CN101203291A - Vortex axial filtration system with self-cleaning auxiliary filtration device - Google Patents

Abstract

A vortex axial separation system having an auxiliary filtering device (20) for separating a flowable composite media into a plurality of components is disclosed. The vortex axial system receives a flow stream of the composite medium and uses centrifugal force in a vortex axial separator (12) to separate the stream into constituent radial layers according to specific gravity so that one or more layers can be extracted from the stream. One or more layers are directed to a filter apparatus (20) that includes an inlet (22), a filter media outlet (24), and a non-filter media outlet (24).

Description

Vortex axial filter system with self-cleaning auxiliary filter equipment

field of invention

The present invention relates to systems for separating flowing substances, including fluids and solids, by centrifugation, and more particularly to a vortex axial filter system with self-cleaning filter apparatus for providing Upstream and/or downstream filtration and separation of substances.

Background technique

Cyclones or centrifugal separators have been used in many applications to separate one fluid from another based on specific gravity, whether the substances are the same or different physical states, and specifically to separate light fluids from heavy fluids and to separate gases Separated from fluid. Furthermore, centrifugal separators have been adapted to separate solids of various densities and to separate solids from fluids.

The present inventors contributed to the advancement in the art of centrifugation of miscible and immiscible media as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,904,840 issued to DiBella on May 18, 1999, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference Incorporated here as part of this disclosure. The inventors of the present invention have also facilitated the determination of the identity and concentration of substances in multicomponent media by measuring the spectral response of the fluid media, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,489,980 issued August 3, 1991 to Anthony, Said disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference as part of this disclosure. As disclosed in the '840 patent, the incorporated teachings provide a vortex axial separation system comprising pump means that sends a continuous flow column of media from a media source, separation conduits through which a column of flow media is continuously passed. pipe, means for selectively extracting one or more of the radial layers from the pipe by rotating the column at a sufficient velocity such that centrifugal force within the column causes the constituent media to separate into a plurality of radial layers A separate extraction conduit arrangement, a bypass arrangement for introducing a fluid such as air into the conduit to vary the diameter of the radial layer, and a probe, a spectrophotometer to provide monitoring, and an automatic feedback arrangement for when the medium enters and The component media content is measured as it exits the separation line and is used for the rotational speed of the media and the rate of fluid introduction from the bypass. An alternative to bypass means is provided in the form of a mechanism for changing the diameter of the extraction conduit means.

As with virtually any type of centrifugal separation device, there is potential for smaller quantities of material to remain transported in flow and through the separation device. Therefore, attempts have been made to improve the separation efficiency of such systems by adding additional stages of centrifugation and/or by adding non-centrifugal filtration devices. However, these attempts have met with limited success. It has been found that certain substances are not completely separated by passing through the additional stage of the centrifugal separation device. It has also been found that downstream filters are prone to clogging, requiring time consuming maintenance and cleaning.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a flowable medium vortex axial separation system, which separates one or more fluids and/or fluids with different specific gravity and/or density by means of centrifugal separation, wherein by self-purifying filtration The separation efficiency is increased by a self-cleaning filter system that is particularly adapted to capture one or more species and release the captured species in response to filter loading.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vortex axial system in which the non-centrifugal filter is modified to be self-cleaning.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a scroll axial system in which the self-cleaning cycle is periodically or continuously controlled in response to filter loading.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a self-cleaning tubular filter having radially inner rotating jet tubes for purging the tubular filter by selective application of pressurized fluid.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a self-cleaning tubular filter having a radially inner rotating jet tube for purging the tubular filter by the selective application of pressurized fluid, which may comprise pressurized Gases and pressurized fluids.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a self-cleaning tubular filter having a radially inner rotating jet tube for cleaning the tubular filter, wherein the jet tube rotates at a sufficient number of revolutions per minute so that the tubular filter A vortex is generated inside to achieve a finer separation of substances.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the ensuing specification and drawings.

Contents of the invention

The present invention accomplishes the above objects, as well as others, as can be ascertained by a person of ordinary skill in the art from a clear reading and understanding of the entire specification.

