Modular Liquid Vaporizer with Variable Cross-Sectional Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vaporization of fuel oils is challenging due to the similarity in temperature required for complete vaporization and breakdown, leading to deposit formation and clogging in flow channels, especially in applications requiring wide operating ranges without the use of high fuel pressures or compressed air.
Innovation Solution
A liquid vaporizer apparatus with actively controlled temperature, featuring a modular design with threaded or tapered bodies and a heater in thermal communication, allowing for efficient vaporization over wide operating ranges without deposit formation or clogging, and enabling easy maintenance by separating the vaporization pathway components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high fuel pressures or compressed air are used for atomization, then vaporization efficiency is improved, but parasitic power cost and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporizer divides the flow channel into multiple segmented passages with varying cross-sectional areas. The channel is divided into a first passage with a first cross-sectional area and a second passage with a second cross-sectional area, creating zones of different fluid velocities that promote effective atomization without requiring high pressures or compressed air systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-dimension atomization to multi-dimensional flow control by varying the cross-sectional area along the flow path. The channel cross-section changes from a first area to a second area, creating velocity gradients and turbulence in multiple dimensions that enhance atomization efficiency without additional pressure systems
2Productivity
If high fuel pressures are used for atomization, then vaporization efficiency is improved, but parasitic power cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporizer employs a dynamic channel design where the cross-sectional area varies along the flow path. The channel transitions from a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area, creating dynamically changing flow conditions that enhance atomization without requiring sustained high pressure, thereby reducing parasitic power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The vaporizer design allows the fuel flow itself to generate the necessary atomization effects through the varying channel geometry. The changing cross-sectional area creates velocity gradients and turbulence using the fuel's own kinetic energy, eliminating the need for external compressed air systems or high-pressure pumps
3Productivity
If temperature is increased for complete vaporization, then vaporization completeness is improved, but deposit formation and clogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The varying cross-sectional area creates periodic changes in flow velocity and pressure along the channel. This periodic action promotes continuous mixing and prevents localized overheating that would cause deposits, while still achieving complete vaporization through the cumulative effect of the varying flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the channel have different cross-sectional areas, creating local variations in flow velocity, pressure, and residence time. The first passage with one cross-sectional area and the second passage with a different area provide locally optimized conditions for vaporization without creating hot spots that would generate deposits
4Adaptability or versatility
If vaporization is performed over wide operating ranges, then adaptability is improved, but deposit formation and clogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporizer design with varying cross-sectional area creates a universal flow pattern that effectively atomizes different types of fuels and operates across wide ranges of flow rates and temperatures. The multi-passge structure with different cross-sectional areas provides adaptable flow control that prevents deposits under varying operating conditions
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 effectively vaporizes liquids over wide operating ranges with minimal deposit formation and clogging, maintaining efficient operation for extended periods with reduced energy consumption and equipment complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a heater in thermal communication with the first body, the second body, or both. The heater provides active control of the temperature of the vaporization pathway
Implementation Method 2
apparatus for vaporizing liquid in a vaporization pathway having an actively controlled temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for vaporizing liquid in a vaporization pathway having an actively controlled temperature are disclosed according to some aspects. The apparatus can comprise a first body having a cross sectional shape and dimensions substantially equal to the cross sectional shape and dimensions of a cavity in a second body, which allows the first body to be non-permanently inserted into the second body. The outer surface of the first body, the inner surface forming the cavity in the second body, or both can be modified to create a vaporization pathway between the first and second bodies when the surfaces mate and/or align. The liquid vaporizer can further comprise a vaporization pathway inlet for fluid comprising liquid, a vaporization pathway outlet for fluid comprising primarily vapor, and a heater in thermal communication with the first body, the second body, or both. The heater provides active control of the temperature of the vaporization pathway.