JP2006504019A - Jet pump - Google Patents

Abstract

A thrust generator comprising a steam nozzle (4) having a diffuser (6) encased in a second annular nozzle (10), which in operation forms an air shroud for the sprayed steam, thereby A thrust generator that delays the implosion of steam due to low temperature contact with surrounding liquids such as water.

Description

  The present invention relates to the formation of a fluid flow, or improvement thereof.

  In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention is a device of the type described in our International Patent Application No. PCT / AU01 / 00677, i.e. the interaction of gas and vapor emitted from the nozzle structure is a fluid flow. And is related to a device that generates sufficient thrust (thrust) to move the ship.

  However, it should be appreciated that devices intended to create thrust can be applied in a variety of applications in general and inducing fluid flow to cause fluid movement. For example, pumps may also contain a device of the type targeted by the present invention. In this regard, the method and apparatus described in our international patent application with the above-mentioned number, even when pumping materials such as fluids, solids, or fluids containing solid suspensions, are related to thrust. It can be used as well as a pump.

  We currently recognize that the thrust generated by the methods described above and by the method of the PCT application can be used in a number of different applications.

  Thus, thrust is not only used purely for the movement of a surface vessel, but can also be used to penetrate other fluids or forcefully insert other substances into the fluid. For example, the thrust generated by the apparatus described in the PCT application is used as a forced passage of the cleaning rod that penetrates the pipe when cleaning the pipe, and adheres to the inner surface of the pipe to obstruct or adversely affect the flow. It is possible to provide a function of scraping with a stick to remove the exerting substance. In the same direction, the generated fluid thrust can be used as a different cleaning mechanism. For example, when it is necessary to purify the working fluid passing through the apparatus, this work can be assisted by the thermal effect caused by the injection of steam. Furthermore, the cleaning of the inner surface of the pipe can also be performed using the heat supplied from the steam supplier together with the high pressure. In pipe cleaning, for example, a polishing sphere may be used, and the sphere is passed through the pipe by thrust, which has an effect similar to shot blasting, so the internal surface of the pipe is washed to remove attached dirt. can do. This cleaning operation is further facilitated if heat is applied by the steam.

  In other applications, it is necessary to treat different fluids or solids using the thrust generated by the method and apparatus of our UK co-pending patent application described above.

  For example, another fluid or liquid material may require an aeration process, a vibration process, or a foaming process. The jet generated by this device has a clear advantage in that it generates turbulence. Furthermore, the present method and apparatus can be used to mix separate fluids, different types of fluids, or fluids and solids. Such materials may also require heat treatment, but the present method and apparatus can be used for this purpose because it comprises steam.

  The device may emit or trigger a sound, which has its own value as a warning signal or identification signal for ships equipped with the device on board, especially in the maritime field.

  In the mechanism that generates thrust, condensation causes a vapor implosion, causing an increase in velocity and inducing a fluid flow around it. In maritime applications, fluid flow creates thrust, which imparts motion to a vessel incorporating a propulsion unit on or within the hull.

  Vapor condensation, which induces implosion effects, occurs very rapidly after the vapor exits the nozzle, so the interaction between the vapor and the working fluid, e.g. water, is sufficient to create the necessary thrust. It has often been observed that this does not last for a long time, resulting in a relatively low operating efficiency.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for generating higher efficiency thrust.

  According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the thrust generator comprises a first conduit for hot condensable driving fluid connected to a first nozzle having a diffuser, and outside the nozzle and diffuser. And a second conduit for supplying gas, thereby forming a gas shielding boundary layer adjacent to the ejected condensable driving fluid during operation.

  Preferably, the second conduit surrounds the first conduit, and the second conduit is connected to an annular second nozzle surrounding the first nozzle so that A shroud can be formed effectively.

  The diffusion angle of the diffuser is variable.

  The second nozzle is also formed from a variable structure.

  The first nozzle has an annular structure surrounded by a second nozzle, which can form a shielding layer in the form of an inner stream or an outer stream, or both an inner and outer stream. .

  The apparatus further includes a chamber housing for housing the first and second nozzles. These nozzles and chambers may be fully integrated, or the nozzles may be located inside the chamber.

  It is desirable that the chamber has a gently curved surface if possible. This provides the necessary structure for effective acceleration of the fluid, i.e. the thrust resulting from the flow created by the device.

  As a second embodiment of the present invention, a propulsion unit for a watercraft provided with the apparatus of the first embodiment is provided.

