Fluid dispenser and method of dispensing fluid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid or liquid dispenser and to a method for dispensing a fluid or liquid using a dispenser. The dispenser may be employed in an evaporation or condensation unit for treating a fluid. A fluid dispenser 200 comprises one or more sets of at least two channels 210 arranged in a plane orthogonal to an axis of the dispenser that extends substantially perpendicularly in use. Each channel is continuous and comprises a base (211) and two upright side walls (212, 213). The channels may include concentric rings. Each channel is spaced from an adjacent channel by an opening 230 through the dispenser. Fluid supplied to the channel can flow through one or both side walls and drop from the distributor. Each channel is connected to an adjacent channel by a bridge portion 220 configured to provide fluid communication between the channels and configured to distribute fluid to the channels. Notches 214 and protrusions 215 may be provided to enable optimization of droplet size and distribution.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid or liquid distributor and to a method of distributing fluid or liquid using the distributor.

[0002] The distributor can be used in an evaporation or condensation unit for treating fluid. The fluid can be contaminated and the treatment can comprise reducing or removing one or more contaminants from the fluid. An example of a contaminated fluid is water contaminated with salt and / or solid matter. Solid matter can be present, for example, if the fluid comes from an anaerobic digester.

[0003] The distributor can be used in any situation where it is desirable to distribute droplets of fluid. For example, in a cooling tower, in irrigation, or when applying a chemical to a surface, such as applying a fertilizer or applying an industrial surface finish.

[0004] Although the preferred embodiments described below relate to the use of the distributor in an evaporation or condensation unit for reducing or removing one or more contaminants from a fluid, the invention should not be interpreted as being limited to this particular application. BACKGROUND

[0005] A known fluid distributor for use in an evaporation or condensation unit for treating fluid is disclosed in WO2015 / 114342 (Solaquagen Limited). The distributor comprises two concentric circular channels with separate fluid supply pipes to supply fluid to each channel from below. The fluid flow to each channel needs to be balanced to account for the relative size / volume of each channel.

[0006] Another fluid distributor is disclosed in US 6,722,639 (Ender et al, assigned to Koch-Glitsch, LP) which has a linear channel. In this distributor, debris can accumulate at the end of the channel and the holes in the side of the channel can become blocked.

[0007] There is a need to address the problems of prior art distributors. It is also desirable to control and optimise the droplet size, customise the droplet pattern, and / or optimise the droplet distribution per unit area falling from the distributor. In the context of thermal evaporation processes, a more uniform droplet distribution can help to reduce the energy requirements of the process. Controlling the droplet size and distribution can also help to avoid flooding the breakers below the distributor. SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser comprising a set of at least two channels, the at least two channels being arranged in substantially the same plane, the plane being orthogonal to an axis of the dispenser, the axis extending substantially vertically in use, wherein each channel is continuous and comprises a base and two upstanding side walls, wherein each channel is spaced from an adjacent channel by an opening through the dispenser, each channel is configured so that fluid supplied to the channel can flow over one or both side walls and fall from the dispenser, and wherein each channel is connected to an adjacent channel by a bridge portion, the bridge portion being configured to provide fluid communication between the channels and to distribute fluid to the channels.

[0009] Each channel is continuous, meaning that there is no end or termination point in the channel. For example, a linear channel would be non-continuous as it terminates at each end. In effect, fluid can circulate within a loop around the channel. The shape or path of the channel (in plan view) can be any shape suitable for the application, for example circular, oval, rectangular, square or irregular.

[0010] The at least two channels making up the set are arranged in substantially the same plane, which plane can typically be horizontal in use. In combination with each channel being continuous, this effectively requires one channel to be within another. There can be a central channel which is smallest in terms of width dimension in plan view, and one or more channels will be positioned outside and around the central channel, each channel gradually increasing in width compared to the channel adjacent to it inside. The set of channels can be considered to be nested. The channels can have the same centre and can be concentric, but this does not mean that the channels are circular, although a set of concentric, circular channels is one preferred arrangement.

[0011] The channels within the set are connected to adjacent channels within the same set by a bridge portion, the bridge portion being configured to provide fluid communication between the channels. The bridge portion effectively spans the opening between the adjacent channels. The opening between two channels is therefore divided by the bridge portion into opening portions. There can be more than one bridge portion provided between adjacent channels, and the opening will be correspondingly divided into a corresponding number of opening portions. The number of bridge channels can vary depending on the size and layout of the dispenser channels.

