CA1117875A - Axial flow gas cleaning device - Google Patents
Axial flow gas cleaning deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1117875A CA1117875A CA000296936A CA296936A CA1117875A CA 1117875 A CA1117875 A CA 1117875A CA 000296936 A CA000296936 A CA 000296936A CA 296936 A CA296936 A CA 296936A CA 1117875 A CA1117875 A CA 1117875A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flow path
- particles
- contaminant particles
- gas
- velocity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title abstract description 4
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 104
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 75
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- RZVAJINKPMORJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetaminophen Chemical compound CC(=O)NC1=CC=C(O)C=C1 RZVAJINKPMORJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 9
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 abstract 2
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000937413 Axia Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009972 noncorrosive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003462 vein Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
- B01D45/12—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces
- B01D45/16—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces generated by the winding course of the gas stream, the centrifugal forces being generated solely or partly by mechanical means, e.g. fixed swirl vanes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04C—APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES
- B04C3/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex flow following a screw-thread type line remains unchanged ; Devices in which one of the two discharge ducts returns centrally through the vortex chamber, a reverse-flow vortex being prevented by bulkheads in the central discharge duct
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M35/02—Air cleaners
- F02M35/022—Air cleaners acting by gravity, by centrifugal, or by other inertial forces, e.g. with moistened walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04C—APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES
- B04C3/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex flow following a screw-thread type line remains unchanged ; Devices in which one of the two discharge ducts returns centrally through the vortex chamber, a reverse-flow vortex being prevented by bulkheads in the central discharge duct
- B04C2003/006—Construction of elements by which the vortex flow is generated or degenerated
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Cyclones (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention is a device which provides for separa-tion of contaminants from a relatively high velocity axially flowing stream of gas. The invention provides a first stage wherein the gas stream is decelerated and the contaminants particles are caused to separate from the air stream by impinging a first surface. The impact results in the particles to acquire a radial velocity section and by virtue of the particles momentum the contaminants are forced to the outer layer of the air stream.
The second stage of separation provides for further magnifica-tion of the radial velocity vector of the particle contaminants and also induce a slight tangential component to the contaminant particle velocity. By impacting the contaminants against a blade mounted within the gas stream, the contaminant particles, as a result of this impact, acquire a slight swirl or circular motion which causes the heavier contaminant particles to be further separated from the air stream and become more localized. In the next stage of the cleaning device, the gas stream is rapidly accelerated by decreasing the area through which the gas stream must travel. This increase in velocity of the gas stream increas-es the separation for the smaller contaminant particles until a final separation stage is attained. In this final stage, the velocity of the gas stream is significantly decreased without inducing flow separation. The air velocity is totally slowed down and the particles continue along the periphery of the clean-ing device into a discharge channel, while relatively clean gas continues in its axial flow.
The invention is a device which provides for separa-tion of contaminants from a relatively high velocity axially flowing stream of gas. The invention provides a first stage wherein the gas stream is decelerated and the contaminants particles are caused to separate from the air stream by impinging a first surface. The impact results in the particles to acquire a radial velocity section and by virtue of the particles momentum the contaminants are forced to the outer layer of the air stream.
The second stage of separation provides for further magnifica-tion of the radial velocity vector of the particle contaminants and also induce a slight tangential component to the contaminant particle velocity. By impacting the contaminants against a blade mounted within the gas stream, the contaminant particles, as a result of this impact, acquire a slight swirl or circular motion which causes the heavier contaminant particles to be further separated from the air stream and become more localized. In the next stage of the cleaning device, the gas stream is rapidly accelerated by decreasing the area through which the gas stream must travel. This increase in velocity of the gas stream increas-es the separation for the smaller contaminant particles until a final separation stage is attained. In this final stage, the velocity of the gas stream is significantly decreased without inducing flow separation. The air velocity is totally slowed down and the particles continue along the periphery of the clean-ing device into a discharge channel, while relatively clean gas continues in its axial flow.
Description
~ 7~ ~ ~
FIELD OF THE INyENTIoN
The invention relates to a means for separating particle contaminants from a relatively high velocity axially flowing stream of gas such as may be required for internal combustion engines, diesel engines, jet aircraft engines, turbines, or the like, and which requires a clean supply of air or other gas.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Centrifugal force has been employed to separate solid contaminant particles from an axially flowing gas stream. Prior art devices have required that the centrifugal force be relatively high to accomplish the desired purposes. The resulting abrasive effect of the contaminant particles reduces the life of the device significantly. Therefore, the method of inducing centrifugal action has varied among centrifugal force generators. For example, Monson, U.S. Patent No. 3,517,821, teaches a centrifugal separator with a deflecting element which has a cen-trally located axially extending hub with a plurality of generally helical type vanes extending radially outwardly, each vane having a chamber in the high pressure surface thereof. The object of the improved deflecting element being to improve the efficiency of the centrifugal separator. Also, in Campolong, U.S. Patent No.
