High-Vacuum Serial Condenser Layout for Lower Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-vacuum serial condenser systems experience significant pressure drops when condensers are connected in series, particularly due to bent pipes, which complicates the design and operation, especially at pressures between 0.004 to 0.04 bar (3 to 30 torr), affecting condensation efficiency and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The system minimizes pressure drop by using straight pipes between condensers and arranging baffles at predetermined angles, optimizing fluid flow patterns to reduce pressure loss and enhance condensation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If bent pipes with elbows are used to connect condensers in series, then the condensers can be arranged in a compact configuration, but the pressure drop of fluid increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the opposite principle by eliminating curvature in the vapor delivery pipes. Instead of using bent pipes with elbows, the patent employs straight pipes to connect condensers in series, thereby minimizing pressure drop while maintaining system functionality. This is explicitly stated in the background section where bent pipes with four elbows cause pressure drop, and the solution uses straight pipes between condensers.
2Productivity
If multiple condensers are connected in series to increase heat exchange area, then condensation efficiency improves, but the pressure drop of fluid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the condensation system into multiple separate condenser units connected in series, allowing the vapor to pass through each condenser sequentially. This segmentation enables increased total heat exchange area while using straight pipes between units to minimize pressure drop. The background section confirms that two or more condensers are connected in series to provide sufficient heat exchange area, and the invention optimizes this by eliminating bent pipes.
3Stress or pressure
If baffles are installed at predetermined angles in condensers, then fluid flow pattern is optimized to reduce pressure drop, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by installing baffles at specific predetermined angles (such as 45 degrees) at particular locations within the condenser shells. Rather than uniformly complicating the entire system, the baffles are strategically positioned to optimize fluid flow patterns and reduce pressure drop in critical areas. This localized approach balances the added complexity with targeted performance improvement.
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 significantly reduces pressure drop by up to 22% compared to traditional systems, improving condensation efficiency and reducing the operational demands on vacuum pumps, thereby lowering costs and maintaining effective condensation within the desired pressure range.
Implementation Method 1
installing baffles at predetermined angles in the condensers
Implementation Method 2
condensers (heat exchangers)
Implementation Method 3
process of condensing in a common X-type serial condenser system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a high-vacuum serial condenser system that can minimize a pressure drop of fluid in condensers by disposing straight pipes between the condensers and installing baffles at predetermined angles in the condensers.