Nested Tube Fluidic Buffer for Transient Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In fluid transfer systems where multiple sources of fluid with differing characteristics are used over extended periods, detecting and adjusting to these differences in real-time is challenging due to the rapid fluid transfer process, often resulting in inefficiencies and operational integrity issues.

Innovation Solution

A fluidic buffer volume device with nested tubes that directs fluid through a tortuous path, allowing for a prolonged residence time and minimizing fluid mixing and pressure differential, enabling sensors to detect transient events and allow for system adjustments before the fluid reaches the consuming system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fluid is transferred rapidly from source to system, then productivity is improved, but the system cannot detect and adjust to fluid characteristic differences in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer rateVSAvoiddetection and adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer volume device segments the fluid flow path into multiple serpentine passages, creating distinct flow zones that prolong residence time without increasing overall device footprint. This segmentation allows sufficient time for detection and adjustment while maintaining rapid overall transfer rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs nested serpentine passages where inner tubes are positioned within outer tubes, creating a compact nested structure. This nesting principle maximizes the fluid path length and buffer volume within a minimal space, enabling prolonged detection time without compromising productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of time

If buffer volume is increased to prolong fluid residence time, then detection and adjustment capability is improved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid residence timeVSAvoidbuffer volume device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The serpentine passages utilize three-dimensional spatial arrangement with multiple layers and levels. By transitioning from simple linear extension to multi-dimensional serpentine routing, the device achieves extended fluid residence time within a compact volume, effectively using vertical and lateral dimensions to maximize path length without proportionally increasing device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Nested serpentine passages are arranged concentrically with inner passages within outer passages. This nesting configuration efficiently packs maximum fluid path length into minimum volume, allowing prolonged residence time while maintaining a compact buffer volume device that does not excessively increase system footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of time

If fluid flows through a long path to prolong residence time, then detection capability is improved, but pressure differential increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid residence timeVSAvoidpressure differential

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The serpentine passages are designed with locally optimized geometry including appropriate radius of curvature in bends and sufficient passage width in straight sections. This local quality optimization minimizes flow resistance and pressure differential in critical zones while maintaining the overall long path length necessary for prolonged residence time and effective detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local 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 fluidic buffer volume assembly effectively prolongs the fluid transfer time, ensuring that detected fluid properties remain consistent from input to output, allowing for timely adjustments in the consuming system's operation, thereby enhancing efficiency and maintaining operational integrity during transitions between fluid sources.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid flow path extends from the inlet to the outlet via a tortuous path between walls of adjacent tubes of the multiple of nested tubes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTortuous flow path:

Implementation Method 2

minimizing fluid mixing and pressure differential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential minimization:

Data Source

PatentUS9494174B2Fluidic buffer volume device with reduced mixedness

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A system includes an inlet pipe configured to convey a fluid and a buffer volume configured to buffer the fluid. The buffer volume includes a smallest diameter tube having a smallest diameter, a first inlet end, and a first outlet end. The first inlet end is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet pipe. The buffer volume also includes an intermediate tube surrounding the smallest diameter tube having a first capped end and a second outlet end. The first capped end is positioned next to the outlet end of the smallest diameter tube. The buffer volume also includes a largest diameter tube surrounding the intermediate tube second capped end and a third outlet end. The second capped end is positioned next to the second outlet end of the intermediate tube. The system also includes an outlet pipe configured to convey the fluid from the buffer volume.