Chamber unit for swirling flow interaction

Abstract

A chamber unit (1) for providing swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible, the chamber unit (1) comprising a circumferential outer wall (2) enclosing a fluid interaction chamber, the chamber unit (1) comprising one or more circumferential inner walls (31, 32) within said fluid interaction chamber, configured to divide the fluid interaction chamber into a plurality of sub-chambers (21, 22, 23) comprising a central sub-chamber (21) and one or more outer sub-chambers surrounding said central sub-chamber (21), wherein the chamber unit (1) is adapted for providing the first and second 1 fluid into an outermost sub-chamber (23), the outer wall (2) comprising a plurality of substantially tangential inlet slots (20, 200), oriented for providing flow in a same rotational direction, for introducing the first and / or second fluid into the outermost sub-chamber (23), each inner wall (31, 32) comprising a plurality of substantially tangential through-slots (310, 320), oriented for providing flow in a same rotational direction, that interconnect adjacent sub-chambers (21, 22, 23) for providing fluid flow, the chamber unit (1) further comprising at least one outlet (4) for removing fluid from the fluid interaction chamber.

Description

[0001] CHAMBER UNIT FOR SWIRLING FLOW INTERACTION

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of devices that provide swirling flow interaction between fluids.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Fluid-fluid interactions are crucial in various industrial processes, such as chemical reactions, mass transfer, and heat exchange. These interactions often involve the contact between two or more fluids, which can be in the form of gasliquid, liquid-liquid, or even gas-gas systems. The efficiency and effectiveness of these processes heavily depend on the quality of the fluid-fluid contact, which is influenced by factors such as flow pattern, interfacial area, mixing intensity, and residence time.

[0006] In many industrial applications, there is a need for efficient and uniform fluid-fluid contact to achieve desired process outcomes. However, achieving optimal fluid-fluid interactions can be challenging due to various factors, such as flow pattern, limited interfacial area, poor mixing, and short residence times. These limitations can lead to reduced process efficiency, increased energy consumption, and suboptimal product quality.

[0007] Traditional methods for fluid-fluid contact, such as packed columns and stirred tanks, often face limitations regarding mass transfer efficiency and scalability. Packed columns rely on the surface area provided by the packing materials for fluid-fluid contact, but they can suffer from issues like channeling, flooding, and high pressure drops. Stirred tanks, however, provide mixing through mechanical agitation, but they may not be suitable for processes requiring high interfacial area or gentle mixing conditions.

[0008] More recently, chamber units for providing swirling flow interaction between fluids, including, for example, vortex reactors, have been designed. These chamber units typically have a static geometry comprising a rotating bed. In this technology, fluids are introduced into the fluid interaction chamber of the chamber unit via tangential inlet slots located in a typically cylindrically outer wall of the chamber. The tangential influx of the fluids into the chamber unit results in a swirling flow of the fluids. The technology is very robust because the fluid interaction chamber lacks moving parts.

[0009] However, although an excellent swirling flow of the fluids is achieved at the periphery of the fluid interaction chamber, this is typically less so towards the center of the fluid interaction chamber. As a result, the interaction between the fluids is less efficient towards the center of the fluid interaction chamber. Therefore, the interaction between the fluids is also not uniform throughout the fluid interaction chamber, hindering upscaling of this technology.

[0010] There is thus still a need in the art for devices and methods that address at least some of the above problems.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide good swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid in a static geometry. According to the present invention, this objective is accomplished by a chamber unit, and a use of said chamber unit.

[0013] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a chamber unit for providing swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid. The chamber unit comprises a circumferential outer wall enclosing a fluid interaction chamber, the outer wall comprising one or more, preferably substantially tangential, inlet slots for introducing the first and / or second fluid into the fluid interaction chamber. The chamber unit further comprises at least one outlet for removing fluid from the fluid interaction chamber. The chamber unit further comprises one or more circumferential inner walls within said fluid interaction chamber, configured to divide the fluid interaction chamber into a plurality of sub-chambers comprising a central sub-chamber and one or more outer sub-chambers surrounding said central sub-chamber. Each inner wall comprises one or more substantially tangential through-slots that interconnect adjacent sub-chambers for providing fluid flow.

