is defined in particular by a region of the guide vane 15 which extends over at least 5%, 10% or 20% of the extent of the guide vane 15 in the direction of flow L, R. The flow discharge section 107 is defined in particular by a region of the guide vanes 15 which extends over at least 5%, 10% or 20% of the extent of the guide vane in the direction of flow L, R.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 10, the flow receiving section 105 is in particular that section of the guide vane 15 at which the liquid-laden flow in the radial direction R first comes into contact with the guide vane 15. The flow discharge section 107 is in particular the section of the guide vane 15 at which the liquid-discharged flow and / or the separated liquid leaves the guide vane 15 in the radial direction R.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 11, the inconsistent radius of curvature Ki, Ka of the at least one guide vane according to the second aspect of the invention can be combined with the concavely curved conical surface 5 according to the first aspect of the invention and vice versa. In FIG. 11, the at least one guide vane 15 protrudes from the flow guide body 3 in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction L. Furthermore, the guide vane 15 is curved in the circumferential direction U in a spiral shape, in particular in a helical shape, about the longitudinal axis 9. This spiral curvature around the longitudinal axis 9 is in the preferred embodiment shown here with a helical curvature around the Longitudinal axis 9 superimposed. This results in particular from the fact that the guide vanes extend along the conical surface 5.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 11, the extension of the guide vanes 15 in the flow direction L, R can increase in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction L. In particular, the extension of the guide vanes 15 in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction L can increase at the flow delivery section 107, in particular by at least 40%, 60%, 80% or 100% compared to the flow receiving section 105.

In particular, the guide vanes 15 on the flow delivery section 107 can merge into axial stops 55 in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction L. In particular, the axial stops 55 can extend in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction L by at least 40%, 60%, 80% or 100% of the upstream extent of the guide vanes 15 beyond them. In particular, as a result of the extension of the guide vanes 15 in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction L, guide vane surfaces 39 are formed at which the separated liquid can be discharged. The size of the guide vane surfaces 39 can also be referred to as the window cross section. In particular, by extending the guide vanes 15 in the opposite direction to the longitudinal axis flow direction L, the flow channels 37 extending between two guide vanes 15 can enlarge, which in particular can lead to an increased degree of separation.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 11, the flow guide body 3 and the at least one guide vane, in particular apart from the latching lug 111, are free of undercuts along the longitudinal axis 9.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 11, latching lugs 111 can be formed on the guide vanes 15 to form a latching mechanism. In particular, the latching lugs 111 can be formed alternately in the circumferential direction U, in particular on every second guide vane 15. As indicated schematically by the dashed line 113 in FIG. 11, the latching lugs 111 for forming the latching mechanism can be supported on a wall section 115 of a housing or a feed line 29, as described in detail below. As can be seen in particular from FIG. N, the guide vanes 15 are arranged distributed around the longitudinal axis 9 at equidistant intervals in the circumferential direction U. The distance in the circumferential direction U between adjacent guide vanes 15 increases in the flow direction L, R.

A centrifugal separator 1 according to the third aspect of the invention is shown by way of example in FIG. The longitudinal axis 9 of the flow guide body 3 extends therein parallel to the axis of gravity and is thus inclined by less than 30 ⁰ , 15 ⁰ or 5 ⁰ with respect to the gravitational axis. The centrifugal separator 1 comprises a feed line 29 and a discharge line 33. The feed line 29 extends around a feed axis 27 which is aligned parallel to the axis of gravity and to the longitudinal axis 9. The discharge line 33 extends around a discharge axis 31 which is aligned parallel to the axis of gravity and to the longitudinal axis 9. In particular, the longitudinal axis 9, the feed axis 27 and the discharge axis 31 are aligned coaxially to one another. Furthermore, the centrifugal separator 1 in FIG. 12 comprises a baffle wall 117 which extends around a baffle wall axis 119. The baffle wall axis 119 is aligned parallel to the gravitational axis and to the longitudinal axis 9. In particular, the baffle wall axis 119 is aligned coaxially to the longitudinal axis 9. Furthermore, the centrifugal separator 1 according to FIG. 12 comprises a liquid conducting jacket 17 which extends around a jacket axis 19. The jacket axis 19 is aligned parallel to the gravitational axis and to the longitudinal axis 9. In particular, the jacket axis 19 extends coaxially to the longitudinal axis 9. Furthermore, the centrifugal separator 1 according to FIG. 12 comprises a drainage chamber 121 which is delimited in the radial direction R on the inside by the baffle wall 117 and on the outside by the liquid guide jacket 17. Furthermore, the centrifugal separator 1 according to FIG. 12 comprises a collecting basin 23 which is inclined in relation to the horizontal H in the gravitational direction G. In particular, the collecting basin 23 is inclined towards a liquid outlet opening 123.

