Mist cannon with helicoidal centrifugal atomisers for reducing emissions of harmful particles and / or fire mitigation

Centrifugal atomizers with helical inlets in a nebulizing cannon address the inefficiencies of jet-type atomizers by achieving effective atomization and long-range nebulization with lower pressures and consumption, effectively reducing harmful emissions and enhancing fire mitigation.

WO2025127943A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-19UNIV PERUANA DE CIENCIAS APLICADAS S A C
View PDF 7 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/PE2024/050025
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-12-13
Filing Date
2024-12-12
Publication Date
2025-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies, such as jet-type atomizing devices, fail to achieve effective atomization and require high injection pressures, leading to inefficient particle reduction and potential fire spread issues.

Method used

The use of centrifugal atomizers with helical inlets in a nebulizing cannon, which generates a conical spray that exposes a larger area to air streams, achieving greater drag and nebulization range with lower liquid consumption and pressure requirements.

Benefits of technology

The centrifugal atomizers with helical inlets provide improved atomization and longer-range nebulization, effectively reducing harmful particle emissions and enhancing fire mitigation capabilities while reducing liquid consumption and operational pressures.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure PE2024050025_19062025_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure PE2024050025_19062025_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mist cannon with helicoidal centrifugal atomisers for reducing emissions of harmful particles and / or fire mitigation, for improving air quality through the reduction of harmful emissions for human beings and for mitigating fires through the implementation of the jet portion that will be responsible for a long-range mist stream (liquid and air). This jet system uses helicoidal centrifugal atomisers (the use of these atomisers is not disclosed in the background art), which have been numerically designed and simulated using the Ansys Fluent software, this software being a great validation means. Another distinguishing factor of these atomisers is that their removable parts are easy to manufacture taking into account the measurement of the channels according to the helicoidal angle <=. Furthermore, the mist is produced with low liquid consumption, as this would be a great problem in the event that this resource is not available in large amounts. In order to complement the invention, the following are added: a rotation system (which would be equivalent to a monitor) and a firing angle lifting system, both systems being mechanical, while also practical and safe for the operator.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] CENTRIFUGAL HELICAL ATOMIZING MIST CANNON FOR REDUCING HARMFUL PARTICLE EMISSIONS AND / OR FIRE MITIGATION

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention is specifically developed for the reduction of harmful particles present in the environment, such as dust, gas, or odor emissions; problems that are present in the mining, construction, and healthcare sectors, among others. Furthermore, due to its wide range, its use is also directed toward fire mitigation. This cannon (a tubular body with a circular cross-section) operates by means of centrifugal atomizers, which are located radially at the cannon outlet. These devices discharge the atomized liquid in the form of a conical spray. However, to achieve the nebulizing and long-range effect, the conical sprays must receive external pneumatic atomization, which is achieved by a large flow of air at high speeds from a fan located at the cannon inlet.Finally, by transforming the liquid into numerous droplets, with the appropriate droplet diameter (nebulizing stream), the "target" particles will be confronted, surrounded, and brought down to the ground.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention focuses on the discharge of a biphasic (liquid / gas) nebulizer stream using a nozzle at targeted points, in order to reduce emissions of harmful gases and particles present in the environment. However, many inventions exist in the literature that attempt to solve the same problem by using jet-type atomizing devices (commonly referred to as JET atomizers), which are easy to manufacture due to their simple design. However, the discharge produced by their nozzles is jet-like, lacking adequate atomization, and they also require high injection pressures (greater than 10 bar) and, consequently, high fluid consumption.For the reasons already mentioned, it is necessary to improve the atomization, for this reason the present invention will use centrifugal atomizers (with helical channels), which are characterized by releasing a conical spray of fine atomization, which, when induced by strong air currents from the fan, will produce even greater disintegration of the drops, and greater range to achieve the desired objective.

[0006] The closest antecedents found are the following:

[0007] D1: Patent document No. ES2567632 “Device for discharging a fluid jet”; by RIEDER WALTER; publication date: 25-04-2016.