[0014] In embodiments, the chamber unit is for providing swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible. In embodiments, the chamber unit comprises a circumferential outer wall enclosing a fluid interaction chamber. In embodiments, the chamber unit comprises one or more circumferential inner walls within said fluid interaction chamber, configured to divide the fluid interaction chamber into a plurality of sub-chambers comprising a central sub-chamber and one or more outer sub-chambers surrounding said central sub-chamber. In embodiments, the chamber unit comprises inlets for providing the first and second fluid into an outermost sub-chamber. In embodiments, the outer wall comprises a plurality of substantially tangential inlet slots, oriented for providing flow in a same rotational direction (e.g., about a central axis), for introducing the first and / or second fluid into the outermost sub-chamber. In embodiments, each inner wall comprises a plurality of substantially tangential through-slots, oriented for providing flow in a same rotational direction (e.g., about a central axis), that interconnect adjacent sub-chambers for providing fluid flow. In embodiments, the chamber unit further comprises at least one outlet for removing fluid from the fluid interaction chamber. The slots of different walls may be oriented for providing flow in a same rotational direction (e.g., all clockwise or counter-clockwise about a central axis) or may be oriented for providing flow in a different rotational direction (e.g., the slots of one or more walls clockwise and the slots of one or more different walls counter-clockwise about a central axis).

[0015] The inlet slots are preferably substantially tangential inlet slots.

[0016] In embodiments, the slots are (and / or the chamber unit is) arranged for generating, in each sub-chamber, a swirling flow around a central axis, substantially in a plane, e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The central axis may be that of the fluid interaction chamber, or of the respective sub-chamber, or of the central sub-chamber. In embodiments, the chamber unit is a vortex reactor, or is part of a vortex reactor. In embodiments, a flow is provided (e.g., in each of the sub-chambers) in the plane, wherein the fluids flow around the central axis, typically without (e.g., on average or nominally) moving or flowing along the axis, which may provide uniform and efficient interactions between the fluids.

[0017] In the prior art, so in the absence of one or more inner walls, rotation or swirling of the fluids at the centre of the fluid interaction chamber is typically less effectively induced, so that interaction of the fluids at the centre of the fluid interaction chamber generally is less effective. The one or more inner walls with the tangential through-slots may reinforce the swirling movement of the fluids and thus provide more effective fluid interaction at locations within the fluid interaction chamber away from the periphery. Therefore, the present invention may effectively increase the utilization efficiency of the whole chamber volume. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that uniform fluidfluid contact in a static geometry can be achieved. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that high mass and energy interfacial exchange efficiency can be achieved. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that good centrifugal acceleration of the multi-fluid system, surpassing gravity multiple times, may be achieved, thus enhancing interfacial exchange of momentum, mass, and / or energy.

[0018] In embodiments, the chamber unit is for providing (e.g., fluid-fluid) interactions between at least the first and second fluid. Fluid-fluid interactions may be used for chemical reactions, mass transfer, and heat exchange. The efficiency and effectiveness of these processes may depend on the quality of the fluid-fluid contact. Embodiments of the present invention may provide good fluid-fluid contact by increased utilization efficiency of the whole chamber volume. After the fluid-fluid interactions have provided the aimed effect (e.g., chemical reactions, mass transfer, or heat exchange), the fluids (that may be immiscible) may be separated from each other, e.g., by a separator that may be part of, or may be coupled to, the outlet of the interaction chamber.

[0019] In embodiments, the outer wall and the one or more inner walls may be arranged concentrically or co-axially. It is an advantage of these embodiments that a particularly efficient interaction of the fluids may be achieved.

[0020] In embodiments, the height of the different sub-chambers and an open area of the slots may be adapted to obtain a substantially same flow pattern for the different sub-chambers. In other words, different sub-chambers may have a different height, and / or different slots may have a different open area, so as to obtain a substantially same flow pattern for the different sub-chambers. It is an advantage of these embodiments that upscaling of the chamber unit may be facilitated. Many types of flow patterns exist, but to increase the uniformity of the interaction between the fluids, it is preferred that flow patterns in different sub- chambers are the same. The flow pattern may, for example, be one of a laminar flow, a turbulent flow, a swirling flow, or a bubbly flow.

[0021] In embodiments, all substantially tangential inlet-slots are oriented for providing flow in a same rotational direction, or for inducing swirling flow in a same rotational direction. Thereby, the fluids in the outermost sub-chamber into which the substantially tangential inlet-slots introduce the first and / or second fluid may be induced to flow in a rotational direction about a central axis. In embodiments, for each inner wall, all substantially tangential through-slots within the inner wall are oriented for providing flow in a same rotational direction, or for inducing swirling flow in a same rotational direction. Thereby, the fluids in the sub-chamber into which the substantially tangential through slots introduce the fluids may be induced to flow in a rotational direction about a central axis. In embodiments, the slots for different walls (the inner walls and the outer wall) may be oriented for providing flow or inducing swirling flow in different subchambers in a same rotational direction. However, this is not required, and instead, the slots for different walls may be oriented for providing fluid flow in different sub-chambers in different rotational directions, or for inducing swirling flow in different sub-chambers in different rotational directions.

[0022] In embodiments, the through-slots (e.g., each of the through-slots) may extend from the top to the bottom of the inner wall. In embodiments, the inlet slots (e.g., each of the inlet slots) may extend from the top to the bottom of the inner wall. It is an advantage of these embodiments that uniform fluid flow may be provided throughout the full height of sub-chambers.

