WO2007087724A1 - Apparatus and method for dissolving gas in liquid - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for dissolving gas in liquid Download PDFInfo
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- WO2007087724A1 WO2007087724A1 PCT/CA2007/000160 CA2007000160W WO2007087724A1 WO 2007087724 A1 WO2007087724 A1 WO 2007087724A1 CA 2007000160 W CA2007000160 W CA 2007000160W WO 2007087724 A1 WO2007087724 A1 WO 2007087724A1
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- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- gas
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- chamber
- wall
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- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 124
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 26
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 76
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000005273 aeration Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 4
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000004581 coalescence Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000012466 permeate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009313 farming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
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- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001373 regressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004065 wastewater treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F7/00—Aeration of stretches of water
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
- B01F25/10—Mixing by creating a vortex flow, e.g. by tangential introduction of flow components
- B01F25/102—Mixing by creating a vortex flow, e.g. by tangential introduction of flow components wherein the vortex is created by two or more jets introduced tangentially in separate mixing chambers or consecutively in the same mixing chamber
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
- B01F25/30—Injector mixers
- B01F25/31—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows
- B01F25/314—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows wherein additional components are introduced at the circumference of the conduit
- B01F25/3142—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows wherein additional components are introduced at the circumference of the conduit the conduit having a plurality of openings in the axial direction or in the circumferential direction
- B01F25/31421—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows wherein additional components are introduced at the circumference of the conduit the conduit having a plurality of openings in the axial direction or in the circumferential direction the conduit being porous
Definitions
- the present invention relates to process and apparatus for dissolving gas efficiently in the liquid phase by creating and maintaining conditions for maximizing the contact surface between gas and liquid in the form of gas bubbles.
- Aeration plays important roles in many industries where process efficiency depends on a concentration of oxygen in the processed liquid; i.e. Brewing, Environmental services: waste water treatment, Farming and Fishery, or Mineral Processing.
- the method described by Grisham dynamically mixes gas bubbles with liquid (thereby rapidly replenishing the supply of molecules of the transferring component in immediate proximity to the gas-liquid interface and minimizing mass diffusion limitations on transfer rate), optimizes the contact time between bubbles and liquid (thereby allowing material transfer to reach or closely approach equilibrium), and cleanly separates post-contact gas and liquid streams (thereby minimizing regressive transfer).
- the Grisham's objective is to maximize gas velocity flowing through the liquid and diverting both phases (liquid and gas) at the apparatus exit. If a large volume of gas passes through the unit of liquid then mass transfer of gas dissolved in liquid into passing gas is maximized increasing overall gas stripping efficiency.
- Grisham apparatus works in the regime of very high Gs promoting movement of gas from liquid to gas - but not in reverse.
- very small bubble size and narrow size distribution is achieved then a high gas to liquid volume ratio is achieved. The smaller the bubble, the bigger the gas volume that can be packed into the unit volume with a correspondingly larger surface area.
- the liquid occupies only voids between highly packed gas bubble spheres and a ratio of up to 50:1 gas to liquid can be achieved.
- the process of generating bubbles is dynamic and equilibrium must be achieved between creation of new bubbles and bubbles coalescing into bigger ones.
- the time of interaction must be maximized which puts limitations on the gas velocity.
- Inventive discoveries related to the present invention include that -optimum bubble size distribution can be only achieved if a porous tubular housing with mean pores size - below 100 microns is used for the gas diffuser. It has also been discovered that optimum conditions exist for a given range of G forces and Reynolds number for turbulence of flow, which impart limitations on flow rates and the diameter of diffuser. High Reynolds numbers promote maintaining small bubble size and so prevent bubble coalescence by ripping apart all bubbles bigger than eddies in the flow. However, too high G force quickly moves bubbles to the centre due to the buoyancy of the bubbles. Once at the centre, the flow becomes coaxial with consequently drastically lower Reynolds number and bubbles coalescence that rapidly lowers interfacial contact surface area.
- the present invention provides a method of enhanced dissolving of gas into the liquid stream.
