Microbubble Generation via Multi-Hole Sparger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating microbubbles, such as the Jameson cell, require high liquid jet velocities and high turbulence, which reduce efficiency and can harm cells or proteins in fermentation processes, and struggle with the poor solubility of gases like CO and O2 in aqueous broths, limiting gas absorption in fermentation reactions.
Innovation Solution
A microbubble generation system that uses multiple liquid jets to break large bubbles into smaller microbubbles within a column, allowing for adjustable jet velocities and reduced turbulence, enhancing energy efficiency and gas absorption by maximizing the gas-liquid interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If high liquid jet velocity is used to generate microbubbles, then bubble size is reduced, but energy consumption increases and turbulence becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The single high-velocity jet is segmented into multiple lower-velocity jets. The patent employs a multi-hole sparger that distributes gas through multiple smaller openings, creating multiple liquid jets that each operate at lower velocities while collectively achieving the same microbubble generation effect, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and turbulence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by reducing jet velocity and using multiple jets instead of one. By adjusting the number of jets, their individual velocities, and the sparger configuration, the system achieves microbubble generation at lower energy inputs while maintaining effective gas-liquid contact.
2Productivity
If high turbulence is used to enhance gas-liquid contact, then mass transfer is improved, but microorganisms and proteins are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The single high-turbulence zone is segmented into multiple lower-turbulence zones. By distributing gas injection through multiple sparger holes and creating multiple liquid jets, the patent reduces the intensity of turbulence in any single location while maintaining overall mass transfer efficiency through increased interfacial area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using multiple moderate-velocity jets instead of one high-velocity jet. This intermediary configuration provides sufficient mixing and mass transfer while avoiding the extreme turbulence conditions that damage sensitive biological materials.
3Device complexity
If single liquid jet is used to entrain gas, then device complexity is reduced, but gas absorption efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single liquid jet system is segmented into multiple liquid jets. The patent uses a multi-hole sparger configuration that creates multiple liquid jets simultaneously, each contributing to gas entrainment and bubble formation. This segmentation increases the total gas-liquid interfacial area and improves gas absorption efficiency while adding only moderate structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple liquid jets are merged in their action to achieve enhanced gas absorption. The patent combines the effects of multiple jets operating in parallel within the same reactor vessel, merging their contributions to turbulence generation, gas entrainment, and mass transfer to achieve superior overall performance.
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 achieves efficient microbubble generation with reduced energy consumption and minimal turbulence, improving gas absorption in fermentation broths, particularly for gases with low solubility, thereby enhancing fermentation productivity and maintaining a less harsh environment for microorganisms.
Implementation Method 1
breaks it into very small bubbles within a zone of very high shear stress as the jet enters the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The Jameson cell is characterised by its high turbulence in the downcomer
Implementation Method 3
The Jameson Cell employs a single plunging jet of liquid to entrain atmospheric air via the Bernoulli effect which breaks it into very small bubbles
Implementation Method 4
A portion of the gases in the streams dissolves in the fermentation broth such that it is then usable by the microbes
Implementation Method 5
enhancing efficiency of gas fermentations by increasing gas-to-liquid mass-transfer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a microbubble generation system with increased efficiency and flexibility compared to known systems. Further, the invention provides a method of microbubble generation. In particular, invention relates to increasing the efficiency of a fermentation reaction by reducing bubble size and increasing gas absorption into a liquid fermentation broth.