WO1995011744A1

WO1995011744A1 - Distributor element

Info

Publication number: WO1995011744A1
Application number: PCT/CH1994/000206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodor Hirzel
Original assignee: Unipor Ag
Priority date: 1993-10-27
Filing date: 1994-10-18
Publication date: 1995-05-04

Abstract

In order to distribute fluids as finely as possible and with low pressure loss by means of a distributor element having a distributing body, the distributing body is made of a material (56) provided with pores connected to a channel system. The channel system is formed by the outer delimiting surfaces of clusters that in turn consist of particles, and connects the inlet surface with the outlet surface of the distributing body. Distributing surfaces (2) that distribute the fluid in the distributing body before the fluid enters and flows through the distributing body are arranged in the distributing body.

Description

DISTRIBUTION ELEMENT

The invention relates to a distribution element for distributing fluids according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

In today's technology, the distribution of fluids plays an increasingly important role and makes an increasing contribution to solving pending problems. The distribution of fluids plays a role, for example, when it comes to a mass transfer between a gas and a liquid or a chemical reaction. The distribution of fluids also plays a role when it comes to directing a gas or liquid from a pipe to where work is to be done or more generally to be achieved.

Known gassing elements are to be considered as an example of such distribution elements where such distribution processes take place. These consist, for example, of a planar distribution element which is acted upon by the gas on one side and which is wetted by a liquid on the other side. As distribution elements, for example, membranes are known, which are interspersed with the smallest slits, or porous materials with passages and cavities through which the gas is pressed, so that it emerges on the wetted side against the pressure of the liquid. As a porous This material is used, for example, ceramic materials, sintered materials, bodies made of quartz sand bonded with epoxy resin or similar materials consisting of granular material. The individual grains are welded, as with sintered metal, or glued. If the material is not compressed too much, it can have continuous cavities that open into the surfaces and thus also form passages for the gas. The ceramic materials have a structure made of a compact material that has pores and cavities. Such ceramic materials are designed as plates or candles.

A disadvantage of such known gassing elements is that the passages in the material often do not have very fine cross sections, so that the gas forms relatively large bubbles when it emerges from the wetted surface, which then rise relatively quickly in the liquid. The mass transfer on the surface of the gassing element is thus relatively good, but rather poor in zones that are at a certain distance from it.

A common air cushion element can be regarded as another example of such a distribution element. Typically, such has one or more nozzles or other drive and outlet means for the air, which are arranged next to one another and are directed towards a space which is closed on all sides. One side of this room is formed by the surface, e.g. a floor, against which the air cushion element is to be supported. Other sides of this room are usually delimited by a rubber end element.

A disadvantage of such air cushion elements is that their nozzles or other drive means must be followed by a room in which the air can be distributed laterally or even parallel to the floor, so that a continuous air cushion with a certain width is created. This means that such conventional air cushion elements are no small Have overall height and are often composed of a larger number of components such as nozzles, which are often also to be manufactured individually. However, the end elements are relatively expensive and vulnerable and, moreover, are exposed to an aging process.

It is now the object of the invention to create a distribution element and a method for its production which does not have the disadvantages mentioned, results in a particularly simple structure and a simple production and a better, finer distribution of the fluid.

According to the invention, this is achieved in that the distribution element is made of a material that has a channel system that distributes the fluid much more finely. This is achieved in that the material consists not only of individual particles, but also of scaffolds or agglomerates that form walls of channels in the channel system. Since the clusters consist of granular material which is bound by a binder, it is possible to influence the formation (quantity and arrangement) of the clusters and thus also of the channels already during the production of the material and thus to ensure that optimal conditions for the distribution of the fluid are present.

If it is a matter of introducing a gas into a liquid using the distributing element, this also means that the individual bubbles which grow out of the pores can be kept very small. These then rise slowly and promote the exchange of substances even at a distance from the pore from which they emerge. In this way, the entire volume of liquid can be gassed and, for example, a high entry of oxygen into wastewater can be achieved per energy unit used. According to the invention, it is possible to design such gassing elements in the form of plates and to use the lower as well as the upper hook for gassing. The work of the distribution element is then carried out particularly effectively, if the paths between the area on which the gas enters and the area on which gas exits are not unnecessarily long. This can be achieved by arranging distribution channels for the gas in the distribution element. By reducing the distribution paths, the pressure drop in the distribution element can also be reduced.