[0012] If the set comprises more than two channels, the bridge portions can or can not be aligned in the direction of fluid flow. In a preferred arrangement, the set comprises at least three channels, and the bridge portions connecting the different channels are aligned to form a bridge channel connecting all the channels of the set. The bridge portions and / or channels can extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow within each channel.

[0013] If the bridge portions are not aligned in the direction of fluid flow, the bridge portions can be offset from one another. This can help to create turbulence and reduce the build-up of deposits within the dispenser. In alternative embodiments in which the bridge portions are aligned, the bridge portions of different channels of a connection group are offset from one another.

[0014] In a preferred arrangement, a plurality of bridge channels are provided. Each channel can be substantially circular in plan view. One or more of the bridge channels extend radially. As mentioned above, these circular channels can be concentric.

[0015] Each channel has a base and two upstanding side walls. In cross-section (i.e. when viewed along the plane of the channel group), each channel can have a generally U-shaped cross-section. The base can be flat, curved, concave or V-shaped. Other cross-sectional shapes of the channel can also be suitable.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the channel side walls have upper edges, and the upper edge of at least one side wall of each channel is provided with a plurality of cut-outs spaced around the perimeter of the channel. The cut-outs help to control the exit point of fluid from the channel. In another embodiment, both side walls are provided with cut-outs. The cut-outs can be of any suitable shape, such as V-shaped, U-shaped, square, arcuate, semi-circular, etc. In a preferred arrangement, the cut-outs are V-shaped.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, each side wall is provided with a protrusion vertically below each cut-out, the protrusion depending downwardly from the side wall, the protrusion being configured to provide a location for fluid exiting the cut-out to form a droplet falling from the dispenser. The protrusion can be of any suitable shape to facilitate droplet formation, such as V-shaped, U-shaped, square, arcuate, semi-circular, etc. In a preferred arrangement, the protrusion is V-shaped.

[0018] The dispenser can comprise an inlet or supply point configured to supply fluid to the dispenser. A single inlet can be provided, or two or more inlets. If two or more inlets are provided, the fluid supplied by each inlet can be the same or different. If the fluids are different, the dispenser can act as a tool to mix the two fluids.

[0019] The inlet is preferably configured to supply fluid to the dispenser from above the dispenser (i.e. in a vertically downward direction relative to the dispenser) when in use. The fluid can be supplied into the channels or bridge portions, or into another part of the dispenser that is in fluid communication with the network of channels and bridge portions of the dispenser. The inlet or supply point is preferably located vertically below the level of the upper edges of the channel side walls.

[0020] The set of connected channels can comprise all of the channels of the distributor, or less than all of the channels. The distributor can include one or more additional channels that are not connected to the set of connected channels. There can be any suitable number of channels in the set, for example 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 3 to 10, 3 to 8, or 4 to 6 channels.

[0021] In preferred embodiments, the set of at least two connected channels is a first set of connected channels, and the distributor further comprises a second set of at least two connected channels, wherein the first set is not in fluid communication with the second set. The second set can include any of the features of the first set described above. The first set and the second set can be located in the same plane, or can not be in the same plane. The second set can be axially offset relative to the first set. The distributor can further comprise a first inlet configured to supply a first fluid to the connected channels of the first set, and a second inlet configured to supply a second fluid to the connected channels of the second set. The first fluid and the second fluid can be the same fluid or different fluids.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a unit for evaporating or condensing a fluid, the unit comprising a distributor as described above.

[0023] According to a third aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for evaporating and condensing a fluid, the apparatus comprising an evaporating unit and a condensing unit, wherein each unit comprises a distributor as described above.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a method of distributing a fluid, comprising supplying a fluid to a distributor as described above and distributing the fluid.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect, the present application provides a method of distributing a fluid, the method employing a distributor as described above having a first set of connected channels and a second set of connected channels, wherein the first set is not in fluid communication with the second set, the method comprising: supplying a first fluid to the connected channels of the first set, supplying a second fluid to the connected channels of the second set, and distributing the fluid.

[0026] At least in preferred embodiments, the network of connections of the channels with the bridge portion allows a single feed tube to supply fluid to the distributor. The bridge portion evenly and automatically distributes the fluid to the continuous distributor channels. The single feed tube simplifies the structure, reduces cost, and reduces energy requirements.

[0027] By supplying fluid from above, down into the distributor, the water jet / fountain effect experienced when supplying fluid up through the channel base is avoided. If the inlet is located below the top of the sidewall, the inlet will typically be submerged during operation, which prevents splashing.

