DK2655894T3

DK2655894T3 - CYCLONEL ELEVATOR AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Info

Publication number: DK2655894T3
Application number: DK11851600.4T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Greg J Vlachos
Original assignee: Greg J Vlachos
Priority date: 2010-12-23
Filing date: 2011-12-21
Publication date: 2019-01-28
Also published as: PE20141082A1; EP2655894B1; EP2655894A4; CO6791583A2; WO2012088340A3; CL2013001873A1; BR112013016120B1; WO2012088340A2; EP2655894A2; BR112013016120A2

Description

DESCRIPTION

Technical Field [0001] The present invention is for an improved cyclonic elevator. More particularly, this cyclonic elevator includes helical venturis and will be primarily used for pumping fluid.

Background Art [0002] The closest prior art to this invention is United States Patents 3,857,651 to Bruno December 31,1974 and 3,301,606 to Bruno, January 31,1967.

[0003] Patent 3,857,651 discloses coaxial pumping units for cylindrical cyclonic elevator tubes in which a manifold circumscribing the latter for supplying fluid under pressure thereto has communication therewith via an annular transition ring provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced jet orifices set at inwardly and circumferentially directed compound angles for ejecting vortically directed jets of fluid under pressure through the tubular elevator to effect transportation of comminuted and/or fluid material through such tubes.

[0004] Patent 3,301,606 relates to a cyclonic elevator device wherein particulate material is raised by means of a rotating, pulsing air column. It comprises a tube for lifignt the material, at least one chamber surrounding the tube, a plurality of passages leading from the chamber to the interior of the tube arranged about the tube in a spiral pattern, and means for introducing compressed air to the chamber and through the passages to impart a swirling motion to the material being lifted through the tube.

[0005] This invention is a great improvement over the Bruno patents.

[0006] Patent FR 1200 145 A discloses devices for driving a jet of fluid or the compression of a gaseous fluid. US 3857651 discloses pumping units for a cyclonic elevator.

Disclosure of Invention [0007] The present invention is a cyclonic elevator comprising: a cylindrical chamber; a plurality of helically shaped venturi tubes spaced around the internal circumference of the chamber; a manifold connected to the inlet ends of the venturi tubes; and a high pressure gas supply connected to the manifold.

[0008] The helix can be right or left handed and preferably the venturi tubes extend for less than one turn of the helix. The angle that the tangent of the helix makes with the longitudinal axis of the chamber is between 1° and 89°. The internal circumference of the chamber may be larger at the inlet end than at the outlet end.

[0009] A nozzle may be attached to the inlet end of the chamber. The nozzle circumference may larger at the nozzle inlet end than at the nozzle outlet end.; Preferably there are openings in the side wall of the nozzle.

[0010] Two or more of these chambers may be connected together in series with tubing to form a high capacity pump.

[0011] An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and description of a preferred embodiment.

Brief Description of Drawings [0012]

Figure 1 illustrates venturi effect.

Figure 2 shows the helix (cos t, sin t, t) from t = 0 to 4tt.

Figure 3 is a side view of a three stage version of this invention.

Figure 4A is a perspective view from the inlet end of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 4B is an end view of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective, off center view of the segments comprising the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 6 is a side view of the three stage version of this invention showing some of its internal structure.

Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross section along the line 7-7 of Figure 6

Figure 8A is a side, partially cut away view of the outlet tube of the invention.

Figure 8B is an end view of the outlet tube of the invention.

Figure 9A is a side, partially cut away view of the uppermost venturi chamber of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 9B is an end view of the uppermost venturi chamber of the three stage version of this invention from one end.

Figure 9C is an end view of the uppermost venturi chamber of the three stage version of this invention from the other end.

Figure 9D is a view along the lines D-D of Figure 9A.

Figure 9E is an enlargement detail E on Figure 9D.

Figure 10A is a side, partially cut away view of the upper manifold section of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 10B is a view of the upper manifold section of the three stage version of this invention from one end.

Figure 11A is a side, partially cut away view of the middle connection tube of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 11B is a view of the middle connection tube of the three stage version of this invention from one end.

Figure 12A is a side, partially cut away view of the middle venturi chamber of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 12B is view of the middle venturi chamber of the three stage version of this invention from one end.

Figure 12C is view of the middle venturi chamber of the three stage version of this invention from the other end.

Figure 12D is a view along the lines D-D of Figure 12A.

Figure 12E is an enlargement of detail E on Figure 12D.

Figure 13A is a side, partially cut away view of the middle manifold section of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 13B is a view of the middle manifold section of the three stage version of this invention from one end.

Figure 14A is a side, partially cut away view of the lower connection tube of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 14B is a view of the lower connection tube of the three stage version of this invention from one end.

Figure 15A is a side, partially cut away view of the lower Venturi section of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 15B is a side, partially cut away view of the lower Venturi section of the three stage version of this invention from one end.

