Liquid Hydrogen Degassing Chamber for Pump Bubble Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid hydrogen forms gas bubbles due to slight heating in fluid circuits, leading to additional heating in pumps and limited effectiveness of traditional degassing methods, especially in cryogenic pumps where mechanical debubbling devices are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A degassing device with a vertical chamber and deflector positioned to reduce liquid hydrogen flow velocity, allowing gas bubbles to rise and be returned to the storage tank, preventing their entry into the pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple return line with cross-section equal to or less than the pump supply piping is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the degassing efficiency deteriorates due to gas bubbles being drawn into the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the degassing process by creating a vertical chamber where gas bubbles can rise against the horizontal flow direction. The vertical orientation allows bubbles to separate from the liquid stream by rising to the top, while the liquid continues horizontally to the pump, effectively solving the contradiction between simple device structure and effective degassing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the flow path into distinct zones: a vertical degassing chamber separated from the horizontal supply line to the pump. This segmentation allows the liquid stream to be divided, with degassed liquid continuing to the pump while gas bubbles are directed to the return line, maintaining simple overall structure while achieving effective separation.
2Productivity
If the flow velocity of liquid hydrogen is high, then the productivity is improved, but the degassing efficiency deteriorates as gas bubbles are carried towards the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different flow velocity conditions to different parts of the system. In the vertical chamber, the flow velocity is reduced locally to allow bubble separation, while the overall system maintains high productivity through the continuous horizontal flow to the pump. This local modification of flow characteristics solves the contradiction between high flow rate and effective 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
Efficiently prevents gas bubbles from entering the pump, reducing heating and enhancing degassing efficiency by promoting bubble rise in the vertical chamber.
Implementation Method 1
The significant reduction in the flow velocity of the liquid hydrogen allows the gas bubbles to rise in the vertical chamber towards the return circuit to the storage tank
Implementation Method 2
The deflector has the effect of promoting the rise of gas bubbles in the vertical chamber and thus increases the efficiency of degassing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for degassing liquid hydrogen circulating in a circuit, comprising a liquid inlet pipe (1), a pump feed pipe (2) receiving a portion of the liquid arriving via the inlet pipe and a return pipe (3) receiving another portion of the liquid arriving via the inlet pipe, the liquid inlet pipe, the pump suction pipe and the return pipe communicating with a vertical degassing chamber (4) and the cross-section of the vertical chamber at the level (N1) of the mouth (6) of the inlet pipe (1) for the arrival of the liquid in the vertical chamber is greater than the cross-section of the inlet pipe (1) for the arrival of the liquid at its mouth with a ratio between these two cross-sections greater than or equal to two, the degassing device comprising a deflector (7) arranged in the vertical chamber (4) opposite the mouth (6) of the inlet pipe (1).