[0028] The shape and size of the cutouts in the channel side walls can be selected to match the needs of the fluid flow stream. The protrusions under each cutout maintain the definition of the vertical fluid flow and the size of the resulting droplets. These protrusions enable the desired amount of water wetting points to be defined. Without the protrusions, water can collect at the bottom of the side walls and accumulate, possibly coalescing with other droplets before dropping down.

[0029] The number and shape / design of the cutouts and protrusions can be modified to accommodate varying design parameters, including the volume and type of fluid, to form optimal flow and droplet size, and distribution patterns. In an evaporation or condensation unit, controlling droplet size and distribution can help avoid flooding the breakers below the distributor (rather than wetting them), so that air can pass in the opposite direction.

[0030] Several features of the present invention can help limit the buildup of scale and deposits. The continuous channels avoid dead spots where deposits can accumulate. The cutouts in the side walls, rather than holes, prevent scale from closing off the holes over time. The V-shaped (and other shaped) cutouts reduce clogging and allow more regular and uniform droplet formation.

[0031] Overall, the distributor of at least the preferred embodiments is designed so that any buildup of deposits or scale does not affect the flow and droplet formation of the distributor. Thus, the maintenance frequency can be lower than that of prior art distributors. The distributor reduces energy requirements and can be manufactured and operated at reduced cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a purification system employing a distributor of the present invention is shown; Figure 2A and Figure 2B A plan view and a side view of a distributor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, having a single set of connecting channels, are shown respectively; Figure 3 A perspective view of the distributor is shown; Figure 4 An enlarged view of the cutouts and protrusions of the distributor is shown; and Figure 5A and Figure 5B A plan view and a perspective view of a distributor according to a second embodiment of the present invention, having two sets of connecting channels that are not in fluid communication, are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a purification system employing a distributor of the present invention is shown. Figure 1An evaporation unit 10 and a condensation unit 110 are shown. The condensation unit 110 is similarly configured to the evaporation unit 10 and employs corresponding reference numerals preceded by "1".

[0034] The evaporation unit comprises a chamber 12 having a supply 14 of contaminated fluid at its upper portion 16. The chamber is divided into five evaporation zones 20 defined by a support grid 18 at its lower end. In the example shown, all evaporation zones contain break-up bodies 22, such as Pall or Raschig rings.

[0035] At the lower portion 24 of the chamber 10, a heated air inlet 26 is provided ("return air" from the condensation chamber 110). In use, a warm or hot fluid is supplied to the evaporation unit 10 via the supply 14. The fluid is fed into a distributor 19, which is described in more detail below. The support grid 18 and the distributor 19 can be circular, square or rectangular in shape, or other shapes. The distributor 19 and the openings in the support grid 18 can be of variable shape and arranged in a regular or irregular pattern, or of different sizes or configurations.

[0036] The hot fluid fed into the distributor 19 flows through the cuts of the distributor and generates high-temperature droplets of fluid, which fall through the chamber 10 by gravity. The droplets are further broken up into smaller droplets by contact with the break-up bodies 22, such as electrochemically inert random packing. Such materials can be plastic, ceramic or stainless steel packing rings, such as Raschig rings. The choice of break-up bodies 22 depends on the type of fluid to be treated and the operating temperature. The break-up bodies 22 are supported by the electrochemically inert support grid 18, which allows the fluid droplets to pass into the next section.

[0037] At the same time, heated air is pumped into the chamber 10 by a fan via the heated air inlet 26 into the lower portion 24 of the chamber 10. The heated air flows past the hot fluid droplets and the break-up bodies 22 to generate evaporation, saturating the air with fluid vapour at varying temperatures.

[0038] The residual concentrated contaminants are collected at the bottom of the chamber to be finally discharged via a contaminated waste outlet 30.

[0039] To maximise evaporation, the air speed through the evaporation zones 20 is varied by configuring and optimising the height of each zone 20, thereby adjusting the volume of air / vapour mixture that must pass through at the relevant fan input power. This variation in air speed thus achieves a similar effect to reducing the air pressure at a lower energy cost.

[0040] Evaporated fluid can be removed from the chamber via a series of fluid vapor outlets 32 and carried away via fluid vapor line 34. A barrier 36 (e.g., an object made of Munters DRIFdek or similar material) is placed at the outlet of the chamber 10 to prevent any cross contamination of liquid droplets in the air / gas stream and also to prevent other possible contamination issues (e.g., Legionella). As seen, each evaporation zone 20 is provided with a vapor fluid outlet 32 at its upper end.

