US20070254380A1 - Method and Device for Enhancing a Process Involving a Solid Object and a Gas - Google Patents

Method and Device for Enhancing a Process Involving a Solid Object and a Gas Download PDF

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US20070254380A1
US20070254380A1 US11/660,109 US66010905A US2007254380A1 US 20070254380 A1 US20070254380 A1 US 20070254380A1 US 66010905 A US66010905 A US 66010905A US 2007254380 A1 US2007254380 A1 US 2007254380A1
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gas
ultrasound
layer
high intensity
laminar sub
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Niels Krebs
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Force Technology
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Force Technology
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/08—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J19/10—Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiation; Apparatus therefor employing sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J12/00—Chemical processes in general for reacting gaseous media with gaseous media; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/008—Processes for carrying out reactions under cavitation conditions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/26—Nozzle-type reactors, i.e. the distribution of the initial reactants within the reactor is effected by their introduction or injection through nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/02—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
    • B01J8/0278—Feeding reactive fluids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/16—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with particles being subjected to vibrations or pulsations
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/32—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
    • C01B3/34—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
    • C01B3/38—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts
    • C01B3/384—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts the catalyst being continuously externally heated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15D—FLUID DYNAMICS, i.e. METHODS OR MEANS FOR INFLUENCING THE FLOW OF GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F15D1/00—Influencing flow of fluids
    • F15D1/10—Influencing flow of fluids around bodies of solid material
    • F15D1/12—Influencing flow of fluids around bodies of solid material by influencing the boundary layer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
    • F28F13/02—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by influencing fluid boundary
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
    • F28F13/06—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media
    • F28F13/10—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by imparting a pulsating motion to the flow, e.g. by sonic vibration
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/0205—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step
    • C01B2203/0227—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step
    • C01B2203/0233—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step the reforming step being a steam reforming step
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/08—Methods of heating or cooling
    • C01B2203/0805—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/12—Feeding the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/1205—Composition of the feed
    • C01B2203/1211—Organic compounds or organic mixtures used in the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
    • C01B2203/1235—Hydrocarbons
    • C01B2203/1241—Natural gas or methane
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
    • Y02P20/10—Process efficiency

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a sonic device for enhancing a process involving a solid object and a gas by reducing a laminar sub-layer.
  • the invention further relates to a method of enhancing a process involving a solid object and a gas by reducing a laminar sub-layer.
  • Surface conductance is measured in W/m 2 K.
  • Heat energy tends to migrate in the direction of decreasing temperature.
  • the heat transfer can take place by the processes of conduction, convection or radiation.
  • Heat is the energy associated with the perpetual movement of the molecules and temperature is a measure of the vigor of this movement.
  • temperature is a measure of the vigor of this movement.
  • Thermal energy can be transported through a gas by conduction and also by the movement of the gas from one region to another. This process of heat transfer associated with gas movement is called convection.
  • convection When the gas motion is caused only by buoyancy forces set up by temperature differences, then the process is referred to as natural or free convection; but if the gas motion is caused by some other mechanism, such as a fan or the like, it is called forced convection.
  • Patent specification U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,319 relates to increased heat transfer between two fluids (i.e. not between an object and gas/air) and provides the increased heat transfer by minimizing the thickness of the laminar sub-layer by establishing a standing wave pattern.
  • a standing wave pattern to minimize the laminar sub-layer does not give as very efficient or large reduction of the laminar sub-layer (and thereby increase in heat transfer), since the definition of a standing wave pattern includes a stationary and repeatable location of nodes over the surface. At these nodes there will be no displacement or velocity of the gas molecules.
  • Patent specification U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,958 describes a process for producing work onto rotatable blades of a gas turbine.
  • the described process involves steam as cooling media and a disruption of laminar steam film on the surfaces of a nozzle thereby ensuring increased heat transfer.
  • This is done by establishing a sonic shock wave to disrupt the laminar sub-layer. Since the surface area covered by the shockwave has to be compared to the surface area used to generate the shock wave, the proposed method does not give a reduction of the laminar sub-layer (and thereby increase in heat transfer) over as large an area as the present invention do, since ultrasound disperses over a larger part of the object in question than the shock wave.
  • Patent specification U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,412 relates to a turbine generator producing both heat and electricity.
  • the description includes a heat exchanger which uses acoustical resonators (formed by cavities in the surface of the heat exchanger) to prevent formation of a laminar boundary layer.
