Multiphase rotor, system, and method for maintaining a stable steam cavity

Abstract

A multiphase rotor comprising a disk body, an inlet for receiving liquid into the rotor, and at least one outlet configured to discharge the liquid from an internal rotor cavity. A flow path is provided between the inlet and the at least one outlet by a liquid suction channel and an internal rotor cavity. The rotor is configured to rotate around a rotation axis, and when the rotor rotates faster than the stable cavity threshold rotation speed, a persistently stable vapor cavity is formed within the internal rotor cavity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to multi-phase rotors, systems, and methods for maintaining a stable vapor cavity, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for moving liquids or providing a vacuum source. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Background of the Invention Equipment that involves the movement of liquids through the equipment is typically carefully designed to operate within certain operating parameters to limit issues with detrimental behavior of the liquid. For example, centrifugal pumps are known to be susceptible to damage from cavitation.

[0003] Cavitation occurs when pressure drops near or below the vapor pressure point of the liquid, causing a change of state (phase change) from liquid to gas and then back to liquid. Depending on the exact location of occurrence, this can cause significant mechanical damage and / or adversely affect performance. Typically, a change from liquid to gas is likely to adversely affect performance, and a change from gas to liquid can lead to mechanical damage.

[0004] Characteristically, the constraints of avoiding cavitation problems require specialized equipment design and operation. Moreover, these equipment typically have a narrow range of operating characteristics. For example, conventional centrifugal pumps are limited in the amount of acceleration energy they can impart to a liquid by the liquid's tendency to produce cavitation. When the cumulative tensile acceleration applied at any point becomes greater than the liquid's intermolecular attractive forces (i.e., its vapor pressure) to resist the applied acceleration force, these pumps cease effective and / or sustainable operation.

[0005] References herein to external sources, including patents and other documents, are generally for the purpose of providing background for discussing features of the invention, and unless expressly stated otherwise, references to such sources shall not be construed as an admission that such sources are prior art or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction.

[0006] In interpreting this specification, when method steps are described as sequential, this sequentiality does not necessarily mean that the steps should be given a chronological order in that sequential order, unless there is another logical way to interpret it.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, system, and method for maintaining a stable steam cavity that overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the aforementioned disadvantages, or at least provides the public with a useful option. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Brief description of the invention According to a first aspect, the present invention broadly comprises a multi-phase rotor comprising: A disk body configured so that the rotor is rotatable around a rotation axis; an inlet for receiving liquid into the rotor; a liquid intake channel extending from the inlet; an internal rotor cavity extending radially around the liquid suction channel; at least one outlet configured to discharge liquid from the internal rotor cavity; Including, a flow path between the inlet and at least one outlet is provided by a liquid intake channel and an internal rotor cavity; and When the rotor rotates faster than the stable cavity threshold rotational speed, a persistent stable vapor cavity is formed.

[0009] According to another aspect, the inlet includes an inlet restriction configured to constrain an inlet liquid body at the inlet to form a liquid seal at the inlet as the rotor rotates about the axis of rotation.

[0010] According to another aspect, the at least one outlet is disposed toward or at an outermost region of the internal rotor cavity.

[0011] According to another aspect, at least one outlet includes an outlet restriction configured to retain an outlet liquid body toward the outlet as the rotor rotates about the axis of rotation to form a liquid seal at the outlet.

[0012] According to another aspect, a persistent stable vapor cavity is formed between and separates an outlet liquid mass at the outlet and an inlet liquid mass located at the inlet.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the persistent stable vapor cavity is a low pressure vapor cavity at a pressure lower than the external ambient pressure.

[0014] According to another aspect, the internal rotor cavity forms a ring around the liquid intake channel.

[0015] According to another aspect, the stable cavity threshold rotational speed is greater than the cavitation phase threshold rotational speed at which cavitation first occurs.

[0016] According to another aspect, the multi-phase rotor includes a plurality of outlets.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the liquid seal allows liquid to exit through at least one outlet.

[0018] According to another aspect, the liquid seal prevents ambient gas from venting into the rotor through the inlet and / or the at least one outlet.

[0019] According to another aspect, the outlet restriction is an outlet constriction and the outlet includes a region of reduced area.

[0020] According to another embodiment, at least one outlet has a smaller diameter than the inlet.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the diameter of the outlet is between about 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the diameter of the outlet is about 4 mm.

[0023] According to another aspect, the outlet restriction is a liquid trapping mechanism disposed in at least one outlet that prevents ambient gas from venting through the outlet liquid body and into the sustained stable vapor cavity.

[0024] According to another aspect, a liquid trapping mechanism retains the outlet liquid body and provides a seal between the stable vapor cavity and the ambient gas at the outlet.

[0025] According to another aspect, the liquid trapping mechanism includes a counter-acceleration routing geometry.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the liquid trapping mechanism is an S-trap.

[0027] According to another aspect, the rotor does not include vanes or blades.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the liquid mass flow capacity at the inlet is: a) sustained stable steam cavity; b) external ambient pressure, and c) Inlet size is a function of .

[0029] According to another embodiment, the liquid mass flow capacity at the outlet is: a) sustained stable steam cavity; b) external ambient pressure; c) the size of at least one outlet and / or outlet restriction; and d) Rotor speed is a function of .

[0030] According to another aspect, the inlet is located at the bottom of the rotor.

[0031] According to another aspect, the liquid intake channel extends vertically upward from the inlet.

[0032] According to another aspect, the liquid intake channel is coaxial with the axis of rotation.

[0033] According to another aspect, the liquid inlet channel includes a conical shape for self-priming.

[0034] According to another aspect, the internal rotor cavity lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the liquid is water.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect, the invention broadly includes a system for forming a stable vapor cavity, comprising: A multi-phase rotor according to any one of the preceding paragraphs; A liquid source Includes.

[0037] According to another aspect, the liquid source is a container of liquid.

[0038] According to another aspect, the system is used to deliver a liquid.

[0039] According to another aspect, the system further includes a conduit extending between the interior rotor cavity and an exterior of the rotor for providing a vacuum source.

[0040] According to another aspect, the system further includes an outflow conduit extending between the interior rotor cavity and an exterior of the rotor to provide a fluid flow path for liquid exiting the interior rotor cavity.

[0041] According to another aspect, the outflow conduit is stationary relative to the rotating multi-phase rotor.

[0042] According to another embodiment, one end of the outflow conduit provides access to the liquid within the internal rotor cavity and the other end of the outflow conduit provides an outlet for the rotor.

[0043] According to another aspect, the system further includes a suction conduit extending into the interior rotor cavity for introducing liquid from a liquid source into the rotor.

[0044] According to another aspect, the inlet and / or outlet conduits are non-coaxial with respect to the axis of rotation of the inlet and / or rotor.

[0045] According to other aspects, the inflow and / or outflow conduits include a circular, triangular, or square profile.