[0023] In embodiments, each inner wall may comprise a plurality of through- slots. For each inner wall, the through-slots may be distributed or arranged at various or different positions around the central axis of the chamber unit. The central axis of the chamber may be the central axis of the interaction chamber, or of the respective sub-chamber, or of the central sub-chamber. In embodiments, each inner wall may comprise a plurality of symmetrically arranged through-slots. Thus, the through-slots of the inner wall may be positioned such that the through-slots are evenly spaced and have identical dimensions and relative orientations. Examples of symmetrically arranged through-slots include slots that are evenly space, or spaced apart over equal angles, about the central axis of the chamber unit. It is an advantage of these embodiments that uniform and effective interaction may be achieved.

[0024] In embodiments, the chamber unit comprises one or more inlets for providing the first and second fluid (e.g., directly) into an outermost subchamber. In embodiments, the chamber unit may be configured or arranged for providing the first and second fluid (e.g., directly) into the outermost subchamber. Said inlets may be fluidically connected to the outermost subchamber. The first and second fluid may be provided through the same inlet (or inlets) or through different inlets. In embodiments, said inlets comprise the one or more, e.g., plurality, of substantially tangential inlet slots. In embodiments, said inlets may comprise inlets in the outer wall, a bottom, or top wall of the outermost sub-chamber for providing the first and / or second fluid into the outermost sub-chamber. The inlets may be fluidically coupled to a first source for (e.g., comprising) the first fluid, and a second source for (e.g., comprising) the second fluid, into the outermost sub-chamber. The chamber unit may comprise a device (e.g., a pump) configured for inducing a flow of the first fluid from the first source to one or more of the inlets (e.g., one or more of the inlet slots) for providing the first fluid into the outermost sub-chamber. The chamber unit may comprise a device (e.g., a pump) configured for inducing a flow of the second fluid from the second source to one or more of the inlets (e.g., one or more of the inlet slots) for providing the second fluid into the outermost subchamber. An inlet may be coupled to the first source and the second source, or a single source may comprise the first and second source.

[0025] In embodiments, the outer wall may comprise a plurality of inlet slots. The inlet slots may be distributed or arranged at various or different positions around the central axis of the chamber unit. In embodiments, the outer wall may comprise a plurality of symmetrically arranged inlet slots. Thus, the inlet slots of the outer wall may be positioned such that the inlet slots are evenly spaced and have identical dimensions and relative orientations. Examples of symmetrically arranged inlet slots include slots that are evenly space, or spaced apart over equal angles, about the central axis of the chamber unit. It is an advantage of these embodiments that uniform and effective interaction may be achieved. In embodiments, the outer wall may comprise one or more, preferably substantially tangential, inlet slots for providing the first fluid, and one or more, preferably substantially tangential, inlet slots for providing the second fluid. In embodiments, each inlet slot in the outer wall may be used to introduce the first and second fluid combined. In embodiments, the inlet slots in the outer wall are for providing only the first fluid or only the second fluid. In the latter embodiments, the second fluid or the first fluid, respectively, may be introduced via a different inlet, different from the inlet slots of the outer wall, e.g., via further inlet slots in the inner walls and / or the outer wall.

[0026] In embodiments, one or more of the inner walls may comprise one or more further, preferably substantially tangential, inlet slots for providing energy or further fluid.

[0027] Each slot in a wall is not required to be oriented substantially tangentially. However, at least one of the slots is arranged substantially tangentially such that swirling flow may be induced, which means that one or more, or all, slots are oriented substantially tangentially such that said swirling flow may be induced. In embodiments of the present invention, each substantially tangential slot may be substantially straight, or substantially tangentially oriented, along a complete flow path through the slot.

[0028] In embodiments, said outlet may be fluidically connected to said central sub-chamber. Fluid removal directly from the central sub-chamber typically results in the most effective fluid interaction.

[0029] In preferred embodiments, the outer wall and / or the one or more inner walls are substantially cylindrical, such as circularly or elliptically cylindrical, preferably circularly cylindrical. Walls having a cylindrical shape are simple to manufacture. In embodiments, the outer wall and / or the one or more inner walls may have another shape, such as an ovonic shape or an irregular shape. In embodiments, a sign of curvature about the central sub-chamber, along a substantial part of each of the circumferential outer wall and the one or more circumferential inner walls, is the same. Said substantial part of the circumferential outer wall may be at least 70%, or at least 90%, of a length of a circumference, or along the complete circumference. The outer wall and the one or more inner walls are preferably of the same shape. It is an advantage of these embodiments that a uniform flow pattern may be achieved for the different sub-chambers.

