Multi-fuel nozzle for atomizing at least one fluid and its use

Abstract

A multi-component nozzle (100), in particular a two-component nozzle, for atomizing at least one fluid is proposed. The multi-component nozzle (100) comprises at least one fluid channel (102) for guiding the at least one fluid, at least one gas channel (108) for guiding at least one gas, at least one turbulence generator (114) arranged in the at least one gas channel (108), in particular in a flow cross-section (116) of the gas channel (108), wherein the turbulence generator (114) has at least one static mixing element (118) to convert a flow of the gas into a turbulent flow by flowing through or over the turbulence generator (114), and at least one nozzle outlet opening (140) for the exit of at least the turbulently flowing gas or a mixture of the turbulently flowing gas with the fluid from the multi-component nozzle (100).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-component nozzle, such as a two-component nozzle, for atomizing at least one fluid. Technical background

[0002] Various two-fluid nozzles are known from the prior art. Gas-assisted nozzles for liquid atomization are used in many industrial processes. Applications include spray drying, gas purification, synthesis processes, and combustion processes. In almost all cases, the goal of atomization is to create the largest possible free surface area in order to accelerate subsequent heat and mass transfer processes. Despite the multitude of applications and the fundamentally simple geometric design—a central liquid jet with a surrounding gas annular gap, or a central gas flow with surrounding liquid exiting through an annular gap, sometimes with an additional gas annular gap surrounding the liquid annular gap—the phenomena and physical relationships occurring during atomization have not yet been fully described.

[0003] However, the influence of nozzle geometry on the resulting spray quality has not yet been sufficiently investigated in the literature to derive generally valid scaling rules.

[0004] Besides nozzle geometry and mass flow rates, turbulence also plays an important role in gas-assisted atomization. However, experimental studies on gas-assisted atomization described in the literature traditionally focus on the nozzle operating conditions and the resulting dimensionless parameters.

[0005] In gas-assisted nozzles, the liquid to be atomized flows out of the nozzle, typically at a low velocity, via a central pipe with a diameter Dliq. The energy required for the primary fragmentation of the liquid and the subsequent secondary fragmentation of the liquid fragments is supplied by a rapidly flowing gas phase. This gas phase exits, for example, through an annular gap of width sgas. Typical operating conditions regarding the gas-side and liquid-side outflow velocities are: gas-side 40 m / s < < vgas < 340 m / sliq and liquid-side 0.1 m / s < < vliq < 30 m / sliq.

[0006] To classify liquid breakup and spray quality, the aerodynamic Weber number (Weaero), the gas-to-liquid ratio (GLR), the Ohnesorge number (Oh), the Reynolds number (Re), and in some cases the momentum flux ratio (J) are usually used. These can be determined using the following equations: We aero = ρ gas ⋅ v rel 2 ⋅ l char σ GLR = M ˙ gas M ˙ liq Oh = η liq ρ liq ⋅ l char ⋅ σ Re i = ρ i ⋅ v i ⋅ d i η i J = ρ gas ⋅ A gas ⋅ v gas 2 ρ liq ⋅ A liq ⋅ v liq 2

[0007] These 5 key figures include the material properties and operating parameters described in the literature as relevant for the atomization process.

[0008] Re liq and We aero are often used to describe the regimes of primary decay. These regimes describe a decrease in the length of the primary ligament L b with increasing gas velocity. The Sauter diameter (D 32 ) is most often used as a criterion for evaluating spray quality, according to the equation: D 32 = ∑ i = 0 k n i ⋅ d i 3 ∑ i = 0 k n i ⋅ d i 2

[0009] In the literature, both the local Sauter diameter (D 32,local) and the integral Sauter diameter (ID 32) are used to specify the predominant droplet size in the spray. D 32,local describes the droplet size at a single point in the spray, whereas ID 32 represents the droplet size along a horizontal line in the spray.

[0010] Correlations for calculating D 32 are frequently given in the literature using We, GLR, Oh, Re and J gas, or alternatively, using material properties and nozzle parameters. The characteristic length measure I char is usually the primary jet diameter (D liq ) of the liquid jet or the liquid gap width s liq when the liquid exits over a sheet.

[0011] The literature reports a decrease in the droplet size resulting from atomization with increasing We, GLR, J, and v gas. It is also known that an increase in gas velocity leads to a decrease in the resulting droplet size.

[0012] In addition to the purely parallel outflow of the gas phase at high velocity, the literature also describes nozzles that, by means of an installation or modification of the nozzle tip, impart a swirl to the gas phase and / or liquid phase. This results in a generally wider spray with a lower axial velocity of the droplets.

