Hot Isostatic Press Cooling via Cyclone Fluid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot isostatic press (HIP) cooling methods are inefficient, leading to long cycle times and uneven cooling, which can result in distortion, cracks, or destruction of components due to sudden and uncontrollable cooling rates.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the targeted injection of cooler fluid into the HIP loading space to create a rotational flow, ensuring uniform mixing and circulation, preventing cold fluid from directly contacting the load and minimizing temperature gradients through a cyclone effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If natural convection and temperature differences are used for cooling, then the cooling process is simple and requires no mechanical aids, but the cooling time is excessively long (more than a third of cycle time)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using oscillating or pulsating flow of cooling fluid through the cooling channels in the autoclave wall. This periodic flow pattern enhances heat transfer efficiency and accelerates the cooling process significantly compared to steady natural convection, reducing cooling time from hours to minutes while maintaining relatively simple system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the flow regime of the cooling fluid from natural convection to forced oscillating flow. This changes the fundamental cooling mechanism parameters, introducing controlled turbulence and enhanced heat exchange coefficients that dramatically reduce cooling time without requiring complex mechanical components.
2Productivity
If rapid cooling is implemented to reduce cycle time, then productivity improves, but uneven cooling causes distortion, cracks, or destruction of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing non-uniform cooling distribution through strategically positioned cooling channels and varying flow rates in different regions of the autoclave. This ensures that cooling is optimized locally at different positions, maintaining uniform temperature gradients throughout the component during rapid cooling, thereby preventing distortion and cracks while achieving high cooling speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using oscillating or pulsating flow patterns in the cooling system. This dynamic flow regime creates time-varying cooling conditions that promote uniform heat distribution throughout the component, preventing localized thermal shocks and structural defects during rapid cooling transitions.
3Speed
If cold fluid is injected directly into the loading space, then cooling rate increases, but uniform cooling is not achieved and temperature gradients cause distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a controlled fluid circulation system with cooling channels in the autoclave wall as a mediator between the external cooling source and the internal loading space. This intermediary system distributes cooling fluid uniformly throughout the autoclave interior, achieving rapid cooling while maintaining temperature uniformity and preventing distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a controlled fluid circulation pathway and cooling channel network before the rapid cooling process begins. This preliminary infrastructure ensures that when cooling is initiated, the fluid flow is already organized to distribute cooling uniformly throughout the loading space, preventing temperature gradients and distortion.
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 approach enables rapid and uniform cooling across the entire load space, preventing distortion and ensuring optimal material quality by maintaining a consistent cooling gradient.
Implementation Method 1
create a rotational flow, ensuring uniform mixing and circulation, preventing cold fluid from directly contacting the load and minimizing temperature gradients through a cyclone effect
Implementation Method 2
fluid is injected into the interior of the loading space of a pressure vessel to form a rotating flow via at least one nozzle
Implementation Method 3
the fluid being mixed with fluid during the passage of the rotating flow in the vicinity of the insulation mixed in the vicinity of the load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a
AI summary
Rapid cooling of hot isostatic presses comprises injecting cold fluid from nozzles (13) in the charge chamber (19). The fluid circulates near the insulation (8) inside the chamber and mixes with fluid near the charge (18). An independent claim is included for hot isostatic presses fitted with the cooling system.