3,895,930, a vaned deflector disposed within the centrifugal separator causes the influent air stream to impart a helically spinning or cyclonic movement to the air stream. The air entrained dirt particles that are relatively heav~ ~re thrown to the periph~ry of the tu~Je due to the centrifugal force of the vortex stream, thus cleaning the air of the contaminant particles at the center of the tube.
soth of these centrifugal separators, as a result of the design of the genarator, do obtain total separation of the contami-nant particles from the gas s-tream, but as pointed out above, the life of the device is short because of the abrasion of the contami-nant particles on the inner surface of the tube housing the gener-ators, as well as the outer surfaces of the deflecting element.
Summary of the Invention This invention contemplates a device having a substantially hollow casing for receiving a xelatively high velocity axially - flowing stream of contaminated gas at an inlet end thereof. A
geometrically optimized generator member is coaxially disposed with the casing to separate the contaminant particles from the air stream and to direct and maintain these particles against the casing wall, while the relatively clean gas is discharged through ; an opposite outlet end of the casing and the contaminant particles are discharged through a passage communicating with the casing wall near the opposite outlet end.
Accordingly, therefore, the invention provides an axial flow separator device for separating contaminant particles from a relatively high velocity flowing stream of gas comprising: a tubular housing having an inlet portion at one end, an outlet portion at the opposite end and a central portion therebetween;
an axially disposed channel extending from said outlet portion;
a generator member mounted coaxially within said tubular housing for cooperation therewith, said generator member comprising: means defining a first flow path for imposing a radial velocity vector 30 C on said relatively high incoming axial velo~ity of said contaminant - particles by impingement upon said first flow path defining means such that the momentum of the heavier contaminant particles directs ~ - 3 -l ~?L'~B7~
said heavier contarninant particles away from said yenerator member towards said tubular housing; means for defining a second flow path disposed downstream said means for definin~ said first flow path, said second flo~ path defining means substantial-ly increasing the radial velocity vector imposed upon said contaminant particles axial velocity by said first flow path defining means, said second flow path defining means further imposing a tangential velocity vector on said contaminant particles axial and radial velocity; means for defining a third flow path disposed adjacent said second flow path defining means, said third flow path defining means causing said gas flow to be accelerated and lighter contaminant particles to be directed away from said generator member and towards said tubular housing by impingement of said lighter contaminant particle on said third flow path defining means; means defining a fourth flow path disposed down-stream said third flow path defining means, said fourth flow path defining means for rapidly decelerating said gas flow without causing flow separation, said fourth flow path means directing the relatively clean gas into said axially disposed channel and means for discharging the contaminant particles from said outlet portion in a peripheral region of said tubular housing.
The generator member surface is geometrically optimized to effect the velocity and momentum of the contaminant particles, thereby causing the particles to direct themselves toward the casing wall in the first stage of separation. This is accomplished in a first phase by imposing on the axial velocity of the contaminant particles a radial velocity component as a result of either impinging the particles upon the generator member in the first stage portion of the separator, or by imping-ing the particles upon other particles which have already beendirected towards the ~uter ~ - 4 -.
wall of the separator casing. By virtue of the rnomentum of the heavier particles, the contalnindnts are forced to the outer layer of the gas stream as the flow of gas approaches the second phase of the separator. The second phase of the separator consists of a plurality of blades circurnferentially mounted on the generator member which cause tlle particle to undergo a momentum exchange upon impact with these blades. The impact with the blades greatly magnifies the radial velocity component and also induces a slight tangential component to the velocity of the particle flow, thereby forcing the heavier particles further out towards the separator casing and localizing the heavier contaminant parti-cles to the outermost portion of the inside surface of the separator casing. As -the gas stream exits the second phase of the generator member, the radial velocity of the contaminant particles vector is substantially larger then the axial velocity vector as a result of the effects of the blades mounted in the gas stream. I'he gas particles also experience an increase in the radial velocity vector, but because of the substantial difference in mass be-tween the particles and the contaminant particles, the effect of this induced momentum is relatively insignificant and separation is obtained between the contaminant particles and -the gas particles. The third stage of separation is, again, a geometrically optimized design of the generator member surface to increase -the velocity of the gas stream to again separate the lighter contaminant particles from the gas stream in a manner similar to that in phase one. The lighter particles accelerate as a result of a decrease of cross sectional area through which the gas flows and 7~;i acquire a radial velocity component by impinging upon the geometrically optimized design surface of the generator. This increase in ~adial velocity results in additional separati~n of the lighter particles from the stream of gas that flows across the thlrd stage of the generato~. ~s in the first stage of separation, these lighter particles are directed towards the inner casing of the separator and the mass momentum of the parti-cles carries the contaminant particles to the outer wall of the separator. The final phase of separation is obtained by rapid contraction of the gas stream without imparting flow separation with the contaminant particles. This, again, is acquired as a result of a geometrically optimized design of the generator member which provides for the clean air to rapidly contract and be discharged through an opposite outlet end of the casing without inducing flow separation. The contaminant particles are discharged through a passage communicating with the casing wall near the opposite outlet end.