[0041] The contaminated fluid supplied into the evaporation unit is heated by heat exchange with a heat source 50, which can be a source of waste or excess heat from an industrial process or can be provided by alternative energy sources. At the lower portion 24 of the evaporation chamber 10, the contaminated fluid / sludge is periodically discharged via a contaminated waste outlet 30 for recycling or disposal. The contaminated fluid supply 54 is divided into a fluid output line 60 and a supply which is heated by heat exchange (heat exchanger 64) with the fluid discharged from the condensation chamber 110 via a purified fluid outlet 56. The contaminated fluid supply is then passed back into the evaporation chamber 10 via heat exchanger 62 and then via the contaminated fluid inlet 14.

[0042] The fluid vapor extracted from the evaporation zones 20 is supplied to the condensation zones 120 within the condensation chamber 110. The condensing fluid is supplied into a distributor 119 which then breaks up under the influence of gravity in a similar manner to the fluid in the evaporation chamber 10 and passes through the condensation chamber 110. As the fluid passes through the chamber 110, additional fluid condenses from the cooled saturated vapor. This additional purified fluid is then collected in the lower portion 124 of the chamber 110 and extracted therefrom via a purified fluid outlet 56. In the illustrated apparatus, similar to the evaporation unit, the condensation zones 120 include break-up bodies 122 supported on support grids 118.

[0043] As a result of the condensation process, the condensing fluid becomes warmer. This warmed purified fluid is passed via line 56 to a cross flow heat exchanger 64 where the heat gained is recovered and used to pre-heat the contaminated fluid. The supply 56 of purified fluid is then divided into a purified fluid output line 58 and the remainder of the purified fluid is passed to an external cooler 150 for further cooling and then into the condensation chamber 110 via a cooling fluid inlet 114.

[0044] Fluid vapor outlet lines 34 carry vaporized fluid from a particular evaporation zone 20 to the most appropriate condensation zone 120 to maximize evaporation and condensation driven by the fan 66. As seen, the uppermost evaporation zone 20' operating at the highest temperature of all the evaporation zones is connected via line 34 to the lowermost condensation zone 120" operating at the highest temperature of the condensation zones. The lowermost evaporation zone 20" operating at the lowest temperature is connected to the uppermost condensation zone 120' operating at the lowest temperature of the condensation zones. The second highest and second highest temperature evaporation zones are connected to the second lowest and second highest temperature condensation zones, and the second lowest and second lowest temperature evaporation zones are connected to the second highest and second lowest temperature condensation zones. This interlinked system can be continuous for any number of evaporation zones / condensation zones.

[0045] The condensation chamber 110 is provided with a heated air outlet 126 which carries heated air, which can contain a small amount of fluid vapor, into the evaporation unit via the heated air inlet 26. Residual purified fluid is collected at the bottom of the chamber for periodic discharge via the purified fluid discharge 130.

[0046] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 3 A distributor 200 is shown which can be used as the distributors 19 and 119 in the evaporation chamber 10 and condensation chamber 110, respectively, of the systems described with reference to Figure 1

[0047] The distributor 200 is circular in plan view, although as described above, the distributor can be any suitable shape to accommodate the cross-sectional shape of the evaporation chamber 10 or condensation chamber 110 in which it is employed.

[0048] In this example, the distributor 200 comprises five circular, concentric channels 210, each comprising a base 211 and upstanding side walls 212 and 213 forming a U-shaped cross-section. Each channel is continuous and thus not closed by an end wall. The channels can be of any number, and in this embodiment all of the channels are connected to form a single set of connected channels.

[0049] Each channel 210 is connected to an adjacent channel by a plurality of bridge portions 220 which are configured to provide fluid communication between the channels and to distribute fluid to the channels. In this embodiment, each bridge portion 220 is aligned to form a radially extending bridge channel 221 connecting all of the channels of the distributor. Three radial bridge channels 221 are provided, equally spaced at 120 degree intervals. It will be appreciated that the number of bridge channels can vary depending on the size and layout of the distributor channels, and that the coupling between the channels can not necessarily be radial or aligned.

[0050] ​Each channel 210 is separated from an adjacent channel by an opening 230 through the distributor. In this embodiment, the opening 230 is divided into three sections between each channel 210 due to the presence of three bridge sections.