- the present invention takes into account the significant differences 4 between the physical mechanisms involved in the three processes of the separation of particles from aqueous slurry, the extraction of chemical contaminants from a liquid stream, and dissolving gas into a liquid phase.
- all three processes may utilize swirling flow and gas permeating through a porous tube, the fundamental difference is in the direction of the mass transfer, values of a centrifugal field and relative flow ratios.
- the objective In mineral processing, the objective is to move solids from liquid phase to froth phase where bubbles are the carrier.
- gas stripping the objective is to transfer gas dissolved in liquid phase into the passing gas shaped as bubbles, which should be moved as quickly as possible through the liquid phase.
- the present invention creates enhanced conditions for dissolving gas into the liquid phase, including bubble size, and bubble size distribution and duration of interaction with liquid which play a significant role in overall performance of gas diffusion into liquid.
- the pressure inside the present invention's vessel can be constant when the vessel is substantially enclosed even with entry and exit ports.
- the bubbles, as they travel along the vessel, do not expand due to a pressure drop, and with increasing velocity along the interior wall of the vessel, the turbulence increases, further preventing bubble coalescence.
- a process consists of the following steps:
- an apparatus consists of: i) a cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall, the chamber being oriented in any direction and enclosed at both ends,
- an entry port near a first, or input, end of the chamber to permit introduction of a stream of liquid into.
- the chamber in a manner to develop a spiral flow of the liquid along the chamber inner wall toward the second, or output, end; and such entry port in the form of a tangential header allowing the introduction of the stream in sufficient volume and pressure to develop a vortex in the liquid which extends along the chamber
- a gas entry port that allows gas to be introduced orthogonally to the stream through means located at the chamber inner wall for developing gas bubbles which move into the stream
- the chamber being of a length sufficient to provide residence time in the chamber to permit a diffusion of gas
- valves and actuators which stops the flow of the liquid in case of a gas pressure drop to stop the flow of liquid into the chamber in order to prevent liquid from permeating through a porous tube.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for dissolving gas in a liquid.
- Figure 2 is a section along the lines AA of the chamber for introducing gas bubbles into the swirling slurry in apparatus of Figure 1 ,
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with an alternate exit port 6.
- Apparatus 1 comprises a cylindrical chamber 2, which when 7 in use can be inclined although the cylindrical chamber can be oriented in any direction.
- the liquid to be introduced into the apparatus 1 is directed in the direction of arrow 3 through conduit 4 and into chamber 2 via entry port 4x that is positioned tangentially relative to chamber 2 forming a liquid stream 15.
- the lower end 5 of chamber 2 is closed so that liquid stream 15 flows in the direction of arrow 7 toward exit port 6 located at the output end, which exit port 6 in turn can be oriented or of such size and shape as to discharge liquid stream 15 along various angles outside chamber 2 such as directly or tangentially as shown.
- plenum 8 Located circumferentially of the cylindrical chamber 2 is a plenum 8. Pressurized gas is introduced into plenum 8 in the direction of arrow 9 through inlet 10. Pressurized gas enters chamber 2 through porous wall 11 to develop gas bubbles within the liquid as it flows along the inner surface 12 of chamber 2.
- plenum 8 envelops a porous wallH.
- Plenum 8 is defined by an outer shell 13, which encloses the hollow cylinder of porous wall 11.
- Porous wall 11 is flush with inner surface 12 to define a continuing inner surface.
- Gas is introduced through tube 10 and pressurizes the interior of plenum 8 whereby gas then permeates through the porous wall 11 to develop gas bubbles within liquid stream 15.
- Sufficient pressure is developed in plenum 8 to cause the gas within to diffuse through porous wall 11 in the direction of arrows 14 circumferentially of chamber 2 to thereby orthogonally introduce gas into flowing liquid stream15.
- Constant pressure can be maintained within chamber 2 when it is substantially enclosed even with entry port 4x and exit port 6.
- a liquid stream can be introduced through an entry port in sufficient volume and at sufficient velocity to develop a vortex, generally designated 16.