[0008] It discloses a cannon-shaped device, which is used to discharge fluid jets on areas immersed in dust, reduce odors and / or mitigate fires, which comprises nozzles (Jet atomizers) located at the exit of the cannon, which pulverize the liquid and a rotor that creates the air flow inside the cannon, flow that, when combined with the atomized liquid, forms the jet composed of air and liquid. It also mentions that this device uses in one of its lines or ducts, pressures between 40 and 80 bar, with flow rates between 0.5 and 5.0 l / min, respectively.

[0009] D2: Patent document No. ES2844938: “WIND CANNON AGAINST FOREST FIRES”, by LAHUERTA ROMEO MANUEL, with publication date: 07-23-2021.

[0010] It discloses a cannon-shaped device, which ejects only wind against forest fires, which is transported by an agricultural tractor, which ensures a favorable wind for fire mitigation, emphasizing that it takes advantage of an inexhaustible resource present everywhere, such as air, which makes it independent of water. This invention is composed of a suction bell, which sends the air towards a multi-blade rotor, where it is compressed, and then expelled through a steerable nozzle, in the form of a jet at high speed (up to 100 m / s). D3: Publication article (Ronceros, et al., Study of internal flow of a bipropellant swirl injector of a rocket engine, J. Braz. Soc. Meeh. Sci. Eng. 2018 Jun; 40 (6): 289).The study of the internal flow of two centrifugal atomizers with tangential inlets is carried out, which house two fluids in a liquid state inside. This study was carried out using a mathematical model, experimental tests and numerical simulation, where the interaction of their respective conical sprays and their importance in the combustion chamber of a liquid propellant rocket engine could be observed.

[0011] D4: Publication article (Ronceros, et al, An improved theoretical formulation for Sauter mean diameter of pressure-swirl atomizers using geometrical parameters of atomization, Propulsion and Power Research, 2022 Feb 27; 11 (2): 240-252). This article mentions an improved mathematical model to obtain the mean spray droplet size or SMD (Sauter Mean Diameter), this diameter being of vital importance and a characteristic of the centrifugal atomizer to be used. This improved mathematical model refers to the use of geometric parameters such as: angles in the inlet channels that have not been considered in previous models. The results of the mathematical model were validated through experimental tests and through numerical simulation and were applied in a tangential channel centrifugal atomizer and a conical centrifugal atomizer.

[0012] The following problems are found in the aforementioned background:

[0013] The atomizers used in D1 are of the Jet type, which are generically used to produce atomization in these cannons, these atomizers when producing a jet in an axial direction, do not achieve good atomization, requiring the help of strong winds to achieve nebulization. These atomizers distributed in the circular perimeter of the cannon outlet (ring), are numerous (high consumption of liquid fluid), require high injection pressures (from 40 to 80 bar), present a risk of non-uniformity of flow in each of the nozzles, due to the asymmetric position of the inlet that feeds the ring and the rapid discharge to the environment. However, this invention ensures that it can be used in different areas: dust suppression, odor emission and fire mitigation.

[0014] D2 is a cannon that only works with one type of fluid (air) and its use is limited exclusively to mitigating forest fires, where it is worth mentioning that despite the speed with which the air is launched (100 m / s), it can further spread the fire, because large amounts of oxidizer (air) would be launched.

[0015] D3, the internal flow study was carried out in centrifugal atomizers with tangential inlets, with emphasis on liquid propellant rocket combustion engines.

