EP4268967A1 - Cyclone separator for separating solids from a process stream - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) for separating solids from a process stream, comprising a process space (3) with a round cross-section, formed at least by a peripheral wall (2) and a cover (5), and a peripheral wall (2). an inlet port (4) breaking through for admitting the process stream into the process space (3) in the circumferential direction (U) of the process space (3), an outlet port (6) breaking through the cover (5) for leading the process stream out of the process space (3) in the axial direction (A) of the process space (3). According to a first aspect of the invention, it is provided that at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) of the peripheral wall (2) is designed to avoid solid adhesion (12.1, 12.2) on the wall section (2.1, 2.2) by means of elastic deformation (15, 16) of the wall section ( 2.1, 2.2) has a sufficiently small modulus of elasticity. The invention further relates to two methods for avoiding solid adhesion (12.1, 12.2) in a cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating solids from a process stream. The present invention also relates to two methods for avoiding solids adhesion in such a cyclone separator.

Background of the invention

Such cyclone separators are known from the prior art and are used, for example, to separate dust from process air. For this purpose, the process stream is guided into a process space with a round cross-section, in which it flows along a circumferential trajectory guided by a peripheral wall, so that solids are carried radially outwards by centrifugal force. The process stream is also guided axially in a first direction in the process space from an inlet to a deflection point, so that an overall helical trajectory results. At the deflection point, the process flow is then discharged in the axial direction opposite to the first direction to an outlet connection, whereby the solids can no longer follow the resulting deflection due to their inertia and fail.

The problem with previously known cyclone separators is that solids adhere to the inside of the peripheral wall. Solid adhesions formed in this way then represent flow resistance for the process stream and lead to an increased pressure loss in the cyclone separator. In particular, such solids adhesions also disrupt the trajectory that is important for solids separation, resulting in a deteriorated separation efficiency of the cyclone separator.

It is known from the prior art to remove such solid adhesions during inspections, but this is disadvantageously complex and requires an interruption in the operation of the cyclone separator. In addition, an increasing deterioration in the pressure loss and the separation efficiency must then be accepted until the revision is carried out. The solutions known from the prior art are not satisfactory in this respect.

Description of the invention

Based on this situation, it is an object of the present invention to reduce, and in particular to completely avoid, solid adhesions in a cyclone separator.

The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent main claims. Advantageous refinements are specified in the subclaims. If technically possible, the teachings of the subclaims can be combined as desired with the teachings of the main and subclaims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a cyclone separator for separating solids from a process stream, having a process space which is round in cross section and is formed at least by a peripheral wall and a cover, and an inlet connection which breaks through the peripheral wall for admitting the process stream into the process space Circumferential direction of the process space, an outlet port breaking through the cover for leading the process stream out of the process space in the axial direction of the process space, wherein at least a section of the circumferential wall has a sufficiently small modulus of elasticity to avoid solids adhering to the wall section by means of elastic deformation of the section.

Advantages of the claimed aspects of the invention are explained below and preferred modified embodiments of the aspects of the invention are described further below. Explanations, especially regarding advantages and definitions of features, are essentially descriptive and preferred, but not limiting, examples. If an explanation is limiting, this will be expressly mentioned.

A cyclone separator is understood to be a device in which, by guiding a mainly gaseous process stream along a helical trajectory, a separating force is generated on solids and/or liquids contained in the process stream and the solids or liquids are separated, in particular by redirecting the process stream. A helix shape is also and in particular understood to mean a helix shape with an outer diameter that tapers at least in some areas. In such a cyclone separator, in particular dust, chips or abrasion, for example from a machining process, can be separated from a gas stream such as an air or protective gas stream.

A circumferential wall is then understood to be a wall that corresponds to a geometric envelope of such a helical shape. The peripheral wall can be cylindrical over axial areas and/or conical over axial areas. In particular, the peripheral wall is cylindrical in a region of the inlet connection and conical in a region axially spaced therefrom. A cover is placed at a head end of the round circumferential wall as the end of the process space there, in particular at a head end in the area of the inlet port, in which the circumferential wall is cylindrical.

