DE102021003111A1 - DEVICE FOR IMPROVING A MIXING - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus 300 for enhancing mixing of a liquid additive in a gaseous medium having a flow divider 308 disposed in a gaseous medium flow channel 302 to divide the gaseous medium into a first portion 310 and a second portion 312 is disclosed. A nozzle 314 is positioned near an inlet side end 304 to inject the liquid into one of the two parts. The flow divider 308 is designed such that the cross section of the flow channel at the outlet side end 306 discharges the first part and the second part of the gaseous medium in thin layers 310-1, 312-1...etc. which are alternately arranged adjacent to each other. The flow divider 308 is generally flat at the inlet side end 304 with a gradual transition from the flat shape to a meander shape to create alternating laminae of the first part and the second part.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present disclosure generally relates to mixing a liquid in a gaseous medium or in two gaseous media. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for evaporating and mixing liquids such as. B. a urea solution and hydrocarbons in gaseous media such. B. exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND

There are many applications where a liquid needs to be mixed with a flow of a gaseous medium. The gaseous medium is typically at a temperature that facilitates vaporization of the liquid. Conventionally, mixing is achieved by spraying the liquid into the flow of gaseous medium using a nozzle arranged to produce fine droplets of liquid which, after coming into contact with the gaseous medium at higher temperature, evaporate to to facilitate mixing.

An exemplary application of the above methodology for mixing a liquid in a gaseous medium is in automotive vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and equipped with selective catalytic reductants (SCR) to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides from diesel vehicle exhaust. An SCR typically uses an aqueous urea solution as a consumable to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides from diesel vehicle exhaust.

As in 1A As shown, a urea solution 103 is typically injected into an exhaust passage after the exhaust gases from the engine 101 have passed through a diesel oxidation filter (DOC) 102 and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) 104 . After the exhaust gases are mixed with the urea solution, the mixture 107 is moved to the SCR 106 where the gases are reduced to less noxious gases and water and then released to the atmosphere 105 . The exhaust system may also include ammonia slip catalysts (ASC) after the SCR.

As in 1 B 1, a conventional arrangement 100 for evaporating and mixing the urea solution comprises a mixing tube 108 that carries the exhaust gases and a nozzle 110 for injecting the urea solution into the mixing tube 108. Although the mixing tube 108 is configured to provide a sufficient mixing length before this mixture is directed to the SCR 106, the urea solution near the inner surface of the mixing tube 108 fails to vaporize due to the cold surface of the mixing tube 108 and will stick to the walls separated from it.

2 FIG. 2 shows another conventional arrangement 200 for urea solution evaporation and mixing with a tube in a tube design. The assembly includes an inner tube 202 and an outer tube 204 with an annular space 208 therebetween. The flow of exhaust gases is split between the inner tube 202 and the annular space 208 between the outer tube 204 and the inner tube 202 . A nozzle 206 is configured near an upstream end of the inner tube 202 to inject the urea solution into the inner tube 202 . The exhaust gases flowing through the annular space 208 heat the inner tube 202 to enhance vaporization of the urea solution injected into the inner tube 202 for improved results.

However, such conventional arrangements require a significant length of mixing tube for the propagation of heat from the annular space to the mixing tube, thereby requiring more packaging space. In the absence of an adequate propagation length for the droplets to be adequately heated, the liquid may fail to vaporize.

The patent document DE102018103368A1 discloses a device for mixing an exhaust gas flow with an additive, in particular a reducing agent. The device includes a mixing tube for mixing the exhaust gas stream with the additive; and a first deflection tube for deflecting the flow of exhaust gas by 180°. The exhaust gas flow via the first deflection tube to the mixing tube is fed to the front. The first deflection pipe has a mounting portion for attaching an additive injector to the first deflection pipe; and the first deflection pipe has a vortex generation wall portion which is arranged on the end face of the mixing pipe and is adapted to impart a vortex to the flow of exhaust gas.

Another patent document US2019112962A1 discloses a mixing device for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine having a mixing section with a mixing section inlet area positioned downstream with respect to a reactant introduction device; a mixing section outlet area located upstream relative to a catalyst device tion is positioned. The mixing section includes an inner wall surrounding an inner volume through which the exhaust gas and/or reactant flows and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall. An outer volume surrounds the inner volume in an annular shape formed between the inner wall and the outer wall. A heater is provided on the inner wall and/or a heat transfer fin formation is provided on the inner wall.