The main object of this lnvention is to provide a device to separate solid contaminant particles from a relatively high velocity axially flowing stream of gas.
Another object of this invention is to separate contami-nant particles from a flowing stream of gas by effecting the momentum of thé contaminant particles without inducing flow separation, rather than through centrifugal force as required by prior art devices.
A further object of this invention is to provide a means to separate contaminant particles from a flowing stream of gas by inducing a tangential as well as radial velocity vector to the axial inlet velocity of the contaminant particle through the use of a geometrically optimized separator generator.
Still a further object of this invention is to accomplish the aforenoted contaminant particle separation with a high efficiency and low pxessure drop in the axially flowiny gas.
Still anothe~ object oE this invention is to accomplish the above separation by optimizing the geometrical relationship between the components of the device.
The foregoing and other objec-ts and advantages of this invention will appear more fully from the detailed description which follows, taken together with the accompanying drawings wherein one embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example~ It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for illustration purposes only, and is not to be - construed as defining the limits of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS-Figure 1 is a cross section side view showing thestructural components of the invention and the geometric relationships therebetween.
Figure 2 is a right end view, relative to Figure 1, showing the generator member arranged in accordance with the invention.
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 2 showing a pre-determined angular relationship between the veins and the axis of the generator member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREEERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to Figure 1, the separator device includes a hollow casing member designated generally by reference character 2. The casing member 2 includes a tapered inlet section 4 having an inlet end or neck 6 for receiving a relatively high velocity axia,lly flowing stxeam of ~5~ 7 ~
gas 1. The casing member 2 further includes an annular central section 8 and an annular cap or outle-t section 12. The central section 8 is suitably secured at one end 10 to inlet section 4 and at the opposite end 14 tQ the annular cap or outlet section 12.
The outlet section 12 has an annular axially disposed channel 16 through which relatively clean gas G flows external to the device and further includes an annular normally disposed channel 18 communicating with the wall 12a of the outlet section 12 through which the contaminant particles C flow external to 0 the device in a manner and for -the reasons to be hereinafter explained. The channel 18 includes a choke nozzle 20 for controll-ing the flow as is well known in the art.
A generator member 22 is axially disposed within the inlet section 4 and a portion of the central section 8 adjacent ~he inlet section 4. The generator member 22 includes a body portion 24 which is geometrically optimized from one diameter at its forward end 26 to another larger diameter at its rearward end 23 to control the velocity and the momentum of the contaminant particles passing over the generator separator. Likewise, the rearward end 30 of the generator member 22 is geometrically optimized to control the velocity of the gas passing through the separator prior to exit from the casing through channel 16.
Attached to the generator body 24 at a pre-determined location between diameters 26 and 28 is an annular rim 32. The arrangement is such that the rim 32 is suitably secured in a groove 36 carried in the adjacent ends of the inlet casing section 4 and the central casing section 8~ To this extent, the generator member 22 and the rim 32 may be a unitary casting or a machined component, or may be separate components componen-ts suitably 0 secured each to the other as will be unders-tood ~'7~
by those skilled in ~he art. Likewise, although the inlet casing section 4, the central casing section ~, and the outlet casing section 12 have been illustrated as separate components, the casing 2 may be a single casting or a machined component or several components as may best be suited for manufacturing pur-poses, the same not being a significant feature of the invention being described.
With reference, now, to Figure 2, there is shown the construction details of the annular rim 32 mentioned above. The annular rim 32 has a plurality of vanes 34 arranged therewith and equidistantly disposed circumferentially around the generator body 24. As shown in Figure 3, the vanes 34 are disposed at an angle D relative to the axis of the rim 32 and the generator body 24. The angle D is geometrically optimized to obtain the desired tangential velocity changes in the contaminant particle flow in order to maximize the separation of the contaminant particles with the flowing stream of gas, as will become evident from the description of the operation of the device which follows.
It is to be understood that the described components of -the invention may be constructed from any suitable metallic or non-metallic material and, which material is dependent upon the medium for which the device is intended, i.e., whether the gas involved is corrosive or non-corrosive, as well as the tempera-ture and pressure o~ the system wherein the invention is utilized.
OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
For purposes of explanation, the separation of contami-nant particles frorn the gas stream occurs during four distinct phases that will be described as the gas enters passes through and leaves the separator casing. In the first phase the contaminant particles acquire a radial velocity vector ~`1, .
7~
to the axial inlet velocity. This begins to separate the cont~Mi-nant particles from the gas particles. The second phase provides for the contaminant particles to acquire a small tangential velocity component, and also provides for greatly magnifying the radial velocity component acquired during the first phase. The third phase, as in the first phase, provides for the lighter contaminant particles to acquire a radial velocity vector to the axial velocity vector and be separated from thegas without inducing flow separation of the heavier contaminant particles.
The final, or fourth, phase permits the clean gas to be completely separated from the contaminant particles and exited through the - outlet channel 16.
In operation, a relatively high velocity stream of contaminated gas 1 enters the casing 2 through the inlet section 4, as indicated by -the arrows in Figure 1. ~n this first phase of separation, the gas stream is rapidly decelerated causing the heavier contaminant particles to impinge upon ~the generator body member 24 and, as a result of the momentum of these heavier particles, the impingement redirects the par~icles toward the other wall 4a of the inlet section. Further, the lighter particles may impinge with either the generator body 24 or other redirected heavier particles in order to also, as a result of -their momentum be redirected towards the outer wall casing 4a. The impingement of these particles with -the geometricaily optimized surface of the generator body 24 results in the particles acquiring a radial velocity component which is normal to their original axial inlet velocity upon entering the separator device.
-- 10 ~
7 ~
As the incoming gas passes from the first phase into the second phase of separation, it passes through ~he vanes 34 whereby a momentum exchange occurs. The contaminant particles are impacted upon the blades and, as a result, the radial velocity component is greatly magni~ied due to the geometric configuration of the blades and their relationship to the flow of gas through the separator. Further, a slight tangential velocity component is induced to the particle flow -thereby forcing the heavier particles further out towards the central section wall 8a and causing the contaminant particles to further localize themselves against the central section inner wall 8a. The tangential velocity component causes the contaminant particle to adapt a slight circular motion as they pass along the inner wall 8a of the central section 8 without inducing flow separation.
Upon exit of phase two, the gas again slightly decelerates because of the increased cross sectional area that it must pass through upon exiting the vanes. At this point, further separation is experienced as a result of the impinyement with the surface between the vanes and the rear diameter 28 of the genera-tor. As in phase one, the surface of this area is geometricallyoptimized so that the lighter contaminant particles are accelerat-ed to impinge upon the surface and acquire a radial velocity component to their axial velocity so that the lighter particles travel towards the central section 8 inner wall 8a to cause further separation of the contaminant particles from the flow of ga~.
The final pllase of the axial gas flow separator is defined by the area of the generator body 24 lying rearward of the diameter 28 and the end of the generator body.
A~ain, this portion of the generator body is geometri-cally optimized to provide for -the gas stream to rapidly contract and decelerate without inducing flow separation. The contaminant particles maintaining the higher velocity and having been directed towards wall 8a retain their direction while the relatively clean gas stream, having been contracted through the geometrical effect of the generator body portion 30, is directed towards the channel 16 and exits therethrough as shown in Figure 1. The contaminant particles C now near the wall 3a, exit through a channel 18, choked by the choke nozzle 20, as shown by the arrow in Figure 1.
It can now be seen from the aforegoing description of the invention that the separation of contaminant particles from the incoming stream of gas is achieved with a high efficiency and low pressure drop by optimizing the geometric relationship of the separator components of the invention. Thus, of significant importance in inducing the separation of the contaminant particles from the gas flow are angles A and B of the generator body 24 of the generator member 22. Similarly, angle E of the generator body portion 30 is significant for providing a rapid contraction of the gas stream and directing the clean air through the channel 16, as noted. Likewise, the vane angle D, shown in Figure 3, is optimized to provide the proper tangential velocity component to the contaminant particles so as to eliminate the effect of prior art devices wherein centrifugal force has been generated and has caused undesirable abrasive effects upon the generator.
Also, the relations between the casing and the generator diameters are optimized to decelerate and accelerate the gas flow to assure momentum control of the contaminant particles, f7~i Although but a single ernbodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Various changes may also be made in the design and arrangement of the component parts wi-thQut departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as -the same will now be understood by those skilled in the art.
