Ultrafine Bubble Apparatus Temperature Control via Flow Velocity Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-term operation of ultrafine bubble (UFB) producing apparatuses leads to a rise in temperature, reducing the efficiency of UFB generation due to decreased gas dissolution in the liquid.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a cooling unit to maintain the liquid temperature at 10°C or lower, and a control system that switches between two circulation modes: a first mode with a lower flow velocity for UFB generation and a second mode with a higher flow velocity to cool the UFB generating unit, preventing temperature rise and maintaining efficient gas dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UFB generating unit operates for a long period to maintain high UFB generation efficiency, then the temperature of the liquid rises, but this leads to decreased gas dissolution and reduced UFB generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between a first circulation mode (with first flow velocity) and a second circulation mode (with second flow velocity higher than the first) based on temperature conditions. When the UFB generating unit temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold, the system switches to the second circulation mode to cool the unit, then returns to the first circulation mode to resume efficient UFB generation. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by preventing temperature accumulation while maintaining high productivity during optimal temperature conditions.
2Temperature
If the liquid circulation flow velocity is increased to cool the UFB generating unit, then the temperature control improves, but the UFB generation efficiency decreases due to reduced residence time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic switching between two circulation modes with different flow velocities. The first circulation mode (lower flow velocity) allows sufficient residence time for efficient UFB generation, while the second circulation mode (higher flow velocity) provides rapid cooling when temperature exceeds the threshold. By alternating between these modes based on temperature conditions, the system achieves both effective temperature control and maintained UFB generation efficiency without continuous compromise.
3Quantity of substance
If the gas dissolution is increased to improve UFB generation, then more gas must be dissolved in the liquid, but this becomes difficult as temperature rises during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system preemptively switches to the second circulation mode (higher flow velocity) when the UFB generating unit temperature reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold, before significant gas dissolution can occur. This preliminary cooling action prevents the temperature conditions that would hinder gas dissolution, ensuring that when the system returns to the first circulation mode, the liquid is at an optimal temperature for efficient gas dissolution and UFB generation.
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 configuration effectively prevents a decrease in UFB generation efficiency over extended operation by maintaining the temperature of the UFB generating unit within a controlled range, ensuring consistent gas dissolution and UFB production.
Implementation Method 1
a second mode in which the liquid is circulated at a second flow velocity higher than the first flow velocity and in which cooling is performed on the UFB generating unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrafine bubble-containing liquid producing apparatus (2000) and method enables preventing ultrafine bubbles over a long period of operation by, based on a predetermined condition, switching between a first mode where a liquid between an ultrafine bubble generating unit (1000) and a storing chamber (900) is circulated at a first flow velocity and a second mode where the liquid is circulated at a second flow velocity higher than the first flow velocity.