Curved Vane Turbulent Flow Device for Well Tank Sediment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well tank assemblies suffer from sediment buildup and stagnant water pockets, leading to degradation and water quality issues, with existing solutions being costly and not easily adaptable to existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A device with vane elements that redirect fluid flow in a non-axial direction within the tank assembly, creating turbulent flow to suspend sediment and prevent stagnant pockets, integrated with a diaphragm-type well tank assembly to separate water from pressurized gas and prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water flows axially through the tank fitting, then the flow is simple and direct, but sediment settles at the bottom and stagnant pockets form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved vanes that redirect axial flow into a radial/turbulent pattern. The curved geometry transforms the simple axial flow into a complex three-dimensional turbulent flow that suspends sediment and eliminates stagnant pockets while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard vane construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates turbulent flow patterns that mimic vibrational mixing effects. The vanes are positioned and angled to generate flow chaos and turbulence, creating a mixing action that prevents sediment settling and stagnant water formation without requiring actual mechanical vibration components.
2Reliability
If a diaphragm is used to separate water and gas, then water quality is protected from corrosion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible diaphragm to separate the water chamber from the gas chamber. This thin film barrier effectively prevents water-gas contact and corrosion while maintaining a relatively simple overall tank structure. The diaphragm is a standard component that can be integrated without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If turbulent flow is created to suspend sediment, then water quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow control function into multiple discrete vanes positioned at different locations within the tank. Each vane contributes to creating turbulence, and the segmented approach allows for easier manufacturing and assembly compared to a single complex flow control component. The vanes are simple geometric elements that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes.
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 turbulent flow device effectively suspends sediment for removal and prevents stagnant water, improving tank maintenance and water quality while being a cost-effective solution compatible with existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
Each vane element includes a curved surface which is adapted and configured for causing turbulent flow in the fluid cell of the tank assembly by redirecting fluid entering the tank assembly axially through the fitting in a non-axial direction into the fluid cell
Implementation Method 2
conventional expansion and well tanks (collectively 'tank assemblies') typically include impermeable diaphragms, or bladders, to separate the interior of the well tank into two chambers, or cells: a liquid, or water, chamber and a compressible, or pressurized, gas chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for causing turbulent flow in a tank assembly that has an internal fluid cell and a fitting for allowing fluid to enter and exit the fluid cell from the exterior of the tank assembly. The device includes a main body portion and first and second retaining arms. The first and second retaining arms extend from the main body portion of the device and are adapted and configured for supporting the device substantially within the fitting of the tank assembly. A plurality of curved vane elements extend from the main body portion which cause turbulent flow in the fluid cell of the tank assembly by redirecting fluid entering the tank assembly axially through the fitting in a non-axial direction into the fluid cell.