  • the resonators generate acoustic vortices as the gas flows over the surface of the heat exchanger and thereby creating turbulence in the gas over the surface.
  • the generated turbulence will decrease the size of the laminar layer (see FIG. 2 a ) but the generated acoustic energy is not sufficiently high and therefore not sufficiently efficient at minimizing the sub-layer.
  • Patent specification JP 07112119 relates to enhancing a catalytic process by applying ultrasound and thereby disturbing a fluid border film over the porous solid catalyst.
  • the arrangement gives an inefficient coupling of the ultrasound from a source/oscillator via the diaphragm and thereafter to the gas. This is related to the large difference in acoustical impedance, which will apply for any solid—gas transition.
  • Patent specification U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,983 relates to a device for generating ultrasound. It discloses that ultrasound may be useful for enhancing a heat transfer by disruption of a liquid or gas layer. It is further mentioned that catalytic effects can be improved due to molecular breakdown, production of free ions, mixing and other effects. However, this arrangement does not address the disruption of a laminar sub-layer. Further, this arrangement is not very suitable for generating an acoustic pressure at sufficiently high levels needed for effectively disrupting a laminar sub-layer. In addition the causes for improvement of catalytic effects, i.e. molecular breakdown and production of free ions, are effects that only take place under these circumstances in a liquid medium and not in a gaseous medium.
  • a sonic device for enhancing a process involving a solid object and a gas, where the gas surrounds the object or at least is in contact with a surface of the object
  • the device comprising sonic means for applying a high intensity sound or ultrasound to at least the surface of the object, wherein the high intensity sound or ultrasound, during use of the sonic device, is applied directly in the gas that is also the medium through which the high intensity sound or ultrasound propagates to the surface of the object, whereby a laminar sub-layer at the surface of the object is reduced and/or minimized.
  • the laminar sub-layer is minimized over a large area or the entire area of the surface of the object.
  • High intensity sound or ultrasound in gases leads to very high velocities and displacements of the gas molecules.
  • 160 dB corresponds to a particle velocity of 4.5 m/s and a displacement of 33 ⁇ m at 22.000 Hz.
  • the kinetic energy of the molecules has been increased significantly.
  • the sonic means comprise: an outer part and an inner part defining a passage, an opening, and a cavity provided in the inner part, where said sonic means is adapted to receive a pressurized gas and pass the pressurized gas to said opening, from which the pressurized gas is discharged in a jet towards the cavity.
  • the temperature of said surface is greater than the temperature of said gas, and said process is a heat exchange process, whereby said reduction and/or minimization of the laminar sub-layer causes an increased heat exchange from said object to said gas.
  • a forced heat flow from the surrounding gas/air to the surface is provided by increasing the conduction by minimizing the laminar sub-layer. This is e.g. desirable when the heat transfer is insufficient/too small from the surrounding air/gas to a surface of an object, when cooling of the air/gas and/or heating of the object is wanted.
  • a decrease of the reaction time of a catalytic process i.e. increase of the speed the catalytic process
  • high intensity sound or ultrasound increases the interaction between gas molecules and the surface by minimizing the laminar sub-layer and thus increasing the speed of the catalytic process.
  • said surface is an inner surface of a given volume
  • said process is a change of gas composition between said gas and a previous gas composition at said inner surface, whereby said reduction of the laminar sub-layer causes an increased gas exchange by increasing the interaction between gas molecules of said gas and said previous gas composition at said inner surface.
  • a decrease of the necessary flushing time during a gas exchange in a volume is provided by decreasing the time needed for diffusion over the laminar sub-layer of the surface by applying high intensity sound or ultrasound to the surface.
  • the high intensity sound or ultrasound increases the interaction between gas molecules and the previous gas composition at the surface, i.e. provide increased gas exchange, by minimizing the laminar sub-layer and thus increasing the speed of establishing the new equilibrium.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of enhancing a process involving a solid object and a gas, where the gas surrounds the object or at least is in contact with a surface of the object, the method comprising the steps of: applying a high intensity sound or ultrasound to at least the surface of the object by sonic means, where the high intensity sound or ultrasound is applied directly in the gas that is also the medium through which the high intensity sound or ultrasound propagates to the surface of the object, whereby a laminar sub-layer at the surface of the object is reduced and/or minimized.