[0016] D4, the mathematical model for predicting the average droplet size was carried out on centrifugal atomizers with tangential inlets and centrifugal conical atomizers; however, this improved mathematical model is also applicable to centrifugal helical atomizers, which will be components of the injection system of the present invention.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In order to address and solve the problems and limitations mentioned in the background, the present invention is proposed, which refers to a nebulizing cannon with helical centrifugal atomizers for the reduction of emissions of harmful particles and / or fire mitigation, comprising a cannon with a ring positioned at the exit, which contains nozzles or centrifugal atomizers of the helical type, each centrifugal atomizer has in its components, a removable piece in which "slots" are inscribed, which fulfill the function of channeling the liquid, through a certain angle "i" (helical angle), for its subsequent ejection from the atomizer in the form of conical spray (Fig.1). This container ring can have more than four helical centrifugal atomizers (this number may vary, depending on the required operating conditions).Atomizers must be positioned symmetrically within the "ring" to ensure uniform mass flow distribution. Furthermore, the spray pattern must be conical to expose a larger area of ​​liquid to the airflow from inside the barrel and generate greater drag compared to jet-type atomizers (Fig. 2). It should be noted that choosing centrifugal atomizers solves the problem of number or quantity, which would be a problem if jet-type atomizers were used. Centrifugal atomizers can be conveniently removed for maintenance or replacement, and they operate at lower injection pressures (less than 10 bar).Finally, the proposed invention is aimed at reducing harmful particles present in the environment (dust, gas, or odor emissions), a problem that is common in the mining and construction sectors. It can also be used in healthcare (disinfection) and fire mitigation.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention has as a novelty, the use of centrifugal atomizers with helical inlets, which, by generating a conical format spray, expose a larger area to the air stream coming from the inside of the barrel, generating greater drag and therefore greater nebulization range. The helical centrifugal atomizer has a very similar operation to the tangential inlet atomizer (in English = tangential pressure-swiri, However, the helical centrifugal has the advantage of having a removable part (Figure 1), which contains the atomizer inlet channels (slots), which can be clogged by particles or sediments; this being the main reason for the existence of the removable part and can be subjected to its respective cleaning or subsequent removal from the atomizer system.

[0021] Finally, this invention, by utilizing helical centrifugal atomizers, will generate a biphasic liquid / gas stream (nebulization) with a greater range, where its objectives will be: the reduction of harmful particles present in the environment (dust, gas, or odor emissions), a common problem in the mining, construction, and healthcare sectors; and emphasizing that, due to its long range, it meets the requirements for use in fire mitigation, safeguarding the physical integrity and lives of firefighter company members.

[0022] The nebulizer cannon of helical centrifugal atomizers comprises: A tubular cannon housing, which is comprised of two parts:

[0023] - A cylindrical piece (1), where the air coming from the industrial fan will be channeled (Fig. 3), it is worth mentioning that, at the entrance of this piece, the fan will be attached, which will be chosen for the air flow conditions and power required.

[0024] - A conical piece or nozzle (2), where the air flow will acquire greater speed at the exit and will impact with the conical sprays (Fig. 3). Injection system or hydraulic part, which comprises:

[0025] - A liquid distribution ring for centrifugal atomizers (3), which is attached to the outlet of the cannon nozzle (Fig. 3).

[0026] - A branched inlet (4) for injecting the liquid into the distribution ring of the centrifugal atomizers; this inlet can be coupled to any pumping system (Fig. 3), which must guarantee a pressure range of 4 to 10 bar.

[0027] - Four or more helical centrifugal atomizers (located symmetrically in the distribution ring) (Fig. 3). Each centrifugal atomizer (5) comprises a vortex chamber (6) and a removable part (7); parts (6) and (7) are shown in greater detail in Figure 4. The inlet channels are housed in the removable part (7), depending on the helical angle (i), the opening of the conical spray angle (2a) depends on this angle; it is worth mentioning that the present invention uses "removable parts" for four models of helical angles, 15°, 30°, 45° and 60°. The design of these helical centrifugal atomizers obeys certain geometric parameters (Fig. 4), such as the diameter of the vortex chamber (2R S ), diameter of the outlet orifice (2r0), area of ​​the inlet channel section (f p ), atomizer shaft arm towards the centroid of the inlet channel area (R¡ nj). Inside the vortex chamber, the liquid makes an angular movement, due to the angle (i / ,) at which the liquid enters, in this way the liquid presses the internal walls of the chamber, until it is ejected from the atomizer in the form of a conical spray. Mechanical rotation system for the cannon, which is responsible for directing the nebulizing jet towards the target. This system is detailed as follows:

[0028] - A platform or base in the form of a disk, which will be composed of two concentric plates superimposed and lubricated between them by some type of grease, one plate will be located in the upper part and will be rotatable (8) and the second plate will be located in the lower part and will be fixed (9), which will be subject to the option of being anchored to any locomotion system, this fixed plate has four symmetrical ends (10) in order to adjust the bolts in an adjustable manner to the characteristics required by the locomotion system. In addition, a conical roller bearing (11) will be coupled between both plates, this type of bearing being the one indicated for this case, capable of supporting the weight of the barrel and inertial forces resulting from the constant rotary movement of the barrel (Fig. 3).

