Multiple Submergence Depth Diffused Air System for Non-Flat Vessel Bottoms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional diffused air systems are limited to installations with flat floors and cannot effectively manage varying hydrostatic pressures across different elevations, making them unsuitable for vessels with sloped or conical bottoms.
Innovation Solution
A multiple submergence depth diffused air system that uses a single blower or compressor to provide a single mass flow and pressure discharge of air, distributed through multiple air distribution lines extending to different depths within the vessel, including the non-flat bottom floor, with orifice plates creating unique pressure heads for each line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single blower is used to provide air at a single pressure point, then the system is simple in configuration, but the system cannot effectively manage varying hydrostatic pressures across different elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is segmented into multiple independent distribution lines, each with its own orifice plate and diffuser units. This segmentation allows each line to be independently optimized for its specific elevation and hydrostatic pressure conditions, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and pressure management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each distribution line is equipped with locally optimized components including orifice plates sized for specific pressure heads and diffuser units positioned at specific depths. This local quality approach ensures that each part of the system is tailored to its specific operational conditions, enabling effective pressure management across varying elevations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the distribution grid is installed at one consistent elevation, then the installation is straightforward, but the system is not suitable for vessels with sloped or conical bottoms
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional grid at a single elevation to a three-dimensional distribution network with lines extending at various depths and angles. This dimensional expansion allows the system to adapt to sloped and conical vessel bottoms while maintaining installation feasibility through modular line configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution lines are designed with flexible routing capabilities, allowing them to be dynamically configured to match different vessel bottom geometries. This dynamic adaptability enables the same basic system design to be effectively installed in vessels with flat, sloped, or conical bottoms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If diffuser units are positioned at the same elevation, then the air distribution is uniform at that level, but the system cannot provide effective mixing and suspension throughout the entire fluid body
Solution Approach 1:
The system distributes air diffusers across multiple vertical levels rather than confining them to a single elevation plane. This vertical distribution creates three-dimensional air injection throughout the fluid body, simultaneously achieving local uniformity at each level and global effectiveness for mixing and suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The air distribution system is segmented into multiple vertical zones with diffusers positioned at different depths. Each zone provides uniform air distribution locally, while the collective arrangement of segmented zones throughout the vertical dimension achieves comprehensive mixing and suspension productivity.
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
This system allows for efficient mixing, solids suspension, and oxygen transfer across the entire fluid body, even in vessels with non-flat bottoms, by ensuring proportional airflow distribution across varying fluid depths, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
orifice plates associated with each air distribution line... sized and configured to produce a unique pressure head for each air distribution line at a designated mass flow of air
Implementation Method 2
outlets of the plurality of air distribution lines have grids comprising air diffuser units for distributing air into the fluid... releasing air from the air diffuser units to mix the fluid, provide solids suspension, and/or dissolve oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple submergence depth diffused air system includes: a vessel having a non-flat bottom floor and fluid; a single blower or compressor that provides a single mass flow and a single pressure discharge of air; a plurality of air distribution lines that extend from the single blower or compressor into the fluid, in which outlets of the plurality of air distribution lines have grids with air diffuser units for distributing air; and orifice plates associated with each air distribution line. At least some of the air distribution lines extend to different depths within the fluid and at least one of the air distribution lines extend into the fluid formed in the non-flat bottom floor of the vessel. The orifice plates can also be sized and configured to produce a unique pressure head for each air distribution line at a designated mass flow of air to the respective air distribution line.