[0013] Despite the numerous advantages of existing multi-component nozzles, there is still room for improvement. Conventional multi-component nozzles require an increase in the pulse flow rate of the atomizing medium to reduce droplet size. This can be achieved either by increasing the exit velocity through a higher mass flow rate – with a constant nozzle geometry – or by increasing the exit velocity through geometric adjustments to the nozzle while maintaining a constant mass flow rate. Both approaches alter the flow field and the nozzle's operating conditions, and are therefore not suitable for all processes. Furthermore, increasing the atomizing gas mass flow rate results in higher nozzle operating costs. Object of the invention

[0014] It would therefore be desirable to provide a multi-component nozzle, such as a two-component nozzle, for atomizing at least one fluid, which largely avoids the disadvantages of known devices and methods. In particular, an improvement in atomization efficiency (smaller droplet sizes) should be achievable by increasing the turbulence of the atomizing medium using the multi-component nozzle. General description of the invention

[0015] This problem is addressed by a multi-component nozzle for atomizing at least one fluid and by the use of such a multi-component nozzle with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] In the following, the terms "have," "exhibit," "comprise," or "include," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the features introduced by these terms, no other features are present, and to situations in which one or more additional features are present. For example, the expression "A has B," "A exhibits B," "A comprises B," or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no other element is present in A (i.e., a situation in which A consists solely of B) and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more other elements are present in A, such as element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

[0017] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more," as well as grammatical variations of these terms, when used in connection with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature may be present once or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example, when the feature or element is first introduced. Upon subsequent mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without restricting the possibility that the feature or element may be present once or multiple times.

[0018] Furthermore, the terms "preferably," "in particular," "for example," or similar terms are used in the following text in conjunction with optional features without limiting alternative embodiments. Features introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended that these features limit the scope of protection of the claims, and in particular the independent claims. As the person skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be implemented using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in an exemplary embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features without limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of protection of the independent claims.Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave all possibilities of combining the features introduced herein with other features, whether optional or non-optional features, unaffected.

[0019] In a first aspect of the present invention, a multi-component nozzle for atomizing at least one fluid is proposed. The multi-component nozzle can, in particular, be a two-component nozzle. The multi-component nozzle comprises at least one fluid channel for guiding the at least one fluid. The provision of at least one fluid channel allows the supply of at least one fluid to be atomized.

[0020] The multi-fluid nozzle includes at least one gas channel for guiding at least one gas. The provision of at least one gas channel allows the supply of at least one gas that causes the fluid to atomize.

[0021] The multi-component nozzle comprises at least one turbulence generator arranged in the at least one gas channel. The turbulence generator can be located, in particular, within a flow cross-section of the gas channel. The turbulence generator can completely or partially cover the flow cross-section of the gas channel, or it can consist of a targeted increase in the surface roughness of the gas flow channel. For example, the turbulence generator can be designed as a structuring, and in particular a targeted structuring, of the surface of the gas flow channel. The turbulence generator has at least one static mixing element to convert the gas flow into a turbulent flow by allowing the gas to flow through or over the turbulence generator. The turbulence generator with the mixing element increases the turbulence of the gas. By increasing the turbulence of the gas as the atomizing medium, the efficiency of the atomization process is increased.The amount of gas required to produce a defined droplet size decreases at a constant gas outflow velocity. This allows the gas mass flow rate needed to produce a given droplet size to be reduced, which lowers the operating costs of nozzles and the demand for atomizing gas.

[0022] The multi-component nozzle further comprises at least one nozzle outlet opening for the exit of at least the turbulently flowing gas or a mixture of the turbulently flowing gas with the fluid from the multi-component nozzle. This at least one nozzle outlet opening thus allows the exit of the turbulently flowing gas or the mixture of the turbulently flowing gas with the fluid from the multi-component nozzle, and therefore the exit of smaller droplets than with conventional nozzles.

[0023] The static mixing element can have at least one structure selected from the group consisting of a grid structure, a lamellar structure, a helical structure, an open-pore structure, and structures with serrated exit edges. Such structures improve the atomization efficiency.

[0024] The turbulence generator can include at least one turbulence grid. Such a turbulence grid allows for particularly good atomization and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

[0025] The at least one turbulence grid can be flat, extend laterally over a plane that is angled relative to the gas flow direction, with the angle being in the range of 20° to 160°, in particular from 45° to 135°, for example from 60° to 120°. For example, the turbulence grid can have a jagged or particularly rough structure that is located or formed only on the wall of the gas channel. The interaction of the gas with this structure increases the turbulence of the gas flow.

[0026] The at least one turbulence grid can be at least partially conical, particularly depending on the flow cross-section of the gas channel, for example in the form of a truncated cone in the case of an annular flow cross-section, wherein the angle of the cone apex can be in a range of 10° to 170°, preferably from 50° to 130°, for example from 90° to 110°. Such a shape for the turbulence grid increases the atomization and thus the atomization effect.

[0027] The turbulence generator can have at least one layer, but can also be a combination of several layers, including differently shaped turbulence grids. The layers are preferably, but not necessarily, spaced apart from each other, with the openings in the individual sheets preferably being arranged offset from one another. This design leads to an increase in turbulence due to flow and thus subsequently to more efficient atomization of the liquid phase.

[0028] The turbulence grid can be oriented axially or radially with openings in the form of axial honeycombs or serrated guide plates, similar to corrugated sheets. The atomization effect can thus be increased by using different shapes for the openings, allowing the turbulence grid to be designed according to requirements.

[0029] The turbulence grid can have a thickness in the direction of gas flow ranging from 50 µm to 10 cm, preferably from 100 µm to 5 cm. The degree of turbulence increases with increasing thickness in the direction of flow.

[0030] The turbulence grid can have a spacing between its grid struts in the range of 50 µm to 5 cm, preferably in the range of 100 µm to 1 cm. Smaller spacings increase the degree of turbulence.

