Fluid Entry Device with Arcuate Guide Element for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid entry devices for mass transfer apparatuses face challenges in minimizing pressure loss while preventing or reducing the entrainment of liquid in the gas flow, which affects the efficiency of fluid separation and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A fluid inlet device with a channel containing guide elements, where each guide element has a deflection end and a collecting end with a catcher element forming an arcuate section and an adjoining section at an acute angle, directing the fluid flow to separate liquid from gas with minimal pressure loss and preventing liquid entrainment by guiding liquid to the base of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional guide elements with vertical liquid collecting channels are used, then liquid separation is achieved, but pressure loss increases and liquid entrainment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the liquid collecting channel with an arcuate section that follows a curved path around the second end of the guide element. This curved geometry allows the liquid to be collected and redirected along the arcuate path to the leeward side, reducing direct impingement and pressure loss while maintaining effective liquid-gas separation. The curved section has a radius of at most 5 times the wall thickness of the guide element, optimizing the balance between separation efficiency and pressure drop.
2Reliability
If the liquid collecting channel is inclined to prevent liquid entrainment, then liquid separation improves, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid collecting channel is segmented into distinct functional sections: an opening section on the windward side, an arcuate middle section for curved liquid transport, and a closing section on the leeward side. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally - the opening section receives liquid, the arcuate section transports it along a curved path minimizing pressure loss, and the closing section directs it to the leeward side for effective separation and prevention of entrainment.
3Reliability
If guide elements are added to direct fluid flow, then liquid-gas separation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs flow direction, liquid collection, and liquid-gas separation functions. The single guide element structure incorporates the deflection element for directing partial flow, the second end for liquid collection, and the integrated arcuate section for liquid redirection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining relatively simple device structure while achieving effective separation.
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 solution effectively reduces the proportion of entrained liquid with the gas flow, ensuring efficient separation and distribution of fluids within the mass transfer apparatus, maintaining low pressure loss and preventing liquid from being carried upwards by the gas.
Implementation Method 1
a partial flow of the fluid can be generated by means of each guide element, which can be guided via the guide element into the interior
Implementation Method 2
a collecting element being provided at the second end... the liquid collecting channel serves to collect the liquid from the mixture and to separate it from the gas
Implementation Method 3
The arcuate section has a leading edge. The leading edge divides the fluid flowing along the windward side into a gas flow flowing outside the arcuate section and a liquid flow flowing through the gap between the leading edge and the second end of the vane
Data Source
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AI summary
The fluid input device has a trap element (15) fitted round the second end (12) of the guide element (2), leaving an aperture (16) between the windward side (13) and the trap element, connecting to arc-shaped sector (17) to which another sector (18) on the leeward side (14) is connected. This sector is also connected to the guide element.