SE1100239A1 - Method and apparatus for supplying gas, or a mixture of gases, to a fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for processing and adding a gas (2), or a mixture of gases, to a liquid (3). The device comprising at least one vessel (4) which is intended to be at least partially immersed in the vessel (3), the vessel (4) of which comprises at least one inner space (5) provided with at least one inlet (10) for inlet of the vessel into the vessel (4). and a minimum outlet (1 1) carries the de fate of fl uidum out of the vessel (4). The device (1) comprises at least one fate-creating device (14) through which a discharge of fluid (3) from the vessel (4) takes place during the formation of at least one vortex (19) in the inner chamber (5). Unique to the present device is that the inlet (10) consists of at least one inlet channel which is located in the lower part of the vessel (4) and that the inlet channel is directed in the essential tangential directional net of the vessel (4) upwards in the range 91 to 125 degrees relative to the axial vessel. direction. It is further unique that the fate-creating device (14) consists of an impeller (16) and that the impeller (16) is located at a distance from the bottom of the vessel. The present invention also includes a method of using the device.

Description

fl uidumet but is essentially intended to be used for ornröming. The construction according to the patent specification therefore differs to a large extent from the present invention.

Patent specification SE460706 with the corresponding international patent application PCT / SE88 / 00684 describes a pipe stirring means which is intended to create a natural vortex in a liquid such as water. The agitation device comprises a vessel with a hyperbolic shape which by rotation creates a vortex in a liquid such as water. Patent specification SE4607 06 describes only the vortex generator and not the applications for using it. In the international patent application, exemplary applications for the use of the stirring device have been added. The exemplary applications include problems with the created vortex being disturbed by water. The construction according to the patent specification therefore differs to a large extent from the present invention. The patent specification SE500416 also describes a device for supplying a gas, or mixture of gases, to a liquid. The problem with this construction is that the vortex formation does not take place in an optimal way and that the construction is designed so that the vortex is disturbed by the fl of the fl uidum. The construction also has the problem that when used for supplying air (oxygen) to water, it emits an disturbingly high noise level. The construction according to the patent specification therefore differs to a large extent from the present invention.

A problem with the existing constructions according to the patents SE460706 and SE500416 is the reliability of the equipment. This is caused, among other things, by the fact that the space in the suction member, through which the liquid is to fl waste, can easily be clogged. Clogging is a particularly common problem if the liquid to be oxygenated includes contaminants that are relatively large relative to the channels in the suction means. Particularly long-lasting contaminants such as rags, cloth rags, hair and other things can cause the ducts in the suction member to become clogged.

Furthermore, a further problem with the insignificant constructions is that the oxygenating effect of the devices needs to be further improved. The objects of the present invention.

The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and an improved method by which gas, or a gas mixture, can be supplied to a unit with a low energy consumption. Another object of the present invention is to create a device and a method which results in a significantly improved vortex-forming function than already known constructions. A further object of the present invention is to create a stable vortex in a fluid. A further object of the present invention is to create a device for oxygenation of sound which emits a substantially lower noise level to the environment than previously known constructions. Furthermore, a further object of the present invention is to create a device which can be easily and cost-effectively maintained. An even further object of the present invention is to create a substantially more reliable construction than previously known constructions. It is furthermore also an object of the present invention to create a device which oxygenates more efficiently than previously known constructions.

Brief description of the figures referred to in the following paragraphs In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will be made. These are briefly described in the following ur gur list. The embodiments exemplified in the foregoing are not limiting of the scope of protection of the present patent application. Note that the fi gures are schematic and that details can thus be omitted in these.

Figure 1 shows the present invention seen from the side.

Figure 2A shows a section of the present invention seen from the side.

Figure 2B shows a partial part of Figure 2A.

Figures 3A to 3C show the device seen from above with different numbers of inlets.

Figure 3D shows a cross section of the device seen from above in the downward direction.

Figures 4A and 4B show an exemplary type of impeller.

Figure 4B shows a cross section of the impeller in Figure 4A.

Figures 5A show an alternative embodiment of an impeller.

Figure 5B shows a cross section of the impeller in Figure 5A.

Figure 6 shows an exemplary variant of a wear disc.

Detailed description of the invention With reference to the gases, a device 1 for supplying gas 2, or a mixture of gases, is shown in a liquid 3. The gas 2 may, for example, consist of oxygen or other gas. The mixture of gases can be air or other type of gas mixture. The fluid 3 may be a liquid or a mixture of liquids. For example, the liquid 3 may consist of water or another type of liquid to be supplied with gas, or a gas mixture.

