Micro Nano Bubble Generation via Pressurized Orifice Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate in generating extremely fine micro and nano bubbles in fluids, which are essential for efficient particulate separation and oxygen supersaturation in water, as they typically produce bubbles larger than 5 microns in diameter.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pressurized container with a ported plate and backpressure regulator to create a pressure drop, generating micro and nano bubbles by injecting a gas into a liquid stream, with the pressure differential and orifice size optimized to produce bubbles of 5 microns or less, allowing for efficient mixing and blending of fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional bubble generation methods are used, then bubble generation is simple, but bubble size is too large (greater than 5 microns) for efficient separation
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the bubble generation process into distinct functional zones: a high-pressure injection zone where gas is forced through orifices, a pressure differential zone where bubbles form, and a separation zone where micro/nano bubbles are generated. This segmentation enables precise control over bubble size while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes critical parameters including pressure (maintaining 100-150 PSIG in primary zone), pressure differential (60% of primary zone pressure in secondary zone), and orifice size (0.200-0.400 inches) to generate micro and nano bubbles of 5 microns or less. These parameter changes transform conventional bubble generation into a precision process for producing extremely fine bubbles.
2Productivity
If larger bubbles are used, then the system is easier to operate, but separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure gauges in both primary and secondary zones that provide visual feedback on pressure levels and differentials. This feedback mechanism allows operators to monitor and maintain optimal conditions for micro bubble generation without requiring complex instrumentation, thereby preserving ease of operation while achieving high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by maintaining high gas pressure (100-150 PSIG) in the primary zone and creating a controlled pressure differential (60% of primary pressure) in the secondary zone. This pneumatic approach enables efficient micro bubble generation through pressure-driven flow through orifices, achieving high productivity while remaining operationally simple.
3Quantity of substance
If normal oxygen saturation is used, then the system requires less pressure, but oxygen dissolution capacity is limited to 13 mg/liter
Solution Approach 1:
The invention exploits phase transition principles by forcing gas-liquid mixture through orifices under high pressure, creating a two-phase flow that transitions into fine micro and nano bubbles upon pressure reduction. This phase transition mechanism dramatically increases the surface area for gas-liquid contact, enabling oxygen supersaturation up to 40 mg/liter compared to normal saturation of 13 mg/liter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-pressurizing the gas-liquid mixture to 100-150 PSIG before it enters the bubble generation zone. This preliminary pressurization ensures sufficient driving force for forcing the mixture through orifices and creates the conditions necessary for generating the extreme number of micro and nano bubbles required for supersaturation.
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 effectively generates micro and nano bubbles, enhancing particulate flotation and oxygen supersaturation in water, achieving up to 40 mg/liter oxygen saturation at STP, compared to the normal 13 mg/liter, and is applicable in various fluid treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure drop of about 40% of the container inlet pressure will be created in the vessel/container immediately downstream of the ported plate
Implementation Method 2
An optimized pressure drop across the ported plate generates micro and nano bubbles in area immediately downstream of the ported plate
Implementation Method 3
measuring and maintaining a predetermined second fluid pressure level within the closed container secondary zone within a pressure differential range of substantially 60 percent of the combined flow within the closed container primary zone
Implementation Method 4
causes the fluids to dynamically commingle
Implementation Method 5
air or gas bubbles can be used to separate particulates from a fluid such as water by floating the particulates to the surface of the fluid for removal
Implementation Method 6
micro and nano bubbles can contribute to maintaining high dissolved oxygen levels when using air or oxygen (or other gasses) in water
Implementation Method 7
micro and nano bubbles generated using this apparatus can supersaturate oxygen dissolved in water at STP (Standard Pressure and Temperature) up to 40 mg/liter
Data Source
AI summary
A method according to the present invention for generating micro and nano bubbles of substantially five microns or less in a fluid, is accomplished by injecting a gas through a gas feed conduit into a liquid stream to create a combined flow of gas and liquid, the gas being up to 15 volume percent at STP of the liquid being streamed. This combined flow is contained within a closed container having at least one primary zone and a secondary zone. The combined flow is pressurizing within the closed container primary zone(s) and the pressurized combined flow is maintained at a predetermined first fluid pressure level of substantially between 100 and 150 PSIG within the closed container primary zone(s). Then the pressurized combined flow is directed from the closed container primary zone(s) to the closed container secondary zone through a plate/disk(s) having one or more orifices/ports restricting the combined flow through the orifice/port(s). A predetermined second fluid pressure level within the closed container secondary zone(s) is within a pressure differential range of substantially 60 percent of the combined flow within the closed container primary zone.