Multi-disk Spinning Disk Assembly for Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single disk atomizers have limited throughput due to a small liquid flow area, necessitating improvements for increased efficiency in micro-encapsulation and atomization processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-disk spinning disk assembly with spacers and channels that distribute fluid tangentially across the disk periphery, enhancing fluid distribution and atomization efficiency, and allowing for adjustable channel geometries to accommodate various fluid properties and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single disk atomizer is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is limited due to small liquid flow area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single disk atomizer into multiple disks arranged in a stack, with each disk contributing to the overall atomization process. This segmentation increases the total liquid flow area and throughput while maintaining a relatively simple individual disk structure, thus improving productivity without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane (2D) atomization surface to a multi-plane (3D) stacked configuration. By arranging disks vertically in a stack with spacers providing axial spacing, the system utilizes the third dimension to increase total atomization area and liquid flow capacity, thereby improving throughput
2Productivity
If multi-layered disks are used to increase throughput, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layered disk system is segmented into discrete disks separated by spacers, allowing each component to be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular segmentation enables scaling of throughput by adding or removing disks without redesigning the entire system, managing complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
Spacers are introduced as intermediary components between the disks to maintain precise axial spacing and enable fluid distribution. These spacers simplify the overall assembly by providing a standardized interface and spacing mechanism, reducing the complexity of aligning and maintaining multiple disks at correct positions
3Ease of operation
If spacers with channels are used to distribute fluid, then the fluid distribution efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spacers with integrated channels serve as intermediary fluid distribution elements between the fluid source and the disk atomization surfaces. These spacers simplify fluid distribution by providing pre-configured flow paths that automatically deliver fluid to multiple disks, improving distribution efficiency without requiring complex external piping for each disk
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical spacing between disks, serve as fluid distribution manifolds with integrated channels, and act as structural support elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving fluid distribution efficiency while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
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 multi-disk assembly significantly increases throughput by ensuring efficient fluid distribution and atomization, overcoming the limitations of single disk systems and enabling higher production capacities in micro-encapsulation and atomization processes.
Implementation Method 1
The spinning disk encapsulation process uses a disk that rotates at high speeds, driven by a motor or other drive equipment. A spray is created by passing a fluid across or through the rotating disk. Centrifugal energy translates the fluid into a fine horizontal droplet spray.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-disk spinning disk assembly for atomization and encapsulation applications. A number of disks 17a and spacers (33, 40) are stacked to form a disk stack 17 having a feed well 31 in the center core of the stack. The fluid to be atomized or encapsulated is delivered to the feed well 31. The fluid then flows into spacer channels (37, 41) within or on the surface of the spacers. The channels (37, 41) communicate the fluid toward the outer edges of the disks 17a. The disk surface past the spacers (33, 40) can have various configurations, such as teeth, weirs, or a bigger or smaller diameter, as desired for particular atomization or encapsulation characteristics.