Plunging Jet Reactor Energy Recovery Through Riser Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional confined plunging liquid jet reactors lose kinetic energy from the combined liquid and gas flowing into the receiving tank due to fluid resistance, friction, and convection, without any energy recovery mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a riser tube with a turbine and generator to harness the energy from the upward movement of the two-phase fluid, and optionally using an annular mesh sieve to break up bubbles for enhanced gas-liquid contact and oxygen mass transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional confined plunging liquid jet reactor is used, then gas absorption rate is improved through fine bubble dispersion, but kinetic energy from the liquid-gas flow is lost to fluid resistance and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful kinetic energy loss into a beneficial resource by installing a turbine in the receiving tank. The turbine captures the kinetic energy from the liquid-gas flow that would otherwise be lost to fluid resistance and friction, converting it into electrical energy. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the energy waste into a useful output while maintaining the high gas absorption rate achieved through fine bubble dispersion.
2Loss of energy
If a riser tube with turbine is added to recover energy, then energy recovery is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving tank is designed to serve multiple functions: it receives the liquid-gas mixture from the downcomer, provides a space for the turbine to capture kinetic energy, and acts as a separation zone where gas bubbles rise and liquid settles. By making the receiving tank multi-functional, the invention achieves energy recovery without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the tank's primary volume and structure are utilized for multiple purposes.
3Productivity
If an annular mesh sieve is added to enhance mass transfer, then oxygen mass transfer rate increases, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates an annular mesh sieve made of porous or perforated material in the receiving tank. This mesh structure provides extensive surface area for gas-liquid contact, enhancing oxygen mass transfer rates. The porous nature of the mesh allows bubbles to pass through while creating additional contact points with the liquid, significantly improving mass transfer efficiency without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as mesh screens are standard industrial components.
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 system recovers energy by driving a turbine connected to a generator, producing electrical power and increasing gas absorption rates with higher oxygen mass transfer without additional costs, while maintaining high efficiency in gas-liquid contact.
Implementation Method 1
A turbine is placed in fluid communication with the upper end of the riser. Upward movement of the two-phase fluid within the riser drives the turbine.
Implementation Method 2
The turbine is coupled to a generator for producing electrical energy.
Implementation Method 3
The jet of pressurized liquid creates turbulence and bubbles of gas in the liquid reservoir when the jet impacts the surface of the liquid reservoir in the downcomer to entrain the gas in the liquid reservoir, and to further form a two-phase fluid formed from liquid and the gas.
Implementation Method 4
an annular mesh sieve may be mounted on, and extend between, an outer surface of the downcomer and an inner surface of the riser. The annular mesh sieve breaks up the bubbles in the rising two-phase fluid into finer bubbles with decreased surface areas
Implementation Method 5
Near the point of impingement is a highly energetic, turbulent zone where the downward force of the plunging jet 104 fights buoyancy forces of the entrained gas G.
Data Source
AI summary
The confined plunging liquid jet reactor with energy recovery includes a downcomer having an upper end, an open lower end, and a gas inlet for receiving gas, the downcomer extending into a liquid reservoir in a tank. A nozzle is mounted on the upper end of the downcomer for receiving a pressurized liquid to generate a liquid jet. The liquid jet impinges on liquid contained within the downcomer, creating turbulence and bubbles to entrain gas introduced through the gas inlet into the liquid reservoir as the jet travels downward in the downcomer. A riser is disposed around the downcomer and defines an annular air lift column. Unentrained gas and liquid exiting the downcomer rises in the air lift column with significant energy, the upper end of the riser being connected to a turbine coupled to a generator to recover energy from the air lift column.