A vortex axial separation system is disclosed having: (1) a pump arrangement delivering a continuous flow column of media from a source of media; (2) a separation conduit through which the column of flowing media is continuously passed such that the column rotates at sufficient velocity the axis of the tubing rotates such that centrifugal force within the column causes the component media to separate into a plurality of radial layers; (3) an extraction tubing assembly for selectively extracting one or more radial layers from the tubing; (4) for Optional bypass means to introduce a fluid such as air into the duct to change the diameter of the radial layer; (5) probe, spectrophotometer to provide monitoring, and automatic feedback means for when the medium enters and exits the separation duct Measuring the constituent media content and used to adjust the rotational speed of the media and the rate of fluid introduction from the bypass device; and (6) an auxiliary filter device with a generally cylindrical filter and a rotating internal jet tube connected to a pressurized fluid source, and An electronic control system for controlling the rotational speed of the internal injection pipe in response to filter loading.

The auxiliary filtration device includes a conduit having a substantially flowable media inlet, a generally hollow cylindrical filter defining a perforated filter surface disposed within the conduit, wherein the exterior of the cylindrical filter includes an upstream filter inlet and the cylindrical filter The interior of the filter includes an upstream filter downstream filter outlet, and a substantially flowable media outlet in fluid communication with the filter interior. An elongated spray tube is disposed inside the tubular filter substantially adjacent a radially inner surface of the filter. The jet tube is fluidly connected to a source of pressurized fluid and defines a plurality of jet outlets disposed in a radially outward direction to direct pressurized fluid from inside the filter onto the cylindrical filter for filtration of purified concentrated material device. The injection tube is configured with a rotary drive system for automatic and selectively driven concentric rotation about the inner circumferential wall of the filter. The filter apparatus further includes a spectrophotometer that monitors the concentration of species on the filter and adjusts the rotational speed of the injection tube in response to filter loading.

The auxiliary filtration system disclosed herein is preferably used with a substantially vortex axial separation system in an upstream, intermediate, or downstream configuration to provide more efficient separation of flowable composite media. It will be apparent, however, that an auxiliary filtration system can be used as the basic self-cleaning filtration system for a number of applications.

Description of drawings

Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vortex axial separator with an auxiliary self-cleaning filter (without rotational drive) connected downstream, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the vortex axial separator and self-cleaning filter shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 3 is a side view of the vortex axial separator and self-cleaning filter shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view showing the auxiliary filter in detail;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a vortex axial separator with a self-cleaning filter (without rotational drive) connected downstream, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cylindrical filter for use with an auxiliary filter according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative construction of a vortex axial separator with an auxiliary self-cleaning filter connected downstream;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a self-cleaning filter according to the present invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a spectrophotometer assembly that monitors the accumulation of species on a filter and adjusts the rotational speed of the injection tube in response to filter loading;

Figure 10 illustrates an auxiliary filter configured as a second stage filter unit in a system with three scroll axial filters;

Figure 11 illustrates the inlet and outlet flow paths of a secondary filter according to the present invention;

Fig. 12 is its sectional view;

Fig. 13 is its detailed sectional view;

Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view depicting inlet and outlet flow paths;

Figure 15 is a block diagram depicting fluid flow;

Figure 16 is a schematic block diagram depicting fluid flow and control; and

Fig. 17 is a control diagram.

Detailed ways

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1-17 depict a vortex axial filter system adapted to separate one fluid from another based on specific gravity, regardless of whether those substances have The same or different physical states, and are particularly suitable for separating light fluids from heavy fluids, and gases from fluids. Furthermore, the vortex axial separation system of the present invention, compatible with an auxiliary self-cleaning filter, is suitable for separating solids of varying densities and/or separating solids from fluids.

Vortex axial separator

1-5 depict a vortex axial separation system and auxiliary filter, indicated generally at 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. System 10 includes a vortex axial separator 12 having an inlet 14 in fluid communication with a pressurized source of flowable media. A vortex axial separator 12 includes a device that relies on centrifugal force to separate a flowable medium into its components. An example of such a device is disclosed in US Patent No. 5,904,840 to DiBella, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The vortex axial separator 12 includes an extraction outlet 16 for selectively extracting one or more radial layers formed by centrifugal force when the flowable medium is caused to rotate by internal vanes in the separator 12 . The vortex axial separator 12 also includes an outlet 18 . The vortex axial separator 12 may also include a bypass device for introducing a fluid such as air into the conduit to change the diameter of the radial layer, and a probe, a spectrophotometer to provide monitoring, and an automatic feedback device that Automatic feedback devices are used to measure component media content as media enters and exits the separation conduit and to regulate the rotational speed of the media and the rate of fluid introduction from the bypass device.