[0029] - Two pedicles (two solid rectangular section bars), which will serve as a support for the weight of the barrel (12), which will be fixedly coupled to the rotating plate of the barrel base (8), these pedicles will hold the barrel in the part of its cylindrical casing, by means of shafts and bearings, in short "pile bearings" (13) that allow free rotation for the elevation of the barrel (Fig. 3).

[0030] - A pedicle to house the firing angle elevation system of the cannon (14), which is a hollow tube of circular section, which also serves as a resting place for the weight of the cannon, this pedicle will also be anchored to the upper plate of the base of the cannon; However, in the upper part of the pedicle a mechanical elevation system (15) will be housed, capable of directing the nebulizing stream to the desired height (Fig. 3). Mechanical system for elevating the firing angle of the cannon, which is responsible for regulating the angle to achieve the height at which the nebulizing stream must be launched (Figure 5).

[0031] - The mechanical lifting system (15) is housed in a rectangular box, where it should be noted that it is anchored by bolts to the upper part of the hollow section pedicle (14); the rectangular box houses a screw-shaped shaft for the crank system (16), which will “rest” on two embedded bearings (17) in the box housing. The crank screw, which has a horizontal shaft, will be meshed with another shaft in a vertical position, also in straight screw format, which will be called the “vertical screw” (18), which will be in a vertical position and will be held at its ends by two bearings (19) that will be embedded in the same rectangular box. Finally, the vertical screw (18) is hollow and has helical grooves inside, so that another vertical screw-shaped shaft (of smaller diameter) fits perfectly, which we will call the “linear displacement screw” (20).

[0032] - The linear displacement screw (20), is coupled at its top to the barrel housing (21), this will allow that when the crank is activated, the linear displacement screw (20), begins to lift the barrel, under the angle that is required. In other words, the nebulizer cannon has a housing made up of two parts, that is, one part is of constant section (cylindrical) and the other part is of variable circular section (conical). At the entrance of the cylindrical housing (1), an industrial fan is attached, responsible for directing the wind towards the interior of the barrel at high speeds. However, the part of the conical section or nozzle that it presents at the exit (2) is responsible for increasing the magnitude of the air speed even more, an area where the "atomizer ring" is placed.

[0033] The liquid distribution ring for feeding the atomizers (3) was designed to symmetrically accommodate the centrifugal atomizers; however, the most important consideration was the uniform distribution of the liquid mass flow in each atomizer. To feed the hydraulic circuit in the form of a ring (3), a hose with a branch (4) was used, whose ends of its branches coincide symmetrically with the ends of the ring (Fig. 4); this to ensure the balance of mass flow and pressure distribution in the hydraulic circuit.The helical centrifugal atomizers (5), have inside a chamber called vortex chamber (6), where the liquid will describe a rotary movement and as a result of this movement, it will be pressed against the walls of this area, causing that, at the exit, the fluid is expelled with tangential and axial components in its speed, because of this, the characteristic spray of this atomizer is cone-shaped. In order for the liquid to have acquired a rotational movement inside the vortex chamber, this fluid must have passed through the helical channels, which are grooves contained in low relief in the removable part of the atomizer (7) (Fig. 4), these channels are manufactured by means of a helical angle. which can vary in size, which will allow to obtain a wide variety in the angles of the conical spray (2a), The easy manufacture of this removable piece, will make possible a constant and adequate maintenance in the atomizers. In addition, it should be noted that these centrifugal atomizers have the advantage that they are requested in smaller numbers to be inserted in the "hydraulic ring", which leads to the logic that less flow of liquids will be consumed and, in addition, it must be added to all this, that the injection pressures are less than 10 bar.