  The propulsion unit may be built into the hull or may be mounted on the hull as a separate unit.

  As a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fluid moving device including the device according to the first embodiment. In this fluid transfer device, the device can be incorporated in a duct suitable for containing a fluid or fluid flow, and in operation, imparts thrust to the fluid, induces flow in the fluid and / or fluid It is configured to enhance the flow.

  As a fourth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for generating a thrust by inducing a fluid flow in a fluid main body. This includes supplying a condensable fluid to a conduit provided with a first nozzle having a diffuser, and shielding gas around the ejected condensable fluid by supplying gas outside the first nozzle. Forming a shroud and delaying the initial contact between the condensable fluid and the surrounding fluid.

  The present invention also includes a marine vessel incorporating or having the apparatus as a vessel propulsion system or part thereof.

  The condensable fluid may be vapor that is pressurized and injected into the conduit. The gas flow may be pressurized and induced or fed into the second conduit and to the second nozzle.

  The method includes the process of expanding the vapor in the diffuser until the pressure is equal to the pressure of the surrounding fluid body due to the change in volume. In response to the final jet of steam from the diffuser of the first nozzle, steam condensation occurs and its latent heat energy is converted to thrust. The present invention forms a temporary shielding shroud of gas such as air around the jetted steam, thereby delaying the start of the condensation step and allowing higher energy utilization than before. Vapor condensation creates a large pressure drop and causes fluid flow around the fluid. The flow induced in a special structure using a chamber produces a directional thrust that is used inside the propulsion unit to move the ship. In other applications, the generated thrust is used to induce a pump flow.

  Injecting air or gas in the vicinity of the nozzle or upstream thereof in this manner suppresses or eliminates the effects of cavitation, and reduces both wear and noise, which are cavitation characteristics. This advantage will also be recognized in applications of the present invention with other modes of operation in which the apparatus is utilized as a fluid transfer device. In such an operation mode, suppression of cavitation is also an important attribute.

  Hereinafter, two embodiments relating to a thrust generating device and a method of using the device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the device.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the device.

  FIG. 1 shows a thrust generator 1 consisting of a steam conduit 2 connected to a nozzle 4 having a diffuser 6. The gas conduit 8 surrounds the conduit 2 and is further connected to a passage 9 surrounding the diffuser 6 to form an annular discharge port 10 for gas. The positional relationship between the diffuser 6 and the passage portion 9 is variable and can take various forms. Accordingly, the diffuser and the passage portion may have a full stow type conical shape or a linear slot shape. In some cases, the diffuser and the passage portion may be composed of one or more sections, and regulation over the entire length is possible.

  A steam generator (not shown) is coupled to conduit 2 and conduit 8 is open to the atmosphere, indicated at 12, or is coupled to a feed pump or cylinder (not shown).

  As shown, the device 1 is submerged in a fluid medium, in this example water, for example seawater, and is covered completely with a chamber 14. The chamber has a gently curved interior and has a diffuse input compartment 16 as shown, which comprises a convergent intermediate compartment 18 and a further diffuse output compartment 20. It is connected to. Between compartments 18 and 20 there is a narrow hole neck 22 and the final drain is defined by 24.

  In operation, as an example only, the chamber 14 incorporating the device 1 is mounted on a surface vessel as a propulsion unit and submerged in the water 30. Steam is produced by a generator (not shown), and the steam is led to the conduit 2 and goes to the discharge port via the nozzle 4 and the diffuser 6. At the same time, air is injected or supplied via the peripheral conduit 8 open to the atmosphere 12, which enters the passage 9 through the annular space between the conduits and exits the diffuse annular outlet 10. The discharge of air from the discharge port 10 forms a temporary shielding shroud around the vapor released from the diffuser 6. This shroud expands until the pressure is equal to the pressure of the surrounding water 30 due to the change in volume of the steam. Due to the transient nature of the air shroud, the vapor discharged through the diffuser 6 contacts the water 30 and condenses, i.e., implodes, induces a large pressure drop, through the diffusion compartment 16 of the chamber 14. Draw water. The speed of water drawn through the chamber due to the condensation of the steam increases while passing through the interior of the chamber to obtain a forward thrust in the opposite direction to the steam.

