Intelligent controllable variable-diameter venturi system capable of three-phase foam foaming
By using an intelligent and controllable variable-diameter venturi tube system, the throat inner diameter is adjusted using sensors and linear actuators, which solves the problems of insufficient mixing and high energy consumption caused by the fixed throat diameter of traditional venturi tubes, and achieves adaptive foam generation and energy-saving effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610648045.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Traditional venturi tubes have a fixed throat diameter, which cannot adapt to dynamic changes in slurry concentration, solid particle size, and operating flow rate. This results in insufficient mixing, increased energy consumption, and an inability to generate foams with different properties. Existing variable diameter devices also have a low level of intelligence.
By employing a flexible venturi module, a variable diameter actuator module, a working condition sensing module, and an intelligent control module, and by monitoring real-time data through sensors and using a linear actuator to adjust the throat inner diameter, a closed-loop control system is constructed to achieve adaptive adjustment of the throat diameter.
It achieves optimization of throat flow velocity and negative pressure under different operating conditions, generates foam with different properties, improves equipment process flexibility and production stability, and reduces energy consumption.
Smart Images
Figure CN122352069A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of fluid mixing and foaming equipment technology, specifically to a Venturi tube device for preparing three-phase foam, and particularly to an elastic Venturi tube system with intelligently adjustable throat diameter that can adapt to changes in operating conditions. Background Technology
[0002] Three-phase foam is widely used in engineering fields such as mine fire prevention and extinguishing, water plugging, dust removal, and mine backfilling. It is usually prepared using the Venturi effect: when the slurry (containing solid particles, foaming agent, and water) passes through the throat of a Venturi tube at high speed, a negative pressure is generated, drawing in gas and mixing it violently, ultimately forming a gas-liquid-solid three-phase foam. The throat diameter of the Venturi tube is a key parameter, determining the mixing energy, the magnitude of the negative pressure, the amount of gas drawn in, and the final foam properties (stability, flowability, and encapsulation rate).
[0003] However, the throat diameter of a traditional Venturi tube is fixed. In practical applications, slurry concentration, solid particle size, operating flow rate, and target foam properties (such as foam requiring high stability for long-term plugging or foam requiring high flowability for large-area coverage) are dynamic. A Venturi tube with a fixed throat diameter cannot adapt to these changes, resulting in: insufficient throat velocity and low negative pressure under low flow or low concentration conditions, low gas intake, insufficient mixing, and easy deposition of solid particles; and excessively high flow velocity and shear force under high flow or high concentration conditions, causing the formed foam to be torn apart and increasing energy consumption. Furthermore, it cannot actively adjust the turbulence intensity, thus failing to generate foams with different properties to meet different process requirements.
[0004] While existing technologies include solutions for adjusting the throat diameter via manual mechanical mechanisms, these solutions suffer from drawbacks such as adjustment lag, low precision, and inability to achieve real-time online control. Consequently, they fail to meet the requirements of modern, intelligent production for the adaptability and control precision of foaming equipment. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent and controllable variable diameter Venturi tube system that can be used for three-phase foaming, so as to solve the problems that fixed throat diameter Venturi tubes cannot adapt to various working conditions and the low level of intelligence of existing variable diameter devices.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A smart, controllable variable diameter venturi tube system for three-phase foam blowing, comprising:
[0008] The throat of the elastic venturi module is composed of an elastic tubular body that can undergo radial elastic deformation.
[0009] A variable diameter actuator module is installed on the outside of the elastic tubular body and is used to apply a controllable radial force to the elastic tubular body to change the inner diameter of the throat.
[0010] The operating condition sensing module includes a sensor array for monitoring system operating parameters;
[0011] The intelligent control module, whose signal is connected to the working condition sensing module and the diameter changing execution module, can control the action of the diameter changing execution module according to the real-time data of the sensor group, so as to realize closed-loop adjustment of the throat inner diameter.
[0012] Based on the aforementioned Venturi tube system, the variable diameter actuator module includes a fixed support and multiple linear actuators evenly distributed circumferentially along the elastic tubular body. The linear actuators are mounted on the fixed support, and their output ends are equipped with force-applying heads facing the outer wall of the elastic tubular body. The intelligent control module controls the synchronous radial feed or retraction of the output ends of each linear actuator to squeeze or release the elastic tubular body.
[0013] In the aforementioned Venturi system, the linear actuator is one of a servo electric cylinder, a servo hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic servo cylinder; the linear actuator includes a servo motor, a ball screw or push rod, and the force-applying pressure head.
[0014] In the aforementioned Venturi tube system, the material of the elastic tubular body is polyurethane elastomer, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, or engineering elastomer; the outer wall or inner wall of the elastic tubular body is reinforced with a reinforcing skeleton to limit its axial and unintended circumferential deformation.
[0015] In the aforementioned Venturi tube system, the sensor group in the operating condition sensing module includes at least: a slurry flow meter and an upstream pressure sensor installed at the inlet of the contraction tube, and a differential pressure sensor installed at the elastic tubular body for measuring the throat pressure difference.