[0031] The turbulence grid can comprise at least one grid strut with a thickness in the range of 50 µm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 100 µm to 1 mm. Multiple thin grid struts increase the degree of turbulence.

[0032] The turbulence grid can comprise at least one square, rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal grid structure. Accordingly, various grid shapes are suitable for the nozzle according to the invention.

[0033] The gas can include compressed air, in particular a gas mixture which has a pressure pG higher than ambient pressure pU, for example pU < pG ≤ 2 bar. This allows sufficient atomization to be achieved with a comparatively low overpressure.

[0034] The fluid can consist of at least one liquid, such as water. Even flammable liquids can be atomized. This allows for the creation of particularly fine and small liquid droplets.

[0035] The fluid can contain other substances besides the liquid, especially solids, and can particularly be a suspension. Thus, even free-flowing mixtures of substances can be atomized.

[0036] At least one of the gas channel and fluid channel can be at least partially surrounded by an annular form, in particular as a ring channel. This design enables the most efficient atomization possible.

[0037] At least one of the fluid channel and gas channel can have a cross-section that tapers along a nozzle axis. This allows for a further increase in velocity towards the nozzle exit, in addition to the turbulence.

[0038] The multi-component nozzle can further comprise at least one nozzle channel. The nozzle outlet opening can be an outlet opening of the nozzle channel, wherein the at least one fluid channel and the at least one gas channel can open into the nozzle channel, particularly for mixing the fluid and the turbulently flowing gas within the nozzle channel. This design increases the intensity of the interaction between the atomizing medium and the fluid and thus intensifies the atomization.

[0039] At least one of the fluid channel and gas channel can open into the nozzle channel offset along a nozzle axis from at least one other of the fluid channel and gas channel.

[0040] The multi-component nozzle can comprise at least two nozzle outlets. One of the at least two nozzle outlets can be an outlet of the gas channel. Another of the at least two nozzle outlets can be configured to allow at least the fluid, for example, a mixture of the turbulently flowing gas and the fluid, to exit the multi-component nozzle. At least one channel of the multi-component nozzle can be designed to cause the fluid and / or gas exiting the at least two nozzle outlets to mix outside the multi-component nozzle. This configuration is particularly important if, for example, a reaction can occur upon contact between the gas and the liquid.

[0041] The multi-component nozzle can be manufactured as a single piece and / or monolithically. The multi-component nozzle can, for example, be manufactured or producible at least partially using at least one additive manufacturing process, in particular 3D printing. Additive manufacturing processes allow for the realization of the turbulence generator and its comparatively complex geometry. By manufacturing nozzles using 3D metal printing processes, turbulence grids can be incorporated within the nozzle on the gas side, which cannot be achieved using other manufacturing processes such as milling, machining, and the like. Alternatively, the nozzle can be manufactured conventionally using a machining process, and only the turbulence generator can be manufactured or producible using an additive manufacturing process, in particular 3D printing, with the turbulence generator then being inserted into the nozzle.

[0042] The gas channel and the fluid channel can be concentric with each other in a region of the nozzle tip of the multi-component nozzle. The concentric flow of gas and fluid results in a rotationally symmetrical spray cone, or distribution of fluid droplets within the spray cone. Furthermore, the gas channel and the fluid channel can have an angle of attack relative to each other in the region of the nozzle tip. This angle of attack can be in the range of 0° to 80°, and preferably 5° to 60°, such as 15°, 20°, 30°, or 40°. Such an angle of attack leads to an intensified interaction between gas and fluid immediately at the exit of the fluid channel. This can result in more efficient atomization, particularly at higher fluid viscosities.

[0043] In a further aspect of the present invention, the use of a multi-component nozzle according to one of the embodiments described above or below for one or more of the wetting, lubricating, cooling, heating, and coating of at least one object is proposed. Its use in the production of materials by spray drying, in the medical field, in gas purification, coating, flue gas cleaning, in painting processes, or as a burner nozzle is also fundamentally possible. When used as a burner nozzle, there is also the possibility that, when using flammable gases and gas mixtures as the atomizing gas, the turbulence generator can function as a flame arrestor, thus providing an additional benefit.

[0044] The term "nozzle," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a cross-sectional constriction used to influence the flow of a fluid as it passes between a closed and a free space. It can, for example, form the inlet or outlet of a pipeline. The nozzle can have the same cross-sectional area along its entire length, widen, narrow, or change the shape of its cross-section. The nozzle does not perform work, but rather converts between velocity and static pressure. A nozzle can accelerate a fluid along a pressure gradient, shape a solid or viscous mass, atomize a liquid substance, or draw a fluid into a pipeline.

