Double-Walled Pipe Ventilation Using a Water Ejector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ships and offshore structures require expensive and power-consuming fans for air circulation in double-walled pipes to prevent gas leakage, which also necessitate expensive explosion-proof enclosures.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled pipe ventilation system utilizing a water ejector to circulate air through an outer pipe, eliminating the need for fans and integrating with existing cooling systems for efficient gas leakage detection and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fans are used for air circulation in the outer pipe, then air circulation and gas leakage detection are achieved, but the system becomes expensive and power-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan system with a natural convection-based air circulation system. The outer pipe is designed with a downward slope towards the discharge point, allowing air to circulate naturally through gravity-driven convection currents. This eliminates the need for powered mechanical devices while maintaining reliable gas leakage detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes natural convection currents (a fluid dynamics phenomenon) to drive air circulation through the outer pipe. By creating a temperature differential and utilizing the resulting density differences in the air, the system achieves continuous air flow without mechanical intervention, thereby eliminating power consumption while maintaining detection reliability.
2Productivity
If fans are used for air circulation, then ventilation is achieved, but expensive explosion-proof enclosures are required
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical fan with a passive natural convection system, the patent eliminates the need for explosion-proof enclosures. The system uses the natural buoyancy of warm air rising and cooler air sinking to create continuous circulation, removing all electrical components from the hazardous area and thus eliminating the complexity and cost of explosion-proof design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical fan component from the system entirely, replacing it with a purely passive mechanical convection-based system. This extraction of the hazardous electrical element eliminates the need for special explosion-proof enclosures while maintaining ventilation functionality through natural physical processes.
3Productivity
If fans are used for air circulation, then air flow is achieved, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive powered fan systems with inexpensive passive natural convection systems. By utilizing free convection currents generated by temperature differences, the system achieves effective air circulation without the cost of fans, motors, controllers, and associated electrical infrastructure, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining circulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sustaining through natural convection. The air circulation is driven automatically by the temperature differential created during engine operation, with warm air rising and drawing in cooler air through the outer pipe. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for expensive powered components while maintaining continuous air circulation at adequate rates.
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 provides a cost-effective, reliable, and flexible ventilation solution that reduces the risk of gas explosions and ensures accurate gas leakage detection, eliminating the need for separate power sources and expensive fans.
Implementation Method 1
a water ejector provided to the air circulation unit and suctioning air circulated through the outer pipe using a high-pressure working fluid introduced into the water ejector
Implementation Method 2
an engine unit including a jacket cooling circulation unit dissipating heat generated by an engine
Implementation Method 3
a jacket cooling circulation pump circulating cooling water for heat exchange in the jacket cooling circulation unit
Implementation Method 4
an air circulation unit circulating the air discharged along the air outlet line
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A double-walled pipe ventilation system is disclosed. The double-walled pipe ventilation system includes: an engine unit including a jacket cooling circulation unit dissipating heat generated by an engine; a fuel supply unit connected to the engine unit via a double-walled pipe and supplying fuel through an inner pipe of the double-walled pipe; an air outlet line along which air is discharged from an outer pipe of the double-walled pipe; an air circulation unit circulating the air discharged along the air outlet line; and a water ejector provided to the air circulation unit and suctioning air circulated through the outer pipe using a high-pressure working fluid introduced into the water ejector.