Flow limiting device for uniform water distribution of cooling tower
By designing a flow-limiting device in the cooling tower water distribution system and using a mechanical linkage structure to regulate the water supply flow and water level, the problem of uneven water supply was solved, achieving uniform water supply and system stability, and improving the heat exchange efficiency and operational stability of the cooling tower.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANDONG BAICHUAN IND TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
The water distribution system of a cooling tower is susceptible to fluctuations in water supply pressure and changes in water flow rate, which can lead to uneven water supply to each branch pipe. This can cause localized excessive wetting or dry areas on the surface of the packing material, reducing heat exchange efficiency and exacerbating pipeline losses, thus affecting the operational stability of the cooling tower.
Design a flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in cooling towers, including a water distribution tank, a flow-limiting frame, and flow-limiting components. The device automatically adjusts the water supply flow and water level through a mechanical linkage structure, and uses components such as pistons, blocks, levers, and springs to achieve adaptive flow control when water pressure changes, ensuring uniform water supply and system stability.
It achieves automatic flow regulation when the water supply pressure and flow rate change, ensuring the uniformity of water supply from the distribution pipes and the operational stability of the cooling tower, improving heat exchange efficiency and reducing pipeline losses.
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Figure CN121977366A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of cooling tower water distribution technology, specifically a flow limiting device for uniform water distribution in cooling towers. Background Technology
[0002] As the core component of a cooling tower, the uniformity of water distribution in the cooling tower is a key factor in determining heat exchange efficiency. Only by ensuring that the circulating water evenly covers the surface of the packing material can the gas-liquid contact area be maximized, promoting efficient heat transfer and avoiding heat dissipation bottlenecks caused by localized dry areas or excessive water accumulation in the packing material.
[0003] In current cooling tower water distribution systems, the flow rate of the distribution pipes is easily affected by factors such as fluctuations in water supply pressure and changes in water flow velocity, leading to uneven water supply to each pipe. When the water supply pressure increases and the flow velocity accelerates, some distribution pipes may experience flow overload, while others may suffer from insufficient water supply due to uneven pressure distribution, preventing the circulating water from being evenly delivered to each water storage tank. This not only causes localized excessive wetting or dry areas on the packing surface, reducing heat exchange efficiency, but also exacerbates pipe losses due to uneven water flow impact, affecting the overall operational stability of the cooling tower. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in cooling towers, which solves the problem mentioned in the background art that the current water distribution system of cooling towers is easily affected by factors such as fluctuations in water supply pressure and changes in water flow rate, resulting in uneven water supply to each water distribution pipe. This not only causes excessive local wetting or dry areas on the surface of the packing material, reducing heat exchange efficiency, but also exacerbates pipeline losses due to uneven water flow impact, affecting the overall operational stability of the cooling tower.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower, comprising a water distribution chamber, wherein a plurality of water distribution pipes are respectively connected in a circular array at the lower end of the side wall of the water distribution chamber, a flow-limiting frame is provided at the top of the water distribution pipes, and a flow-limiting component is provided on the inner side of the flow-limiting frame, wherein the flow-limiting component includes a piston frame and a baffle, for controlling the size of the water supply flow rate; The other end of the water distribution pipe is connected to the water storage tank. The inner side of the water storage tank is equipped with a shielding component to control the water level inside the water storage tank. The bottom of the water storage tank is equipped with a vertical cylinder, and the inner side of the vertical cylinder is equipped with a lifting component to control the spray speed and flow rate.
[0006] In this technical solution, when the water supply pressure increases and the flow rate accelerates, some water flows into the No. 1 inner tank, pushing the piston frame upward. Through lever transmission, the stop block extends, automatically blocking part of the water supply channel of the water distribution tank, thus suppressing the flow overload. When the pressure returns to normal, the soft rubber block and spring drive each component to reset, ensuring the basic water supply flow and improving the uniformity of water distribution and the stability of system operation.
[0007] Preferably, the inner side of the flow-limiting frame is provided with a first inner groove and a second inner groove, the first inner groove and the second inner groove are interconnected, and the bottom of the first inner groove and the second inner groove are connected to the water distribution pipe.
[0008] In practical applications, the dual-slot connection enables the internal components to work together, ensuring the timeliness of the flow-limiting response, while providing a stable channel for pressure transmission and improving the consistency of flow control.
