Particle Ignition Testing System With Laminar Flow Wind Tunnel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods cannot effectively simulate and study the ignition properties of particles traveling through gases in dynamic environments, such as those encountered in aerospace, industrial, or agricultural settings, where combustion risks are present, as they primarily focus on stationary particles in stagnant gas volumes.
Innovation Solution
A testing system comprising a test chamber, gas supply, heating device, and data acquisition equipment, which can simulate various scenarios by controlling particle and gas properties like size, temperature, velocity, and pressure, and includes a closed-loop wind tunnel to maintain laminar flow and recirculate gas, allowing for the study of ignition thresholds in diverse environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stationary particles in stagnant gas volumes are studied, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but the ability to simulate dynamic combustion environments is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static testing environment into a dynamic one by introducing a particle delivery system that can introduce particles in motion into a controlled gas flow environment. The wind tunnel component creates moving gas flows, and the particle delivery system propels particles through these flows, enabling simulation of dynamic combustion scenarios while maintaining controlled test conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controlled gas flow environment as an intermediary between the stationary particle and the dynamic combustion conditions. The wind tunnel creates a mediating flow field that allows stationary or slowly moving particles to experience dynamic gas flow conditions, effectively decoupling particle motion complexity from gas flow dynamics.
2Manufacturing precision
If particles are held stationary in test chambers, then testing control is simplified, but the ability to study particle velocity effects on ignition is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different motion states to different components: particles can be held stationary or introduced at controlled velocities in specific regions, while the gas flow maintains controlled movement throughout the test chamber. This localized differentiation allows precise measurement of ignition thresholds for particles at various velocity states without compromising overall test control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables variation of particle velocity as a controllable parameter by introducing particles through a delivery system that can adjust particle introduction speed. This allows systematic study of how particle velocity affects ignition thresholds while maintaining precise control over other test parameters such as gas composition, temperature, and pressure.
3Reliability
If complex dynamic scenarios are simulated, then real-world applicability improves, but measurement and data collection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates detection systems that monitor combustion events, particle positions, and gas flow conditions in real-time, providing feedback that allows verification of simulated scenario accuracy. This feedback mechanism enables precise measurement of ignition properties even in complex dynamic conditions by continuously tracking relevant parameters and comparing them against predicted behavior.
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
Enables the simulation and modeling of ignition properties in complex environments, providing a database for predicting ignition risks and facilitating the design of safety measures in scenarios like lightning strikes or grain silo combustion, by accurately replicating the conditions under which particles interact with gases.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device configured to heat the particle to a desired temperature
Implementation Method 2
The fan is configured to channel the gas around a particle held in the test chamber... the test chamber is configured to maintain a substantially laminar flow of the gas around the particle
Implementation Method 3
A vacuum system may be included that is configured to draw a vacuum in at least the test chamber
Implementation Method 4
testing ignition properties of particles... risk that a small particle of material may be discharged from structure of the aircraft and ignite a volume of fuel vapor or other gas present
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for testing ignition properties of particles relating to a combustion of a combustible gas within which a particle is present. Systems (10) include a test chamber (12) sized to hold a particle (14) to be tested, a gas supply (16) configured to deliver a gas to the test chamber, a heating device (20) configured to heat the particle, and data acquisition equipment (22) configured to collect data associated with the particle and/or the gas. The test chamber is configured to maintain a substantially laminar flow of gas around the particle that is fixed by a particle holder (32) in the test chamber.