Hyperbolic Funnel Vortex for Gas Mass Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for enhancing gas volumetric mass transfer in liquids are energy-intensive and inefficient, consuming 45% to 75% of the total energy in wastewater treatment, with low mass transfer efficiency compared to the energy used.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a hyperbolic funnel system with a back pressure regulator and controlled gas and liquid flow to create a vortex regime, increasing the gas-liquid interface area for enhanced mass transfer, where the gas can be ambient air or pressurized gases like oxygen or carbon dioxide, and the system is designed to optimize energy use by minimizing energy input to the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional bubbling or aeration methods are used to transfer gas into liquid, then gas mass transfer is achieved, but energy consumption is excessively high (45% to 75% of total energy in wastewater treatment)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hyperbolic funnel geometry that creates curved flow paths and a vortex regime. The hyperbolic curvature transforms the liquid flow into a rotating vortex, which dramatically increases the gas-liquid interfacial area and mass transfer efficiency without requiring additional energy input, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and mass transfer productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by allowing the liquid flow itself to generate the vortex regime through the hyperbolic funnel geometry. The system leverages the kinetic energy already present in the liquid flow to create the mixing and mass transfer conditions, eliminating the need for external mechanical energy input while maintaining high mass transfer efficiency
2Productivity
If porous materials or diffusers are used for gas transfer, then gas delivery to liquid is achieved, but the gas volumetric mass transfer coefficient remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The hyperbolic funnel creates a vortex flow regime through its curved geometry, which generates intense mixing and a large gas-liquid interfacial area. This vortex-induced mixing achieves a high gas volumetric mass transfer coefficient without requiring complex porous diffuser structures, thus improving productivity while keeping device complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the liquid flow itself to generate the vortex regime and create the mixing conditions needed for mass transfer. The liquid flow serves dual purposes: transporting the liquid and creating the hydrodynamic conditions for efficient gas transfer, eliminating the need for additional mechanical mixing devices or complex porous structures
3Productivity
If mechanical mixers or impellers are used to enhance mass transfer, then gas-liquid mixing is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hyperbolic funnel geometry transforms the liquid flow into a vortex regime through its curved surfaces. This vortex flow creates intense gas-liquid mixing and a large interfacial area without requiring mechanical mixers or impellers, achieving high mass transfer efficiency while eliminating the energy consumption associated with mechanical agitation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical mixing systems (mixers, impellers) with a hydrodynamic system based on vortex flow generated by the hyperbolic funnel geometry. The vortex regime creates the necessary mixing and mass transfer conditions through fluid dynamics alone, substituting mechanical energy input with gravitational and kinetic energy already present in the liquid flow
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 method achieves efficient and effective gas transfer into liquids, improving aeration efficiency by up to 15% compared to conventional methods while reducing energy consumption, and is environmentally friendly, with the ability to dissolve 1.5 mg/L of desired gas, enhancing liquid treatment by microorganisms and allowing for optimal resource use.
Implementation Method 1
the hyperbolic funnel in combination with the entry room and liquid inlet enables developing the desired vortex regime
Implementation Method 2
a restricted vortex regime, a twisted vortex regime, or a straight vortex regime may be achieved
Implementation Method 3
providing a back pressure at the outlet of the hyperbolic funnel
Implementation Method 4
enhancing gas volumetric mass transfer wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing an enhancing gas system
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and system for enhancing gas volumetric mass transfer. The method comprises the steps of: - providing an enhancing gas system comprising: - an entry part comprising an entry room and a liquid inlet; - a hyperbolic funnel operatively coupled with the entry part; and - a back pressure regulator, which is operatively coupled with the outlet of the hyperbolic funnel; - providing a liquid to the entry room via the liquid inlet; - providing a gas to the entry room via a gas inlet; and - providing a back pressure at the outlet of the hyperbolic funnel.