Gas Ejector Device for Uniform Fluid Distribution in Batch Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization processes face challenges in achieving uniform heat transfer and fluid penetration within batch treatment chambers, particularly for loads that cannot tolerate vacuum, and conventional fan systems are costly and problematic due to the need for shafts and bearings, while also being inefficient in moisture removal and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A gas ejector device with a straight secondary stream flow path is used within the chamber to circulate gases, steam, or vapor, eliminating the need for moving parts and providing efficient heat transfer and fluid distribution without the drawbacks of fan arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fans are used to circulate gas, steam or vapor within the chamber, then fluid circulation and heat transfer are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to shafts and bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan system with a gas ejector device that uses fluid dynamics principles. The ejector uses a primary fluid stream (pressurized gas) to create a secondary stream that circulates the treatment medium throughout the chamber, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts, shafts, and bearings while maintaining effective fluid circulation and heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas as the driving fluid for the ejector device. The high-pressure primary stream creates a vacuum effect that draws in and circulates the secondary stream of treatment medium, utilizing fluid pressure and flow dynamics rather than mechanical force to achieve circulation.
2Reliability
If magnet-coupled drives are used to eliminate shafts, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost remain high due to bearing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates the mechanical drive system by using a gas ejector that operates without any moving parts. Instead of magnet-coupled drives that still require bearings and complex coupling mechanisms, the ejector uses pure fluid dynamics to create circulation, achieving reliability through the absence of mechanical components rather than through sophisticated coupling mechanisms.
3Productivity
If conventional fans are used for moisture removal, then drying efficiency is improved, but cost increases due to expensive fan systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical fan systems with a cost-effective gas ejector device. The ejector uses pressurized gas to create circulation patterns that efficiently remove moisture from the load, achieving the same drying function without the high cost of industrial fan systems, shafts, and bearings.
4Device complexity
If gas ejector device is used instead of fans, then device complexity is reduced by eliminating moving parts, but heat transfer uniformity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple gas ejector devices at different locations within the chamber to create localized circulation zones. Each ejector is strategically placed to address specific areas, ensuring that the entire chamber receives uniform treatment despite the absence of a centralized mechanical mixing system. The straight flow path design of each ejector contributes to predictable and uniform fluid distribution.
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 gas ejector device ensures uniform temperature and efficient heat transfer, fluid penetration, and moisture removal within the chamber, enhancing sterilization efficiency and reducing costs by eliminating the need for expensive fan systems and associated bearing issues.
Implementation Method 1
a gas ejector device located within the chamber and having an essentially straight secondary stream flow path through the ejector device. Ejectors are well known devices utilizing the energy of a primary fluid stream to create a secondary stream
Implementation Method 2
a properly designed nozzle followed by a properly designed throat or venturi will economically make use of high pressure fluid to generate a flow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the batch treatment of goods with gas, steam or vapor, for example sterilization and drying. The distribution of the medium surrounding the load (8) during all stages of such a process is important. According to the invention, movement of fluids within a batch treatment apparatus is achieved using a fluid ejector device (9), An apparatus for the gas, steam or vapor treatment of objects is provided, said apparatus having inside a closable chamber (1) at least one ejector device (9) of the type having a straight flow path for the secondary stream. Any particular fluid or mixture of different fluids entering the chamber during a treatment process may be introduced via an ejector device (9) in order to distribute the fluid around the load (8), or remove material deposited on the load (8). The invention eliminates the need for shaft seal arrangements involved with fans.