[0030] The outer wall and inner walls are typically static. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a swirling flow interaction may be provided without using moving part in the fluid interaction chamber. It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that mechanical stability is high and hermeticity is excellent because there is no mechanical rotation compared to other devices that use rotors to generate a strong centrifugal field.

[0031] The first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible. The outlet, which may be located in the central sub-chamber (or flu idically coupled to the central sub-chamber for receiving the fluids from the central sub-chamber), may receive the fluids, typically after the fluids have moved or flowed through each of the sub-chambers. In embodiments, the chamber unit is adapted for separating - e.g., within, or from, the fluid received by the outlet - the first fluid from the second fluid. In these embodiments, the interaction chamber may provide the interaction between the first and second fluid (e.g., in each of the subchambers), after which - on moving the fluids through the outlet - the first and second fluid may be separated from each other, e.g., by a separation unit for separating the first fluid from the second fluid. The separation unit may output the first fluid separately from the second fluid. In embodiments, the chamber unit comprises the separation unit configured for separating - within the fluid received by the outlet - the first fluid from the second fluid. The separation unit may be a cyclone separator or a gravity separator. The separation unit may be a centrifugal separator, demister, scrubber, coalescer, knockout drum, membrane system, packed column, or electrostatic separator. The separation unit may be located in the chamber unit, e.g., in the central sub-chamber, as part of the outlet. The separation unit may be flu idical ly coupled to the outlet.

[0032] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the chamber unit is simple and is easy to scale up owing to the configuration of the sub-chambers inside the fluid interaction chamber. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the inner walls are modular and can be easily replaced with different designs. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to use of the chamber unit of any embodiments of the first aspect for providing swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid.

[0033] The first fluid and the second fluid may be each independently selected from liquids and gasses. The first fluid may be immiscible with the second fluid. In embodiments, the first fluid is a liquid and the second fluid is a gas. In some embodiments, the first and second fluid may both be different liquids that are immiscible with each other.

[0034] The accompanying independent and dependent claims set out particular and preferred aspects of the invention. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

[0035] Although there has been constant improvement, change and evolution of devices in this field, the present concepts are believed to represent substantial new and novel improvements, including departures from prior practices, resulting in more efficient, stable and reliable devices of this nature.

[0036] The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings

[0038] FIG. 1 A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a chamber unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 1 B is a vertical cross-sectional view of said chamber unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a chamber unit according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another chamber unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] In the different figures, the same reference signs refer to the same or analogous elements.

[0042] Description of illustrative embodiments

[0043] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, some elements' size may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0045] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0046] It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. The term “comprising” therefore covers the situation where only the stated features are present and the situation where these features and one or more other features are present. The word “comprising” according to the invention therefore also includes as one embodiment that no further components are present. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be interpreted as being limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0047] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “coupled” should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. The terms “coupled” and “connected”, along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device A coupled to a device B” should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means a path exists between an output of A and an input of B, which may be a path including other devices or means. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0048] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but they may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0049] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof to streamline the disclosure and aid in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0050] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0051] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

[0052] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0053] The following terms are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.

[0054] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially tangential slots" may mean slots arranged such that fluid flowing through the slots enters a sub-chamber in a direction substantially tangential to the circumferential wall containing the slots. Substantially tangential may mean a direction at a non-normal angle, an angle of from 0 to 45 degrees, such as from 5 to 30 degrees, relative to a tangent line on the circumferential wall, at the location of the slot where the fluid enters said sub-chamber. The term "substantially tangential slots" may mean that a central axis of - or a nominal flow path through - the slot is typically at least oriented substantially tangentially at the location where the fluid leaves the slot and enters the sub-chamber. However, the complete central axis of the slot may be oriented substantially tangentially. Said angle may be determined in a plane normal to a central or longitudinal axis for the circumferential wall containing the substantially tangential slot. For cylindrical walls, for example, said plane is normal to the longitudinal or cylindrical axis of the wall. The tangent line may be located in said plane normal to a central or longitudinal axis. Furthermore, said direction substantially tangential to the circumferential wall may be located in said plane normal to a central or longitudinal axis.

[0055] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “through-slots” means that the slots are extending completely through said inner wall, thereby fluidically coupling adjacent sub-chamber with each other.

[0056] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “swirling” indicates angular motion of the fluids, which is not necessarily around an axis. The swirling flow may be a vortex flow, which is an angular motion of the fluids around an axis, e.g., symmetrical rotation around the central axis (e.g., of the fluid interaction chamber, respective sub-chamber, or central sub-chamber). The swirling flow direction may be (e.g., nominally) substantially confined to a plane, e.g., a plane perpendicular to the central axis, thereby exhibiting (e.g., nominally) substantially no axial flow (that is, no flow along the central axis). In other words, in some embodiments, the swirling flow has (e.g., nominally) substantially no axial flow component. An axial flow component may limit effective interaction between the fluids, by providing less contact between the fluids, uneven distribution of interactions throughout the chamber, and turbulence or chaotic flow.