[0046] According to another aspect, the invention broadly includes a method for maintaining a stable steam cavity, comprising: Providing a multi-phase rotor according to any one of the preceding claims; introducing a liquid into the rotor through an inlet; rotating the rotor; Includes.

[0047] According to another aspect, the rotor is rotated and initially filled with liquid so that the rotor is self-priming.

[0048] According to another aspect, the method further includes rotating the rotor faster than a stable cavity threshold rotational speed to form a stable steam cavity within the internal rotor cavity.

[0049] According to another aspect, the method further includes a pre-cavitation phase, a mid-cavitation phase, and a post-cavitation phase, in which a stable vapor cavity is formed and maintained.

[0050] According to another aspect, the multi-phase rotor includes an inlet system and an outlet system, and the method further includes rotating the rotor such that the outlet system has a greater liquid mass flow capacity than the inlet system to form a stable vapor cavity in the post-cavitation phase.

[0051] According to another aspect, the outflow and suction systems have a greater liquid mass flow capacity than the outflow system during the pre-cavitation phase.

[0052] According to another aspect, in a post-cavitation phase a persistent stable vapor cavity is formed around the liquid suction channel in plan view, the persistent stable vapor cavity having a cavity diameter.

[0053] According to another aspect, the cavity diameter increases with rotation speed such that at high rotation speeds the cavity diameter is larger than at low rotation speeds.

[0054] According to another aspect, the rotor provides a constant flow rate of liquid ejected from the at least one outlet at any rotational speed during the post-cavitation phase.

[0055] According to another aspect, liquid is introduced to the rotor from a liquid source.

[0056] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only, and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] As used herein, "and / or" means "and", "or", or both.

[0058] As used herein, "(s)" following a noun refers to the plural and / or singular form of that noun.

[0059] The term "comprising" as used in this specification and in the claims means "consisting at least in part of." In interpreting statements in this specification and the claims that include that term, all features preceding the term in each statement must be present, although other features may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0060] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0061] [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross section of a multi-phase rotor. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a multi-phase rotor. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a multi-phase rotor having a housing. [Figure 2C] 1 shows a cross section of a multi-phase rotor and housing. [Figure 2D] 1 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of a multi-phase rotor with a housing. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a multi-phase rotor. [Figure 4] Figure 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a multi-phase rotor, Figure 4B shows an enlarged schematic view of the multi-phase rotor outlet at the outlet, and Figure 4C shows an enlarged schematic view of the multi-phase rotor inlet at the inlet. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional top view of an empty multi-phase rotor. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 shows a schematic top cross-sectional view of a liquid-filled multiphase rotor in the pre-cavitation phase. [Figure 5C] FIG. 2 shows a schematic top cross-sectional view of a multiphase rotor with stable steam cavity formation in the post-cavitation phase. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5C shows a schematic top cross-sectional view of a multiphase rotor with stable vapor cavity formation in the post-cavitation phase at higher rotational speeds. [Figure 5E]FIG. 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional side view of a multi-phase rotor with a liquid trapping mechanism. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a liquid-filled multiphase rotor in the pre-cavitation phase. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a multiphase rotor in the intermediate cavitation phase where the initial formation of steam cavities can be seen. [Figure 6C] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of a multiphase rotor with a stable steam cavity formed in the post-cavitation phase. [Figure 6D] 6C shows a schematic side view of a multiphase rotor with stable vapor cavity formation in the post-cavitation phase at rotational speeds higher than 6C. [Figure 6E] 6D shows a schematic side view of a multiphase rotor with stable vapor cavity formation in the post-cavitation phase at rotational speeds higher than 6D. [Figure 6F] 6D shows a schematic side view of a multiphase rotor with stable vapor cavity formation in the post-cavitation phase at rotational speeds higher than 6D. [Figure 7] Figure 7A shows a schematic of the stable vapor cavity and seals forming a system for moving liquid, and Figure 7B shows a schematic of a multi-phase rotor for use in a system with a 9m relative height difference between the liquid source and the rotor outlet for moving liquid. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a stable vapor cavity and seals forming a system for providing a vacuum source. [Figure 9] 1 shows a graph of flow rate versus rotational speed comparing the operation of a stand-alone multiphase rotor and a conventional centrifugal pump. [Figure 10] 1 shows a schematic top cross-sectional view of a multi-phase rotor including blades. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a multiphase rotor including an outflow conduit. [Figure 12] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-phase rotor including outflow and inflow conduits. [Figure 13] 13A-D show schematic diagrams of various conduit shapes and their locations relative to the inlet of the multiphase rotor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, illustrated in Figures 1-13D, a multi-phase rotor 1, system, and method for maintaining a stable steam cavity 20 are provided and described below. It should be understood that these figures illustrate the general principles of construction and configuration, and that the invention is not limited to the precise configurations shown.

[0063] The multi-phase rotor 1 preferably has a pre-cavitation phase, a transitional intermediate cavitation phase, and a post-cavitation phase in which it is intended to operate.

[0064] In the pre-cavitation phase (shown in FIG. 6A), the liquid flows through the device as pure liquid without any vapor-filled cavities. The pre-cavitation phase occurs at slow rotational speeds (i.e., low revolutions per minute "RPM").

[0065] Cavitation occurs when the equipment is subjected to pressures below the vapor pressure, typically (but not limited to) at higher rotational speeds.

[0066] In the intermediate cavitation phase (shown in FIG. 6B), an initial variable vapor cavity is formed (not yet stable). The vapor-filled cavity is formed when the liquid changes to a gas (boiling) as a result of the pressure being reduced to near or below the vapor pressure point of the liquid. When the pressure is high enough, the gas changes state back to a liquid (condensation), which is often the cause of mechanical damage in conventional equipment. This liquid / gas / liquid phase change is the basic cycle that forms cavitation.

[0067] In a preferred configuration for stable operation of the machine, during the post-cavitation phase (shown in FIG. 6C), a persistent stable steam cavity 20 is formed within the multi-phase rotor 1 provided by a structure which will now be described in more detail.

[0068] Equipment structure As shown in Figure 1, the present invention relates to a multi-phase rotor 1. The multi-phase rotor 1 comprises a disk body 2, an inlet 3 for receiving liquid within the rotor 1, and at least one outlet 4 for discharging the liquid.

[0069] In a preferred configuration, the multi-phase rotor 1 includes multiple outlets 4. It should be appreciated that multiple outlets 4 may allow for a balanced / steady outflow of liquid from the rotor 1.

[0070] In a preferred configuration, during the post-cavitation phase, a persistent stable steam cavity 20 forms in the internal cavity 6 of the rotor 1 when the equipment rotates faster than the stable cavity threshold rotational speed.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4A, the multi-phase rotor 1 includes a liquid inlet channel 5 extending from an inlet 3. An internal rotor cavity 6 extends radially around the liquid inlet channel 5. Preferably, the internal rotor cavity 6 forms a ring around the liquid inlet channel 5, which can be best seen in Figures 1 and 5A-D.