The device 1 comprises at least one vessel 4, container or the like, which comprises at least one inner chamber (vortex chamber) 5. The vessel 4 is provided at its lower end 6 with at least one bottom 7.

The bottom 7 is provided with at least one through hole 8 which is preferably located in the center of the bottom or located in the vicinity of the center.

The vessel 4, which is preferably elongate, is intended to be partially lowered into the cavity 3 in the essential axial direction of the vessel 4. The relative length of the part 9 of the vessel 4 which leads down into the cavity, in relation to the entire length of the vessel, can vary to a large extent within the scope of the present invention.

The vessel communicates with the surrounding fl uidum 3 via at least one inlet 10 for fl uidum and at least one outlet 11 for fl uidum. Upon immersion of the vessel in the vidum, an inlet of fl uidum will take place via the inlet 10 to the inner chamber 5 of the vessel. Furthermore, the vessel comprises at least one inlet for gas, or gas mixtures, into the inner chamber. The inlet can be achieved in that parts of the upper part of the device comprise openings towards the surrounding atmosphere or towards an interior space comprising gas or a mixture of gases such as air.

It is essential for the function of the device that the inlet of gas, or gas mixture, is located above the surface of the fluid in which the vessel is partially immersed.

Preferably, the vessel is provided with at least one hood 12, cover or the like. The hood 12 is provided at its upper end with at least one inlet 13 (inlet for gas or gas mixtures) and preferably with at least a number of inlets 13. The hood may comprise at least one filter. The main technical effect of the hood 12 is that it prevents, for example, animals and objects from entering the inner space (the vortex chamber). The shape of the hood can vary greatly within the scope of the idea of invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the vessel 4 consists of a cylindrical vessel with a circular cross-section. The cylindrical vessel may be rotationally symmetrical.

In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the vessel 4 is of another shape suitable for the purpose. For example, it is conceivable that the vessel 4 has an angular shape and that the vessel 4 has a cross section which comprises at least three edges and preferably at least six edges. In the figure it is further shown that the vessel 4 has a flat bottom 7. In alternative embodiments, however, the bottom 7 may have an arm suitable for the purpose.

The construction comprises in its lower part a fl-creating device 14 which is driven by at least one drive unit 15. In the preferred embodiment shown, of the present invention, the d-creating device 14 is constituted by an impeller 16 or the like.

The drive unit 15 consists of a type of drive unit already known for the purpose and suitable for the purpose. In the exemplary embodiment, the drive unit is connected to the vessel 4 with at least one bracket, fastening device 17 or the like.

The impeller 16 is located at a distance from the outside of the bottom of the vessel, alternatively the wear plate.

The distance between the impeller 16 and the bottom 7 of the vessel 4, alternatively the wear plate of the vessel, is preferably arranged to be adjustable. This can be done by the fastening device comprising an adjustable function. The adjustable function is preferably achieved with prior art, which is why it is not described in more detail in this patent application. The adjustable function allows an adjustment of the distance between the impeller 16 and the bottom 7 (alternatively the wear plate) can take place in relation to the degree of contamination of the pumped (oxygenated) fl uid. Referring to fi clocks 4A and 4B, an exemplary embodiment of an impeller 16 used in the present construction. Figures 4A and 4B show only a variant of many conceivable embodiments of impellers which can be used in the present construction. The impeller shown in the figures should therefore not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. The diameter of the impeller is further dependent on the available power and on the type of drive unit, for example two-pole or four-pole, which is used in the device. The impeller 16 comprises a hub disc 18 which is provided with at least three wings 19, or the like, which extend along all or part of the distance between the center of rotation 20 of the impeller 16 to its periphery 21. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, an impeller with five wings is shown The impeller 16 is preferably of the open type such as a vortex type impeller 16. The design of the impeller means that the risk of the impeller being blocked by contaminants is significantly reduced.

The shape of the wings 19 can vary widely within the scope of the present invention. The inlet angle and outlet angle of the impeller can vary widely within the range tank. For example, the shape of the wings may deviate from the wings in the ur gures shown where the inlet angle is relatively fl ack and the outlet angle is relatively steep.

Referring to the gurus 5A and SB, a first alternative embodiment of the impeller 16 (the suction device) is shown. In this embodiment, at least one of the wings 18 of the impeller comprises a groove 22. Preferably, all the blades 18 of the impeller are provided with at least one groove 22. It has unexpectedly been found that if the blades of the impeller 17 are provided with grooves 22, the bubble-creating effect of the impeller increases. The groove 22 extends from the edge 23 of the impeller partially through a part of the wing height of the impeller. Preferably the groove is obliquely angled according to the angle V1 in relation to the hub plate 18 of the impeller. Preferably the angle V1 is less than 90 degrees and is preferably in the range 45 to 60 degrees.