[0051] In use, fluid is supplied to the distributor 200 via inlet pipe 300 (shown in Figure 1 Fig. 14 or 114) and is evenly distributed to the channels 210 via the bridge sections 220. The pipe 300 provides a single inlet to the distributor. In this embodiment, the pipe is configured to supply fluid from the centre of the distributor to the second channel, although other locations are equally valid. Fluid is supplied from above, down into the channels 210. The outlet of the pipe 300 is below the top of the side walls 212 and 213, such that the pipe is generally submerged during operation, which prevents splashing. The downward direction of supply avoids a water jet or fountain effect. Figure 3 The general path of fluid from the pipe outlet around the distributor is shown by the arrows in

[0052] The upper edge of the side walls 212 and 213 of each channel 210 is provided with a plurality of V-shaped cut-outs 214 spaced around the perimeter of the channel. Directly below each cut-out 214, a corresponding V-shaped protrusion 215 is provided, which extends downwardly from the side walls 212 and 213. The protrusions 215 can be other shapes as described above.

[0053] In use, when the fluid level in the channel 210 reaches and then exceeds the level of the cut-out 214, fluid will flow through the cut-out through the side wall. The cut-out provides a defined exit point for fluid from the channel. The protrusion 215 below each cut-out provides a point at which droplets are formed as fluid flows out of the cut-out, which fall into the chamber below.

[0054] Figure 4 An enlarged view of the cut-out 214 and protrusion 215 of the distributor 200 is shown. Figure 3 The path of fluid from the inlet pipe 300 to the cut-out 214 and via the corresponding protrusion 215, and then as droplets falling into the chamber below, is shown by the dashed arrows in

[0055] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Plan and perspective views of a distributor according to a second embodiment are shown. In this embodiment, three inner channels 210 are connected to form a connected channel of a first group 201, and two outer channels 210 are connected to form a connected channel of a second group 202. There is no bridge section 220 between the third and fourth channels. The first group is supplied with fluid by inlet pipe 301, and the second group is supplied with fluid by inlet pipe 302. In this embodiment, the groups are in the same plane.

Claims

1. A fluid distributor, comprising: A group of at least two channels, said at least two channels being arranged in substantially the same plane, said plane being orthogonal to the axis of said distributor, which extends substantially perpendicularly when in use. Each channel is continuous and includes a base and two upright sidewalls. Each channel is spaced from an adjacent channel by an opening through the dispenser, and each channel is configured such that fluid supplied to the channel can flow over one or two sidewalls and fall off the dispenser. Each channel is connected to an adjacent channel via a bridge portion, the bridge portion being configured to provide fluid communication between the channels and to distribute fluid to the channels.

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The group includes at least three channels, wherein each bridge portion is aligned to form a bridge channel connecting all the channels of the group.

3. The dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that, It further includes multiple bridge passages.

4. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bridge sections connecting the different channels of the group are offset from each other.

5. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each channel is basically circular.

6. The dispenser according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Each channel is substantially circular and the one or more bridge channels extend radially.

7. The dispenser according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The channels are concentric.

8. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The channel sidewalls have an upper edge, and the upper edge of at least one sidewall of each channel is provided with a plurality of cuts spaced around the circumference of the channel.

9. The dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both sidewalls have incisions.

10. The dispenser according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Each sidewall has a protrusion perpendicular to each cut, the protrusions hanging downward from the sidewall, the protrusions being configured to provide position for fluid flowing out of the cut to form droplets falling from the dispenser.

11. The dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that, The protrusion is V-shaped.

12. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It further includes an inlet configured to supply fluid to the distributor.

13. The dispenser according to claim 12, characterized in that, The inlet is configured to supply fluid to the dispenser from above during use, and preferably, the inlet is located horizontally below the upper edge of the channel sidewall.

14. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The group of at least two connection channels is a first group of connection channels, and the distributor further includes at least two connection channels of a second group, wherein the first group and the second group are not in fluid communication.

15. The dispenser according to claim 14, further comprising a first inlet and a second inlet, characterized in that, The first inlet is configured to supply a first fluid to the connection channel of the first group, and the second inlet is configured to supply a second fluid to the connection channel of the second group.

16. The dispenser according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first fluid and the second fluid are the same fluid.

17. The dispenser according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first fluid and the second fluid are different fluids.

18. A unit for evaporating or condensing fluid, comprising a distributor according to any of the preceding claims.

19. An apparatus for evaporating and condensing fluids, comprising an evaporation unit and a condensation unit, wherein each unit includes a distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

20. A method of distributing fluid, comprising supplying and distributing fluid to a distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 17, a distributor for a unit for evaporating or condensing fluid according to claim 18, or a distributor for a device for evaporating and condensing fluid according to claim 19.

21. A method for distributing fluid using a distributor according to any one of claims 14 to 17, comprising: Supply the first fluid to the connecting channel of the first group; Supply the second fluid to the connecting channel of the second group; as well as Distribute the fluid.

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