Electrohydrodynamic Emulsion Formation via Corona Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current emulsion formation methods, whether high-energy or low-energy, face challenges such as high maintenance costs, high power consumption, equipment wear, limited flexibility, and discontinuous production processes, particularly when dealing with high-viscosity oils, and are sensitive to chemical composition and temperature, leading to inefficiencies and pollution issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a corona discharge to create an ionic wind for electrohydrodynamic pumping, which introduces water droplets into an oil phase, forming a stable water-in-oil emulsion with reduced energy consumption and minimal equipment wear, allowing for continuous production and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-energy methods (ultrasonication, high-pressure homogenization) are used to form emulsions, then emulsion formation is achieved, but energy consumption is considerably high (10^8-10^10 W/kg) and equipment wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical emulsification systems (ultrasonication probes, high-pressure homogenization pumps) with an electrohydrodynamic system that uses corona discharge and ionic wind to transfer momentum and form emulsions, significantly reducing mechanical stress and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from mechanical force (high pressure, high shear rate) to electrical field parameters (corona discharge voltage, ionic wind flow), enabling emulsion formation with much lower energy input (10^3-10^5 W/kg)
2Reliability
If high-pressure homogenization is used to break down droplets, then emulsion stability is improved, but equipment wear and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical wear by replacing high-pressure homogenization equipment with an electrohydrodynamic system that uses ionic wind and corona discharge to transfer momentum, avoiding mechanical contact and wear between moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The electrohydrodynamic system uses the ionic wind itself to drive the emulsification process without requiring external mechanical pumps or homogenization devices, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating equipment wear
3Reliability
If conventional emulsion formation methods are used, then emulsions can be formed, but production is discontinuous and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous emulsification process where corona discharge and ionic wind operate continuously to maintain stable emulsion formation, eliminating batch processing steps and enabling continuous production that is easily scalable
Solution Approach 2:
The electrohydrodynamic system serves multiple functions simultaneously (emulsification, droplet generation, phase mixing) through a single continuous process, making it universally applicable to various emulsion types and easily scalable to different production volumes
4Use of energy by moving object
If low-energy methods are used, then energy consumption is reduced (10^3-10^5 W/kg), but flexibility in oil selection and working temperature is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrohydrodynamic parameters (corona discharge voltage, ionic wind flow rate, electrode geometry) that can be independently adjusted to accommodate different oil viscosities, types, and working temperatures, providing full flexibility while maintaining low energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the electrohydrodynamic parameters in real-time to adapt to different oil properties and process conditions, enabling flexible processing of various oils and temperatures without increasing energy consumption
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 method enables the formation of stable, continuous water-in-oil emulsions with reduced energy consumption and minimal equipment wear, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by being less dependent on viscosity and allowing for continuous production with improved scalability and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting a corona emitting electrode to a high voltage sufficient to form a corona discharge and create an ionic wind
Implementation Method 2
the corona discharge causes electrohydrodynamic pumping of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
cause the charged particles to diffuse and submerge as droplets in the first phase
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for creating emulsions are described. Also described are the emulsions created by the methods or with the systems.