Fluid Vortex Breaker Using Injection Flow to Suppress Gas Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical vortex breakers in electrolysis systems are inefficient in preventing gas suction vortices at the outlet pipe of gas/liquid separators, leading to reduced oxygen efficiency and the need for larger vessels, as they rely on fixed geometry and are not adjustable to varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid vortex breaker system that injects a second fluid into the outlet pipe at a predetermined flow momentum to disrupt the flow field and minimize vortex formation, using a pump and flow regulator valve to control the velocity and mass flow of the injected fluid, allowing for adjustable vortex reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical vortex breakers with fixed geometry are used, then vortex formation is reduced to some extent, but the device cannot adapt to varying operating conditions and water levels, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed geometric vortex breakers with a dynamic fluid injection system. The second fluid is injected at controlled flow rates and velocities that can be adjusted in real-time based on operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying water levels and flow rates while maintaining effective vortex suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the fluid flow by injecting a second fluid with controllable velocity and mass flow rate. This allows the vortex breaker to adapt to different operating conditions by adjusting injection parameters rather than relying on fixed geometric structures.
2Reliability
If circular plates are positioned below the interface level to break vortices, then vortex formation is reduced, but the usable volume of the vessel is restricted, requiring larger vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vortex-breaking function from the main vessel volume by using a separate fluid injection system. The second fluid is injected into the outlet pipe to disrupt vortices, eliminating the need for large circular plates that occupy vessel space and reduce usable volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The second fluid acts as an intermediary substance injected into the outlet pipe to break vortices. This mediator approach allows vortex suppression without requiring physical structures inside the main vessel that would reduce usable volume.
3Reliability
If mechanical vortex breakers are used, then some vortex formation is prevented, but gas suction through the outlet pipe cannot be fully eliminated, reducing oxygen efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by injecting a second fluid into the outlet pipe to disrupt the flow field and prevent gas suction. The controlled injection of fluid creates turbulence and flow patterns that eliminate vortex formation and gas entrainment, improving oxygen efficiency without mechanical barriers.
4Device complexity
If fixed geometry vortex breakers are used, then the system is simple in structure, but performance reduces when water level falls below the ideal operating height
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed geometry to dynamic fluid injection. The second fluid injection can be activated and adjusted based on water level and flow conditions, ensuring consistent vortex suppression performance across varying operating ranges without complex mechanical adjustments.
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 fluid vortex breaker system effectively reduces vortex formation, enabling smaller vessel designs, improved oxygen efficiency, and adaptability to varying water levels, while eliminating the need for physical obstructions in the outlet pipe.
Implementation Method 1
The second fluid flows into the first conduit from the at least one inlet at a predetermined flow momentum such that the second fluid interacts with the first fluid flowing from the vessel and through the first conduit so as to disrupt a flow field of the first fluid and minimize formation of a fluidic vortex
Implementation Method 2
the second fluid interacts with the first fluid flowing from the vessel and through the first conduit so as to disrupt a flow field of the first fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A vortex breaker assembly includes a vessel (2), a first conduit (26), and a fluid source. The vessel (22) having a first fluid arranged therein. The vessel includes an opening (23) formed in an outer wall. The first conduit (26) is coupled to the vessel (22) and configured to open into the vessel (22) via the opening (23) such that the first fluid can flow into the first conduit (26) via the opening (23). The first conduit (26) includes an inlet (42) formed therein. The fluid source provides a second fluid to the at least one inlet (42). The second fluid flows into the first conduit (26) from the inlet (42) at a predetermined flow momentum such that the second fluid interacts with the first fluid flowing from the vessel and through the first conduit so as to disrupt a flow field of the first fluid and minimize formation of a fluidic vortex of the first fluid at the opening.