Yet another patent document EP3141719A1 discloses a method for enhancing vaporization of a urea-based solution in a dosing module for an SCR catalyst, the dosing module includes means for injecting the urea-based liquid into an exhaust gas stream. The method includes dividing the flow of exhaust gas into two gas streams that are physically separated from each other using the septum and injecting a cleaning liquid directly into only one of the two gas streams and utilizing the other gas stream to heat the septum while the urea-based solution is sprayed to vaporize droplets that collide with the septum. The septum includes fins to extract heat from the other gas flow.

Yet another patent document WO2016062395A1 discloses an exhaust aftertreatment device for an internal combustion engine having an internal tube through which internal flow of exhaust gases occurs and an external tube surrounding at least a longitudinal portion of the internal tube to form an external passage through which external flow of residual exhaust gases occurs . A dosing element, which opens into the internal channel, is provided, through which a reducing agent is dosed into the first part of the exhaust gases. During operation, the external exhaust flow is equal to or greater than the internal exhaust flow.

Although the cited patent documents disclose various types of arrangements for mixing the liquid additive in a gaseous medium, there is room for further improvement in the efficiency of known arrangements for evaporating and mixing the additive liquid in the gaseous medium.

There is therefore a need to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution that can avoid the aforementioned limitation of conventional arrangements for evaporating and mixing a solvent liquid in the corresponding gaseous medium.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method and apparatus for vaporizing and mixing a liquid with a gaseous medium.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and an apparatus for vaporizing and mixing a liquid with a gaseous medium, which avoids the above-mentioned limitation of the conventional arrangements.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that improves vaporization and mixing that is compact and easy to pack in a limited space.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that improves vaporization and mixing that does not result in an increase in back pressure on the gaseous medium.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that improves evaporation and mixing that can be implemented in existing systems without any significant modifications.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to mixing a liquid additive in a gaseous medium. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing vaporization and mixing of a liquid such as a liquid. B. a urea solution and hydrocarbons in a gaseous medium such. B. exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The proposed device and the proposed method are based on a meandering flow divider leading to thin layers of the different parts of the gaseous medium being arranged alternately adjacent to each other. The thin layers, which are alternately arranged adjacent to each other, allow efficient mixing of the different parts, into one of which the liquid additive is injected earlier.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a device for mixing a liquid in a gaseous medium, the device having a flow channel with a inlet side end and an outlet side end so that the gaseous medium flows from the inlet side end to the outlet side end; and a flow divider provided from the inlet-side end to the outlet-side end for dividing the flow of the gaseous medium received at the inlet-side end between a first part and a second part. A nozzle is provided near the inlet side end to inject the liquid into the first part or into the second part.

In one aspect, the flow divider is designed such that the cross section of the flow channel at the outlet side end discharges the first part and the second part of the gaseous medium in thin layers that are alternately arranged adjacent to each other.

In one aspect, the flow divider is meandered at the outlet side end such that the flow divider provides laminas of the first portion and the second portion of the gaseous medium alternately disposed adjacent to each other.

In one embodiment, the flow channel may have any one of a cylindrical cross-section, an oval cross-section, an elliptical cross-section and a square cross-section, or a combination of these shapes such that it has different cross-sectional shapes at the inlet side end and the outlet side end with a gradual transition therebetween.

In one embodiment, the flow divider may include minute meanders superimposed over the meander shape.

In one embodiment, the flow divider may include any one or combination of a plurality of protuberances and holes/slots located near the outlet side end to increase turbulence and efficient mixing of the first portion and second portion flowing through the adjacent layers , to support.

In an implementation embodiment, the flow divider may have a shape that is generally flat at the inlet side end with a gradual transition from the flat shape to the meander shape, and the alternately arranged laminae may be parallel to each other.

In an alternative implementation embodiment, the flow channel may have a cylindrical cross-section and the flow divider may be shaped within the flow channel to create an annular space therebetween such that an internal cavity of the flow divider and the annular space guide the two parts of the gaseous medium flow. The flow divider can be cylindrical in the direction of the inlet side end and meander-shaped at the outlet side end with a gradual transition from the cylindrical shape to the meander shape. The meander shape at the outlet side end can be configured to provide thin layers that are radially oriented. The nozzle can be arranged to inject the liquid into the internal cavity of the flow divider.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of mixing a liquid in a gaseous medium, the method comprising the steps of: (i) allowing the gaseous medium to flow from an inlet side end to an outlet side end of a flow channel; (ii) dividing the flow of the gaseous medium received at the inlet side end of the flow channel between a first part and a second part, the flow being divided by providing a flow divider; and (iii) injecting the liquid into the first part or into the second part using a nozzle located near the inlet side end.

