WO2022195155A1

WO2022195155A1 - A device for manipulating fluids

Info

Publication number: WO2022195155A1
Application number: PCT/FI2021/050194
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juhani Pylkkänen
Original assignee: Hilla Consulting Oy
Priority date: 2021-03-18
Filing date: 2021-03-18
Publication date: 2022-09-22
Also published as: KR20230173106A; EP4308278A1

Abstract

The device for manipulating fluids comprises a curved nozzle (105) with curved inner surfaces, a throttle section (109) for ensuring an extreme high meeting probability for active molecules, a suspension section (104) for the desirable clarification reactions and disturbance isolation, and a tube section for a replacement dissolving of the clarified fluid. The curved nozzle (105) comprises at least two nozzle channels (105A, 105B), each channel having leading (105C) and trailing (105D) edges and a curved shape towards the flow between said leading and trailing edges (105C, 105D), so the convex shape towards the main flow for generating a pressure difference within the flows through the curved nozzle, the pressure difference high enough for soluble ingredients separation in the fluid. The cross area of the channel (105A, 105B) is smaller at the leading edge (105C) than at the trailing edge (105D), thereby providing a pressure difference between said leading and trailing edges (105C, 105D) and accelerated flows through the curved nozzle channels (105C) in use, so to provide a low pressure area (106) around and downstream of the leading edge (105C), thereby causing at least a separation of soluble ingredients of the fluid in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the nozzle. In particularly, the device causes a separation of soluble ingredients of the fluid into the middle of the fluid flow stream, activation of molecules in the fluid, clarification reactions between the activated molecules and the second fluid, and replacement dissolving in the clarified fluid.

Description

A DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING FLUIDS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for manipulating fluids, such as a tube for separation of soluble ingredients of the fluid, molecular activation, clarification and replacing of the separated soluble ingredients by desirable ingredients, as well as mixing the fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different types of arrangements are known from prior art to treat or manipulate fluids, such as separation of soluble ingredients from the fluid, molecular activation, clarification reactions and replacing of the separated ingredients by desirable ingredients, as well as mixing the fluid. Typically, these processes are implemented by using separate chemical processes or electromechanical devices with pools, mixers, heating and cooling and/or compressors.

However, there are some problems related to the prior art solutions, such as need of chemicals or need of additional energy. In addition, manufacturing of the prior art devices is complex due to complex inner structures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to alleviate and eliminate the problems relating to the known prior art. Especially the object of the invention is to provide a device for fast and efficient soluble ingredients removal from a fluid flow, molecular activation and clarification, and/or replacement of the removed molecules by desirable ingredients, such as air or oxygen, for example, with very low energy consumption and even without any additional energy outside just using kinetic and potential energy of the fluid flow.

The object of the invention can be achieved by the features of independent claims.

The invention relates to a device for manipulating fluids according to claim 1. In addition, the invention relates to methods for manipulating fluids as described in connections with the embodiments and Figures (even though relates to the device(s)), and in particularly to a method according to claim 21.

According to an embodiment the device comprises a fluid intake, nozzle zone for a vacuum creation, dissolved ingredients removal and molecular activation, gas or liquid injection and mixing with the flow, and clarification zone for desirable reactions and replacement dissolving of the removed ingredients. The fast and efficient clarification is conducted with low energy consumption. In many cases the existing pressure, and potential and kinetic energy can be used without any additional power. The possible applications are all these where some fluid treatment and clarification are needed covering for example natural, industrial, mining, agricultural, fish farming, municipal and household water treatment, and treatment and disinfection of various fluids as well. The curved nozzle with the throttle section can be applied for example in a fuel injection of jet and other combustion engines for processing of an even mixture of the fuel and air or oxygen. However, it is to be noted that the invention is not limited to those only and these are only examples.

According to an embodiment a device for manipulating fluids comprises a tubular fluid tube with a main input and a main output for guiding a first fluid between said first input and said first output. The fluid tube has a longitudinal axis between said first input and output and comprises a curved nozzle in said fluid tube. The curved nozzle acts advantageously as a first manipulator and has curved inner surfaces and diminishing cross sections for flow dividing. The curved nozzle comprises advantageously at least two nozzle channels, each of the channel having leading and trailing edges and a curved shape towards the flow between said leading and trailing edges so that surface shape is a concave towards the longitudinal axis. In addition, a cross area of the channel is smaller at the leading edge than at the trailing edge or at least converges towards the trailing edges. Due to the shape of the channel, the channel provides a pressure difference between said leading and trailing edges and thereby accelerated flows through the curved nozzles according to Bernoulli’s law. In use, the pressure is smaller at the trailing edge than at the leading edge and thereby a low pressure area is provided in the flow around and downstream of the trailing edge. This causes a separation of soluble ingredients of the fluid in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the nozzle. In more details, the separation forces molecular activation and chemical reactions, and further the reaction substances into the middle of the fluid flow stream, where the reaction substances as well as mixed particles can be derived away for example by a tube separator or the like. Advantageously, the fluid flow between the main input and output is arranged in a well-controlled hermetic condition.