[0009] Preferably, a piston frame is vertically slidably connected to the inner side of the first inner groove, and a soft rubber block is fixedly connected between the top of the piston frame and the top of the first inner groove; a stop block is vertically slidably connected to the inner side of the second inner groove.
[0010] In practical applications, changes in water pressure push the piston frame to squeeze the soft rubber block. The soft rubber block provides elastic feedback, avoiding hard contact damage, and then drives the stop block to move vertically, thereby blocking the channel, effectively buffering the impact of water flow, and ensuring the stability of the component operation.
[0011] Preferably, a lever is rotatably connected between the front and rear inner walls of the second inner groove. The left end of the lever contacts the piston frame, and the right end of the lever contacts the lower stop. A first spring is fixedly connected between the lever and the inner wall of the second inner groove, and a second spring is fixedly connected between the stop and the inner wall of the second inner groove.
[0012] In practical applications, the piston rod displacement lifts the left end of the lever, and the right end pushes the stop block downward. The double spring design ensures that the component resets quickly, avoids jamming, and allows for smooth switching between current limiting and reset actions.
[0013] Preferably, the shielding assembly includes a lifting frame, a floating block is fixedly connected to the bottom of the lifting frame, a sealing strip is provided at the left edge of the lifting frame, and the left end of the lifting frame is in contact with the inner wall of the water storage tank. Two sliding rods are fixedly connected between the upper and lower inner walls of the water storage tank, and an air hole is provided at the top of the water storage tank. The sliding rods pass through the lifting frame and are slidably connected to the lifting frame. The connection between the water distribution pipe and the water storage tank is located on the lifting path at the left end of the lifting frame.
[0014] In practical applications, the floating block drives the lifting frame to slide along the slide bar as the water level rises, the sealing strip enhances the fit, and the air pores balance the air pressure. The three work together to achieve adaptive adjustment of the water level, effectively controlling the water level in the water storage tank and providing stable conditions for subsequent spraying. The structure is simple and highly reliable.
[0015] Preferably, the lifting assembly includes a conical valve block with a pressing groove at the bottom. A support rod is fixedly connected to the center of the bottom inner side of the vertical cylinder. The top of the support rod is located inside the pressing groove, and the support rod is slidably connected to the conical valve block.
[0016] In practical applications, the conical valve block slides along the support rod via the compression groove, adjusting the water flow gap with the vertical cylinder. The conical structure facilitates water flow, while the support rod provides stable guidance, preventing valve block misalignment and controlling the gap with the vertical cylinder. This maintains the spray flow rate and speed within a certain range, ensuring uniform water distribution.
[0017] Preferably, the inner side of the support rod is provided with a ventilation groove, and a No. 3 spring is fixedly connected between the top of the support rod and the inner top of the extrusion groove. Three No. 4 springs are fixedly connected in a circumferential array on the top edge of the support rod, and the top of the No. 4 springs is fixedly connected to the extrusion ring.
[0018] In practical applications, the venting groove can balance the air pressure in the compression groove. The No. 3 and No. 4 springs work together to effectively avoid excessive compression that could lead to excessive flow restriction, while providing sufficient reverse support to prevent the channel from closing too tightly and affecting the continuity of water supply.
[0019] Preferably, a spiral blade is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the vertical cylinder directly above the conical valve block, and a number of spray holes are provided at the bottom of the vertical cylinder.
[0020] In practical applications, the spiral blades guide the water flow in a spiral shape, reducing water flow impact, minimizing vibration of the conical valve block, and improving operational stability. Meanwhile, the spray holes achieve uniform spraying, allowing the water flow to cover the packing layer more comprehensively, maximizing the gas-liquid contact area, and improving the cooling tower's heat dissipation efficiency.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention supplies water to the storage tank by installing several water distribution pipes on the side wall of the water distribution tank. When the water supply pressure increases and the flow rate accelerates, some water flows into the first inner tank, pushing the piston frame upward. Through lever transmission, the piston frame extends, automatically blocking part of the water supply channel of the water distribution tank, thus suppressing flow overload. When the pressure returns to normal, the soft rubber block and spring drive all components to reset, ensuring the basic water supply flow. This purely mechanical linkage structure requires no manual intervention, can adapt to changes in water pressure and flow rate, effectively ensuring the uniformity of water supply from each water distribution pipe, and improving the uniformity of water distribution and the stability of system operation.