[0034] The weight of the structure of the nebulizer cannon, accessories and other important systems that comprise it, must be properly supported. However, we must not forget to consider its maneuverability. For all these reasons, a base that is safe to support the weight and also allows the device to be easily maneuverable will be taken into account. The base will be circular in format, and will consist of two concentric plates and with a film of grease between them; the upper plate, which is rotatable (8), will be able to work with a rotation angle of 360 °, which will have a safety stop or brake that will allow the required rotation angle to be set, the pedicles or support of the cannon will be attached to the rotating plate.The fixed circular plate (9), can rest on any surface and with the option of being coupled to any locomotion system, for such fixation, the fixed plate has at its four ends (quadrants), protuberances or fins (10), which have grooves inside so that the anchor bolts to the locomotion structure can slide to the required measurement. Finally, in both plates, there is a coupling in the center of them, which is a conical roller bearing (11), which will help support the weight of the cannon and its accessories, in addition to the forces exerted during the maneuverability of the barrel's rotation.

[0035] In order to establish a connection between the barrel casing and the base, two solid rectangular section pedicles (12) will be taken into account, which will go to each end of the barrel and anchored to the rotating upper plate (8) by means of bolts; each pedicle will have a bearing (13) in its upper part to facilitate the rotation of the barrel.

[0036] Another important pedicle is the pedicle for the firing angle elevation system (14), which is a hollow tube with a circular section, this will be anchored to the rotating plate (8) by means of bolts and at the top it will be anchored to a box that contains the elevation system (15), this elevation system has the purpose of raising or lowering the firing angle of the cannon, and it has been proposed that this system be through a worm screw mechanism; for this purpose the use of two axes with helical format (screw) has been established, such axes come into contact perpendicularly (Figure 5), where the screw axis of the crank (16) is in the horizontal position and the other axis in screw format is in a vertical position (18), the intention of positioning these axes perpendicularly is to transform the angular movement of the vertical plane into an angular movement in the horizontal plane.

[0037] Finally, the vertical straight screw shaft (18), in turn, is hollow, and inside it has helical grooves so that another screw shaft of smaller diameter can fit perfectly, this shaft called "linear displacement screw" (20), will be responsible for exerting force in a vertical direction to be able to lift the barrel and thus modify the firing angle of the barrel, it is worth mentioning that this screw (20), is connected to the barrel casing, by means of a coupling system (21).

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0039] The present invention will now be explained in detail with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1: We have the outline of a helical centrifugal atomizer, where you can see the removable piece that contains the inlet channels, influenced by the helical angle. In addition, the conical spray and its respective opening angle “2a” can be viewed.

[0041] Figure 2: The air drag produced on the spray from a jet atomizer (top) and on the conical spray from a helical centrifugal atomizer (bottom) can be seen. The air drag produced on the spray from the jet atomizer shows that the air currents are parallel to the direction of the water jet, demonstrating that the drag is not frontal. On the other hand, for the helical centrifugal atomizer, the air currents can be seen passing through the conical spray, which means that particle drag occurs over a larger area and the resulting atomization is finer.

[0042] Figure 3: Describes the nebulizer cannon system in perspective view, showing its main components, base and pedicles, where you can see the housing, the base and most importantly: "the incorporation of the injection system made up of helical centrifugal atomizers"; the components are the following: (1) Cylindrical housing, (2) conical housing or nozzle, (3) atomizer ring, (4) hose with bifurcation, (5) helical centrifugal atomizers, (8) rotating upper plate, (9) rotating lower plate, (10) fins, (11) conical roller bearing, (12) pedicles, (13) bearings, (14) pedicle for firing angle, (15) lifting system box.

[0043] Figure 4 shows the liquid distribution or injection system. On the left side: (3) atomizer ring, (4) branch hose, (5) helical centrifugal atomizers; On the right side: cut and plan view of the atomizer, where: (6) the vortex chamber, (7) removable part of the atomizer the main diameters, the removable part containing the channels, the section of area of ​​the helical channel "f p ”, and the helical angle “X / J”.