[0072] At least one outlet 4 is configured to exhaust liquid from the internal rotor cavity 6. In some configurations, the exhausted liquid is water. It is anticipated that other liquids may be transported through the multi-phase rotor 1, including, but not limited to, water. Additionally, it should be understood that liquids introduced, transported through, and / or exhausted from the multi-phase rotor 1 include liquids with entrained gas. For example, in applications of the multi-phase motor 1 used as a vacuum source, it is preferred that the liquid include an entrained gas.

[0073] To move liquid through the device, the multi-phase rotor 1 is configured to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. As the multi-phase rotor 1 rotates, liquid flows from an inlet 3 to at least one outlet 4. The liquid flows along a liquid path 22 through a stable vapor cavity 20, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4A. It should be understood that the specific path of the liquid path 22 is determined by the rotation and / or internal geometry of the rotor 1.

[0074] In some configurations, at least one outlet 4 is located towards or at the outermost region of the internal rotor cavity 6. The liquid exits approximately perpendicular to the inlet flow of the liquid suction channel 5 due to rotational acceleration forces.

[0075] In other configurations, the at least one outlet 4 is in other areas of the appliance and / or system.

[0076] In some configurations, at least one outlet 4 is provided by a conduit 62. Preferably, the outlet 4 is located at the end of the conduit 62, thereby allowing liquid from the rotor 1 to exit (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11).

[0077] In some configurations, the multi-phase rotor 1 has a housing 12, as shown in Figures 2B-D. The housing includes a housing outlet 13 for directing the liquid out of the instrument as it exits the rotor 1. Liquid discharged from at least one outlet 4 of the internal rotor cavity 6 is captured by the housing 12 and directed out of the instrument through the housing outlet 13. It should be noted that the multi-phase rotor 1 is a separate instrument from the housing 12.

[0078] It should be understood that the housing 12 of this multi-phase rotor 1 does not necessarily facilitate the movement of liquid from the inlet 3 to the at least one outlet 4. The housing 12 collects and controls the discharged liquid after it is discharged from the internal rotor cavity 6 of the rotor.

[0079] In some configurations, accessories such as hoses can be connected to the housing outlet 13 to direct the liquid as desired.

[0080] In other configurations, the liquid is free to flow out of the at least one outlet 4 without being captured or directed by the housing 12 .

[0081] The internal geometry of the multi-phase rotor 1 causes fluid to move within the device as the rotor rotates.

[0082] Acceleration, and therefore energy, is transferred to the liquid in the rotor 1 as rotational motion is imparted to the liquid through contact with the inner surface of the vessel.

[0083] In some configurations, the rotor 1 does not include vanes or blades.

[0084] In contrast, conventional centrifugal pumps have a rotating impeller within a stationary housing that is necessary to enable the impeller to function and has complex performance characteristics. This interrelationship between the impeller and the housing, and particularly between the impeller and the suction opening of the housing, is an area of ​​high importance because the possibility of cavitation and communication between the inlet and outlet openings in the housing are typically limiting factors on the performance of centrifugal pumps.

[0085] Centrifugal pumps are used as a comparison simply because the significant negative effects of cavitation in this application of rotating mechanisms in liquids are widely recognized.

[0086] 10, in some configurations, the multi-phase rotor 1 includes vanes or blades 17 in the rotor 1, for example in the internal rotor cavity 6. In these configurations, the vanes or blades preferably form a persistent stable steam cavity 20 as described above. The vanes or blades 17 are fixed to or relative to the rotor disk body 2 and therefore rotate with the body. The vanes or blades 17 can impart acceleration energy to the liquid in the rotor.

[0087] It is anticipated that this feature may be beneficial in configurations where additional energy is required, such as when there is a stationary structure in the rotor that impedes the flow of liquid (e.g., provides an obstacle to the liquid flowing radially outward) in the inner rotor cavity 6. Stationary structures may be present in multi-phase rotor applications, particularly where the multi-phase rotor 1 is provided with stationary conduits for accessing the vacuum or liquid in the inner rotor cavity 6 (as described below in machine applications 2 and 3).

[0088] In other configurations, where no vanes or blades 17 are present and there is an obstruction in the liquid, the multi-phase rotor 1 may rotate faster than to achieve the rotational speed required to overcome any obstruction to the flow of liquid within the rotor.

[0089] It should be understood that the multi-phase rotor 1 takes advantage of the presence of non-detrimental phase changes in the rotating environment to provide the functionality described herein. With the multi-phase rotor 1, phase changes in the working fluid become a highly constructive occurrence within the rotating equipment while at the same time not adversely affecting the mechanism.

[0090] It should be appreciated that in a preferred configuration, the multi-phase rotor 1 is designed to include simple internal geometries that are integrated into the body of the equipment. The lack of interacting components within the rotor 1 and / or the simplicity of the rotor 1 is expected to increase the equipment's lifespan and reduce wear and tear that may typically accompany cavitation damage.

[0091] Fluid flow path through the structure Liquid is driven by the multi-phase rotor 1 from an inlet 3 to at least one outlet 4 through a liquid intake channel 5 and an internal rotor cavity 6. A flow path between the inlet 3 and the at least one outlet 4 is provided by the liquid intake channel 5 and the internal rotor cavity 6.

[0092] The multi-phase rotor 1 is arranged to be rotatable about an axis of rotation to move liquid within the device. As the multi-phase rotor 1 rotates, liquid flows from an inlet 3 to at least one outlet 4.

[0093] To drive the multi-phase rotor 1, the rotor is preferably coupled to a drive shaft 14 and a motor (not shown). The motor is connected to the shaft 14 to apply a rotational torque that causes the multi-phase rotor 1 to rotate.

[0094] In a preferred configuration, inlet 3 is located at the bottom of rotor 1. Liquid may be introduced through inlet 3 from a liquid source 50, which is shown in the schematic diagrams of Figures 7A and 7B. In some configurations, inlet 3 is submerged in a body of water or other source of liquid (example shown in Figure 7A). In other configurations, a conduit 51 delivers liquid from the body of water to inlet 3 (example shown in Figure 7B).

[0095] In some configurations, the liquid source is a container of liquid.

[0096] Preferably, the liquid inlet channel 5 extends vertically upwards from the inlet 3, as shown in Figure 4A.

[0097] Preferably, the liquid intake channel is coaxial with the axis of rotation.

[0098] In a preferred configuration, the internal rotor cavity 6 lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, as shown in Figure 4 A. As the multi-phase rotor 1 rotates, liquid within the internal rotor cavity 6 is driven by centrifugal force (rotation-induced acceleration force) from a central region of the multi-phase rotor 1 towards at least one outlet 4 located radially outwardly on the periphery of the multi-phase rotor 1.

[0099] Outlet Liquid Seal In some configurations, at least one outlet 4 preferably includes an outlet restriction 7. In these configurations, the outlet restriction 7 is preferably located at or towards the periphery of the outlet 4, which is best shown in the enlarged schematic view of Figure 4B. The outlet restriction 7 is a mechanism configured to keep the outlet liquid body 60 in the at least one outlet 4 at a pressure above its vapor pressure to prevent cavitation from occurring.