Final removal of the formed solid particles by chemical reactions is completed by flotation, filtering and sedimentation, and the separated soluble gases by gravity difference or blowing. The flotation attachment and the gas removal can also be involved in the invention. The other removal methods of solid particles are not discussed here.

In order to avoid unwanted or even dangerous vibrations of the flow, the channels of the curved nozzles are advantageously arranged symmetrically around the tube centre line.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the curved nozzle comprises also an aperture at the low pressure area, so in the trailing edge area. When the aperture locates at the low pressure area, the arrangement causes a suction effect in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the curved nozzle and again sucking a second fluid to the fluid tube via the aperture due to the pressure difference and accelerated flow between said leading and trailing edges. This causes a clarification of the fluid in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the curved nozzle. It is to be noted that the aperture may be arranged in connection to one channel or both channels of the curved nozzle. Naturally, there might be also number of apertures in the channel. Advantageously both channels comprise own apertures so that the apertures are arranged symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis. In addition, it is to be noted that according to an embodiment the device comprises two nozzles and the aperture is arranged in connection the second one, or alternatively there is only one nozzle in the device having the aperture. In some embodiments the device may comprise plurality of curved nozzles, only some of the curved nozzles having the aperture.

According to an exemplary embodiment the one two-channel nozzle is used for the soluble ingredient separation, molecule activation, liquid matrix clarification and replacement dissolving. The process efficiency can be enhanced by double two-channel nozzles in serial and the flow suspension between them. The first nozzle can be used for example for separating soluble ingredients and activating molecules powered by the kinetic energy and the flow suspension. Second nozzle can be used for example for sucking and mixing the desirable gas in middle of the main flow by the vacuum generated by the kinetic energy. It is to be noted that the first and second nozzles can be also in opposite order. Clarification reactions are immediate after the nozzle. Finally, over dosed gas is dissolved in the clarified liquid.

The first fluid may be for example liquid, such as water, which might comprise soluble ingredients, such as radon, drug residues, iron, sulfur, fluorine, manganese, chlorine and calcium, for example. The second fluid may be for example gas, such as air, oxygen or ozone or other chemical or the like. However, the invention is not limited to those fluids only and those are only examples.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the device comprises also a throttle as a third manipulator, where said throttle is a formed by deforming, such as pressing, the fluid tube walls so that opposite sidewalls defining the fluid tube come closer or into contact with each other to form said throttle in the fluid tube. Advantageously, the throttle is symmetrical throttle around the tube centre line. The throttle is used for example for dissolving, activation, strengthening chemical reactions or mixing particles or different fluids in the flow.

Still in addition, the device may comprise a flow suspension section in connection with the first, second or third manipulator. The flow suspension section has a cross area, where the cross area at least some point of the flow suspension section is different than a cross area of the manipulator connected with the flow suspension section. The shape of the flow suspension section may be e.g. a direct elongated tube or conical tube with the cross area varying in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tube. The flow suspension section converts kinetic energy to pressure and vice versa due to varying cross area and according to Bernoulli’s law. Further, the flow suspension section isolates the desirable treatment functions caused by the manipulators from pressure and mass flow wobbles and other circumstance disturbances. Thus, it eliminates turbulences caused by unstable functions and high speed flows. It also functions as an energy buffer between functions, isolates the installation from unstable flow and pressure impacts, provides a retention time necessary for the desirable reactions, and enhances meeting probability of molecules and biological elements like viruses and bacteria in ozone disinfection, for example.

It is to be noted that advantageously the device with first, second and/or third manipulators and possible flow suspension section is one piece of material. In addition, the first, second and/or third manipulators as well as the possible flow suspension section are made by deforming the shape of the tubular fluid tube. Therefore, the manipulating of the fluids between the manipulators can be configured to happen seamlessly and in a hermetic condition, and advantageously without delays and buffering functions. This offers advantages, such as well-controlled chemistry, fast and efficient process, simple structure (all in one, no intermediate actuators needed, no movable parts), and possibility to avoid all kinds of uncertainties and harmful residues after the clarification.

In addition, according to the invention the manipulating phases follows in the device each other immediately in the following sequence:

- separation of soluble ingredients,

- activation of molecules,

- clarification reactions and

- replacement dissolving of the clarified fluid by desirable ingredients

In this document, dissolution describes for example the interaction of solvent, e.g. fluid with dissolved molecules. It comprises different types of intermolecular interactions like hydrogen bonding, ion-dipole interactions, and van der Waals forces. Dissolving describes also the execution of the dissolution of a solvent, e.g. fluid with dissolved molecules.

Solubility quantifies the dynamic equilibrium state achieved when the rate of dissolution equals the rate of precipitation. The units for solubility express a concentration, e.g. mass per volume (mg/L), molarity (mol/L), etc.

Soluble ingredient describes the dissolved molecular composition of the ingredient. The dissolved molecular composition may be in solid, gaseous or liquid form in the fluid.

Separation of soluble ingredients from the fluid describes the removal of the dissolved molecular compositions of the ingredient.