[0057] In the first aspect, the present invention relates to a chamber unit for providing swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid. The chamber unit comprises a circumferential outer wall enclosing a fluid interaction chamber, the outer wall comprising one or more, preferably substantially tangential, inlet slots for introducing the first and / or second fluid into the fluid interaction chamber. The chamber unit further comprises at least one outlet for removing fluid from the fluid interaction chamber. The chamber unit further comprises one or more circumferential inner walls within said fluid interaction chamber, configured to divide the fluid interaction chamber into a plurality of sub-chambers comprising a central sub-chamber and one or more outer sub-chambers surrounding said central sub-chamber. Each inner wall comprises one or more substantially tangential through-slots that interconnect adjacent sub-chambers for providing fluid flow.

[0058] In the second aspect, the present invention relates to use of the chamber unit of any embodiments of the first aspect for providing swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid.

[0059] The invention will now be described by a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention. It is clear that other embodiments of the invention can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0060] Reference is made to FIG. 1A, which is schematic representation of a horizontal cross-section of a first example of a chamber unit (1 ) in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Simultaneous reference is made to FIG. 1 B, which is a schematic representation of a vertical cross-section of the chamber unit (1 ) of FIG. 1A.

[0061] The present invention pertains to a chamber unit (1 ) designed to facilitate swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid. The chamber unit (1 ) comprises a circumferential outer wall (2), extending in the present example from an upper wall (51 ) to a lower wall (52). The circumferential outer wall (2), together with the upper wall (51 ) and the lower wall (51 ), enclose or define a fluid interaction chamber. The circumferential outer wall (2) features one or more substantially tangential inlet slots (20, 200) for introducing the first and / or second fluid into the chamber. In the present example, the one or more inlet slots (20, 200) comprise inlet slots (20) for introducing the first fluid alternating with inlet slots (200) for introducing the second fluid.

[0062] In the present example, a further circumferential wall (53) encircles the circumferential outer wall (2). Thereby, a further chamber (24) is formed that encircles the circumferential outer wall (2). The first fluid may be pumped, by a source (not shown) flu idical ly coupled to fluid inlets (61 ; the fluid inlets 61 are present at a different height than the horizonal cross-section, but their location in a horizontal plane is, in FIG. 1A, indicated by the dotted circle) disposed in the bottom wall (52), into the further chamber (24) encircling the circumferential outer wall (2). The first fluid may then be provided through the slots (20), that are in the present example through-slots interconnecting the further chamber (24) with the fluid interaction chamber, into the fluid interaction chamber. The second fluid is, in the present example, provided via axial channels (222), axially extending through the outer wall (2), to the inlet slots (200) in the outer wall (2).

[0063] Alternatively, both the first and second fluid could be introduced via the fluid inlets (61 ). For example, each of the one or more inlet slots (20, 200) may be for introducing both the first and second fluid. The slots (20) for introducing the first fluid could be connected directly to a pump as well (instead of to a further chamber 24 wherein the first fluid is initially provided). Alternatively, all inlet slots (20, 200) may be for introducing only one of the first or second fluid, whereas the other of the first or second fluid not introduced through said inlet slots (20, 200) may be introduced via an inlet or inlet slot in, e.g., an upper (51 ) or lower wall (52), or via further inlet slots (321 ), directly into the fluid interaction chamber.

[0064] A distinctive feature of the chamber unit (1 ) of the present invention is the inclusion of one or more circumferential inner walls (31 , 32) within the fluid interaction chamber. These inner walls (31 , 32) are configured to segment the fluid interaction chamber into multiple sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23), which contain a central sub-chamber (21 ) and one or more outer sub-chambers (22, 23).

[0065] Each inner wall (31 , 32) encircles the central sub-chamber (21 ), wherein a single inner wall (31 ) encloses or defines the central sub-chamber (21 ). Each outer sub-chamber (22, 23) completely encircles the central sub-chamber (21 ), enabling within each outer sub-chamber (22, 23) swirling flow completely about the central sub-chamber (21 ). The single inner wall (31 ) encircles a central axis (210) (in this example, a vertical axis), that is a longitudinal or cylindrical axis of the central sub-chamber (21 ). In the present example, each of the walls (2, 31 , 32) encircles the central axis (210) of the central sub-chamber (21 ). In the present example, the central axis (210) overlaps with a central or longitudinal axis for each of the walls (2, 31 , 32) of the fluid interaction chamber, but this is not essential.

[0066] Although the walls (2, 31 , 32) are arranged concentrically in this example, they may be arranged in configurations other than concentric, as long as they fit inside the fluid interaction chamber enclosed or defined by the outer wall (2). In the present example, the outer wall (2) and the inner walls (31 , 32) are substantially cylindrical in shape. This cylindrical configuration simplifies the manufacturing process while enhancing the overall functionality of the chamber unit (1 ).