FIELD OF THE INyENTIoN
The invention relates to a means for separating particle contaminants from a relatively high velocity axially flowing stream of gas such as may be required for internal combustion engines, diesel engines, jet aircraft engines, turbines, or the like, and which requires a clean supply of air or other gas.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Centrifugal force has been employed to separate solid contaminant particles from an axially flowing gas stream. Prior art devices have required that the centrifugal force be relatively high to accomplish the desired purposes. The resulting abrasive effect of the contaminant particles reduces the life of the device significantly. Therefore, the method of inducing centrifugal action has varied among centrifugal force generators. For example, Monson, U.S. Patent No. 3,517,821, teaches a centrifugal separator with a deflecting element which has a cen-trally located axially extending hub with a plurality of generally helical type vanes extending radially outwardly, each vane having a chamber in the high pressure surface thereof. The object of the improved deflecting element being to improve the efficiency of the centrifugal separator. Also, in Campolong, U.S. Patent No.
3,895,930, a vaned deflector disposed within the centrifugal separator causes the influent air stream to impart a helically spinning or cyclonic movement to the air stream. The air entrained dirt particles that are relatively heav~ ~re thrown to the periph~ry of the tu~Je due to the centrifugal force of the vortex stream, thus cleaning the air of the contaminant particles at the center of the tube.
soth of these centrifugal separators, as a result of the design of the genarator, do obtain total separation of the contami-nant particles from the gas s-tream, but as pointed out above, the life of the device is short because of the abrasion of the contami-nant particles on the inner surface of the tube housing the gener-ators, as well as the outer surfaces of the deflecting element.
Summary of the Invention This invention contemplates a device having a substantially hollow casing for receiving a xelatively high velocity axially - flowing stream of contaminated gas at an inlet end thereof. A
geometrically optimized generator member is coaxially disposed with the casing to separate the contaminant particles from the air stream and to direct and maintain these particles against the casing wall, while the relatively clean gas is discharged through ; an opposite outlet end of the casing and the contaminant particles are discharged through a passage communicating with the casing wall near the opposite outlet end.
Accordingly, therefore, the invention provides an axial flow separator device for separating contaminant particles from a relatively high velocity flowing stream of gas comprising: a tubular housing having an inlet portion at one end, an outlet portion at the opposite end and a central portion therebetween;
an axially disposed channel extending from said outlet portion;
a generator member mounted coaxially within said tubular housing for cooperation therewith, said generator member comprising: means defining a first flow path for imposing a radial velocity vector 30 C on said relatively high incoming axial velo~ity of said contaminant - particles by impingement upon said first flow path defining means such that the momentum of the heavier contaminant particles directs ~ - 3 -l ~?L'~B7~
said heavier contarninant particles away from said yenerator member towards said tubular housing; means for defining a second flow path disposed downstream said means for definin~ said first flow path, said second flo~ path defining means substantial-ly increasing the radial velocity vector imposed upon said contaminant particles axial velocity by said first flow path defining means, said second flow path defining means further imposing a tangential velocity vector on said contaminant particles axial and radial velocity; means for defining a third flow path disposed adjacent said second flow path defining means, said third flow path defining means causing said gas flow to be accelerated and lighter contaminant particles to be directed away from said generator member and towards said tubular housing by impingement of said lighter contaminant particle on said third flow path defining means; means defining a fourth flow path disposed down-stream said third flow path defining means, said fourth flow path defining means for rapidly decelerating said gas flow without causing flow separation, said fourth flow path means directing the relatively clean gas into said axially disposed channel and means for discharging the contaminant particles from said outlet portion in a peripheral region of said tubular housing.
The generator member surface is geometrically optimized to effect the velocity and momentum of the contaminant particles, thereby causing the particles to direct themselves toward the casing wall in the first stage of separation. This is accomplished in a first phase by imposing on the axial velocity of the contaminant particles a radial velocity component as a result of either impinging the particles upon the generator member in the first stage portion of the separator, or by imping-ing the particles upon other particles which have already beendirected towards the ~uter ~ - 4 -.