Figure 15C is a view of the lower Venturi section of the three stage version of this invention from the other end. Some detail is omitted for clarity.

Figure 15D is an enlargement of the detail shown at D on Figure 15C. Some detail is omitted for clarity.

Figure 16 is a side, partially cut away view of the lower manifold section of the three stage version of this invention.

Figure 17A is a side, partially cut away view of the inlet nozzle for this invention.

Figure 17B is a view of the inlet nozzle for this invention from one end

Figure 17C is a view of the inlet nozzle for this invention from the other end.

Figure 18 is a perspective, cutaway view showing how air and water move through the invention.

Figure 19 is a perspective, cutaway view showing how air and water are diametrically distributed across the cross section in the lower section of the invention.

Figure 20 is a perspective, cutaway view showing how air and water are diametrically distributed across the cross section at the junction of the middle and upper sections of the invention.

Figure 21 is a perspective, cutaway view showing how air and water are diametrically distributed across the cross section in the outlet tube section of the invention.

Figure 22 is a perspective, cutaway view showing how air and water are longitudinally distributed across the cross section in the outlet tube section of the invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out Invention [0013] While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.

[0014] There are two principles that must be grasped to fully understand this invention and how it works. These are the venturi effect and helices.

[0015] According to the laws governing fluid dynamics, a fluid's velocity must increase as it passes through a constriction to satisfy the conservation of mass, while its pressure must decrease to satisfy the conservation of energy. Thus any gain in kinetic energy a fluid may accrue due to its increased velocity through a constriction is negated by a drop in pressure. An equation for the drop in pressure due to the Venturi effect may be derived from a combination of Bernoulli's principle and the continuity equation.

[0016] The limiting case of the Venturi effect is when a fluid reaches the state of choked flow, where the fluid velocity approaches the local speed of sound. In choked flow the mass flow rate will not increase with a further decrease in the downstream pressure environment.

[0017] However, mass flow rate for a compressible fluid can increase with increased upstream pressure, which will increase the density of the fluid through the constriction (though the velocity will remain constant). This is the principle of operation of a de Laval nozzle.

[0018] Referring to Figure 1, using Bernoulli's equation in the special case of incompressible flows (such as the flow of water or other liquid, or low speed flow of gas), the theoretical pressure drop (p1 - p2) at the constriction would be given by:

where Pis the density of the fluid, v1 is the (slower) fluid velocity where the pipe is wider, v2 is the (faster) fluid velocity where the pipe is narrower. This assumes the flowing fluid (or other substance) is not significantly compressible - even though pressure varies, the density is assumed to remain approximately constant.

[0019] A helix is a type of space curve, i.e. a smooth curve in three-dimensional space. It is characterized by the fact that the tangent line at any point makes a constant angle with a fixed line called the axis.

[0020] Helices can be either right-handed or left-handed. With the line of sight along the helix's axis, if a clockwise screwing motion moves the helix away from the observer, then it is called a right-handed helix; if towards the observer then it is a left-handed helix. A right-handed helix cannot be turned or flipped to look like a left-handed, and vice versa.

[0021] The pitch of a helix is the width of one complete helix turn, measured parallel to the axis (Z in Figure 2) of the helix.

[0022] A circular helix, (i.e. one with constant radius) has constant band curvature and constant torsion.

[0023] The following parametrisation in Cartesian coordinates defines the helix illustrated in Figure 2: x(t) = cos(t), y(t) =sin(i). Z^t) — t.

[0024] As the parameter t increases, the point (x(t), y(t), z(t)) traces a right-handed helix of pitch 2π and radius 1 about the z-axis, in a right-handed coordinate system.

[0025] This invention 10 will be illustrated with a three stages 46 version. It will be obvious to those familiar with the art to which this invention pertains, that this invention 10 could have more that three stages 46. In the following description and the attached drawings, unless otherwise obvious, elements without a suffix are of similar design and function in each section 46. Reference numbers without a suffix will refer to that element generically. An "a" suffix to a reference number will, unless otherwise obvious, be used to designate elements of the first or lowest stage 46a of this invention 10; a "b" suffix to a reference number will, unless otherwise obvious, be used to designate elements of the second or middle stage 46b of this invention 10; and a "c" suffix to a reference number will, unless otherwise obvious, be used to designate elements of the third or upper stage 46c of this invention 10.

[0026] Figures 3, 4A, 4B, 5 and 6 show various views and features of the three stage 46 version of the invention 10. The three stages, 46a, 46b, 46c are connected together in series. Each stage 46 includes a manifold section 78, a venturi section 14 and a connecting tube 94. Each of these is tubular or annular in overall shape. Figures 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 16, 17A, 17B and 17C are detail views of all the components of this invention 10.