A liquid-laden flow flowing in the longitudinal axis flow direction L onto the flow guide body 3 is accelerated in the radial direction R due to the concavely shaped conical surface 5. In addition, the liquid-laden flow is deflected in the circumferential direction U by the guide vanes 15, which are curved in the circumferential direction U about the longitudinal axis 9, and accelerated in the radial direction R by the centrifugal force that occurs in the process. The drainage chamber 121 is formed radially on the outside of the flow guide body 3. The drainage chamber 121 has, in the direction opposite to the gravitational direction G, a liquid passage opening 125 spaced apart from the flow guide body 3 in order to discharge the separated liquid in the radial direction R into the drainage chamber 121. The baffle wall 119 extends opposite to the direction of gravity G from the flow guide body 3 to the liquid passage opening 125 in order to drive the separated liquid opposite to the direction of gravity G from the flow guide body 3 to the liquid passage opening 125.

The flow teaching body 3 is oriented in such a way that the longitudinal axis flow direction L is oriented upstream and downstream of the flow guide body 3 opposite to the gravitational direction G. The baffle wall 117 extends in the shape of a hollow cylinder around the flow guide body 3. In particular, the baffle wall 117 extends in a hollow cylinder shape with a diameter that increases opposite to the direction of gravity G around the longitudinal axis 9. Furthermore, the baffle wall 117 is designed in the radial direction R at such a distance from the flow guide body 3 that a R is formed on the inside by the flow guide body 3 and on the outside by the baffle wall 117 limited flow channel 127, in which the liquid can be discharged in the radial direction R on the outside via the baffle 117 to the liquid passage opening 125 and the liquid-charged flow in the radial direction R on the inside can be discharged to a discharge line 33 .

The drainage chamber 121 is delimited on the radially inside by the impact wall 117. As a result, the drainage chamber 121 is fluidly shielded from the flow guide body 3 in the gravitational direction G between the liquid passage opening 125 and the flow guide body 3. In particular, the baffle wall 117 extends in the gravitational direction G from the liquid passage opening 125 at least as far as the flow guide body 3, in particular beyond the flow discharge section 107 of the flow guide body.

The drainage chamber 121 is delimited radially on the outside by the liquid conducting jacket 17. In particular, the liquid conducting jacket 17 extends in the shape of a hollow cylinder around the longitudinal axis 9. The drainage chamber 121 is spaced apart from the baffle wall 117 in the radial direction R. Furthermore, the drainage chamber 121 extends in the gravitational direction G from the liquid passage opening 125 at least up to the flow guide body 3, in particular beyond the flow guide body 3.

The drainage chamber 121 extends in the gravitational direction G from the liquid passage opening 125 to a liquid outlet opening 123 in order to guide the separated liquid downstream of the liquid passage opening 125 to the liquid outlet opening 123 using the force of gravity. The drainage chamber 121 extends beyond the flow guide body 3 to the liquid outlet opening 123, which is formed in the gravitational direction G below the flow guide body 3. Downstream of the liquid passage opening 125, in particular at a distance from the liquid passage opening 125 in the direction of gravity, the drainage chamber 121 has a collecting basin 23 inclined with respect to the horizontal H. The collecting basin 23 extends in the shape of a perforated disk around the supply line 29. The collecting basin 23 is inclined in relation to the horizontal H in the gravitational direction to the liquid outlet opening 123 in order to drive the separated liquid to the liquid outlet opening 123 using the force of gravity.

The liquid passage opening 125 extends annularly between the baffle wall 117 and the liquid guide jacket 17. In particular, the baffle wall 117 is curved at its axial end in the direction of longitudinal axis flow L in a collar-like manner towards the liquid passage opening 125. In the direction opposite to the direction of gravity G, at a distance from the liquid passage opening 125, an end wall 129 extends inward from the liquid duct jacket 17 in the radial direction R. The end wall 129 extends between the liquid duct jacket 17 and the discharge line 33.

