Supersonic Gas Injection for Liquid Dissolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for introducing gas into liquids, such as oxygenation in water bodies or industrial processes, are inefficient due to low oxygen content in air and the need for complex mechanical pumping systems, which increase installation and operational efforts, especially in remote or large water bodies.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that inject gas at ultrasonic speed below the liquid surface, adjusting pressure based on depth, using a Laval nozzle to generate a supersonic gas flow, creating an ultrasonic field for enhanced mixing and dissolution without requiring artificial pumping systems, and allowing for pulsed gas injection to expand the dissolution area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If gas is introduced into liquid at subsonic speed through conventional injectors, then the gas scatters widely and penetration depth is limited, but the liquid surface reflections and scattering reduce dissolution efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas injection speedVSAvoidgas penetration depth control
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the speed parameter of gas injection from subsonic to supersonic (Mach number > 1). This parameter change transforms the gas flow characteristics, reducing scattering and surface reflections, thereby improving penetration depth and dissolution efficiency without requiring complex mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If Venturi systems are used to mix gas and liquid intensively, then dissolution efficiency is improved, but artificial pumping systems are required which increase installation and operational effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas dissolution efficiencyVSAvoidpumping system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supersonic gas jet itself generates the mixing action through its kinetic energy and shock wave formation in the liquid. The gas flow creates turbulence and intense mixing zones automatically, eliminating the need for external pumping systems to generate liquid flow for mixing purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical pumping systems with a gas dynamic system. Instead of using mechanical pumps to create liquid flow for mixing, the system uses supersonic gas injection to create the necessary flow and mixing conditions through gas kinetic energy and shock wave-induced turbulence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stress or pressure

If gas is injected at high pressure to achieve deep penetration, then dissolution efficiency improves, but pressure control becomes more critical and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas injection pressureVSAvoidpressure control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pulsed gas injection instead of continuous high-pressure injection. The periodic pulsing maintains effective dissolution through repeated shock wave formation and turbulence generation, while allowing simpler pressure control compared to sustained high-pressure systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach achieves deep penetration and rapid distribution of gas in the liquid, improving solubility and eliminating the need for mechanical pumping, resulting in efficient and cost-effective gas introduction into liquids, suitable for various applications including wastewater treatment and industrial processes.

Implementation Method 1

using a Laval nozzle to generate a supersonic gas flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaval nozzle effect: De Laval Nozzle

Implementation Method 2

An advantageous development of the invention provides that an ultrasonic field is generated by the entry of the gas in the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic field generation: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

the gas flow in the liquid generates a strong flow that covers a wide area around the inlet device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Data Source

PatentEP1884279B1Method and device for feeding a gas into a fluid at supersonic velocity, and use of the method
Publication Date: 2011.06.08 MESSER FRANCE
  • EP1884279B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

In known systems used, for example, in wastewater treatment or the aeration of water bodies, gas, particularly oxygen, is introduced into a liquid either at low pressure using perforated hoses or at high pressure with the aid of Venturi nozzles. Perforated hoses are inefficient, while Venturi systems are very complex. According to the invention, the water is introduced into the liquid below the liquid level (16) using ultrasound, preferably by generating an ultrasonic field within the liquid itself. The gas is preferably introduced using a Laval nozzle (3). With a simple apparatus design, the invention achieves very good gas dissolution in the liquid.