Advantageously, such distribution channels are formed by elements which already act as known casting cores as parts of the casting mold when the distribution element is produced in a casting process. Subsequent processing of the cast distribution element is thus unnecessary. If, for example, the distribution element is used to generate an air cushion between the distribution element and a base area, for example to lift loads, this means that the fluid, here the air, emerges from a large number of pores or nozzles arranged on a surface that a fluid layer is formed between the surface and the base, which lifts the surface.

If forces are to be exerted by the exiting fluid, the advantage of the distribution element according to the invention lies in the fact that these forces build up directly at the exit of the fluid from the pores and since the material in which the pores are embedded is solid and stiff Forms body, the fluid is also supported directly on the surface next to the individual pores. This means that the fluid layer can be very thin. However, this means that no special precautions have to be taken in order to prevent the fluid from flowing off to the side, because because of the very large surface area compared to the height of the fluid layer, very little fluid can flow off to the side anyway. Another advantage lies in the simple manufacture and easy maintenance. Since the channels that distribute the fluid have extremely small cross-sections, they are also less prone to clogging, especially when the clogging material comes from outside, which means that such distribution elements are more durable. Special cleaning there is no need for any procedures. In addition, such distribution elements can be cast directly or produced from a semi-finished product, a pre-cast material, by post-processing.

In the following the invention is explained in more detail using an example and with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein

FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a distribution element according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the same distribution element,

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the same,

FIGS. 4 and 5 each another embodiment,

6 and 7 each show a schematic representation of the structure and the mode of operation,

FIG. 8 shows a device for producing such a distribution element,

Figure 9 shows another device and

Figure 10 shows another device for producing a distribution element.

FIG. 1 shows as a distribution element a gassing element 1 with a distribution body in the form of a flat cylinder, on average along a line AA according to FIG. 2. A spirally extending distribution channel 2 is arranged therein, which at one end 3 is directed outwards is open and closed at the other end 4 and the surface of which forms an entry surface for the gas. The turns 5, 6, etc. of the distribution channel 2 are fixed in their position relative to one another by a spacer 7, which is shown by a broken line, which is particularly important in the manufacture. Additional spacers 8, 9 and 10 are also provided. The gassing element 1 also consists of a material 56, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In order to obtain a continuous distribution channel 2, it is also possible to return the end 4 to the end 3.

FIG. 2 shows the gassing element from FIG. 1 in section along a line B-B. Here one can see the open end 3 and turns 5, 6 of the distribution channel 2 and the spacers 7 and 10, which here are curved, for example, as waves Sheet metal parts are formed. Of course, other designs are also conceivable, but are not shown here. The end 3 is attached to the actual gassing element 1 via a flange 11.

FIG. 3 shows a section 12 of the distribution channel 2 from FIGS. 1 and 2, or that part thereof, which does not consist of the material 56 (FIG. 1), but is surrounded by it. Such sections are thus inserted into the distribution body. This section consists of a tubular filter element 13 with pores 15 and a support spiral 14. The filter element 13 preferably consists of a porous fabric, for example of glass fibers.

FIG. 4 shows a further example of a distribution element 16 without distribution channels, but preferably with a distribution space 17, via which it is connected, for example, to a gas supply 18. If the gas should only emerge on certain surfaces, such as, for example, on the top surface 19, the other surfaces are sealed by a seal 20. This seal 20 can for example consist of a coloring or lacquer layer or from another - 7 -

Cover exist.

FIG. 5 shows a further example of a distribution element 21 which consists of an upper part 22 made of the material provided with channels. Distribution channels 23 are provided therein, the walls 24, 25 of which can be lined with a fabric, for example. The distribution channels 23 are connected via connection channels 26 to a main channel 27, which is connected to a fluid supply 28. The distribution channels 23 and connecting channels 26, which are open on one side, and the entire upper part 22 are covered on one side by a cover 29 which, if it is not intended to serve for distribution, can also be made of any other material. It is advantageously detachably connected to the upper part in a manner known per se and therefore not shown here, so that it can be removed for cleaning the channels.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a distributing element 30 made of the material that has already been better described above and below, on which an inlet surface 31 for the fluid is provided. This entry surface 31 could, for example, correspond to the cross section of a pipe placed there, which acts on it with fluid. Channels are present in the material which can have very complicated courses and which on the one hand open into the entry surface 31 and on the other hand into the other surface parts 37, 38, 39 and 40. A limited selection of these channels is designated by reference numerals 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36. It should be noted that these channels can also have sections 41 or 42 which do not correspond to the general direction of the fluid flow, but also run transversely thereto or in the opposite direction. This direction is indicated here by arrow 43, for example. In this way, the fluid can also be returned to the same surface 37 into which it entered. The outlet surfaces 37, 38, 39, 40 for the fluid are many times larger than the inlet surface 31, which also applies to the 1 applies. This also slows the fluid flow towards the outlet, which also contributes to a smaller pressure drop.

