Counter Current Oxygenation System Using Porous Diffuser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygenation systems for liquids, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,643,403 and 4,217,211, require pressurized water and are less efficient in achieving oxygen supersaturation, particularly in water streams.
Innovation Solution
A counter current supersaturation oxygenation system comprising a down flow tube, an upflow tube, and a gas diffuser, where the gas diffuser includes a porous tube and a support frame, with a pneumatic T-connector and a non-porous gas supply hose, allowing for efficient oxygen transfer into a liquid stream without the need for pressurized water, and optionally using a buoyant platform in a body of liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressurized water is used in oxygenation systems (as in Speece and Crane patents), then oxygen transfer can be achieved, but the system complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressurization requirement from the oxygenation system by using atmospheric pressure oxygen injection combined with natural water circulation. The system removes the need for pressurized water while maintaining effective oxygen transfer through the use of a diffuser device that operates at atmospheric pressure, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs natural water circulation and atmospheric pressure oxygen injection, allowing the system to oxygenate water without external pressurization equipment. The water flow and oxygen transfer occur naturally through the diffuser device, eliminating the need for complex pressurization mechanisms and reducing energy requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional oxygenation methods are used, then oxygenation occurs, but turbulence increases which reduces oxygenation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a controlled oxygen injection zone through the diffuser device where oxygen is introduced in a localized manner. This localized oxygen injection minimizes turbulence in the broader water body while maintaining high oxygen transfer efficiency at the diffusion interface, thereby resolving the contradiction between oxygenation effectiveness and turbulence generation.
3Reliability
If U-tube oxygenation is used, then oxygen transfer occurs at the top intake, but this results in less efficient oxygenation of the water stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional U-tube approach by injecting oxygen at the bottom of the water column rather than at the top intake. This bottom-up oxygen injection method allows oxygen to rise through the entire water column, maximizing contact time and oxygen transfer efficiency throughout the stream, thereby resolving the contradiction between oxygen transfer and oxygenation 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
Enables more efficient oxygen supersaturation of liquids, minimizing turbulence and optimizing oxygen transfer, thereby enhancing the oxygenation process compared to prior art methods.
Implementation Method 1
Oxygen passes up from the gas diffuser and into the stream of liquid
Implementation Method 2
A stream of liquid is flowed down the down flow tube. The stream of liquid becomes oxygenated by passing down the down flow tube. Oxygen passes up from the gas diffuser and into the stream of liquid
Implementation Method 3
The buoyant platform is set in a body of liquid, such as a retaining pond, a pond or a lake. A top of the down flow tube is retained by the buoyant platform
Data Source
AI summary
A counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, an upflow tube and a gas diffuser. The gas diffuser preferably includes a porous tube and a support frame. The porous tube is preferably wrapped in a spiral from a bottom of the support frame to a top of the support frame. A non-porous gas supply hose is connected to the porous tube. The gas diffuser is suspended inside the down flow tube at substantially a bottom thereof. One end of the upflow tube is connected to substantially a bottom of the down flow tube. A second embodiment of the counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, the gas diffuser and a buoyant platform. A stream of liquid becomes oxygenated by passing down the down flow tube. The oxygenated liquid may flow up the upflow tube or down to any appropriate destination.