In particular, the liquid conducting jacket 17 goes over the end wall 129 in

Radial direction R inward into the discharge line 33. In particular, the end wall 129 extends in the shape of a perforated disk between the discharge line 33 and the liquid conduction jacket 17. In particular, through the end wall 129, it is possible to enter the

Liquid flowing in the opposite direction of gravitation G.

Direction of gravity G are deflected. In particular, the baffle wall 117, the end wall 129 and the liquid guide jacket 17 form a labyrinth guide, via which the separated liquid can be guided into the drainage chamber 121 via a U-shaped flow path. The arrows 131 shown on the flow discharge section 107 indicate how the liquid-discharged flow and / or the separated liquid can leave the flow guide body 3 at the flow discharge section 107 in the radial direction R. The arrow 133 shown in the gravitational direction G below the flow guide body 3 is intended to represent, by way of example, the liquid-laden flow flowing towards the flow receiving section 105.

Figure 13, Figures 14 and 15 and Figures 16 and 17 show three embodiments of a centrifugal separator 1 according to the fourth aspect of the invention. The flow guide body 3 extends therein along a longitudinal axis 9 inclined by 90 ° with respect to the direction of gravitation G. Downstream of the flow guide body 3, a feed line 29 inclined by 90 ° to the direction of gravity G is formed. In the gravitational direction G below the flow guide body 3, a collecting basin 23 is formed which tapers in the shape of a funnel to a liquid outlet opening 123 in order to guide separated liquid to the liquid outlet opening 123 using the force of gravity.

The flow guide body 3 is designed to accelerate a liquid-laden flow flowing towards the flow guide body 3 in the longitudinal axis flow direction L from a flow receiving section 105 to a flow output section 107 in the radial direction R. For this purpose, the flow guide body 3 according to the first aspect of the invention has a concavely shaped conical surface 5. Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the invention, the flow guide body 3 has twelve guide vanes 15 which are curved in the circumferential direction U about the longitudinal axis 9 in order to deflect the liquid-laden flow in the circumferential direction U and to accelerate it in the radial direction R by means of the centrifugal force that arises. The liquid-laden flow is accelerated in the radial direction R from the flow intake section 105 to the flow discharge section 107.

In embodiments with a conical lateral surface 5 that widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction L, the flow discharge section 107 is defined by the axially widened end section in the longitudinal axis flow direction L of the conical lateral surface 5. In particular, the flow discharge section 107 is designed as an annular tear-off edge over which the liquid-discharged flow and / or the separated Liquid, as shown by the arrows 131 on the flow discharge section 107, leaves the flow guide body 3 in the radial direction R.

In embodiments with at least one curved guide vane 15, the flow discharge section 107 can be defined by the section of the guide vane 15 via which the liquid-discharged flow and / or the separated liquid leaves the at least one guide vane 15.

In the preferred embodiment, in which both guide vanes 15 and a conical surface 5 that widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction L are formed, the flow discharge section 107, as shown for example in FIG. 13, is formed in particular by the axial end section in the longitudinal axis flow direction L of the conical surface 5.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 15 and FIG. 17, the centrifugal separator 1 according to the fourth aspect of the invention comprises a liquid passage opening 125 which partially surrounds the flow discharge section 105 in the circumferential direction U in order to discharge separated liquid to a drainage chamber 121. Surrounding the flow discharge section 107 is to be understood in particular as meaning that the liquid passage opening 125 is formed at the axial height of the flow discharge section 107. Surrounding in sections in the circumferential direction is to be understood in particular to mean that the liquid passage opening extends in the circumferential direction U around the flow delivery section 107, in contrast to a frontal liquid passage opening.

The centrifugal separator 1 also has a liquid conduction jacket 17 which surrounds the flow discharge section 107 in sections in the circumferential direction U in order to deflect liquid leaving the flow discharge section 107 in the radial direction R in the circumferential direction U to the liquid passage opening 125. The extension around the flow discharge section 107 is to be understood in particular as meaning that the liquid conducting jacket 17 is formed at the axial height of the flow discharge section 107. Under the sections extend around the

