Vortex Reduction Cap for Fluid Draining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing and holding tanks for process fluids face challenges in preventing vortex formation and resulting air entrapment, especially at low fluid levels, which can lead to oxidation of chemical mixtures, agglomeration, and pump inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A discharge cap with passive elements, such as turbine blades or static posts, is placed over the discharge port to disrupt and redirect fluid flow, preventing vortex formation by creating turbulence and altering the fluid velocity direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a discharge port is placed at the apex of a conical tank bottom to promote complete draining, then fluid drainage is improved, but vortex formation and air entrapment occur at low fluid levels
Solution Approach 1:
A discharge cap is introduced as an intermediary component between the conical tank bottom and the discharge port. The cap includes a central discharge opening and multiple radially spaced flow redirectors that act as mediators to break up the vortex flow pattern while allowing complete fluid drainage through the central opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge cap is segmented into multiple functional elements: a central discharge opening for fluid exit and multiple radially spaced flow redirectors. These redirectors segment the continuous vortex flow into multiple discrete flow paths, preventing vortex formation while maintaining drainage efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If the fluid level in the tank is low, then the vortex reaches the surface and draws air down through the fluid, but this causes oxidation, agglomeration, and pump inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The flow redirectors on the discharge cap serve as intermediaries that intercept and redirect the vortex flow before it can reach the fluid surface. By placing these redirectors at strategic positions on the cap, the vortex is broken up and redirected along the cap surface, preventing air from being drawn down through the fluid even at low fluid levels.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a prior art whirlpool reduction cap with side openings is used, then some vortex reduction is achieved, but it is ineffective at low fluid levels
Solution Approach 1:
The flow redirectors are positioned locally on the discharge cap surface at optimal locations to intercept vortex flow. The radial spacing and positioning of the redirectors create localized flow disruption zones that are particularly effective at low fluid levels, where the vortex has less fluid to work with and the redirectors can more effectively break up the flow pattern.
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
Effectively reduces or eliminates vortex formation and air entrapment at low fluid levels, ensuring homogeneous fluid delivery and maintaining system performance in applications like CMP processes.
Implementation Method 1
disrupt and redirect fluid flow, preventing vortex formation by creating turbulence and altering the fluid velocity direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex reduction cap for use within a fluid holding vessel above a discharge port for discharging the fluid from the vessel is disclosed. The vortex reduction cap includes a top solid surface greater than or equal to the area of the discharge port. The vortex reduction cap includes one or more inlets to allow fluid to flow from the vessel to an internal volume of the vortex reduction cap and then to the discharge port in the vessel. A passive element is positioned within the internal volume of the vortex reduction cap so that the flow of fluids through the cap and towards the discharge port of the vessel will be redirected around the passive element.