  FIG. 2 shows an apparatus 101 according to a second embodiment comprising a vapor conduit 102 connected to an annular nozzle 104 having a diffuser 106. A gas conduit 108 having an annular shape surrounds the conduit 102 and is open to a passage 109 surrounding the diffuser 106, and an annular outlet 110 is formed so that the gas enters the mixing chamber 114. The structure of the diffuser 106 and the passage portion 109 is variable and can take various forms. Therefore, for example, the diffuser and the gas passage portion may be a full stow cone or may be a straight slot. In some cases, the diffuser and the gas passage section may be composed of one or more sections, and regulation over the entire length is possible.

  A steam generator (not shown) is coupled to the steam conduit 102 and the conduit 108 is open to the atmosphere, indicated at 112, or connected to a feed pump or cylinder (not shown). ing.

  The device is immersed in a fluid medium, ie in this example water.

  A series of gas intake holes are provided circumferentially in the upstream portion of the nozzle 104, and air is injected into a general fluid flow, and in this example, a three-layer flow is formed to improve thrust. It is used to measure.

  In operation, by way of example only, the device 101 is mounted on a surface vessel as a propulsion unit and submerged. Steam is produced by a generator (not shown), which is injected into conduit 102 and through nozzle 104 and diffuser 106 to the outlet. At the same time, air is injected or supplied through the peripheral conduit 108, which flows through an annular space formed around the nozzle 104, and in certain modes of operation, through the inside and outside of the annular steam flow. It flows into the passage part 109. The discharge of air from the discharge port 110 generates a temporary shielding shroud around the steam ejected from the diffuser 106, and this shroud has a pressure equal to the water pressure of the surrounding water due to the change in the volume of the steam. Expand to. Due to the transient nature of the air shroud, the vapor discharged through the diffuser 106 contacts the water 30, condenses, i.e., implodes, induces a large pressure drop, and draws water through the chamber 114. The velocity of the water drawn through the chamber by the condensation of the steam is accelerated while passing through the chamber to obtain a forward thrust in the opposite direction to the steam.

  In another mode of operation, air is used to shield only the inner part of the ejected steam jet, and in yet another mode of operation, only the outer part of the generated steam jet is shielded with incoming air. . In the former, the shielding effect delays the contact between the steam and the main body of the water, whereas the latter shielding effect delays the contact between the steam and the boundary wall of the chamber 114.

  A further advantage of injecting air or gas in the context of steam is that the effects of cavitation are reduced or eliminated. As is already well recognized by experts in this field, cavitation has a negative effect on physical structure and leads to metal corrosion and friction effects that cause a reduction in efficiency. In addition, cavitation produces noise that is itself considered harmful. The present invention offers the possibility to reduce or eliminate such adverse effects. Also in this regard, generally injecting air or gas into the chamber, for example upstream of the nozzle, has a deterrent effect on the effects of cavitation and reduces the negative effects on efficiency that cavitation causes. . The air holes 120 may be provided in a suitable manner at a location selected for this purpose.

  The present invention thus improves the efficiency of the propulsion system by causing a delay in the steam condensation step by forming a shielding gas shroud against the jetting steam. Therefore, the condensation is adjusted without instantaneously occurring at the steam outlet, so that the best performance in the propulsion mechanism can be obtained.

  The propulsion mechanism can also be used to produce a strong stream of fluid as a result of energy transfer between the condensable fluid and the working fluid passing through the device. The strong stream produced in this way can be used, for example, in a device for driving a rotor for power generation, or for other beneficial purposes that consume more energy.

  Although a particularly beneficial application of the present invention is in the field of ship thrust, it should be recognized that the present invention has many diverse applications in the field of fluid flow control. For example, a pump may be suitable for incorporating a device according to the present invention, and the present invention may be applicable to other applications as described above.

  In addition, the present invention has the ability to treat fluid passing through the device, which may be heated by the injected steam. In certain applications, such heating effects reduce the viscosity of certain fluids and facilitate flow. In other applications, if no special effect is required, heating may be performed. The vibration caused by vapor implosion has the ability to disturb the flow of the fluid as needed, and this action is particularly important when solids are mixed in the fluid. By the transfer of energy during and after condensation, a decomposition effect that reduces the size of the mixed solids is realized in particular. These solids may be non-living in terms of being composed of unwanted particulates or individual objects that pass through the device, or organisms that have a general form of small marine life, such as crustaceans, It may be an arthropod including mussels, snails, shrimps, their eggs, and other invertebrates. The combination of vibration and heat coupled with the pressure gradient generated in the condensation zone can be manipulated to create the proper conditions for killing this type of marine life. The extermination of these organisms is necessary to purify the effluent discharged from the ship sailing in the open ocean. For example, bilge water and ballast may contain organisms sized to pass through conventional mesh filters, and appropriate measures need to be taken to eliminate them. It should also be noted that some of the aforementioned crustaceans are vulnerable to air, so that the present invention having means for injecting such a medium also gives utility to the device in that sense. . The combination of heat, pressure gradient, and vibrations causes the shellfish to peel off, exposing their fragile skin to air, which causes these organisms to become occlusive and die.

