Venturi Eductor Dissolving Solid Chemicals in Low Flow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water treatment apparatuses face challenges in effectively dissolving slow-dissolving chemicals in low flow rates, leading to inconsistent chemical concentrations in pool or spa water, requiring frequent manual adjustments by pool owners or maintenance personnel.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a housing, nozzle, and removable cartridge system that utilizes a venturi effect to efficiently dissolve solid chemicals in low flow rates, ensuring accurate chemical dosing through adjustable cartridge lengths and support structures for optimal chemical contact with water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If dissolvable tablets or slow release formulations are used in off-line apparatus with low flow rates, then the apparatus can be installed away from the main water flow, but the chemicals do not dissolve effectively leading to inconsistent chemical concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation flexibilityVSAvoidChemical dissolution effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus divides the water flow path into segments: main flow continues uninterrupted while a bypass channel creates a separate dissolution zone. This segmentation allows chemicals to dissolve in the low-velocity bypass stream without disrupting the main pool circulation, resolving the conflict between installation flexibility and dissolution effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass channel acts as an intermediary zone between the main water flow and the chemical dissolution process. It provides a dedicated space with appropriate flow characteristics for slow-dissolving chemicals to dissolve effectively, while the main flow remains undisturbed. This intermediary structure enables both installation flexibility and reliable chemical dissolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual chemical addition is performed, then the owner can control chemical dosing, but it requires frequent presence at poolside and is time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveChemical dosing controlVSAvoidTime for manual intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus enables self-service operation by automatically dissolving and dosing chemicals through the bypass flow mechanism. Once installed with the appropriate chemical tablets, the system continuously doses the pool without requiring owner intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with manual chemical addition while maintaining dosing control through proper initial setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass channel provides continuous water flow through the chemical dissolution zone, ensuring consistent and continuous chemical dosing without interruption. This continuous action replaces the intermittent manual dosing process, eliminating the need for frequent owner presence while maintaining precise chemical concentration control in the pool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If in-line apparatus with high flow rates are used, then sufficient flow is available to dissolve chemicals, but the apparatus interferes with the main water flow and requires specific installation location

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveChemical dissolution effectivenessVSAvoidInstallation location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus segments the water flow into a main flow path and a separate bypass dissolution path. The bypass channel receives a portion of the main flow and uses it to dissolve chemicals, then returns the treated water to the main flow. This segmentation allows the dissolution process to occur in a controlled environment with appropriate flow rates, independent of the main flow characteristics, providing installation flexibility anywhere in the pool circulation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass channel structure serves multiple functions: it provides a dissolution zone for chemicals, creates appropriate flow conditions for slow-dissolving tablets, and integrates with the existing pool circulation system. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to be installed in various locations within the pool system without requiring modifications to the main flow path, enhancing adaptability while ensuring reliable chemical dissolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 dissolves slow-dissolving chemicals in low flow rates, maintaining consistent chemical concentrations in pool or spa water, reducing the need for frequent manual adjustments and ensuring efficient chemical distribution.

Implementation Method 1

The nozzle is an eductor. The eductor is positioned in the housing such that there is a flow of the water within the housing is directed towards the top of the housing from the eductor. The eductor has at least one fluid intake port that creates a venturi effect and allows water in the lower portion of the housing to be drawn into the eductor and sprayed towards the top of the housing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3538253B1Apparatus and method of forming a chemical solution
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 INNOVATIVE WATER CARE LLC
  • EP3538253B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3538253B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3538253B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A low flow apparatus for creating a solution in water of a solid chemical is provided. Also provided is a cartridge containing a solid chemical which may be placed into the apparatus. Further provided is a method of using the apparatus to create a chemical solution form a solid chemical.