Hydraulic Reservoir Diffusion Chamber for Entrained Air Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reservoirs for hydraulic systems are inefficient in removing gases from liquids, leading to gas entrainment and erosion of equipment components, and do not effectively improve the performance and service life of hydraulic machinery.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic reservoir design featuring a baffle oriented at an acute angle within the cavity, a diffusion chamber with strategically placed apertures, and a secondary set of apertures on the baffle to promote turbulence and separate gases from the liquid, enhancing de-aeration and reducing gas entrainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reservoirs are used without special deaeration structures, then the device complexity is low, but gas entrainment in hydraulic fluids increases leading to poor deaeration performance
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into multiple functional zones using baffles: a diffusion chamber for initial gas separation, a settling chamber for particle sedimentation, and a main storage area. The baffle creates distinct flow paths that separate gas-liquid mixture from clean hydraulic fluid, improving deaeration performance through spatial segmentation without requiring complex external equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle acts as an intermediary structure between the inlet and outlet, creating a diffusion chamber that mediates the transition from high-velocity inlet flow to calm outlet flow. This intermediary zone allows gas bubbles to separate from the hydraulic fluid through reduced turbulence and extended residence time, achieving effective deaeration while maintaining a relatively simple overall design
2Reliability
If gases are not removed from hydraulic fluids, then the device complexity remains low, but equipment components suffer erosion and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir performs preliminary deaeration and filtration actions before hydraulic fluid is pumped back into the system. By removing gases and particles in advance within the reservoir, the system prevents downstream erosion and component wear, extending service life without requiring additional protective devices in the hydraulic circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is designed to automatically separate gases and particles from hydraulic fluid using gravity and flow dynamics, without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The baffle-induced diffusion chamber and settling zone enable self-service deaeration and filtration, improving component reliability through automatic contaminant removal while maintaining simple device architecture
3Reliability
If simple flow paths are used in reservoirs, then the device complexity is low, but gas separation efficiency is poor leading to high gas entrainment
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into distinct zones by the baffle: a diffusion chamber for initial gas-liquid separation, a transition zone for flow stabilization, and a settling chamber for final gas removal. This segmentation creates multiple separation opportunities along the flow path, significantly improving gas separation efficiency while adding only moderate structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle introduces a vertical dimension to the flow path by creating an inclined diffusion chamber surface. Liquid flows down this inclined surface, allowing gas bubbles to rise perpendicular to the main flow direction. This dimensional change enhances gas-liquid separation efficiency by utilizing both horizontal and vertical flow components without requiring complex multi-level structures
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 effectively reduces gas entrainment in hydraulic fluids, improving the performance and volumetric efficiency of hydraulic equipment, while minimizing the risk of cavitation and extending the service life of components by promoting efficient gas separation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
generating turbulence in the fluid as the fluid exits the plurality of apertures to release a gas entrained in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a baffle disposed in the cavity and dividing the cavity into a first portion and a second portion; the baffle and the floor may define an acute angle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for deaeration of a liquid. Liquid may be impinged onto an inclined baffle and forced through a first plurality of apertures that direct the liquid in one or more directions away from one or more outlets of a reservoir. The liquid may be passed through a second plurality of apertures. Flowing the liquid as described promotes a circuitous route of travel and provides a residence time inside of the reservoir that promotes release of entrained air.