Nanobubble Stabilization via Rough Flow Path and Draft Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for stabilizing gas-infused liquids and efficiently discharging them into another liquid face limitations, such as clogging issues with impurities, complexity, and premature release of gas bubbles, which can be fatal in certain applications like infusion into the bloodstream.
Innovation Solution
A system with a flow path having a surface roughness of 0.1 μm-10.0 μm and a length at least 100 times its inner diameter, combined with a nozzle design that minimizes gas release by using a second tube with an open discharge end extending further downstream, creating a vacuum and draft to mix the gas-infused liquid with the receiving liquid without causing cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gas is infused into liquid under high pressure to achieve high gas concentration, then the amount of gas infused increases, but the gas is released from the liquid quickly when brought to ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gas bubbles by reducing their size to nanoscale (1-1000 nm), which fundamentally alters their behavior. Nanobubbles have different surface-to-volume ratios and surface tension characteristics compared to larger bubbles, enabling them to remain stable in liquid at ambient conditions for extended periods (weeks to months) while maintaining high gas concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition concepts by controlling the gas to exist in a nanobubble phase rather than larger bubble phase. This phase distinction is critical because nanobubbles exhibit unique stability properties that prevent premature gas release, allowing the system to maintain supersaturated gas levels indefinitely at ambient conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stabilization devices are used to reduce bubble size, then gas stability improves, but the devices become complex and prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilization function from complex mechanical devices and transfers it to the inherent properties of nanobubbles themselves. By creating nanobubbles through controlled infusion, the system eliminates the need for additional stabilization components such as capillary tubes, ultrasonic devices, or vortex generators, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Nanobubbles inherently possess self-stabilizing properties due to their size and surface characteristics. They naturally resist coalescence and dissolution without requiring external stabilization mechanisms. This self-service capability eliminates complex device components and reduces maintenance issues related to clogging and mechanical failure.
3Productivity
If gas-infused liquid is discharged quickly into another liquid, then treatment efficiency improves, but gas bubbles are released prematurely causing potential harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the discharge parameters by maintaining the nanoscale size of bubbles during transfer. The nanobubbles remain stable during discharge and mixing processes, allowing rapid delivery of gas-infused liquid to treatment locations without premature gas release. This enables high productivity while eliminating the harmful effects of bubble formation in sensitive applications such as bloodstream infusion.
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 stabilizes gas bubbles into nanobubbles that remain for weeks to months at ambient conditions and efficiently discharges them into another liquid, minimizing gas release and preventing cavitation, thus ensuring safety and effectiveness in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a surface of the flow path configured to engage the gas-infused liquid flowing through the flow path is formed of material having a surface roughness (Ra) in a range of 0.1 μm-10.0 μm
Implementation Method 2
the flow path has a length which is at least 100 times as long as a mean inner diameter thereof
Implementation Method 3
creating a vacuum and draft to mix the gas-infused liquid with the receiving liquid
Implementation Method 4
creating a vacuum and draft to mix the gas-infused liquid with the receiving liquid
Implementation Method 5
minimizing gas release and preventing cavitation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for stabilizing gas-infused liquid, includes a tubular flow path configured to receive and pass therethrough the gas-infused liquid under a pressure of at least 20 psi, wherein a surface of the flow path configured to engage the gas-infused liquid flowing through the flow path is formed of material having a surface roughness (Ra) in a range of 0.1 μm-10.0 μm, and the flow path has a length which is at least 100 times a mean inner diameter thereof.