[0045] The term "multi-component nozzle," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a nozzle-shaped device designed for mixing or atomizing at least two substances. The term "two-component nozzle," for example, refers to the mixing or atomization of two substances. Often, for instance, water is atomized with air; however, this does not preclude the possibility of atomizing two liquids instead. Atomization, in this context, refers to the transformation of a compact quantity of liquid into a collection of droplets. Multi-component nozzles, also known as pneumatic nozzles, are used in a wide variety of applications.The various multi-component nozzle series can be divided into internally and externally mixing nozzle groups. In these nozzles, gas and liquid are combined either inside or outside the nozzle. Depending on the nozzle design, the liquid is either drawn in automatically or supplied under pressure. Different spray patterns are produced depending on the nozzle tip design. Multi-component nozzles are ideally suited for atomizing small quantities of liquid, but they can also be used for larger quantities. In pneumatic atomization, the different flow velocities of gases and liquids within a nozzle generate pressure waves that cause the liquid to break up into extremely fine droplets. These different relative velocities enable, for example, the atomization of viscous media at low pressure.These multi-fluid nozzles, also known as pneumatic atomizers, use a second medium (compressed air, gas such as CO₂ or N₂, or steam) as an energy source for atomization. The fluid, such as a liquid, is broken up into fine droplets by the flow velocity of the second medium. This means the liquid to be atomized itself only needs to have a relatively low flow velocity. This results in very fine atomization, even with highly viscous liquids or suspensions. Depending on its viscosity, density, and surface tension, the liquid to be atomized can be drawn in, fed via gravity, or supplied under pressure. Within certain limits, some two-fluid nozzles also function as injectors. Depending on their design, two-fluid nozzles can be classified as internally mixing or externally mixing nozzles. In these cases, the atomizing medium and the liquid are mixed either inside or outside the nozzle.In external mixing, the liquid flows out of the nozzle, for example, through a central pipe or channel. With external mixing nozzles, the gas phase exits, for example, through a pipe or channel concentrically surrounding the liquid pipe and the annular gap formed between the two pipe ends, either in the same plane or with a slight axial offset from the liquid line. The liquid thus exits the nozzle as a compact flow, and the contact between the gas and liquid phases occurs outside the nozzle. The liquid is then subjected to shear stress by the compressed air or gas exiting, for example, an annular gap, and is broken up into fine droplets. The result is a fine spray pattern, ranging from indentation to atomization. In internal mixing, the contact between the liquid and gas phases occurs within a mixing chamber, such as a pipeline, inside the nozzle.This intensifies the interaction between gas and liquid, resulting in a particularly fine spray. With internally mixing nozzles, pre-atomization can be beneficial, depending on the medium and the desired atomization effect. This can be achieved, for example, by using a suitable swirl diffuser. Designs are also conceivable in which only a portion of the atomizing gas is used for internal pre-atomization, while the remainder comes into contact with the pre-atomized liquid outside the nozzle at the nozzle tip. This staged atomization is particularly advantageous when a film of liquid has formed on the walls of the mixing chamber, which would otherwise lead to large droplets without further atomization at the nozzle tip.

[0046] The term "fluid," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without restriction, the term can refer in particular to substances that continuously deform under the influence of shear forces, i.e., that flow. The shear modulus of ideal fluids is zero. In chemistry and physics, flowable materials, including gases, liquids, and supercritical fluids, are collectively referred to as fluids. Many physical laws apply equally to gases and liquids because they differ in some properties only quantitatively (in the magnitude of the effect), but not qualitatively. Fluid mechanics defines as a fluid any substance that offers no resistance to sufficiently slow shearing (finite viscosity).In this sense, the term includes not only matter in the liquid and gaseous state of matter, but also plasma, suspensions and aerosols.

[0047] The term "turbulence generator," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a component designed or configured to transform a laminar or only slightly turbulent flow of a fluid into a flow with a high degree of turbulence, without necessarily changing the flow velocity of the fluid in the main flow direction. For this purpose, the turbulence generator may have a suitable surface and / or flow guidance.

[0048] The term "static mixing element," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a device for mixing fluids in which the mixing is effected solely by the flow motion and which does not have any moving elements. The static mixing element consists of flow-modifying elements in a pipe or channel. These elements alternately divide the fluid flow and then recombine it, thereby increasing turbulence. Static mixing elements are particularly suitable for liquid / liquid, gas / gas, and liquid / gas combinations.The static mixing element can consist of or comprise a series of elements / levels, which are usually helical, lamellar, or grid-shaped. It is not strictly necessary to divide the flow into multiple partial flows; simply passing the fluid around the static mixer can also increase the mixing and thus the turbulence of the flow. These elements interact with the fluid flow, twisting the flows and then recombining them. Each additional mixing level further increases the degree of turbulence in the flow.

[0049] The term "turbulence grid," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a grid-shaped component designed to generate turbulent flow as fluids pass through its openings. The openings may be identical or different from one another. The grid struts defining the openings may also be identical or different from one another.

[0050] The term "nozzle tip," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a region of the multi-component nozzle in which the nozzle outlet opening is located.

[0051] The term "angle of attack," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer, in particular, to an angle between two flow directions. The respective flow direction can be defined by the gas channel and the fluid channel. In particular, the respective flow direction can be defined parallel to a central or rotational axis of the gas channel and the fluid channel.

