Concave Orifice Pipe for Uniform Powder Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for distributing powders, especially agglomerating particles, in large ducts face challenges such as uneven flow distribution, particle size segregation, and obstruction due to agglomeration, leading to inefficient and costly solutions with multiple injectors or complex systems that are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical pipe with a series of outlet orifices, where the edge of each orifice is positioned concavely inside the pipe, allowing controlled fluid flow and preventing agglomeration, made from a single piece of material to ensure smooth operation and reduce pressure drop, with an open downstream end acting as a supplementary outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional cylindrical pipes with orifices are used for powder distribution, then the structure is simple, but the flow distribution through various orifices becomes uneven with higher flow rates at orifices closest to the feed end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying specific regions of the pipe wall to have different geometrical properties. The deformed sections with concave shapes are created at specific locations downstream of outlet orifices, giving those local regions the ability to control flow direction and distribution. This localized modification allows each orifice to have optimized flow characteristics rather than uniform behavior across all orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curvature by creating deformed sections of the pipe wall with concave shapes. These curved surface modifications downstream of the orifices alter the flow paths and distribution patterns. The concave deformation geometry helps redirect flows and achieve more uniform distribution through all orifices along the pipe length.
2Manufacturing precision
If the second end of the pipe is sealed to resolve uneven flow distribution, then flow uniformity improves, but gradual obstruction by stagnant powder occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The concave deformed sections create curved flow paths that prevent stagnant zones where powder could accumulate. The geometry promotes continuous movement of powder through the pipe by directing flows away from potential accumulation points, thereby maintaining operational stability without sealing the pipe end.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple injectors are used to achieve homogeneous powder distribution in large ducts, then distribution homogeneity improves, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single pipe into multiple functional zones along its length, with multiple outlet orifices distributed along the pipe. Each orifice is equipped with local deformed sections that optimize its individual flow characteristics. This segmentation allows a single pipe to perform the function of multiple injectors by distributing powder through numerous orifices at different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pipe with multiple orifices and deformed sections serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes powder through many outlets, controls flow distribution uniformity, prevents agglomeration, and maintains operational stability. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple separate injector devices.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional orifices are used in cylindrical pipes, then the device is simple to manufacture, but particle size segregation occurs with large particles staying in the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The concave deformed sections create curved flow paths and pressure distributions that facilitate the movement of larger particles through the orifices. The geometry modifies the flow field to reduce size segregation effects, allowing particles of various sizes to be distributed more uniformly through all orifices rather than large particles remaining in the pipe.
5Device complexity
If agglomerating powders are distributed through conventional systems, then the system is simple, but gradual blocking occurs due to agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The concave deformed sections create flow patterns that prevent powder agglomeration by maintaining continuous movement and preventing stagnant zones. The curved geometry promotes uniform flow distribution that keeps agglomerating powders in motion, preventing them from settling and blocking the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformed sections alter the flow parameters (velocity distribution, pressure gradients, flow direction) in specific regions of the pipe. These parameter changes create conditions that are unfavorable for agglomeration, maintaining operational continuity despite the use of agglomerating powders.
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 homogeneous distribution with low pressure drop, prevents agglomeration, and reduces maintenance needs, allowing for efficient and cost-effective distribution of powders in large ducts, even with agglomerating particles, and improves the homogeneity of particle distribution.
Implementation Method 1
deformed sections of the wall, located downstream of all outlet orifices placed in the side wall of the pipe and limited by a section of the edge of these orifices, have a concave shape such that this section of the edge of these orifices is positioned inside the pipe so that, when the device is in service, the flow direction of the fluid exiting these orifices and travelling along said wall sections is controlled by the shape of the latter sections
Implementation Method 2
The powder is introduced by pneumatic transport at one end of the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5
AI summary
Device for distributing a fluid in a controlled manner, in particular for distributing a gas loaded with particles, the device comprising a pipe (1) provided with at least one inlet orifice (2) and with a series of outlet orifices (3) spread along the pipe (1) and cut in the side wall of this pipe, characterized in that at least one section (4) of the wall, located downstream of at least one outlet orifice and limited by a section (5) of the edge of this orifice, has a shape such that this section of the edge of this orifice is positioned inside the pipe so that, when the device is in service, the flow direction of the fluid exiting this orifice and travelling along said wall section is controlled by the shape of the latter section.