Modular Cavitation Generator with Adjustable Venturi Throat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrodynamic cavitation devices are inflexible in adjusting cavitation intensity and operating temperature, limiting their effectiveness in various industrial applications such as water treatment and beverage production, and are not optimized for energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modular cavitation generator with an adjustable venturi throat insert and a temperature-adjustable operating loop, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of cavitation intensity and temperature, fabricated through additive manufacturing for enhanced energy efficiency and scalability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing hydrodynamic cavitation devices are used, then cavitation treatment can be achieved, but the cavitation intensity cannot be adjusted and energy efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecavitation intensity adjustmentVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable throat insert that can be positioned at different locations within the venturi channel, allowing the effective throat area to be dynamically adjusted. This enables continuous control of cavitation intensity by changing the flow constriction, thereby optimizing energy consumption for different application requirements rather than operating at fixed intensity levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the venturi channel by allowing the throat insert to move along the channel length. This modifies the flow rate, pressure distribution, and cavitation number, enabling adjustment of cavitation intensity without changing the overall device structure or operating pressure, thus improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If existing hydrodynamic cavitation devices are used, then cavitation treatment can be achieved, but temperature control is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperature controlVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control systems that monitor the operating temperature and provide feedback to adjust operational parameters. This allows the system to maintain optimal temperature ranges for different applications, preventing energy waste from overheating while ensuring sufficient temperature for effective cavitation treatment, thereby reducing production time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional cavitation device designs are used, then basic cavitation function is achieved, but scalability and adaptability to different applications are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication versatilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cavitation device into modular components, including a removable throat insert, separate observation windows, and distinct pressure measurement sections. This segmentation allows individual components to be adjusted or replaced based on specific application requirements without redesigning the entire device, enhancing versatility while keeping the base structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the device with universal features such as the adjustable throat insert that can accommodate different flow rates and cavitation intensities, making a single device design suitable for multiple applications including water treatment, food processing, and chemical reactions, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular design enables adjustable cavitation intensity and optimized temperature control, reducing energy consumption and production time, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications like water treatment and beverage production while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) has been utilized for a wide variety of applications as a clean and renewable cavitating treatment technology

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic cavitation: Hydrodynamic Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

a cavitation body defining a venturi channel therein positioned between the inlet and the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250001383A1Modular cavitation generator and intensity adjusting methods

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES INC

AI summary

A modular assembled cavitation generating device and related operating loop are described adapted for intensity adjustment, observation, and temperature control. The device is adapted to receive one or more modules detachably attachable to the device that define surface materials, dimensions, angles, and other parameters of a cavitation channel, such as a venturi cavitation channel, that controls or otherwise adjusts cavitation occurring within the device. The device further includes observation windows for monitoring, and various measurement sensors can be installed to obtain measurements pertaining to various flow fields. Additional methods for controlling and/or intensifying cavitation through setting an optimum temperature range are also described.