Flow Manipulator Reduces Turbulence in Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixer-distributor-collector apparatuses in fluid distribution and mixing systems for vessels with solid particles often create high velocity jet streams and turbulence, disturbing the downstream particle bed, even at low average linear fluid velocities, and exacerbate disturbances at higher velocities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow manipulator with greater open area than the fluid distributor, positioned between the fluid distributor and the downstream particle bed, to reduce or eliminate fluid velocity jets and turbulence, using devices like honeycombs, porous solids, or grids to smooth out fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fluid distributor is used to distribute fluid through a vessel containing solid particles, then fluid distribution uniformity is improved, but high velocity jet streams and turbulence are generated that disturb the downstream particle bed
Solution Approach 1:
A flow manipulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid distributor and the particle bed. This mediator device receives the high velocity fluid from the distributor and transforms it into a lower velocity, more uniform flow before it reaches the particles, thereby eliminating the harmful jet streams and turbulence that would otherwise disturb the particle bed
Solution Approach 2:
The flow manipulator changes the physical parameters of the fluid flow by reducing its velocity and transforming turbulent flow into laminar flow. This parameter transformation allows the fluid to maintain distribution effectiveness while eliminating the harmful high velocity jets that cause particle bed disturbance
2Productivity
If the fluid velocity is increased to maintain flow rate, then productivity is improved, but turbulence and particle bed disturbance are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The flow manipulator converts the harmful high velocity turbulent flow into a beneficial low velocity laminar flow. By transforming the harmful kinetic energy and turbulence into useful uniform distribution flow, the system maintains high productivity through adequate flow rate while eliminating the harmful effects of turbulence and particle bed disturbance
3Device complexity
If a traditional fluid distributor design is used, then device complexity is minimized, but channeling and pressure drops occur in the particle bed
Solution Approach 1:
The flow manipulator serves as an intermediary device that addresses flow distribution reliability issues without requiring complete redesign of the entire apparatus. This additional component mediates between the simple distributor structure and the particle bed, preventing channeling and pressure drops while maintaining overall system simplicity
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
Significantly minimizes disturbances to the particle bed, maintaining process efficiency by reducing particle movement and turbulence across a range of fluid velocities, from low to four to seven times higher, thus preventing channeling and pressure drops.
Implementation Method 1
adding sufficient uniform resistance across the flow channel to smooth out a non-uniform velocity profile
Implementation Method 2
providing a more uniform redistribution (more uniform velocity profile) at the downstream or outlet boundary
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mixer-distributor-collector apparatus for use between beds of solid particles in a fluid-solid contacting vessel. The apparatus includes a solids retaining screen, fluid deflector, passageway, fluid distributor, and flow manipulator. The flow manipulator is a device such as a honeycomb, porous solid, perforated plate, screen, or grid having an open area greater than the open area of the fluid distributor and is located below and spaced apart from the fluid distributor. The apparatus improves the fluid flow characteristics by minimizing or eliminating fluid velocity jets and/or other turbulence which can disturb the downstream particle bed. In an exemplary application, the invention finds use in simulated moving bed (SMB) adsorptive separation processes.