[0027] In each stage 46 the venturi section 14 fits inside the manifold section 78 and the front or lower flange 90 of the tubular section mates with the upper or rear surface of the venturi section 14 and the upper or rear surface 54 of the manifold section 78. The outside diameter of the venturi section 14 is slightly less than inside diameter of the manifold section so that it will fit snugly inside. Gaskets and bolts, O-rings and seals (not illustrated) are used between components in normal fashion in order to ensure a gas and liquid tight fit. Alternatively, a sealant may be used to join the sections and ensure a gas and liquid tight fit.

[0028] Each manifold section78 has at least one radial hole 76 through it. It is through this hole that pressurized gas is introduced. Typically a fitting 80 is fitted to each hole 76. This fitting 80 is used to connect with a high pressure gas line (not illustrated).

[0029] Of course, the upper or rear flange 91b of the middle segment 46b is mated with front or lower surface 50c of the upper manifold section 78c. Also, there are one or more radial holes 72 in the lower manifold section 78a. These may be covered by a fluid inlet tube 74.

[0030] There may additionally be a nozzle 58 fitted to the lower surface 50a of the lower manifold section 78a. The outside and inside diameters of the nozzle 58 are larger at the inlet end 66 than at the outlet end 62. Further the outside of the nozzle 58 is shaped so that it fits inside and mates with the lower manifold section 78a and the lower venturi section 14a. Again, gaskets and bolts, O-rings and seals (not illustrated) are used between the nozzle 58 and the lower manifold section 78a and venturi section 14a in normal fashion in order to ensure a gas and liquid tight fit.

[0031] As has previously been described, each stage 46 of this invention 10 includes a venturi section 14. A plurality of venturi tubes 18 are spaced around the internal circumference of each venturi section 14. Each of the Venturi tubes 18 has a helical shape, an inlet internal diameter at the inlet end 26a and an outlet internal diameter at the outlet end 30a. The inlet ends 26a of the venturi tubes 18 are located adjacent the inlet ends 34a of the sections 14, and the outlet ends 30a are located adjacent the outlet ends 38a of the sections 14. In addition, the inlet diameters are larger than the outlet diameters.

[0032] Further, in each venturi section 14 there are a plurality of air inlets 22 running at an angle between the outside of the section 14 and the venturi tubes 18. Such tubes 22 are best illustrated in Figures 12A, 12D and 12E.

[0033] In each venturi section 14, the internal diameter 40 at the inlet 34 is larger than the internal diameter 41 at the outlet end 38. The path described by each venturi tube 18 in each venturi section is a helix. Also, each tube 18 decreases in diameter as it increases in displacement. The tubes 18 can have a right hand or left hand helical shape and preferably the tubes extend for less than one turn of the helix. The angle that the tangent 42 of the helix makes with the longitudinal axis 44 can be anywhere between 1° and 89°.

[0034] The internal configuration of each manifold section 78 and the external configuration of each corresponding venturi section 14 are designed to channel the high pressure gas from each high pressure inlet 76 to the inlet 26 of each venturi tube 18. To operate this invention 10, it is immersed in a fluid and pressurized gas is introduced into the inlet ends 26 of the tubes 18. Venturi action of the gas forces the fluid to move from the inlet ends 50 to the outlet ends 91 of each section. Preferably the fluid is water and the gas is compressed air.

[0035] The primary use for this invention is pumping or dredging of materials from the ocean floor. The high pressure gas will typically be provided by an air compressor. Tubing (not illustrated), preferably flexible tubing will be connected from the air compressor to each fitting 80. In addition there will be another flexible tube (not illustrated) connecting the uppermost flange 91c to a location where it is desired to deposit the material to be pumped.

[0036] When everything is ready the pump will be lowered into the water to the desired depth and the air compressor activated. The compressed air will flow through the venturi tubes 18 and the air inlets 22. The venturi effect of the gas on the water will suck the water etc. in to the inlet end of the invention, preferably the inlet end 66 of the nozzle 58, and expel it from the outlet end 91c. From here the material will move through the long tube and be deposited at the desired location. The gas tends to stay close to the inner walls of the tubes 94 and venturi sections, thus reducing friction and providing protection from the material being pumped. If the inlet end 66 of the invention gets plugged with material, lifting it slightly to allow the side wall openings 72 to clear the material will allow clear water to be sucked into the pump thus clearing it.

