Hydraulic shearing microbubble generating device
By using a hydraulic shear microbubble generator, which controls bubble size through a shear channel and a gas diffuser, the problems of high energy consumption, limited equipment units, and easy scaling in existing technologies are solved, achieving efficient and safe microbubble generation and highly adaptable gas flow regulation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies have limitations in energy consumption, number of equipment units, adaptability to changes in gas flow rate, and the risk of fouling and mechanical seal challenges when generating microbubbles, making them unsuitable for widespread application in large reactors.
A hydraulic shear microbubble generator was designed. By combining a shear channel and a gas diffuser, the liquid flow rate and shear speed are controlled to generate microbubbles. The bubble size can be adjusted in the shear channel to adapt to different gas flow rates and avoid scaling. The device can be installed outside the reactor for maintenance.
It enables efficient microbubble generation over a wide range of gas flow rates, reduces energy consumption, improves device safety and lifespan, is suitable for toxic or corrosive media, and reduces equipment maintenance frequency and costs.
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Figure CN224071677U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a bubble generating device, and more particularly to a hydraulic shear microbubble generating device. Background Technology
[0002] Dispersing bubbles in liquids is a common engineering task aimed at achieving mass transfer from gas to liquid, such as in ozone treatment, liquid-to-gas transfer during stripping, or separation of particles or dispersed insoluble liquids by flotation. Compared to traditional millimeter-sized bubbles, microbubbles have a larger gas-liquid contact area and a lower rise velocity, and are typically generated by other methods such as stirring, jetting, and diffusion.
[0003] The stirring method utilizes high-speed impellers or hydrodynamic turbulence to rapidly mix gases and liquids. The disadvantages are that stirring not only has high energy requirements but also presents potential mechanical challenges, such as the need to seal the impeller shaft against toxic or corrosive gases and liquids. Because stirrer-type microbubble generators require seals, bearings, actuators, etc., the number of equipment units is usually limited, making it difficult to cover the entire area of a large reactor.
[0004] Another widely used method is to introduce gas using diffusers. Diffusers have a porous structure and are made of sintered inorganic or porous organic materials. A disadvantage is that the slow release rate from the diffuser surface causes bubbles to clump together, narrowing the operating range for specific gas flow rates and limiting adaptability to varying gas flow requirements in applications. Diffusers require submersion in the reactor, leading to a higher likelihood of scaling under low specific gas flow conditions. Adsorption of organic matter on the diffuser surface and potential microbial activity alter the contact angle between the gas and the surface, directly increasing the average bubble size. Furthermore, pore blockage can occur, increasing head losses and overall energy consumption. Utility Model Content
[0005] Purpose of the utility model: The purpose of this utility model is to provide a hydraulic shear microbubble generator with adjustable bubble size.
[0006] Technical solution: The present invention provides a hydraulic shear microbubble generator, comprising a shell, a gas diffuser, a shear channel cover, and a bubble generator opening. A shear channel is formed between the gas diffuser and the shear channel cover. The gas diffuser is located above the gas distribution chamber. The shear channel is connected to a liquid distributor. The device also includes a gas flow pipe and a liquid flow pipe that are respectively connected to the gas diffuser and the liquid distributor.
[0007] Preferably, the gas diffuser supplies gas through a gas flow pipe and a gas distribution chamber, and the shear channel is connected to the liquid distributor and supplies liquid through a liquid flow pipe. Compressed gas enters the liquid flow released into the shear channel from the gas flow pipe, forming a fluid mixture of liquid and gas, which is discharged from the bubble generator opening.
[0008] Preferably, the device has an interface for supplying gas to the diffuser, an interface for supplying liquid to the shear channel, and one or more discharge ports for discharging the mixed fluid.
[0009] Preferably, the gas diffuser is located below the shear channel, which allows liquid to flow over the surface of the gas diffuser, releasing the formed bubbles and limiting their size.
[0010] Preferably, the liquid flow velocity across the surface of the gas diffuser is in the range of 1 to 5 m / s. By controlling this liquid flow velocity, the average bubble size is adjusted, and the gas flow rate changes caused by changes in physical parameters such as surface tension and contact angle are compensated.
[0011] Preferably, the device includes a single bubble generator or multiple bubble generators connected in parallel.
[0012] Preferably, the height of the shearing channel is designed according to atmospheric pressure to accommodate a gas-liquid ratio of 0.2 to 0.6 at the end of the shearing channel.
[0013] Preferably, the height of the shear channel increases along the direction of liquid flow to compensate for the increase in total fluid volume, and the height at the end of the shear channel is 10-40% higher than the initial height.