  In addition, the present invention may be used to kill bacteria. In the waste liquid treatment, bacteria such as filamentous bacteria can be killed. Again, the combination of heat, pressure gradient and vibration provides a disinfecting means to achieve this goal.

  The arrangement of the present invention allows the entry of objects large enough to normally clog conventional pumps and jet pumps, but has the ability to treat fluids passing in the manner described above.

  Although air is used as a gas to form a shroud for steam in the present invention, it should be recognized that other suitable gases can be used such as, for example, a combustion material from a boiler.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the device. FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the device.

Claims (29)

  A first conduit (1,101) for hot condensable driving fluid connected to a first nozzle (4,104) having a diffuser (6,106); and a nozzle (4,104); A second conduit (8, 108) for supplying gas to the outside of the diffuser (6, 106) is provided, thereby forming a gas shielding layer at the boundary of the condensable driving fluid that is ejected during operation. A characteristic thrust generator.   The second conduit (8, 108) surrounds the first conduit (1, 101), and the second conduit itself surrounds the first nozzle (4, 104). 110. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shroud for the first nozzle (4, 104) can be effectively formed by being connected to 110).   3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first nozzle (104) is annular.   4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the second conduit is arranged such that the shielding layer is formed at the outer boundary of the ejecting condensable driving fluid.   4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second conduit is arranged such that the shielding layer is formed at the inner boundary of the ejected condensable driving fluid.   4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the second conduit is arranged such that a shielding layer is formed at the inner and outer boundaries of the ejecting condensable driving fluid.   7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion angle of the diffuser (6, 106) is variable.   8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second nozzle (10, 110) has a changeable structure.   9. A device according to claim 1, wherein a chamber housing (14, 114) is provided for housing the first and second nozzles (4, 110).   10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that the nozzle (4, 104, 10, 110) and the chamber (14, 114) are completely integrated.   10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that a nozzle (4, 104, 10, 110) is arranged inside the chamber (14, 114).   12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the chamber (14, 114) has a gently curved surface therein.   Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the internal structure of the chamber (14, 114) is variable.   A propulsion unit comprising the thrust generator (1, 101) according to any of the preceding claims.   A watercraft comprising the propulsion unit according to claim 14.   A fluid transfer device comprising the device (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims.   The fluid moving device according to claim 16, wherein the fluid moving device is a pump.   The fluid transfer device can be incorporated into a duct suitable for containing a liquid or a liquid flow, and is configured to provide thrust to the liquid to accelerate or induce the liquid flow. The fluid moving device according to claim 16 or 17. A method of generating a thrust by inducing a fluid flow in a fluid body, wherein the thrust is generated in a conduit (2,102) having a first nozzle (4,104) having a diffuser (6,106). By supplying a condensable fluid and supplying a gas to the outside of the first nozzle (4, 104), a gas shielding shroud is formed at the boundary of the condensable fluid to be ejected. A method of generating thrust, comprising the step of delaying the initial contact of the thrust.
  The method according to claim 19, wherein the shielding shroud of gas around the condensable fluid that is ejected has a role of suppressing cavitation.   21. The method according to claim 19, wherein air or gas is injected into the main body of the fluid upstream or downstream of the injection portion of the condensable fluid in order to suppress the influence of cavitation.   The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the condensable fluid is steam.   The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the gas is air.   24. A method according to any one of claims 19, 22 or 23, wherein a mechanism for generating thrust is utilized as a mechanism for decomposing solid material passing through the device.   24. A method according to any of claims 22 or 23, wherein the method is used to kill bacteria by subjecting the bacteria to heat, vibration and pressure gradients.   23. The method of claim 22, wherein a mechanism for generating thrust is used to heat the fluid, the plurality of fluids, or the fluid / solid.   23. The method of claim 22, wherein a mechanism for generating thrust is used for aeration.   23. The method of claim 22, wherein a mechanism for generating thrust is used for mixing.   The method according to claim 22, wherein a mechanism for generating thrust is used for vibration.

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