Coaxial Tubular Flow Mixing for Compact Fluid Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective devices and methods to reduce or eliminate contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microorganisms in fluids.
Innovation Solution
The use of coaxial tubular fluid treatment devices comprising an outer tube, an inner tube with blades and perforations, and a media within the inner tube that releases gas into the fluid flow path, enhancing mixing and reaction with contaminants through turbulent flow and vortex creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fluid treatment device uses a simple flow path without flow-altering components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mixing efficiency and gas reactivity with contaminants is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces blades that actively alter fluid flow dynamics by creating turbulence and vortexes. These blades transform the static flow path into a dynamic system where fluid continuously changes direction and velocity, enhancing mixing between gas and fluid phases while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid flow itself as the mechanism to enhance mixing and reaction. By designing the flow path and incorporating blades that manipulate fluid motion, the system leverages hydraulic principles to create turbulent flow patterns that improve contaminant removal without requiring additional mechanical mixing devices.
2Productivity
If the fluid flow path is extended to increase contact time between gas and fluid, then contaminant removal efficiency improves, but the device length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the flow path linearly in one dimension, the patent introduces blades that create three-dimensional flow patterns including vortexes and turbulent eddies. This transforms the flow from a simple linear path to a multi-dimensional mixing zone, increasing effective contact time and mixing efficiency within a compact device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The blades create dynamic flow patterns that repeatedly circulate and mix the fluid, effectively increasing the residence time and interaction between gas and fluid phases without proportionally increasing device length. The turbulent flow ensures thorough mixing within a shorter axial distance.
3Productivity
If blades are added to alter flow direction and create turbulence, then gas reactivity and mixing are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: the housing, the inner tube with perforations for gas introduction, and the blades. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired turbulent flow and enhanced gas reactivity.
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 devices effectively reduce or eliminate VOCs and microorganisms in fluids by increasing gas reactivity and mixing, achieving complete reduction or deactivation of contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of blades are configured to alter a component of a flow direction of a fluid flowing over the blades in a circumferential direction and/or a radial direction
Implementation Method 2
enhancing mixing and reaction with contaminants through turbulent flow and vortex creation
Implementation Method 3
the media releases the gas into the flow path of the fluid, and wherein the flow of the fluid flowing over the blades increases the amount of the gas the media releases
Implementation Method 4
the flow of the fluid flowing over the blades increases the amount of the gas the media releases
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a fluid treatment device. The device includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a plurality of blades, and a media. The outer tube includes an inner surface. The inner tube is coaxially disposed within the outer tube. An outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube define an annulus that axially extends between the ends of the inner tube. The plurality of blades is disposed within the annulus. The plurality of blades is configured to alter a component of a flow direction of fluid flowing over the blades in a circumferential direction and/or a radial direction. The media is disposed within the inner tube. The inner tube defines a plurality of perforations extending between its outer surface and inner surface. The annulus defines an entire flow path of fluid flowing between the outer tube and the inner tube.