Gas separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems face inefficiencies in removing gas from liquid flows, leading to re-solution of gas into the liquid and potential delays in degassing due to static floats and inadequate pressure management.
Innovation Solution
A separator device with a housing, float-operated valve, and nozzle that sprays liquid into a gas head to promote degassing, combined with a venturi or pressure control systems to manage pressure and prevent re-solution, ensuring efficient gas removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a static float valve is used for gas removal, then the device structure is simple, but gas removal efficiency is low and re-solution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The float is designed to be movable rather than static, allowing it to respond dynamically to gas accumulation levels. The float moves vertically with gas head changes, automatically opening the valve when gas reaches a certain level and closing it when gas is expelled, creating a self-regulating dynamic system that improves gas removal efficiency without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas removal process operates in periodic cycles: gas accumulates until the float rises sufficiently to open the valve, gas is rapidly expelled, the float descends, and the valve closes. This periodic operation allows the system to handle variable gas loads efficiently, preventing re-solution by maintaining low gas levels in the separation chamber during each cycle.
2Productivity
If liquid is sprayed into the housing to promote degassing, then degassing efficiency is improved, but pressure management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the liquid flow already present in the heating/cooling circuit to spray into the separation chamber through the nozzle. The liquid serves dual purposes: it promotes degassing by creating droplets with large surface area and simultaneously provides the pressure differential needed for gas expulsion when the float opens the valve. No separate pressure management system is required as the existing system pressure is utilized.
3Loss of time
If the float remains stationary, then the valve operation is simple, but delays in gas expulsion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The float is designed to move freely vertically in response to gas head changes. As gas accumulates, the float rises and automatically triggers valve opening at a predetermined level. This dynamic response eliminates delays associated with stationary floats that require external actuation, while the automatic mechanism keeps the operation simple and maintenance-free.
4Quantity of substance
If gas head volume increases before valve opening, then more gas can be removed per cycle, but re-solution of gas into liquid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces purely mechanical float-valve operation with a combination of fluid dynamic effects. The nozzle creates liquid spray that enhances mass transfer and promotes bubble formation and detachment. This fluid dynamic approach allows more efficient gas removal at lower gas head volumes, preventing re-solution while maximizing the quantity of gas removed per cycle through enhanced interfacial area and reduced diffusion paths.
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 reduces gas re-solution into the liquid and enhances degassing efficiency by maintaining optimal pressure conditions, allowing for timely and efficient expulsion of gas from the system.
Implementation Method 1
The float floats on the surface of the liquid in the housing
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle can create a jet and/or mist of the liquid in the housing
Implementation Method 3
The nozzle is arranged higher than the liquid level in the housing... Spraying into the gas head provides the advantage that gas that has been removed from the liquid is directly stored in the gas head
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Separator device for separating gas from a liquid flow, including a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The separator device includes a venturi in a liquid flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet. The separator device includes a nozzle in communication with the liquid flow for spraying a part of the liquid of the liquid flow into the housing. The separator device includes a valve for allowing gas to escape from the housing.