  • the method and embodiments thereof correspond to the device and embodiments thereof and have the same advantages for the same reasons.
  • the present invention also relates to a nozzle comprising cooling channels wherein said cooling channels is in connection with a sonic device generating ultrasound during use that is distributed in said channels.
  • the present invention also relates to a printed circuit board comprising at least one sink and at least one fan both arranged to cool at least a part of said printed circuit board or components thereon during use, wherein said printed circuit board further comprises a sonic device generating ultrasound during use that is directed to at least a part of said at least one sink.
  • FIG. 1 a schematically illustrates an object having a given heat transfer to the surrounding or contacting air/gas or having a given catalytic process reaction time or having a given flushing time according to prior art
  • FIG. 1 b schematically illustrates the heat transfer, the catalytic process reaction time and/or the flushing time in relation to the object of FIG. 1 a when the present invention is applied;
  • FIG. 2 a schematically illustrates a (turbulent) flow over a surface of an object according to prior art
  • FIG. 2 b schematically shows a flow over a surface of an object, where the effect of applying high intensity sound or ultrasound to/in air/gas surrounding or contacting a surface of an object according to the present invention is illustrated;
  • FIG. 3 a schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a device for generating high intensity sound or ultrasound
  • FIG. 3 b shows an embodiment of an ultrasound device in form of a disc-shaped disc jet
  • FIG. 3 c is a sectional view along the diameter of the ultrasound device ( 301 ) in FIG. 3 b illustrating the shape of the opening ( 302 ), the gas passage ( 303 ) and the cavity ( 304 ) more clearly;
  • FIG. 3 d illustrates an alternative embodiment of an ultrasound device, which is shaped as an elongated body
  • FIG. 3 e shows an ultrasound device of the same type as in FIG. 3 d but shaped as a closed curve
  • FIG. 3 f shows an ultrasound device of the same type as in FIG. 3 d but shaped as an open curve
  • FIG. 4 a illustrates an exploded view of a nozzle illustrating cooling channels and manifolds for cooling gas
  • FIG. 4 b illustrates one example of a placement of an ultrasound generator in a manifold according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 a schematically illustrates an object having a given heat transfer to the surrounding or contacting air/gas or having a given catalytic process reaction time or having a given flushing time according to prior art.
  • a surrounding gas or a gas ( 500 ), illustrated by a broken box, contacting a relevant surface of the object ( 100 ) has a temperature of T 0 , where T 1 >T 0 .
  • heat energy tends to migrate in the direction of decreasing temperature.
  • the heat transfer can take place by the processes of conduction, convection or radiation.
  • Heat is the energy associated with the perpetual movement of the molecules and temperature is a measure of the vigor of this movement.
  • temperature is a measure of the vigor of this movement.
  • FIG. 1 a schematically illustrates an object ( 100 ) being a catalyst.
  • the reactants are the surrounding or contacting gas(ses) ( 500 ) and the catalyzing product ( 100 ) has to migrate through the laminar sub-layer by diffusion.
  • the catalyst has the temperature T 1 and the reactant(s) in gas form ( 500 ) has the temperature T 0 .
  • FIG. 1 a schematically illustrates an object ( 100 ) being the inner wall of a volume, where the composition of the gases ( 500 ) is going to be changed.
  • the new gas (not specifically shown) and the previous gas ( 500 ) have to migrate through the laminar sub-layer by diffusion.
  • the inner wall of the volume has the temperature T 1 and the previous gas ( 500 ) has the temperature T 0 .
  • FIG. 1 a results in a given flushing time (1) before the new equilibrium is established.
  • FIG. 1 b schematically illustrates the heat transfer, the catalytic process reaction time and/or the flushing time in relation to the object of FIG. 1 a when the present invention is applied. Shown is the object ( 100 ) of FIG. 1 a , but in a situation where the present invention is applied.
  • the object ( 100 ) has the same temperature T 1 as in FIG. 1 a and the surrounding or contacting gas ( 500 ) has also the same temperature T 0 as in FIG. 1 a.
  • the object ( 100 ) (or a surface of the object) is according to the present invention submitted to high intensive sound or ultrasound in the contacting or surrounding gas(es).
  • the kinetic energy of the molecules is increased significantly by being subjected to ultrasound or high intensive sound.
