Slug Flow Formation via Density-Driven Liquid Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming slug flow in microreactors face challenges such as liquid emulsification, increased pressure loss, and limited adjustability of slug length, particularly due to complex structures and reliance on electric power.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the combination of a first liquid and a second liquid with different densities, where the second liquid is moved upstream and then downstream by the first liquid, allowing for adjustable slug length through control of density and flow rates, and using a device with specific pipe configurations and retention parts to facilitate this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a temporary retention space part is provided in the middle part of the outflow flow channel to form slug flow, then the slug flow can be formed by allowing oily fluid and aqueous fluid to alternately flow out, but the liquid may be easily emulsified due to shear stress and pressure loss may be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful retention space part from the outflow flow channel and relocates it to the inflow flow channel. By removing the retention space from the outflow section, the patent eliminates the source of excessive shear stress and pressure loss while preserving the slug flow formation capability through the relocated retention space in the inflow section.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the retention space part in the inflow flow channel rather than the outflow flow channel. This inversion allows the slug flow to be formed upstream, where the retained liquid can be pushed downstream by the flowing liquid without creating excessive shear stress in the outflow section.
2Extent of automation
If a micro solenoid valve is used to control liquid flow for slug flow formation, then the valve can be driven by electric power, but the structure becomes complicated and pressure resistance may not be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the electrically-driven micro solenoid valve from the system and replaces it with a purely mechanical flow control mechanism. The new design uses the natural flow dynamics and density differences of the liquids, combined with a simple mechanical retention space, to achieve slug flow formation without requiring complex electrically-actuated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the system to self-regulate liquid flow and form slug flow patterns without external electric power or complex control mechanisms. The density difference between liquids and the mechanical retention space create a self-sustaining flow pattern where the system controls itself through physical principles rather than requiring active electronic control.
3Ease of operation
If the retention space part is provided in the outflow flow channel, then slug flow can be formed, but the slug length cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability to the retention space part, allowing its volume to be changed according to requirements. By making the retention space adjustable, the system can dynamically control slug length without requiring complex electronic control mechanisms, achieving both ease of operation and adaptability through a simple mechanical adjustment.
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 formation of slug flow with adjustable slug length by simplifying the process, reducing pressure loss, and eliminating the need for complex structures or electric power, thereby improving controllability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a density D1 of the first liquid and a density D2 of the second liquid satisfy a relationship of D1>D2
Implementation Method 2
combining a first liquid and a second liquid that is not compatible with the first liquid; moving the second liquid that is combined with the first liquid to an upstream side with respect to a combination point
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a formation method for a slug flow that includes combining a first liquid and a second liquid that is not compatible with the first liquid, moving the second liquid that is combined with the first liquid to an upstream side with respect to a combination point of the first liquid and the second liquid in a flow direction of the first liquid, and moving, by the first liquid, the second liquid that is retained on the upstream side with respect to the combination point of the first liquid and the second liquid in the flow direction of the first liquid, to a downstream side with respect to the combination point of the first liquid and the second liquid in the flow direction of the first liquid, where a density D1 of the first liquid and a density D2 of the second liquid satisfy a relationship of D1>D2, and provides an application thereof.