[0100] The outlet restriction 7 retains the outlet liquid mass 60 in the disk body 2 towards the outlet restriction 7 by forming an outlet liquid seal in at least one outlet 4. As a result of the outlet restriction 7, a stable cavity is restricted from fluid communication with the surrounding environment, i.e. a seal is formed. The outlet liquid seal is formed between the external surrounding environment (1 ATM) and the internal vapor pressure cavity as the multiphase rotor 1 rotates about the axis of rotation.

[0101] In some preferred configurations, the outlet restriction 7 prevents external ambient gas from venting through the outlet liquid body 60 and into the stable vapor cavity 20 (against the direction of liquid flow).

[0102] During operation, the outlet liquid mass 60 held by the outlet restriction 7 allows liquid to pass out of the at least one outlet 4 but seals and prevents ambient gas from venting from the outlet into the instrument. The outlet liquid mass 60 is a liquid seal at the at least one outlet 4 that allows fluid to flow out but prevents ambient gas from entering the internal rotor cavity 6 and collapsing the stable vapor cavity 20.

[0103] In some configurations, the outlet restriction 7 is an outlet constriction in which the outlet includes a region of reduced area to retain the fluid body (in operation) and seal the outlet from the external environment. Preferably, the outlet configuration 7 is a reduced (i.e. reduced cross-sectional area) region of at least one outlet to facilitate formation of a liquid seal.

[0104] In some configurations, the outlet restriction 7 has a smaller diameter than the inlet 3 .

[0105] In some configurations, the diameter of the outlet restriction 7 is between about 2mm and 6mm.

[0106] In one configuration, the diameter of the exit restriction 7 is approximately 4mm.

[0107] In some preferred configurations, the diameter of the inlet 3 is between about 3mm and 8mm.

[0108] Inlet Liquid Seal In a preferred configuration, the inlet 3 preferably includes a liquid seal held by the inlet liquid mass 61 at or towards the inlet 3, at least as shown in Figure 4A. Preferably, the inlet restriction 8 is disposed around or towards the inlet 3, which is best shown in the enlarged schematic view of Figure 4C. The inlet restriction 8 is a mechanism configured to hold the inlet liquid mass 61 at the inlet 3 at a pressure above its vapor pressure to prevent the onset of unstable cavitation.

[0109] The inlet restriction 8 , such as that provided by the inlet liquid mass 61 at the inlet 3 , restricts the flow of liquid to form an inlet liquid seal and facilitates the formation of vapor to occupy the vapor cavity 20 .

[0110] It should be understood that the inlet liquid seal at the inlet 3 allows liquid to pass through the inlet.

[0111] In some configurations, the inlet liquid seal 61 is formed around a structure, such as a conduit, through which the inlet 3 may pass (eg, shown in at least Figures 7B, 8, 11, and 12).

[0112] The presence of liquid seals in the multi-phase rotor 1 allows liquid to pass through the inlets 3 and / or outlets 4 while sealing and preventing ambient gas from venting to the equipment via the inlets or outlets. It should be appreciated that in these configurations, liquid seals can provide an effective seal for the rotor and can be advantageous over mechanical seals primarily due to their simplicity and robustness, eliminating wear and tear and requiring no maintenance.

[0113] In some configurations, when the multi-phase rotor 1 rests on a body of water (i.e., a liquid source), the mass of liquid forming the liquid seal at or towards the inlet 3 is continually replaced. The presence of liquid in the liquid source allows for a continuous replacement of the liquid forming the liquid seal, thereby keeping the system stable.

[0114] In some preferred configurations, the inlet restriction 8 prevents external ambient gas from venting into the rotor 1 through the inlet liquid body 61. In some configurations, the inlet restriction 8 is an inlet constriction where the inlet includes a region of reduced area whereby (in operation) the body of fluid can remain in liquid form and seal the inlet from the ambient environment. Preferably, the inlet constriction 8 is a reduced (i.e. reduced cross-sectional area) region at the inlet 3 to facilitate the formation of an inlet liquid seal.

[0115] In one configuration, the diameter of the inlet 3 is approximately 3mm.

[0116] In another configuration, the diameter of the inlet 3 is about 6 mm.

[0117] In a preferred configuration, the multi-phase rotor 1 is operated at or above the stable cavity threshold rotational speed, thus establishing and maintaining a stable vapor cavity 20. The large flow capacity of the outlet system (FIG. 7, "System 2") relative to the flow capacity of the inlet system (FIG. 7, "System 1") allows the incoming liquid to act as a physical sealing interface 8 between the vapor cavity 20 and the external ambient pressure (described in more detail below). It should be appreciated that a liquid sealing mechanism can facilitate communication both into and out of the multi-phase rotor 1.

[0118] Stable Steam Cavity When the multi-phase rotor 1 rotates above a threshold rotational speed, a persistent stable steam cavity 20 forms within the internal rotor cavity 6, best shown in schematic FIGS. 5C and 5D.

[0119] The persistent vapor cavity 20 is a low pressure vapor cavity having a pressure lower than the external ambient pressure. A low pressure vapor cavity is composed of saturated vapor at the vapor pressure of a liquid. For example, - Water at 20 degrees Celsius produces a cavity pressure of about 2340 Pa, which is the vapour pressure of water at 20 degrees Celsius. - Oil at 20 degrees Celsius produces a cavity pressure of about 700 Pa, which is the vapour pressure of oil at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0120] Preferably, a persistent stable vapor cavity 20 is formed between and separates an outlet liquid mass 60 at at least one outlet 4 and an inlet liquid mass 61 at the inlet 3, as shown in Figures 6C-F.

[0121] In a preferred configuration, there are two liquid flow systems within the multiphase rotor 1, as shown in Figure 7A. System 1 is the "suction system" and system 2 is the "outflow system." The interrelationship between systems 1 and 2 determines the cavitation regime of the multiphase rotor 1.

[0122] When system 1 (suction) has a larger liquid mass flow capacity than system 2 (outflow), the multiphase rotor is in the "pre-cavitation" phase. Preferably, no phase change occurs (Figure 6A).

[0123] When system 2 (outlet) has a greater liquid mass flow capacity than system 1 (inlet), the multiphase rotor 1 enters the mid-cavitation phase (Figure 6B) or the post-cavitation phase (Figures 6C-6F). The mid-cavitation phase is dynamic and unstable. The onset of the mid-cavitation phase occurs when the "cavitation phase threshold rotational speed" (i.e., the threshold RPM at which cavitation first occurs) is reached. During the mid-cavitation phase of operation, cavitation occurs persistently and the liquid changes to a gaseous state and then back to liquid, which is classical cavitation.