[0022] 2. This invention, by installing a shielding component in the water storage tank, allows the weight of the water in the tank to compress the lower lifting component, ensuring that the water flow space between the conical valve plate and the vertical cylinder in the lower lifting component remains within the normal range. When the water supply from the distribution pipe is excessive, the floating plate will drive the lifting frame to rise until the lifting frame blocks the connection between the distribution pipe and the water storage tank, thereby pausing the water supply to maintain the rated water level in the water storage tank and ensuring stable compression of the lower conical valve block by the weight of the water. When the water level in the distribution tank drops, the lifting frame descends, allowing the distribution pipe to refill the water storage tank, avoiding insufficient weight due to low water level and ensuring that the water distribution flow rate remains within the rated range. The position of the lower conical valve plate is adjusted through a purely mechanical structure, eliminating the need for intelligent electrical components, making maintenance convenient and highly practical. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is an overall view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of point A in the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view of section B of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting frame structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support rod structure of the present invention.
[0024] In the diagram: 1. Tower body; 2. Water distribution tank; 3. Water distribution pipe; 4. Flow limiting frame; 401. Inner tank No. 1; 402. Inner tank No. 2; 5. Piston frame; 501. Soft rubber block; 6. Lever; 601. Spring No. 1; 7. Stop block; 701. Spring No. 2; 8. Water storage tank; 801. Sliding rod; 802. Air hole; 9. Lifting frame; 10. Sealing strip; 11. Floating block; 12. Vertical cylinder; 13. Spiral blade; 14. Conical valve block; 141. Extrusion groove; 15. Support rod; 151. Ventilation groove; 152. Spring No. 3; 153. Spring No. 4; 154. Extrusion ring; 16. Spray hole. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of the present invention easier to understand, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.
[0026] A flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 6The system includes a water distribution chamber 2, with several water distribution pipes 3 arranged in a circular array at the lower end of the side wall of the water distribution chamber 2. A flow-limiting frame 4 is provided at the top of each water distribution pipe 3. A flow-limiting component is provided inside the flow-limiting frame 4, which includes a piston frame 5 and a stop block 7 for controlling the water supply flow rate. A first inner tank 401 and a second inner tank 402 are provided inside the flow-limiting frame 4, and these two inner tanks are interconnected. The bottom of each of the two inner tanks is connected to the water distribution pipe 3. A piston frame 5 is vertically slidably connected to the inner side of the first inner tank 401. A rubber ring is provided at the contact part between the piston frame 5 and the inner wall of the first inner tank 401 to prevent water leakage. A soft rubber block 501 is fixedly connected between the top of the piston frame 5 and the top of the first inner tank 401. A stop block 7 is vertically slidably connected to the inner side of the second inner tank 402. A rubber ring is also provided on the inner wall of the bottom opening of the second inner tank 402 to prevent water leakage.
[0027] In the above technical solution, the device utilizes changes in water pressure to trigger linkage. When the water supply pressure increases, some water in the distribution pipe 3 enters the first inner tank 401 and pushes the piston frame 5 upward, squeezing the soft rubber block 501. Simultaneously, it lifts the left end of the lever 6 upward, causing the right end of the lever 6 to push the stop block 7 downward out of the second inner tank 402, blocking part of the water supply channel of the distribution pipe 3, thus achieving the blocking of the water supply channel. When the pressure recovers, the elastic force of the soft rubber block 501 and each spring drives each component to reset, releasing the blockage. The overall structure requires no manual intervention and can adaptively adjust the flow rate by adapting to water pressure fluctuations, effectively avoiding water supply imbalance caused by uneven pressure in each distribution pipe 3 and ensuring uniform water distribution.
[0028] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, a lever 6 is rotatably connected between the front and rear inner walls of the second inner groove 402. The left end of the lever 6 contacts the piston holder 5, and the right end of the lever 6 contacts the lower stop block 7. A first spring 601 is fixedly connected between the lever 6 and the inner wall of the second inner groove 402, and a second spring 701 is fixedly connected between the stop block 7 and the inner wall of the second inner groove 402.
[0029] In the above technical solution, the tilting of lever 6 drives the vertical movement of stop 7. Spring 601 provides reset support for lever 6, while spring 701 ensures that stop 7 can quickly retract into inner groove 402 without compression, thus not affecting normal water supply. It should be noted that the lifting arm of lever 6 is longer than the lowering arm, so stop 7 can be easily compressed to move downwards. Furthermore, both the surface of lever 6 and the top of stop 7 are smoothly machined to reduce friction and jamming, ensuring smooth displacement of components.
