Impacting T-junction component regulator for regulating components of non-azeotropic working medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional component regulation devices for thermodynamic systems using non-azeotropic working media can only adjust the concentration of components within vapor and liquid phases, failing to achieve continuous regulation beyond these phases and are large, costly, and inconvenient for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An impacting T-junction component regulator with a horizontal inlet pipe and intersecting outlet pipes, featuring upper and lower outlets connected to separate branches, allows for continuous regulation of non-azeotropic working media by controlling the mass flow ratio using regulating valves, and can be expanded with multiple T-junctions and throttle valves for broader regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vapor-liquid separators are used for component regulation, then component concentration can be adjusted within vapor and liquid phases, but the device size becomes large, investment cost increases, and installation and maintenance become inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into multiple T-junction components arranged in series, where each T-junction performs partial separation. By segmenting the separation function across multiple small units rather than using one large separator, the system achieves comprehensive component regulation while keeping individual components compact and easy to install
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical vapor-liquid separation to horizontal T-junction-based separation, utilizing a different spatial dimension and flow configuration. This dimensional change enables compact T-junction designs that can be arranged in series to achieve the separation effectiveness of much larger conventional separators
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vapor-liquid separators are used for component regulation, then component concentration can be adjusted within vapor and liquid phases, but investment cost increases and maintenance becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The separation system is segmented into multiple independent T-junction units that can be individually accessed, removed, and maintained. This modular segmentation allows maintenance personnel to service specific T-junctions without shutting down the entire system, significantly improving maintenance convenience compared to large conventional separators
Solution Approach 2:
The T-junction design enables simple self-maintenance capabilities where flow distribution can be adjusted and minor issues addressed without requiring complex disassembly or specialized service equipment, reducing maintenance burden and cost
3Ease of operation
If a single T-junction is used for component separation, then continuous concentration regulation between vapor and liquid composition can be achieved, but the regulation range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple T-junctions are merged in series configuration, where the output of one T-junction feeds into the next. This combining of multiple partial separation stages achieves a cumulative separation effect that expands the regulation range beyond what any single T-junction can provide, while maintaining continuous concentration control
Solution Approach 2:
The series arrangement of T-junctions ensures continuous separation action across all stages, with each T-junction continuously processing the flow and contributing to the overall concentration regulation. This continuous multi-stage action expands the achievable regulation range while maintaining smooth concentration control
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 solution enables continuous and efficient component regulation across a wide range, reducing device size and cost, facilitating easier installation and maintenance, while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
phase separation could be realized when a two-phase flow with vapor and liquid phases flowed through a T-junction
Implementation Method 2
the concentration of a component with a higher boiling point in a vapor phase is less than the one in a liquid phase, and the concentration of a component with a lower boiling point in the vapor phase is greater than the one in the liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an impacting T-junction component regulator for regulating components of a non-azeotropic working medium, which is formed by connecting a single T-junction or a plurality of T-junctions. Each of the T-junction comprises an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. When the impacting T-junction component regulator is formed by a plurality of connected T-junctions, the impacting T-junction component regulator further comprises an upper manifold trunk communicated with an outlet pipe of each T-junction and throttle valves located between two adjacent T-junctions. By using the characteristics of unequal vapor and liquid components of the non-azeotropic working medium and mal-distribution of two phase flows by vertical impacting T-junctions, the regulator achieves the fluid flowing through a plurality of T-junctions and throttle valves once so as to achieve the purpose of separating components.