Cycling Siphon Valve with Magnetic Float for Gas Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Siphon systems in drain systems face inefficiencies due to the buildup of gas bubbles when dealing with liquids containing dissolved and entrained gases, which obstructs the flow and reduces the effectiveness of the siphon operation, especially during low pressure and low flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cycling siphon system that utilizes a valve controlled by a float and a pair of magnets to automatically open and close, minimizing gas buildup by creating a negative pressure to evacuate liquids and prevent gas bubbles from forming, with the float's buoyancy force overcoming the magnetic attraction to cycle continuously as the liquid level changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional siphon is used to remove liquid containing dissolved and entrained gases, then the siphon can convey liquid from elevated source to lower elevation, but gas bubbles build up at the apex of the uptake tube obstructing flow and reducing siphon effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The siphon system employs periodic cycling operation where the valve opens and closes automatically based on liquid level in the basin. During each cycle, liquid is evacuated rapidly through the siphon tube, creating negative pressure that prevents gas bubble formation. The periodic nature of this operation maintains continuous effectiveness by repeatedly flushing the system and preventing gas accumulation at the apex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a float-controlled valve mechanism that automatically responds to liquid level changes in the basin. When liquid reaches a certain level, the float rises and opens the valve, allowing siphon action to evacuate liquid. As liquid level drops, the float closes the valve, stopping the cycle. This self-regulating mechanism maintains optimal operation without external control, continuously preventing gas buildup through automatic cycling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the siphon operates at low pressure and low flow to match input flow rate, then it can handle varying liquid collection rates, but this condition promotes gas bubble formation and buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves this contradiction by operating in periodic cycles rather than continuous low-flow mode. During each cycle, the valve opens and the siphon evacuates liquid at high flow rate, creating sufficient negative pressure to prevent gas bubble formation. The cycle then pauses as the basin refills, maintaining adaptability to varying input rates while avoiding the gas buildup problem associated with continuous low-flow operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter dynamically through cycling operation. Instead of maintaining constant low flow to match input rate, the valve opens to allow high flow evacuation temporarily, then closes to allow basin refilling. This parameter change strategy maintains adaptability while preventing gas bubble formation that would occur during prolonged low-flow conditions.
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 system effectively prevents gas buildup in the siphon, maintaining efficient operation by continuously cycling and ensuring that dissolved and entrained gases are removed, even at low pressures, thereby enhancing the siphon's effectiveness and preventing obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
the float exhibiting a buoyancy force that increases as a liquid in the basin increases
Implementation Method 2
a pair of magnets, in contact with each other by a magnetic attractive force, arranged to restrict upward movement of the float
Implementation Method 3
The siphon comprises: a valve (e.g., a linear valve, a ball valve, etc.) in fluid communication with the drain tube; a float that floats on the liquid in the basin and controls the opening and closing of the valve, the float exhibiting a buoyancy force that increases as a liquid in the basin increases
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for an intake-end siphon flow regulator that allows for continuous operation in container liquids with entrained gases. A float actuated valve opens and closes as needed so that the siphon draws in container liquid. The float valve mechanism uses magnets that provide for a continuous valve cycling. This cycling overcomes gas build up that typically causes the siphon to fail. By disallowing extended periods of relatively low flow and pressure, the siphon builds up less gas bubbles that obstruct siphon operation. When the liquid rises enough, the float's buoyancy overcomes the magnetic attraction and the valve completely opens. The highest flow possible occurs and washes gases downstream. As the container liquid draws down, the magnets draw closer and when their magnetic fields interact, the magnets are drawn together, completely closing the valve. As liquid again enters the container, the aforementioned cycle repeats.