Multi-spindle Spray Nozzle Assembly for Steam Desuperheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steam desuperheaters face issues with unwanted water addition to steam lines due to improper operation, leading to thermal shock, erosion, and structural failures, and existing nozzle designs are prone to thermal cycling and nozzle orientation changes, resulting in inefficient temperature control and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A multi-spindle spray nozzle assembly with two small, spring-loaded nozzles producing a 60° spray cone angle, positioned to diverge from the axis, providing a uniformly distributed spray pattern that is tilted into the steam flow, reducing the number of nozzles required and enhancing secondary atomization and plume concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional nozzle assemblies are used to spray cooling water into superheated steam, then temperature control is achieved, but unwanted water addition occurs leading to thermal shock and erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into multiple spray outlets arranged in a circular pattern, with each outlet directing spray at a specific angle. This segmentation allows the spray to be distributed uniformly across the steam flow cross-section, preventing concentrated water impact that causes thermal shock and erosion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the nozzle produce spray with different characteristics - the angular distribution and cone angles are optimized for different regions to ensure uniform mixing throughout the steam flow while preventing water accumulation and thermal shock in any specific location.
2Quantity of substance
If nozzles are positioned to spray perpendicular to steam pipe axis, then cooling water mixes with steam, but spray pattern is not optimally distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle exhibits asymmetric geometry with spray outlets positioned at specific angles relative to the steam flow direction. The cone angles and outlet orientations are asymmetrically configured to match the flow dynamics, creating optimal spray distribution that follows the steam flow pattern rather than opposing it.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray distribution is extended from a simple planar pattern to a three-dimensional conical distribution. The spray outlets are arranged to create cone angles that distribute water droplets radially and axially throughout the steam flow, utilizing multiple spatial dimensions to achieve uniform mixing.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzles are used to achieve uniform spray distribution, then temperature control improves, but device complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spray outlets that would traditionally require separate nozzle assemblies are merged into a single integrated nozzle body. The circular arrangement of outlets within one nozzle housing reduces the number of separate components, simplifying installation and maintenance while achieving uniform spray distribution through the combined effect of all outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The single nozzle assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously - it distributes cooling water uniformly across the entire steam flow cross-section, maintains proper spray angles, and prevents water accumulation all through one integrated component rather than requiring multiple specialized nozzles.
4Area of stationary object
If spray cone angle is large, then cooling water covers larger area, but atomization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle parameters including cone angle, outlet diameter, and outlet orientation are optimized to achieve the desired balance between coverage area and atomization efficiency. The specific cone angles and circular arrangement create fine droplet distribution over a wide area simultaneously, resolving the trade-off between coverage and atomization quality.
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 solution effectively reduces the number of nozzles needed, minimizes material costs, and improves atomization and temperature control, reducing thermal stress and maintenance requirements while maintaining efficient steam temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle holder which accommodates two small, spring-loaded nozzles
Implementation Method 2
the cooling water mixes with the superheated steam and evaporates, drawing thermal energy from the steam and lowering its temperature
Implementation Method 3
the cooling water mixes with the superheated steam and evaporates, drawing thermal energy from the steam
Implementation Method 4
enhancing secondary atomization and plume concentration
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-spindle spray nozzle assembly for a steam desuperheating or attemperator device. The nozzle assembly features a nozzle holder which accommodates two small, spring-loaded nozzles, each of which is adapted to produce a spray pattern of reduced cone angle (e.g., approximately 60) in comparison to currently know nozzle designs. The two nozzles are positioned within the nozzle holder such that they diverge from the axis thereof as allows the spray pattern generated thereby to be effectively tilted into the flow of steam within a desuperheating device having the nozzle assembly interfaced thereto.