The flow discharge section 107 is to be understood in particular as the fact that the liquid conducting jacket 17 does not extend completely around the circumferential direction Flow discharge portion 107 extends. Rather, the circumferential extension of the liquid conducting jacket is interrupted by the liquid passage opening 125.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 13, FIG. 15 and FIG. 17, the liquid conducting jacket 17 is curved in sections in the circumferential direction U around the longitudinal axis L. In particular, the liquid conducting jacket 17 extends in a U-shape with jacket legs 135 extending to the passage opening 125. In particular, the jacket legs 135 extend parallel to one another, as shown in particular in FIG. 15 and FIG.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 17, the liquid conducting jacket 17 can merge in the circumferential direction U into the liquid passage opening 125. In particular, two jacket legs 135 spaced apart from the land in the circumferential direction can delimit the liquid passage opening 125 in the circumferential direction U. As shown by way of example in FIG. 15, the liquid passage opening 125, proceeding from the casing legs 135, can be reduced in the circumferential direction by step sections 137 extending inward in the radial direction R.

By partially surrounding the flow delivery section 107 with the liquid conduction jacket 17 and the liquid passage opening 125, liquid discharged in the radial direction R from the flow discharge section 107 can be deflected via the liquid conduction jacket 17 in the circumferential direction U to the liquid passage opening 125. In this case, the liquid can be deflected around this in the circumferential direction U, in particular in the radial direction R at a distance from the flow delivery section 107, as can be seen for example in FIG.

The longitudinal axis 9 of the flow guide body 3 is inclined by 90 ° and thus by more than 60 °, 75 ° or 85 ° with respect to the axis of gravity. Furthermore, the liquid guide jacket 17 extends around a jacket axis 19, which is also inclined by 90 ° to the axis of gravity.

The liquid guide jacket 17 extends in sections in the gravitational direction G above the longitudinal axis 9 around the flow guide body 3. In particular, the liquid guide jacket 17 completely surrounds the flow guide body 3 above the longitudinal axis 9 in the circumferential direction U. The liquid passage opening 125 is in Direction of gravity G formed below the longitudinal axis 9 and below the flow guide body 3. As a result, liquid leaving the flow discharge section 107 in the gravitational direction G above the longitudinal axis 9 can be caught by the liquid guide jacket 17 and deflected in the circumferential direction U around the flow guide body 3 to the liquid passage opening 125. In particular, the gravitational force can be used to carry away the separated liquid to the liquid passage opening 125.

The liquid guide jacket 17 extends in the radial direction R at such a distance from the flow guide body 3 around the longitudinal axis 9 that a flow channel 127 is formed which is delimited on the inside in the radial direction R by the flow guide body 3 and on the outside by the liquid guide jacket 17, via which the liquid in the radial direction R on the outside via the Liquid conduction jacket 17 can be discharged to the liquid passage opening 125 and the liquid-discharged flow can be discharged in the radial direction R on the inside to a discharge line 33. In particular, the discharge line extends around a discharge axis 31 which is inclined at 90 ° to the axis of gravity. In particular, the supply line 29 extends around a supply axis 27 which is inclined at 90 ° to the axis of gravity.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 13 and FIG. 16, an end wall 129 can extend inward in the radial direction from the end section of the liquid conducting jacket 17 in the direction of longitudinal axis flow L. With the end wall 129, in particular, liquid flowing in the longitudinal axis flow direction L can be captured and carried away along the liquid guide jacket 17 in the circumferential direction U around the flow discharge section 107 to the liquid passage opening 125. In particular, the end wall 129 can extend in a U-shape along the liquid guide jacket 17. In particular, the liquid conducting jacket 17 can each have an end wall 129 formed on its axial end sections. In particular, the liquid conducting jacket 17 is designed in the shape of a U-rail. In particular, the liquid conduction jacket 17 extends in a U-rail shape around the flow discharge section 107. In particular, the end wall 129 is spaced apart from the flow discharge section 107 in the longitudinal axis flow direction L. In particular, as shown in FIG. 13, the end wall 129 merges in the direction of longitudinal axis flow L into a further liquid conduction jacket 139. In particular, the further liquid conduction jacket 139 has flow passage openings 141 in order to discharge the liquid-discharged flow to the discharge line 31. In particular, the flow passage openings 141 are circular in the further liquid conduction jacket 139.

In particular, the liquid conduction jacket 17 can merge into a cylindrical feed line 29 with latching receptacles 143 opposite to the flow direction L. In particular, the latching receptacles 143 form a latching mechanism with the latching lugs 111 described above. Via the locking mechanism, the

Flow guide bodies are connected to the housing, in particular to the feed line 29, in a rotationally fixed manner in both directions of rotation in the circumferential direction U.

