Axisymmetric Flow Distributor for Mass Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass transfer processes between fluid and solid phases often suffer from unsatisfactory mass transport rates due to the solid phase being carried along with the liquid phase, impairing relative movement between materials.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a flow distributor with an axisymmetric design, capable of rotating around a central axis and moving perpendicular to it, which generates a flow of fluid medium through a containment of solid reactants, promoting mass transfer reactions without the need for additional flow systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solid phase material is carried along with the flow of the liquid phase material, then the flow system operates continuously, but the relative movement between different materials is impaired, reducing mass transport rate
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distributor is designed to rotate around its longitudinal axis while being movable perpendicular to this axis. This dynamic configuration creates relative movement between the fluid medium and solid phase material, preventing the solid material from being simply carried along with the flow. The rotation and translational movement of the flow distributor actively promotes mixing and mass transfer between phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distributor is configured to move not only in the axial direction (along the flow) but also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This addition of a second dimension of movement creates complex flow patterns and enhances relative movement between fluid and solid phases, thereby improving mass transport rate without compromising continuous operation.
2Productivity
If additional flow systems comprising valves, pumps and pipeworks are used to control circulation, then the fluid medium can be circulated through the solid reactant containment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distributor itself generates the flow of fluid medium through its rotation and movement. By rotating around its longitudinal axis and moving perpendicular to it, the flow distributor creates its own flow patterns, eliminating the need for external pumps, valves, and complex pipework systems to achieve fluid circulation through the solid reactant containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distributor serves multiple functions: it distributes the fluid medium, generates flow through rotation, creates relative movement between phases, and acts as a reaction chamber. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate components (distributor, pump, mixer, reactor) into a single integrated device, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the solid reactant is pushed towards the peripheral surface by radial forces, then the solid reactant may agglomerate or lose physical integrity, but the flow distribution may become uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distributor is designed to move perpendicular to its longitudinal axis in addition to rotating. This dynamic movement creates varying radial forces that prevent solid reactant from continuously accumulating at the peripheral surface. The alternating movement patterns help distribute solid reactant more evenly while preventing excessive agglomeration or damage to soft materials.
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 apparatus enhances the rate of mass transfer reactions by effectively managing the flow of the fluid medium and maintaining relative movement between the fluid and solid phases, thereby optimizing throughput and surface contact.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation of the flow distributor around the rotation axis may give rise to a pressure differential and/or inertial forces directed radially outwards with respect to the rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
the rotation of the flow distributor around the rotation axis may give rise to a pressure differential and/or inertial forces directed radially outwards with respect to the rotation axis
Implementation Method 3
inertial forces directed radially outwards with respect to the rotation axis
Implementation Method 4
the rate of the mass transfer reaction, e.g. by diffusion, adsorption, absorption, extraction or the like, between the fluid medium and the solid reactant may be positively affected
Implementation Method 5
the rate of the mass transfer reaction, e.g. by diffusion, adsorption, absorption, extraction or the like, between the fluid medium and the solid reactant may be positively affected
Implementation Method 6
the rate of the mass transfer reaction, e.g. by diffusion, adsorption, absorption, extraction or the like, between the fluid medium and the solid reactant may be positively affected
Implementation Method 7
the rate of the mass transfer reaction, e.g. by diffusion, adsorption, absorption, extraction or the like, between the fluid medium and the solid reactant may be positively affected
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for promoting a mass transfer reaction having a flow distributor and a drive unit. The flow distributor has a top end surface, a bottom end surface and a peripheral surface that are axisymmetric with respect to a rotation axis. The flow distributor is configured to submerge in a fluid medium and to generate a flow of the fluid medium through at least one of the top end surface and the bottom end surface and through the peripheral surface by rotating around the rotation axis. The drive unit is configured to move the flow distributor perpendicular to the rotation axis.