Nanobubble Generation via Segmented Pressure Fluctuation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to generate gas-containing liquids with high concentrations of fine bubbles, such as nanobubbles, which are essential for various applications due to their long-lasting nature and specific properties.

Innovation Solution

A gas-containing liquid generating apparatus comprising a pre-treatment module, a bubble nucleus generating module, and an activation module, where the pre-treatment module mixes gas and liquid to create an oversaturated gas-containing liquid, the bubble nucleus generating module applies pressure fluctuation to generate bubble nuclei, and the activation module refines these nuclei into fine bubbles by collision and pressure control, resulting in a gas-containing liquid with high concentrations of nanobubbles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional bubble generation methods are used, then bubbles are generated, but the bubble size is large and the concentration of fine bubbles is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble size controlVSAvoidfine bubble concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the bubble generation process into two distinct stages: first generating bubble nuclei, then expanding them into fine bubbles. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving both fine bubble size and high concentration that cannot be achieved by conventional single-stage methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary action by generating bubble nuclei before generating the actual fine bubbles. The bubble nuclei are pre-formed in the liquid phase and then expanded under controlled conditions to produce the desired fine bubbles, ensuring high concentration and precise size control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If gas and liquid are mixed to generate bubbles, then bubbles are produced, but the bubbles coalesce and lose stability over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble generation efficiencyVSAvoidbubble stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by generating bubble nuclei before generating the actual fine bubbles. The bubble nuclei are pre-formed in the liquid phase and then expanded under controlled conditions to produce the desired fine bubbles, ensuring high concentration and precise size control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transitions by controlling the expansion of bubble nuclei into fine bubbles through pressure and temperature changes. This controlled phase transition ensures that bubbles remain stable and do not coalesce, maintaining composition stability over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Quantity of substance

If bubble nuclei concentration is increased to generate more fine bubbles, then fine bubble concentration improves, but the complexity of the generation process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine bubble concentrationVSAvoidgeneration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the bubble generation process into two distinct stages: first generating bubble nuclei, then expanding them into fine bubbles. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving both fine bubble size and high concentration that cannot be achieved by conventional single-stage methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs self-service mechanisms where the bubble nuclei automatically expand into fine bubbles under controlled pressure and temperature conditions without requiring complex external intervention. The system uses the inherent properties of the liquid and gas to facilitate bubble formation and expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 apparatus effectively generates gas-containing liquids with nanobubbles at high concentrations, achieving particle sizes of 50 to 500 nm, enhancing their internal pressure and stability, and allowing for improved applications in fields like water treatment and sterilization.

Implementation Method 1

a gas/liquid mixing module configured to mix a gas and a liquid to generate a gas-containing liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas-liquid mixing:

Implementation Method 2

a first injection module configured to inject the gas-containing liquid supplied from the gas/liquid mixing module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure fluctuation:

Implementation Method 3

bubble nuclei are generated in the gas-containing liquid and are then bonded to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBubble nucleus generation: Nucleation

Implementation Method 4

a second injection module configured to inject the gas-containing liquid supplied from the first injection module to generate bubbles in the gas-containing liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure control:

Implementation Method 5

generate bubbles in the gas-containing liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBubble formation: Bubble

Data Source

PatentUS9868092B2Gas-containing liquid generating apparatus and gas-containing liquid injecting module

Publication Date: 2018.01.16 TAKAHASHI HIROMI

AI summary

A gas-containing liquid generating apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a gas/liquid mixing module configured to mix a gas and a liquid to generate a gas-containing liquid, a first injection module configured to inject the gas-containing liquid supplied from the gas/liquid mixing module, and a second injection module configured to inject the gas-containing liquid supplied from the first injection module to generate bubbles in the gas-containing liquid, wherein the first injection module includes a containing portion configured to contain the gas-containing liquid, a cylindrical portion having a channel configured to inject the gas-containing liquid into the containing portion, and a protruding portion provided on an inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion so as to protrude into the channel.