Molecular activation describes the process whereby the molecules are prepared or excited for a subsequent reaction like oxidation. The molecular activation (e.g. drug residues) is typically achieved e.g. by heating and/or by chemical(s), but according to the present invention the molecular activation is achieved using only kinetic and/or potential energy of the flowing fluid in said curved nozzle, said curved nozzle causing pressure difference and low pressure area in said flow as discussed elsewhere in this document.

Clarification describes here the process whereby the activated molecules react with involved substance, e.g. oxygen, and are prepared to remove by sedimentation, flotation or filtration. Clarification does not remove dissolved species.

Replacement Dissolving describes here the dissolving of the overdosed substances into the places freed from the separated soluble ingredients.

In one embodiment the device provides a suction inside the curved flows and a vacuum pockets or low pressure area(s) in the side flow from the nozzle channels thereby performing gas and chemicals feed in middle of the main flow, which ensures an efficient and immediate soluble ingredients separation, mixing and activation of molecules.

According to an embodiment the output of the curved nozzle or nozzle channels of the device is non-circular, non-round or oval. By this shape the flow stream can be kept as a non-spinning, whereupon e.g. the separation, clarification and mixing are kept effective. In addition, according to an advantageous embodiment the two channels of the curved nozzle are symmetrical with each in relation to the longitudinal axis of the flow tube.

Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment the device with first, second and/or third manipulators is made of one piece of material. In addition, the first, second and/or third manipulators are manufactured by deforming the shape of the tubular fluid tube, which provides easy and fast manufacturing of the device. In addition, the device is arranged to manipulate the fluids between the manipulators seamlessly and in a hermetic condition so to avoid possible external or other unwanted effects.

Still according to an embodiment, the device may comprise a combined separation and clarification zone comprising sequentially arranged at least one nozzle and at least one throttle. The curved two-channel nozzle according to the invention creates a suction inside the curved flows and a vacuum pockets in the side flow channels in order to perform gas and chemicals feed in middle of the main flow, which ensures an efficient and immediate soluble ingredients separation, activation of molecules and mixing. The clarification and replacement dissolving sections follow according to an example just after the nozzle zone seamlessly. Overdosed clarification substances like air, oxygen, ozone and carbon oxide are used for the dissolving in the clarified water or other liquid. The device can have many installation options depending on the fluid to be treated and needs of the treatment.

In addition, it is to be noted that according to an embodiment the device may also comprise a tube separator for conduiting soluble ingredients of the fluid separated by the curved nozzle in the upstream. The tube separator is advantageously arranged essentially in the middle of the tubular fluid tube, because the soluble ingredients of the fluid separated by the curved nozzle are drifted according to the invention into the middle portion of the flow.

The present invention offers advantages over the known prior art, such as enables fast and efficient soluble ingredients separation and removal, molecular activation and clarification, and/or replacement of the removed molecules by desirable ingredients. In addition, the device can be applied in demanding flow situations where ingredients separation and removal, molecular activation, and clarification and replacement dissolving of the separated ingredients by desirable molecules are demanded. An example is removal of soluble radon gas from a ground water and replacement dissolving of air. Another example is separation and removal, activation and clarification of drug residues from a waste water. Further, disinfection of even 100 % viruses and bacteria reduction can be performed with low ozone consumption without remain of ozone residues and without ozone discharge into surrounding air. The disinfection efficiency is based on extreme high meeting probability of microbes and ozone in the nozzle and clarification zones. Many other ingredients like iron, sulfur, fluorine, manganese, chlorine and calcium can be separated and activated in various water matrices with the device according to the invention.

The device can be installed individually or in a water pipe or other flow pipes, for example. There are many design options depending on the treatment requirements and conditions. An exemplary installation comprises a two channels nozzle for soluble ingredients separation, molecular activation and clarification with sucked second fluid, such as air. The nozzle can be used individually in many other devices and systems of liquid treatment.

The device according to the invention ensures fast and efficient soluble ingredients separation and removal, molecular activation and clarification, and finally replacement of the separated molecular compositions by desirable ingredients, e.g. air gases. The clarification phases follows seamlessly each other in a hermetic condition which is efficient and well controlled. The functions are designed in the device such a mean that no fittings nor any cross-sectional structures nor movable parts are needed between and in the treatment phases of fluid manipulation. Manufacturing is simple and fast and maintenance costs are low. Cleaning can be performed by flushing and/or by a washing machine.

Aeration efficiency of the device is also high due to functions of vacuum, soluble ingredients separation, molecular activation, air suction in middle of the flow powered by kinetic energy of the mass flow and the replacement dissolving. Saturation of air gases has been achieved within treatment of a second in the functional tests. Energy consumption is little compared with the present technologies. In flowing waters like rivers and water piping the aeration is executed without additional energy but just with the kinetic or potential energy of the mass flow. Further, the air is sucked out of the water surface that ensures clear air dissolving and avoids dissolution of reaction and biogases back into the water as the prior art aerators do. Further, according to an advantageous embodiment the device can separate soluble ingredients and right after the separation dissolve air in the water which means significantly higher dissolving efficiency.