[0016] In the aforementioned Venturi tube system, the operating condition sensing module also includes a foam quality optical probe installed downstream of the diffuser tube outlet, used to provide real-time feedback on foam bubble size distribution and uniformity parameters.
[0017] In the aforementioned Venturi tube system, the intelligent control module is a controller, and the intelligent control module has preset target differential pressure ranges corresponding to different process modes. Its control logic is configured to: compare the real-time differential pressure value measured by the differential pressure sensor with the target range, and adjust the inner diameter of the throat to make the real-time differential pressure value tend to and stabilize within the target range.
[0018] In the aforementioned Venturi tube system, the control logic of the intelligent control module also includes feedforward compensation, which is configured such that when the slurry flow meter detects a sudden change in slurry flow, it can calculate in advance based on the flow change value, thereby issuing a command to adjust the inner diameter of the throat.
[0019] The aforementioned Venturi tube system also includes a human-machine interface for operators to select process modes, set parameters, and observe system operating status. The process modes include at least a "high turbulence mode" (corresponding to high-stability foam) and a "low turbulence mode" (corresponding to high-flowability foam).
[0020] In the aforementioned Venturi tube system, the elastic Venturi tube module further includes a contraction tube and a diffusion tube. The elastic tubular body is connected between the contraction tube and the diffusion tube, and is detachably connected by flanges or threads respectively.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0022] 1. Strong adaptability: It can automatically and accurately adjust the throat diameter according to the real-time changes in inlet conditions such as slurry flow rate and concentration, so as to maintain the optimal throat flow rate and negative pressure under various conditions and achieve efficient and stable foaming.
[0023] 2. Customizable performance: By preset different process modes, it can actively produce foams with different characteristics (high stability type or high flow type), realizing multiple uses of one machine and significantly improving the process flexibility of the equipment.
[0024] 3. Energy-saving and efficient: Always operate the system at the optimal operating point to avoid efficiency loss and energy waste caused by fixing the throat diameter under non-design conditions;
[0025] 4. High level of intelligence: A closed-loop control system of "perception-decision-execution" has been constructed, which can realize the automation and intelligence of the foaming process, reduce manual intervention, and improve production stability and product consistency. Attached Figure Description
[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure and control principle of the system of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1Partial cross-sectional view of the flexible venturi tube and the variable diameter actuator module;
[0029] Figure 3 For along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the intermediate elastic tubular body, showing the circumferentially uniform distribution of linear actuators;
[0030] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the intelligent control logic of the present invention.
[0031] In the diagram: 1. Contraction tube; 2. Elastic tubular body; 3. Diffuser; 4. Slurry inlet direction; 5. Gas inlet; 6. Mixing outlet direction; 7. Linear actuator; 701. Servo motor; 702. Ball screw / push rod; 703. Force-applying head; 8. Fixed bracket; 9. Slurry flow meter; 10. Upstream pressure sensor; 11. Throat differential pressure sensor; 12. Controller; 13. Human-machine interface; 14. Foam quality optical probe; 15. Reinforcing frame. Detailed Implementation
[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0033] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0034] Example 1
[0035] This embodiment provides a flexible Venturi tube system with an intelligently adjustable throat diameter that can adapt to changes in operating conditions, specifically including:
[0036] 1. System Overall Structure
[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the intelligent controllable variable diameter Venturi tube system provided by the present invention includes a contraction tube 1, an elastic tubular body 2, and a diffuser tube 3 connected in sequence. The contraction tube 1 has a slurry inlet on its left side, the elastic tubular body 2 has a gas inlet 5 on its side, and the diffuser tube 3 has a mixing outlet on its right side. The core component of the elastic tubular body 2 is a throat made of polyurethane elastomer material, with a reinforcing skeleton 15 in the form of a metal braided mesh on its outer wall. This skeleton is used to limit excessive axial stretching and unintended circumferential expansion, while allowing radial compression.
[0038] 2. Variable Diameter Execution Module
[0039] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, an annular fixed bracket 8 is fitted around the elastic tubular body 2, and 4-8 linear actuators 7 are evenly installed circumferentially on the bracket. In this embodiment, a servo electric cylinder is used, and each linear actuator 7 includes a servo motor 701, a ball screw 702, and an arc-shaped force-applying head 703. The force-applying head 703 faces the outer wall of the elastic tubular body 2. When the servo motor 701 drives the ball screw 702 to extend, the force-applying head 703 will squeeze the elastic tubular body 2, causing the inner diameter of the throat to shrink uniformly. During the reverse movement, the inner diameter will expand again due to the rebound force of the elastic material. Figure 3 The layout of the linear actuator 7, which is evenly distributed around the elastic tubular body 2, is clearly shown, ensuring that the throat can contract uniformly and avoiding flow deviation.
[0040] 3. Operating Condition Sensing Module
[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, a slurry flow meter 9 and an upstream pressure sensor 10 are installed at the inlet of the contraction tube 1. A pressure measuring hole is opened on the wall of the elastic tubular body 2, connected to a throat differential pressure sensor 11, used to accurately measure the pressure drop in the throat core section. A foam quality optical probe 14 can be optionally installed downstream of the diffuser tube 3 outlet to analyze the foam bubble size distribution and uniformity in real time, serving as an advanced feedback signal.