[0037] The preferred design parameters for the pump version of this invention 10 are as follows:

[0038] Figure 18 is a perspective, cutaway view showing how air and water move through the invention. Air is indicated by the darker arrows, water by the lighter arrows. Gas injection is scaled among the different orifice levels in proportion to the inward orifice area as follows:

Flow rate at first level venturis 18a 1.47978 m3/sec 52.26 %

Flow rate at second level venturis 18b 2 0.42749 m3/sec 15.10 %

Flow rate at third level venturis 18c 0.65585 m3/sec 23.16 %

Flow rate at third level air inlets 22c 4 0.26855 m3/sec 9.48 %

Total airflow rate 2.83168 m3/sec 6000.00 cfm [0039] Figures 19-21 are perspective, cutaway views showing how air and water are diametrically distributed across the cross sections of the invention 10. Figure 22 is a perspective, cutaway view showing how air and water are longitudinally distributed along the invention 10. It can be seen from the keys in the drawings that most air flows along the walls of the invention. As the air flows it sucks the water along with it upwards.

[0040] The pump version of this invention is designed to suck materials off the ocean floor at depths of 3,048 m (10,000') or more. It will operate without creating turbidity and will produces a fluid flow of 1,515.4 I.s’1 (20,000 gals./min.) with an air flow of 2,832m3s'1 (6,000 cu.ft./min.) at sea level. At depth static pressure will have an influence necessitating less air and higher fluid flow, for example 3,030.7 I.s’1 (40,000 gals/min) or more.

[0041] The following reference numerals are used on the Figures:

10 this invention 14 venturi section 18 venturi tube 22 air inlet 26 inlet end of venturi tube 30 outlet end of venturi tube 34 lower or inlet surface of venturi section 38 upper or outlet surface of venturi section 40 internal diameter of inlet end of venturi section 41 internal diameter of outlet end of venturi section 42 tangent of the helix 44 longitudinal axis of helix 46 stage of invention 50 inlet surface of manifold section 54 outlet surface of manifold section 58 nozzle 62 outlet surface of nozzle 66 inlet surface of nozzle 72 side inlet opening 74 fluid inlet 76 gas inlet 78 manifold section 90 lower or inlet flange 91 outlet or upper flange 94 connection tubing [0042] The suffix "a" added to a reference numeral indicates first or lowest stage; the suffix "b" the middle or second stage; and the suffix "c" the outlet, third or upper stage.

[0043] Thus, the present invention 10 has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof.

[0044] It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • US3301606A [00021 [00041 • FR1200145A [00061

Claims

An apparatus for pumping fluid (10) comprising: a) a venturi section (14) having a wall, an inner circumference, a longitudinal axis, an inlet end (34) and an outlet end (38), said inner circumference being greater at said inlet end (34) than at said outlet end (38); b) a plurality of venturi tubes (18) spaced about said inner circumference; each venturi tube (18) having a helical shape where the angle formed by the tangent (42) of said coil with said longitudinal axis (44) is between 1 ° and 89 °; each of said venturi pipes (18) having an inlet diameter adjacent to said inlet end (34) and an outlet diameter adjacent to said outlet end (38); wherein said inlet diameter is greater than said outlet diameter; c) a manifold section (78) connected to said inlet diameters; and d) a high pressure gas supply connected to said manifold section (78).

Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 in which said venturi tube (18) extends less than one turn of said coil.

Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2 in which said coil is right-handed or left-handed.

Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fluid is water.

Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said gas is air.

Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of air inlets (22) through said wall and connected to said manifold section (78) at one end and said venturi tube (18) at the other end.

Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a nozzle (58) attached to said inlet end (34); said nozzle having a tubular shape, a nozzle circumference, a nozzle inlet end (66), a nozzle outlet end (62) and a side wall.

Apparatus (10) according to claim 7 in which said nozzle outlet circumference matches said inner circumference at said outlet end (62).

Apparatus (10) according to claim 7 or 8 in which said nozzle circumference is larger at said nozzle inlet end (66) than at said nozzle outlet end (62).

Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9 further comprising an opening (72) in the sidewall.

Apparatus (10) comprising at least two of said apparatus, as described in any of the preceding claims connected to one another in series.

A method of pumping fluid comprising the steps of: a) producing a cylindrical chamber (14) having a wall, an inner circumference, a longitudinal axis, an inlet end (34) and an outlet end (38), said inner circumference being larger; at said inlet end (34) than at said outlet end (38); b) producing a plurality of venturi tubes; each venturi tube (18) having a helical shape where the angle formed by the tangent (42) of said coil with said longitudinal axis (44) is between 1 ° and 89 °; each of said venturi pipes (18) having an inlet diameter (40) adjacent to said inlet end (34) and an outlet diameter adjacent to said outlet end (38); wherein said inlet diameter (40) is greater than said outlet diameter; c) disposing said venturi tube (18) around said inner circumference d) producing a manifold (78); e) connecting said inlet diameters (40) to said manifold (78); f) providing a high-pressure gas supply; g) connecting said high-pressure gas supply to said manifold (78); h) placing said inlet end (66) in said fluid; and i) activating said high-pressure gas supply; said fluid being sucked in to said inlet end (66) and ejected from said outlet end (91C) by venturi effect of said gas on said fluid.