wall of the separator casing. By virtue of the rnomentum of the heavier particles, the contalnindnts are forced to the outer layer of the gas stream as the flow of gas approaches the second phase of the separator. The second phase of the separator consists of a plurality of blades circurnferentially mounted on the generator member which cause tlle particle to undergo a momentum exchange upon impact with these blades. The impact with the blades greatly magnifies the radial velocity component and also induces a slight tangential component to the velocity of the particle flow, thereby forcing the heavier particles further out towards the separator casing and localizing the heavier contaminant parti-cles to the outermost portion of the inside surface of the separator casing. As -the gas stream exits the second phase of the generator member, the radial velocity of the contaminant particles vector is substantially larger then the axial velocity vector as a result of the effects of the blades mounted in the gas stream. I'he gas particles also experience an increase in the radial velocity vector, but because of the substantial difference in mass be-tween the particles and the contaminant particles, the effect of this induced momentum is relatively insignificant and separation is obtained between the contaminant particles and -the gas particles. The third stage of separation is, again, a geometrically optimized design of the generator member surface to increase -the velocity of the gas stream to again separate the lighter contaminant particles from the gas stream in a manner similar to that in phase one. The lighter particles accelerate as a result of a decrease of cross sectional area through which the gas flows and 7~;i acquire a radial velocity component by impinging upon the geometrically optimized design surface of the generator. This increase in ~adial velocity results in additional separati~n of the lighter particles from the stream of gas that flows across the thlrd stage of the generato~. ~s in the first stage of separation, these lighter particles are directed towards the inner casing of the separator and the mass momentum of the parti-cles carries the contaminant particles to the outer wall of the separator. The final phase of separation is obtained by rapid contraction of the gas stream without imparting flow separation with the contaminant particles. This, again, is acquired as a result of a geometrically optimized design of the generator member which provides for the clean air to rapidly contract and be discharged through an opposite outlet end of the casing without inducing flow separation. The contaminant particles are discharged through a passage communicating with the casing wall near the opposite outlet end.
The main object of this lnvention is to provide a device to separate solid contaminant particles from a relatively high velocity axially flowing stream of gas.
Another object of this invention is to separate contami-nant particles from a flowing stream of gas by effecting the momentum of thé contaminant particles without inducing flow separation, rather than through centrifugal force as required by prior art devices.
A further object of this invention is to provide a means to separate contaminant particles from a flowing stream of gas by inducing a tangential as well as radial velocity vector to the axial inlet velocity of the contaminant particle through the use of a geometrically optimized separator generator.
Still a further object of this invention is to accomplish the aforenoted contaminant particle separation with a high efficiency and low pxessure drop in the axially flowiny gas.
Still anothe~ object oE this invention is to accomplish the above separation by optimizing the geometrical relationship between the components of the device.
The foregoing and other objec-ts and advantages of this invention will appear more fully from the detailed description which follows, taken together with the accompanying drawings wherein one embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example~ It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for illustration purposes only, and is not to be - construed as defining the limits of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS-Figure 1 is a cross section side view showing thestructural components of the invention and the geometric relationships therebetween.
Figure 2 is a right end view, relative to Figure 1, showing the generator member arranged in accordance with the invention.
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 2 showing a pre-determined angular relationship between the veins and the axis of the generator member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREEERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to Figure 1, the separator device includes a hollow casing member designated generally by reference character 2. The casing member 2 includes a tapered inlet section 4 having an inlet end or neck 6 for receiving a relatively high velocity axia,lly flowing stxeam of ~5~ 7 ~
gas 1. The casing member 2 further includes an annular central section 8 and an annular cap or outle-t section 12. The central section 8 is suitably secured at one end 10 to inlet section 4 and at the opposite end 14 tQ the annular cap or outlet section 12.
The outlet section 12 has an annular axially disposed channel 16 through which relatively clean gas G flows external to the device and further includes an annular normally disposed channel 18 communicating with the wall 12a of the outlet section 12 through which the contaminant particles C flow external to 0 the device in a manner and for -the reasons to be hereinafter explained. The channel 18 includes a choke nozzle 20 for controll-ing the flow as is well known in the art.
A generator member 22 is axially disposed within the inlet section 4 and a portion of the central section 8 adjacent ~he inlet section 4. The generator member 22 includes a body portion 24 which is geometrically optimized from one diameter at its forward end 26 to another larger diameter at its rearward end 23 to control the velocity and the momentum of the contaminant particles passing over the generator separator. Likewise, the rearward end 30 of the generator member 22 is geometrically optimized to control the velocity of the gas passing through the separator prior to exit from the casing through channel 16.
Attached to the generator body 24 at a pre-determined location between diameters 26 and 28 is an annular rim 32. The arrangement is such that the rim 32 is suitably secured in a groove 36 carried in the adjacent ends of the inlet casing section 4 and the central casing section 8~ To this extent, the generator member 22 and the rim 32 may be a unitary casting or a machined component, or may be separate components componen-ts suitably 0 secured each to the other as will be unders-tood ~'7~
by those skilled in ~he art. Likewise, although the inlet casing section 4, the central casing section ~, and the outlet casing section 12 have been illustrated as separate components, the casing 2 may be a single casting or a machined component or several components as may best be suited for manufacturing pur-poses, the same not being a significant feature of the invention being described.
With reference, now, to Figure 2, there is shown the construction details of the annular rim 32 mentioned above. The annular rim 32 has a plurality of vanes 34 arranged therewith and equidistantly disposed circumferentially around the generator body 24. As shown in Figure 3, the vanes 34 are disposed at an angle D relative to the axis of the rim 32 and the generator body 24. The angle D is geometrically optimized to obtain the desired tangential velocity changes in the contaminant particle flow in order to maximize the separation of the contaminant particles with the flowing stream of gas, as will become evident from the description of the operation of the device which follows.
