Helical Venturi Tubes for Cyclonic Elevator Fluid Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclonic elevator technologies are inefficient in transporting fluid and particulate materials, particularly in deep ocean applications, due to limitations in fluid velocity and pressure management, and lack effective mechanisms for high-capacity pumping.
Innovation Solution
A cyclonic elevator system incorporating helically shaped venturi tubes within a cylindrical chamber, connected by manifolds and high-pressure gas supply, utilizing the venturi effect to increase fluid velocity and manage pressure, with a nozzle and side wall openings to enhance fluid flow and material transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional cyclonic elevator tubes are used, then material transport is achieved, but fluid velocity and pressure management are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs helically curved venturi tubes instead of straight cylindrical tubes. The helical curvature creates cyclonic rotation of the fluid stream, which enhances mixing and maintains fluid velocity while reducing energy loss through improved pressure management. The curved geometry transforms linear flow into rotational flow, optimizing both speed and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention integrates venturi effect principles from pneumatic and hydraulic systems into the cyclonic elevator. By incorporating venturi tubes that accelerate fluid flow through pressure differential, the system achieves higher fluid velocities while managing pressure efficiently. The high-pressure gas supply system works in conjunction with the venturi geometry to optimize both parameters simultaneously.
2Productivity
If traditional pumping methods are used, then fluid transport is achieved, but high-capacity pumping capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pumping function into multiple identical stages connected in series. Each stage consists of a venturi tube assembly that contributes to the overall pumping capacity. By segmenting the system into modular stages, the patent achieves high-capacity pumping through cumulative effect while maintaining relatively simple individual component design. The segmented approach allows scaling capacity by adding stages rather than redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi tube assemblies serve multiple functions simultaneously: they accelerate fluid flow, create cyclonic rotation, mix materials, and generate pumping action. This multi-functionality increases productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single component design accomplishes several objectives that would otherwise require separate systems.
3Quantity of substance
If deep ocean pumping is attempted with existing technology, then material extraction is possible, but transport efficiency at depth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The helical venturi tubes create cyclonic rotation that enhances fluid mixing and maintains flow velocity even under deep ocean pressure conditions. The rotational motion prevents flow stagnation and maintains transport efficiency at depth, enabling greater quantities of material to be moved at sustained speeds despite the challenging environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts operational parameters including high-pressure gas supply and venturi geometry to optimize performance for deep ocean conditions. By changing the pressure differential and flow characteristics through parameter adjustment, the system maintains high fluid flow rates and material transport volumes even when operating at great depths where ambient pressure would normally reduce efficiency.
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 system achieves efficient fluid flow and material transport with reduced friction, capable of pumping materials from depths of 10,000' or more, producing a high fluid flow rate of 20,000 gals./min with minimal turbidity and efficient air flow, effectively addressing the inefficiencies of prior technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A cyclonic elevator system incorporating helically shaped venturi tubes within a cylindrical chamber, connected by manifolds and high-pressure gas supply, utilizing the venturi effect to increase fluid velocity and manage pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclonic elevator tube comprising a manifold which supplies fluid under pressure via an annular transition ring with multiple, circumferentially spaced jet orifices. These orifices are set at inwardly and circumferentially directed compound angles for ejecting vortex jets of pressurized fluid through the elevator, to ultimately cause transportation of fluid material through the tubes. This apparatus comprises: a cylindrical chamber; a plurality of helically shaped venturi tubes spaced around the internal circumference of the chamber; a manifold connected to the inlet ends of the venturi tubes; and a high pressure gas supply connected to the manifold. The helix can be right or left handed and preferably the venturi tubes extend for less than one turn of the helix. The angle that the tangent of the helix makes with the longitudinal axis of the chamber is between 1° and 89°. The internal circumference of the chamber may be larger at the inlet end than at the outlet end.