[0044] Figure 5. Describes the firing angle elevation system of the cannon, showing the worm screw system and the detail of the stem thread: (14) pedicle for firing angle elevation, (15) Elevation system box, (16) crank or screw shaft, (17) bearings in vertical position, (18) vertical straight screw shaft, (19) bearings in horizontal position, (20) linear displacement screw, (21) elevation system-housing coupling. The firing angle elevation system of the nebulizer cannon, where the worm screw gear system can be seen in greater detail, being able to observe that the vertical axis where the crank is positioned, transforms the rotational movement in the vertical plane, into rotational movement in the horizontal plane, by means of the straight toothed screw, which is positioned vertically.This vertical axis contains another screw inside, which moves linearly upwards, thereby raising the firing angle of the nebulizer cannon.

[0045] Figure 6 shows the liquid-air interface in the helical centrifugal atomizer in a cross-sectional view. It can be seen that the liquid (red) is expelled from the atomizer in the form of a conical spray, showing a considerable opening of the spray angle. This internal flow behavior was numerically simulated using Ansys Fluent software, and the VOF (Volume of Fluid) model was used to locate the interface (injection pressure: 450 kPa).

[0046] Figure 7 shows the velocity contour of the helical centrifugal atomizer, in a cross-sectional view. In the spray zone, the liquid velocities range between 12 and 19 m / s, which are considerably high; this does not even take into account the high velocities of the air stream coming from inside the barrel (fan). This internal flow behavior was numerically simulated using Ansys Fluent software, with an injection pressure of 450 kPa.

[0047] Figure 8 shows the total pressure contour in the helical centrifugal atomizer, numerically simulated using Ansys Fluent software, with an injection pressure of 450 kPa. The top side shows the pressure in the helical channels and in its vortex chamber in perspective view. The bottom side shows the detailed pressure behavior in a cross-sectional view, where the pressure in the vortex chamber decreases radially due to the angular motion to which the liquid fluid is subjected. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0048] In accordance with the detailed description of the invention and Figures 1 to 8.

[0049] The realization that was carried out is described as follows:

[0050] In Figure 1, a sketch shows the atomization technique using helical centrifugal atomizers, where by presenting a conical spray, it will give greater exposure of liquid area to the air stream coming from the fan.

[0051] Figure 2 further reinforces the theory explained in Figure 1. This figure compares the sprays generated by the Jet atomizer and the conical centrifugal atomizer, where it is demonstrated that the greatest drag will be generated using helical centrifugal atomizers, which will require the use of fewer atomizers and therefore less liquid consumption.

[0052] Figure 3 shows the mist cannon with its respective components, where you can understand both the structural design part, as well as the part of the components dedicated to the study of fluid behavior (gun nozzle and injection system), ensuring that the mist system can meet its objectives efficiently, requiring a good precision system (shooting angle elevation system), in addition to a base that can facilitate the weight of the entire system and turning maneuverability.

[0053] Figure 4 shows the main dimensions of the helical centrifugal atomizer, such as the atomizer outlet diameter (Do=2ro), vortex chamber diameter (D S =2R S ), helical angle (ip), cross-sectional area of ​​the helical inlet channel (f p) and the spray angle (2a). The angle qj, for the present design, takes four values: 15°, 30°, 45° and 60°. This atomizer has its design point in the geometrical constructive parameter of the helical centrifugal atomizer (Ah), shown in equation (1)-

[0054] Where: r0= radius of the atomizer outlet hole,

[0055] R¡nj= Arm from the axis of the atomizer to the centroid of the cross-sectional area, fp

[0056] Rs= radius of the vortex chamber. = helical angle. f p = cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet channel n= number of channels.

[0057] In Figure 5, it is important to generate a vertical displacement force in order to accurately elevate the barrel. This invention proposes a mechanical worm gear system, safely manipulated by a crank; this will facilitate the user's work, as it is a simple and straightforward system.