[0124] As the RPM increases further, the "Stable Cavity Threshold Rotational Speed" is reached (the threshold rotational speed at which the rotor forms and maintains a sustained stable vapor cavity). The post-cavitation phase is the preferred operating state where a stable vapor cavity 20 forms and remains stable. This stable state occurs at the "Stable Cavity Threshold Rotational Speed" and continues thereafter. In this operating zone, phase changes are preferably limited to only the "liquid to gas" (vapor) section of the cavitation cycle.

[0125] In a preferred configuration, a persistent stable vapor cavity 20 forms at / above a stable cavity threshold rotational speed, which is the RPM (speed of rotation) at which system 2 (the outflow system) produces a bulk liquid flow capacity greater than that of system 1 (the inflow system) and additionally overcomes the effect of ambient pressure against the liquid bulk outflow of system 2.

[0126] Preferably, stability is provided at / above a stable cavity threshold rotational speed, where / beyond which a stable vapor cavity 20 can be established and maintained between the outlet and inlet liquid bodies 60, 61.

[0127] Preferably, the stable cavity threshold rotational speed exceeds the cavitation phase threshold rotational speed at which cavitation first occurs.

[0128] It should be appreciated that in the post-cavitation phase, the stable vapor cavity 20 is maintained within the internal rotor cavity 6, even as the rotor continues to rotate and the rotational speed increases. This is in contrast to structures such as conventional centrifugal pumps, which cannot achieve high rotational speeds because unstable vapor cavities (cavitation) would occur, thus impairing equipment performance and / or causing damage.

[0129] For example, in a multi-phase rotor 1 where the liquid is water at 20 degrees Celsius, the "cavitation phase threshold rotational speed" during observed operation may be approximately 5600 RPM, and the "stable cavity threshold rotational speed" during observed operation may be approximately 6500 RPM.

[0130] In a preferred configuration, the liquid mass flow capacity (at the inlet) of system 1 is: a) the pressure in the inner rotor cavity 6 / steam cavity 20 of the multiphase rotor 1; b) external ambient pressure (assisting / driving the flow), and c) Size of inlet opening 3 is a function of .

[0131] In a preferred configuration, the liquid mass flow capacity (at the outlet) of system 2 is: a) the pressure in the inner rotor cavity 6 / steam cavity 20 of the multiphase rotor 1; b) external ambient pressure (against the flow); c) the size of the outlet opening 4 / outlet restriction 7, and d) Rotational speed, RPM is a function of .

[0132] In a preferred configuration of the multi-phase rotor 1, the physical relationships of the components result in a stable vapor cavity 20 when the rotor rotates at / above the stable cavity threshold rotational speed. Preferably, a compressive (pushing) force is applied to the outlet liquid mass 60. Because there is a physical vapor body separating the outlet liquid mass 60 at the outlet and the inlet liquid mass 61 at the inlet, an acceleration force pushes the exiting liquid mass 60 through at least one of the outlets 4 and the outlet restriction 7, thereby preventing the formation of unstable and harmful cavitation.

[0133] seal It should be appreciated that in the preferred configuration, the stable vapor cavity 20 is at a pressure substantially lower than the external ambient pressure. Preferably, the vapor cavity 20 is sealed on both sides (i.e., the upstream / inlet 3 and the downstream / outlet 4).

[0134] In a preferred configuration, the outlet restriction 7 of at least one outlet 4 has a restricting force sufficient to provide a sufficient liquid depth, greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid, to facilitate the formation of a stable liquid seal between the stable vapor cavity 20 and the external ambient (1 ATM) environment outside the outlet restriction 7.

[0135] The presence of a stable vapor cavity 20 separating the inlet and outlet liquid bodies 60, 61, and the presence of a stable liquid seal allows rotational acceleration to generate a force that creates a compressive or "pushing" force on the outflowing liquid body 60, which in turn keeps the liquid pressure above the vapor pressure, completely eliminating harmful cavitation.

[0136] Liquid trap mechanism In some preferred configurations, the multi-phase rotor 1 has a liquid trap outlet restriction 9, shown in Figure 5D. The liquid trap feature 9 is a modified form of at least one outlet 4 and is another type of outlet restriction as previously described.

[0137] The liquid trap mechanism 9 is an outlet restriction configured to retain the outlet liquid mass 60 within the disk body 2 by forming a liquid seal at at least one outlet as the multi-phase rotor 1 rotates about the rotational axis.

[0138] Preferably, this outlet restrictor trap mechanism 9 prevents external ambient gas from venting (against the direction of liquid flow) through the outlet liquid body 60 and into the stable vapor cavity 20. The liquid trap mechanism 9 prevents air (ambient gas) from returning through the outlet 4, which would cause the cavity pressure to increase from vapor pressure to ambient pressure. If this were to happen, it could destroy the "vacuum" (vapor pressure) and thus destroy the stable vapor cavity 20.

[0139] Preferably, the liquid trapping mechanism 9 captures the outlet liquid mass 60 and seals off the low pressure within the rotor 1 at the outlet 4 from the external ambient pressure.

[0140] Preferably, an outlet restrictive liquid trap mechanism 9 retains the outlet liquid mass and provides a seal between the stable vapor cavity 20 and the ambient gas at the outlet.

[0141] Preferably, the liquid trapping mechanism 9 has an acceleration-countering routing shape radially relative to the direction of flow.

[0142] In a preferred configuration, the liquid trap mechanism 9 is an S-trap device as shown in Figures 1 and 5D and 5E. The liquid trap mechanism 9 in these configurations includes legs 10, 11 that are substantially aligned in a radial direction. As the multi-phase rotor 1 rotates, liquid within the rotor cavity 6 is forced radially outward from the axis of rotation into the first leg 10 of the liquid trap mechanism 9. The deformed shape of the liquid trap mechanism 9 redirects the flow radially inward through the second leg 11 toward the axis of rotation.

[0143] In these configurations, the inward second leg 11 experiences a substantial, proportional RPM based acceleration which opposes the direction of flow of the exiting liquid mass 60 and therefore acts as a force based liquid flow restrictor, i.e., outlet restriction 7. Due to this restriction, the rotational acceleration generates a force which creates a compressive or "pushing" force on the exiting liquid mass 60 in both legs 10, 11, so that the pressure of the exiting liquid is consequently maintained above the vapor pressure in the liquid trapping mechanism 9.

[0144] The alignment of the second leg 11 of the liquid trap and the acceleration forces acting on the second leg are the mechanism that keeps the exiting liquid above the vapor pressure while preventing the ingress of external ambient gas. In these preferred configurations, the liquid trap mechanism 9 maintains a persistent vapor cavity 20 to prevent harmful cavitation.

[0145] Preferably, an outlet leg 15 is provided to bleed liquid out at the downstream second leg 11 as shown in Figure 5D. It should be understood that the outlet leg 15 is not critical in maintaining a stable vapor cavity 20 as long as it does not affect the flow characteristics of the liquid trapping mechanism 9. The purpose of the outlet leg 15 is to provide a flow path out of the rotor 1.

[0146] It should be appreciated that in these preferred configurations, the liquid trapping mechanism 9 allows the rotor 1 to rotate at higher rotational speeds than machines not having this mechanism by preventing venting and subsequent collapse of the stable vapor cavity 20.