[0052] In summary, without limiting further possible embodiments, the following embodiments are proposed: Embodiment 1: Multi-component nozzle, in particular a two-component nozzle, for atomizing at least one fluid, comprising: at least one fluid channel for guiding the at least one fluid; at least one gas channel for guiding at least one gas; at least one turbulence generator arranged in the at least one gas channel, in particular in a flow cross-section of the gas channel, wherein the turbulence generator has at least one static mixing element to convert a flow of the gas into a turbulent flow by flowing through or over the turbulence generator; at least one nozzle outlet opening for the exit of at least the turbulently flowing gas or a mixture of the turbulently flowing gas with the fluid from the multi-component nozzle.Embodiment 2: Multi-component nozzle according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the static mixing element comprises at least one structure selected from the group consisting of a grid structure, a lamellar structure, a helical structure, an open-pore structure, or structures with serrated exit edges. Embodiment 3: Multi-component nozzle according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the turbulence generator comprises at least one turbulence grid. Embodiment 4: Multi-component nozzle according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the at least one turbulence grid is planar and extends laterally over a plane that is arranged at an angle to a flow direction of the gas, the angle being in a range of 20° to 160°, in particular from 45° to 135°, for example from 60° to 120°.Embodiment 5: Multi-component nozzle according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one turbulence grid is at least partially conical, in particular depending on the flow cross-section of the gas channel, for example in the form of a truncated cone in the case of an annular flow cross-section, wherein the angle of the cone apex lies in a range of 10° to 170°, preferably from 50° to 130°, for example from 90° to 110°. Embodiment 6: Multi-component nozzle according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the turbulence generator has at least one layer of a turbulence grid. Embodiment 7: Multi-component nozzle according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the turbulence generator has several layers, in particular differently shaped turbulence grids. Embodiment 8: Multi-component nozzle according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the layers are spaced apart from each other.Embodiment 9: Multi-component nozzle according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the openings in the individual layers are arranged offset from one another. Embodiment 10: Multi-component nozzle according to one of embodiments 3 to 9, wherein the turbulence grid with openings is designed as axial honeycombs or serrated guide vanes, oriented axially or radially. Embodiment 11: Multi-component nozzle according to one of embodiments 3 to 10, wherein the turbulence grid has a thickness in the direction of gas flow in the range of 50 µm to 10 cm, preferably in the range of 100 µm to 5 cm. Embodiment 12: Multi-component nozzle according to one of embodiments 3 to 11, wherein the turbulence grid has a spacing between its grid struts in the range of 50 µm to 5 cm, preferably in the range of 100 µm to 1 cm.Embodiment 13: Multi-component nozzle according to any one of embodiments 3 to 12, wherein the turbulence grid comprises at least one grid strut having a thickness in the range of 50 µm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 100 µm to 1 mm. Embodiment 14: Multi-component nozzle according to any one of embodiments 3 to 13, wherein the turbulence grid comprises at least one square, rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal grid structure. Embodiment 15: Multi-component nozzle according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the gas comprises compressed air, in particular a gas mixture having a pressure pG higher than an ambient pressure pU, for example, pU < pG ≤ 2 bar. Embodiment 16: Multi-component nozzle according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fluid comprises at least one liquid, for example, water.Embodiment 17: Multi-component nozzle according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the fluid contains, in addition to the liquid, other substances, in particular solids, i.e., for example, a suspension. Embodiment 18: Multi-component nozzle according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the gas channel and fluid channel at least partially surrounds at least one other of the gas channel and fluid channel in an annular manner, in particular, is designed as an annular channel. Embodiment 19: Multi-component nozzle according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the fluid channel and gas channel has a cross-section that tapers along a nozzle axis.Embodiment 20: Multi-component nozzle according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the multi-component nozzle further comprises at least one nozzle channel, wherein the nozzle outlet opening is an outlet opening of the nozzle channel, wherein the at least one fluid channel and the at least one gas channel open into the nozzle channel, in particular for mixing the fluid and the turbulently flowing gas in the nozzle channel. Embodiment 21: Multi-component nozzle according to the preceding embodiment, wherein at least one of the fluid channel and gas channel opens into the nozzle channel offset along a nozzle axis relative to at least one other of the fluid channel and gas channel.Embodiment 22: Multi-component nozzle according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the multi-component nozzle comprises at least two nozzle outlet openings, one of the at least two nozzle outlet openings being an outlet opening of the gas channel, and another of the at least two nozzle outlet openings being configured for the exit of at least the fluid, for example, a mixture of the turbulently flowing gas with the fluid, from the multi-component nozzle, wherein at least one channel of the multi-component nozzle is configured to cause the mixing of the fluid and / or gas exiting from the at least two nozzle outlet openings outside the multi-component nozzle. Embodiment 23: Multi-component nozzle according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the multi-component nozzle is formed in one piece and / or monolithically.Embodiment 24: Multi-component nozzle according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the multi-component nozzle is at least partially manufactured or producible by means of at least one additive manufacturing process, in particular 3D printing. Embodiment 25: Multi-component nozzle according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the gas channel and the fluid channel are concentric to each other in a region of a nozzle tip of the multi-component nozzle. Embodiment 26: Multi-component nozzle according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the gas channel and the fluid channel have an angle of attack to each other in the region of the nozzle tip.Embodiment 27: Use of a multi-component nozzle according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a multi-component nozzle for one or more of the wetting, lubricating, cooling, heating and coating of at least one object, in the production of materials by means of spray drying, use in the medical field, gas purification, coating, flue gas cleaning, in painting processes, and as a burner nozzle. Brief description of the characters

[0053] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their functions.

