Flow Path Multiphase Injection to Suppress Scale and Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Scale adheres to and corrodes the inner walls of flow paths through which hydrophilic liquids flow, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

A system and method involving a multiphase flow of hydrophilic and hydrophobic liquids with differing specific gravities, where the hydrophobic liquid is injected into the flow path to form a continuous or discontinuous distribution, enhancing contact with the inner wall and reducing scale and corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hydrophilic liquid flows through the flow path, then heat transfer efficiency is maintained, but scale adheres to the inner wall causing corrosion and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidscale adhesion and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A hydrophobic liquid is introduced as an intermediary substance into the flow path. This hydrophobic liquid forms a protective film on the inner wall of the flow path, acting as a mediator between the hydrophilic liquid and the wall surface. The hydrophobic film prevents direct contact between the hydrophilic liquid and the wall, thereby suppressing scale adhesion and corrosion while allowing the hydrophilic liquid to continue flowing for heat transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fluid system by introducing a hydrophobic liquid with different properties than the hydrophilic liquid. This parameter change creates a multiphase flow system where the hydrophobic liquid modifies the wetting characteristics of the wall surface, reducing the affinity between the hydrophilic liquid and the wall, thus preventing scale formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the flow path is cleaned to remove scale, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but operation must be interrupted and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidoperational interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrophobic liquid is introduced in advance to prevent scale adhesion before it occurs. By forming a protective film on the wall surface beforehand, the system prevents the accumulation of scale that would otherwise require cleaning operations. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for operational interruptions for maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables continuous operation by maintaining the protective hydrophobic film on the wall surface throughout operation. The hydrophobic liquid continuously suppresses scale formation, allowing the heat transfer process to proceed without interruption. The system maintains its protective function continuously, eliminating downtime for cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Suppresses scale generation and corrosion on the inner walls of flow paths without interrupting the flow of hydrophilic liquids, allowing for continuous operation and reduced maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a pump that is disposed in the circulation flow path to generate a multiphase flow of the hydrophilic liquid and the hydrophobic liquid in the flow path by injecting the hydrophobic liquid stored in the storage part into the flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMultiphase flow: Two-Phase Flow

Implementation Method 2

a flow path through which a hydrophilic liquid flows; a storage part that is disposed at an outlet of the flow path and stores the hydrophilic liquid and a hydrophobic liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS20260084194A1Flow path maintaining system and flow path maintaining method

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF MARINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

To suppress generation of scale on an inner wall of a flow path and/or corrosion of the inner wall of the flow path. A scale suppressing system includes: piping through which a hydrophilic liquid flows; a storage part that is disposed at an outlet of the piping and stores the hydrophilic liquid and a hydrophobic liquid having a specific gravity different from a specific gravity of the hydrophilic liquid; circulation piping having one end connected to a portion of the storage part in which the hydrophobic liquid is stored and another end connected to the piping; and a pump that is disposed in the circulation piping to generate a multiphase flow of the hydrophilic liquid and the hydrophobic liquid in the piping by injecting the hydrophobic liquid stored in the storage part into the piping.