- liquid stream 15 can be introduced with optimum flow velocity to generate centrifugal forces of the vortex 16 within the range of 100 to 300 Gs to extend the diffusion rate within chamber 2 of apparatus 1.
- the pressure of gas in plenum 8 may be sensed by sensor 17.
- Sensor 17 can provide output, which is connected to controller 18 via input line 19.
- Controller 18 has output via line 20 to servo control valve 21.
- controller 18 opens and closes valve 21 in case of pressure drop so as to stop the flow of liquid into the chamber in order to prevent the liquid from permeating through the porous wall 11 into plenum 8.
- liquid stream 15 flows along inner wall 12 of chamber 2, more and more gas bubbles are introduced into liquid stream 15 and the gas displaces more liquid.
- the ratio of the flow rates of liquid and gas into chamber 2, the length of the porous wall, and its permeability can be kept in balance by constant pressure within chamber 2 such that when the mixture of gas bubbles and liquid developed within liquid stream 15 reaches exit port 6 of chamber 2, the mixture of liquid stream 15 has a flow characteristic of liquid and not froth.
- the exit velocity of liquid stream 15 is significantly higher than the velocity of the liquid entering chamber 2.
- Fine mesh 23 which constitutes the porous portion of the chamber wall, may be constructed of a variety of known materials.
- the fine mesh, or porous wall may be a screen product having rigidity and which defines a reasonably smooth surface to maintain swirling flow of the liquid.
- screen meshes are available which will provide such porosity.
- Other materials include sintered porous materials of metal oxides that have the necessary structural strength yet provide a relatively smooth surface. It is appreciated that other forms of porous materials are available such as sintered, porous, stainless steel of controlled porosity, for example, stainless steel of grade/type 316LSS.
- the mean pore size of the fine mesh or porous wall is no greater than 100 microns.
- exit port 6 can be of such size and shape as to discharge liquid stream 15 directly outside chamber 2 as effectively as if the output end of the chamber were open.
- the apparatus was used to aerate a fishpond at Tim Layton's Pond at Rimbey, Alberta, Canada for 94 hours. It pumped approximately 850 cubic meters with 1:3 water to air ratio. The measurements of the dissolved oxygen were taken every 8 hours. The initial 2.76 ppm (mg/l) DO (dissolved oxygen) raised linearly to 6.62 ppm (mg/l) DO.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for dissolving gas in a liquid is provided. The process comprises: tangentially introducing a liquid into a cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall with sufficient volume and pressure to develop a vortex in the flowing liquid; introducing gas into the flowing liquid during at least a portion of its travel along vessel, the gas being introduced orthogonally to the stream through means located at the chamber inner wall for developing gas bubbles within the liquid. The apparatus comprises: a cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall, the chamber being oriented in any direction enclosed at both ends and with an entry port to introduce liquidto develop a spiral flow of liquid along the chamber inner wall toward the output end, a porous wall to permit the introduction of gas orthogonally into the stream to develop gas bubbles within the stream, and an exit port to discharge the mixture of gas bubbles and liquid.
Description
APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DISSOLVING A GAS INTO A LIQUID
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to process and apparatus for dissolving gas efficiently in the liquid phase by creating and maintaining conditions for maximizing the contact surface between gas and liquid in the form of gas bubbles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] As readers skilled in the art will recognize, this invention has a wide range of application. The following example of aeration is for illustrative purposes only, and does not suggest that the invention is restricted to this application. Details of the separation vessel may vary; however, the essence of the invention and the underlying methodology remains constant: using turbulent circular flow inside the porous tube to sheer off small bubbles of gas to maximize contact surface and enhance the process of dissolving gas into a liquid.
[003] Aeration plays important roles in many industries where process efficiency depends on a concentration of oxygen in the processed liquid; i.e. Brewing, Environmental services: waste water treatment, Farming and Fishery, or Mineral Processing.