Avoiding the adhesion of solids means both that the adhesion of solids is prevented and that existing solid adhesions are removed. Solid adhesion occurs, for example, because solids are held mechanically or because there is something else between the solids and the peripheral wall Binding force exists, for example an electrostatic, magnetic or chemical binding force.

The first aspect of the invention now includes the teaching that the peripheral wall is designed to be elastic at least in a wall section. In the wall section, the peripheral wall therefore has a combination of material and geometry, which allows the wall section to be elastically deformed without experiencing damage, in particular without experiencing plastic deformation. Such a deformation is possible to such an extent that it allows solids to be removed from the inside of the wall section. As a result of the deformation, a relative movement is generated between the wall section and the solid of the solid adhesion, by means of which a binding force between the solid and the wall section is dissolved or superimposed. In particular, solids are accelerated away from the wall section during the deformation. The relative movement can also be designed in such a way that it is made difficult or impossible for a solid to adhere to the wall section, for example by periodically deforming the wall section at a sufficiently high frequency. Due to the aforementioned design of the cyclone separator, it is advantageously possible to avoid solid adhesions, in particular not to allow them to form and/or to detach them from the wall section if they exist, without the need to interrupt the operation of the cyclone separator. For example, the wall section can be deformed from the outside, for example at certain regular intervals. In the simplest case, the cyclone separator can be deformed manually from the outside, but appropriate means, in particular automated means, can preferably be provided for this purpose. Deforming the wall section makes it possible to avoid solid adhesion in a very simple manner. Furthermore, a wall section designed to be elastic according to the first aspect of the invention results in reduced noise emissions during operation of the cyclone separator.

The wall section can, for example, be arranged in an area of the peripheral wall in which solids are expected to adhere. In one embodiment, the wall section is formed by the entire peripheral wall. Solid adhesion on the entire circumferential wall is then advantageously avoided and it is ensured that the helical trajectory can form along the entire circumferential wall without interference and with minimal pressure loss.

Particularly preferably, the at least one wall section is made of a plastic. Plastics can be easily formed into a wall section or an entire peripheral wall and advantageously have a sufficiently low modulus of elasticity, for example in the range of approximately 0.4 - 3 gigapascals. In addition, plastics have good resistance to a variety of substances and can be designed with a high surface quality, so that a smooth surface with low flow resistance is possible on the inside of the wall section. Plastics can also be coated in a variety of ways, so that a coated surface can also be formed on the inside of the wall section. The wall section is preferably made of an elastomer or a thermoplastic, such as a rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride. In an alternative embodiment, the wall section is formed from a composite material, in particular comprising at least one plastic. The composite material is preferably formed from a plastic and at least one fiber or at least one textile.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one wall section has a modulus of elasticity less than or equal to 5 gigapascals. With a usual geometric design of a circumferential wall, such a modulus of elasticity allows elastic deformation to an extent at which solid adhesion is reliably avoided. Particularly preferably, the wall section has a modulus of elasticity less than or equal to 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, or 0.5 gigapascal in order to ensure the simplest possible deformation and thus To avoid solid adhesion. In particular, a material with a modulus of elasticity is selected which, with a predetermined or selected geometry of the wall section, in particular with a predetermined or selected wall thickness of the wall section, enables simple and sufficient deformation and at the same time sufficient stability. Sufficient stability is provided in particular if the wall section is suitable for guiding the process flow along the helical trajectory.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one wall section has a sufficiently low elastic modulus to stimulate deformations of the wall section by means of the process stream. The process stream flowing along the wall section then itself generates a deformation on the wall section, so that the cyclone separator avoids solids adhering to the wall section simply through its operation. In one embodiment, the deformations are generated using the process stream with a continuous process stream. In an alternative embodiment, means are also provided which impose a pressure variation or mass flow variation on the process stream in order to generate, reinforce or generally influence corresponding deformations of the wall section. In particular, the wall section is intended or set up to be periodically deformed by the process stream.