It is to be understood that the described components of -the invention may be constructed from any suitable metallic or non-metallic material and, which material is dependent upon the medium for which the device is intended, i.e., whether the gas involved is corrosive or non-corrosive, as well as the tempera-ture and pressure o~ the system wherein the invention is utilized.
OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
For purposes of explanation, the separation of contami-nant particles frorn the gas stream occurs during four distinct phases that will be described as the gas enters passes through and leaves the separator casing. In the first phase the contaminant particles acquire a radial velocity vector ~`1, .
7~
to the axial inlet velocity. This begins to separate the cont~Mi-nant particles from the gas particles. The second phase provides for the contaminant particles to acquire a small tangential velocity component, and also provides for greatly magnifying the radial velocity component acquired during the first phase. The third phase, as in the first phase, provides for the lighter contaminant particles to acquire a radial velocity vector to the axial velocity vector and be separated from thegas without inducing flow separation of the heavier contaminant particles.
The final, or fourth, phase permits the clean gas to be completely separated from the contaminant particles and exited through the - outlet channel 16.
In operation, a relatively high velocity stream of contaminated gas 1 enters the casing 2 through the inlet section 4, as indicated by -the arrows in Figure 1. ~n this first phase of separation, the gas stream is rapidly decelerated causing the heavier contaminant particles to impinge upon ~the generator body member 24 and, as a result of the momentum of these heavier particles, the impingement redirects the par~icles toward the other wall 4a of the inlet section. Further, the lighter particles may impinge with either the generator body 24 or other redirected heavier particles in order to also, as a result of -their momentum be redirected towards the outer wall casing 4a. The impingement of these particles with -the geometricaily optimized surface of the generator body 24 results in the particles acquiring a radial velocity component which is normal to their original axial inlet velocity upon entering the separator device.
-- 10 ~
7 ~
As the incoming gas passes from the first phase into the second phase of separation, it passes through ~he vanes 34 whereby a momentum exchange occurs. The contaminant particles are impacted upon the blades and, as a result, the radial velocity component is greatly magni~ied due to the geometric configuration of the blades and their relationship to the flow of gas through the separator. Further, a slight tangential velocity component is induced to the particle flow -thereby forcing the heavier particles further out towards the central section wall 8a and causing the contaminant particles to further localize themselves against the central section inner wall 8a. The tangential velocity component causes the contaminant particle to adapt a slight circular motion as they pass along the inner wall 8a of the central section 8 without inducing flow separation.
Upon exit of phase two, the gas again slightly decelerates because of the increased cross sectional area that it must pass through upon exiting the vanes. At this point, further separation is experienced as a result of the impinyement with the surface between the vanes and the rear diameter 28 of the genera-tor. As in phase one, the surface of this area is geometricallyoptimized so that the lighter contaminant particles are accelerat-ed to impinge upon the surface and acquire a radial velocity component to their axial velocity so that the lighter particles travel towards the central section 8 inner wall 8a to cause further separation of the contaminant particles from the flow of ga~.
The final pllase of the axial gas flow separator is defined by the area of the generator body 24 lying rearward of the diameter 28 and the end of the generator body.
A~ain, this portion of the generator body is geometri-cally optimized to provide for -the gas stream to rapidly contract and decelerate without inducing flow separation. The contaminant particles maintaining the higher velocity and having been directed towards wall 8a retain their direction while the relatively clean gas stream, having been contracted through the geometrical effect of the generator body portion 30, is directed towards the channel 16 and exits therethrough as shown in Figure 1. The contaminant particles C now near the wall 3a, exit through a channel 18, choked by the choke nozzle 20, as shown by the arrow in Figure 1.
It can now be seen from the aforegoing description of the invention that the separation of contaminant particles from the incoming stream of gas is achieved with a high efficiency and low pressure drop by optimizing the geometric relationship of the separator components of the invention. Thus, of significant importance in inducing the separation of the contaminant particles from the gas flow are angles A and B of the generator body 24 of the generator member 22. Similarly, angle E of the generator body portion 30 is significant for providing a rapid contraction of the gas stream and directing the clean air through the channel 16, as noted. Likewise, the vane angle D, shown in Figure 3, is optimized to provide the proper tangential velocity component to the contaminant particles so as to eliminate the effect of prior art devices wherein centrifugal force has been generated and has caused undesirable abrasive effects upon the generator.
