Cavitation Apparatus with Segmented Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cavitation methods using rotating and stationary elements are turbulent and difficult to control, making them unsuitable for processing liquids with suspensions or varying densities, and are not adaptable for applications like mixing, decontamination, or heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing two planar, round elements with a concentric structure of alternate protrusions and channels, creating a labyrinth-like arrangement with radial and axial clearances, where the rotary element's rotation generates a pressure difference and micro-jets to control cavitation bubble creation, optimized by adjusting rotational velocity and liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If liquid is forced to flow through a gap between rotating and stationary elements with blind holes or protrusions, then cavitation is created, but the process becomes turbulent and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the rotating element surface into multiple protrusions distributed across the surface, creating multiple controlled cavitation zones rather than a single uncontrolled flow gap. This segmentation allows better control over cavitation distribution while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific protrusions at determined locations on the rotating element surface, where each protrusion generates localized cavitation effects. This localized approach enables precise control over where cavitation occurs, transforming the previously turbulent and uncontrolled process into a manageable and adaptable system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cavitation apparatus are used, then cavitation can be generated, but they are difficult to adapt for processing various liquids with different densities and suspensions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic control through the rotating element that can adjust its rotational speed to adapt to different liquid properties. The protrusions on the rotating surface create variable flow patterns and cavitation intensities that can be tuned by changing rotation speed, making the system versatile for processing various liquids with different densities, viscosities, and suspension contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes by varying the rotational velocity of the rotating element to optimize cavitation for different liquid types. By adjusting rotation speed and the geometric parameters of protrusions, the system can adapt cavitation characteristics to match specific processing requirements for different liquids, suspensions, and application scenarios.
3Productivity
If high velocity flow is created to generate cavitation, then cavitation bubbles are formed, but the pressure drops below vapor point causing uncontrolled flash vaporization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful uncontrolled flash vaporization into beneficial controlled cavitation by using protrusions to create localized, manageable low-pressure zones. The protrusions guide the flow to create cavitation bubbles in a controlled manner, transforming the harmful effect of pressure drop into a useful cavitation process that can be reliably controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions act as intermediaries between the high-velocity flow and the liquid, mediating the pressure drop to create cavitation in a controlled manner. These protrusions serve as flow guides that channel the liquid through specific paths, creating manageable cavitation zones rather than uncontrolled flash vaporization, thus improving process stability while maintaining bubble creation efficiency.
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 allows for controlled and efficient cavitation, suitable for heating, mixing, colloidal production, and wastewater treatment, with enhanced bubble creation and process adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
creating the pressure difference along the channels of said labyrinth, where the pressure decreases in the direction of rotation, and increasing the velocity of the rotating element up to the point when the liquid pressure falls beyond the vapor point thus creating cavitation bubbles
Implementation Method 2
pressing the liquid into radial channels in both stationary and rotating elements, and due to rotation of the rotary element, closing and opening said radial channels in rapid succession thus creating micro-jets which enhance the process of cavitation bubbles' creation
Implementation Method 3
According to Bernoulli's principle, as the flow velocity of a liquid increases at any given elevation, the pressure will drop
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for processing liquid fluids with use of cavitation process is being disclosed, consisting of bringing a liquid to be cavited in between two planar elements, one stationary, one rotary, said planar elements having regular, concentric structure of alternate protrusion and channels, divided into arched segments by radial channels in both planar elements, complementary on both stationary and rotary elements, so they create labyrinth like arrangement, with some clearance in both radial and axial directions, between the protrusions and channels which create said labyrinth. The process is particularly suitable for heating liquid fluids, mixing different liquids, dispersing suspensions within liquid fluid, decontamination of wastewater and many other processes.