Gas Ionization Chamber Flow Paths for Higher Residence Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for ionizing fluids in a gaseous state face challenges in achieving high ionization efficiency, particularly in creating conditions for effective ionization and maintaining high pressure to enhance ionization rates.
Innovation Solution
The device comprises an elongated container with a fluid ionizing arrangement and fluid flow directing units that guide the fluid flow in a helical path and a straight path, respectively, to increase the likelihood of collisions and ionization. The device also includes a pair of electrodes with a power supply to create an arc structure for ionization, and a magnetic field generating arrangement to stabilize and enhance the arc structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fluid flow is passed directly through the ionization chamber without flow directing units, then the device structure is simple, but the ionization efficiency is low due to insufficient residence time and molecular collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow is divided into multiple streams using flow directing units, with some fluid directed along the container wall and other fluid directed through the center. This segmentation increases the residence time and collision opportunities for ionization while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow directing units create multi-dimensional flow patterns within the ionization chamber, directing fluid both axially and radially. This dimensional complexity enhances ionization efficiency without significantly increasing the external device footprint or overall structural complexity.
2Productivity
If high voltage is applied to create strong arc discharge for ionization, then ionization efficiency increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow directing units ensure continuous circulation and prolonged exposure of the fluid to the arc discharge zone. This continuous action maintains high ionization efficiency while allowing the use of moderate voltage levels, as the extended residence time compensates for lower instantaneous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating current applied to the electrodes creates periodic arc discharge cycles. Combined with the flow directing units that maintain fluid circulation, this periodic action sustains ionization efficiency while averaging out peak energy demands, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-voltage discharge.
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
This configuration significantly increases the ionization efficiency by prolonging the fluid's residence time within the container, enhancing molecular collisions, and maintaining high pressure to support effective ionization and downstream applications such as fluid purification.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flow directing unit comprises at least one peripheral fluid flow guide channel having an outlet circumferentially displaced relative to an inlet for turning a first part of an incoming fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
pair of electrodes with a power supply to create an arc structure for ionization
Implementation Method 3
magnetic field generating arrangement to stabilize and enhance the arc structure
Implementation Method 4
fluid ionizing arrangement for ionizing the fluid
Implementation Method 5
When the electrical discharge is sufficiently strong, conditions are created for the gas to become separated into positive ions and electrons, wherein the air is ionized
Data Source
AI summary
A device for ionization of a fluid includes an elongated container adapted for conveying the fluid in a gaseous state, a fluid ionizing arrangement for ionizing the fluid, at least one fluid flow directing unit arranged in the container, wherein the at least one fluid flow directing unit includes at least one peripheral fluid flow guide channel having an outlet circumferentially displaced relative to an inlet for turning a first part of an incoming fluid flow, and a central fluid flow guide channel with an extension substantially in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated container for guiding a second part of the incoming fluid flow substantially in the longitudinal direction of the elongated container.