With reference to Figure 6, an exemplary embodiment of the present device is shown which comprises at least one wear plate 24. The wear plate 24 has the task of reducing the wear on the outside of the bottom 7 of the vessel 4. The wear plate 24 is preferably made of a disc-shaped material with a through hole 25 in its center. Unique to the present wear plate 24 is that it comprises at least one groove 26 (in the material in the direction of the impeller). The wear plate 24 is preferably provided with a number of grooves. In the exemplary embodiment, the wear plate comprises three grooves 26. The groove 26 substantially solves the problems of fibers and the like accumulating on the impeller and the wear plate, with a deteriorated function of the present device. The grooves 26 significantly reduce the risk of the space between the wear plate 24 and the impeller 16 becoming clogged. The grooves 26 cause pressure pulses to be created when the blades 18 of the impeller pass through the grooves 26 with the effect that tears and the like, which are built on the impeller 16 and the wear plate 24, are torn loose (released). Preferably, the groove starts at a distance (A) n from the edge of the hole. The distance A may vary within the scope of the present patent application. In the embodiment shown, however, the distance A is 1.5 to 3 times the width of the groove 26. The grooves 26 extend in the embodiment shown in a direction which is preferably within the angular range (V2 in Fig. 6) 80 to 105 degrees relative to the radial of the wear plate. direction.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6, the grooves are directed substantially 90 degrees in relation to the radial direction of the wear plate. The length of the grooves 25 is adapted so that they extend a length which causes the groove to extend beyond the edge of the impeller, i.e. to extend beyond the peripheral edge of the impeller. In the embodiment shown, the groove is straight. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the track is of another shape suitable for the purpose. The former of the tracks, in its longitudinal direction, can thus deviate from a straight form.

Using a wear plate is especially important if the vessel is made of a polymeric material or other material that is soft and / or easily worn down. The wear plate reduces wear on the bottom of the vessel, causing particles and other things, to a significant extent.

When the vortex-forming suction device 14 is set in rotation, a suction is created in the center 19 of the impeller 17, which creates a vertical gap down towards the impeller 16 and out at the peripheral part of the impeller. The suction of the ner uid down towards the vortex-forming impeller 16 creates a vertical vortex 27 from the surface 28 of the fl uidum down through the inner space (the vortex core) and out through the hole 8 in the bottom of the vessel 4 to the impeller 16. Via the created vortex 26 gas is sucked , or the gas mixture (such as air), down to the impeller 16. When the mixture of gas and fluid is sucked down against the impeller 16, bubble swarms 29 are created by bubbles such as, for example, microbubbles or other types of bubbles. The bubbles in the bubble heaters 28 cause the gas, or gas mixture, to be supplied to the liquid 3.

It is further unique with the present device that the insertion of fl uidum to the inner part of the vessel takes place in the lower half of the vessel and preferably in the lower fifth of the vessel. In the embodiment shown, the inlet 10 takes place via an inlet 10 in connection, or near connection, to the bottom 7 of the vessel 4, the inlet 10 preferably consisting of an inlet channel.

Preferably, the discharge of the fluid takes place via at least one inlet 10 in the substantially tangential direction of the vessel. Preferably, the inlet is angled according to the angle V relative to the axial direction of the vessel. The angle V is preferably in the range 91 to 135 degrees in relation to the axial direction of the vessel. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the insertion takes place with a poorer direction in relation to the vessel than essentially a tangential direction. It is further conceivable that the angle in relation to the axial direction deviates from that stated above. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the diameter and / or direction of the inlet is made adjustable.

The direction of the inlet in the essentially tangential direction of the vessel means that the vortex formation in the vessel is enhanced by the inlet contributing to a rotation of the inadvertent fl uid in the vessel. The obliquely upward direction of the inlet further causes an upward vortex of fl uid to be created which transforms into a downward vortex consisting of a mixture of fl uid and gas.

The design promotes the formation of a stable downward vortex consisting of fl uid and gas. The stable upward vortex of fl uid inside the vessel creates an upward force for the entire device (assembly) which gives the result that the pressure drop in the inlet in the impeller becomes so low that the pressure drop inside the suction means decreases to below the fl uid vapor pressure which causes microbubbles to form inside. These microbubbles are mixed with fl uiden and gas in the cases where this is desirable for the function, which gives a volume increase of the gas in fl uiden which results in a unique supply of gas to fl uiden (the liquid).

