Annular Laval Nozzle for Flexible, Lower-Pressure Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Laval nozzles with full-surface spray patterns are limited in application range and require high pressures for atomization, leading to inefficient and inflexible fluid atomization.
Innovation Solution
A Laval nozzle design with an annular minimum flow cross-section between a wall and a constriction element, allowing for a non-full-surface spray pattern and reduced pressure requirements, with the constriction element being movable to adjust spray characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Laval nozzle with full-surface spray pattern is used, then atomization can be achieved, but high pressures are required and application range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle flow cross-section is segmented into multiple regions (annular minimum flow cross-section between wall and constriction element) to create a non-full-surface spray pattern. This segmentation allows the nozzle to achieve atomization at lower pressures while expanding application possibilities through flexible spray pattern control.
Solution Approach 2:
The constriction element is made movable relative to the wall, allowing dynamic adjustment of the minimum flow cross-section area and spray characteristics. This dynamic capability enables the nozzle to adapt to different application requirements without changing pressure conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and pressure requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Laval nozzle with full-surface spray pattern is used, then atomization can be achieved, but spray pattern flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By making the constriction element movable relative to the wall, the nozzle structure enables flexible adjustment of spray patterns (full-surface, hollow cone, or directional sprays) without requiring multiple fixed nozzle designs. The dynamic adjustment mechanism provides spray pattern flexibility while maintaining relatively simple nozzle construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the minimum flow cross-section is formed between wall and constriction element, then non-full-surface spray patterns are achieved, but nozzle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle interior is segmented into regions defined by the wall and movable constriction element, creating annular minimum flow cross-sections that produce non-full-surface spray patterns. This segmentation approach achieves spray pattern variety through geometric division rather than complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable constriction element serves multiple functions: it defines the minimum flow cross-section area, controls spray pattern type (full-surface, hollow cone, directional), and adjusts spray characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate nozzle designs, offsetting the added structural complexity with operational versatility.
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
The nozzle achieves flexible and efficient fluid atomization with reduced pressure, enabling a variety of spray patterns and optimized flow behavior, suitable for applications like exhaust gas treatment in combustion plants.
Implementation Method 1
Laval nozzles are known in the prior art that have a flow cross-section that narrows to a minimum flow cross-section in one flow direction and then expands again. Using a Laval nozzle, it is possible to accelerate a fluid to supersonic speeds without causing severe compression shocks.
Implementation Method 2
The flow cross-section of the nozzle according to the invention is annular. The nozzle according to the invention has a wall and, in addition, a constriction element spaced apart from the wall, wherein the minimum flow cross-section is formed between the wall and the constriction element. Preferably, a gap, in particular an annular one, is formed between the wall and the constriction element, which has or forms the minimum flow cross-section.
Implementation Method 3
The present invention relates to a nozzle for atomizing a fluid, wherein a flow cross-section of the nozzle narrows in a flow direction or main flow direction to a minimum flow cross-section and then expands again. The pressures required for atomizing a fluid using the Laval principle for the fluid to be atomized and/or compressed air mixed with the fluid are reduced compared to known Laval nozzles with a full-surface circular or elliptical cross-section.
Data Source
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AI summary
Nozzle (1) for atomizing a fluid (F), wherein a flow cross-section of the nozzle (1) narrows in a main flow direction (R) to a minimum flow cross-section (QM) and then widens again, wherein the minimum flow cross-section (QM) is annular, and/or wherein the nozzle (1) has a wall (2) and additionally a constriction element (3) spaced apart from the wall (2), wherein the minimum flow cross-section (QM) is formed between the wall (2) and the constriction element (3).