In one aspect, the flow divider is meander-shaped at the outlet side end, providing thin layers of the first part and the second part of the gaseous medium, which are alternately arranged adjacent to each other.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like numbers represent like components.

In one aspect of the present invention, the flow cross-sectional area of each of the first part and the second part remains constant from the inlet side end to the outlet side end of the device. This aspect of the invention is advantageous because the back pressure of the device according to the invention can be reduced.

character list

• 1A und 1B stellen ein herkömmliches Harnstofflösungsverdampfungs- und -mischsystem mit einem einzelnen Harnstoffmischrohr dar.
• 2 stellt ein herkömmliches Harnstofflösungsverdampfungs- und -mischsystem mit einem Rohr in einer Rohrgestaltung dar.
• 3 stellt eine beispielhafte schematische Anordnung der vorgeschlagenen Vorrichtung mit einem mäanderförmigen Strömungsteiler, der zu zwei Teilen des gasförmigen Mediums in dünnen Schichten führt, die abwechselnd benachbart zueinander angeordnet sind, gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung dar.
• 4A stellt eine beispielhafte Implementierung des mäanderförmigen Strömungsteilers in einem elliptischen Strömungskanal gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung dar.
• 4B stellt eine beispielhafte Darstellung eines mäanderförmigen Strömungsteilers mit überlagerten winzigen Mäandern gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung dar.
• 5A stellt eine beispielhafte Darstellung eines mäanderförmigen Strömungsteilers mit Löchern nahe dem Auslass, um das Mischen zu verbessern, gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung dar.
• 5B stellt eine beispielhafte Darstellung eines mäanderförmigen Strömungsteilers mit Strömungsunterbrechern nahe dem Auslass, um eine Turbulenz zu erzeugen, um das Mischen zu verbessern, gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung dar.
• 6A stellt eine beispielhafte Implementierung eines zylindrischen mäanderförmigen Strömungsteilers gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung dar.
• 6B stellt einen beispielhaften zylindrischen mäanderförmigen Strömungsteiler gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung dar.
• 7 ist ein beispielhaftes Verfahrensablaufdiagramm für das offenbarte Verfahren für die Verdampfung und das Mischen einer Flüssigkeit mit einem gasförmigen Medium gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings represent exemplary exhibitions embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

• 1A and 1B represent a conventional urea solution evaporation and mixing system with a single urea mixing tube.
• 2 Figure 12 illustrates a conventional one-pipe urea solution evaporation and mixing system in a pipe design.
• 3 12 illustrates an exemplary schematic arrangement of the proposed device with a meandering flow divider leading to two parts of the gaseous medium in thin layers, which are arranged alternately adjacent to each other, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 4A 12 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the meandering flow divider in an elliptical flow channel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 4B 12 illustrates an exemplary representation of a meander flow divider with superimposed minute meanders, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 5A 12 illustrates an exemplary representation of a meandering flow divider with holes near the outlet to improve mixing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 5B 12 illustrates an exemplary representation of a meandering flow divider with flow breakers near the outlet to create turbulence to improve mixing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 6A 12 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a cylindrical meander flow divider according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 6B 12 illustrates an exemplary cylindrical meander flow divider according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 7 1 is an exemplary process flow diagram for the disclosed method for vaporizing and mixing a liquid with a gaseous medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are provided in such detail in order to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the level of detail provided is not intended to limit the expected variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Embodiments discussed herein relate to an improved apparatus and method for vaporizing and mixing a liquid additive into a gaseous medium. Some example applications of such a device for mixing a urea solution in a flow of exhaust gases from a diesel engine in exhaust treatment systems and mixing a hydrocarbon in a flow of exhaust gases before a diesel oxidation filter (DOC). Consequently, the proposed device, when implemented in an exhaust gas treatment system, can be located before the DOC or can be located outside the ATS box such as e.g. B. in the intake pipe or in a passage of the exhaust gases after the exhaust gases from the engine have passed through the DOC and the DPF.

It should be appreciated that although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with respect to implementing the disclosed device in exhaust gas acceleration systems, the disclosed concept can also be used in other applications, such as e.g. B. Mixing a liquid fuel, where combustion takes place in a combustor, and all such applications are well within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitations of any kind.

