Flow Path Structure for Swirling Flow and Uniform Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow path structures experience a decrease in mixing efficiency and uniformity when a flow is generated in the direction opposite to the main flow, leading to the formation of vortices and reduced mixing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A flow path structure design that includes a first flow path group connected to a second group via a branch portion and a second group connected to a third group via a merging portion, with specific opening area ratios and shapes to minimize reverse flow vortices, promoting a swirling flow for enhanced mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flow path structure is designed to generate vortices for improved mixing, then mixing efficiency is improved, but reverse flow vortices decrease mixing uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path structure is divided into multiple flow path groups (first, second, and third flow path groups) with different configurations. Each group processes fluid in a segmented manner, allowing the system to generate beneficial vortices in some groups while suppressing reverse flow vortices in others, thereby achieving both high mixing efficiency and uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
Different flow path groups are designed with different local characteristics - the first flow path group has a configuration optimized for generating vortices to enhance mixing efficiency, while the second flow path group has a configuration optimized for suppressing reverse flow vortices to ensure mixing uniformity. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of both mixing efficiency and uniformity
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 design suppresses reverse flow vortices and enhances mixing efficiency and uniformity by generating a swirling flow, resulting in improved fluid mixing and dilution.
Implementation Method 1
mixing efficiency can be improved by generating a vortex in the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path structure according to an embodiment includes three groups of flow paths connected by branch and merging portions. The first group connects to the second group via a branch portion, and the second group connects to the third group via a merging portion. The branch portion has openings on both the first and second group sides, while the merging portion has openings on both the second and third group sides. If the first group has N flow paths and the second group has M flow paths (where M is N or more), the total opening area of the second group's branch openings is at most M/N times that of the first group's branch openings. Additionally, at least one merging opening in the second group is equal to or smaller than at least one merging opening in the third group.