UV Sterilizer Flow Path Using Annular Space and Inner Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sterilizing apparatuses with straight pipe flow paths require longer lengths to improve sterilization efficiency, leading to larger apparatus sizes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sterilizing apparatus with a cylindrical inner pipe having radial cutouts and an outer pipe forming an annular space, combined with a UV light source and reflection plate, allows efficient UV irradiation and sterilization in a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a straight pipe type flow path is used to homogenize flow velocity distribution, then sterilization efficiency is improved, but the reactor length must be increased making the apparatus larger
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into two distinct sections: an annular space for flow distribution and a cylindrical reaction chamber for sterilization. This segmentation allows the flow velocity distribution to be homogenized in the annular space before entering the reaction chamber, enabling effective sterilization in a more compact configuration without requiring excessive reactor length
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional single-dimension straight pipe flow path to a two-dimensional configuration involving an annular space surrounding a central cylindrical chamber. This dimensional change allows for better flow distribution and more efficient UV light irradiation geometry, improving sterilization efficiency while reducing the required reactor length
2Productivity
If the reactor length is increased to improve sterilization efficiency, then sterilization performance is enhanced, but the apparatus size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cylindrical pipe is nested within the outer pipe structure, creating an annular space. This nested configuration allows the flow path to utilize the space between two concentric cylinders, maximizing the use of available volume and enabling effective sterilization in a more compact apparatus size without requiring excessive reactor length
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the annular space between concentric pipes, the invention creates a more efficient three-dimensional flow path configuration. This allows for improved flow distribution and UV irradiation geometry, achieving better sterilization efficiency in a reduced apparatus volume compared to conventional straight pipe designs
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 apparatus achieves efficient UV irradiation and sterilization while maintaining a smaller size, with homogenized flow velocity distribution and enhanced sterilization efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source which irradiates a fluid passing through the interior of the inner pipe with ultraviolet light via an ultraviolet light transmitting window sealing an end portion of the outer pipe that is adjacent to the one end
Implementation Method 2
The cylindrical body is made of quartz, which is an ultraviolet light transmitting material, so that the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the cylindrical body. This promotes the sterilization of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
a reflector arranged to surround a cylindrical body... the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source fitted in the opening of the reflector and then diffused by the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sterilizing apparatus includes: a cylindrical inner pipe which has cutouts penetrating in a radial direction and an outlet pipe projecting in the radial direction; an outer pipe which has, between itself and the inner pipe, an annular space in communication with the cutouts and which houses the inner pipe; an inflow pipe which allows a fluid to flow into the outer pipe; an outflow pipe which is provided coaxially with the inflow pipe and which is connected with the outlet pipe to allow the fluid having passed through the annular space to flow out; and a light source which irradiates the fluid passing through the interior of the inner pipe with ultraviolet light via an ultraviolet light transmitting window.