The proposed device and method for vaporization and mixing works on the basis of dividing a gaseous stream/flow into a first part and a second part and injecting the liquid into one of the two parts through a nozzle. The gas flow is divided into the first part and the second part by a flow divider provided in a flow channel of the gaseous medium from an inlet side end to an outlet side end of the flow channel, the flow divider being designed such that the cross section of the flow channel at the outlet side end becomes the first part and the two th part of the gaseous medium in thin layers which are alternately arranged adjacent to each other. The thin layers of the first part and the second part of the gaseous medium, which are arranged alternately adjacent to each other, enable an efficient mixing of the two parts, into one of which the liquid is injected near the inlet side end of the flow channel. In one aspect, efficient mixing of the liquid with the gaseous medium can result in a reduced length of the device.

The first part and the second part can be formed in thin layers alternately arranged adjacent to each other by providing a flow divider which is meander-shaped at the outlet-side end of the flow channel. The flow divider may be generally flat at the inlet side end of the flow channel and gradually transitions to the meander shape at the outlet side end. The meander shape may include tiny meanders/ripples superimposed or blanketed over larger meanders to create further tiny layers branching off from the alternating layers.

In another aspect, the flow divider is made of a thermally conductive material for efficient heat transfer between the two portions of gaseous medium, allowing vaporization of the injected liquid. In particular, it allows the evaporation of droplets of the injected liquid, which can be deposited on the surface of the flow divider.

In various implementations, the flow divider may be designed such that the laminas of the first part and the second part of the gaseous medium are parallel to each other or oriented in a radial direction from a center of the flow channel.

In various embodiments, the flow channel may have any one of a circular cross-section, an oval cross-section, an elliptical cross-section and a square cross-section, or a combination of these shapes such that it has different cross-sectional shapes at the inlet side end and the outlet side end with a gradual transition therebetween.

The flow divider may include any one or combination of a plurality of protuberances and holes/slots near the outlet side end to increase turbulence and aid in the efficient mixing of the first part and the second part.

Referring now to 3 until 5B For example, the proposed device 300 for mixing a liquid in a gaseous medium can comprise a flow channel 302 having an inlet side end 304 and an outlet side end 306, which is designed for the flow of the gaseous medium from the inlet side end 304 to the outlet side end 306. A flow divider 308 may be provided in the flow channel 302 from the inlet side end 304 to the outlet side end 306 to split the flow of the gaseous medium received at the inlet side end 304 between a first part 310 and a second part 312 . A nozzle 314 may be provided near the inlet side end 304 to inject the liquid into the first part 310 or into the second part 312, for example into the first part 310 as in FIG 3 shown to inject.

In one aspect, the flow divider 308 is designed such that the cross-section of the flow channel at the outlet side end separates the first part 310 and the second part 312 of the gaseous medium into thin layers, such as thin layers. B. Layers 310-1, 310-2 ... etc. and 312-1, 312-2 ... etc. arranged alternately adjacent to each other as in FIG 3 shown, wherein the laminae 310-1, 312-1, 310-2, 312-2...etc. are shown stacked on top of each other in a parallel configuration.

In one aspect, the thin layers 310-1, 312-1, 310-2, 312-2...etc. of the first part 310 and the second part 312 of the gaseous medium are achieved by shaping the outlet side end of the flow divider 308 in a meander shape , as in 3 shown.

It should be appreciated that the flow channel 302 is not limited to a circular shape as shown in 3 is shown, and can also take on any other cross-section, such as e.g. B. an oval cross section, an elliptical cross section and a square cross section. 4A 12 shows an exemplary implementation of the concept of the meandering flow divider 308 in a flow channel 302 with an elliptical/oval cross section. In various implementations, the flow channel 302 can be a combination of differently shaped cross-sections, such as B. having a different cross-sectional shape at the inlet side end 304 and the outlet side end 306 with a gradual transition therebetween.

In an embodiment defined in 4B As shown, the meandering flow divider 308 may include tiny meanders/ripples 402 superimposed/overlapping over larger meanders. The tiny meanders 402 can be used to generate lead from other tiny layers, such. B. minute layers 404-1, 404-2 ... etc., which branch off from the alternately arranged layers 310-1, 312-1 ... etc. The minute meanders 402 increase turbulence in the flow as the two parts exit the outlet side end 306 for improved mixing. The minute meanders 402 also increase the surface area of the flow divider 308 to promote improved heat transfer between the two parts 310,312.