[0054] Specifically, we show: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A and 2B are each a cross-sectional view of a turbulence generator of the multi-component nozzle; Figures 3A to 3F are each a cross-sectional view of a turbulence grid; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component nozzle according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component nozzle according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component nozzle according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0055] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-component nozzle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-component nozzle 100 is designed for atomizing at least one fluid. In the embodiment shown, the multi-component nozzle 100 is exemplary configured as a two-component nozzle.

[0056] The multi-component nozzle 100 has at least one fluid channel 102 for guiding the at least one fluid. The fluid comprises at least one liquid, such as water. In addition to the liquid, the fluid may also contain other substances, in particular solids, and thus be, for example, a suspension. The fluid channel 102 extends coaxially to a nozzle axis 104 of the multi-component nozzle 100. In the embodiment shown, the fluid channel 102 has a constant diameter 106 along the nozzle axis 104.

[0057] The multi-component nozzle 100 further comprises at least one gas channel 108 for guiding at least one gas. The gas can, in principle, be any gas. The gas can, for example, comprise compressed air, in particular a gas mixture. The gas can have a pressure pG higher than the ambient pressure pU, for example, pU < pG ≤ 2 bar. The gas channel 108 surrounds the fluid channel 102 at least partially in an annular form. The gas channel 108 extends coaxially to the nozzle axis 104 of the multi-component nozzle 100. In particular, the gas channel 108 is designed as an annular channel 110. The gas channel 108 has a cross-section 112, or diameter, that tapers along the nozzle axis 104.

[0058] The multi-component nozzle 100 further comprises at least one turbulence generator 114. The turbulence generator 114 is arranged in the at least one gas channel 108. In particular, the turbulence generator 114 is arranged in a flow cross-section 116 of the gas channel 108. The turbulence generator 114 comprises at least one static mixing element 118 for converting a gas flow into a turbulent flow by flowing through or over the turbulence generator 114. The static mixing element 118 comprises at least one structure selected from the group consisting of a grid structure, a lamellar structure, a helical structure, a structure with a triangular cross-section, an open-pore structure, structures with serrated exit edges, and a structure with a rough surface. The turbulence generator 114 comprises at least one turbulence grid 120.The at least one turbulence grid 120 is at least partially conical, its shape depending in particular on the flow cross-section 116 of the gas channel 108. For example, the turbulence grid 120 is designed in the form of a truncated cone with an annular flow cross-section 116. The angle of the cone apex can be in the range of 10° to 170°, preferably from 50° to 130°, for example from 90° to 110°. The turbulence grid 120 has a thickness in the direction of gas flow in the range of 50 µm to 10 cm, preferably in the range of 100 µm to 5 cm. In principle, the turbulence grid 120 can be designed differently with regard to grid size, grid length, and grid shape, as described in more detail below.

[0059] The Figures 2A and 2BEach figure shows a cross-sectional view of a turbulence generator 114 of the multi-fluid nozzle 100. The section runs perpendicular to the nozzle axis 104. The turbulence grid 120 of the turbulence generator 114 of the Figure 2A In comparison to the turbulence grid 120 of the turbulence generator 114, the Figure 2B a larger grid spacing. The turbulence grid 120 comprises at least one grid strut 122 having a thickness 124 in the range of 50 µm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 100 µm to 1 mm. The turbulence grid 120 has a spacing 126 between its grid struts 122 in the range of 50 µm to 5 cm, preferably in the range of 100 µm to 1 cm. The turbulence grid 120 comprises at least one square, rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal grid structure.

[0060] The Figures 3A to 3FEach figure shows a cross-sectional view of a turbulence grid 120. The section runs axially, i.e., parallel to the nozzle axis 104. In the Figures 3A to 3F Identical or comparable components and features are designated with the same reference numerals. As in Figure 3A As shown, the turbulence grid 120 with through-passages 128 can be configured as axial honeycombs 130. As shown in Figure 3B As shown, the turbulence grid 120 with passages 128 can be designed as serrated guide vanes 132, which are oriented axially with respect to the nozzle axis 104. As shown in Figure 3C As shown, the turbulence grid 120 with openings 128 can be designed as serrated guide vanes or triangular cross-section 132, which are oriented radially with respect to the nozzle axis 104. In principle, the turbulence generator 114 can have at least one layer on the turbulence grid 120. As shown in 3D figureAs shown, the turbulence generator 114 can, however, be formed from several layers 134, including differently shaped turbulence grids 120. The openings or passages 128 in the individual sheets or layers 134 are preferably arranged offset from one another, for example in offset planes 136. As shown in Figure 3E As shown, the turbulence grid 120 can be designed as a type of porous sponge structure 138, such as a sintered plate. As shown in Figure 3F As shown, the turbulence grid 120 with openings 128 can be designed as serrated guide vanes 132, which are interrupted axially with respect to the nozzle axis 104. By changing the grid spacing, grid length, and shape of the turbulence grid 120, the degree of turbulence can be adjusted depending on the atomization quality requirements. It is explicitly emphasized that a combination of different grid shapes stacked on top of each other is also possible.