[0030] In an optional embodiment, the other end of the water distribution pipe 3 is connected to the water storage tank 8. The inner side of the water storage tank 8 is provided with a shielding component for controlling the water level inside the water storage tank 8. The shielding component includes a lifting frame 9. A floating block 11 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the lifting frame 9. A sealing strip 10 is provided at the left edge of the lifting frame 9, and the left end of the lifting frame 9 is in contact with the inner wall of the water storage tank 8. Two sliding rods 801 are fixedly connected between the upper and lower inner walls of the water storage tank 8. The sliding rods 801 pass through the lifting frame 9 and are slidably connected to the lifting frame 9.
[0031] In the above technical solution, the buoyancy of the floating block 11 changes with the water level, causing the lifting frame 9 to slide up and down along the slide bar 801. The sealing strip 10 can block the gap between the inner wall of the water storage tank 8 and the lifting frame 9, thereby temporarily blocking the water supply from the water distribution pipe 3. When the water level reaches the preset height, the lifting frame 9 blocks the connection between the water distribution pipe 3 and the water storage tank 8, at which point the water supply stops; when the water level drops, the lifting frame 9 moves down with the floating block 11, restoring the water supply. The device achieves adaptive water level adjustment through buoyancy, ensuring that the water level in the water storage tank 8 remains stable within the rated range, providing a stable water pressure foundation for the spray assembly below. The guiding effect of the slide bar 801 prevents the lifting frame 9 from shifting.
[0032] Specifically, the top of the water storage tank 8 is equipped with an air vent 802, and the connection between the water distribution pipe 3 and the water storage tank 8 is located on the lifting path at the left end of the lifting frame 9. The air vent 802 can balance the air pressure inside and outside the water storage tank 8, preventing abnormal air pressure inside the tank due to changes in water level, which would affect the normal lifting and lowering of the lifting frame 9 and the water supply of the water distribution pipe 3. Furthermore, the design of the connection point of the water distribution pipe 3 ensures that the lifting frame 9 can be blocked and opened within the preset water level range.
[0033] In one optional embodiment, the bottom of the water storage tank 8 is provided with a vertical cylinder 12, and the inner side of the vertical cylinder 12 is provided with a lifting assembly for controlling the spray speed and flow rate. The lifting assembly includes a conical valve block 14, a rubber ring is provided at the bottom edge of the conical valve block 14, and a squeezing groove 141 is provided at the bottom of the conical valve block 14. A support rod 15 is fixedly connected to the center of the bottom of the inner side of the vertical cylinder 12, the top of the support rod 15 is located inside the squeezing groove 141, and the support rod 15 is slidably connected to the conical valve block 14.
[0034] In the above technical solution, the weight of the water in the water storage tank 8 acts on the conical valve block 14, pushing the conical valve block 14 down along the support rod 15. The rubber ring can seal the gap when the conical valve block 14 descends to contact the surface of the vertical cylinder 12, thus avoiding excessive water distribution. The spray flow rate is controlled by adjusting the water passage gap between the conical valve block 14 and the vertical cylinder 12. The squeezing groove 141 provides guiding space for the sliding of the conical valve block 14, preventing deviation and ensuring stable spray flow rate.
[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the inner side of the support rod 15 is provided with a ventilation groove 151, and a No. 3 spring 152 is fixedly connected between the top of the support rod 15 and the inner top of the extrusion groove 141. Three No. 4 springs 153 are fixedly connected in a circular array at the top edge of the support rod 15. The top of the No. 4 spring 153 is fixedly connected to the extrusion ring 154. A spiral blade 13 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the vertical cylinder 12 directly above the conical valve block 14.
[0036] In the above technical solution, the venting groove 151 can balance the air pressure inside and outside the compression groove 141, ensuring smooth lifting and lowering of the conical valve block 14. The third spring 152 provides the resetting elastic force for the conical valve block 14, and works with the weight of the water to achieve dynamic adjustment of the water passage gap. The fourth spring 153 and the compression ring 154 work together to ensure that the conical valve block 14 will be subjected to double rebound force after descending to a certain height, effectively avoiding excessive compression that leads to excessive flow restriction amplitude, while providing sufficient reverse support force to prevent the channel from being closed too tightly and affecting the continuity of water supply. The spiral blade 13 guides the water flow in a spiral shape, reducing the impact force of the water flow on the conical valve block 14, effectively reducing the vibration and noise caused by the water flow impact, and extending the service life of the component.
