Swirler Elements with Rounded Tangential Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swirler units in fluid nozzles require high pumping pressures and have a limited service life due to erosion, necessitating a solution for achieving a predetermined flow velocity with reduced pressure and improved durability.
Innovation Solution
A swirl element with a smoothly rounded tangential slot transitioning from the axial channel to the radially oriented swirl chamber, minimizing pressure loss and eddy formation, and a locking mechanism for secure placement within the nozzle body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional swirler units are used to atomize fluid, then fluid atomization is achieved, but high pumping pressure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by providing a smoothly rounded surface transitioning from the channel surface to the swirler surface in the tangential slot. This curved transition eliminates sharp corners that cause flow separation and eddy formation, enabling fluid to swirl smoothly into the swirl chamber with reduced pressure loss and without requiring high pumping pressures to achieve atomization.
2Speed
If high pumping pressure is used to achieve predetermined flow velocity, then flow velocity is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smoothly rounded surface in the tangential slot creates a curved transition path that guides fluid smoothly into the swirl chamber. This eliminates flow separation and reduces eddy formation, allowing the fluid to achieve the predetermined swirl velocity with minimal pressure loss and energy consumption, eliminating the need for high pumping pressures.
3Productivity
If conventional swirler units operate with high pressure fluid, then atomization is achieved, but the swirler unit erodes and service life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The smoothly rounded surface transitioning from the channel surface to the swirler surface eliminates sharp corners and abrupt transitions that create high-velocity jets and flow separation. This curved geometry reduces turbulent eddies and prevents concentrated erosion at specific locations, thereby extending the service life of the swirler unit while maintaining effective atomization.
4Ease of manufacture
If sharp transitions are used in the tangential slot, then manufacturing is simpler, but flow separation and eddy formation occur causing pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a smoothly rounded surface transitioning from the channel surface to the swirler surface in the tangential slot. This curved transition eliminates sharp corners that cause flow separation and eddy formation, enabling fluid to swirl smoothly into the swirl chamber with reduced pressure loss. While slightly more complex to manufacture than sharp transitions, the curved geometry prevents flow separation and reduces energy loss significantly.
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 allows for fluid swirling at a predetermined velocity with reduced pumping pressure and enhanced durability, reducing energy consumption and extending the service life of the swirler unit.
Implementation Method 1
The smoothly rounded surface transitioning from the channel surface to the swirler surface can be tangent with the swirler surface. The smoothly rounded surface can also be tangent with at least one portion of the channel surface.
Implementation Method 2
The swirl chamber and axial channel are in fluid communication through a tangential slot for imparting swirl on fluids passing from the feed channel into the swirl chamber.
Implementation Method 3
The tangential slot can define a metering orifice coupling the axial channel and swirl chamber for metering flow passing into the swirl chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A swirl element for swirling fluid in a nozzle has a swirler body. The swirler body defines a feed channel including an axially oriented channel surface and a swirl chamber in fluid communication with the feed channel. The swirl chamber defines a radially oriented swirler surface substantially normal to the channel surface. The swirl chamber and the axially oriented channel are in fluid communication through a tangential slot for imparting swirl on fluids passing from the feed channel into the swirl chamber. The tangential slot includes a smoothly rounded surface transitioning from the channel surface to the swirler surface for providing a smooth, substantially separation free transition in fluid flow from the channel into the swirl chamber.