Tangential-Inlet Deaerator Design for Unobstructed Vortex Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deaerator devices in water heating systems are inefficient in removing dissolved gases, particularly air, leading to corrosion and reduced efficiency due to the use of dip tubes that impede water flow and delay vortex formation, and conventional vents that fail to effectively release gases.
Innovation Solution
A deaerator device with a main chamber having a tangential water inlet, a flat internal top surface, and a flared air outlet conduit that does not interfere with water flow, allowing for efficient gas release and vortex formation, using a steel construction to enhance oxygen removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dip tube is used in the water flow path to vent gases, then gases can be removed from water, but the water flow is impeded and vortex formation is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the dip tube completely from the water flow path, extracting the harmful element that was impeding flow. The vent aperture is positioned in the top surface of the housing, allowing gas removal without requiring a tube extending into the flow path, thus eliminating the flow impedance while maintaining gas venting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The vent aperture is positioned in the top surface dimension rather than extending vertically into the flow path. This dimensional change allows gas escape through the top surface without creating an obstacle in the horizontal water flow path, resolving the contradiction between gas removal and flow speed
2Reliability
If a conventional vent conduit extending into the chamber is used, then gases can be vented, but water flow is impeded and vortex formation is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vent conduit from the water flow path entirely. The vent aperture is positioned in the top surface of the housing, allowing gas to escape directly without requiring a conduit that would extend into and impede the water flow, thus eliminating the delay in vortex formation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the vent conduit downwards into the chamber as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the vent aperture in the top surface, allowing gases to escape upward without interfering with the downward water flow and vortex formation
3Reliability
If a domed or egg-shaped internal top surface is used, then gas release may be enhanced, but water expulsion through the air outlet occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a flat internal top surface configuration specifically in the region where gas accumulation occurs, rather than using a domed shape throughout. This localized flat surface prevents water from being directed toward the air outlet while still allowing gases to escape effectively through the vent aperture positioned in the top surface
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 achieves rapid deaeration, reducing dissolved oxygen levels significantly, minimizing corrosion, and enhancing system efficiency by accelerating water flow and ensuring nitrogen bubbles can float freely, thus requiring minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for efficient gas release and vortex formation
Implementation Method 2
The water inlet is substantially tangential to the main chamber
Implementation Method 3
ensuring nitrogen bubbles can float freely
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A deaerator device comprising a main chamber having a top surface and arcuate walls that taper inwardly to a narrower bottom surface. The main chamber is provided with a water inlet in fluid communication with a water outlet. The water inlet is substantially tangential to the main chamber and the water outlet is arranged at the lower end of the main chamber. The top surface of the main chamber has at least one air outlet. Water flow through the main body is unencumbered by obstacles and the top surface of the main chamber is substantially flat.