[004] Traditional methods of creating conditions for aeration include the use of simple aerated tanks, spray towers, bubble tray columns, and packed columns to create a gas-liquid interface. Traditional technology uses counter current, multiple stages for the gas to be absorbed. While these traditional methods and associated apparatus do achieve aeration, they are inefficient, requiring long processing times and hence large equipment volumes. The inefficiency associated with the traditional prior art approaches arises largely from the relatively low gas-liquid interfacial area to volumes provided by the equipment.
[005] It has been suggested that improved aeration performance may be achieved through the use of an air-sparged hydrocyclone similar to designs used in the mineral processing industry for separation of solid particles from an aqueous
2 suspension. Examples of particle separation methods and apparatus may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,279,743; 4,397,741; 4,399,027; 4,744,890; 4,838,434; and 4,997,549; 5,192,423. Each of these references is specifically based upon the concept of passing bubbles of air through a suspension of solid particles so that hydrophobic particles attach to air bubbles and form a cohesive froth that may be removed from the separation vessel. The apparatus design are concerned with the creation of gas-liquid contact conditions favorable for efficient particle to bubble interaction and separation with mass transfer.
[006] In addition, various methods of and apparatus for removing volatile content (VCs) from water and other liquids have been known and used in the prior art for a number of years. One of the traditional approaches, generally referred to as "air stripping", removes VCs from a contaminated liquid by passing a stream of clean air or other gas through the water or other liquid so that VCs transfer from the liquid to the gas and may be removed from the system with the exiting gas. Examples of using swirling motion and a porous tube for such approach can be found in Patents 5529701, 5531904 -Grisham T. et al. The operating parameters of the method described by Grisham are selected to optimize the overall efficiency of both mass transfer between gas dissolved in the liquid phase and gas passing through the liquid. The flow rate of liquid in the Grisham method needs to be set to produce centrifugal force fields with radial accelerations between 400 Gs up to about 1500 Gs compared to accelerations of about 70 G used for particle separation.
[007] In general, the method described by Grisham, dynamically mixes gas bubbles with liquid (thereby rapidly replenishing the supply of molecules of the transferring component in immediate proximity to the gas-liquid interface and minimizing mass diffusion limitations on transfer rate), optimizes the contact time between bubbles and liquid (thereby allowing material transfer to reach or closely approach equilibrium), and cleanly separates post-contact gas and liquid streams (thereby minimizing regressive transfer). The Grisham's objective is to maximize gas velocity flowing through the liquid and diverting both phases (liquid and gas) at the apparatus exit. If a large volume of gas passes through the unit of liquid then mass transfer of gas dissolved in liquid into passing gas is maximized increasing overall gas stripping efficiency. Grisham apparatus works in the regime of very high Gs promoting movement of gas from liquid to gas - but not in reverse.
[008] It is generally assumed that diffusion of gas across an interfacial contact area is instantaneous, but the actual rate of transfer is subject to various limiting factors. In most cases the rate of gas diffusion into the liquid is always favored by maximizing the interfacial area relative to liquid and gas volumes, which means that the key is in generating very small diameter bubbles with narrow size distribution. When very small bubble size and narrow size distribution is achieved then a high gas to liquid volume ratio is achieved. The smaller the bubble, the bigger the gas volume that can be packed into the unit volume with a correspondingly larger surface area. The liquid occupies only voids between highly packed gas bubble spheres and a ratio of up to 50:1 gas to liquid can be achieved. The process of generating bubbles is dynamic and equilibrium must be achieved between creation of new bubbles and bubbles coalescing into bigger ones. The time of interaction must be maximized which puts limitations on the gas velocity.
[009] Inventive discoveries related to the present invention include that -optimum bubble size distribution can be only achieved if a porous tubular housing with mean pores size - below 100 microns is used for the gas diffuser. It has also been discovered that optimum conditions exist for a given range of G forces and Reynolds number for turbulence of flow, which impart limitations on flow rates and the diameter of diffuser. High Reynolds numbers promote maintaining small bubble size and so prevent bubble coalescence by ripping apart all bubbles bigger than eddies in the flow. However, too high G force quickly moves bubbles to the centre due to the buoyancy of the bubbles. Once at the centre, the flow becomes coaxial with consequently drastically lower Reynolds number and bubbles coalescence that rapidly lowers interfacial contact surface area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Creating conditions where enhanced gas diffusion into the liquid can be achieved and maintained in a practical manner is the objective of the present invention.