In addition, soluble ingredients including e.g. humus (in natural water, for example) can be separated from the water and air gases dissolved in it with high efficiency. Biomass attaches on the air and reaction bubbles and raises on to the surface. Also, micro-plastic can be removed by the device from the sea water by the flotation according to the invention. In addition, many ingredients like iron, calcium and fibers can be separated from the process waters (in industrial process water clarification) by separation, activation, clarification and flotation according to the invention. Flotation particle attachment starts already right after the air suction or feed with the high meeting probability. Furthermore, according to the device of the present invention the dissolving is fast and efficiency high, and energy consumption low for all soluble gases like oxygen, ozone, carbon oxide, nitrogen, etc. The device ensures even dissolving of the treated liquid. This is a very important feature for example in an industrial water treatment and disinfection. According to the invention, bacteria and viruses can be killed even 100 percent by the even treatment without remarkable ozone residues, and energy and ozone can be saved. Bacteria and viruses can be killed in various water matrices 100 percent by ozone feed or suction due to high meeting probability of the substances provided by the device according to the invention. Overdosed ozone as well as other fed gases can be recycled directly to the curved nozzle in the hermetic devices according to the invention.

The device according to the invention can also be integrated in household water supply systems like taps and showers in order to enrich the water with clear air, for example. The air treated water has wellness and health impacts on skin and metabolism due to high concentration of air gases and an efficient impact transfer of the air gases through the wet contact.

Still in addition, the device according to the invention improves flotation processes due to its high performance and even gas and chemicals mixing and dissolving. The liquid to be treated by flotation can be lead through the device in total, pre-treated with desirable chemicals and feed air in it in order to create micro bubbles for the flotation attachment. The device according the invention ensures separation efficiency and low energy consumption by the continuous treatment and separation without stopping the flow. The particles are attached on the bubbles already in the device from the nozzle zone to the outtake or main output. Reaction gases performs flotation attachment too.

The device according to the invention is compact and its structure does not have any movable parts. The forms are smooth without cross-sectional supports, which keeps the structure simple and clean because there are no mechanical portions for collecting impurities or unwanted particles. Contamination and losses are little. Product costs are low compared to other present solutions.

The exemplary embodiments presented in this text are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used in this text as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific example embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Next the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in accordance with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1-12 illustrate a principle of an exemplary device for fluid manipulation according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,

Figures 13-16 illustrate schematic views of the flow through the curved nozzle channels according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, Figures 17-19 illustrate principles of the flow suspension section according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,

Figures 20-21 illustrate principles of the flows and suction generation in the device according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and Figures 22-23 illustrate principles of the device according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that there are many possibilities to arrange the treatment functions or manipulations of fluid in the device 100 according to the invention. Figures 1-12 illustrate a principle of an exemplary device 100 for fluid manipulation according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, where the Figures 1-3 illustrate some basic embodiments.

Figures 1-12 illustrate a principle of an exemplary device 100 for fluid manipulation according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, where the device comprises a tubular fluid tube 101 with a main input 102 and a main output 103 for guiding a first fluid between said first input and said first output. The fluid tube has a longitudinal axis 104 between said first input and output.

The device comprises also a curved nozzle 105 in the fluid tube 101 with a curved inner surfaces and diminishing cross sections as a flow divider and the first manipulator. The curved nozzle 105 comprises at least two nozzle channels 105A, 105B, each of the channel having leading 105C and trailing 105D edges and a curved shape towards the flow between said leading and trailing edges 105C, 105D, so the convex shape in the direction of the flow, as can be seen e.g. in side view in Figures 1-3. Therefore, the cross area of the channel 105A, 105B is smaller at the leading edge 105C than at the trailing edge 105D, thereby providing a pressure difference between said leading and trailing edges 105C, 105D and accelerated flows through the curved nozzle channels 105C in use, so that the pressure increases on the outer channel surface of the leading edge 105C. Thus, the device provides a low pressure area 106 around and downstream of the trailing edge 105D, thereby causing together with the curved high speed flow through the trailing edge 105C a separation of soluble ingredients of the fluid in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the nozzle. In particularly, the device causes a separation of soluble ingredients of the fluid into the middle of the fluid flow stream.

The device may additionally comprise one or more aperture 107 at said low pressure area 106 in the trailing edge area 105D as a second manipulator thereby inducing a suction effect in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the curved nozzle, as is the in Figure 2 (one aperture) and Figure 3 (two apertures). Due to the suction effect the device can be used for sucking a second fluid, such as gas, like air for example, to the fluid tube via the aperture 107 due to the pressure difference and accelerated flow between said leading and trailing edges 105C, 105D. The device with at least one aperture 107 can be used effectively for an integrated clarification of the fluid. The device 100 without the gas injection holes or apertures 104presented in Figure 1 can maximize separation of soluble ingredients and molecular activation. Figure 2 presents a combination of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 meaning the maximized ingredient separation and molecular activation on the other and gas injection on the other vacuum pocket or lower pressure area.

