Fog Generator Valve Switching Propellant Gas Purge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fog generators face issues with corrosion due to decomposition of remaining fog generating fluid in the heat exchanger, require greenhouse gas propellants for purging, and often produce malodors, with purging dependent on fluid level and inefficient in removing non-ejected steam.
Innovation Solution
A fog generator design that uses a valve to switch between connecting the fog generating fluid and propellant gas with the heat exchanger, employing a low-toxic, environmentally acceptable propellant gas like nitrogen or noble gases for continuous or pulsed purge flow to remove non-ejected steam independently of fluid level, preventing decomposition and malodor formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump or propellant gas is used to drive fog generating fluid into the heat exchanger, then fog generation is achieved, but remaining fluid decomposes and causes corrosion when flow stops
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary purging action by activating the propellant gas to clear remaining fog generating fluid from the heat exchanger before decomposition can occur. This preliminary removal of harmful substance prevents the subsequent corrosion problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellant gas creates an inert atmosphere in the heat exchanger that prevents oxidation and decomposition of remaining fluid components. The inert gas displaces oxygen and isolates any residual fluid from reactive conditions that would cause corrosion.
2Reliability
If propellant gas is used to purge the heat exchanger, then non-ejected steam is removed, but greenhouse gas restrictions limit propellant choices
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of propellant gas selection from traditional greenhouse gases to environmentally acceptable alternatives like nitrogen or noble gases. This parameter change maintains purge effectiveness while complying with environmental restrictions.
3Ease of operation
If the heat exchanger is purged only after fluid level drops low enough, then purging is achieved, but purging cannot occur when fluid level is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own propellant gas supply to perform the purging function independently of external fluid level conditions. The propellant gas system serves the dual purpose of both fog generation and heat exchanger purging, providing continuous protection regardless of fluid level.
4Productivity
If fog generating fluid is continuously driven into the heat exchanger, then fog output is maintained, but decomposition and malodor occur when flow stops
Solution Approach 1:
The system rapidly skips through the transition from fog generation to purging mode by quickly activating the propellant gas flow. This rapid transition rushes through the vulnerable period where remaining fluid might decompose and generate malodors.
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 corrosion and malodor generation by purging non-ejected steam before decomposition occurs, eliminates the need for greenhouse gases, and allows for independent heat exchanger purging regardless of fluid level, resulting in a safer, more environmentally friendly, and cost-effective fog generation system.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger which transforms the fog generating fluid into steam
Implementation Method 2
a propellant gas for driving the fluid from the vessel into a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
said connection comprising a valve for controlling the propellant gas purge flow
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a fog generator comprising a vessel that contains a fog generating fluid and a propellant gas for driving the fluid from the vessel into a heat exchanger which transforms the fog generating fluid into steam and is connected with the vessel, a means for ejecting the steam in the form of a fog and connected to the heat exchanger, and a means for purging non-ejected steam out of the heat exchanger into the ambient, wherein the means for purging comprise a connection from the propellant gas volume of the vessel to the heat exchanger for purging the heat exchanger with propellant gas, said connection comprising a valve for controlling the propellant gas purge flow, characterized in that the valve is suitable for switching between connecting the fog generating fluid volume of the vessel with the heat exchanger and connecting the propellant gas volume of the vessel with the heat exchanger.