auxiliary filter

An important aspect of the present invention involves the use of an auxiliary filter, indicated generally at 20 , to increase the efficiency of the vortex axial separator 12 . More specifically, the present invention contemplates the use of a self-cleaning filter device 20 having an outer cylindrical housing 21 comprising an inlet 22, and first and second outlets indicated at 24 and 26, respectively. Inlet 22 is in fluid communication with outlet 18 of vortex axial separator 12 through conduit 19 . The first outlet 24 is arranged downstream of an internal filter contained within the device 20 and may therefore be referred to as a filter outlet. The second outlet 26 is configured to accept flow bypassing an internal filter contained within the device 20, and may therefore be referred to as a bypass outlet.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the filter device 20 and more clearly depicts the housing 21, the inlet 22, the filter outlet 24 and the bypass outlet 26. As shown here, pressurized flowable medium enters filter device 20 through inlet 22 . Filter device 20 includes an inner cylindrical filter 30 having walls defining a plurality of pores. Figure 6 provides a detailed view of a cylindrical filter 30, which generally includes a cylindrical body having sidewalls defining a plurality of pores for allowing passage of substances smaller in size than the pores. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical filter 30 may comprise a mesh filter, or any other suitable filter structure with reference to FIG. hole and exit the filter device 20 through a filter outlet 24 which is in fluid communication with the interior of the cylindrical filter 30 through an elbow conduit 32 . Bypass outlet 26 is provided to selectively discharge material trapped by cylindrical filter 30, as described in more detail herein.

As described herein, the filter device 20 is self-cleaning. Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13 , filter apparatus 20 is shown in cross-sectional views best illustrating self-filtering features. FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of the filter housing 21, which clearly shows a cylindrical filter 30 axially disposed inside the filter housing 21 such that the interior of the cylindrical filter 30 ( filtered downstream side) is in fluid communication with outlet 24 through conduit 32 . FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view of the filter housing 21 , which clearly shows a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical filter 30 to show the internal injection pipe indicated at 40 for automatic and periodic cleaning of the filter 30 . Spray tube 40 comprises an elongated tubular structure having a plurality of spray holes oriented to direct jets of pressurized fluid radially outward from its interior onto filter 30 . To accomplish this, spray tube 40 is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, such as water, air, or any other suitable fluid, through pressurized fluid inlet 42 . As best shown in FIG. 4 , the pressure of the fluid entering the inlet 42 is preferably greater than the pressure of the flowable medium entering the inlet 22 . Moreover, spray tube 40 is connected to a rotary drive system indicated at 44 for selectively rotating spray tube 40 to direct a jet of pressurized fluid radially outward to the interior surface of cylindrical filter 30 to remove the material collected on the filter 30. Rotary drive system 44 may include an electric motor, such as a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor and/or other power source. As will be apparent, directing a jet of pressurized fluid from inside the cylindrical filter 30 onto the cylindrical filter 30 causes the removed material to mix into the media flow exiting the filter device outlet 36, the removed material and the media flow Can be disposed of or go through an additional filtering stage. Conversely, the portion of the flowable medium that passes through the filter 30 , ie the filtered flow, is allowed to exit the filter device 20 through the filter outlet 24 .

Filter apparatus 20 and rotary drive system 44 also preferably include detection apparatus and feedback control circuitry for detecting the concentration of particles and/or matter on filter 30 . Figure 9 depicts a detection and control device, generally indicated at 50, electrically connected to the filter device 20 and the rotary drive system 44 for detecting and responding to the concentration of particles and/or matter on the filter 30. A rotary drive system 44 is controlled. A suitable system for determining the concentration of species on the filter 30 may rely on measuring the spectral response of the fluid medium as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,489,980 issued to Anthony on August 3, 1991, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as Portions of this disclosure are incorporated herein. In alternative embodiments, a system relying on the pressure drop across the filter 30, the flow rate through the filter, or any other suitable system for determining the loading rate of the filter 30 may prove suitable for detecting the concentration of substances and A rotary drive system 44 is controlled. Figure 10 depicts the auxiliary filter 20 configured as a second stage filter unit in a system with three scroll axial filters.

