Variable Nozzle Liquid Mist Separator Reduces Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid mist separation devices face high pressure losses due to the deflection of gas flow before it enters the nozzles, which reduces the efficiency of liquid separation and increases energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A liquid mist separation device with a variable nozzle system, where a valve element and nozzle plate are axially displaceable, forming a variable nozzle cross-section that adjusts based on flow rates, reducing counter-pressure and pressure losses by allowing the gas flow to maintain kinetic energy and minimizing deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flow cross-section of the nozzles is made small to increase gas flow speed for effective liquid mist separation, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the pressure loss increases due to high backup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable nozzle cross-section that can dynamically adjust its opening area. The nozzle includes a movable component that changes the flow area based on operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize between separation efficiency and pressure loss by adapting the nozzle geometry during operation rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of nozzle cross-sectional area from a constant value to a variable parameter. By controlling the opening area of the nozzle through mechanical adjustment or actuation, the system can modify flow velocity and pressure characteristics to achieve optimal separation performance while minimizing energy loss under different operating conditions.
2Loss of energy
If variable nozzles are equipped to reduce pressure loss at high flow rates by enlarging the overall nozzle cross-section, then the pressure loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable nozzle design incorporates movable components such as adjustable plates, springs, or actuated elements that change the nozzle opening area dynamically. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt to varying flow rates and reduce pressure loss when needed, while the complexity is managed through mechanical simplicity or integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable nozzle system is designed to automatically adjust its opening area in response to flow conditions without requiring external control systems. For example, spring-loaded mechanisms or pressure-balanced designs allow the nozzle to self-regulate, reducing complexity by eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, or complex actuation systems.
3Productivity
If the gas flow is deflected before flowing through the nozzles to achieve separation, then the liquid droplets are removed, but the gas flow loses kinetic energy and produces pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed to accelerate the gas flow to high velocity before the flow reaches the separation zone. This preliminary acceleration ensures that when the flow subsequently deflects off the baffle plate for liquid separation, the gas maintains sufficient kinetic energy to minimize pressure loss while still achieving effective liquid droplet removal through the inertial impaction mechanism.
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 enhances liquid separation efficiency with reduced pressure losses, maintaining high separation rates while minimizing energy consumption, especially at high flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
The gas flow is accelerated through the nozzles and directed against the baffle plate. On the baffle plate, the liquid droplets which are carried along in the gas flow are driven out from the gas flow owing to the inertia, and strike onto the baffle plate
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid mist separation device for separating liquid from a gas flow may include a nozzle plate including at least one nozzle which is open at least in part and at least one baffle plate. The device may also include at least one valve element which, together with the nozzle plate, forms at least one variable nozzle. The at least one variable nozzle may be arranged fluidically parallel to the at least one nozzle. The nozzle plate and the at least one valve element may be arranged axially displaceable relative to each other. The nozzle plate and the at least one baffle plate may be disposed at a fixed distance with respect to one another. Opposite the at least one nozzle and the at least one variable nozzle a baffle plate may be arranged, which deflects the gas flow emerging from the respective nozzle and on which liquid droplets precipitate.