In addition, the device may also comprise at least one throttle 109 as a third manipulator, as is the case in Figures 4-8 and 10-11 , for example. The throttle 109 are for intensifying dissolving and activation and strengthening chemical reactions and mixing, for example

It is to be noted that the curved nozzle(s) 105 is advantageously formed by deforming, such as pressing, the fluid tube walls so that opposite sidewalls defining the fluid tube come closer or even into a contact in the area of the longitudinal axis 104 of the fluid tube with each other to form the two curved nozzle channels 105A, 105B of said nozzle. The deformation of the fluid tube walls forms a first and second deformation lines 108A, 108B. The deformation line 108A, 108B is a line, which is closer to the opposite sidewall than any other portion of the deformed tube wall in said curved nozzle channel 105A, 105B.

In addition, also the throttle 109 is advantageously formed by deforming, such as pressing, the fluid tube walls so that opposite sidewalls defining the fluid tube come closer or even into a contact with each other to form said throttle 109 in the fluid tube 101. The throttle 109 is advantageously symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal axis 104. The deformation of the fluid tube walls for the throttle forms a third deformation line 113 (as a third manipulator 109 or throttle). The third deformation line 113 is a line, which is closer to the opposite sidewall than any other portion of the deformed tube wall of said third manipulator.

As can be seen on Figures 5 and 7, for example, the device 100 may also comprise a throttle section 110 having one or more throttles 109. According to an advantageous embodiment a distance 111 between the sequential throttles 109 in the throttle section 110 is essential a diameter 112 of the non- deformed fluid tube 101. Still, in addition, as can be seen in Figure 5, the nozzle 105 as well as the following throttle (deformation lines 108A, 108B, 113) can be pressed in oblique directions in relation to the longitudinal axis 104 of the tube. This smoothens the flow, reduces turbulences and losses, and also enhances the treatment efficiency.

According to an embodiment the device 100 may also comprise two or more curved nozzles 105, as is the case in Figures 6 and 7, for example. Advantageously, the curved nozzle 105 locating downstream comprises an aperture 107 at said low pressure area 106, but also other order can be applied. For example, the device 100 illustrated in Figure 6 is suitable for separation and clarification. In fact, the device 100 illustrated in Figure 6 can perform the phases of separation, activation, clarification and dissolving. Also, as is depicted e.g. in Figures 4, 5 and 7, the throttle section 110 can be arranged downstream of the curved nozzle 105, or between the two curved nozzles 105, as is the case especially in Figure 7. For example, the device 100 illustrated in Figure 7 is very suitable for separation, activation, suspension, clarification and replacement dissolving.

According to an embodiment the first deformation line 108A (of the nozzle(s)) is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104 of the fluid tube 101 , as is the case in Figure 1 -4, for example, or the first deformation line 108A (of the nozzle(s)) can be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis 104, as is the case for example in Figure 5. The angle range is typically 30°-90°, advantageously about 60°.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the third deformation line 113 (of the throttle(s)) is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104 of the fluid tube 101 , as is the case in Figure 4, for example, or the third deformation line 113 (of the throttle(s)) can be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis 104, as is the case for example in Figure 5. The angle range is typically 30°- 90°, advantageously about 60°.

It is to be noted, that the first deformation lines 108 of the two sequential curved nozzles 105 can also be at an angle to each other, where the angle is 60°-90°, advantageously essentially perpendicular to each other. In addition, it is to be noted that also the third deformation lines 113 of the two sequential throttles 109 can be arranged at an angle to each other, where the angle is advantageously 60°-90°. This causes a phase difference and e.g. better mixing effect.

As can be seen in Figure 10, the device 100 comprises two curved nozzles 105, wherein the second curved nozzle 105 locating downstream from the first curved nozzle 105 has its leading edge 105C arranged in the downstream direction in the fluid tube 101 and the trailing edge 105D arranged in the upstream direction in the tube, said trailing edge 105D pointing essentially towards the first curved nozzle 105 in the upstream. This construction and especially the second downstream nozzle causes advantageously a collection effect of the fluid in use and functions as a fourth manipulator.

The device 100 may also comprise a flow suspension section 114, as can be seen e.g. in Figure 6, 7 and 8. The flow suspension section 114 is advantageously arranged in connection with the manipulator, such as the nozzle and/or throttle. The flow suspension section 114 has a cross area, which varies along the suspension section 114 and/or wherein the cross area is at least some point in the flow suspension section 114 different than a cross area of the manipulator being in connection with the flow suspension section

114. In some case that flow suspension section 114 may be a straight tube, whereupon the manipulator being in connection with the flow suspension section 114 has a cross area at least some point in the manipulator differing from the cross area of the suspension section 114.

The flow suspension section 114 advantageously isolates the desirable treatment functions from pressure and mass flow wobbles and other circumstance disturbances. In addition, the flow suspension section 114 with varying cross area converts kinetic energy to pressure and vice versa due to Bernoulli’s law. The flow suspension section 114 also eliminates turbulences caused by unstable functions and high speed flows. It may also function as an energy buffer between functions. Further, it isolates the installation from unstable flow and pressure impacts, as well as provides a retention time necessary for the desirable reactions and enhances meeting probability of molecules and biological elements like viruses and bacteria, and the flotation attachment.

