Fluid Vortex Breaker Using Secondary Injection at Outlet Openings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical vortex breakers in electrolysis systems are ineffective in completely preventing vortex formation at the outlet pipe of gas/liquid separators, leading to gas entrainment and efficiency issues, and require larger vessel volumes and fixed geometries that cannot be adjusted for 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 vessel with an opening for fluid flow, a conduit connected to the vessel, and a fluid source providing the second fluid through inlets in the conduit to interact with the primary fluid and reduce vortex formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical vortex breakers with physical walls are used in the outlet pipe, then vortex formation is reduced, but the vessel requires larger volume and the circular plate must remain under the interface level which restricts usable volume
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vortex-breaking function from the physical wall structure and transfers it to a fluid injection system. The second fluid is injected through outlets in the outlet pipe to disrupt vortex formation, eliminating the need for large-volume mechanical breakers and circular plates that restrict usable vessel volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by injecting a second fluid through outlets in the outlet pipe to counteract vortex formation. The fluid injection creates opposing flow patterns that disrupt the vortex without requiring large mechanical structures, thus reducing the volume requirement while maintaining vortex-breaking effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the height of the circular plate is lowered to ensure it is always below the interface level, then the vortex breaker operates efficiently, but the main flow exiting the tank is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the static circular plate with a dynamic fluid injection system. The outlets are positioned in the outlet pipe and inject fluid dynamically to disrupt vortices without physically blocking the main flow path. This dynamic approach maintains both vortex-breaking reliability and flow productivity without the height limitations of fixed mechanical structures.
3Device complexity
If fixed geometry vortex breakers are used, then the structure is simple, but the oxygen efficiency is limited and cannot be adjusted for changes in operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the fixed geometry structure with a dynamic fluid injection system. The outlets in the outlet pipe allow for adjustable fluid injection rates and patterns, enabling adaptation to varying operating conditions and improving oxygen efficiency without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes by controlling the flow rate, pressure, and distribution of the second fluid injected through the outlets. This allows optimization of vortex-breaking performance and oxygen efficiency for different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple outlet pipe structure.
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, allowing for smaller vessel designs, improved oxygen efficiency, and adjustable control over vortex reduction, eliminating the need for physical obstructions and enabling consistent operation across varying water levels.
Implementation Method 1
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
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex breaker assembly includes a vessel, a first conduit, and a fluid source. The vessel having a first fluid arranged therein. The vessel includes an opening formed in an outer wall. The first conduit is coupled to the vessel and configured to open into the vessel via the opening such that the first fluid can flow into the first conduit via the opening. The first conduit includes an inlet formed therein. The fluid source provides a second fluid to the at least one inlet. The second fluid flows into the first conduit from the 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 of the first fluid at the opening.