As shown in particular in FIG. 14, the liquid guide jacket 17, in particular the jacket legs 135, can have further guide vanes 145 via which the degree of separation of the centrifugal separator 1 can be increased in particular. The further guide vanes 145 formed on the liquid guide jacket 17 can in particular extend in a straight line, in particular along the jacket legs 135.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 15, the flow guide body 3 can have a latching mechanism 147 at its axial end in the longitudinal axis flow direction L for fastening the flow guide body 3 to the housing 149 of the

Have centrifugal separator 1. The locking mechanism 147 can in particular have webs 151 extending in the radial direction, via which the

Flow guide body 3 can be connected to the housing 149.

As shown in particular in FIG. 16, the supply line 29 can merge in the longitudinal axis flow direction L into a conical section 153 which widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction L. In particular, the conical section 153 can be convexly shaped. In particular, the conical section 153 can have a cylindrical latching receiving section 155 at its axial end in the longitudinal axis flow direction L for forming the latching mechanism with latching lugs 111 formed on the guide vanes 15.

The features disclosed in the above description, the figures and the claims can be important both individually and in any combination for implementing the invention in various configurations. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS l centrifugal separator

3 flow guide bodies

5, 5 ‘conical surface

7 arch section

9 longitudinal axis

left guide nose

13 cylinder section

15, 15 'guide vanes

17 Liquid jacket

19 jacket axis

21 Funnel jacket surface / downstream end of the liquid guide jacket

23 catch basins

25 Liquid outlet

27 feed axis

29 Feed line

31 discharge axis

33 Drainage pipe

37 flow channel

37 “flow channel sections

39 guide vane surface

41 axial end

43 guide vane thickness

45 radial extension guide nose

47 Radial extension of the conical surface

49 Wall of liquid jacket

51 upstream end of the liquid duct

53 saddle point

55 axial stop

57 Holding Section

59 Recess of the holding section

59 'Recess of the holding means receptacle

61 holding means Holding means receptacle

Counter bearing

upper case half

lower case half

Drainage slope

Fuel cell system

Fuel cell

Line system

Hydrogen tank

Oxygen supply / air supply

electrical component

Product flow / liquid-laden flow

water particle discharged electricity

Stream of separated water particles

Cooling water circuit

Device for determining the electrical conductivity of electrically conductive water

Heat exchanger

chilled cooling water

dashed circle

Flow receiving section

Flow discharge section

Locking lug

dashed line

Wall section

Baffle

Baffle axis

Drainage chamber

Liquid outlet opening

Liquid passage opening

Flow channel

Front wall

Arrows

arrow

Coat thigh

Step section

another liquid jacket 141 flow passage opening

143 snap shots

145 more guide vanes

147 locking mechanism

149 housing

151 bridge

153 cone section

155 cylindrical locking receiving section

L longitudinal axis flow direction

R radial direction

U circumferential direction

G direction of gravity

H horizontal

a angle

Claims

Expectations

1. Centrifugal separator (l) for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden stream, comprising a one extending along a longitudinal axis (9)

Flow guide body (3) with a concave-shaped conical surface (5), which widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction (L) to the

Flow guide body (3) to deflect inflowing liquid-laden stream in the radial direction (R) to the longitudinal axis (9).

2. centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the conical surface (5),

preferably the flow guide body (3) is rotationally shaped, preferably rotationally symmetrical.

3. centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the concave-shaped

Conical surface (5) in cross section forms at least one arc section (7), preferably over an angle of at least 15 ⁰ , 3o ⁰ , 45 ⁰ , 6o ° or 75 ⁰ , whereby in cross section preferably two arc sections extending in particular mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal axis (1) (7) are formed.

4. centrifugal separator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Flow guide body (3) at least one, preferably 2 to 20, 4 to 18, 6 to 16 or 8 to 14, guide vanes (15) for deflecting the on the longitudinal axis (9)

having flowing stream in the circumferential direction (U) to the longitudinal axis (9).

5. centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one guide vane is curved in the circumferential direction (U) about the longitudinal axis (9) and preferably has a radius of curvature which decreases in the radial direction (R).

6. centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one

Guide vane (15) orthogonally adjoins the conical surface (5) and / or protrudes from the conical surface (5) in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction (L) and / or extends along the conical surface (5) in the radial direction (R) and in the circumferential direction ( U) extends.