[0058] Figure 6, Sectional view of the helical centrifugal atomizer, showing the interface between liquid (red color) and air (blue color), for water injection pressure: 450 kPa, validated by numerical simulation, using Ansys Fluent, here it is important to highlight that the conical spray has a large opening angle, which will ensure that greater drag occurs and the nebulization is far-reaching, using less liquid.

[0059] Figure 7: Sectional view of the helical centrifugal atomizer, showing the velocity contour, for water injection pressure: 450 kPa, using Ansys Fluent, the magnitude of the velocities with which the conical spray leaves the atomizer, range between 12 m / s and 19 m / s, which are considerable, and guarantee the rupture of the liquid ligament into small drops, which will be exposed to further disintegration at the moment that the air current coming from the fan manifests itself, and the desired drag occurs.

[0060] Figure 8: The top portion shows the total pressure contour of the atomizer in perspective view, and the bottom portion shows the total pressure in cross-sectional view. It can be seen that the total pressure drops radially in the vortex chamber due to the angular motion equation (Equation 2), further ensuring that the application of numerical simulation to these atomizers is highly reliable.

[0061] W. r = cte (2)

[0062] The injection system to be protected is the set or number of helical centrifugal atomizers strategically distributed at the outlet of the nebulizer cannon (the number of atomizers to be used is greater than 4 units). It is also worth mentioning that these helical atomizers will have four models of removable parts, depending on the helical angle (xp) to be used: 15°, 30°, 45° and 60°. The parts or components to be protected are:

[0063] - The housing of the nebulizer cannon, composed of a cylindrical part (1) and a conical part (2)

[0064] - a water inlet with a branch (4), where the fluid is injected into the distributor ring (3).

[0065] - The helical centrifugal atomizers (5), which are designed based on the “xp” angle, which are made up of the vortex chamber (6) and the removable part that contains the inlet channels (7).

[0066] - The base or pedestal of the barrel system, composed of two overlapping circular plates separated by a thin film of grease: a mobile plate (8) and a fixed lower plate (9), the latter has four fins (10) as an optional fastening application in any locomotion system. Both plates are joined concentrically by a conical roller bearing (11). It should be noted that the mobile or rotating plate (8) will hold the pedicles (12) and (14). In turn, the pedicles that are at each end of the barrel will couple a bearing (13) in their upper parts, so that the barrel can rest and rotate.

[0067] - A firing angle elevation system, which is contained in a rectangular box (15), being a worm gear system, composed of a horizontal screw shaft, where the crank (16) is coupled, and a straight-toothed screw shaft in a vertical position (18). In addition, this last shaft has inside another helical-toothed shaft or rod (20), which will transform the rotational movement into linear movement, to achieve upward displacement and thus be able to raise the firing angle of the cannon.

[0068] RESULTS OBTAINED.

[0069] Figures 6, 7, and 8 show the results of the internal flow behavior in the helical centrifugal atomizer, using numerical simulation using ANSYS CFD Fluent software. It is worth mentioning that these simulations were performed considering an injection pressure of 450 kPa and a helix angle "ip" of 15°.

[0070] In Figure 6, there is a first approximation of the dew angle, which is approximately (2 = 120°), which can be measured thanks to the use of the VOF model (liquid / air interface locator).

[0071] Figure 7 shows the velocity contour, where the conical spray is governed by considerable velocities (12 to 19 m / s). It is worth mentioning that this behavior is similar for all sprays above the distributor ring; factors such as velocity and spray angle (2a) predict that a collision between sprays is imminent, which will generate high velocities and greater droplet disintegration.

[0072] In Figure 8, thanks to the simulation of the pressure inside the centrifugal atomizer, it is possible to understand that the angular motion equation (2) is fulfilled, where it can be seen that the pressures are greater on the walls and decrease radially towards the center of the atomizer.