[0011J The present invention provides a method of enhanced dissolving of gas into the liquid stream. The present invention takes into account the significant differences
4 between the physical mechanisms involved in the three processes of the separation of particles from aqueous slurry, the extraction of chemical contaminants from a liquid stream, and dissolving gas into a liquid phase. Although all three processes may utilize swirling flow and gas permeating through a porous tube, the fundamental difference is in the direction of the mass transfer, values of a centrifugal field and relative flow ratios. In mineral processing, the objective is to move solids from liquid phase to froth phase where bubbles are the carrier. In gas stripping, the objective is to transfer gas dissolved in liquid phase into the passing gas shaped as bubbles, which should be moved as quickly as possible through the liquid phase.
[0012] The present invention creates enhanced conditions for dissolving gas into the liquid phase, including bubble size, and bubble size distribution and duration of interaction with liquid which play a significant role in overall performance of gas diffusion into liquid.
£0013] The present invention addresses these requirements by combining several elements:
• high turbulence swirling flow of liquid;
• orthogonal flow of liquid and gas;
• constant pressure inside the vessel;
• optimum flow velocity generating centrifugal forces within the 100 to 300 Gs thereby extending diffusion rate within the vessel of apparatus; and
• very small pores, through which gas permeates into in the liquid and is sheered off into liquid phase thereby forming small bubbles.
[0014] Moreover, in contrast to prior art vessels; the pressure inside the present invention's vessel can be constant when the vessel is substantially enclosed even with entry and exit ports. The bubbles, as they travel along the vessel, do not expand due to a pressure drop, and with increasing velocity along the interior wall of the vessel, the turbulence increases, further preventing bubble coalescence.
[0015] The above combination of design and operational elements creates an environment for enhanced efficient process of gas diffusion into liquid.
5
[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, a process consists of the following steps:
i) introducing a stream of liquid into a cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall, the chamber being oriented in any direction and enclosed at both ends, the stream being introduced near a first, or input, end, of the chamber in a manner to develop a spiral flow of liquid along the chamber inner wall toward the second, or output, end,
ii) introducing gas into the stream during at least a portion of the stream's travel, the gas being introduced to the stream orthogonally through means located at the chamber inner wall for developing gas bubbles which move into the stream, so the swirling stream resides in the chamber for sufficient time to permit a diffusion of gas into the liquid stream,
iii) introducing the stream in sufficient volume and pressure to develop a vortex in the liquid which extends along the chamber, and
iv) allowing the swirling mixture of liquid and gas to exit the vessel at the output end.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus consists of: i) a cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall, the chamber being oriented in any direction and enclosed at both ends,
ii) an entry port near a first, or input, end of the chamber to permit introduction of a stream of liquid into. the chamber in a manner to develop a spiral flow of the liquid along the chamber inner wall toward the second, or output, end; and such entry port in the form of a tangential header allowing the introduction of the stream in sufficient volume and pressure to develop a vortex in the liquid which extends along the chamber,
iii) a gas entry port, that allows gas to be introduced orthogonally to the stream through means located at the chamber inner wall for developing gas bubbles which move into the stream,
iv) the chamber being of a length sufficient to provide residence time in the chamber to permit a diffusion of gas,
v) an exit port allowing the swirling mixture of liquid and gas to exit the vessel, at the output end, and
vi) a system of valves and actuators which stops the flow of the liquid in case of a gas pressure drop to stop the flow of liquid into the chamber in order to prevent liquid from permeating through a porous tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention may be further understood by reference to the description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for dissolving gas in a liquid.
