Wetted Wall Cyclone Skimmer Segmentation for Liquid Carryover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wetted wall cyclones face issues with reduced aerosol-to-hydrosol collection efficiency due to liquid carryover and lack of temperature control, especially in sub-freezing environments, which affects bioaerosol collection and preservation.
Innovation Solution
A wetted wall cyclone design with a cyclone body having a uniform inner diameter and a skimmer with a reduced diameter leading section, along with multiple heaters for independent temperature control, and a skimmer made of high thermal conductivity material to reduce liquid carryover and maintain optimal temperatures for bioaerosol collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the liquid skimmer is connected to the cyclone body at an expanded radius section, then the cyclonic airflow decelerates and liquid builds up in a stagnant mass, but this causes liquid carryover that degrades separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone body is divided into two distinct sections: an expanded collection section for liquid accumulation and a separate outlet section for aerosol discharge. This segmentation allows the liquid and aerosol flows to be separated spatially, preventing liquid carryover into the outlet while maintaining efficient collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid skimmer is extracted from the expanded section and repositioned to extend into the outlet section. This extraction removes the liquid collection function from the aerosol flow path, allowing the outlet to deliver only aerosol while the expanded section continues to accumulate and drain liquid separately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wetted wall cyclones are operated in sub-freezing environments, then bioaerosol collection is affected, but lack of temperature control prevents optimal preservation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heaters positioned at different locations within the cyclone body. Each heater can be controlled independently to provide localized temperature management, ensuring the entire cyclone interior maintains optimal temperature for bioaerosol preservation even in sub-freezing environments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cyclone body are provided with independent temperature control through separately controlled heaters. This allows each region to maintain optimal local conditions for bioaerosol preservation, with temperature adjustments tailored to specific operational requirements of different cyclone sections.
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 design achieves improved aerosol-to-hydrosol collection efficiency and reduced liquid carryover, enabling effective operation in sub-freezing conditions while preserving bioaerosols, with potential for reduced energy consumption and minimized thermal damage.
Implementation Method 1
As the aerosol enters the cyclone, it is accelerated to a speed sufficient to cause the entrained particles with sufficient inertia to move radially outward under centrifugal forces until they strike the inner wall of the cyclone body
Implementation Method 2
Shear forces caused by the cyclonic bulk airflow, which may be aided by the force of gravity, cause the liquid layer on the inner surface of the cyclone wall, as well as the particulate matter entrained therein, to move axially along the inner surface of the cyclone wall
Implementation Method 3
A wetted wall cyclone design with a cyclone body having a uniform inner diameter and a skimmer with a reduced diameter leading section, along with multiple heaters for independent temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a wetted wall cyclone comprises a cyclone body including an inlet end, an outlet end, an inner flow passage, and an inner surface defining an inner diameter. In addition, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a cyclone inlet tangentially coupled to the cyclone body. The cyclone inlet includes an inlet flow passage in fluid communication with the inner flow passage. Further, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a skimmer extending coaxially through the outlet end of the cyclone body. The skimmer comprises an upstream end disposed within the cyclone body, a downstream end distal the cyclone body, and an inner exhaust passage in fluid communication with the inner flow passage. Still further, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a first annulus positioned radially between the upstream end and the cyclone body having a radial width W1 between 3% and 15% of the inner diameter of the cyclone body.