Mini Microbubble Formation via Vacuum Discharge Plate

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aeration systems struggle to efficiently produce and control mini microbubbles for effective liquid treatment, as larger bubbles quickly rise and lose mixing efficiency, while mini microbubbles provide better aeration but require precise formation and control methods.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a drive means, shaft, displacing means, discharge plate, and media chamber, which creates a partial vacuum to form mini microbubbles by adjusting the distance between the housing and discharge plate, using a rotating shaft and housing configuration to control bubble size and quality, and includes a recycling dome to reprocess larger bubbles into smaller ones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If larger bubbles are formed for aeration, then gas introduction is easier, but bubbles rapidly rise to the surface and lose mixing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaeration efficiencyVSAvoidbubble residence time in liquid
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the partial vacuum level and discharge plate geometry to produce bubbles in the mini microbubble size range (10-100 micrometers). By adjusting the vacuum degree and discharge hole dimensions, the system transforms the bubble size parameter to achieve optimal residence time and surface area-to-volume ratio for enhanced aeration efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the gas introduction process into multiple discrete discharge points through the discharge plate with multiple holes. This segmentation creates numerous small bubbles simultaneously, increasing total surface area for gas transfer while preventing rapid coalescence and rise that occurs with larger single bubbles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If mini microbubbles are formed to increase surface area, then gas transfer potential is enhanced, but precise formation and control methods are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface area of bubblesVSAvoidbubble size control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical bubble size control mechanisms with a vacuum-based system. By using partial vacuum to draw media through the discharge plate, bubble size is controlled by pressure differential and surface tension effects rather than mechanical constraints, achieving precise mini microbubble formation with simpler equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge plate acts as an intermediary element between the vacuum source and the liquid media. It mediates the transformation of vacuum pressure into controlled bubble formation, with the plate's hole geometry and material properties determining the final bubble size and distribution characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If vacuum degree and discharge plate distance are adjusted to control bubble size, then bubble quality improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebubble size uniformityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where the discharge plate can be positioned at varying distances from the vacuum source, and the vacuum degree can be modulated. These dynamic parameters allow real-time control of bubble size and distribution, adapting to different liquid viscosities and aeration requirements without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively produces long-lasting mini microbubbles with increased surface area for enhanced gas transfer, improving aeration efficiency and reducing nuisance foaming, while allowing for adjustable operation to suit various liquid and media combinations.

Implementation Method 1

Creation of a partial vacuum under water can be achieved with displacement of a liquid media. A quantity of gas, such as air, that is released into water under a partial vacuum creates an unstable bubble, termed a 'vacuum bubble,' which rapidly adjusts its volume until its pressure reaches equilibrium.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPartial vacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a system for precisely controlling the size, quality and quantity of gas bubbles by using the partial-vacuum variables of pressure and volume based one the Gas Law P1V1=P2V2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas Law: Boyle's Law

Implementation Method 3

The housing has a configuration suitable for creating a turbulence of fluids adjacent the displacing means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBubble coalescence and breakup: Turbulence

Implementation Method 4

Because gas transfer to liquids is a function of the ratio of surface area to volume, the smaller mini microbubbles have a greater transfer potential and are better for aeration.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS8172206B2System for forming mini microbubbles
Publication Date: 2012.05.08 ST LAWRENCE THOMAS
  • US8172206B2 patent drawing
  • US8172206B2 patent drawing
  • US8172206B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for forming mini microbubbles has a motor, a shaft attached to the motor, a displacer attached to the shaft for mixing a media with a liquid, a discharge plate positioned adjacent the displacer, a housing adjustably attached to the discharge plate, and a media chamber fluidly connected with the discharge plate. The motor rotates the shaft. The discharge plate has a discharge hole formed therein. The media chamber is fluidly connected to the discharge hole of the discharge plate. The discharge plate is positioned between the motor and the displacer. The displacer is positioned within the housing. The media chamber can be positioned between the motor and the discharge plate.