Fluid Regulator with Integrated Vortex Generator to Prevent Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid regulators experience icing due to hydrate formation at points of pressure reduction, which hinders their performance, and existing solutions require external heat sources.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a vortex generator within the regulator body to generate a hot fluid stream that conveys heat to the valve, preventing hydrate formation through conduction, fluid mixing, or serial flow, without the need for external heating sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vortex generator is integrated within the regulator body to generate heat, then icing prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator is integrated within the regulator body, merging the heating function with the existing pressure regulation structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate external heating devices while preventing icing at the valve, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex generator utilizes the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid itself to generate heat through vortex formation, rather than requiring external power sources or separate heating mechanisms. The fluid's own motion drives the heating process, making the system self-sufficient and reducing additional complexity.
2Temperature
If external heat sources are used to prevent hydrate formation, then temperature control is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator converts the kinetic energy already present in the flowing fluid into thermal energy through vortex-induced heating. This self-service approach uses the fluid's own motion to generate the necessary heat, eliminating energy losses associated with external heating sources and improving overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex generator converts the kinetic energy of the fluid flow, which would otherwise be dissipated, into useful thermal energy for preventing hydrate formation. This transformation turns a potentially wasted resource into a beneficial heating mechanism, reducing net energy loss.
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 prevents icing at the regulator valve, maintaining consistent performance and output pressure while reducing the risk of hydrate formation, and does so without external heat sources or temperature loss.
Implementation Method 1
generate a hot fluid stream that conveys heat to the valve, preventing hydrate formation through conduction
Implementation Method 2
a vortex generator disposed within the body to heat a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Example apparatus for regulator heat transfer are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a regulator including a body, a stem disposed therein, a first inlet and a first outlet. The regulator regulates a pressure of a fluid flowing from the first inlet to the first outlet. The example apparatus comprises a vortex generator disposed within the body to convey heat to a valve of the regulator. The stem controls the regulator and the vortex generator.