In a further embodiment, the cyclone separator has means for generating deformations of the at least one wall section by means of mechanical pressure. For example, such means can be designed as rollers which are intended to roll along an outside of the wall section. These means, for example, automatically and periodically generate a deformation on the wall section and/or are intended for manual operation.

In a further embodiment, the cyclone separator has means for generating deformations of the at least one wall section using sound, in particular using ultrasound. For example, as such a means, at least one sound probe, in particular an ultrasonic probe, is arranged on the outside of the wall section, which stimulates the wall section to deform by generated sound. Such a deformation is stimulated automatically and/or periodically, for example. A sound frequency is particularly preferably matched to a resonance frequency of the wall section.

In yet another embodiment, an inner side of the circumferential wall facing the process space is designed to be at least partially electrically conductive and grounded. This prevents electrically charged solid particles from adhering to the wall section due to their charge and/or potential differences. In the case of a wall section made of plastic, these properties can be achieved, for example, by a coating.

The cyclone separator preferably has an immersion tube which extends from the outlet connection in the axial direction into the process space. Such a dip tube brings about an efficient separation of a helical flow running in a first direction and a flow directed counter to the first direction after a deflection.

Furthermore, the cyclone separator preferably has a guide means which extends in the middle of the process space in the axial direction, in particular a guide rod or a guide tube. By means of such a guide means, it is achieved that a flow directed against the first direction is guided after a deflection, so that turbulence and thus flow resistance in this flow section are or will be reduced. The guide means and therefore also the flow directed counter to the first direction extends in particular radially within the helical trajectory of the flow before a deflection. The conductive means particularly preferably extends in axial direction over the entire process space and is also preferably cylindrical.

The peripheral wall is preferably conical over at least part of its axial extent. The process stream is then guided to a deflection point along a narrowing trajectory.

In one embodiment, the inlet port has a slot-shaped extension in the axial direction of the process space. In this way, a dynamic pressure can be reduced compared to a non-slot-shaped geometry, for example a square geometry. In particular, the inlet port extends in the axial direction entirely over a cylindrical region of the peripheral wall, with a conical region of the peripheral wall extending immediately adjacent to the cylindrical region.

In a further embodiment, the cyclone separator has a solids outlet arranged at one end of the process space for removing solids from the process space. In this way, solids and, in particular, detached solid adhesions can be removed from the process space. The outlet opening is designed to be closable, for example, with a flap in order to separate the process space from the environment.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for avoiding solid adhesion in a previously described cyclone separator, wherein the at least one wall section is stimulated to deform by the process flow, in particular to periodic deformation. The wall section is, for example, designed to be so elastic that a deformation is induced there even with a constant process flow. Additionally or alternatively, a pressure variation or mass flow variation can also be imposed on the process flow in order to cause and/or influence a deformation of the wall section. With a method according to the second aspect of the invention, the advantage can be achieved that solid adherence in the wall section is avoided.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for avoiding solids adhesion in a previously described cyclone separator, wherein the at least one wall section is deformed, in particular periodically deformed, by means for generating deformations of the at least one wall section. Such means are in particular mechanical means, such as rollers or air cushions, or means for generating sound, such as an ultrasound probe. The advantage can also be achieved with a method according to the third aspect of the invention that solids adhesions in the wall section are avoided.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred exemplary embodiments. The wording figure is abbreviated to Fig. in the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Zyklonabscheiders gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine Querschnittansicht des Zyklonabscheiders gemäß dem Schnitt B-B aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3a

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Zyklonabscheiders gemäß einem weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung; und

Fig. 3b

eine weitere schematische Schnittansicht des Zyklonabscheiders gemäß Fig. 3a.

Show in the drawings

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of a cyclone separator according to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Fig. 2

a cross-sectional view of the cyclone separator according to section BB Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3a

a schematic sectional view of a cyclone separator according to a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; and

Fig. 3b

a further schematic sectional view of the cyclone separator according to Fig. 3a .