  • FIG. 1 b illustrates that the high intensity sound or ultrasound will increase the interaction between gas molecules and the surface and thus the heat conduction that thereafter can be followed by passive or active convection at the surface, as will be explained in greater detail in connections with FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
  • the application of the invention results in a given heat transfer (2) that is greater than heat transfer (1) of FIG. 1 a.
  • the present invention also provides a way to decrease the reaction time of a catalytic process in air/gas on the surface of a catalyst surface by means of applying high intensity sound or ultrasound to the surface of an object.
  • a forced interaction between gas molecules and the surface of the catalyst is established, because the high intensity ultrasound will minimize the laminar sub-layer, as will be explained in greater detail in connections with FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
  • the diffusion time will decrease and thus increasing the speed of the catalytic process.
  • Applying the invention results in a given catalytic process reaction time (2) that is smaller/shorter than the catalytic process reaction time (1) of FIG. 1 a.
  • the present invention also provides a way to decrease the time to establish a new equilibrium when the gas composition in a volume is changed, by means of applying high intensity sound or ultrasound to the surface of an object.
  • a forced interaction between gas molecules and a previous gas at the surface of the volume is established, because the high intensity ultrasound will minimize the laminar sub-layer, as will be explained in greater detail in connections with FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
  • the diffusion time will decrease and thus increasing the speed of establishing the new equilibrium.
  • Applying the invention results in a given flushing time (2) that is smaller/shorter than the flushing time (1) of FIG. 1 a.
  • the gas may e.g. be air, steam, or any other kind of gas.
  • FIG. 2 a schematically illustrates a (turbulent) flow over a surface of an object according to prior art. Shown is a surface ( 204 ) of an object with a gas ( 500 ) surrounding or contacting the surface ( 204 ).
  • a gas 500
  • thermal energy can be transported through gas by conduction and also by the movement of the gas from one region to another. This process of heat transfer associated with gas movement is called convection.
  • the process is normally referred to as natural or free convection; but if the gas motion is caused by some other mechanism, such as a fan or the like, it is called forced convection.
  • the velocity ( 206 ) will be substantially parallel to the surface ( 204 ) and equal to the velocity of the laminar sub-layer ( 203 ).
  • Heat transport across the laminar sub-layer will be by conduction or radiation, due to the nature of laminar flow.
  • Mass transport across the laminar sub-layer will be solely by diffusion.
  • the presence of the laminar sub-layer ( 203 ) does not provide optimal or efficient heat transfer or increased mass transport. Any mass transport across the sub-layer has to be by diffusion, and therefore often be the final limiting factor in an overall mass transport.
  • FIG. 2 b schematically shows a flow over a surface of an object, where the effect of applying high intensity sound or ultrasound to/in air/gas ( 500 ) surrounding or contacting a surface of an object according to the present invention is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 2 b illustrates the conditions when the surface ( 204 ) is applied with high intensity sound or ultrasound.
  • the velocity ( 206 ) will be substantially parallel to the surface ( 204 ) and equal to the velocity of the laminar layer prior applying ultrasound. In the direction of the emitted sound field to the surface ( 204 ) in FIG.
  • the oscillating velocity of the molecule ( 205 ) has been increased significantly as indicated by arrows ( 207 ).
  • the corresponding (vertical) displacement in FIG. 2 b is substantially 0 since the molecule follows the laminar air stream along the surface.
  • the ultrasound will establish a forced heat flow from the surface to surrounding gas/air ( 500 ) by increasing the conduction by minimizing the laminar sub-layer.
  • the sound intensity is in one embodiment 100 dB or larger. In another embodiment, the sound intensity is 140 dB or larger. Preferably, the sound intensity is selected from the range of approximately 140-160 dB. The sound intensity may be above 160 dB.
  • the minimized sub-laminar layer has the effect that heat transfer from the surface ( 204 ) to the surrounding or contacting gas ( 500 ) is increased (if the temperature of the surface is greater than the temperature of the surrounding or contacting gas). Further, the minimization will have the effect that the catalytic process reaction time is reduced if the surface/object is a catalyst and the surrounding gas comprises a reactant. Additionally, the minimization will have the effect that the flushing time is reduced
  • the invention is used to speed up the process of generating hydrogen from natural gas and steam.
  • the natural gas and the steam is directed at a surface of a catalyst enhancing the speed of the process as generally known.
