Drip Edge Profiling for Uniform Liquid Droplet Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating discrete liquid phases in continuous liquid phases for separation processes, such as oil purification, face challenges in achieving optimal droplet size and uniform distribution, which are crucial for efficient phase separation and cleaning effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a distribution element and a collecting channel with specific design features, including outlet openings, a side wall with inclined or profiled drip edges, and a deflection element, to generate discrete droplets of uniform size within the continuous phase, facilitating mass transfer and phase separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional distributor pipes with bores are used to generate discrete liquid phase, then the device structure is simple, but the droplet size uniformity and distribution uniformity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution element is segmented into multiple outlet openings arranged in a specific pattern, and the collecting channel is divided into regions with different side wall inclinations. This segmentation allows different parts of the device to perform specialized functions: some outlets generate droplets while others facilitate coalescence, achieving uniform droplet size distribution without requiring complex overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the collecting channel are assigned different local qualities through varying side wall inclinations. The side walls have specific inclination angles (e.g., 10°-85°) in different zones to control liquid film formation and droplet detachment characteristics locally, ensuring optimal droplet uniformity in specific areas while maintaining simple overall device structure
2Manufacturing precision
If distributor pipes with bores are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the distribution uniformity of discrete phase in continuous phase is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from simple radial or axial outlet arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration where outlet openings are distributed across multiple surfaces and angles. The collecting channel adds a vertical dimension with inclined side walls, creating multi-dimensional liquid distribution patterns that achieve superior uniformity while using straightforward manufacturing processes
3Manufacturing precision
If the side wall has means for generating discrete phase in the form of drops, then droplet size uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are designed with specific curvature and inclination angles rather than vertical straight lines. This curved, inclined geometry naturally guides the liquid film to form uniform droplets as it flows down, achieving consistent droplet size through geometric design rather than complex mechanical droplet generation mechanisms
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 device enables the production of discrete droplets of optimal size for enhanced mass transfer and phase separation, improving the efficiency of separation processes like crude oil purification by ensuring uniform distribution and stability of the liquid film.
Implementation Method 1
The side wall has an inclination or shape that enables the formation of a liquid film
Implementation Method 2
The side wall creates a connecting surface between the outlet side and a horizontal drip edge
Implementation Method 3
A deflection element, through which the first liquid can be deflected into an interior area of the collecting channel towards the collecting side
Implementation Method 4
The distribution element has outlet openings for introducing the first liquid into the collecting channel
Implementation Method 5
The two liquids coexist as separate phases, have different densities and allow a desired mass transfer
Implementation Method 6
Between the two continuous phases there is a transition zone in which coalescence (of both the oil and the water) takes place
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The system (1) serves for generating a discrete liquid phase in a continuous liquid phase having a first liquid or a second liquid. The two liquids coexist as separate phases, have different densities and permit a desired mass transfer. The invention provides arranging the system in a container (9) which contains the second liquid forming the continuous phase. The system comprises, in a horizontal length extension, a distributor element (2), in particular a cylindrical tube, and a collection channel (3) for the first liquid. The collection channel has an exit side (4), a collection side (5) and at least one side wall (6) connecting the exit side and the collection side. The side wall (6) produces a connection between the outlet side and a horizontal dripping edge (7). This side wall has an inclination or shape which enables the formation of a liquid film of the discrete liquid phase. In order to increase the stability of the film, the side wall (6) can have a good wettability for the first liquid. The dripping edge or the side wall advantageously has a profiling, in particular toothing (70) for generating the discrete phase in the form of drops which are preferably of equal size on account of their uniform toothing.