Detailed description of the exemplary embodiments

The exemplary embodiments described are merely examples that can be modified and/or supplemented in a variety of ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature described for a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features in any other embodiment. Each feature that is described for an embodiment of a particular claim category can also be used in a corresponding manner in an embodiment of another claim category.

Figure 1 shows a cyclone separator 1.1 in a first embodiment. The cyclone separator 1 has a peripheral wall 2, which is formed by a first wall section 2.1 and a second wall section 2.2 and defines a process space 3 that is centered around an axis AX and is round in cross section. The first wall section 2.1 is cylindrical and pierced by a slot-shaped inlet connection 4. Furthermore, the first wall section 2.1 is closed off by a cover 5 at a first end E.1 of the peripheral wall 2. The cover 5 is pierced by an outlet connection 6, which is arranged coaxially with the axis AX and has an immersion tube 7 which protrudes from the cover 5 in an axial direction A into the process space 3. The axial direction A shown here corresponds to a previously referenced first direction. The second wall section 2.2 adjoins the first wall section 2.1 in the axial direction A and extends conically tapering to a second end E.2 of the peripheral wall 2. At the second end E.2, the second wall section 2.2 is closed off by a solids outlet 8.

In the process space 3, a helical trajectory 10 results in a first area 10.1 for a process stream flowing in at the inlet port 4. The first area 10.1 extends from the inlet port 4 in the axial direction A to the second end E.2 of the peripheral wall 2 and becomes through the second wall section 2.2 in the outer diameter of the Helix shape narrowed. Solids and/or liquids contained in the mainly gaseous process stream are carried outwards in a radial direction R. At the second end E.2 of the peripheral wall 2, the trajectory 10 then has a deflection point 10.2, at which the process flow is deflected counter to the axial direction A and guided along a second area 10.3 to the outlet connection 6 or dip tube 7, whereby a helical trajectory exists. At the deflection point 10.2, the solids and/or liquids carried to the outside can no longer follow the trajectory 10 due to their inertia and fall out.

Figure 2 shows a cross section Fig. 1 according to section BB. It can be seen that the peripheral wall 2 is round in cross section and guides the first region 10.1 of the trajectory 10 in a helical shape. In the second area 10.3 of the trajectory 10, this is also helical. Furthermore, an orientation of the inlet connection 4 in a circumferential direction U is shown.

The Figures 3a and 3b show a further embodiment of a cyclone separator 1.2, which differs structurally from the cyclone separator 1.1 in that it has a cylindrical guide means 11. The guide means 11 is designed, for example, as a guide rod or guide tube and extends coaxially to the axis AX through the entire process space 3. Through the guide means 11, the process stream is also guided in its still existing helical shape in the second region 10.3 of the trajectory 10, so that the flow can form there with reduced turbulence and a reduced pressure loss can be achieved.

Based on Figures 3a, 3b It is further explained how in the cyclone separator 1.2 solids adhesions 12.1, 12.2 on the peripheral wall 2 can be avoided. An example is in Figure 3a a first solid adhesions 12.1 are shown as adhering to the first wall section 2.1 and a second solid adhesions 12.2 are shown as adhering to the second wall section 2.2. Both the first wall section 2.1 and The second wall section 12.2 also has a sufficiently small modulus of elasticity to avoid solid adhesion 12.1, 12.2 by means of elastic deformation of the wall section 2.1, 2.2. For example, the wall sections 2.1, 2.2 are made of a plastic and have a modulus of elasticity of less than 5 gigapascals. The elastic design of the wall sections 2.1, 2.2 makes it possible, for example, by means of Figure 3b means 13.1, 13.2 shown, the wall sections 2.1, 2.2 in the area of solid adhesions 12.1 12.2 - as also in Figure 3b shown - are deformed and thus the solid adhesions 12.1, 12.2 are detached.

