Stationary Solid Plates for Hydrodynamic Cavitation Water Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purification systems using cavitation often face challenges with equipment fatigue, reduced run-time, and increased wear and tear, which can lead to higher operational costs and lower efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of solid plates within a cavitation apparatus, where at least two plates are independently rotated in opposite directions, enhances cavitation and significantly reduces fatigue, improving run-time and reducing wear and tear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cavitation apparatus are used for water purification, then contaminant removal is achieved, but equipment fatigue and wear increase, reducing run-time and longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic rotating element (impeller or rotor) from the cavitation apparatus and replaces it with stationary plates. This removal of the moving component eliminates the source of mechanical fatigue and wear, thereby extending equipment longevity and continuous operation time while maintaining cavitation-based contaminant removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating impeller/rotor system with a stationary plate configuration. Instead of using mechanical rotation to generate cavitation, the system uses fluid flow through stationary plates with specific geometries (such as angled surfaces or gaps) to create cavitation zones, thereby eliminating mechanical wear while preserving the cavitation effect for water purification.
2Productivity
If conventional cavitation apparatus are used for water purification, then contaminant separation is achieved, but operational costs increase due to frequent maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the rotating impeller or rotor from the system, the patent eliminates the need for frequent maintenance and replacement of wear-prone components. This extraction of the problematic mechanical element reduces operational costs associated with maintenance while maintaining purification efficiency through the stationary plate cavitation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of the mechanical rotating system with stationary plates reduces energy consumption and operational costs. The stationary plate design eliminates mechanical friction, bearing wear, and motor load associated with rotation, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and operational expenses while achieving effective contaminant separation through cavitation.
3Productivity
If rotating plates are used to enhance cavitation, then contaminant removal effectiveness increases, but mechanical wear and fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotating motion from the plate system, transforming moving plates into stationary plates. This extraction eliminates mechanical wear and fatigue while maintaining enhanced cavitation effects through optimized plate geometries (such as angled surfaces, gaps, or specific arrangements) that generate strong cavitation zones for effective contaminant removal without compromising mechanical durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating plate system with stationary plates designed to generate cavitation through fluid flow interaction. The stationary plates with specific geometries (angled surfaces, gaps, or arrangements) create cavitation zones that maintain contaminant removal effectiveness while eliminating mechanical wear and fatigue associated with rotation, thereby improving mechanical durability.
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
This configuration increases the longevity and efficiency of the cavitation process, allowing for more effective contaminant separation from wastewater without sacrificing efficiency or effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Cavitation occurs when the pressure of a liquid drops below its vapor pressure, causing the formation of vapor-filled cavities or bubbles, followed by the sudden collapse of those cavities or bubbles, creating energy.
Implementation Method 2
Acoustic cavitation is generated by ultrasonic waves and is sometimes known as sonochemical cavitation. When high-intensity ultrasound waves pass through a liquid, they create alternating high and low-pressure zones, leading to the formation and collapse of microscopic bubbles.
Implementation Method 3
Hydrodynamic cavitation is created by manipulating the flow of water through specially designed devices or nozzles. As water flows through these devices, pressure drops, and cavitation bubbles form.
Implementation Method 4
The collapse of cavitation bubbles is used to assist in chemical reactions or physical processes, like flocculation or precipitation, for the removal of impurities.
Implementation Method 5
Due to the high pressure and high temperature, the water molecules decompose into reactive hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals that are capable of oxidation and reduction in the immediate vicinity of the bubble.
Implementation Method 6
the water molecules decompose into reactive hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals that are capable of oxidation and reduction
Implementation Method 7
The collapse of cavitation bubbles is also used to break down organic pollutants and contaminants in water through a process called sonolysis.
Implementation Method 8
During the collapse phase of the bubble, liquid vapor tends to condense at the bubble wall, and the vapor at the center of the bubble can become trapped in the bubble during the collapse
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for water purification. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing; at least two solid plates disposed within the housing; at least one shaft for rotating the at least two solid plates, wherein the at least one shaft is at least partially located within the housing; and at least one motor for rotating the at least one shaft, wherein the at least two solid plates are independently rotated in opposite directions of one another to further enhance cavitation within the housing. The solid plates substantially increase longevity and run-time of the cavitation apparatus, without sacrificing efficiency and effectiveness of contaminant separation from the water. The solid plates significantly reduce fatigue, improve run time and reduce wear and tear.