Separator Circuit Vortex Choke Wall Steam Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In steam generation systems, the mixture of steam and liquid prior to steam release into cooking cavities and recirculation leads to inefficient steam generation and undesirable condensation effects on food and appliances, as it accelerates condensation and causes condensation to exit the steam outlet.
Innovation Solution
A separator circuit with a steamer connection tube, a liquid bin tube, and a slide tube, featuring a vortex section with a choke wall that gravitationally accelerates condensation and separates steam from liquid, using centrifugal forces to prevent condensation from exiting the steam outlet and maximize steam generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If steam and liquid are mixed prior to steam outlet for recirculation, then recirculation is achieved, but condensation accelerates and exits the steam outlet causing undesirable effects
Solution Approach 1:
The separator circuit divides the steam-liquid mixture into separate steam and liquid pathways. The liquid bin tube receives and separates liquid from the mixture, while the steam outlet delivers only steam to the cooking cavity, preventing condensation from exiting with the steam.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator circuit extracts liquid from the steam-liquid mixture before it reaches the steam outlet. By removing the liquid component through the liquid bin tube and recirculation system, only pure steam is delivered to the cooking cavity, eliminating the harmful effect of condensation exiting the steam outlet.
2Ease of repair
If steam and liquid are mixed prior to steam outlet, then recirculation route is utilized, but steam generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator circuit segments the steam generation process into distinct steam delivery and liquid recirculation pathways. This ensures that only steam is delivered to the cooking cavity for efficient cooking, while liquid is separately recirculated through the heating element to be converted back to steam, maintaining high steam generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator circuit performs preliminary separation of steam and liquid before the recirculation process. By separating the phases early in the circuit, the system ensures that liquid returning to the heating element is in optimal condition for efficient steam generation, rather than allowing mixed steam-liquid to circulate and reduce efficiency.
3Device complexity
If liquid accelerates condensation of steam, then condensation is enhanced, but condensation volume increases and exits steam outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The separator circuit extracts liquid from the steam-liquid mixture and directs it through the liquid bin tube to the recirculation system, preventing condensed liquid from accumulating and exiting the steam outlet. This extraction mechanism controls condensation volume and directs it to appropriate recirculation pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator circuit acts as an intermediary between the steam generation process and the steam outlet. It mediates the condensation process by providing a separate pathway for condensed liquid to be recirculated, preventing the harmful effect of condensation exiting with the steam while still allowing condensation to occur as part of the recirculation cycle.
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 separates steam from liquid, minimizing condensation exiting the steam outlet and enhancing steam generation efficiency, thereby improving cooking performance and reducing unwanted effects on food and appliances.
Implementation Method 1
The slide tube is sloped downwardly from the steamer connection tube to the liquid bin tube for gravitationally accelerating condensation from the steamer connection tube
Implementation Method 2
A vortex section is located between the slide tube and the liquid bin tube and includes a choke wall... using centrifugal forces to prevent condensation from exiting the steam outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A separator circuit for a steam generation system. The separator circuit comprises a steamer connection tube and a liquid bin tube that extends vertically between a steam outlet for providing steam to a cavity of a cooking appliance and a recirculation tube for routing condensation back into the provided steam generation system. A slide tube is sloped downwardly from the steamer connection tube to the liquid bin tube for gravitationally accelerating condensation from the steamer connection tube through the liquid bin tube and into the recirculation tube. A vortex section is located between the slide tube and the liquid bin tube and includes a choke wall. The choke wall extends from a first end decreasing a cross-sectional flow path of the vortex section to a second end in a direction of the liquid bin tube.