[0037] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the vertical cylinder 12 is provided with several spray holes 16, and the inner side of the tower body 1 directly below each vertical cylinder 12 is provided with a columnar packing layer. Grooves, corrugations and other structures can be set on the surface of the column. When water flows along the surface of the column, it forms a thin water film or fine water droplets, which increases the evaporation area and promotes rapid heat transfer. For example, in the chemical separation process, the gas and liquid phases contact on the surface of the columnar packing to achieve mass transfer. A water tank for recycling water can also be set at the bottom of the column to collect the unevaporated water for recycling, reducing water waste. The overall structure realizes the synergistic effect of flow restriction, spraying, heat exchange and recycling, and improves the overall operating efficiency of the cooling tower.
[0038] In addition, all components designed in this invention are general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structures and principles can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods. They can be fully implemented by those skilled in the art, so there is no need to elaborate. The content protected by this invention does not involve improvements to the internal structure and methods.
Claims
1. A flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower, comprising a water distribution tank (2), characterized in that: The lower side wall of the water distribution chamber (2) is arranged in a circular array and connected to several water distribution pipes (3). The top of the water distribution pipe (3) is provided with a flow limiting frame (4). The inner side of the flow limiting frame (4) is provided with a flow limiting component. The flow limiting component includes a piston frame (5) and a baffle (7) for controlling the water supply flow rate. The other end of the water distribution pipe (3) is connected to the water storage tank (8). The inner side of the water storage tank (8) is provided with a shielding component to control the water level inside the water storage tank (8). The bottom of the water storage tank (8) is provided with a vertical cylinder (12). The inner side of the vertical cylinder (12) is provided with a lifting component to control the spray speed and flow rate.
2. The flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the flow limiting frame (4) is provided with a first inner groove (401) and a second inner groove. The first inner groove (401) and the second inner groove (402) are connected to each other, and the bottom of the first inner groove (401) and the second inner groove (402) are connected to the water distribution pipe (3).
3. The flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower according to claim 2, characterized in that: A piston frame (5) is vertically slidably connected to the inner side of the first inner groove (401), and a soft rubber block (501) is fixedly connected between the top of the piston frame (5) and the top of the first inner groove (401). A stop block (7) is vertically slidably connected to the inner side of the second inner groove (402).
4. A flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower according to claim 3, characterized in that: A lever (6) is rotatably connected between the front and rear inner walls of the second inner groove (402). The left end of the lever (6) contacts the piston frame (5), and the right end of the lever (6) contacts the lower stop block (7). A first spring (601) is fixedly connected between the lever (6) and the inner wall of the second inner groove (402), and a second spring (701) is fixedly connected between the stop block (7) and the inner wall of the second inner groove (402).
5. A flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shielding assembly includes a lifting frame (9), a floating block (11) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the lifting frame (9), a sealing strip (10) is provided at the left edge of the lifting frame (9), and the left end of the lifting frame (9) is in contact with the inner wall of the water storage tank (8). Two sliding rods (801) are fixedly connected between the upper and lower inner walls of the water storage tank (8), and an air hole (802) is provided at the top of the water storage tank (8). The sliding rod (801) passes through the lifting frame (9) and is slidably connected to the lifting frame (9). The connection between the water distribution pipe (3) and the water storage tank (8) is located on the lifting path at the left end of the lifting frame (9).
6. A flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting assembly includes a conical valve block (14), the bottom of which is provided with an extrusion groove (141). A support rod (15) is fixedly connected to the center of the bottom of the inner side of the vertical cylinder (12). The top of the support rod (15) is located inside the extrusion groove (141), and the support rod (15) is slidably connected to the conical valve block (14).
7. A flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner side of the support rod (15) is provided with a ventilation groove (151), and a No. 3 spring (152) is fixedly connected between the top end of the support rod (15) and the inner top end of the extrusion groove (141). Three No. 4 springs (153) are fixedly connected in a circular array at the top edge of the support rod (15), and the top end of the No. 4 springs (153) is fixedly connected to the extrusion ring (154).
8. A flow-limiting device for uniform water distribution in a cooling tower according to claim 6, characterized in that: A spiral blade (13) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the vertical cylinder (12) directly above the conical valve block (14), and a number of spray holes (16) are provided at the bottom of the vertical cylinder (12).