7. centrifugal separator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow guide body (3) is located along the longitudinal axis (9)

extending guide nose (11), wherein preferably the conical surface (5) and / or the at least one guide vane (15) in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction (L) merges into the guide nose (11), in particular forms this, and / or preferably the Guide nose (11) has a further concavely shaped conical surface (5 ″) which preferably adjoins the conical surface (5) in the radial direction (R).

8. centrifugal separator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

The longitudinal axis (9) of the flow guide body (3) is inclined by less than 45 ⁰ , 30 ° or 15 ⁰ to the gravitational direction (G), preferably parallel to the gravitational direction (G).

9. centrifugal separator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further

comprising a liquid guide jacket (17) surrounding the flow guide body (3) and extending along a jacket axis (19) for conveying the separated liquid, wherein preferably the liquid guide jacket (17)

is partially hollow-cylindrical and / or the jacket axis (19) extends along, preferably parallel, the longitudinal axis (9) and / or has a concave-shaped funnel jacket surface (21) which widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction (L).

10. Centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 9, wherein the liquid jacket (17) has at least one, preferably 2 to 20, 4 to 18, 6 to 16 or 8 to 14, further guide vanes (15 ") for deflecting the liquid guide jacket (17 ) flowing stream in

Has circumferential direction (U) to the jacket axis (19).

11. centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one further

Guide vane (15 ″) orthogonally adjoins the liquid guide jacket (17) and / or protrudes from the liquid guide jacket (17) in the direction opposite to the radial direction (R) and / or extends along the liquid guide jacket (17) in

Longitudinal axis flow direction (L) and extends in the radial direction (R).

12. centrifugal separator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further

comprising a feed line (29) which feeds the liquid-laden stream along a feed axis (27) to the flow guide body (3) and a feed line The discharge line (33) discharging the liquid-discharged stream along a discharge axis (31), the discharge line (33) discharging the flow guide body (3), the feed axis (27) and / or the discharge axis (31) inclined by at least 3o ⁰ , 45 ⁰ or 6o ° to the longitudinal axis (9) extends, preferably extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (9), and / or wherein the feed axis (27) and the discharge axis (31) extend parallel to one another and are preferably offset from one another in the longitudinal axis flow direction (L).

13. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further

comprising a collecting basin (23) for collecting the separated liquid, preferably the collecting basin (23) downstream of the

Flow guide body (3) is arranged and / or wherein the collecting basin (23) is arranged in the gravitational direction (G) below the flow guide body (3) and / or wherein the collecting basin (23) has a liquid outlet (25) for dispensing the separated liquid to the environment or on a liquid circuit which is preferably arranged in the gravitational direction (G) in the lower area, in particular at the deepest point, of the collecting basin (23).

14. Centrifugal separator (1) in particular according to one of the preceding claims for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden stream, comprising:

a flow guide body (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (9); and

at least one guide vane (15) curved around the longitudinal axis (9) with an inconstant radius of curvature (Ki, Ka) for deflecting an in

Longitudinal axis flow direction (L) on the at least one guide vane (15) flowing stream in the circumferential direction (U) to the longitudinal axis (9).

15. Centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 14, wherein the radius of curvature (Ki, Ka) changes, in particular decreases, in the flow direction (L, R), in particular in the longitudinal axis flow direction (L) and / or in the radial direction (R).

16. Centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one guide vane (15) extends in the flow direction (L, R) from one

A flow receiving section (105) extends to a flow output section (107), wherein the radius of curvature (Ki, K _a ) changes from the flow receiving section (105) to the flow discharge section (107) by at least 30%, 45% or 60%, in particular reduced, and / or

the radius of curvature (Ki, K _a ) on the flow receiving section (105) at least 70%, 80% or 90% and / or at the flow discharge section (107) at most 60%, 50% or 40% of the extension of the at least one guide vane transversely, in particular orthogonally , to the longitudinal axis (9).

17. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the

The flow guide body (3) has a conical surface (5) which widens in the longitudinal axis flow direction (L), in particular a concave shape, and / or wherein the at least one guide vane (15) projects from the flow guide body (3), in particular in the direction of the longitudinal axis flow (L)

protrudes in the opposite direction, and / or extends in the radial direction (R) from a flow intake section (105) to a flow discharge section (107) and / or is curved in the circumferential direction (U) about the longitudinal axis (9) and / or the radius of curvature (Ki, K _a ) becomes smaller in the radial direction (R).

18. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, 10 to 11 or 14 to 17, wherein the at least one guide vane (15) in the direction opposite to the longitudinal axis flow direction (L) by at least 10%, 20%, 30% or 35% of the radial extent of the at least one guide vane (15) protrudes.

19. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, 10 to 11 or 14 to 18, wherein the at least one guide vane (15) at least 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 and / or at most 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 35 has guide vanes (15), in particular wherein the guide vanes (15) are arranged and / or distributed in particular equidistantly in the circumferential direction (U) around the longitudinal axis (9)

the distance in the circumferential direction (U) between adjacent guide vanes (15) increases in the radial direction (R).

20. Centrifugal separator (1) in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden stream, comprising:

a flow guide body (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (9) for accelerating a flow direction (L) onto the longitudinal axis

Flow guide body (3) inflowing liquid-laden stream in the radial direction

(R);

a drainage chamber (121) which is formed radially on the outside of the flow guide body and has a liquid passage opening (125) to allow the separated liquid in

Discharge in the radial direction (R) into the drainage chamber (121);

one opposite to the direction of gravity (G) from that

Flow guide body (3) to the liquid passage opening (125) extending baffle wall (117) in order to drive the separated liquid opposite to the direction of gravity (G) from the flow guide body (3) to the liquid passage opening (125).

21. centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 20, wherein the longitudinal axis (9) of the

Flow guide body (3) by less than 30 °, 15 ⁰ or 5 ⁰ compared to the

Gravitational axis is inclined, in particular wherein the flow guide body (3) is oriented such that the longitudinal axis flow direction (L) upstream and / or downstream of the flow guide body (3) opposite to

Direction of gravity (G) is aligned in order to flow through the flow guide body (3) opposite to the direction of gravity (G).

22. Centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the baffle wall (117) extends around a baffle wall axis (119) inclined by less than 30 °, 15 ⁰ or 5 ⁰ relative to the longitudinal axis (9), which in particular extends parallel to Longitudinal axis (9) extends, and / or wherein the baffle wall (117) extends around a baffle wall axis (119) in a rotational manner, in particular in the shape of a hollow cylinder, in particular in a hollow cylinder shape with a diameter that increases opposite to the direction of gravity (G) and / or wherein the baffle wall (117) extends ) extends around the baffle wall axis (119) at such a distance from the flow guide body (3) in the radial direction (R) that a flow channel (127) is formed which is delimited in the radial direction (R) on the inside by the flow guide body (3) and on the outside by the baffle wall (117) , via which the liquid in the radial direction (R) on the outside over the deflector wall (117) can be discharged to the liquid passage opening (125) and the liquid-discharged flow can be discharged in the radial direction (R) on the inside to a discharge line (33).

23 centrifugal separator (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the

The drainage chamber (121) is delimited radially on the inside by the baffle wall (117) to the drainage chamber (121) in the gravitational direction (G) between the

Fluid passage opening (125) and the flow guide body (3) to be shielded fluidly from the flow guide body (3), and / or the baffle wall (117) extending in the gravitational direction (G) from the liquid passage opening (125) at least to the flow guide body (3).

24. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the

The drainage chamber (121) is delimited radially on the outside by a liquid-conducting jacket (17), in particular the liquid-conducting jacket (17) being rotationally, in particular hollow-cylindrical, and / or being spaced apart from the baffle wall (117) in the radial direction (R) and / or in Direction of gravity (G) extends from the liquid passage opening (125) at least to the flow guide body (3).

25. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the

Drainage chamber (121) extends from the liquid passage opening (125) in

Direction of gravity (G) extends to a liquid outlet opening (123) in order to guide the separated liquid downstream of the liquid passage opening (125) using the force of gravity to the liquid outlet opening (123), in particular wherein the drainage chamber (121) extends at least up to

The flow guide body (3), preferably beyond the flow guide body (3), extends to the liquid outlet opening (123) in order to discharge the separated liquid along the longitudinal axis (9) past the flow guide body (3).

26. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the

Drainage chamber (121) downstream of the liquid passage opening (125) an inclined relative to the horizontal (H) in the gravitational direction (G),

in particular at least 5 ^0, io °, 15 ⁰ or 20 ° inclined, has collecting basin (23), in particular perforated disc to a feed line (29) for supplying the liquid-laden stream to the flow guide body (3) and / or extends in the gravitational direction (G) at least at the axial height of the

Flow guide body (3), preferably below the flow guide body (3), is formed.