The device 100 illustrated in Figures 8 and 12 comprises a vortex flow nozzle

115, which can be effectively used for clarification. The vortex flow nozzle is formed by deforming, such as pressing and twisting the fluid tube walls in order to achieve two channel twisted nozzle, or the vortex flow nozzle. A dissolving zone and fitting portion are also described in Figures 8 and 12, but it is to be understood that the dissolving zone and fitting portion can be arranged also in devices 100 illustrated in other Figures even if not shown. The device 100 illustrated in Figures 8 and 12 can be used for example for separation, activation, suspension, clarification and replacement dissolving in a very effective way.

Figures 8 and 12 illustrated an example of an integrated clarification model of the device 100 according to the invention, where the separation of soluble ingredients and the molecular activation is performed in the first curved nozzle 105 and throttle section 111 , and the clarification in the vortex flow nozzle 115 with gas suction 107. The vortex flow nozzle 115 is pressed with the cross presses as shown in Fig. 5c. It forms a two-head vortex flow together with the clarification as illustrated in Figures 8 and 12. The low pressure area 106 is formed around the tube center line just after the vortex flow presses in down stream. The individual vortex flow nozzle 115 is presented in Figure 12 and the curved flows in Figure 14.

Figure 7 and 8 illustrates an example of an integrated clarification device 100 where the separation of soluble ingredients and the molecular activation is performed in the first curved nozzle 105 and throttle section 110, and the clarification in the second curved nozzle 105 with gas suction via the aperture 107. The second curved nozzle 105 is advantageously pressed with the cross presses as shown in Figure 8, for example. It forms a two-head vortex flow together with the clarification as illustrated for example in Figure 12 and 14. The vacuum pocket or low pressure area 106 is formed around the tube center line just after the vortex flow presses in downstream. The individual vortex flow nozzle is presented in Fig. 12 and the curved flows in Figure 14.

Figure 10 illustrates an example of a device 100 with two curved nozzles 105 arranged sequentially and in different directions and this with combined separation and clarification zone. The second curved nozzle 105 locating downstream cases a collection effect, as is disclosed elsewhere in this document. The high pressure area is denoted by hp and the smaller pressure or low pressure area by Ip, and in this example a liquid flow by w and gas flow by a.

Figure 11 illustrates an example of a device 100 with an oblique throttle 109 for enhancement of the low pressure zone. The device comprises also the aperture for example for gas suction. Figure 13 illustrates the Flows and the main functions created by the accelerated kinetic energy in the device 100 of Figure 11 , where the liquid flow is denoted by w, a separation and activation zones by se and suction by lower pressure by su.

Figure 14 illustrates an example of curved flows of the device 100 with two- channel vortex flow nozzle described in Figures 8 and 12. The low pressure area is formed around the tube center line due to the two-head vortex flow.

Figure 15 illustrates in principle an individual curved Nozzle with two-channels especially for separation, which in use creates a high pressure difference in the curved nozzle channels that separates or divides the flow to high pressure (black) and low pressure (grey) flow sections. Cross sections of the flow channels are formed out of the circle in order to eliminate spinning effect in the curved flow as is the case also with other devices described in this document.

Figure 16 is a schematic view of the flow through the curved nozzle channels. The flows are curved for creation of separation forces pressure and suction, where p denotes for pressure vector, s suction vector and a flow acceleration.

Figure 17 illustrates a principle of the flow suspension section 114, where the high speed flow 11 is led into the flow suspension section 114 via the main input 102. Figure 18 illustrates a principle of a counter flow suspension section or device, where the high speed flow 11 is led into the counter flow suspension section or device 114 via two essentially opposite inputs. Figure 19 illustrates a principle of a flow suspension section or device 114 as a part of the integrated clarification device. The flow suspension sections 114 as well as the counter flow suspension section or device 114 functions as an energy pocket 13. An interface of kinetic and pressure energy is denoted by 12 and energy converted from kinetic energy by pV according to the Bernoulli’s law. Again, the flow out from the suspension section 114 or the flow suspension section or device 114 is led via the main output 103 as a high speed flow 14.

Figure 20 illustrates principle of suction generation in the device 100 with the nozzle 105, where low pressure space is denoted by Ip and high pressure are hp and low pressure area (zone) 106. In addition, Figure 21 illustrates a principle of flows and suction generation in the device presented in Figure 4, where the suction is doubled by the throttle channels functioned as flow dividers compared to the general presentation in Figure 20. The suction can be multiplied by duplicating the parallel curved flows. An individual curved two-channel nozzle 105 is presented in Figure 15 and related main flows through the nozzle 105 in Figure 16. The nozzle converts pressure to kinetic energy by accelerating the main flow. The curved channels create pressure on the outer surface of the channel and suction on the inner surface, and a strong separation effect is generated in the main flow by the pressure difference. Further, vacuum pockets are formed in the nozzle end and side channels by the suction vector and flow acceleration. The vacuum pockets and the separation effect created by the pressure vector and suction vector generate removal of soluble ingredients and activation of molecules.

