Vertical Barometric Column Depressurization for Slurry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depressurization devices are inadequate for fluids containing solid particles or agglomerates, as they suffer from obstruction issues, high maintenance requirements, and instability due to friction-based pressure reduction methods, and single barometric column devices are inefficient for significant pressure reduction and are unstable.
Innovation Solution
A device that reduces fluid pressure by passing it through a series of vertically connected ducts with a larger descending duct, converting pressure energy into gravitational potential and then thermal energy, without moving parts, allowing for stable pressure reduction and dynamic regulation, even in the presence of solid particles or agglomerates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If friction-based pressure reduction devices (valves, grids) are used, then pressure can be reduced, but solid agglomerates obstruct the cross-sectional area causing device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the pressure reduction process into multiple sequential steps, each handling a portion of the total pressure drop. This segmentation prevents any single step from requiring excessive friction that would cause agglomerate obstruction, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving the desired pressure reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal friction-based pressure reduction to vertical gravitational pressure reduction. By utilizing the vertical dimension and gravity, the system achieves pressure reduction without relying on friction mechanisms that would obstruct solid agglomerates, resolving the reliability issue.
2Stress or pressure
If single barometric column device is used, then pressure reduction is achieved, but significant pressure reduction is inefficient and pressure is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple barometric columns are connected in series to divide the total pressure reduction into incremental steps. This segmentation stabilizes the pressure reduction process by preventing large single-step transitions, thereby improving pressure stability while achieving significant overall pressure reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous vertical flow through multiple connected columns ensures uninterrupted pressure reduction. This continuous action eliminates the instability associated with single-column devices, maintaining steady pressure reduction throughout the process.
3Stress or pressure
If friction-based devices are used, then pressure reduction is achieved, but maintenance interventions must be frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces friction-based mechanical pressure reduction with gravity-based pressure reduction. By substituting the mechanical friction mechanism with gravitational force acting on vertical fluid columns, the system eliminates wear and obstruction issues, significantly reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining effective pressure reduction.
4Stress or pressure
If devices with moving parts are used, then pressure reduction is achieved, but reliability decreases due to wear and breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active moving parts to force pressure reduction, the system inverts the approach by using passive gravitational force on vertical fluid columns. This inversion from active mechanical movement to passive gravitational action eliminates wear and breakdowns, maintaining high reliability while achieving pressure reduction.
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 stable and flexible pressure reduction, maintaining pressure difference independent of flow-rate and allowing dynamic adjustment, suitable for fluids with solid particles or agglomerates, reducing maintenance needs and avoiding fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
converting pressure energy into gravitational potential and then thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
the gravitational potential is converted into thermal energy in the second duct, so as to prevent the reconversion of the same into pressure energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The device of the present invention allows the pressure of a certain fluid to be reduced without reductions in the cross sectional area or organs in movement. The pressure reduction is obtained by passing the fluid to be depressurized, in sequence, through a plurality of pairs of steps. In the first step of each pair, part of the pressure energy of the fluid is converted to gravitational potential; in the second step the gravitational potential is converted into thermal energy, so as to prevent the reconversion of the same into pressure energy.