Also, the relations between the casing and the generator diameters are optimized to decelerate and accelerate the gas flow to assure momentum control of the contaminant particles, f7~i Although but a single ernbodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Various changes may also be made in the design and arrangement of the component parts wi-thQut departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as -the same will now be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims (4)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An axial flow separator device for separating contaminant particles from a relatively high velocity flowing stream of gas comprising: a tubular housing having an inlet portion at one end, an outlet portion at the opposite end and a central portion therebetween; an axially disposed channel extend-ing from said outlet portion; a generator member mounted coaxially within said tubular housing for cooperation therewith, said generator member comprising: means defining a first flow path for imposing a radial velocity vector on said relatively high incoming axial velocity of said contaminant particles by impinge-ment upon said first flow path defining means such that the momen-tum of the heavier contaminant particles directs said heavier contaminant particles away from said generator member towards said tubular housing; means for defining a second flow path disposed downstream said means for defining said first flow path, said second flow path defining means substantially increas-ing the radial velocity vector imposed upon said contaminant particles axial velocity by said first flow path defining means, said second flow path defining means further imposing a tangential velocity vector on said contaminant particles axial and radial velocity; means for defining a third flow path disposed adjacent said second flow path defining means, said third flow path defin-ing means causing said gas flow to be accelerated and lighter contaminant particles to be directed away from said generator member and towards said tubular housing by impingement of said lighter contaminant particles on said third flow path defining means; means defining a fourth flow path disposed downstream said third flow path defining means, said fourth flow path defining means for rapidly decelerating said gas flow without causing flow separation, said fourth flow path means directing the relatively clean gas into said axially disposed channel, and means for discharging the contaminant particles from said outlet portion in a peripheral region of said tubular housing.
2. An axial flow separator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said discharging means comprises a normally disposed channel extending from said outlet portion, said normally disposed channel communicating with said central portion of said tubular housing for discharging the contaminant particles.
3. An axial flow separator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tubular housing has a configured inlet section for receiving the axially flowing stream of gas, an annular central section affixed at one end to the inlet section and an annular outlet section affixed to the opposite end of the central section, said generator member has a forward portion within the inlet section and a rearward portion within the central section, the forward portion of said generator member being configured to cooperate with the configuration of the inlet section, said configured forward portion being in an increasing sense at a predetermined slope, a plurality of vanes are circum-ferentially disposed around said generator member ahead of the rearward portion thereof, said vanes being disposed at a pre-determined angle relative to the axis of said generator member for imposing a slight tangential velocity vector to the contaminant particles, and the rearward portion of the generator member is configured in an increasing sense at a predetermined relative steeper slope than the configuration of the forward portion such that the lighter contaminant particles impinge upon said configured portion and acquire a radial velocity vector which directs said lighter particles to a wall of the housing, the rearward portion of the generator member further terminating in a cone having a predetermined apex angle for rapidly contracting said stream of gas without causing flow separation and directing the relatively clean gas into said axial channel.
4. An axial flow separator device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the vanes are disposed at an angle relative to the axis of the generator member for imposing a tangential velocity vector to the stream of gas passing through the vanes, said tangential velocity vector being dependant upon said predetermined slope of forward portion of the generator.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US83171277A | 1977-09-26 | 1977-09-26 | |
| US831,712 | 1992-02-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1117875A true CA1117875A (en) | 1982-02-09 |
Family
ID=25259684
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000296936A Expired CA1117875A (en) | 1977-09-09 | 1978-02-14 | Axial flow gas cleaning device |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1117875A (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2403814B1 (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1092978B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5224604A (en) * | 1990-04-11 | 1993-07-06 | Hydro Processing & Mining Ltd. | Apparatus and method for separation of wet and dry particles |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4348057A (en) * | 1980-08-25 | 1982-09-07 | B & J Manufacturing Company | Blower and dust collecting machine and method of operation |
| DE4026171C2 (en) * | 1990-08-15 | 1994-01-27 | Kuettner Gmbh & Co Kg Dr | Device for separating solid particles from a gas flow |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2334421A1 (en) * | 1975-12-12 | 1977-07-08 | Facet Enterprises | AXIAL FLOW DEVICE FOR GAS CLEANING |
-
1978
- 1978-02-14 CA CA000296936A patent/CA1117875A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-03-01 IT IT20808/78A patent/IT1092978B/en active
- 1978-09-21 FR FR7827579A patent/FR2403814B1/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5224604A (en) * | 1990-04-11 | 1993-07-06 | Hydro Processing & Mining Ltd. | Apparatus and method for separation of wet and dry particles |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FR2403814A1 (en) | 1979-04-20 |
| IT7820808A0 (en) | 1978-03-01 |
| FR2403814B1 (en) | 1985-10-31 |
| IT1092978B (en) | 1985-07-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |