Swirling Fluid Trap for Removing Rust and Air Bubbles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foreign matter removal devices are ineffective in removing air bubbles, which have a lower specific gravity than the fluid, in addition to iron rust, in fluid circuits like heat-pump type hot water supply systems.
Innovation Solution
A foreign matter removal device utilizing a swirling flow in a cylindrical trap portion with a tubular separation structure, including an inflow, separation, outflow, and gas-liquid separation portions, to separate and remove both high and low specific gravity foreign matters effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional foreign matter removal device uses only gravity settling, then it can remove foreign matter with higher specific gravity than the fluid (such as iron rust), but it cannot effectively remove foreign matter with lower specific gravity than the fluid (such as air bubbles)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the fluid flow by introducing a swirling flow that generates centrifugal force. This parameter change enables the system to handle both high and low specific gravity foreign matter by creating a force field that acts on particles regardless of their density relative to the fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation mechanism is segmented into two distinct functional zones: an inner region where high specific gravity foreign matter settles downward under gravity, and an outer region where low specific gravity foreign matter rises upward under centrifugal force. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous removal of both types of foreign matter.
2Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified for easy manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the effectiveness of removing both types of foreign matter may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The swirling flow trap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates centrifugal force for separating low specific gravity foreign matter, maintains gravity settling for high specific gravity foreign matter, and provides a compact integrated structure. This multi-functionality achieves effective foreign matter removal without requiring complex additional components.
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 device efficiently removes foreign matter such as iron rust and air bubbles by utilizing centrifugal force and gravity settling, ensuring continuous and effective removal over time.
Implementation Method 1
a foreign matter removal device which, when foreign matter contained in a fluid in a pipe is removed, uses swirling flows and gravity settling to remove the foreign matter
Implementation Method 2
uses swirling flows and gravity settling to remove the foreign matter
Data Source
AI summary
A foreign matter removal device removes foreign matter contained in a fluid. The fluid is caused to flow into the trap portion and is separated into an inner fluid flowing inside a separation portion and an outer fluid flowing outside the separation portion. First foreign matter contained in the outer fluid and having a higher specific gravity than the fluid is captured in a gap between an inner wall of the trap portion and the separation portion. Separation of second foreign matter contained in the inner fluid and having a lower specific gravity than the fluid is promoted by a gas-liquid separation portion, and the second foreign matter is discharged to outside, through a foreign-matter-discharging-means-connection portion provided in a ceiling on the vertically upper side at a center part of the trap portion, from foreign-matter-discharging means.