[0061] The multi-component nozzle 100 further comprises at least one nozzle outlet opening 140 for the exit of at least the turbulently flowing gas or a mixture of the turbulently flowing gas with the fluid from the multi-component nozzle 100. The gas channel 108 tapers uniformly along the nozzle axis 104 in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening 140.

[0062] The multi-component nozzle 100 shown is a gas-assisted nozzle for atomizing liquids and suspensions of varying viscosities. The liquid phase flows through a fluid channel 102, which is designed, for example, as a central tube, and is enveloped by a concentric gas flow. Atomization occurs, as with conventional nozzles, through the interaction of a rapidly flowing gas phase and a slowly flowing liquid phase. In contrast to conventional gas-assisted nozzles, the turbulence generator 114 is provided in the gas channel 108. This increases the gas-side turbulence. As a result, under otherwise constant operating conditions, such as the mass flow rate of the gas Ṁ gas, the mass flow rate of the fluid Ṁ liq, the velocity of the gas v gas, and the velocity of the fluid Ṁ liq, the atomization is significantly reduced.The liquid v liq intensifies the interaction between the gas and liquid phases, leading to a reduction in the resulting droplet size without affecting the operating conditions of the multi-component nozzle 100. The multi-component nozzle 100 can be manufactured as a single unit. In other words, the multi-component nozzle 100, with its components such as the turbulence generator 114, is manufactured as a single component. Therefore, the multi-component nozzle 100 does not need to be assembled from multiple parts but can be manufactured virtually monolithically. This is possible, for example, by manufacturing the multi-component nozzle 100 using an additive manufacturing process, such as 3D printing.

[0063] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-component nozzle 100 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Only the differences from the previous embodiment are described below, and identical or comparable components and features are identified by the same reference numerals. In the Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment of the multi-component nozzle 100, the gas channel 108 does not taper uniformly along the nozzle axis 104, but rather unevenly. The gas channel 108 has a first gas channel section 142 with a first diameter 144 and a second gas channel section 146 with a second diameter 148, the second diameter 148 being smaller than the first diameter 144. The first gas channel section 142 transitions stepwise into the second gas channel section 146. The second gas channel section 146 is fluidly connected via a frustoconically tapered third gas channel section 150 to an annular gap or annular channel 110, which adjoins the nozzle outlet opening 140.

[0064] Figure 5A cross-sectional view of a multi-component nozzle 100 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Only the differences from the previous embodiment are described below, and identical or comparable components and features are provided with the same reference numerals. In the Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment of the multi-fluid nozzle 100 has a different material flow compared to the one shown in Figure 4 In the embodiment of the multi-fluid nozzle 100 shown, the gas channel 108 is reversed. In other words, the gas channel 108 is coaxially or annularly surrounded by the fluid channel 102. In the embodiment shown Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment of the multi-component nozzle 100, the fluid channel 102 does not taper uniformly along the nozzle axis 104, but rather unevenly. The fluid channel 102 has a first fluid channel section 152 with a first diameter 154 and a second fluid channel section 156 with a second diameter 158, the second diameter 158 being smaller than the first diameter 154. The first fluid channel section 152 transitions into the second fluid channel section 156 in a stepped manner. The second fluid channel section 156 is fluidly connected via a frustoconical third fluid channel section 160 to an annular gap or annular channel 110, which adjoins the nozzle outlet opening 140.

[0065] Figure 6A cross-sectional view of a multi-component nozzle 100 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Only the differences from the previous embodiment are described below, and identical or comparable components and features are provided with the same reference numerals. In the Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment of the multi-component nozzle 100, the multi-component nozzle 100 has a second or further gas channel 162. The further gas channel 162 surrounds the fluid channel 102 coaxially or annularly. The further gas channel 162 does not taper uniformly along the nozzle axis 104, but rather unevenly. Thus, the further gas channel 162 has a first gas channel section 164 with a first diameter 166 and a second gas channel section 168 with a second diameter 170, the second diameter 170 being smaller than the first diameter 166. The first gas channel section 164 transitions stepwise into the second gas channel section 168. The second gas channel section 168 is fluidly connected via a frustoconical third gas channel section 172 to a further annular gap or annular channel 110, which adjoins the nozzle outlet opening 140.

[0066] The described multi-component nozzles 100 can be modified as follows. The at least one turbulence grid 120 can be planar, extending laterally over a plane that is arranged at an angle to the gas flow direction, the angle being in a range of 20° to 160°, in particular 45° to 135°, for example 60° to 120°. Alternatively, the turbulence generator can be designed as a (targeted) roughness of the gas channel surface. The multi-component nozzle 100 can further comprise at least one nozzle channel. In this case, the nozzle outlet 140 can be an outlet of the nozzle channel. The at least one fluid channel 102 and the at least one gas channel 108 can open into the nozzle channel, in particular for mixing the fluid and the turbulently flowing gas in the nozzle channel.The fluid channel 102 and / or the gas channel 108 can open into the nozzle channel offset from at least one other fluid channel 102 and gas channel 108 along a nozzle axis 104. The multi-component nozzle 100 can comprise at least two nozzle outlet openings 140. One of the at least two nozzle outlet openings 140 is an outlet opening of the gas channel 108. Another of the at least two nozzle outlet openings 140 is configured for the exit of at least the fluid, for example, a mixture of the turbulently flowing gas with the fluid, from the multi-component nozzle 100. At least one channel of the multi-component nozzle 100 is configured to cause the mixing of the fluid and / or gas exiting from the at least two nozzle outlet openings 140 outside the multi-component nozzle 100.