[0147] Preferably, the liquid trapping mechanism 9 includes a peripheral exit path having a substantially larger cross-sectional area, the first and second legs 10, 11 being open to the surrounding environment to allow liquid to escape.

[0148] In one configuration, the liquid trapping mechanism 9 is shown in Figure 5E in a "pond and weir" arrangement.

[0149] It should be appreciated that the flow restriction provided by the outlet restriction 7 at at least one liquid outlet 4 in the flow route of the outlet liquid mass 60 in the multi-phase rotor 1 helps to establish and maintain a stable vapor cavity 20. The flow restriction can be either via a physical constriction 7 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4B) or via a force-based liquid trap mechanism 9 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5D). Either mechanism is an outlet restriction that restricts outflow and is configured to keep the outlet liquid mass 60 at at least one outlet 4 above its vapor pressure. The outlet restriction 7 facilitates the formation of the vapor cavity and helps to maintain a sustained stable vapor cavity 20.

[0150] It should be appreciated that the liquid trapping mechanism 9 provides a robust solution, particularly at higher RPM. It should therefore be appreciated that many geometric arrangements can be devised to facilitate the formation of liquid flow paths radially inward (e.g., by substantially or partially reducing the geometric / directional component of the radius) towards the axis of rotation that delivers the countercurrent acceleration force that provides the function of the liquid trapping mechanism 9.

[0151] Equipment Operation 5A-5D show the phases of the multi-phase rotor 1 in schematic plan view.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 5A, there is a multi-phase rotor 1 in an empty state without any liquid.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 5B, initially the rotor 1 is full of liquid and the inlet 3 is immersed in the body of liquid.

[0154] As the multiphase rotor 1 rotates, liquid in the internal rotor cavity 6 moves radially outward from the center of the device towards at least one outlet 4. This results in a relatively low pressure around the central region of the internal rotor cavity and in the liquid suction channel 5 relative to the external pressure at the inlet 3. The external pressure outside / upstream of the inlet 3 pushes the liquid into the lower pressure suction channel zone 5 and further into the internal rotor cavity 6. Preferably, the rotor 1 rotates and initially fills with liquid, so that the rotor is self-priming.

[0155] In some configurations, the liquid inlet channel 5 (shown in FIG. 2D) has a conical shape to make it self-priming. The liquid channel 5 in these configurations can draw liquid into the channel from a liquid source 50. The slight tapering (in the direction of flow) of the inner walls of the structure surrounding the inlet channel 5 ensures that the multi-phase rotor 1 is self-priming.

[0156] Thus, as the rotor 1 rotates about its axis, the liquid moves from the inlet 3 to at least one outlet 4. The rotor initially operates in a pre-cavitation phase where the liquid flows through the device as pure liquid with no vapour-filled cavities.

[0157] As shown in Figure 5C, the rotor is operating in a post-cavitation phase. As the rotor continues to rotate at a high rotational speed above the stable cavity threshold rotational speed, a stable steam cavity 20 is formed within the internal rotor cavity 6, the stable steam cavity 20 having a cavity diameter 21.

[0158] Vapor cavity 20 is formed when the liquid outflow demand caused by the acceleration on the liquid mass in the internal rotor cavity 6 exceeds the amount that can be supplied by the acceleration caused by the external 1 ATM pressure on the inlet liquid.

[0159] Once a stable vapor cavity 20 is formed, it is stable over a wide range of rotational speeds in the preferred configuration.

[0160] It should be understood that the threshold rotational speeds, both the "cavitation phase threshold" and the "stable cavity threshold", can vary widely.

[0161] Apart from external ambient conditions and equipment specifics, the variables that determine the actual threshold RPM include: a) the size of the inlet opening of system 1; b) the size of at least one outlet opening of system 2; c) The liquid vapor pressure, both its physical properties and its actual temperature.

[0162] As shown in Figure 5D, the rotor continues to operate in the post-cavitation phase at a higher rotational speed than that shown in Figure 5C. The cavity diameter 21 increases with rotational speed, and the cavity diameter at the higher rotational speed (Figure 5D) is larger than that at the lower rotational speed (Figure 5C). At the higher rotational speed, the stable vapor cavity expands into the first leg of the liquid trapping mechanism 9.

[0163] At these high rotational speeds, the liquid trap mechanism 9 maintains a stable steam cavity because the liquid trap mechanism 9 seals the inner rotor cavity 6 from the downstream environment with a ring of liquid, preventing ambient pressure at at least one outlet 4 from entering and thereby compromising the stable steam cavity 20.

[0164] In some preferred configurations, the multi-phase rotor 1 can operate at high RPM during the post-cavitation phase. Machine modeling has demonstrated that rotational speeds of 35,000 RPM are easily achievable without loss of functionality. Stable operation has been demonstrated up to 20,000 RPM in practical equipment. Theoretical predictions suggest that there is no obvious RPM threshold other than practical power, mechanical, and material limitations.

[0165] System / equipment usage The multi-phase rotor 1 has the ability to create and maintain a low pressure steam cavity 20. This stable low pressure cavity 20 provides a variety of practical opportunities, including pressure-based applications, within the configurations and conditions described above.

[0166] Furthermore, in a preferred configuration, the liquid masses 60, 61 provide a pressure seal interface between the multi-phase rotor 1 and the external environment, i.e. the seal is realized via the liquid itself. This aspect has further positive implications in maintaining separation and / or isolation, for example when sensitive / harmful liquids are used within the framework of the functional capabilities of the multi-phase rotor. In a preferred configuration, no bushings / bearings and seals are required that need to be in intimate contact with the liquid. As the liquid seal is not a physical / mechanical item, it is not subject to damage / wear and tear / chemical corrosion that often occurs in the case of conventional physical pressure / isolation seals.

[0167] We will now describe some applications of the multi-phase rotor 1. It should be understood that the multi-phase rotor 1 may also be used in other applications not described herein.

[0168] Application 1: Liquid transfer equipment The multi-phase rotor 1 displaces liquid (i.e., liquid flows through it) as a result of the mechanisms described above, providing both a seal and a persistent stable vapor cavity. In one application of the multi-phase rotor 1, the flow of liquid through the multi-phase rotor 1 can be utilized.

[0169] For example, the multi-phase rotor 1 may, in some configurations, have a housing 12 that "surrounds" it. The housing 12 simply acts as a collector for liquid exiting the multi-phase rotor 1. By adding optional housing "appendage" 12 to the multi-phase rotor 1, the exiting liquid can be purposefully collected and controlled.

[0170] In the post-cavitation phase, the flow rate of liquid into the multiphase rotor is preferably independent of the rotational speed of the rotor. The flow rate into the multiphase rotor 1 is a function of the vapor pressure of the liquid, the atmospheric pressure, the inlet diameter, and the relative heights of the multiphase rotor and the liquid source.