[0014] Preferably, the shear channel has an intermediate discharge point along the length of the gas diffuser, and the height of the shear channel is continuously reduced in subsequent sections. A progressive design is adopted between different height sections to maintain a constant shear rate and minimize head loss.
[0015] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages:
[0016] Compared to traditional stirred bubble generators, this device generates microbubbles in the shear channel and controls bubble size by adjusting the shear rate and liquid flow rate. This allows the gas diffuser to operate over a wide range of gas flow rates, adapting to constantly changing liquid physical parameters, resulting in strong adaptability and low energy consumption. The device has no moving parts and eliminates the need for dynamic sealing of the high-speed rotating shaft, improving its inherent safety and service life. It is suitable for toxic or corrosive gases and liquids. For liquids prone to scaling, the bubble generator can be flexibly placed outside the reactor to improve feasibility and allow for maintenance and chemical cleaning without emptying the reactor. For large units or diffusers with high aspect ratios, the increase in fluid volume within the channel leads to significant changes in shear rate. This can be compensated for by increasing the channel height, providing a uniform shear rate along the entire length, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving performance. The design of the central outlet in the shear channel ensures uniform bubble distribution in the reactor's immersion zone, allowing multiple diffusers to be used in series while reducing overall piping costs. Intermittent adjustments can be made automatically or at fixed intervals based on gas source head loss to maintain long-term system performance. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the device described in this utility model.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the device described in this utility model.
[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram of an immersion microbubble generator.
[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram of a dry microbubble generator.
[0021] Figure 5 It is a microbubble generator with a single opening.
[0022] Figure 6 It is a microbubble generator with multiple openings. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024] like Figure 1As shown, this utility model provides a hydraulic shear microbubble generator, including a shell 402, a gas diffuser 403, a shear channel cover 404, and a bubble generator opening 409. A shear channel 408 is formed between the gas diffuser 403 and the shear channel cover 404. The gas diffuser 403 is located above the gas distribution chamber 412. The shear channel 408 is connected to a liquid distributor 411. The device also includes a gas flow pipe 407 and a liquid flow pipe 406, which are respectively connected to the gas diffuser 403 and the liquid distributor 411.
[0025] Specifically, the gas diffuser 403 provides gas through the gas flow pipe 407 and the gas distribution chamber 412, the shear channel 408 is connected to the liquid distributor 411 and provides liquid through the liquid flow pipe 406, the compressed gas enters from the gas flow pipe 407 into the liquid flow released into the shear channel 408 to form a liquid-gas fluid mixture 413, which is discharged from the bubble generator opening 409.
[0026] The gas diffuser 403 is positioned below the shear channel 408, which forces liquid to flow over the surface of the gas diffuser 403, causing the formed bubbles to be released in advance and limiting the size of the bubbles.
[0027] Depending on the gas requirements and reactor size, a single bubble generator or multiple parallel bubble generators can be used. The bubble generator is either submerged inside the reactor or installed outside the reactor, and injects the generated fluid mixture into the reactor.
[0028] The bubble generator has an interface for supplying gas to the gas diffuser 403, an interface for shearing the liquid flow in the shear channel 408, and one or more outlets for discharging the fluid mixture 413.
[0029] The average bubble size is adjusted by controlling the velocity of the liquid flowing over the surface of the gas diffuser 403, and the effects of physical parameters of the liquid and gas diffuser 403 surfaces (such as surface tension and contact angle) on gas flow rate variations are compensated. The liquid velocity ranges from 1 to 5 m / s, with an optimal range of 1.5 to 2.5 m / s.
[0030] The liquid flow is generated by an external pump, and the gas is typically supplied by an external blower or compressor. There are no restrictions on the type of liquid transfer pump, gas compressor, or blower. The microbubble generator can be installed either dry outside the reactor or submerged inside the reactor.
[0031] Depending on the actual situation and overall gas demand, the liquid can be recycled in the reactor, or the liquid can be a part or all of the liquid that continuously flows into the reactor. Another option is to use other side-flow liquids, such as dilution water.
[0032] The height of the shear channel 408 is designed according to atmospheric pressure to accommodate a maximum gas-liquid ratio of 0.2-0.6 at the end of the channel.
[0033] The height of the shear channel 408 increases along the flow direction to compensate for the increase in total fluid volume. Depending on the selected gas-liquid ratio, the height at the end of the shear channel 408 is 10-40% higher than that at the beginning of the channel.
