Flow-Shaping Conduit Recess for Uniform Photo-Reactor Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluids in flow conduits like photo-reactors experience non-uniform speeds, leading to inadequate exposure to electromagnetic radiation, which can result in untreated contamination, and the use of flow-restraining elements to achieve uniformity is undesirable as they interfere with the reactor's operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow conduit design featuring a recessed flow-shaping element that directs fluid flow uniformly through a principal channel, ensuring consistent exposure to radiation sources by shaping the fluid flow path and maintaining the integrity of the reactor's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a flow-restraining element is positioned in the fluid flow conduit to provide more-uniform fluid travel speeds, then fluid velocity uniformity is improved, but the element blocks the radiation path and interferes with photo-reactor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow-shaping element as an intermediary component that indirectly controls fluid velocity without directly obstructing the radiation path. This element shapes the flow profile upstream, allowing uniform velocity distribution while maintaining radiation transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-shaping element divides the flow control function into separate zones: a flow-shaping region that modifies velocity distribution and a principal flow channel that carries the shaped flow. This segmentation allows independent optimization of flow uniformity and radiation transmission.
2Productivity
If fluid travels at high speed through the photo-reactor, then productivity is improved, but the fluid is not exposed to electromagnetic radiation for enough time to be treated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the velocity distribution parameter from non-uniform (high peak velocities) to uniform (consistent velocity across the channel). This ensures all fluid elements spend adequate time in the radiation field while maintaining high overall throughput through optimized flow rates.
3Ease of operation
If fluid travels at non-uniform speeds through the photo-reactor, then ease of operation is maintained, but treatment effectiveness deteriorates due to insufficient exposure time for high-speed fluid portions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-shaping element creates a self-regulating flow distribution where the velocity profile automatically uniformizes as fluid passes through the shaped region. This eliminates the need for complex external control mechanisms while ensuring reliable treatment effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow conduit according to one embodiment comprises: a body comprising a channel-defining surface which defines a principal flow channel extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the body defines an interior flow region comprising the principal flow channel; an inlet for introducing fluid into the interior flow region, the inlet shaped so that an average velocity of fluid entering the interior flow region from the inlet is oriented in an inlet flow direction non-parallel to the longitudinal direction; and an outlet for conveying fluid out of the principal flow channel, the outlet spaced apart from the inlet in the longitudinal direction such that fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet passes through at least a portion of the principal flow channel; wherein the fluid flow conduit defines a recess in the interior flow region and facing the inlet.