[0171] In a preferred configuration, the operational characteristics of the multi-phase rotor 1 cause atmospheric pressure to push liquid into the vapor cavity 20 of the multi-phase rotor 1 against gravity. The rotor potential height relativity is directly related to the equivalent meters of head to the vapor pressure of the liquid at a given temperature. For example, referring to FIG. 7B, the vapor pressure of water at 20 degrees Celsius is about 2.3 kPa, which is an atmospheric pressure (at sea level) that can push water through the conduit 51 into the multi-phase rotor at a potential difference height of about 10.09 m. At this height relativity (10.09 m), no flow occurs, but if the relative height difference is, say, 9 m, and the inlet orifice diameter is, say, 20 mm, the following scenario holds: - Liquid suction lift height 9m Suction potential pressure 2.3kPa - Flow through 20mm diameter ·Approx. 1.43l / s - This output flow can consequently be gradually accelerated through increasing RPM without affecting the stable operating conditions produced by / in the multi-phase rotor 1.

[0172] In the preferred configuration, the multiphase rotor 1, during the post-cavitation phase, provides a constant exit flow rate of liquid (equal to the inlet liquid mass flow) from at least one outlet 4 at any rotation speed, as shown in the graph of FIG. 9, and therefore the RPM can be increased to add energy to the exiting liquid without negative consequences. In contrast, a standard centrifugal pump cannot achieve high rotation speeds, as this would create unstable, if not destructive, vapor cavities (cavitation), impairing performance and damaging equipment. FIG. 9 shows that the normal centrifugal pump - impeller and housing, stops delivering liquid at about 6000 RPM, while the multiphase rotor 1 continues to deliver up to 15000 RPM, where the simulation is terminated, with no change in flow performance.

[0173] In these configurations, the multi-phase rotor 1 can displace high velocity liquid as desired, which can then be converted into pressure, thrust, or other forms of energy as required for different applications.

[0174] Preferably, the outlet restriction 7 and / or trap 9 features maintain a higher than vapor pressure within the exiting outlet liquid mass 60. The multiphase rotor 1 can therefore apply acceleration energy to the liquid, compressing or "pushing" it as it passes through the multiphase rotor 1. The "velocity" of this exiting liquid has a potential speed (m / s) component equal to or greater than the rotational speed (m / s) of the multiphase rotor 1 at the departure point of the exiting liquid from the rotor 1. Increasingly applied acceleration energy can therefore be "absorbed" by the liquid.

[0175] Application 2: Vacuum source In some configurations, a system including a multi-phase rotor 1 is used as a vacuum source. The system provides the vacuum source by facilitating external access to a stable low pressure region (vapor cavity 20) that is maintained within the multi-phase rotor 1 during the post-cavitation phase. The multi-phase rotor 1 in these configurations provides the "vacuum" source by displacing liquid, utilizing the physical properties of the liquid that provide both the seal and the "vacuum".

[0176] Furthermore, the stable low pressure cavity 20 (vapor pressure of the working liquid) present within the rotating environment provided by the rotating multi-phase rotor 1 establishes an internal isolated environment (but within a liquid flow path / circuit that borders the ambient conditions) in which deliberate and productive harmless liquid / gas phase changes (including cavitation) can be promoted and utilized.

[0177] In these configurations, the system has a conduit 51 extending between the inner rotor cavity 6 and an outer vessel / chamber 55, as shown in Figure 8. The conduit 51 provides access to the stable low pressure steam cavity 20 within the inner rotor cavity 6.

[0178] The stable vapor pressure vapor cavity 20 is a low pressure environment that is a result of the liquid changing to a vapor. The low pressure environment or vapor pressure vapor cavity 20 is the "vacuum" within the inner rotor cavity 6 that results from the processes and mechanisms described above.

[0179] It should be appreciated that different liquids may be used to facilitate different vacuum levels within the stable vapor cavity 20 as a result of the vapor pressure characteristics of the particular liquid.

[0180] This method of generating vacuum has many uses, both direct and indirect. The items listed below are examples only and do not represent an exhaustive list of all the possibilities or uses. Note also that although the scenarios below list water as the working liquid, other liquids could be used.

[0181] Some direct uses include: a) priming the siphon flow system to remove gas within the siphon flow system by accessing it from the "top" of the siphon; b) The system facilitates flow of both liquids and gases at low pressures without the use of mechanical or system components, which is beneficial in applications such as VMD (vacuum membrane distillation); c) Exhaust of gases that attack the lubricants / oils of typical vacuum pumps. The feasibility of using e.g. water as a continuous and replaceable vacuum medium.

[0182] Application 3: Fluid flow through conduits In other configurations, the multi-phase rotor 1 can utilize the flow of liquid through the rotor and direct it out as desired, for example as shown in the schematic diagrams of Figures 11 and 12. In these configurations, the stable vapor cavity forming system provides a liquid path for liquid from within the internal rotor cavity 6 and further includes an outflow conduit 62 for purposefully directing the outflow liquid. The outflow conduit 62 provides access to the liquid within the internal rotor cavity 6, with the outwardly directed liquid being used as desired. Preferably, the outflow conduit 62 is stationary relative to the rotating multi-phase rotor 1.

[0183] Preferably, one end of the outflow conduit 62 is located at or towards the periphery of the internal rotor cavity 6. The outflow conduit 62 is in fluid communication with liquid that collects at the outlet region of the internal rotor cavity 6 (by centrifugal force as the rotor spins). Preferably, the other end of the outflow conduit 62 is located outside the disk body 2 of the rotor (to provide an outlet for the rotor).

[0184] Preferably, in these configurations, the multi-phase rotor 1 provides beneficial high velocity liquid exiting through the outlet conduit 62. Optionally, this high velocity can be translated into higher pressures as required in different applications.

[0185] Liquid that collects within the internal rotor cavity 6 at or towards the periphery of the rotor body has acceleration energy due to the compressive or “pushing” behavior of the liquid as it passes through the multi-phase rotor 1 .

[0186] It should be appreciated that in those applications where the stationary conduit is within the internal rotor cavity 6, the blades or vanes shown in FIG. 10 may be advantageous for more efficiently imparting energy to the liquid as discussed above.

[0187] The formation of a stable vapor cavity 20 allows for high rotational speeds in the post-cavitation phase, which allows the RPM to be increased to add energy to the liquid collected around the inner rotor cavity 6 without negative consequences. The system acts to continuously flow liquid out at high velocity / pressure when the outlet capacity exceeds the inlet delivery.

[0188] As mentioned above, this is in contrast to standard / conventional centrifugal pumps which cannot achieve high rotational speeds due to the formation of unstable, if not destructive, vapor cavities (cavitation) which can impair performance and damage equipment.

[0189] It should be understood that in these configurations, no scroll or housing is required to capture the energized liquid.

[0190] In some configurations, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 12, the multi-phase rotor 1 further includes a suction conduit 63 extending into the internal rotor cavity 6. The suction conduit 63 preferably introduces liquid from a liquid source 50' into the internal rotor cavity 6. The liquid source 50' may be an additional source of liquid separate from the body of liquid upon which the rotor 1 may rest. It should be appreciated that in these configurations, providing a suction conduit may have advantages such as providing another flow path and allowing flexibility in providing the liquid source.

[0191] In some configurations, the multi-phase rotor 1 includes some of the features or principles of a pitot pump, such as when a pitot tube is present (type of outlet conduit 62 as described above). As shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 12, in some configurations, the instrument may have a first chamber 71 in which standard operation of the multi-phase rotor 1 occurs as described above. In some configurations, the instrument further includes a second chamber 72 that provides the features of a pitot pump.

[0192] Preferably, the first chamber 71 is part of the instrument that functions as a multi-phase rotor that forms the stable vapor chamber 20 as described above and creates the operating environment for the second chamber 72 to function as a pitot pump. In this environment, fluid is drawn from the fluid source 50' into the second (pitot) chamber 72. The liquid is exhausted through the pitot tube / outflow conduit 62, which remains stationary as the rotor chambers 71, 72 rotate.

[0193] As shown in Figures 13-13D, various shapes of the outflow conduit 62 and its location relative to the inlet 3 can be utilized while still maintaining a liquid seal at the inlet 3.

[0194] Optionally, the inlet and / or outlet conduits 63, 62 are not coaxial with respect to the axis of rotation of the inlet 3 and / or rotor 1, as shown in Figures 13C and 13D.

[0195] In some configurations, the inflow and / or outflow conduits 63, 62 are circular (examples shown in Figures 13A and 13D). In other configurations, other shapes such as square, triangular, etc. may be used (Figures 13B and 13C).

[0196] Numerous modifications in the structure of the invention and various different embodiments and applications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0197] The present invention may also be broadly described as consisting of each and every individual or collection of parts, elements, and features referred to or shown in the specification of this application, as well as any combination of two or more of said parts, elements, or features, and where a specific integer having an equivalent amount known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains is set forth herein, such known equivalent amount is deemed to be incorporated into this application as if it were individually set forth.

Claims

1. A multi-phase rotor, a disk body configured so that the rotor can rotate around a rotation axis; an inlet for receiving liquid into the rotor; a liquid intake channel extending from the inlet; an internal rotor cavity within the disk body extending radially around the liquid intake channel; at least one outlet configured to discharge the liquid from the internal rotor cavity; Including, a flow path between the inlet and the at least one outlet is provided by the liquid intake channel and the internal rotor cavity; a persistent stable vapor cavity is formed within the internal rotor cavity when the rotor rotates faster than a stable cavity threshold rotational speed; the inlet includes an inlet restriction configured to constrain an inlet liquid body at the inlet to form a liquid seal at the inlet as the rotor rotates about the axis of rotation; and the at least one outlet includes an outlet restriction configured to retain an outlet liquid mass toward the outlet as the rotor rotates about the axis of rotation to form a liquid seal at the outlet. Multiphase rotor.

2. 2. The multiphase rotor of claim 1, wherein said persistent stable vapor cavity is formed between and separates said outlet liquid mass at each of said outlets and an inlet liquid mass located at said inlet.

3. The multiphase rotor of claim 1 , wherein the internal rotor cavity forms a ring around the liquid intake channel.

4. The multi-phase rotor of claim 1 , wherein the stable cavity threshold rotational speed is greater than the cavitation phase threshold rotational speed at which cavitation first occurs.

5. The multi-phase rotor of claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet comprises a plurality of outlets.

6. A multi-phase rotor as described in claim 1, wherein the liquid seal at the outlet allows liquid to exit through the at least one outlet, and the liquid seal prevents ambient gas from venting into the rotor through the inlet and / or the at least one outlet.

7. 2. The multi-phase rotor of claim 1, wherein said outlet restriction is a reduced area of ​​each of said outlets, said at least one outlet having a smaller diameter than said inlet.

8. The multiphase rotor of claim 7, wherein the diameter of said at least one outlet is between 2 mm and 6 mm.

9. The multi-phase rotor of claim 8 , wherein the at least one outlet has a diameter of about 4 mm.

10. The outlet restriction portion is a liquid trapping mechanism disposed at the at least one outlet to prevent ambient gas from venting through the outlet liquid mass into the persistent stable vapor cavity; and the liquid trap mechanism retains the outlet liquid mass such that the liquid seal at each of the outlets is between the stable vapor cavity and ambient gas.

11. The multiphase rotor of claim 1 , wherein the liquid trapping mechanism is an S-trap.

12. 2. The multi-phase rotor of claim 1, wherein the inlet is located at the bottom of the rotor, the liquid intake channel extends vertically upward from the inlet, and optionally the liquid intake channel includes a conical shape for self-priming.

13. A multiphase rotor according to any one of the preceding claims; A liquid source A stable vapor cavity forming system including:

14. used to deliver a liquid, and optionally the system further comprising a conduit extending between the interior rotor cavity and an exterior of the rotor for providing a vacuum source; and optionally the system further comprising an outflow conduit extending between the internal rotor cavity and an exterior of the rotor to provide a fluid flow path for liquid exiting the internal rotor cavity; and optionally the system further including a suction conduit extending into the internal rotor cavity for introducing liquid from the liquid source into the rotor; The stable vapor cavity forming system of claim 13 .

15. A multi-phase rotor, comprising: a disk body configured so that the rotor can rotate around a rotation axis; an inlet for receiving liquid into the rotor; a liquid intake channel extending from the inlet; an internal rotor cavity extending radially around the liquid intake channel; at least one outlet configured to discharge the liquid from the internal rotor cavity; Including, a flow path between the inlet and the at least one outlet is provided by the liquid intake channel and the internal rotor cavity; a persistent stable vapor cavity is formed within the internal rotor cavity when the rotor rotates faster than a stable cavity threshold rotational speed; providing a multi-phase rotor; introducing a liquid into the rotor through the inlet; rotating the rotor; Including, the multi-phase rotor operates in a pre-cavitation phase, a mid-cavitation phase, and a post-cavitation phase, and the stable vapor cavity is formed and maintained in the post-cavitation phase; In the post-cavitation phase, the persistent stable vapor cavity is formed around the liquid suction channel. A method for maintaining a stable vapor cavity.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the rotor is rotated and initially filled with liquid so that the rotor is self-priming.

17. rotating the rotor faster than a stable cavity threshold rotational speed to form the stable vapor cavity within the internal rotor cavity.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

18. the multiphase rotor includes an intake system and an outlet system; the method further comprising rotating the rotor such that the outlet system has a greater liquid mass flow capacity than the inlet system to form the stable vapor cavity in the post-cavitation phase; the suction system has a greater liquid mass flow capacity than the outflow system in the pre-cavitation phase; 18. The method of claim 17.

19. The method described in claim 15, wherein the persistent stable vapor cavity is formed around the liquid suction channel in a plan view, and the persistent stable vapor cavity includes a cavity diameter.

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