Gas Bubble Mixer With Continuous Passageway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas bubble mixers for anaerobic digestion of waste sludge face issues such as clogging, inefficient bubble generation, poor hydraulic braking orifice design, and restricted liquid flow due to support congestion, leading to inefficiencies and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A gas bubble generator design with a continuous passageway between gas accumulation chambers and the stand pipe, absent hydraulic braking orifices, and a hydraulic braking hood positioned above the stand pipe outlet, along with a flushing inlet for easy cleaning and efficient bubble control, and a stackpipe supported by legs that do not obstruct liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic braking orifices are used in the gas bubble generator, then bubble frequency control is achieved, but debris deposition and build-up occurs leading to rapid clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hydraulic braking orifices from the gas bubble generator design. By extracting this component that caused debris buildup and clogging, the system eliminates the harmful effect while maintaining bubble frequency control through an alternative design approach that does not involve orifices prone to clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic braking hood as an intermediary component positioned above the stand pipe outlet. This hood provides the necessary hydraulic braking function to control bubble frequency without requiring internal orifices that are susceptible to debris deposition, thus mediating between the gas accumulation chamber and the stack pipe.
2Power
If gas bubbles are made too large, then pumping action is enhanced, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of bubble generation by controlling the size and frequency of bubbles through the redesigned gas bubble generator. By adjusting these parameters to produce bubbles of optimal size (not too large, not too small), the system achieves effective pumping action while minimizing energy consumption associated with bubble generation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If gas bubbles are made too small, then energy costs are reduced, but inadequate pumping action is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of bubble generation by controlling the size and frequency of bubbles through the redesigned gas bubble generator. By adjusting these parameters to produce bubbles of optimal size (not too large, not too small), the system achieves effective pumping action while minimizing energy consumption associated with bubble generation.
4Strength
If support legs are positioned around the stackpipe intake opening, then structural support is provided, but liquid flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the support legs asymmetrically or at optimized locations around the stackpipe such that they provide necessary structural support while minimizing obstruction to liquid flow into the intake opening. This asymmetric positioning allows the support structure to bear the stackpipe weight without completely blocking the flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may position support legs further away from the intake opening in the radial direction, or extend them in a configuration that provides support without creating congestion in the flow path. By utilizing spatial dimensions effectively, the support structure provides strength without restricting liquid flow.
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 design enhances the efficiency of liquid circulation and anaerobic digestion by preventing clogging, optimizing bubble size and frequency, and ensuring uniform mixing, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
As this bubble rises, it creates a piston-like effect that both pushes and pulls the liquid containing dissolved and suspended solids upwards through the stackpipe
Implementation Method 2
By effecting this simultaneous two-phase flow, the gas bubbles that travel through the stack pipe produce a strong pumping action
Implementation Method 3
Once a sufficient amount of gas has accumulated within the gas accumulation chambers, the gas is naturally siphoned out of the bubble generator through the stand pipe and into the stackpipe
Data Source
AI summary
A gas bubble generator suitable for use in anaerobic digestion systems for treating waste sludge. The gas bubble generator is submerged within a large body of liquid and is attached to a stackpipe. The gas bubble generator includes a first gas accumulation chamber, a second gas accumulation chamber and a stand pipe that has a gas outlet through which gas exits the bubble generator. The gas bubble generator further includes a continuous passageway between the second gas accumulation chamber and the stand pipe through which gas can travel from the first and second gas accumulation chambers to the gas outlet. The continuous passageway is absent a hydraulic braking orifice.