Position-Variable Closure Body for Injector Nozzle Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injector nozzles in paper mill systems face challenges in achieving thorough mixing of fluids, particularly when introducing a chemical additive into a flowing fibrous suspension, with issues of clogging and inconsistent fluid distribution leading to suboptimal mixing quality.

Innovation Solution

A position-variable closure body is integrated into the nozzle opening to adjust the flow-through cross section, reducing clogging risks and enhancing mixing efficiency by varying the jet speed and pressure loss, with features like concentric displacement, detachable closure body wings, and disruptive bodies to promote turbulence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a small nozzle opening is used to achieve high injection velocity, then injection speed is improved, but the risk of clogging by fibers or contaminants increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjection velocityVSAvoidclogging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure body is made positionally variable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the nozzle opening cross-section. This enables optimization between injection velocity and clogging risk by adapting the opening size to operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between high speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the cross-sectional area of the nozzle opening is increased to reduce clogging risk, then reliability is improved, but injection velocity and mixing intensity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclogging riskVSAvoidinjection velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The positionally variable closure body allows the cross-sectional area to be dynamically adjusted. When clogging risk is low, the opening can be larger for reliable flow; when mixing intensity is needed, the opening can be reduced to increase velocity, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a fixed nozzle opening is used to simplify the device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adapt to varying fiber densities and mixing requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle structureVSAvoidadjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closure body is designed to be positionally variable along the nozzle axis, enabling continuous adjustment of the effective cross-section. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to different operational conditions without requiring multiple fixed nozzles, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The closure body is divided into multiple wings that can be independently positioned, allowing granular control over the opening cross-section. This segmentation enables precise adjustment while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, addressing both device complexity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If the closure body is positioned upstream of the nozzle opening to simplify sealing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the risk of clogging by fibers or contaminants increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing arrangementVSAvoidclogging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the closure body upstream of the nozzle opening, the invention positions it downstream, on the side facing the mixing zone. This inversion of the conventional arrangement reduces clogging risk by keeping the closure away from the fiber-laden flow path, while sealing is maintained between the closure body and nozzle housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration ensures trouble-free injection and intensive mixing of fluids, reducing the risk of clogging and maintaining high injection speed while allowing for adjustable channel sizes and shapes to accommodate varying fiber densities, thereby ensuring consistent mixing quality across different production ranges.

Implementation Method 1

the position of the closure body allows adjustment of the size of the cross-sectional area through which the nozzle opening can flow, and thus also the jet velocity and the pressure loss of the first fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the cross-sectional area through which the fluid flows between the nozzle opening and the closure body should vary in width around the nozzle opening. This also varies the effective area of the injection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3962636B1Injector nozzle, mixing assembly and use of the injector nozzle

Publication Date: 2024.04.03 VOITH PATENT GMBH

Figure 1~3
Figure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an injector nozzle (3) for injecting a first fluid (1) into a mixing zone (4), through which a second fluid (2) is flowing, comprising at least one nozzle opening (5) that has a cross-section through which fluid can flow and which can be changed by a closure body (6) with a variable position. The mixing of the fluids (1, 2) is to be improved in that the closure body (6) is located on the nozzle opening (5) side facing the mixing zone (4).