[0042] 4. Intelligent control module
[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the controller 12 (PLC) is connected to each sensor and each linear actuator 7 via signal lines. The human-machine interface 13 (HMI) is connected to the controller 12, allowing the operator to select process modes, set parameters, and observe operating status.
[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the intelligent control logic is as follows: The operator selects the process mode (such as "high-stability plugging mode" or "wide-area coverage mode") through the human-machine interface 13, and the controller 12 calls the target differential pressure range corresponding to the mode. During system operation, data such as slurry flow rate Q and throat differential pressure ΔP are collected in real time. It is determined whether ΔP is within the target range: if yes, the current state is maintained and monitoring continues; if no, the required throat diameter adjustment ΔD is calculated, and a control command is sent to the linear actuator 7 to adjust the throat diameter. After the adjustment is completed, the system returns to the data acquisition step, forming a continuous closed-loop control. In addition, when the slurry flow meter 9 detects a sudden change in flow, the controller 12 calculates the throat diameter adjustment in advance according to the preset model and issues a command to achieve feedforward compensation and significantly reduce response lag.
[0045] 5. Process Mode
[0046] This system supports multiple preset process modes. In "High-Stability Plugging Mode," the controller targets a lower throat diameter, enhancing throat turbulence intensity to generate fine, highly stable foam, suitable for long-term mine plugging. In "Wide-Area Coverage Mode," the controller targets a higher throat diameter, reducing turbulence intensity to generate foam with good flowability and wide diffusion range, suitable for rapid coverage over large areas. Operators can switch modes with a single button, and the system automatically adjusts the throat diameter.
[0047] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0048] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.
Claims
1. A smart, controllable variable diameter venturi tube system for three-phase foam foaming, characterized in that, include: The throat of the elastic venturi module is composed of an elastic tubular body (2) capable of radial elastic deformation; A variable diameter actuator module is installed outside the elastic tubular body and is used to apply a controllable radial force to the elastic tubular body (2) to change the inner diameter of the throat. The operating condition sensing module contains a set of sensors used to monitor system operating parameters; The intelligent control module is connected to the working condition sensing module and the diameter changing execution module. Based on the real-time data of the sensor group, it controls the action of the diameter changing execution module to achieve closed-loop adjustment of the throat inner diameter.
2. The intelligent controllable variable diameter venturi tube system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The variable diameter actuator module includes a fixed bracket (8) and multiple linear actuators (7) evenly distributed around the circumference of the elastic tubular body (2); the linear actuators (7) are mounted on the fixed bracket (8) and have a force-applying head (703) at their output end, which faces the outer wall of the elastic tubular body (2); the intelligent control module squeezes or releases the elastic tubular body (2) by controlling the synchronous radial feed or retraction of the output ends of each linear actuator (7).
3. The intelligent controllable variable diameter venturi tube system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The linear actuator (7) is one of a servo electric cylinder, a servo hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic servo cylinder; the linear actuator (7) includes a servo motor (701), a ball screw or push rod (702) and the force-applying head (703).
4. The intelligent controllable variable diameter venturi tube system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the elastic tubular body (2) is polyurethane elastomer, hydrogenated nitrile rubber or engineering elastomer; the outer wall and / or inner wall of the elastic tubular body (2) are reinforced with a reinforcing skeleton (15) to limit its axial and unintended circumferential deformation.
5. The intelligent controllable variable diameter venturi tube system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor group in the working condition sensing module includes at least: a slurry flow meter (9) and an upstream pressure sensor (10) installed at the inlet of the contraction tube (1), and a differential pressure sensor (11) installed at the elastic tubular body (2) for measuring the throat pressure difference.
6. The intelligent controllable variable diameter venturi tube system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The working condition sensing module also includes a foam quality optical probe (14) installed downstream of the outlet of the diffuser (3) for real-time feedback of foam bubble size distribution and uniformity parameters.
7. The intelligent controllable variable diameter venturi tube system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent control module has different target differential pressure ranges preset to correspond to different process modes; its control logic is configured to: compare the real-time differential pressure value measured by the differential pressure sensor (11) with the target range, and adjust the inner diameter of the throat to make the real-time differential pressure value tend to and stabilize within the target range.
8. The intelligent controllable variable diameter venturi tube system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control logic of the intelligent control module also includes feedforward compensation, which is configured to: when the slurry flow meter (9) detects a sudden change in slurry flow, calculate in advance based on the flow change value and issue an instruction to adjust the throat inner diameter.
9. The intelligent controllable variable diameter venturi tube system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a human-machine interface (13) for operators to select process modes, set parameters and observe the operating status of the system.
10. The intelligent controllable variable diameter venturi tube system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The elastic venturi tube module also includes a contraction tube (1) and a diffuser tube (3). The elastic tubular body (2) is connected between the contraction tube (1) and the diffuser tube (3) and is detachably connected by a flange or thread, respectively.