  • the natural gas or the steam (or both) may be the medium through which the ultrasound is propagating as explained in the following. The efficiency is increased by the influence of the ultrasound as explained above and elsewhere.
  • FIG. 3 a schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a device ( 301 ) for generating high intensity sound or ultrasound.
  • Pressurized gas is passed from a tube or chamber ( 309 ) through a passage ( 303 ) defined by the outer part ( 305 ) and the inner part ( 306 ) to an opening ( 302 ), from which the gas is discharged in a jet towards a cavity ( 304 ) provided in the inner part ( 306 ). If the gas pressure is sufficiently high then oscillations are generated in the gas fed to the cavity ( 304 ) at a frequency defined by the dimensions of the cavity ( 304 ) and the opening ( 302 ).
  • the ultrasound device may e.g. be made from brass, aluminum or stainless steel or in any other sufficiently hard material to withstand the acoustic pressure and temperature to which the device is subjected during use.
  • the method of operation is also shown in FIG. 3 a , in which the generated ultrasound ( 307 ) is directed towards a surface ( 204 ) of an object ( 100 ) i.e. a heat exchanger or a catalyst or the inside of a volume.
  • the pressurized gas can be different than the gas that contact or surround the object.
  • FIG. 3 b shows an embodiment of an ultrasound device in form of a disc-shaped disc jet. Shown is a preferred embodiment of an ultrasound device ( 301 ), i.e. a so-called disc jet.
  • the device ( 301 ) comprises an annular outer part ( 305 ) and a cylindrical inner part ( 306 ), in which an annular cavity ( 304 ) is recessed. Through an annular gas passage ( 303 ) gases may be diffused to the annular opening ( 302 ) from which it may be conveyed to the cavity ( 304 ).
  • the outer part ( 305 ) may be adjustable in relation to the inner part ( 306 ), eg.
  • Such an ultrasound device may generate a frequency of about 22 kHz at a gas pressure of 4 atmospheres. The molecules of the gas are thus able to migrate up to 36 ⁇ m about 22,000 times per second at a maximum velocity of 4.5 m/s. These values are merely included to give an idea of the size and proportions of the ultrasound device and by no means limit of the shown embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 c is a sectional view along the diameter of the ultrasound device ( 301 ) in FIG. 3 b illustrating the shape of the opening ( 302 ), the gas passage ( 303 ) and the cavity ( 304 ) more clearly. It is further apparent that the opening ( 302 ) is annular.
  • the gas passage ( 303 ) and the opening ( 302 ) are defined by the substantially annular outer part ( 305 ) and the cylindrical inner part ( 306 ) arranged therein.
  • the gas jet discharged from the opening ( 302 ) hits the substantially circumferential cavity ( 304 ) formed in the inner part ( 306 ), and then exits the ultrasound device ( 301 ).
  • the outer part ( 305 ) defines the exterior of the gas passage ( 303 ) and is further bevelled at an angle of about 30° along the outer surface of its inner circumference forming the opening of the ultrasound device, wherefrom the gas jet may expand when diffused. Jointly with a corresponding bevelling of about 60° on the inner surface of the inner circumference, the above bevelling forms an acute-angled circumferential edge defining the opening ( 302 ) externally.
  • the inner part ( 306 ) has a bevelling of about 45° in its outer circumference facing the opening and internally defining the opening ( 302 ).
  • the outer part ( 305 ) may be adjusted in relation to the inner part ( 306 ), whereby the pressure of the gas jet hitting the cavity ( 304 ) may be adjusted.
  • the top of the inner part ( 306 ), in which the cavity ( 304 ) is recessed, is also bevelled at an angle of about 45° to allow the oscillating gas jet to expand at the opening of the ultrasound device.
  • FIG. 3 d illustrates an alternative embodiment of an ultrasound device, which is shaped as an elongated body.
  • an ultrasound device comprising an elongated substantially rail-shaped body ( 301 ), where the body is functionally equivalent with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b , respectively.
  • the outer part comprises two separate rail-shaped portions ( 305 a ) and ( 305 b ), which jointly with the rail-shaped inner part ( 306 ) form an ultrasound device ( 301 ).
  • Two gas passages ( 303 a ) and ( 303 b ) are. provided between the two portions ( 305 a ) and ( 305 b ) of the outer part ( 305 ) and the inner part ( 306 ).
