Bubble Counter With Independent Water Inlet and Check Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bubble counters require operators to stop and disassemble the device to add water, which disrupts normal operation and affects measurement accuracy due to water loss.
Innovation Solution
A bubble counter design featuring a body with a gas inlet, gas outlet, cavity, water inlet, and check valves, allowing for independent operation of gas and water flow without the need to stop or disassemble the device for water addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is added by turning off and disassembling the bubble counter, then water can be replenished, but normal operation is disrupted and measurement accuracy is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble counter is segmented into multiple functional channels: a gas inlet channel, a gas outlet channel, and a water inlet channel. This segmentation allows independent control and operation of gas flow and water replenishment, enabling water to be added without interrupting gas measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Check valves are introduced as intermediary components to control fluid direction. The first check valve prevents water from entering the gas inlet channel, while the second check valve prevents gas from entering the water inlet channel. These intermediaries enable independent operation of water addition and gas measurement.
2Productivity
If the bubble counter operates continuously, then productivity is maintained, but water in the cavity is gradually lost
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet channel with the second check valve enables continuous water replenishment during operation. The check valve ensures that water can be added at any time without reversing flow or interrupting the gas measurement process, maintaining continuous useful action of both measurement and water level maintenance.
3Productivity
If check valves are added to enable independent water and gas channels, then continuous operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal structure is segmented into distinct channels with dedicated functions. The gas inlet channel, gas outlet channel, and water inlet channel are spatially separated and functionally independent, reducing the need for complex valve mechanisms while enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Check valves are positioned at critical junction points as intermediaries to control flow direction. By placing check valves only where needed (at the gas inlet and water inlet channels), the design achieves flow control with minimal additional components, balancing functionality with simplicity.
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
Enables continuous operation of the bubble counter during water addition, maintaining measurement accuracy and reducing operational disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
the first check valve is arranged between the gas inlet and the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the second check valve is arranged at a connection between the water inlet channel and the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A bubble counter includes a body. The body is provided with a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a cavity, a water inlet, a water inlet channel, a first check valve and a second check valve. An end of the water inlet channel is connected to the water inlet, and another end of the water inlet channel is connected to the cavity. The first check valve is arranged between the gas inlet and the cavity, and the second check valve is arranged at a connection between the water inlet channel and the cavity. The water inlet channel and the gas outlet are independent from each other. With the bubble counter, it is not required to turn off or disassemble the bubble counter, water can be added at any time and gas leakage can be prevented.