Hydraulic Reservoir Diffusion Chamber for Gas Entrapment Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reservoirs fail to effectively remove gases from hydraulic fluids, leading to reduced performance and increased risk of equipment damage due to gas entrainment and cavitation.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic reservoir design featuring a baffle oriented at an acute angle with a diffusion chamber and apertures that generates turbulence to separate gases from the fluid, improving de-aeration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional reservoir design is used, then the structure is simple, but gas removal efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into multiple functional zones using baffles: a first baffle creates a diffusion chamber that segments the inlet flow path, while a second baffle segments the cavity into gas accumulation zones and liquid flow zones. This segmentation allows different regions to perform specific deaeration functions, improving gas removal efficiency without requiring completely redesigning the entire reservoir system.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion chamber acts as an intermediary structure between the inlet conduit and the main cavity. It introduces the liquid flow in a controlled manner, allowing gas bubbles to separate from the liquid before entering the main reservoir volume. The baffles serve as intermediary elements that guide flow patterns and create turbulence zones necessary for effective deaeration.
2Reliability
If gas is not removed from hydraulic fluid, then the system operation is simple, but performance deteriorates and equipment damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion chamber and baffle configuration create turbulent flow patterns and mechanical disturbance to the liquid as it enters the reservoir. This mechanical agitation promotes gas bubble separation from the liquid by disrupting the liquid flow and creating conditions favorable for bubble coalescence and rise to the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir design uses the kinetic energy and flow characteristics of the incoming hydraulic fluid itself to drive the deaeration process. The diffusion chamber and baffle arrangement convert the liquid's own motion into turbulence and flow patterns that automatically separate gas without requiring external power or additional active components.
3Productivity
If liquid flow is introduced directly into the reservoir, then the flow path is short, but gas entrainment is high
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion chamber performs preliminary deaeration action on the liquid flow before it enters the main reservoir cavity. By introducing the liquid through the diffusion chamber with its specific aperture configuration, gas bubbles are separated and removed in advance, preventing high gas entrainment from carrying into the main reservoir volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion chamber and baffle design creates curved flow paths rather than straight linear paths. The liquid flow is directed to follow curved trajectories as it passes through the diffusion chamber and around the baffles, which enhances turbulence and promotes gas-liquid separation through centrifugal effects and flow instability.
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, enhancing the performance of hydraulic fluids and extending the service life of hydraulic system components by improving de-aeration efficiency and reducing the risk of cavitation.
Implementation Method 1
generating turbulence in the fluid as the fluid exits the plurality of apertures to release a gas entrained in the fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A reservoir (100, 500, 700) for a hydraulic system is disclosed, the reservoir (100, 500, 700) comprising: a housing (102) comprising a floor (106) and defining a cavity (104); a baffle (110) disposed in the cavity and dividing the cavity into a first portion (124) and a second portion (126), the baffle and the floor defining an acute angle (112); an inlet conduit (130) extending into the first portion of the cavity, the inlet comprising: a longitudinal axis (131); a diffusion chamber (132), the diffusion chamber comprising: a wall (138); and a first plurality of apertures (142) formed in a portion of the wall of the diffusion chamber, the portion of the wall extending along less than an entire perimeter of the wall; and an outlet (146) in fluid communication with the second portion of the cavity, the baffle comprising: a first portion extending in a first direction from the diffusion chamber; a second portion extending in a second direction from the diffusion chamber, the first plurality of apertures open towards the first portion of the baffle; and a second plurality of apertures (148) formed in the second portion of the baffle, the second set of apertures providing fluid communication between the first portion of the cavity and the second portion of the cavity. Furthermore, a method of deaerating a liquid is disclosed.