Ejector Helical Flow VOC Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing volatile organic components (VOC) in tank ships are inefficient, pose safety hazards, and result in economic losses due to evaporation leading to pressure issues and loss of liquid during transport of hydrocarbon-containing liquids.
Innovation Solution
A device based on the ejector principle with a mixing zone in the form of a straight tube, featuring gas nozzles arranged in an annular aperture around a central liquid passage, inducing a helical flow that separates gas and liquid, ensuring even distribution and absorption, thereby reducing bubble collisions and maintaining tank pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If manual valve opening is used for pressure reduction, then pressure control is achieved, but safety hazards increase under tough weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls tank pressure through the ejector device that continuously absorbs evaporated VOCs, eliminating the need for manual valve operations and enabling self-regulating pressure control without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical valve operation is replaced by a fluid dynamic system using the ejector principle, where high-velocity liquid flow creates vacuum to absorb gases, substituting manual mechanical pressure control with automated fluid-based pressure regulation
2Stress or pressure
If absorption systems are installed on deck, then pressure control is achieved, but safety risks remain due to exposure to harsh environment
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector device is embedded within the tank structure itself, with the mixing zone and absorption chambers integrated into the tank wall or bottom, nesting the pressure control system inside the protected tank environment rather than exposing it on deck
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous gas absorption capability that cushions against pressure build-up before it becomes hazardous, and the embedded installation protects critical components from environmental damage before failures can occur
3Stress or pressure
If evaporation is allowed to occur naturally, then equilibrium pressure is maintained, but economic loss occurs due to loss of volatile components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding evaporated VOCs to the atmosphere through venting, the system recovers them by absorbing the evaporated gases back into the liquid phase through the ejector-driven circulation system, converting what would be loss into reusable liquid
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation of the ejector device to continuously absorb evaporated VOCs as they form, creating an unbroken cycle of evaporation and re-absorption that prevents cumulative loss of volatile components while maintaining pressure equilibrium
4Productivity
If complex absorption systems are installed, then pressure control efficiency is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical components such as compressors, condensers, and multiple valves are extracted from the system and replaced with a simple ejector device that uses only fluid flow and pressure differential to achieve gas absorption, dramatically reducing component count and maintenance needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses purely pneumatic and hydraulic principles through the ejector device, where high-velocity liquid flow creates vacuum and mixing zones to absorb gases, eliminating the need for mechanical compressors, motors, and complex control systems while maintaining high efficiency
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 solution effectively reduces gas bubble formation, minimizes safety risks, and maintains tank pressure, ensuring efficient absorption of VOCs and reducing liquid loss during transport, while being easy to maintain and operate.
Implementation Method 1
The device is based on an ejector principle with a mixing zone in the form of a substantially straight tube immediately downstream of the ejector
Implementation Method 2
Gas nozzles arranged in an annular aperture around a central liquid passage, inducing a helical flow that separates gas and liquid
Implementation Method 3
a mixing zone in the form of a substantially straight tube immediately downstream of the ejector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device for absorption of at least one component chosen among gas and vapour in a liquid based on an ejector principle, comprising a mixing zone in the form of a substantially straight tube (5) immediately downstream of the ejector (1). The device comprises an ejector (1) with a central liquid passage (2) and a substantially annular, sectioned aperture (4) for gas/vapour. The gas aperture (4) generally surrounds the central liquid passage (2) and the annular, sectioned aperture (4) for gas/vapour is designed in a manner to cause the gas/vapour to enter the mixing zone with a velocity component that is inclined to the periphery surface of the tube to thereby provide a helical flow (6) downstream of the ejector (1).