In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the detection and control device 50 comprises a probe 52 mounted in the conduit 21 of the filter device 20, wherein the probe 52 is arranged to transmit an optical scanning signal to/from the filter 30 Receive light scanning signal. The probe 52 is electrically connected to the detection and control device 50 through a low voltage electrical conductor 54 . Furthermore, the control device 50 includes a spectrophotometer for detecting the data received from the probe 52 and measuring the media components accumulated on the filter 30 . The control device 50 is also adapted to actuate the rotary drive system 44 and includes a control valve that controls the introduction of pressurized fluid to the Entrance 452.

It has been found that the relatively high RPM rotation of the spray tube 40 causes the fluid within the filter 30 to rotate, thereby creating a vortex axial centrifugal effect on the purified fluid within the cylindrical filter 30 . The combined effect of the jet of pressurized fluid discharged from the jet tube 40 and the high speed rotation of the jet tube 40 further results in active agitation of the filter walls, pressurizing the The jet blows fluid and material radially away from the filter wall, thereby drawing fluid toward the filter 30 into the filter inlet 22 .

Figure 15 is a block diagram depicting an application where water and impurities enter filter 20 through inlet 22, and pressurized fluid (i.e., pressurized air) creates a vortex within cylindrical filter 30, causing filtered water and air to pass through outlet 24 is removed, while contaminated water and some air are removed from outlet 26 . Fig. 16 is a block diagram and a control schematic diagram, in which the detection and swirl axis control device 50 controls the introduction of pressurized air for the filter cleaning process through a control valve.

The secondary filtration systems disclosed herein are preferably used with primary vortex axial separation systems in upstream, intermediate, or downstream configurations to provide more efficient separation of flowable composite media. However, as will be apparent, the secondary filtration system can be used as the primary self-cleaning filtration system for a wide variety of applications.

Here, the invention has been shown and described in what are considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. However, it is to be appreciated that departures from these embodiments may be made within the scope of the present invention, and obvious structural and/or functional modifications may occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims (6)

1. the composite media that is used for flowing is separated into the system of its composition, and described system comprises:

Carry the pump installation of the mobile stream of composite media, described composite media comprises at least the first composition media and the second composition media;

The separating pipe that the mobile stream of described composite media passes through;

A kind of device, be used for making can flow the described stream of composite media around the axis of described separating pipe with enough rotating speed rotations, make centrifugal force in the described stream cause the radial layer of described component separation composition;

Extract pipe guide, be used for optionally extracting the one or more of described radial layer from described separating pipe;

Monitor and automatic feedback device, be used for when described composite media enters and withdraws from described separating pipe, measuring the described composition medium contg of described composite media and the rotary speed that is used to regulate described media;

Described supervision and automatically feedback device comprise extending into to be used to collect about the probe apparatus of the data of the described content of described composite media in the described media and to be connected to described probe apparatus and be used to receive and analyze described data and be used for the analyzer that control automatically is applied to the described rotary speed of described composite media; And

With at least one after-filter that described separating pipe fluid is communicated with, described after-filter has inlet, filtering outlet and non-filtering outlet.

2. according to claim 1ly be used to separate the system of composite media of can flowing, wherein said at least one after-filter comprises:

The general cylindrical housing that comprises the general cylindrical filter;

With inlet be arranged on the cylindrical housings of filtering outlet in the downstream of described filter with the upstream that is arranged on described filter.

3. according to claim 2ly be used to separate the system of composite media of can flowing, wherein said after-filter comprises the auto purification device that is used to purify described cylindrical filter.

4. according to claim 3ly be used to separate the system of composite media of to flow, wherein said auto purification device comprises the elongated playpipe that is arranged in the described cylindrical filter, described playpipe is communicated with the pressure fluid source fluid and has a plurality of holes, and described hole is oriented to be guided to pressure fluid on the described cylindrical filter.

5. according to claim 4ly be used to separate the system of composite media of to flow, also comprise the device that is used for the described playpipe of rotation in described cylindrical filter.

6. according to claim 5ly be used to separate the system of composite media of can flowing, also comprise:

Monitor and automatic feedback device, be used to measure the concentrating of composition medium contg of the described composite media on the described cylindrical filter, and be used to start and control the rotating speed of described playpipe, and fluid is communicated with between described playpipe and described source of pressurised fluid;

Described supervision and automatically feedback device comprise that extending into described at least one after-filter is used to collect probe apparatus about the described concentrated data of the described media on the described cylindrical filter, with be connected to described probe apparatus and be used to the analyzer that receives and analyze described data and be used for controlling automatically the described rotary speed of described playpipe, and fluid is communicated with between playpipe and described source of pressurised fluid.

Images