In the exemplary figures, the inlet ducts are directed in a clockwise direction. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the inlet ducts are directed counterclockwise.

The construction also comprises at least one positioning and fastening device 30 with which the position of the device in relation to the surface and the surface can take place.

The fastening device can, for example, be connected (attached) to at least one object such as a fixed plant (not shown in fi gures) or connected to a movable object such as at least one fl surface body (not shown in figures). In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable for the device to be placed hanging in a wire, a rope or the like. It is further conceivable that the device is attached to a combination of the above-mentioned objects. It is further conceivable that the device is placed on a stand such as a tripod or the like. The device can also be provided with separate legs or similar constructions.

In the detailed description of the present invention, construction details and sub-methods may be omitted which are obvious to a person skilled in the art in the field of the method and the device. Such obvious construction details and sub-procedures are included to the extent necessary to obtain a proper function for the present method and device. Although certain preferred embodiments have been shown in more detail, variations and modifications of the device may be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All such modifications and variations are considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is conceivable that the invention is defined as a device for creating a stable vortex in an urn uidurn. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the impeller has a number of wings that are less than three. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, it is conceivable for a closed channel wheel with at least one channel to be used instead of the described impeller.

Advantages of the Invention With the present invention, a number of advantages are achieved. The most obvious is that an overall process that is significantly more energy efficient than previous processes for adding gas in a fl uidum. A further advantage of the present construction is that it emits less noise than previously known constructions. The present construction is also more cost-effective than previously known constructions. The present invention also has the advantage that it creates a stable vortex in the vessel. An even further advantage of the present invention is that the device is significantly more operationally sold than previously known constructions. It is furthermore also an advantage of the present invention that the device oxygenates a unit significantly more efficiently than previously known constructions.

Claims (1)

A device (1) for processing and adding a gas (2), or a mixture of gases, to a liquid (3) comprising at least one vessel (4) with at least one inner chamber (5) which is intended to be at least partially immersed in the vessel (3), the vessel (4) of which comprises at least one inlet (10) for inlet of the vessel into the inner chamber (5) of the vessel and at least one outlet (11) in the bottom (7) of the vessel (4) ) for the discharge of fl uidum out of the inner chamber (5) of the vessel (4) and at least one inlet (13) for gas (2) into the inner chamber (5) of the vessel (4), the device (1) of which comprises at least one fl fate-creating device (14) with associated drive unit (15) which creates an outlet of fl uidum (3) out through the outlet (l 1) from the vessel (4) while forming at least one vortex (19) in the inner chamber (5) and bubble heaters (29 ) of gas in the effluent (3), characterized in that the inlet (10) consists of at least one inlet channel which is located in the lower fifth of the vessel (4) and that the inlet channel is directed in the essence of the vessel (4) tangential direction obliquely upwards in the range 91 to 125 degrees in relation to the axial direction of the vessel (4) and that the destructive device (14) consists of an impeller (16) which is positioned on the outside of the vessel with at least one fastening device (17) on an adjustable distance from the bottom (7) of the vessel (4) and the outlet (11). Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises at least one wear plate (24) which is connected or integrated with the underside of the bottom (7) of the vessel (4) in connection with the outlet (1 1). Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the wear plate (23) comprises at least one groove (26). Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the groove (25) in the wear plate (24) is directed substantially in the range 80 to 105 degrees in relation to the radial direction of the wear plate (24). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding patent implements (16) comprises at least one hub disc (18) from which at least three wings extend, of which at least one of the wings comprises at least one groove (22) extending from the edge of the wing in the direction against the impeller (16) hub plate (18). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (22) is inclined in relation to the radial direction of the hub disk in the range 45 to 60 degrees. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fl uiden (3) consists of water. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas (3) consists of air. Method for using device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (1) is placed at least partially immersed in a cavity (3), after which the impeller (16) is caused to rotate by at least one drive unit (15). whereby the impeller (16) from the outside of the vessel sucks the fl uid (3) out of the vessel (4) through the outlet (l 1) and an insertion of fl uid (3) takes place via the inlet (10), a vortex (19) consisting of fl uid ( 3) and gas (2), or gas mixture, is formed in the inner chamber (5), the formed vortex (19) creates a supply of gas (2), or a gas mixture, to the fl uiden (3). Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the fl-destroying fl uid from the inlet duct (10) creates an upward vortex which merges into the downward vortex (19) of fl uid and gas.