27. Centrifugal separator (1) in particular according to one of claims 1 to 19, for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden stream, comprising

one extending along a longitudinal axis (9) from a flow receiving section (105) to a flow output section (107)

Flow guide body (3) in order to separate a liquid-laden flow from the flow guide body (3) flowing in the longitudinal axis flow direction (L)

To accelerate the flow intake section (105) up to the flow discharge section (107) in the radial direction (R);

a liquid passage opening (125) which partially surrounds the flow discharge section (107) in the circumferential direction (U), in order to discharge separated liquid to a drainage chamber (121); and

one the flow discharge section (107) in the circumferential direction (U)

partially surrounding Liquidleitmantel (17) around the

To deflect the flow discharge section (107) leaving liquid in the radial direction (R) in the circumferential direction (U) to the liquid passage opening (125).

28. Centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 27, wherein the liquid conducting jacket (17) curves in sections in the circumferential direction (U) around the longitudinal axis (9), in particular in a U-shape with itself to the liquid passage opening (125)

extending jacket legs (i35) about the longitudinal axis (9) curves.

29. Centrifugal separator (1) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the liquid-conducting jacket (17) merges in the circumferential direction (U) into the liquid passage opening (125), in particular with two spaced apart in the circumferential direction (U)

Shell limbs (135) delimit the liquid passage opening (125) in the circumferential direction (U).

30. A centrifugal separator (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the longitudinal axis (9) is inclined by more than 6o °, 75 ⁰ or 85 ° with respect to the gravity axis and / or wherein the Liquidleitmantel (17) to a more extends as 6o °, 75 ⁰ or 85 ° with respect to the axis of gravity inclined jacket axis (19).

31. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the

Liquid guide jacket (17) extends at least in sections in the gravitational direction (G) above the longitudinal axis (9) around the flow guide body (3), in particular completely surrounds at least the part of the flow guide body (3) formed above the longitudinal axis (9) in the circumferential direction (U), and / or wherein the liquid passage opening (125) is formed in the gravitational direction (G) below the longitudinal axis (9), in particular below the flow guide body (3).

32. centrifugal separator (1) according to one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the

Liquidleitmantel (17) in the radial direction (R) so spaced from the

The flow guide body (3) extends around the longitudinal axis (9) so that an in

Radial direction (R) is formed on the inside by the flow guide body (3) and on the outside by the liquid guide jacket (17) flow channel (127), via which the liquid can be discharged in the radial direction (R) on the outside via the liquid guide jacket (17) to the liquid passage opening (125) and the liquid discharged stream can be discharged on the inside in the radial direction (R) to a discharge line (33).

33. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a latching mechanism for in particular releasably connecting the flow guide body (3) to a housing, in particular with a feed line (29) for supplying the liquid-laden stream to the flow guide body (3), in particular wherein the latching mechanism is designed in such a way that the flow guide body (3) can be connected to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner in both directions of rotation in the circumferential direction (U).

34. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising

at least one guide vane (15) curved around the longitudinal axis (9), in particular according to one of claims 4 to 7 or 14 to 19, for deflecting the in Longitudinal axis flow direction (L) onto the at least one guide vane (15) flowing liquid-laden stream in the circumferential direction (U) to the longitudinal axis (9), the at least one guide vane (15) being free of undercuts, in particular along the longitudinal axis (9).

35. Centrifugal separator (1) according to one of the preceding claims for separating liquid in the form of water, in particular distilled water, from a liquid-laden stream in the form of a water-laden stream, in particular from a water-laden anode stream or a cathode stream

Fuel cell, wherein at least one area of the centrifugal separator (1) designed for contact with the liquid-laden stream, in particular a

The flow guide body (3) and / or at least one guide vane (15) is made from material resistant to water, in particular distilled water, in particular from polyamide or from polypropylene.

36. A fuel cell system (73) for a motor vehicle, comprising a fuel cell (75) and a line system (77) arranged in a water particle (89) and designed according to one of the preceding claims

Centrifugal separator (1), the line system (77) preferably leading a water-laden product stream (85) of the fuel cell (74), the product stream (85) preferably having a volume flow of at least 501 / min, 1001 / min, 2001 / min or 4001 / min, particularly preferably from 600 1 / min to 1000 1 / min.

37. A fuel cell vehicle with a fuel cell system (73) according to claim 36.