[0020] Figure 2 is a section along the lines AA of the chamber for introducing gas bubbles into the swirling slurry in apparatus of Figure 1 ,
[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with an alternate exit port 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.
[0023] With particular reference to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment and its operation are described. Apparatus 1 comprises a cylindrical chamber 2, which when
7 in use can be inclined although the cylindrical chamber can be oriented in any direction. The liquid to be introduced into the apparatus 1 is directed in the direction of arrow 3 through conduit 4 and into chamber 2 via entry port 4x that is positioned tangentially relative to chamber 2 forming a liquid stream 15. The lower end 5 of chamber 2 is closed so that liquid stream 15 flows in the direction of arrow 7 toward exit port 6 located at the output end, which exit port 6 in turn can be oriented or of such size and shape as to discharge liquid stream 15 along various angles outside chamber 2 such as directly or tangentially as shown.
[0024] As liquid stream 15 progresses along the inner surface of chamber 2, gas is introduced orthogonally into the liquid through porous wall 11.
[0025] Located circumferentially of the cylindrical chamber 2 is a plenum 8. Pressurized gas is introduced into plenum 8 in the direction of arrow 9 through inlet 10. Pressurized gas enters chamber 2 through porous wall 11 to develop gas bubbles within the liquid as it flows along the inner surface 12 of chamber 2.
[0026] it is appreciated that a variety of gas introduction mechanisms may be provided to communicate with the inner surface of the cylindrical chamber. For purposes of description and illustration of the particular embodiment of Figure 1, plenum 8 envelops a porous wallH. Plenum 8 is defined by an outer shell 13, which encloses the hollow cylinder of porous wall 11. Porous wall 11 is flush with inner surface 12 to define a continuing inner surface. Gas is introduced through tube 10 and pressurizes the interior of plenum 8 whereby gas then permeates through the porous wall 11 to develop gas bubbles within liquid stream 15. Sufficient pressure is developed in plenum 8 to cause the gas within to diffuse through porous wall 11 in the direction of arrows 14 circumferentially of chamber 2 to thereby orthogonally introduce gas into flowing liquid stream15.
[0027] Constant pressure can be maintained within chamber 2 when it is substantially enclosed even with entry port 4x and exit port 6.
[0028] In an alternate embodiment, a liquid stream can be introduced through an entry port in sufficient volume and at sufficient velocity to develop a vortex, generally designated 16.
[0029] In an alternate embodiment, liquid stream 15 can be introduced with optimum flow velocity to generate centrifugal forces of the vortex 16 within the range of 100 to 300 Gs to extend the diffusion rate within chamber 2 of apparatus 1.
[0030] As is appreciated by those skilled in the art, the pressure of gas in plenum 8 may be sensed by sensor 17. Sensor 17 can provide output, which is connected to controller 18 via input line 19. Controller 18 has output via line 20 to servo control valve 21. By standard feedback techniques controller 18 opens and closes valve 21 in case of pressure drop so as to stop the flow of liquid into the chamber in order to prevent the liquid from permeating through the porous wall 11 into plenum 8.
[0031] As liquid stream 15 flows along inner wall 12 of chamber 2, more and more gas bubbles are introduced into liquid stream 15 and the gas displaces more liquid. The ratio of the flow rates of liquid and gas into chamber 2, the length of the porous wall, and its permeability can be kept in balance by constant pressure within chamber 2 such that when the mixture of gas bubbles and liquid developed within liquid stream 15 reaches exit port 6 of chamber 2, the mixture of liquid stream 15 has a flow characteristic of liquid and not froth. The exit velocity of liquid stream 15 is significantly higher than the velocity of the liquid entering chamber 2.
