Venturi Injection Flow Control for Variable Pump Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow control devices, particularly Venturi injectors, face challenges in maintaining effective mixing and mass transfer when used with variable speed pumps, and they often suffer from leakage issues at low back pressures due to the design of one-way check valves.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device is designed with a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway, incorporating an injection assembly and a flow control portion that adjusts the proportion of fluid passing through the injection assembly based on parameters such as fluid flow rate and pressure, while utilizing improved check valves to minimize leakage at low back pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bypass installations are used to control motive flow, then flow control is achieved, but device complexity and capital costs increase due to large number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow control function and dosing function into a single integrated device. The flow control portion and injection assembly are merged into one unit, eliminating the need for separate bypass installations, manual valves, and booster pumps. This integration directly reduces the number of parts while maintaining effective flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated flow control device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls motive flow rate, maintains pressure ratio across the Venturi, and enables dosing/injection operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components that would otherwise be required to achieve these functions.
2Ease of operation
If bypass installations are used to control motive flow, then flow control is achieved, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging flow control and dosing functions into a single device, the patent eliminates multiple separate components that would require individual maintenance. The integrated design reduces maintenance complexity and costs while preserving full flow control functionality.
3Ease of operation
If bypass installations are used to control motive flow, then flow control is achieved, but footprint of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates flow control and dosing operations into a single compact unit, eliminating the need for extensive bypass piping, multiple valves, and separate booster pumps. This integration dramatically reduces the physical footprint while maintaining effective flow control.
4Ease of operation
If bypass installations are used to control motive flow, then flow control is achieved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design eliminates multiple potential failure points associated with separate bypass installations, including manual valves, spring valves, and booster pumps. By combining functions into one device, the patent improves overall system reliability while maintaining flow control capability.
5Ease of operation
If bypass installations are used to control motive flow, then flow control is achieved, but back pressure on pumps increases due to frictional and static losses
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated flow control device eliminates long bypass conduits and multiple flow control components that create frictional and static losses. By consolidating functions into a compact unit, the patent reduces back pressure on pumps while maintaining effective flow control.
6Ease of operation
If bypass installations are used with significant conduit length, then flow control is achieved, but efficiency decreases due to drag forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates significant conduit lengths by integrating flow control and dosing functions into a single compact device. This reduction in conduit length minimizes drag forces and improves overall system efficiency while maintaining flow control capability.
7Speed
If conventional check valves are used in suction port, then low opening pressure is achieved, but leakage occurs at low back pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a specific sealing mechanism at the suction port check valve location that is optimized for low back pressure conditions. The valve member with resilient sealing element provides local enhanced sealing quality exactly where needed, preventing leakage while maintaining low opening pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve incorporates a valve member made from resilient material or with resilient sealing elements, combining different material properties to achieve both low opening pressure and effective sealing at low back pressure 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 device achieves effective mixing and mass transfer even with variable speed pumps, reduces or eliminates leakage at low back pressures, and has a reduced footprint, lower capital and maintenance costs, and improved reliability compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
It is well-known to add additives to a fluid stream using a Venturi injector. In these installations, the additives enter a motive fluid stream via vacuum suction created by the Venturi device.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device comprising a body having an inlet in a first end thereof, an outlet in a second end thereof, and a passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet, the flow control device further comprising an injection assembly located at least partially within the passageway such that at least a portion of a fluid flowing through the device passes through the injection assembly, and wherein the flow control device further comprises a flow control portion adapted to control the proportion of the fluid that passes through the injection assembly in response to one or more parameters.