[0034] The shear channel 408 has an intermediate discharge point along the length of the gas diffuser 403. To maintain a constant shear rate, the height of the shear channel 408 decreases continuously in subsequent sections, employing a gradual design to reduce head loss. Scaling of the gas diffuser 403 is controlled by intermittent parameter adjustments. This is achieved by periodically increasing both the gas and liquid flow rates to generate high turbulence, thus achieving a self-cleaning effect for the gas diffuser 403.
[0035] like Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a microbubble generator. The bubble generator in container 301 has a housing 402, a gas diffuser 403, and a shear channel cover 404. A shear channel 408 is formed between the gas diffuser 403 and the shear channel cover 404. The gas diffuser 403 is supplied with gas through a gas flow pipe 407 and a gas distribution chamber 412. The shear channel 408 is connected to a liquid distributor 411 and is supplied with liquid through a liquid flow pipe 406. Compressed gas is released into the liquid flow in the shear channel 408, forming a liquid-gas fluid mixture 413. This mixture is discharged from the bubble generator opening 409 into the reactor liquid 310, forming dispersed microbubbles 314.
[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, a microbubble generator 102 is installed submerged in a container 301 containing liquid 310. The microbubble generator is connected to a liquid flow pipe 406 that supplies liquid via a delivery pump 105, and further connected to a gas flow pipe 407 that supplies gas via a compressor device 120, to generate dispersed microbubbles 314 in the container.
[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, an example of a dry-mounted microbubble generator 102 is connected to a container 301 containing liquid 310. The microbubble generator is connected to a liquid flow pipe 406 through which liquid is supplied by a delivery pump 105, and further connected to a gas flow pipe 407 through which gas is supplied by a compressor device 120, thereby generating dispersed microbubbles 314 in the container.
[0038] like Figure 5As shown, the microbubble generator has a constant fluid velocity shear channel, a single bubble generator opening 409 for releasing microbubbles 314, and a liquid flow pipe 406 connected to a liquid distributor 411. The shear channel height 505 on the inlet side is smaller than the shear channel height 506 on the outlet side, thereby creating an inclined shear channel cover 404 to form a constant shear velocity.
[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, the constant fluid velocity shear channel of the microbubble generator has multiple bubble generator openings for releasing microbubbles. The shear channel has three sections. The liquid flow pipe 406 is connected to the liquid distributor 411. The first section 614 of the shear channel has a height 612 and one or more bubble generator openings 409 for partially releasing microbubbles 314. The second section 624 of the shear channel has a height 622 and one or more bubble generator openings 409 for partially releasing microbubbles 314. The third section 634 of the shear channel has a height 632 and one or more bubble generator openings 409 for partially releasing microbubbles 314. The shear channel height 612 of the first section is greater than that of the second section 622, and the shear channel height 622 of the second section is greater than that of the third section 632. The decreased height compensates for the fluid discharged in the previous section, thereby generating a constant flow velocity in all channel sections.
Claims
1. A hydraulic shearing microbubble generating apparatus characterized by comprising: The device comprises a housing (402), a gas diffuser (403), a shear channel cover (404) and a bubble generator opening (409), a shear channel (408) is formed between the gas diffuser (403) and the shear channel cover (404), the gas diffuser (403) is located above a gas distribution chamber (412), the shear channel (408) is connected with a liquid distributor (411), the device further comprises a gas flow pipe (407) and a liquid flow pipe (406) respectively communicating with the gas diffuser (403) and the liquid distributor (411).
2. The hydraulic shearing microbubble generating device according to claim 1, wherein The device is further provided with an interface for supplying gas to the gas diffuser (403), an interface for providing liquid into the shear channel (408), and one or more discharge ports for discharging the fluid mixture (413).
3. The hydraulic shearing microbubble generating device according to claim 1, wherein The gas diffuser (403) is located below the shear channel (408), the shear channel (408) makes the liquid flow through the surface of the gas diffuser (403), releases the formed bubbles and limits the size of the bubbles.
4. The hydraulic shearing microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The liquid flow rate through the surface of the gas diffuser (403) ranges from 1 to 5 meters per second.
5. The hydraulic shearing microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The gas-liquid ratio at the end of the shear channel (408) is 0.2-0.6 under normal pressure.
6. The hydraulic shearing microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The height of the shear channel (408) increases along the liquid flow direction, and the height of the end of the shear channel (408) is 10-40% higher than the initial height.
7. The hydraulic shearing microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Intermediate discharge points are provided along the length direction of the gas diffuser (403), and the height of the shear channel (408) is continuously and progressively reduced in the subsequent sections.
8. The hydraulic shearing microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The device comprises a single bubble generating device or multiple parallel bubble generating devices.