FIG. 7 shows schematically the structure of the material from which the distribution element is made. This shows the individual clusters 44 and the individual grains or particles 45 from which each cluster 44 is constructed. Such a material is already known from European Patent Application No. 0 486 421 and its production is also described there. The individual clusters are composed of the particles which are connected by a first binder and the clusters are in turn attached to one another by a second binder. Channels 46, which are delimited by clusters 44, can also be seen. The outer boundary surfaces 61 of the clusters form the outer boundaries of the channels 46.

FIG. 8 schematically shows part of a device 50 in which such a distribution element 51 can be produced. First, a mold 52 that is open on one side, a distribution channel system 53 and a starting material are provided. The inner surfaces 60 of the mold define the possible entry and exit surfaces of the distribution element. The starting material consists of a granulate which is composed of particles and a first binder which have been pretreated in such a way that they form clusters. Thus, a part of a starting material 54 consisting of clusters is first poured into the mold 52. The distribution channel system 53 is then inserted so that it now rests on the starting material 54 which has already been filled. The material 54 can already be slightly pre-compressed. The rest of the material 54 is then filled in and distributed so well that no large cavities, for example between the windings 5, 6, etc., are formed. A cover or a press plate 55 is then placed on top and the whole is compressed under a press and heated at the same time. The second can Cure the binder and a hard material of the type already mentioned is formed. After cooling, the distribution element can be lifted out of the mold. Any extensions that have arisen during casting are preferably broken off. For this reason, such processing should only be carried out on surfaces that are not intended as entry or exit surfaces for the fluid. This applies at least to the case that the distribution element is used, for example, for the introduction of gas into a liquid. It should be noted that the inner surfaces of the distribution channel system 53 also define entry surfaces of the distribution element.

The mode of operation of the distribution element produced in this way for the introduction of gas into a liquid, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is as follows: for example, gas is introduced into the distribution channel 2 via the open end 3 and this occurs on the entire surface of the distribution channel 2 into the material 56, where it searches for a way to the surface 57 through the channels mentioned in the material 56. There it exits through pores 58 (FIG. 7). Under the effect of the surface tension of the liquid into which the gas enters, bubbles form which grow, stabilize or detach and rise when sufficient fluid flows in. A constant gas - liquid exchange takes place.

Contamination in the distribution channel can be blown out periodically. For this purpose, a closable opening 59 can also be provided subsequently. Of course, the distribution channels can also be created according to a different pattern. However, cleaning these channels is easier if only as few channels as possible end "blindly".

This arrangement of distribution channels has the advantage that the gas paths in the

Material are not unnecessarily long, so that there is no excessive pressure drop. For a normal application, such as in a sewage treatment plant, can one assumes a pressure drop of 0.1 bar. In addition, the gassing element can either be free, that is to say surrounded by the liquid on all sides, or it can also be arranged in a battery, that is to say directly next to other identical elements. The gassing element always forms a self-supporting "block", ie it has sufficient rigidity of its own so that it does not have to be supported in this sense. Even a relatively small thickness of the material gives a good distribution of the gas.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of a distribution element, which is designed to allow a fluid, for example air, to escape at an end face 65, so that an air layer 67 is formed between a base 66 and the end face 65, which separates the distribution element 68 therefrom takes off against gravity. The distribution element 68 essentially has the structure which is already known, but is enclosed by a fixed housing 69 which is open towards the end face 67. The distribution body 70 and the housing 69 together form the end face 65. However, it is also conceivable to let the housing 69 protrude very slightly, as can be seen at the point denoted by 71, in order to laterally enclose the air layer. The fact that a fluid supply 72 is arranged laterally here results in a particularly low overall height for such distribution elements. The overall height is very low because of the properties of the material from which the distribution body is made.