[0067] The chamber unit (1 ) also features at least one outlet (4; the outlet 4 is present at a different height than the horizontal cross-section, but its location in a horizontal plane is, in FIG. 1A, indicated by the dotted circle) for the removal of fluid from the fluid interaction chamber, in this example, from the central subchamber (21 ). The outlet (4) may, for example, comprise a fluidic outlet in a bottom or top of the chamber unit (1 ), a cyclone separator, or a gravity separator, the invention not being limited to any type of outlet (4). The outlet (4) may be fluidically coupled to a separation unit for separating the first fluid from the second fluid. In the present example, the outlet (4) comprises a fluidic outlet in the upper wall (51 ) and a fluidic outlet in the lower wall (52), enabling separation of different fluids via different outlets, e.g., via gravitational separation (shown here very schematically).

[0068] Each inner wall (31 , 32) contains one or more substantially tangential through-slots (310, 320) that interconnect adjacent sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23), thereby providing fluid flow between adjacent sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23). The inner walls (31 , 32) extend from the upper wall (51 ) to the lower wall (52), preventing fluid flow between adjacent sub-channels (21 , 22, 23) via any other route than via the through-slots (310, 320), although this is not strictly required. In the present example, each inner wall (31 , 32) is provided with a plurality of symmetrically arranged through-slots (310, 320). In this example, the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) extend from the top to the bottom of the wall (2, 31 , 32) containing the slots (20, 200, 310, 320). This is, however, not essential, although preferably, slots (20, 200, 310, 320) extend (e.g., each of the slots extends) along at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 90%, of a height of the wall (2, 31 , 32) containing the slots (20, 200, 310, 320).

[0069] The first and / or second fluid may flow through the one or more inlet slots (20, 200) for providing said first and / or second fluid into the fluid interaction chamber, in particular, into an outermost sub-chamber (23) of the fluid interaction chamber, so that a fluid flow is generated from the inlet slots (20, 200) to the outlet (4).

[0070] The chamber unit (1 ) is typically adapted so that fluid flow through the through-slots (310, 320) of an inner wall (31 , 32) is provided in a flow direction from a first sub-chamber into a second sub-chamber separated from each other by the inner wall (31 , 32), wherein the first sub-chamber encircles, and is adjacent to, the second sub-chamber. So, in the present example, the through- slots (320) in a first inner wall (32) provide fluid flow from an outermost subchamber (23) into an intermediate sub-chamber (22). The through-slots in a second inner wall (31 ) provide fluid flow from the intermediate sub-chamber (22) into the central sub-chamber (21 ).

[0071] The tangential inlet slots (20, 200) and through-slots (310, 320) are arranged such that fluid flowing through the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) enters a sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) in a direction substantially tangential to the circumferential wall (2, 31 , 32) containing the slots (20, 200, 310, 320). A flow direction of fluid leaving the tangential inlet slots (20, 200) and through-slots (310, 320) and entering the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) is indicated by the straight arrows (331 ). In embodiments, the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) being substantially tangential means that the slots are arranged such that a swirling flow, e.g., a flow (or nominal flow) about the central axis (210), is induced in the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) into which the fluid is introduced. In embodiments of the present invention, the flow direction (331 ) is - in the present example, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (210) - at an angle (a) of from 0 to 45 degrees, such as from 5 to 30 degrees, relative to a tangent line (7) on the circumferential wall (2, 31 , 32) at the location of the slot (20, 200, 310, 320) where the fluid enters said sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23). In particular, in the present example, a central axis of the slot (20, 200, 310, 320) is at an angle (a) of from 0 to 45 degrees, such as from 5 to 30 degrees, relative to a tangent line (7) on the circumferential wall (2, 31 , 32) at the location of the slot (20, 200, 310, 320) where the fluid enters said sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23).

[0072] In embodiments, the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) are (in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (210)) substantially straight and substantially tangential along a complete flow path through the slots (20, 200, 310, 320). However, alternatively, the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) could have a curling path along at least part of the flow path through the slots (20, 200, 310, 320), as long as the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) are arranged to provide a fluid flow through these slots (20, 200, 310, 320) into the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) substantially tangentially with respect to the wall (2, 32, 33) at the location, e.g., with respect to the surface at the location of the wall (2, 32, 33), where said fluid enters the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23).

