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-activated valve, and nozzle for spraying liquid into a gas head, which reduces pressure and promotes degassing, optionally using a venturi or pump to manage pressure and flow, and includes sensors and controllers for optimized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas is removed from the liquid in the housing, then gas separation efficiency is improved, but gas may re-solve into the liquid due to insufficient degassing promotion
Solution Approach 1:
The float is designed to oscillate or vibrate within the housing, creating mechanical disturbance that prevents gas from re-solving into the liquid. This vibration continuously agitates the liquid surface and promotes gas bubble detachment and rise to the gas head space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameters of the liquid by controlling temperature and pressure conditions within the housing. By maintaining optimal temperature and pressure parameters, the liquid's gas solubility is reduced, preventing re-solution of gas into the liquid phase.
2Device complexity
If the float is kept stationary, then device complexity is reduced, but response time for gas release is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The float is designed to be dynamic rather than stationary, allowing it to oscillate or move rapidly in response to gas accumulation. This dynamic behavior enables the float to quickly reach the valve activation point and trigger gas release, reducing response time without adding complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The float operates with periodic motion, oscillating between lower and upper positions. This periodic action ensures that the float repeatedly contacts or activates the valve mechanism, creating regular gas release cycles that prevent gas buildup delays while maintaining simple mechanical operation.
3Device complexity
If pressure in the housing is not managed, then device complexity is reduced, but degassing efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural pressure differential created by gas accumulation in the housing to drive the degassing process. As gas accumulates, pressure increases automatically, forcing the float upward and opening the valve for gas release. This self-regulating pressure management eliminates the need for external pressure control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as a feedback mechanism that responds to pressure changes within the housing. When pressure increases due to gas accumulation, the float rises and activates the valve. When gas is released and pressure decreases, the float returns to its original position, closing the valve. This automatic feedback loop maintains optimal pressure for efficient degassing.
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
Enhances degassing efficiency by minimizing re-solution and ensuring timely gas release, improving the overall performance of heating and cooling systems by maintaining optimal pressure and flow conditions.
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
spraying a part of the liquid of the liquid flow into the housing
Data Source
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.