Curved-Plate Micro-Bubble Removal Device for Compact Liquid Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing removal devices for gas micro-bubbles and dirt particles in liquid conduit systems are complex, costly, and unsuitable for smaller installations, with limitations in flow distribution and installation flexibility, leading to inefficient removal and high manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A removal device with curved plates that distribute the main flow evenly across the housing, allowing for effective gas and dirt removal, featuring branch flow channels with a curved cross-section and quiet zones for particle settlement, and a hydraulic separator with flow obstruction members to balance varying flows, enabling efficient operation in smaller spaces with minimal pipeline curvature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If longitudinal baffles are used to define flow channels, then removal of gas micro-bubbles and dirt particles is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidbaffle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the flow channel definition function from complex longitudinal baffles and implements it through the housing geometry itself. The housing is designed with integrated flow channels that guide liquid flow without requiring separate baffle structures, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining removal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it contains the liquid, defines the flow channels, and provides the structural framework. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate longitudinal baffles, reducing device complexity while preserving the gas and dirt particle removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If complex longitudinal baffles are used, then flow channels are defined, but manufacturing costs become high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidbaffle configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the separate longitudinal baffle components and integrates their flow channel-defining function directly into the housing design. This extraction simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts that need to be produced and assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is merged with the flow channel structure, combining what were previously separate elements (housing and baffles) into a single integrated component. This merging reduces manufacturing steps and assembly requirements, lowering production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If removal device is designed for horizontal piping, then effective removal is achieved, but installation flexibility is limited for smaller buildings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the device adaptable to different installation orientations by designing the flow channels and internal structures to function effectively in both horizontal and vertical configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows the same device design to be used in various building sizes and piping arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with universal installation capabilities, allowing it to be mounted in different orientations (horizontal, vertical, inclined) depending on the specific building requirements. This multi-functionality in terms of installation flexibility makes it suitable for both large buildings with extensive horizontal piping and smaller buildings with limited installation options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides effective distribution and removal of gas bubbles and dirt particles, reducing manufacturing costs and improving installation suitability for smaller spaces, while the hydraulic separator effectively balances flows to prevent excessive leakages and pressure peaks.

Implementation Method 1

The curved plates urge a part of the main flow sideways, to the left and right sides of the housing. This results in a more effective gas and dirt removal.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow distribution:

Implementation Method 2

the velocity of the liquid in the at least one quiet zone is substantially smaller than in the main flow channel and small enough to allow dirt to settle and/or gas bubbles to form in the at least one quiet zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Implementation Method 3

a hydraulic separator for balancing varying flows in a primary liquid circuit and a secondary liquid circuit, the hydraulic separator comprising: a housing which defines an inner space, an upper entry and an upper exit located in an upper region of the housing and a lower entry and a lower exit located in a lower region of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic balancing:

Data Source

PatentEP2675541B1Improved removal device for micro-bubbles and dirt particles
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 FLAMCO BV
  • EP2675541B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2675541B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2675541B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system, the removal device comprising: -a housing having an entry and an exit and, -a main ongoing flow channel which extends through the housing from the entry to the exit, -a plurality of branch flow channels, each branch flow channel branching off from the main flow channel at a branch point, -at least one quiet zone which is provided at the ends of the branch flow channels, -at least one return flow channel for a return flow from the at least one quiet zone back to the main flow channel, wherein the return flow channel merges with the main flow channel at a merge point, wherein the branch flow channels are defined by plates which are curved.