In an embodiment defined in 5A and 5B As shown, flow divider 308 may include any one or combination of a plurality of protuberances 504 and holes/slots 502 located near outlet side end 306 to increase turbulence and efficient mixing of first portion 310 and second portion 312 of the gaseous medium flowing through the adjacent layers 310-1, 312-2...etc.

In an implementation embodiment included in 3 As shown, the flow divider 308 may have a shape that is generally flat at the inlet side end 304 with a gradual transition from the flat shape to the meander shape such that the alternately arranged laminae 310-1, 312-1, 310-2, 312-2...etc. are generally parallel to each other.

6A and 6B Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of an implementation of the concept in a device 600, wherein the flow channel 602 may have a cylindrical cross-section with an inlet side end 604 and an outlet side end 606, and the flow divider 608 may be configured within the flow channel 602 to create an annular space 612 therebetween , so that an internal cavity 610 of the flow divider 308 and the annular space 612 guide the two parts of the gaseous medium flow. The flow divider 608 may be cylindrical in shape towards the inlet side end 304 and meander-shaped at the outlet side end 606 with a gradual transition from cylindrical shape to meander shape. The meander shape at the outlet side end 606 may be configured to provide thin layers 610 - 1 , 612 - 1 , 610 - 2 , 612 - 2 . . . The nozzle 614 can be configured to inject the liquid into the interior cavity 610 of the flow divider 608 .

It should be appreciated that the arrangement of the flow divider 608 shown in 6A and 6B is shown, other features such. B. tiny meanders / waves 402, which are superimposed / covered over the meander shape, holes / slots such. B. holes / slots 502 and protuberances such. B. Protuberances 504, which in 4B until 5B are shown without any limitations of any kind.

7 shows a flow chart of a method for mixing a liquid in a gaseous medium. The method 700 allows in step 702 that the gaseous medium from an inlet side end such. B. Inlet side ends 304 and 604, which are in 3 or. 6 are shown, to an outlet side end such. B. Outlet side ends 306 and 606, which in 3 or. 6 are shown, a flow channel such. B. the flow channel 302 and 602, the in 3 or. 6 are shown flows. In step 704 of the method 700, the flow of the gaseous medium received at the inlet side end 304, 604 of the flow channel 302, 602 can be diverted between a first part, e.g. B. the first part 310 and 610, which in 3 or. 6 are shown, and a second part such as e.g. B. the second part 312 and 612, which in 3 or. 6 are shown. The flow can be divided between the first part 310, 610 and the second part 312, 612 by providing a flow divider such as. B. the flow divider 308 and 608, which in 3 or. 6 are shown. Step 706 may include injecting the liquid and/or gaseous fluid into the first portion 310, 610 or into the second portion 312, 612 using a nozzle such as a nozzle. B. the nozzle 314 and 614, which in 3 or. 6 shown, located near the inlet side end 303.

In one aspect, the method 700 may include, at step 708, shaping the flow divider 308, 608 into a meandering shape such that the outlet side end 306, 606 contains thin layers such as e.g. B. laminas 310-1, 312-1, 310-2, 312-2...etc. and laminas 610-1, 612-1, 610-2, 612-2...etc 3 or. 6 are shown, the first part and the second part of the gaseous medium, which are alternately arranged adjacent to each other. The thin layers 310-1, 312-1, 310-2, 312-2...etc. and 610-1, 612-1, 610-2, 612-2...etc. of the first part and the second Portions of the gaseous medium arranged alternately to each other enable efficient mixing of the two portions, one of which is injected with the liquid near the inlet side end 304,604 of the flow channel 302,602.

The method 700 may further include the step of providing any one or a combination of minute meanders/waves such as e.g. B. tiny meanders/waves 402, which in 4A are shown superimposed over the meander shape/ are covered by holes/slits such as e.g. B. Holes/slots 502 cut in 5A are shown, and protuberances such. B. Protuberances 504, which in 5B shown to increase turbulence for improved mixing.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a simple, efficient, and cost-effective apparatus and method for evaporating and mixing a liquid additive in a gaseous medium such as e.g. B. ready in an exhaust gas treatment system for internal combustion engines. The improved apparatus and method avoids the limitation of conventional vaporizing and mixing arrangements identified above. In particular, the disclosed apparatus and method may result in a reduced length of the apparatus.

Although the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to a person of ordinary skill in the art area are available.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method and apparatus for vaporizing and mixing a liquid with a gaseous or a gaseous with a gaseous medium.