[0032] With reference to Figure 2, the development and incorporation or inclusion of gas bubbles in the liquid stream according to the aforesaid embodiments is described. In operation, pressurized gas in plenum 22 permeates through fine mesh 23 to develop at the mesh inner surface minute bubbles 24. The previously introduced liquid stream develops a thickness 25 circumferentially around the inner wall of the chamber as the liquid stream flows along inner wall of mesh 23. The vortex of the liquid stream extends centrally of the cylindrical chamber along the longitudinal axis of the chamber. Gas is introduced through fine mesh 23, encounters the liquid stream orthogonally, and is sheared into numerous bubbles by the high velocity swirl of the liquid imparted by the vortex. The bubble generation mechanism accomplished with fine mesh 23 is a two-stage process. First, gas migrates through the micro channels of the fine mesh, or porous wall. When leaving the pore, gas creates a small cavity. The cavity grows until the gas encounters the liquid stream orthogonally and the shearing force of the flowing liquid is greater than the cavity's surface tension
θ holding it at the pore. In the second stage, once a bubble is sheared off from the surface of the fine mesh, or porous wall, it begins to flow, and then flows, with the liquid as the liquid is carried by turbulent flow. Fine mesh 23, which constitutes the porous portion of the chamber wall, may be constructed of a variety of known materials. The fine mesh, or porous wall may be a screen product having rigidity and which defines a reasonably smooth surface to maintain swirling flow of the liquid. A variety of screen meshes are available which will provide such porosity. Other materials include sintered porous materials of metal oxides that have the necessary structural strength yet provide a relatively smooth surface. It is appreciated that other forms of porous materials are available such as sintered, porous, stainless steel of controlled porosity, for example, stainless steel of grade/type 316LSS.
[0033] In an alternate embodiment, the mean pore size of the fine mesh or porous wall is no greater than 100 microns.
[0034] With reference to Figure 3, in an alternate embodiment, exit port 6 can be of such size and shape as to discharge liquid stream 15 directly outside chamber 2 as effectively as if the output end of the chamber were open.
[0035] Example
The apparatus was used to aerate a fishpond at Tim Layton's Pond at Rimbey, Alberta, Canada for 94 hours. It pumped approximately 850 cubic meters with 1:3 water to air ratio. The measurements of the dissolved oxygen were taken every 8 hours. The initial 2.76 ppm (mg/l) DO (dissolved oxygen) raised linearly to 6.62 ppm (mg/l) DO.
[0036] The foregoing description, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention.
[0037] Although the above description and accompanying drawings relate to specific preferred embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated by
10 the inventor, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims
11
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A process for dissolving a gas in a liquid, said process comprising:
i) introducing a stream of said liquid into a cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall, and enclosed at both ends said stream being introduced tangentially at an input zone of said chamber in a manner to develop a spiral flow of said stream along said chamber inner wall toward the opposite end of said chamber,
ii) introducing gas into said stream during at least a portion of its travel in said chamber, said gas being introduced to said stream orthogonally through means located at said chamber inner wall for developing gas bubbles which move into said stream,
iii) controlling the flow of liquid and gas so that the ratio of liquid flow rate to gas flow rate so as not to exceed values which convert liquid into froth,
iv) said chamber being of a length sufficient to provide a residence time in said chamber which permits a diffusion of gas in said liquid, and
v) allowing the mixture of liquid and gas to exit the vessel near the output end.
2. A process according to Claim 1 , wherein said stream is introduced in sufficient volume and pressure to develop a vortex in said liquid extending along said chamber from end to end.
3. A process according to Claims 1 or 2, wherein the velocity of said stream is set to achieve centrifugal forces for said vortex to within a range of 100 - 300 G's.
4. An apparatus for dissolving gas in a liquid, said apparatus comprising:
i) a vessel consisting of a cylindrical tube defining an interior cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall, and with enclosed ends,
ii) means for introducing a stream of liquid tangentially of said inner wall, said liquid introducing means being positioned in a input zone of said
12 chamber to direct said liquid stream in a manner, to develop a spiral flow of said liquid stream along said inner wall toward the opposite end,
iii) said inner wall having along at least a portion thereof and extending there around, means for introducing gas into said inner chamber as said liquid stream passes over said gas introducing means, orthogonally, and
iv) means to discharge a stream of mixture of liquid and gas bubbles into receiving means, said mixture receiving means being positioned in a discharge zone of said chamber to direct said stream of mixture outside of the vessel.