[0073] As these through-slots (310, 320) are oriented substantially tangentially, and due to the circumferential, e.g., cylindrical, shape of the walls (2, 31 , 32), the fluid (331 ) entering the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) typically induces a swirling motion (333) inside the first sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23), for example, about the central axis (210). Said swirling fluid flow is indicated by curved arrows (333). The swirling motion (333) is typically substantially confined to a rotational direction in a plane, e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (210). Typically, the swirling motion (333) has substantially no axial component (that is, substantially no (e.g., nominal) flow component along the central axis (210). Due to the presence of the inner walls (31 , 32) with these tangential through- slots (310, 320), swirling is not only induced in the peripheral region of the fluid interaction chamber (so close to the outer wall (2)), but also closer to the center (210) of the fluid interaction chamber, which may result in more efficient and uniform fluid interaction throughout the complete volume of the fluid interaction chamber.

[0074] For each wall (2, 31 , 32), the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) of that wall (2, 31 , 32) may be oriented for introducing fluid into a sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) in a direction for providing or inducing flow (331 ) into the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) in a same rotational flow direction (333) about the central axis (210). For example, in the present example, for each wall (2, 31 , 32), the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) of that wall (2, 31 , 32) are oriented so that each slot (20, 200, 310, 320) introduces fluid into a sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) directed (or in a direction) to induce a flow of the fluids in that sub-chamber in a same, e.g., clockwise, direction about the central axis (210). In embodiments of the present invention, such as in the present example, the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) are arranged such that the flow direction (331 ) for each (e.g., every) slot (20, 200, 310, 320) into the respective sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) is oriented in a same rotational direction (e.g., to provide or induce fluid flow in a same rotational direction) about the central axis (210). Thereby, in the present example, in each of the sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23), swirling flow (333) may be effectively induced in a clockwise direction (e.g., about the central axis (210)). However, this is not required, and instead, the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) could be arranged so that swirling flow (333) is induced into a counter-clockwise direction (about the central axis (210)) in one or more or all of the sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23).

[0075] In embodiments, as the number of inner walls (31 , 32) in the chamber unit (1 ) is not fixed, a modular design may be provided that allows for easy modification of the number of sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23). Inner walls (31 , 32) may be added to existing chamber units (1 ), and the number of inner walls (31 , 32) may be varied, depending on the application of the chamber unit (1 ).

[0076] In embodiments, the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) may have various designs, such as rectangular shapes or other channel shapes that allow fluids to flow through. Furthermore, one or more of the walls (2, 31 , 32) may include further, preferably substantially tangential, inlet slots (321 ) for supplying energy or further fluid. Although, in the present example, said further inlet slots (321 ) are only shown in one of the inner walls (32), further inlet slots may be present on other inner walls (31 ) or in the outer wall (2). These further substantially tangential inlet slots (321 ) may be fluidically coupled to an inlet channel (322) that may run substantially axially through the inner wall (32). A source (not shown) for providing said energy or further fluid may be fluidically coupled to the inlet channel (322). The present invention does not exclude the presence of further circumferential inner walls (further dividing the sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23) into separate sub-sub-chambers), the further circumferential inner walls comprising through-slots that are not tangential, as long as the chamber unit (1 ) comprises at least one circumferential inner wall (31 , 32) comprising substantially tangential through-slots (310, 320). However, preferably, the chamber unit (1) only contains inner walls (31 , 32) that comprise one or more substantially tangential through-slots (310, 320).

[0077] Reference is made to FIG. 2, which is a perspective view of a first piece of a second example of a chamber unit (1 ) in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The chamber unit (1) comprises a circumferential outer wall (2), comprising substantially tangential inlet slots (20), and circumferential inner walls (31 , 32), defining a fluid interaction chamber and comprising substantially tangential through-slots (310, 320), on a bottom wall (52).

[0078] A second piece (not shown) of the chamber unit (1 ) comprises a further circumferential wall for encircling a chamber (24) encircling the circumferential outer wall (2). The second piece further comprises a plate that may function as the top wall for the chamber unit (1). The bottom wall (52) comprises a screw thread (520) for mating with a screw thread of the second piece that may be located at a lower end of the further circumferential wall of the second piece. When the second piece is secured on the first piece by said threads (520), the top wall preferably touches the circumferential outer wall (2) and the two circumferential inner walls (31 , 32) of the first piece, so that the chamber (24) and the fluid interaction chamber are enclosed by the walls and no fluid communication is possible between the different chambers (21 , 22, 23, 24) except via the slots (20, 320, 310).

[0079] A first fluid may be pumped through first fluid inlets (61 ) disposed in the bottom wall (52), into the chamber (24) encircling the circumferential outer wall (2). A second fluid may be pumped through fluid inlet slots (25) in the circumferential outer wall (2), directly into sub-chamber (23).

