Flow Distribution Duct Assembly for VOC Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow distribution systems for volatile organic compound removal devices are expensive, time-consuming to build and disassemble for maintenance, and require extensive piping and fittings, complicating the distribution of contaminated water within the system.
Innovation Solution
A fluid inlet and distribution system featuring a flow distribution duct assembly with multiple containment walls forming a horizontal flow passage, eliminating the need for extensive piping and fittings by using a cabinet with downcomer assemblies and a discharge duct to evenly distribute contaminated fluid across compartments, reducing the complexity and cost of system assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional piping assemblies with multiple elbows, couplings, and fasteners are used to distribute contaminated water, then the system can be constructed, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate piping components (elbows, couplings, fasteners, distribution headers) into a single integrated flow distribution duct assembly. This duct assembly is formed as one continuous structure with internal partitions that directly distribute water to multiple compartments, eliminating the need for numerous separate components and their associated connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution duct assembly is designed with internal partitions or septa that segment the single water inlet flow into multiple separate outlet streams. These partitions divide the duct's internal volume to create individual flow channels leading to different cabinet compartments, achieving distribution functionality without external piping.
2Ease of operation
If extensive piping and fittings are used to distribute contaminated water to multiple compartments, then water distribution can be achieved, but the number of components and fasteners increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of water distribution, flow division, and structural support into a single integrated duct assembly. This eliminates numerous separate components (piping, fittings, flanges, fasteners) that would otherwise be required to achieve the same water distribution to multiple compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the water distribution function from the traditional piping system and integrates it directly into the cabinet structure through the flow distribution duct assembly. This eliminates the need for separate external piping systems and their associated components.
3Volume of moving object
If traditional flow distribution piping assemblies supported on the upper wall are used, then water can be distributed to compartments, but the upper space envelope of the cabinet is significantly extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement where distribution piping extends upward from the cabinet to a horizontal arrangement where the flow distribution duct assembly is integrated within the cabinet's upper wall plane. This dimensional change allows water distribution without increasing the cabinet's vertical height or upper space envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution duct assembly is merged with the cabinet's upper wall structure, eliminating the need for separate external support structures that would extend the cabinet's upper envelope. The duct assembly becomes an integral part of the cabinet's existing structural volume.
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 solution simplifies the construction and maintenance of VOC removal devices by reducing the number of components and fasteners needed, minimizing space requirements, and facilitating easier access and faster disassembly, while ensuring efficient distribution of contaminated fluid across compartments.
Implementation Method 1
The contaminated water is typically pumped to a receiving manifold of a flow distribution piping assembly
Implementation Method 2
Air strippers which direct streams of air into a flowing stream of the contaminated water are used to transfer the VOCs from the water (aqueous phase) to the air stream (gaseous phase)
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid inlet and distribution system for a volatile organic removal device includes a cabinet having an upper wall and multiple downcomer assemblies positioned within the cabinet accessible through a cabinet access. The multiple downcomer assemblies are divisible into first and second cabinet compartments isolated from each other by a dividing wall. A flow distribution duct assembly connected to the upper wall of the cabinet includes upper, bottom, outward facing and inward facing substantially flat containment walls defining a generally rectangular shaped flow passage. A contaminated fluid inlet is connected to one of the upper, inward facing, or outward facing containment walls. A discharge duct connected to the bottom containment wall is positioned above a receiving chamber operating to equally divide a flow of a contaminated fluid containing a volatile organic compound discharged through the discharge duct equally to the first and second cabinet compartments.