The first means 13.1 is designed as a mechanical plunger or mechanical roller and presses on the wall section 2.1 from the outside to remove the solid adhesion 12.1. Due to the resulting elastic deformation 15, which can be particularly abrupt, the solid adhesion 12.1 is detached without causing any damage to the first wall section 12.1. It is also possible to prevent adhesion of solids by means of a regular, in particular periodic, elastic deformation 15 by the first means 13.1, so that adhesion of solids 12.1 cannot arise.

The second means 13.2 is designed as an ultrasound probe and causes the wall section 2.2 to vibrate at the frequency of the emitted ultrasound in order to detach the solid adhesion 12.2. The resulting periodic elastic deformation 16 then generates an acceleration of the solids forming the solid adhesion 12.2, so that they are detached without damaging the second wall section 12.2. The second means 13.2 remains without contact with the peripheral wall 2.

In a manner not shown in detail in the figures, the first wall section 2.1 and/or the second wall section 2.2 can also be stimulated to elastic deformations by the process flow itself.

Reference symbol list

1.1

Cyclone separator

1.2

Cyclone separator

2

Circumferential wall

2.1

first wall section

2.2

second wall section

3

Process room

4

Inlet connection

5

Lid

6

outlet connection

7

Dip tube

8th

Solids outlet

10

Trajectory

10.1

first area of the trajectory

10.2

deflection point

10.3

second area of the trajectory

11

Conducting means

12.1

Solid adhesion

12.2

Solid adhesion

13.1

first means of creating deformations

13.2

second means of creating deformations

15

elastic deformation

16

elastic deformation

AX

axis

A

axial direction

E.1

first end of the peripheral wall

E.2

second end of the peripheral wall

U

Circumferential direction

R

radial direction

Claims (15)

Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) for separating solids from a process stream, comprising a process space (3) which is formed by at least a peripheral wall (2) and a cover (5) and is round in cross section; an inlet connection (4) breaking through the peripheral wall (2) for admitting the process stream into the process space (3) in the circumferential direction (U) of the process space (3); an outlet connection (6) breaking through the cover (5) for leading the process stream out of the process space (3) in the axial direction (A) of the process space (3); characterized in that at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) of the peripheral wall (2) is designed to prevent solids from adhering (12.1, 12.2) to the wall section (2.1, 2.2) by means of elastic deformation (15, 16) of the wall section (2.1, 2.2). has a sufficiently small modulus of elasticity. Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to claim 1, wherein the wall section (2.1, 2.2) is formed by the entire peripheral wall (2). Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) is made of a plastic, in particular of an elastomer or a thermoplastic. Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) has a modulus of elasticity less than/equal to 5 gigapascals, preferably less than/equal to 3 gigapascals, particularly preferably less than/equal to 1.5 gigapascals. Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) has a sufficiently low elastic modulus for stimulating deformations (15, 16) of the wall section (2.1, 2.2) by means of the process stream, in particular for stimulating of periodic deformations (15, 16). Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means (13.1) for generating deformations (15) of the at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) by means of mechanical pressure, in particular for periodically generating deformations (15). Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means (13.2) for generating deformations (16) of the at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) by means of sound, in particular for periodically generating deformations (16). Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an inside of the peripheral wall (2) facing the process space (3) is designed to be at least partially electrically conductive and grounded. Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, having a dip tube (7) extending from the outlet connection (6) in the axial direction (A) into the process space (3). Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, having a guide means (11) extending in the middle of the process space (3) in the axial direction (A). Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral wall (2) is conical over at least part of its axial extent. Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet connection (4) has a slot-shaped extension in the axial direction (A) of the process space (3). Cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, having a solids outlet (8) arranged at one end (E.2) of the process space for removing solids from the process space (3). Method for avoiding solid adhesion (12.1, 12.2) in a cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) is excited by the process flow to deformations (15, 16), in particular to periodic deformations ( 15, 16). Method for avoiding solid adhesion (12.1, 12.2) in a cyclone separator (1.1, 1.2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) is formed by the means (13.1, 13.2) for generating deformations (15, 16 ) of the at least one wall section (2.1, 2.2) is deformed, in particular periodically deformed.

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