[0080] The first fluid flows through the substantially tangential inlet slots (20) to enter the fluid interaction chamber defined by the circumferential outer wall (2), providing a swirling flow of the first and second fluid in an outermost subchamber (23). The first and second fluid then flow through substantially tangential through-slots (320) in a first inner wall (32) into a middle, or intermediate, sub-chamber (22). Each sub-chamber (22) may comprise second fluid inlets (62) in the bottom wall (52) or in the outer wall (2) or inner walls (31 , 32) for providing, for example, further first or second fluid, or a third fluid, or energy, into the middle sub-chamber (22). The fluids flow swirlingly through the middle sub-chamber (22), then flow through substantially tangential through- slots (310) in a second inner wall (31 ) into a central sub-chamber (21 ), providing a swirling flow in the central sub-chamber (21 ) as well. The central sub-chamber (21 ) comprises an outlet (4) in the bottom wall (52) through which the fluids may leave the chamber unit (1 ).

[0081] Reference is made to FIG. 3, which is a schematic representation of a vertical cross-section of third example of a chamber unit in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this example, a height of the different sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23) increases from an outermost sub-chamber (23) to a central sub-chamber (21 ). The height of each sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23) may be the mean height throughout the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23), or may be determined at a single point within the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23), e.g., at a point in the middle between the walls (2, 31 , 32) enclosing or defining the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23).

[0082] In the present example, the height of the different sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23) and an open area of the slots (including inlet slots, any further inlet slots, and through-slots) are adapted to obtain a desirable flow pattern in each of the different sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23). For example, the desirable flow pattern may be a substantially same flow pattern for the different sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23), although the invention is not limited thereto. Herein, the open area of a slot is the cross-sectional area of a slot perpendicular to a nominal flow direction through the slot. The same flow pattern for the different sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23) may, for example, be one of: a laminar flow, a turbulent flow, a swirling flow, or a bubbly flow. It may be preferred to have the same flow pattern in different sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23) for reasons of upscaling, uniformity and predictability of the interactions that may occur in the chamber unit (1 ).

[0083] Although each of the examples contains two inner walls, the invention is not limited thereto. Embodiments of the present invention may contain a single inner wall, such as two or more inner walls.

[0084] It is to be understood that although preferred embodiments, specific constructions and configurations, as well as materials, have been discussed herein for devices according to the present invention, various changes or modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this invention. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

23CLAIMS1 A chamber unit (1 ) for providing swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible, the chamber unit (1 ) comprising a circumferential outer wall (2) enclosing a fluid interaction chamber, the chamber unit (1 ) comprising one or more circumferential inner walls (31 , 32) within said fluid interaction chamber, configured to divide the fluid interaction chamber into a plurality of sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23) comprising a central sub-chamber (21 ) and one or more outer subchambers surrounding said central sub-chamber (21 ), wherein the chamber unit (1 ) comprises inlets for providing the first and second fluid into an outermost sub-chamber (23), the outer wall (2) comprising a plurality of substantially tangential inlet slots (20, 200), oriented for providing flow in a same rotational direction, for introducing the first and / or second fluid into the outermost sub-chamber (23), each inner wall (31 , 32) comprising a plurality of substantially tangential through-slots (310, 320), oriented for providing flow in a same rotational direction, that interconnect adjacent sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23) for providing fluid flow, the chamber unit (1 ) further comprising at least one outlet (4) for removing fluid from the fluid interaction chamber.2.- The chamber unit (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein the outer wall (2) and one or more inner walls (31 , 32) are arranged concentrically.3.- The chamber unit (1 ) of any of the previous claims, wherein a height of the different sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23) and an open area of the slots (20,200, 310, 320) are adapted to obtain a substantially same flow pattern for the different sub-chambers (21 , 22, 23).4.- The chamber unit (1 ) of any of the previous claims, each inner wall (31 ,32) comprising a plurality of symmetrically arranged through-slots (310, 320).5.- The chamber unit (1 ) of any of the previous claims, wherein the through- slots (310, 320) extend from a top to a bottom of the inner wall (31 , 32).6.- The chamber unit (1 ) of any of the previous claims, wherein the outer wall(2) comprises one or more inlet slots (20) for providing the first fluid, and one or more inlet slots (200) for providing the second fluid.7.- The chamber unit (1 ) of any of the previous claims, wherein said outlet(4) is fluidically connected to said central sub-chamber (21 ).8.- The chamber unit (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein one or more of the walls (2, 31 , 32) comprises one or more further inlet slots (321 ) for providing energy or further fluid.9.- The chamber unit (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the outer wall (2) and / or the one or more inner walls (31 , 32) are substantially cylindrical.10.- The chamber unit (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, adapted for separating - within the fluid received by the outlet - the first fluid from the second fluid.11.- The chamber unit (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first fluid is a liquid and the second fluid is a gas.The chamber unit (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the slots (20, 200, 310, 320) are arranged for generating, in each subchamber (21 , 22, 23), a swirling flow around a central axis (210) of the sub-chamber (21 , 22, 23), substantially in a plane. Use of the chamber unit (1) of any of the previous claims for providing swirling flow interaction between at least a first fluid and a second fluid.

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