Counterflow Nozzle Atomizes High Viscosity Bio-Oil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air assist atomizer nozzle constructions are inadequate for efficiently atomizing high viscosity liquids such as bio-oils due to their inability to effectively break up the liquid jet and achieve sufficient atomization, leading to operational and durability issues in combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
The development of nozzle assemblies that utilize a counterflow mixing mechanism, where a first fluid flow is directed into a second fluid flow in a counter direction to create a mixed fluid flow, effectively atomizing liquids by generating a highly unstable velocity profile and enhancing mixing, suitable for a wide range of liquids including bio-oils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional air assist atomizer nozzle constructions are used, then petroleum fuels can be rapidly atomized, but high viscosity liquids such as bio-oils cannot be sufficiently atomized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental atomization mechanism from air-assist (external gas flow) to pressure-driven jet breakup. By using a pressure differential across the nozzle (high pressure liquid supply, low pressure atmosphere) to create a free jet that breaks up through aerodynamic instability, the system achieves effective atomization of high viscosity fuels like bio-oil that cannot be atomized by conventional air-assist methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical air-assist system (blowing gas along the liquid stream) with a pressure-driven jet system. The atomization is achieved through the natural aerodynamic breakup of a free liquid jet under pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex air assistance mechanisms and enabling effective atomization of high viscosity fuels
2Reliability
If air assist atomizer nozzle constructions are used, then the liquid stream can be atomized, but the Reynolds number of high viscosity jets is significantly reduced, inhibiting liquid jet breakup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the atomization mechanism from relying on high Reynolds number turbulent mixing (air-assist) to utilizing pressure-driven jet breakup. The pressure differential creates a free jet that breaks up through aerodynamic instability, a mechanism that remains effective even at low Reynolds numbers typical of high viscosity fuels like bio-oil
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using air flow to assist liquid atomization (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using pressure-driven liquid jet breakup where the liquid itself, under pressure differential, creates the atomization through free jet instability. This reversal enables effective atomization of high viscosity fuels where conventional air-assist fails
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional air assist atomizer nozzle constructions are used, then petroleum fuels can be atomized, but operational and durability problems occur with high viscosity fuels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the atomization mechanism to pressure-driven jet breakup, which effectively atomizes high viscosity fuels like bio-oil. This produces a fine, homogeneous spray that ensures complete combustion, preventing operational problems such as clogging, incomplete combustion, and durability issues that occur with conventional air-assist atomization of high viscosity fuels
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 counterflow nozzle assemblies achieve efficient atomization of high viscosity liquids, improving combustion efficiency and engine durability, and can be used as a drop-in fuel solution, reducing energy and refining costs, while being applicable to various spraying applications.
Implementation Method 1
directing a first fluid flow into a second fluid flow in a counter direction to create a mixed fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
generating a highly unstable velocity profile
Implementation Method 3
atomize liquid flows... include droplets of the liquid dispersed in a gas
Implementation Method 4
inhibiting liquid jet breakup and leading to insufficient levels of atomization
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle assembly including a primary tube and an outer housing, and configured to generate a counterflowing stream to break up another fluid into small droplets.