[0067] The use of a multi-component nozzle 100 according to one of the embodiments described above or below is proposed for one or more of the wetting, lubricating, cooling, heating, and coating of at least one object. Its use in the production of materials by spray drying, in the medical field, in gas purification, coating, flue gas cleaning, in painting processes, or as a burner nozzle is also fundamentally possible. When used as a burner nozzle, the turbulence generator 114 can also function as a flame arrestor when using flammable gases and gas mixtures as the atomizing gas, thus providing an additional benefit. Reference symbol list

[0068] 100 Multi-fuel nozzle 102 Fluid channel 104 Nozzle axis 106 Diameter 108 Gas channel 110 Annular channel 112 Tapered cross-section of gas channel 114 Turbulence generator 116 Flow cross-section 118 Static mixing element 120 Turbulence grid 122 Grid strut 124 Thickness 126 Spacing 128 Passage 130 Axial honeycomb 132 Serrated guide plate 134 Position 136 Plane 138 Porous sponge structure 140 Nozzle outlet opening 142 First gas channel section 144 First diameter of the first gas channel section 146 Second gas channel section 148 Second diameter of the second gas channel section 150 Third gas channel section 152 First fluid channel section 154 First diameter of the first fluid channel section 156 Second Fluid channel section 158, second diameter of the second fluid channel section 160, third fluid channel section 162, further gas channel 164, first gas channel section 166, first diameter of the first gas channel section 168, second gas channel section 170, second diameter of the second gas channel section 172, third gas channel section

Claims

1. Multi-component nozzle (100), in particular a two-component nozzle, for atomizing at least one fluid, comprising: - at least one fluid channel (102) for guiding the at least one fluid; - at least one gas channel (108) for guiding at least one gas; - at least one turbulence generator (114) arranged in the at least one gas channel (108), in particular in a flow cross-section (116) of the gas channel (108), wherein the turbulence generator (114) has at least one static mixing element (118) to convert a flow of the gas into a turbulent flow by flowing through or over the turbulence generator (114); - at least one nozzle outlet opening (140) for the exit of at least the turbulently flowing gas or a mixture of the turbulently flowing gas with the fluid from the multi-component nozzle (100).

2. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the static mixing element (118) has at least one structure selected from the group consisting of a grid structure, a lamellar structure, a screw structure, an open-pore structure or structures with serrated exit edges.

3. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the turbulence generator (114) comprises at least one turbulence grid (120).

4. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one turbulence grid (120) is planar and extends laterally over a plane which is arranged at an angle to a flow direction of the gas, the angle being in a range of 20° to 160°, in particular 45° to 135°, for example 60° to 120°.

5. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the at least one turbulence grid (120) is at least partially conical, in particular depending on the flow cross-section (116) of the gas channel (108), for example in the form of a truncated cone in the case of an annular flow cross-section (116), wherein an angle of the cone tip lies in a range of 10° to 170°, preferably from 50° to 130°, for example from 90° to 110°.

6. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the gas channel (108) and fluid channel (102) at least partially surrounds another of the gas channel (108) and fluid channel (102) in an annular manner, in particular being designed as an annular channel (110).

7. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the fluid channel (102) and gas channel (108) has a cross-section (112) that tapers along a nozzle axis (104).

8. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-component nozzle (100) further comprises at least one nozzle channel, wherein the nozzle outlet opening (140) is an outlet opening of the nozzle channel, wherein the at least one fluid channel (102) and the at least one gas channel (108) open into the nozzle channel, in particular for mixing the fluid and the turbulently flowing gas in the nozzle channel.

9. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the fluid channel (102) and gas channel (108) opens into the nozzle channel offset along a nozzle axis (104) to at least one other of the fluid channel (102) and gas channel (108).

10. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-component nozzle (100) comprises at least two nozzle outlet openings (140), wherein one of the at least two nozzle outlet openings (140) is an outlet opening of the gas channel (108), wherein another of the at least two nozzle outlet openings (140) is configured to allow at least the fluid, for example a mixture of the turbulent flowing gas with the fluid, to exit the multi-component nozzle (100), wherein at least one channel of the multi-component nozzle (100) is configured to cause the fluid and / or gas exiting from the at least two nozzle outlet openings (140) to mix outside the multi-component nozzle (100).

11. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the turbulence generator (114) has several layers of a turbulence grid (120), in particular differently shaped turbulence grids (120).

12. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-component nozzle (100) is formed in one piece and / or monolithically.

13. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas channel (108) and the fluid channel (102) are formed concentrically to each other in a region of a nozzle tip of the multi-component nozzle (100).

14. Multi-component nozzle (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the gas channel (108) and the fluid channel (102) have an angle of attack to each other in the region of the nozzle tip.

15. Use of a multi-component nozzle (100) according to one of the preceding claims relating to a multi-component nozzle (100) for one or more of wetting, lubricating, cooling, heating and coating of at least one object, in the production of materials by means of spray drying, use in the medical field, gas purification, coating, flue gas purification, in painting processes, and as a burner nozzle.

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