The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for vaporizing and mixing a liquid with a gaseous medium that avoids the aforementioned limitation of conventional arrangements.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus to enhance mixing that is compact and easy to pack in a limited space.

The present disclosure provides a device to improve mixing that does not result in an increase in back pressure on the gaseous medium.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus to improve mixing that can be implemented in existing systems without any significant modifications.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102018103368 A1 [0008]
• US2019112962A1 [0009]
• EP 3141719 A1 [0010]
• WO 2016062395 A1 [0011]

Claims (10)

A device (300, 600) for enhancing mixing of a liquid in a gaseous medium, the device (300, 600) comprising: a flow channel (302, 602) having an inlet side end (304, 604) and an outlet side end (306, 606) for the gaseous medium to flow from the inlet side end (304, 604) to the outlet side end (306, 606); a flow divider (308, 608) provided from the inlet side end (304, 604) to the outlet side end (306, 606) to flow the gaseous medium received at the inlet side end (304, 604) of the flow channel (302, 602). , divided between a first part (310, 610) and a second part (312, 612); and a nozzle (314, 614) located near the inlet side end (304, 604) for injecting the liquid into the first part (310, 610) or into the second part (312, 612); wherein the flow divider (308, 608) is designed such that the cross section of the flow channel (302, 602) at the outlet side end (306, 606) divides the first part (310, 610) and the second part (312, 612) of the gaseous medium into thin layers (310-1, 312-1, 310-2, 312-2, 610-1, 612-1, 610-2, 612-2) alternately arranged adjacent to each other. Device (300, 600) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the flow divider (308, 608) is designed in a meandering shape at the outlet side end (306, 606), a meandering shape being set up to form thin layers (310-1, 312-1, 310-2, 312-2, 610 -1, 612-1, 610-2, 612-2) of the first part (310, 610) and the second part (312, 612) of the gaseous medium, which are alternately arranged adjacent to each other. Device (300) according to claim 2 , characterized in that the flow channel (302) has a cylindrical cross-section, an oval cross-section, an elliptical cross-section or a square cross-section or a combination of these cross-sectional shapes. Device (300) according to claim 3 , characterized in that the flow divider (308) has a shape which is basically flat at the inlet side end (304) with a gradual transition from the flat shape to the meander shape, and wherein the alternately arranged thin layers (310-1, 312-1 , 310-2, 312-2) are parallel to each other. Device (300, 600) according to claim 2 , characterized in that the flow divider (308, 608) has minute meanders/waves (402) superimposed over the meander shape. Device (300, 600) according to claim 2 characterized in that the flow divider (308, 608) includes one or a combination of a plurality of protuberances (504) and holes/slots (502) near the outlet side end (306, 606) to increase turbulence and efficient mixing of the first part (310, 610) and the second part (312, 612). Device (600) according to claim 2 , characterized in that the flow channel (602) has a cylindrical cross-section and the flow divider (608) is configured within the flow channel (602) to create an annular space (612) therebetween such that an internal cavity (610) of the flow divider (608) and the annular space (612) guiding the two parts of the flow of the gaseous medium. Device (600) according to claim 7 , characterized in that the flow divider (608) is cylindrical in the direction of the inlet side end (604) and meandering at the outlet side end (606), with a gradual transition from the cylindrical shape to the meandering shape, and the meandering shape at the outlet side end (606) is set up for this purpose to provide thin layers (610-1, 612-1, 610-2, 612-2) that are radially oriented. Device (600) according to claim 7 , characterized in that the nozzle (614) is adapted to inject the liquid into the internal cavity (610) of the flow divider (608). A method (700) for enhancing mixing of a liquid in a gaseous medium, the method comprising the steps of: allowing (702) the gaseous medium to flow from an inlet side end (304, 604) to an outlet side end (306, 606) of a flow channel ( 302, 602) flows; dividing (704) the flow of gaseous medium received at the inlet side end (304, 604) of the flow channel (302, 602) into a first part (310, 610) and a second part (312, 612) using a flow splitter (308, 608); and injecting (706) the liquid into the first portion (310, 610) or into the second portion (312, 612) using a nozzle (314, 614) located near the inlet side end (304, 604); wherein the flow divider (308, 608) is meander-shaped at the outlet side end (306, 606), the meander-shape being adapted to separate laminas of the first part (310, 610) and the second part (312, 612) of the gaseous medium provide, which are arranged alternately adjacent to each other.

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