Atomizer Nozzle with Dual Injection Channels for Gas Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing atomizer nozzles face challenges in achieving efficient and cost-effective atomization of liquids using compressed gas, often resulting in high gas consumption and inefficient particle size distribution.

Innovation Solution

The atomizer nozzle design features an annular mixing chamber with dual injection channels for compressed gas, positioned radially inside and outside the chamber, which creates a hollow cone flow layer, allowing for improved atomization with reduced gas consumption by injecting gas from opposite sides, and a swirl generating mechanism to enhance liquid flow and particle formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If compressed gas is used to atomize liquid in conventional atomizer nozzles, then liquid atomization is achieved, but compressed gas consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed gas consumptionVSAvoidatomization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas injection system is segmented into multiple injection channels (first and second injection channels) with separate injection points (first and second injection points) positioned at different locations within the mixing chamber. This segmentation allows optimized gas distribution throughout the liquid flow, improving atomization efficiency while reducing overall gas consumption compared to single-point injection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the mixing chamber are provided with different gas injection characteristics - the first injection point is positioned to address one region of the liquid flow while the second injection point addresses another region. This local optimization ensures efficient gas-liquid interaction throughout the entire flow path, maximizing atomization effectiveness per unit of gas consumed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional single-point gas injection is used, then device complexity is low, but atomization quality is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size distributionVSAvoidinjection channel configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The injection system is divided into multiple independent injection channels and points, each capable of being optimized for specific injection parameters. This segmentation enables precise control over gas distribution patterns, resulting in improved particle size distribution and more uniform atomization quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gas injection is extended from a single-point (zero-dimensional) or single-line (one-dimensional) approach to a multi-point three-dimensional distribution within the mixing chamber. By positioning injection points at different spatial locations (first and second injection points at different positions), the system achieves comprehensive gas-liquid mixing throughout the volume, significantly improving atomization quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design achieves finer liquid particle distribution with lower compressed gas consumption, reducing operational costs and improving atomization efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A flow layer is formed from the liquid flowing through the end section with the aid of a means of the atomizer nozzle, which includes the central part, for example. The flow layer is directed obliquely away from the nozzle axis. A flow layer in the form of a hollow cone or a hollow truncated cone is preferably formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirl flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

Compressed gas is used to atomize the liquid into fine liquid particles, which is added to the liquid in a mixing chamber and supports the atomization. The liquid atomized with the aid of the compressed gas is delivered as an atomized spray jet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas-liquid atomization: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentEP3204168B1Atomizer nozzle
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 SPRAYING SYST DEUTLAND
  • EP3204168B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3204168B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3204168B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an atomizer nozzle (10) with a liquid channel (19) to which an annular mixing chamber (26) is fluidically connected downstream of the liquid channel. A liquid (F) is supplied to the liquid channel (19) via a liquid connection (12). The atomizer nozzle (10) additionally has a gas connection (13) which is connected to a gas line system (28). Pressurized gas (L) is conducted to an outer injection channel (29) and an inner injection channel (34) via the gas line system. Each of the two injection channels (29, 34) opens into the annular mixing chamber (26) at a respective injection point (30, 35). The outer injection point (30) is provided on the radially outer mixing chamber wall, and the inner injection point (35) is provided on the radially inner mixing chamber wall. The inflowing liquid can thus be finely atomized using little pressurized gas (L) in the annular mixing chamber (26) and dispensed downstream of the annular mixing chamber via at least one outlet opening (40) in the form of a respective spray jet (S).