Counterflow Nozzle for High Viscosity Bio-Oil Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional atomizer nozzle constructions are inadequate for efficiently atomizing high viscosity liquids, such as bio-oils, due to their inability to effectively break down the liquid jet and achieve sufficient atomization, leading to operational and durability issues in combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A counterflow nozzle assembly that mixes two fluid flows in opposite directions within the nozzle, creating a highly turbulent mixed fluid flow, which efficiently atomizes liquids by directing a first fluid flow through an inner tube and a second fluid flow into a chamber, where the second fluid flow is directed counter to the first, generating a pulsed or continuous atomized flow through an exit orifice.
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 flow regime parameter from laminar to turbulent by introducing a turbulence promoter element. This turbulence enables effective atomization of high viscosity liquids like bio-oils that cannot be atomized by conventional laminar flow air assist nozzles, while still maintaining capability to atomize petroleum fuels
2Reliability
If the viscosity of the liquid is increased (as with bio-oil), then the Reynolds number of the jet decreases, but liquid jet breakup and atomization become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence promoter element creates mechanical turbulence and chaotic flow patterns within the liquid jet. This mechanical disruption overcomes the stabilizing effect of high viscosity, forcing liquid jet breakup and droplet formation even when the Reynolds number is low, thereby restoring atomization efficiency for high viscosity bio-oil 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 assembly achieves rapid and efficient atomization of high viscosity liquids, enhancing combustion efficiency and engine durability, and is suitable for various fluid mixture scenarios, including gas-gas and liquid-liquid systems, allowing for the use of bio-oils as a drop-in fuel.
Implementation Method 1
mixes two fluid flows in opposite directions within the nozzle, creating a highly turbulent mixed fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
atomize liquid flows by directing a gas flow into the liquid flow to create the liquid droplets
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A nozzle assembly including an inner tube and an outer housing. The inner tube terminates at an outlet end and defines a first flow passage. The first flow passage directs first fluid flow to the outlet end in a primary flow direction. The outer housing includes a tubular side wall and an end wall. The tubular side wall defines a central axis. The end wall defines an exit orifice and an interior guide structure. The outlet end is axially aligned with the exit orifice. A second flow passage is established between the inner tube and the outer housing. The interior guide structure is configured and arranged relative to the outlet end to direct at least a portion of a second fluid flow from the second flow passage toward the outlet end in a direction initially opposite the primary flow direction for generating mixed fluid flow.