5. An apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein said liquid introducing meansallow introduction of said liquid stream in sufficient volume and pressure to develop a vortex in said liquid stream extending along said inner wall.
6. An apparatus according to Claims 4 or 5, wherein said liquid introducing means controls the velocity of said liquid stream to generate centrifugal forces for said vortex to within a range of 100 to 300 Gs within said vessel.
7. An apparatus according to Claims 4 or 5 or 6, wherein said gas introducing means consists of material having porosity with mean pore size of no greater than 100 microns.
δ. An apparatus for dissolving gas in a liquid, said apparatus comprising:
i) a vessel consisting of a cylindrical tube defining an interior cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall, and with an enclosed end,
ii) means for introducing a stream of liquid tangentially of said inner wall, said liquid introducing means being positioned in a input zone of said chamber to direct said liquid stream in a manner, to develop a spiral flow of said liquid stream along said inner wall toward the opposite end,
iii) said inner wall having along at least a portion thereof and extending there around, means for introducing gas into said inner chamber as said liquid stream passes over said gas introducing means, orthogonally, and
13 iv) means to discharge a stream of mixture of liquid and gas bubbles into receiving means, said discharge means consisting of the open opposite end, said mixture receiving means being positioned near said opposite end of said chamber to directly receive said stream of mixture from the vessel.
9. An apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein said liquid introducing meansallow introduction of said liquid stream in sufficient volume and pressure to develop a vortex in said liquid stream extending along said inner wall.
10. An apparatus according to Claims 8 or 9, wherein said liquid introducing means controls the velocity of said liquid stream to generate centrifugal forces for said vortex to within a range of 100 to 300 Gs within said vessel.
11. An apparatus according to Claims 8 or 9 or 10, wherein said gas introducing means consists of material having porosity with mean pore size of no greater than 100 microns.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP07710600A EP1981620A4 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2007-01-31 | Apparatus and method for dissolving gas in liquid |
US12/162,603 US8267381B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2007-01-31 | Apparatus and method of dissolving a gas into a liquid |
US13/620,069 US8567769B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2012-09-14 | Apparatus and method of dissolving a gas into a liquid |
US13/678,444 US8740195B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2012-11-15 | Systems and methods for diffusing gas into a liquid |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2534704A CA2534704C (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2006-01-31 | Apparatus and method of dissolving a gas into a liquid |
CA2534704 | 2006-01-31 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2007087724A1 true WO2007087724A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 |
Family
ID=38326312
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CA2007/000160 WO2007087724A1 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2007-01-31 | Apparatus and method for dissolving gas in liquid |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US8267381B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1981620A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2534704C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007087724A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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EP2083952A1 (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2009-08-05 | Hydro Processing&Mining Ltd | Apparatus and method for efficient particle to gas bubble attachment in a slurry |
FR2981281A1 (en) * | 2011-10-14 | 2013-04-19 | Sol2Eco | Device for creating homogeneous mixture of air and solvent for rinsing of painting pipes, has case comprising opening in which air is introduced, another opening in which solvent is introduced, and third opening for outputting mixture |
US8740195B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2014-06-03 | Jakob H. Schneider | Systems and methods for diffusing gas into a liquid |
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FR2981281A1 (en) * | 2011-10-14 | 2013-04-19 | Sol2Eco | Device for creating homogeneous mixture of air and solvent for rinsing of painting pipes, has case comprising opening in which air is introduced, another opening in which solvent is introduced, and third opening for outputting mixture |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1981620A4 (en) | 2012-11-28 |
CA2534704C (en) | 2020-03-10 |
US20090008807A1 (en) | 2009-01-08 |
US20130069253A1 (en) | 2013-03-21 |
US8567769B2 (en) | 2013-10-29 |
EP1981620A1 (en) | 2008-10-22 |
CA2534704A1 (en) | 2007-07-31 |
US8267381B2 (en) | 2012-09-18 |
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