Biochemical Reactor Fixed Feed Conduit Helical Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biochemical reactors face challenges in efficiently utilizing immobilized carriers due to buoyancy issues and shear stress, leading to difficulties in uniform distribution and circulation, especially under high nitrite loading conditions, which affects biodegradation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A biochemical reactor design with a fixed feed conduit and vanes to induce a helical circulation pattern of immobilized carriers and fluid, preventing clogging and ensuring uniform distribution, while minimizing shear stress through a centralized circulation conduit and strategically placed nozzles for tangential flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional impellers are used to stir immobilized carriers, then circulation is achieved, but shear stress damages the fragile carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional impeller from the system and replaces it with a circulation conduit that uses fluid flow through strategically placed nozzles to induce circulation. This extraction of the harmful mechanical stirring element eliminates shear stress damage while maintaining the desired circulation function through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical impeller system with a fluid-dynamic circulation system using nozzles and conduits. Instead of mechanical stirring that causes shear stress, the system uses controlled fluid flow patterns to achieve circulation, substituting mechanical action with hydraulic action that is gentler on the fragile immobilized carriers.
2Productivity
If high agitation is applied to ensure uniform distribution, then circulation efficiency improves, but immobilized carriers become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the source of mechanical agitation damage by removing the impeller and replacing it with a circulation conduit system. This allows the system to achieve uniform distribution through fluid flow patterns rather than mechanical stirring, maintaining productivity while eliminating carrier damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanism of circulation from mechanical agitation to fluid flow control. By adjusting flow rates, nozzle positions, and conduit configurations, the system achieves uniform distribution of immobilized carriers through hydrodynamic patterns rather than mechanical force, thereby maintaining carrier integrity while ensuring efficient biodegradation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional stirring methods are used, then fluid circulation is achieved, but uniform distribution of buoyant carriers is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circulation function into multiple nozzles positioned at different locations and orientations within the reactor. Each nozzle contributes to creating specific flow patterns that work together to achieve uniform distribution of buoyant carriers throughout the entire reactor volume, overcoming the limitations of single-point stirring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional impeller rotation to three-dimensional flow patterns created by multiple nozzles oriented in different directions. This multi-dimensional approach to fluid circulation creates complex flow patterns that effectively distribute buoyant carriers throughout the reactor, achieving uniform distribution that cannot be accomplished with conventional single-axis stirring.
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 design enhances the uniform distribution and circulation of immobilized carriers, improving biodegradation efficiency and reducing the risk of clogging and media damage, thereby maintaining reactor performance under varying load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more vanes disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. The one or more vanes may be configured to cause the immobilized carriers and the fluid exiting the circulation outlet opening to enter into a helical pattern
Implementation Method 2
The feed conduit may be configured to induce a circulation motion of immobilized carriers and fluid into the circulation inlet opening
Implementation Method 3
minimizing shear stress through a centralized circulation conduit and strategically placed nozzles for tangential flow
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a biochemical reactor with fixed feed conduit. The biochemical reactor may include a tank configured to house immobilized carriers and fluid. The biochemical reactor may include a circulation conduit at least partially disposed within the tank. The circulation conduit may include a circulation inlet opening and a circulation outlet opening. The biochemical reactor may include one or more vanes disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. The one or more vanes may be configured to cause the immobilized carrier and the fluid exiting the circulation outlet opening to enter into a helical pattern. The biochemical reactor may include a feed conduit having a feed outlet. The feed outlet may be disposed between a first end and the circulation inlet opening. The feed conduit outlet may be immovable with respect to the circulation inlet opening.