10 shows further method steps which are important if, for example, a distribution element according to the invention is used to serve as a hoist. An object can be lifted by suction or pushing it relative to the distribution element. The housing 69 described above also serves as a casting mold. Des¬ sen of the distribution body 70 takes place as already described. After pressing and heating, along a line 73, both the housing 69 and the Distribution body 70 are processed by a known processing such as is suitable for example for metal, so that the end face is created. A bore 74 for a fluid connection can then be made, which opens into a distribution channel 75. Here too, spacers are provided between the individual sections of the distribution channel 75. For the sake of simplicity, however, these are not specifically shown here.

The material from which the distribution body is made can be constructed very differently. Particles made of metal or metal oxides, in particular particles based on aluminum, such as e.g. Aluminum, aluminum alloys or aluminum oxide. Mineral substances can also be provided as particles. Binders made from epoxy resin have proven particularly useful. The particles preferably have a predominantly uniform size of 45-160 microns. The porosity or the formation of channels can be influenced by the duration of the mixing process of the particles with the binder, the clusters forming, and by the type of mixture. Dragging and placing the mass is particularly cheap.

The distribution element according to the invention for a fluid can thus serve various purposes. As described above, it can serve to introduce a first fluid into a second fluid or to mix two fluids etc. It can also serve to build up forces, suction forces, pressure forces and thus serve as a bearing element or for lifting loads to such an extent that the static friction and the sliding friction between solid bodies are eliminated. In the same way, the friction of a fluid on a surface against which a fluid flows can also be influenced by designing the surface against which the fluid flows as a distribution body, on which the emerging fluid forms a boundary layer which influences the resistance of the fluid against the surface against which it flows belittles. Such distribution elements can also be used for the distribution of hot air or steam and thus not only for the distribution of Substances but are used in the main purpose for distributing the associated physical parameters or properties such as heat, heat capacity etc. For example, steam can be distributed from a steam line in such a way that the steam is distributed over a large area. In this way, large areas and also non-contiguous areas separated by edges can be heated uniformly, or a uniform heat transfer can take place on such an area. Further applications are therefore conceivable within this framework, which are not specifically described here but nevertheless belong to the invention.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Distribution element for distributing fluids, characterized by a fixed distribution body (30) with an inlet surface (31) and with an outlet surface (37, 38, 39, 40), which consists of a material whose surface has pores (58) and forms the exit surface for the fluid, which has a channel system (32, 33, 34, 35, 36), which is formed by outer boundary surfaces of clusters (44) made of particles (45) and which is connected to the inlet surface and the outlet surface is.

2. Distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that the exit surface (37, 38, 39, 40) is many times larger than the entry surface (31).

3. Distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that the entry surface (2, 17) is arranged within the distribution body.

4. Distribution element according to claim 3, characterized in that the Ver¬ partial surface (2) is arranged along a spiral.

5. Distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that the entry surface is provided with a filter element (13).

6. Distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that the entry surfaces and the exit surfaces are unprocessed.

7. Distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution body is rigid and self-supporting.

8. Distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided for introducing gases into liquids.

9. Verteüelement according to claim 1, characterized in that it is formed as a suction element for sucking and holding objects.

10. Distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed as a means for lifting loads.

11. Distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that it is plate-shaped and is provided with outlet surfaces at the top and bottom and is designed for the gassing of liquids.

12. A method for producing a distribution element for a fluid, characterized in that inlet and outlet surfaces (60) for the fluid are specified which delimit a casting space that outside the

Casting chamber, are formed from granular material (45) and a first binder cluster (44) that the clusters are then mixed with a second binder and poured into the casting room, that the clusters are pressed and heated in the casting room, so that in the casting room forms a solid material with channels between the clusters.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that first the casting space is formed only by the exit surface, that subsequently a part of the clusters and the second binding agent are inserted into the casting space. is filled, that the entry surface is introduced as a core into the casting space, and then the rest of the clusters and of the second binder are filled into the casting space.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the entry and exit surfaces are limited by processing the existing surfaces.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that a casting mold is produced for a distribution body, that the casting mold as

Housing is further used for the distribution body and that a common surface (65) of the housing and the distribution body is produced by working the distribution body and the housing together on the common surface.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that a casting mold for a distribution body is produced, that the casting mold is used as a housing for the distribution body and that a common surface of the housing and the distribution body by machining the distribution body on the common Surface is generated.