The curved two-channel nozzle can be formed oblique as presented in Figure 5. The oblique design generates a phase shift in the divided flows that intensifies the separation and mixing but in other hand causes in some extence unbalance particularly with high flow speed. The curved nozzle functions are sensitive, and so it’s necessary to isolate the nozzle with suspension sections or modules from wobbles of the piping.

The flow suspension section 114 isolates the desirable treatment functions from pressure and mass flow wobbles and other circumstance disturbances. The suspension isolation can be set in front and back of the entire installation or device 100, and between the treatment phases or manipulators. The flow suspension section 114 has the following functions:

- It converts kinetic energy to pressure and vice versa

- It eliminates turbulences caused by unstable functions and high speed flows

- It is an energy buffer between functions

- It isolates the installation from unstable flow and pressure impacts

- It provides a retention time necessary for the desirable reactions

- It enhances meeting probability of molecules and biological elements like viruses and bacteria

An example of the flow suspension section 114 is presented in Figure 19. An exemplary installation of the integrated clarification device 100 comprising a flow suspension section 114 between the phases of activation and clarification is presented in Figure 7 and 8.

Figures 22-23 illustrate principles of the device 100 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, where the gas feed via the aperture 107 is arranged in different points so that in Figure 22 the aperture is arranged more in the upstream than in Figure 23 installation. In both cases the flow suspension section 114 provides very smooth water and air mixture (when the first fluid is water and second air, but naturally they also can be another mediums). In addition, in both Figures 22, 23 pressure of the flow is converted to kinetic energy in phase 116 according to Bernoulli’s law. Due to air feed into the flow a gravity reduction of the flow is occurred in phase 117 (specific gravity of the flow changes), which causes more acceleration and thus clarification correspondingly as discussed elsewhere in this document. Further, in phase 118 kinetic energy is converted to pressure again according to Bernoulli’s law (due the cross section area changes of the flow tube and manipulators), which changes again the specific gravity of the flow and thereby causes acceleration in phase 119.

It is to be noted that in the device 100 illustrated in Figure 23 there is a separation and clarification phase between the phases 116 and 117 due to “downstream” air feed (the aperture 107 to the flow locates in the connection of the second curved nozzle 105, said second curved nozzle 105 locating downstream from the first curved nozzle 105).

It is to be understood that there are no limits of the size, mass flow nor liquids. All kinds of fittings can be applied in the main input 102 and output 103 of the device 100 as well as side flows via apertures 107 of the device. Exemplary of an embodiment is presented in Fig. 3, where the device comprises an integrated curved nozzle 105, gas injection holes or apertures 107 and vacuum pockets or lower pressure area(s). Easy fluid clarifications consisting soluble ingredient separation and molecular activation, and clarification and replacement dissolving to some extent can be performed by it.

The invention has been explained above with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, and several advantages of the invention have been demonstrated. It is clear that the invention is not only restricted to these embodiments, but comprises all possible embodiments within the spirit and scope of the inventive thought and the following patent claims.

The features recited in dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Claims

1. A device (100) for manipulating fluids seamlessly in hermetic condition, wherein said device comprises

- a tubular fluid tube (101) with a main first input (102) and a main first output (103) for guiding a first fluid between said first input and said first output, said fluid tube having a longitudinal axis (104) between said first input and output, and

- a curved nozzle (105) in said fluid tube (101) with a curved inner surfaces and diminishing cross sections as a flow divider and the first manipulator, wherein

- the curved nozzle (105) comprises at least two symmetrical nozzle channels (105A, 105B), each of the channel having leading (105C) and trailing (105D) edges and a curved shape concave in the direction of the flow between said leading and trailing edges (105C, 105D), a cross area of the channel (105A, 105B) being smaller at the leading edge (105C) than at the trailing edge (105D), thereby configured to provide a pressure difference between said leading and trailing edges (105C, 105D) and within the curved fluid flow and accelerated flows through the curved nozzle (105C) channels so that the pressure difference increases from the trailing edge (105D) towards the leading edge (105C) and thereby configured to provide a low pressure area (106) around and downstream of the leading edge (105C), thereby causing a separation of soluble ingredients of the fluid together with said pressure difference generated within the fluid flow in the curved nozzle

(105) channels in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the nozzle.

2. A device of claim 1 , wherein the curved nozzle (105) comprises at least one aperture (107) at said low pressure area (106) in the trailing area (105C) as a second manipulator thereby inducing a suction effect in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the curved nozzle and again sucking a second fluid to the fluid tube via said aperture (107) due to said pressure differences and accelerated flow between said leading and trailing edges (105C, 105D) thereby causing a clarification reactions between the activated molecules and said second fluid mixed in of the fluid in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the curved nozzle.

3. A device of any previous claims, wherein said curved nozzle (105) is formed by deforming, e.g. pressing on the fluid tube limited to its walls so that opposite sidewalls defining the fluid tube come close or into contact with each other to form the two curved nozzle channels (105A, 105B) of said nozzle of the fluid tube.

4. A device of claim 3, wherein the deformation of the fluid tube walls forms a first and second deformation lines (108A, 108B), which are closer to the opposite sidewall than any other portion of the deformed tube wall in said curved nozzle channel (105A, 105B) of said curved nozzle (105).

