Impeller-Free Vortex Generator for Wastewater Mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical aerators in wastewater treatment are inefficient, leading to high energy consumption and operational costs due to low mixing efficiency, which is inadequate for increasing demand from growing populations.
Innovation Solution
An impeller-free vortex generator apparatus that utilizes a fluid tank with a curved flow channel and a fluid outlet duct with a divergent and column section to generate a vortex for enhanced fluid mixing, without the need for an impeller, allowing for adjustable flow rates through control valves and pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical aerators are used for fluid mixing in wastewater treatment, then aeration function is provided, but energy consumption is high and mixing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical impeller system with a vortex generation system that uses fluid dynamics and pressure differentials to achieve mixing. The vortex generator creates rotational flow patterns through strategically positioned inlet ports and curved flow channels, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining effective mixing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by employing multiple fluid inlet ports that create pressure differentials and curved flow channels that generate vortex motion. The system leverages the kinetic energy of incoming fluid streams to drive the mixing process, converting pressure and flow rate into rotational motion without mechanical conversion devices.
2Reliability
If mechanical aerators with impellers are used, then fluid mixing is achieved, but equipment wear and fouling increase reducing lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the impeller component from the aerator system, eliminating the mechanical elements that cause wear and fouling. The mixing function is maintained through the vortex generation mechanism created by the inlet ports and curved flow channels, which have no moving parts to degrade or accumulate debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex generator system is self-cleaning in operation, as the continuous vortex flow prevents sediment accumulation on the flow channels and inlet ports. The hydraulic action naturally flushes particulates through the system, reducing fouling without requiring additional cleaning mechanisms or maintenance interventions.
3Productivity
If conventional mechanical aerators are used, then aeration is provided, but operational costs are high due to low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes mixing efficiency by adjusting parameters such as inlet port positioning, flow channel curvature, and relative inlet velocities to maximize vortex strength. By tuning these geometric and flow parameters, the system achieves enhanced mixing performance that reduces the total power requirement compared to conventional mechanical aerators.
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 impeller-free vortex generator apparatus achieves improved fluid mixing efficiency, reducing energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining longer equipment lifespan due to reduced wear and fouling, and allows for optimized mixing ratios and aeration in wastewater treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a curved flow channel between a first sidewall segment of the fluid tank and a second sidewall segment of the fluid tank
Implementation Method 2
the fluid outlet duct comprising: a divergent section, and a column section in series with the divergent section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An impeller-free vortex generator apparatus (100) for fluid mixing, comprising: a fluid tank (110) comprising: a first fluid inlet port (112), the first fluid inlet port (112) comprising a curved flow channel (120) between a first sidewall segment (117) of the fluid tank (110) and a second sidewall segment (118) of the fluid tank (110), a second fluid inlet port (113), and a fluid outlet port (114); and a first fluid intake duct (130) in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet port (112); wherein the first fluid intake duct (130) is provided substantially on a tangent to the first sidewall segment (117) of the fluid tank (110) and aligned to deliver a first fluid to an internal surface (116) of the first sidewall segment (117).