Swirling Flow Generator Terminal Edge Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swirling flow generators for gas-liquid separation suffer from liquid re-scattering into the gas at the terminal end of the swirling flow generating ribbon, leading to deteriorated separation performance.
Innovation Solution
The swirling flow generator incorporates a helically twisted plate member ribbon with specific terminal end configurations, including first and second terminal end points, a middle terminal end point, and connecting edges, to guide liquid toward the inner pipe surface, preventing re-scattering and enhancing separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional swirling flow generating ribbon with a straight terminal end edge is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but liquid re-scatters into the gas at the terminal end, deteriorating separation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal end of the swirling flow generating ribbon is segmented into multiple edge portions (first terminal end edge, second terminal end edge, third terminal end edge, fourth terminal end edge) instead of a single straight edge. This segmentation allows different portions of the terminal end to serve specific functions: guiding liquid flow toward the inner pipe surface while preventing re-scattering. The segmented structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving separation performance through functional differentiation of the terminal end edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal end structure transitions from a one-dimensional straight edge to a two-dimensional configuration with multiple edges extending in different directions (radially outward, axially, and circumferentially). This dimensional change creates a more effective liquid guidance system where the multi-edge structure forms a liquid-guiding surface that directs liquid toward the inner pipe surface while blocking re-scattering paths. The dimensional enhancement resolves the contradiction by improving separation performance without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If the terminal end of the ribbon is extended further axially to improve liquid guidance, then separation performance improves, but the ribbon occupies more space and may obstruct gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal end structure implements local quality by concentrating liquid guidance and prevention functions in a compact multi-edge configuration rather than extending the ribbon axially. The first and second terminal end edges extend radially outward to guide liquid, while the third and fourth edges extend axially to prevent re-scattering, creating a locally optimized structure. This resolves the contradiction by achieving effective liquid guidance without excessive axial extension, maintaining adequate gas flow space while improving separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal end edges are configured with curved surfaces rather than sharp angular transitions. The liquid-guiding surfaces formed by the multiple edges have smooth curvature that facilitates liquid flow toward the inner pipe surface while preventing turbulence that could cause re-scattering. This curved configuration improves liquid guidance efficiency in a compact space, resolving the contradiction between separation performance and axial length by achieving effective liquid control without excessive extension.
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 design effectively prevents liquid re-scattering into the gas, improving the separation performance and collection efficiency of the liquid, while maintaining unobstructed gas flow without the need for additional separators.
Implementation Method 1
swirls a gas-liquid two-phase fluid flowing through a pipe by a swirling flow generating ribbon and guides liquid to an inner surface of the pipe by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
The swirling flow generating ribbon includes, in a terminal end at a side where the gas-liquid two-phase fluid flows out, a first terminal end point that is set in an end of radially outward ends of the swirling flow generating ribbon, a second terminal end point that is set in another end of radially outward ends of the swirling flow generating ribbon, a middle terminal end point that is on an axial line of the swirling flow generating ribbon and set closer to a side where the gas-liquid two-phase fluid flows in than the first terminal end point and the second terminal end point, a first terminal edge connecting the first terminal end point and the middle terminal end point, and a second terminal edge connecting the second terminal end point and the middle terminal end point
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
To provide a swirling flow generator for gas-liquid separation that can prevent a liquid attached to a swirling flow generating ribbon from re-scattering into a gas at a terminal end of the ribbon, and can improve the separation performance of the liquid. A swirling flow generator for gas-liquid separation includes a swirling flow generating ribbon (30) that swirls a gas-liquid two-phase fluid flowing through an inlet pipe (21) to guide a liquid toward an inner surface (21c) of the inlet pipe by centrifugal force. A terminal end (31) of the swirling flow generating ribbon (30) where the gas-liquid two-phase fluid flows out includes a first terminal edge (32a) and a second terminal edge (32b). The first and second terminal edges (32a, 32b) connect a first terminal end point (31a), a second terminal end point (31b), and a middle terminal end point (31c). The first terminal end point (31a) is in one of radially outward ends and the second terminal end point (31b) is in the other of the radially outward ends. The middle terminal end point (31c) is closer to the side where the gas-liquid two-phase fluid flows in than the first and second terminal end points (31a, 31b) and is on an axial line (O).