Air Lift Gas Dissolution Equipment Using Thin Liquid Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for dissolving gases in liquids, particularly in large bodies of water, face challenges such as low energy efficiency, limited gas dissolution rates, and high energy consumption, making it difficult to maintain adequate oxygen levels in aquatic systems like rivers, ponds, and aquaculture tanks, which affects water quality and productivity.
Innovation Solution
The equipment employs the air lift principle combined with the formation of thin liquid films to increase gas dissolution rates, using a rigid body with cross-sectional zones that promote bubble densification and expansion, allowing for efficient gas exchange and low energy consumption, and includes features for adjusting liquid flow direction and utilizing alternative energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional gas bubble forming devices are used to dissolve gases in liquids, then gas dissolution occurs, but the dissolution rate is low and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin liquid films formed within the rigid body structure to dramatically increase the surface area for gas-liquid contact. The gas passes through multiple thin film zones where dissolution occurs efficiently, replacing conventional bulk bubble dissolution methods with film-based mass transfer that achieves higher dissolution rates with lower energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional three-dimensional bubble dissolution to two-dimensional thin film dissolution by creating extensive liquid film surfaces within the rigid body. This dimensional change increases the effective contact area between gas and liquid, enabling much faster dissolution rates without proportionally increasing energy consumption
2Quantity of substance
If forced aeration is applied to large liquid bodies, then oxygen levels increase, but volumetric capacity is limited and efficiency of gas introduction is low
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid body is divided into multiple internal zones including gas introduction zones, thin film formation zones, and liquid outlet zones. This segmentation allows gas to be distributed and dissolved across multiple separate interfaces rather than relying on a single large-scale aeration event, thereby increasing volumetric capacity and overall gas dissolution efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid body incorporates porous structures that facilitate gas distribution and liquid film formation across extensive internal surfaces. The porous architecture provides numerous pathways for gas-liquid interaction, dramatically increasing the effective volumetric capacity for gas dissolution without requiring proportionally larger device volume
3Ease of operation
If conventional aeration systems are used in open liquid bodies, then gas dissolution occurs, but the systems are inefficient and require high energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to utilize natural water flow and atmospheric conditions to drive gas-liquid contact processes. The rigid body structure passively directs flowing water through thin film zones where gas dissolves, reducing or eliminating the need for external energy input while maintaining adaptability to various environmental conditions including open rivers, ponds, and aquaculture systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables high-volume, high-rate gas dissolution in liquids with reduced energy consumption, improving water quality, increasing oxygen levels, and enhancing aquaculture productivity while being adaptable to various environmental conditions and energy availability.
Implementation Method 1
The equipment of the invention operates on the basis of the air lift principle in conjunction with the formation of thin liquid films
Implementation Method 2
one or more thin liquid film forming hives, said hives having a plurality of inner channels having an even smaller cross-sectional area relative to the smaller cross-sectional zone in the upper region
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 4~5C
AI summary
The present invention is situated within the fields of chemical and environmental engineering, being related to equipment for massive dissolution of gases in liquids via the formation of thin liquid films and the exchange of gases with said films. The equipment also provides movement of liquids over great distances via the upward movement of bubbles therein. In one embodiment, the equipment comprises means for altering the direction of the flow of water, said aspect being particularly useful for the recovery of liquid bodies such as lakes and bays. In addition to providing a high rate of dissolution of gases in liquids, the equipment of the invention is very energy-efficient and has a very large volumetric capacity, thereby overcoming the limitations of the prior art and being useful for the preservation and/or recovery of liquid bodies, being able, in certain applications, to operate in an energy-autonomous manner. The invention can be used in various situations where energy-efficient dissolution of gases in liquids is desired. Examples include: the preservation and/or recovery of liquid bodies such as lakes, rivers, lagoons, bays, mangroves and beaches; processes for preserving and/or improving the productivity of aquaculture systems; wastewater treatment systems; and the fixation of gases such as CO2, inter alia.