5. A device of any previous claims, wherein the device comprises a throttle

(109) as a third manipulator for mixing the separated soluble ingredients and activated molecules in order to generate a high meeting probability of said substances, where said throttle (109) is a symmetrical formed by deforming, e.g. pressing on the fluid tube walls so that opposite sidewalls defining the fluid tube come close or into contact with each other to form said throttle (109) in the fluid tube (101).

6. A device of claim 5, wherein the device comprises a throttle section

(110), said throttle section (110) comprising one or more throttles (109).

7. A device of claim 6, wherein a distance (111) between the sequential throttles (109) is essential a diameter (112) of the non-deformed fluid tube (101).

8. A device of any of claims 5-7, wherein the deformation of the fluid tube walls forms a third deformation line (113), which is closer to the opposite sidewall than any other portion of the deformed tube wall of said third manipulator.

9. A device of any previous claims, wherein the device comprises at least two curved nozzles (105) so that the curved nozzle (105) locating downstream comprises an aperture (107) at said low pressure area (106).

10. A device of any of claims 5-8, wherein the throttle section (110) is arranged downstream of the curved nozzle (105), and of claim 9, wherein the throttle section (110) is arranged between the two curved nozzles (105).

11. A device of any previous claims 4-10, wherein the first deformation line (108A) is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (104) of the fluid tube (101), or wherein the first deformation line (108A) is at an angle to the longitudinal axis (104), where the angle is 30°-90°, advantageously about 60°.

12. A device of claim 8, wherein the third deformation line (113) is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (104) of the fluid tube (101), or wherein the third deformation line (113) is at an angle to the longitudinal axis (104), where the angle is 30°-90°, advantageously about 60°.

13. A device of claim 9, wherein the first deformation lines (108A) of the two sequential curved nozzles (105) are at an angle to each other, where the angle is 60°-90°, advantageously essentially perpendicular to each other.

14. A device of any claims 8-13, wherein the third deformation lines (113) of the two sequential throttles (109) are at an angle to each other, where the angle is 60°-90°, and wherein the angle less than 90° creates a phase difference between the divided flows, smoother fusion back to one flow condition and improved mixing.

15. A device of any previous claims, wherein the device comprises at least two curved nozzles (105), wherein the second curved nozzle (105) locating downstream from the first curved nozzle (105) has its leading edge (105C) arranged in the downstream direction in the fluid tube (101) and the trailing edge (105D) arranged in the upstream direction in the tube, said trailing edge (105D) pointing essentially towards the first curved nozzle (105) in the upstream, thereby inducing a collection of the fluid in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the curved nozzle and functioning as a fourth manipulator.

16. A device of any previous claims, wherein the device comprises a flow suspension section (114) in connection with the manipulator, where said flow suspension section (114) has a cross area at least in some point of the flow suspension section (114) that is cross area is different than a cross area of the manipulator being in connection with the flow suspension section (114).

17. A device of any previous claims, wherein the device comprises a tube separator for conduiting soluble ingredients of the fluid separated by the curved nozzle in the upstream, and wherein said tube separator is arranged essentially in the middle of the tubular fluid tube (101).

18. A device of any previous claims, wherein the cross-section of the channels of the curved nozzle (105) all the way is non-circular or oval so that a harmful spinning flow effect caused by the longitudinal concave shape is eliminated, and the pressure difference within the curved flow is maximized.

19. A device of any previous claims, wherein said two channels of the curved nozzle are symmetrical with each in relation to the longitudinal axis (104) of the flow tube (101).

20. A device of any previous claims, wherein said device with first, second and/or third manipulators is one piece of material, where said first, second and/or third manipulators are made by deforming the shape of the tubular fluid tube (101) and wherein the manipulating of the fluids between the manipulators are configured to happen seamlessly and in a hermetic condition.

21. A method for manipulating fluids seamlessly in hermetic condition, wherein the method comprises:

- guiding a first fluid between a first input and a first output of a tubular fluid tube (101 ), said fluid tube having a longitudinal axis (104) between said first input and output, and a curved nozzle (105) in said fluid tube (101 ) with a curved inner surfaces and diminishing cross sections as a flow divider and the first manipulator, wherein the curved nozzle (105) comprises at least two symmetrical nozzle channels (105A, 105B), each of the channel having leading (105C) and trailing (105D) edges and a curved shape concave in the direction of the flow between said leading and trailing edges (105C, 105D) wherein a cross area of the channel (105A, 105B) is smaller at the leading edge (105C) than at the trailing edge (105D), and

- providing a pressure difference between said leading and trailing edges

(105C, 105D) and within the curved fluid flow and accelerating flows through the curved nozzle (105C) channels so that the pressure difference increases from the trailing edge (105D) towards the leading edge (105C) and thereby providing a low pressure area (106) around and downstream of the leading edge (105C), and thereby separating soluble ingredients of the fluid together with said pressure difference generated within the fluid flow in the curved nozzle (105) channels in use due to the flow of the first fluid through the nozzle.