Tubular Gas Mixer With Radial Injection for Homogeneous H2-NG Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas mixing apparatuses fail to ensure a constant and homogeneous mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, leading to potential equipment damage and inaccurate concentration measurement due to hydrogen embrittlement and stratification, with complex control systems that are difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A tubular mixing device with axial and radial channels, featuring venturi nozzles and modular injection elements, combined with a control unit for precise flow rate adjustment based on real-time measurements, ensures a high level of homogeneity and flexibility in mixing percentages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If venturi-type tubular bodies are used to mix gases, then the mixing process is simplified, but the homogeneity of the gas mixture is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is divided into multiple independent mixing chambers (first mixing chamber, second mixing chamber, third mixing chamber) arranged in series. Each chamber performs a stage of mixing, progressively improving homogeneity. This segmentation allows the complex mixing process to be broken down into manageable stages while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radial supply channels that inject gas perpendicular to the axial flow direction. This radial injection approach adds a dimensional element to the mixing process, creating radial velocity components that enhance turbulent mixing and improve homogeneity without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If control components are added to measure and adjust gas flows, then mixing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device utilizes the natural flow characteristics and pressure differences created by the venturi effect to automatically regulate gas mixing. The system self-adjusts based on flow rates and pressure gradients, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining precise mixing ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors are positioned at strategic locations (upstream of mixing chambers and in the common supply channel) to monitor pressure variations. This feedback information can be used to adjust flow rates and maintain optimal mixing conditions, improving control accuracy without requiring overly complex control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogen is introduced into natural gas pipelines, then decarbonization is achieved, but hydrogen embrittlement and stratification occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device ensures thorough mixing of hydrogen and natural gas before the mixture enters the pipeline. By achieving high homogeneity in advance (preliminary action), the system prevents subsequent stratification and concentration pockets from forming in the pipeline, thereby eliminating the conditions that lead to hydrogen embrittlement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing device is specifically designed to produce a homogeneous gas mixture through multiple mixing chambers and radial injection. This homogeneity ensures uniform hydrogen distribution in the natural gas flow, preventing local concentration variations that would cause embrittlement or stratification in the pipeline.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple mixing chambers are used to improve homogeneity, then mixture uniformity is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chambers are arranged in a compact, nested configuration where the second mixing chamber is positioned downstream of the first, and the third mixing chamber follows similarly. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume by efficiently utilizing space along the axial direction while maintaining multiple mixing stages for high homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
Radial supply channels inject gas in the radial direction, creating three-dimensional flow patterns within each mixing chamber. This multi-dimensional mixing approach achieves thorough homogenization in a more compact volume compared to purely axial mixing configurations, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining high mixture uniformity.
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 provides a compact, easy-to-maintain, and modular mixer that guarantees a homogeneous gas mixture with consistent mixing percentages, enhancing safety and efficiency in gas transportation and distribution systems.
Implementation Method 1
The Venturi effect creates a low-pressure zone within the constrained section of the gas passage, thus creating a suction effect. This suction effect is utilized for the introduction of a second gas to be mixed with a first one.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mixing gasses has a tubular body with an axial passage channel for the introduction of a first gas and at least one radial supply channel for the introduction of a second gas. The device also includes a mixer. A corresponding apparatus and method for mixing gasses are also described.