[0073] ADVANTAGES OF THE MIST CANNON WITH HELICAL CENTRIFUGAL ATOMIZERS

[0074] The present invention is developed for multiple areas and will be very useful in reducing harmful particles present in the environment, such as dust, gas, and odor emissions. These problems are common in the mining, construction, and hospital disinfection sectors. This proposal focuses on longer-range nebulization, which is also of great importance in fire mitigation. In summary, the benefits would be:

[0075] • Lower consumption of water or other liquids during atomization, since the number of centrifugal atomizers required would be lower than if jet-type atomizers were used. The lower number of atomizers is related to the conical spray; that is, the conical format has a larger area, and a single spray would be capable of covering the outlet section of the nozzle. However, the present invention will use at least four centrifugal atomizers, leaving open the possibility of using more atomizers, depending on the required conditions.

[0076] • The atomizers, featuring a removable part, facilitate maintenance in case of blockage or dirt in the channels, in addition to easy replacement of spare parts.

[0077] • This proposal can work with any industrial fan; all that's required is for the airflow to produce sufficient drag to move the fine droplets over a long distance, which is the characteristic of this mist cannon. • This invention features a practical, mechanical elevation system, where the firing angle can be raised by simply manipulating a crank, providing user safety.

[0078] OPERATION OF THE MIST CANNON WITH HELICAL CENTRIFUGAL ATOMIZERS

[0079] First, water will be injected into the distributor ring using a pump, which will only need to operate at pressures below 10 bar to achieve good atomization.

[0080] After verifying the atomizers are functioning correctly (uniform conical sprays), air will be forced into the barrel by an industrial fan. This airflow will accelerate at the barrel exit due to the reduced area characteristic of a subsonic nozzle. Finally, the airflow will produce a nebulizing effect (a gas-liquid mixture), achieving long range. Depending on the target's position, the rotation system will be activated in conjunction with the firing angle elevation system, if required.

Claims

CLAIM 1. A centrifugal helical atomizer mist cannon for reducing harmful particle emissions and / or mitigating fires; characterized in that it comprises: - a tubular barrel casing consisting of a cylindrical feed section (1) and a conical section (2); - an injection system by a uniform liquid distribution ring for the centrifugal atomizers (3) held in the conical section (2) of the barrel housing, a hose with branch (4), for the injection of the liquid towards the distribution ring of the centrifugal atomizers, at two points located at each end of the ring, four helical centrifugal atomizers arranged symmetrically in the distribution ring of the centrifugal atomizers, each centrifugal atomizer (5) comprises a vortex chamber (6) and a removable and interchangeable part (7) depending on the position of its inlet channels; that is, depending on the helical angle (i / >); The present invention uses “removable parts” for four models of helical angles, “ip” 15°, 30°, 45° and 60°, where it should be noted that the variation of these angles is related to the variation of the conical dew angle (2a). - a mechanical rotation system for the barrel comprising: a disc-shaped base platform, which is composed of a first upper plate and a second lower plate, both concentric, superimposed and lubricated with each other; the upper plate is rotatable (8) and the lower plate (9) is fixed and has four symmetrical ends (10) for fixing it to a locomotion system; where a conical roller bearing (11) is coupled between both plates; - two pedicles for supporting the barrel casing (12), which are fixedly coupled to the rotating plate of the barrel base (8); - a mechanical system for elevating the angle of fire of the barrel comprising: a pedicle to house the system for elevating the angle of fire of the barrel (14), which is a hollow tube with a circular section for resting the weight of the barrel, in the upper part of the pedicle a mechanical elevation system in the form of a rectangular box will be housed (15); This rectangular box houses a screw for the crank system (16), which will “rest” on two embedded bearings (17) in the box casing; where, the screw for the crank system that has a horizontal axis, is engaged with another screw in a vertical position (18) and that is held at its ends by two bearings (19) that are embedded in the vertical faces of the rectangular box; the vertical screw (18) has helical grooves in its cavity, so that a second vertical screw of smaller diameter (20) fits in, which in its upper part is coupled to the barrel casing (21).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Novel flying dust spraying machine

    CN215692780U

  • Three-dimensional continuous rotating mist sprayer

    CN218392860U

  • A device for discharging a jet of fluid

    EP2821109B1

  • Method for collecting and eliminating flying dust

    US20030062174A1

  • Dust suppression apparatus

    US20110232495A1