  • Each of said gas passages has an opening ( 302 a ), ( 302 b ), respectively, conveying emitted gas from the gas passages ( 303 a ) and ( 303 b ) to two cavities ( 304 a ), ( 304 b ) provided in the inner part ( 306 ).
  • a rail-shaped body is able to coat a far larger surface area than a circular body.
  • the ultrasound device may be made in an extruding process, whereby the cost of materials is reduced.
  • FIG. 3 e shows an ultrasound device of the same type as in FIG. 3 d but shaped as a closed curve.
  • the embodiment of the gas device shown in FIG. 3 d does not have to be rectilinear.
  • FIG. 3 e shows a rail-shaped body ( 301 ) shaped as three circular, separate rings.
  • the outer ring defines an outermost part ( 305 a )
  • the middle ring defines the inner part ( 306 )
  • the inner ring defines an innermost outer part ( 305 b ).
  • the three parts of the ultrasound device jointly form a cross section as shown in the embodiment in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 f shows an ultrasound device of the same type as in FIG. 3 d but shaped as an open curve. As shown it is also possible to form an ultrasound device of this type as an open curve. In this embodiment the functional parts correspond to those shown in FIG. 3 d and other details appear from this portion of the description for which reason reference is made thereto. Likewise it is also possible to form an ultrasound device with only one opening as described in FIG. 3 b . An ultrasound device shaped as an open curve is applicable where the surfaces of the treated object have unusually shapes. A system is envisaged in which a plurality of ultrasound devices shaped as different open curves are arranged in an apparatus according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 a illustrates an exploded view of a nozzle illustrating cooling channels and manifolds for cooling gas. Shown is a nozzle ( 600 ) comprising cooling channels ( 601 ) and manifolds ( 602 ).
  • nozzles e.g. for use in rockets, is in many ways limited by the aspect of establishing an efficient cooling of the inner wall of the nozzle ( 600 ).
  • the cooling of the inner wall is often established by having a hollow wall structure with a number of cooling channels ( 601 ), where an appropriate cooling gas is forced through.
  • the efficiency of the cooling is among other things, limited by the following:
  • FIG. 4 b illustrates one example of a placement of an ultrasound generator in a manifold according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the ultrasonic generator ( 301 ) is located at the inlet of the cooling gas or likewise.
  • the ultrasound generator ( 301 ) may e.g. be powered by an approx. 4 bar pressure drop of the gas.
  • the generated ultrasound will be distributed in the channels ( 601 ) e.g. via the manifolds ( 602 ).
  • the high-energy ultrasound will disrupt the laminar sub-layer, as described earlier, giving an up to two times higher energy transport from the walls to the gas.
  • the high-energy ultrasound will mix the warm and cold parts of the cooling gas, due to the very high particle movements in the gas increasing cooling even further.
  • any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be constructed as limiting the claim.
  • the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim.
  • the word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

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US11/660,109 2004-08-13 2005-08-15 Method and Device for Enhancing a Process Involving a Solid Object and a Gas Abandoned US20070254380A1 (en)

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DKPA200401228 2004-08-13
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PCT/DK2005/000528 WO2006015604A1 (fr) 2004-08-13 2005-08-15 Méthode et dispositif pour améliorer un procédé impliquant un objet solide et un gaz

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GB0813014D0 (en) 2008-07-16 2008-08-20 Groveley Detection Ltd Detector and methods of detecting
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USD822156S1 (en) 2017-01-09 2018-07-03 Force Technology Steam nozzle

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EP1778393A1 (fr) 2007-05-02
EP1778393B8 (fr) 2020-08-19
KR20070052304A (ko) 2007-05-21
KR101234411B1 (ko) 2013-02-18
JP2013230472A (ja) 2013-11-14
BRPI0514309B1 (pt) 2016-03-29
AU2005270587A1 (en) 2006-02-16
BRPI0514309A (pt) 2008-06-10
US20130309422A1 (en) 2013-11-21
CA2576429C (fr) 2016-05-24
CA2576429A1 (fr) 2006-02-16
RU2007109071A (ru) 2008-09-20
PL1778393T3 (pl) 2020-11-16
WO2006015604A1 (fr) 2006-02-16
RU2394641C2 (ru) 2010-07-20
EP1778393B1 (fr) 2020-06-10
JP2008509000A (ja) 2008-03-27
US9089829B2 (en) 2015-07-28
AU2005270587B2 (en) 2009-11-19

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