WO2023229451A1 - Device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a liquid - Google Patents

Device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a liquid Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023229451A1
WO2023229451A1 PCT/MY2022/050038 MY2022050038W WO2023229451A1 WO 2023229451 A1 WO2023229451 A1 WO 2023229451A1 MY 2022050038 W MY2022050038 W MY 2022050038W WO 2023229451 A1 WO2023229451 A1 WO 2023229451A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
impeller
tube
liquid
baffle plate
end plate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/MY2022/050038
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Teng Hoe KU
Original Assignee
Jfn Tech Edge Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jfn Tech Edge Sdn. Bhd. filed Critical Jfn Tech Edge Sdn. Bhd.
Priority to PCT/MY2022/050038 priority Critical patent/WO2023229451A1/en
Publication of WO2023229451A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023229451A1/en

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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
    • B01F23/233—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements
    • B01F23/2334—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements provided with stationary guiding means surrounding at least partially the stirrer
    • B01F23/23341—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements provided with stationary guiding means surrounding at least partially the stirrer with tubes surrounding the stirrer
    • 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
    • B01F23/237—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media
    • B01F23/2373—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media for obtaining fine bubbles, i.e. bubbles with a size below 100 µm
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/27—Mixers with stator-rotor systems, e.g. with intermeshing teeth or cylinders or having orifices
    • B01F27/271—Mixers with stator-rotor systems, e.g. with intermeshing teeth or cylinders or having orifices with means for moving the materials to be mixed radially between the surfaces of the rotor and the stator
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/50—Pipe mixers, i.e. mixers wherein the materials to be mixed flow continuously through pipes, e.g. column mixers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/30—Driving arrangements; Transmissions; Couplings; Brakes
    • B01F35/32—Driving arrangements
    • B01F35/32005—Type of drive
    • B01F35/32015—Flow driven

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device that reduces the size of gas bubbles in a body of water or other liquid.
  • oxygen-containing gas bubbles are introduced into the water by some form of pump that draws atmospheric air into the water flow. This tends to introduce into the water gas bubbles that have a large diameter. It is known that smaller bubbles of gas do not rise to the surface as quickly as larger bubbles, and therefore tend to stay for a longer duration in the water. Smaller bubbles also create a more homogenous oxygenation of the water volume. Therefore, it is desirable to have as small a bubble size as possible, as this increases the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels of the water.
  • DO dissolved oxygen
  • oxygen-containing gas is fed into a pressurized flow of water.
  • Gas bubbles then form in the water, which is then fed into a body of water used for aquaculture.
  • various deflectors or baffles are placed along the flow of water to break up the gas bubbles into smaller sizes.
  • These aeration devices are able to create bubble sizes in the region of micrometers in diameter. This is respectably small, and the bubbles are able to stay suspended in the water for around 45 seconds, which is significantly longer than bubbles created by more traditional devices.
  • Some aeration devices use a motor to spin a baffle plate of other deflector mid-stream of the water flow, the spinning baffle plate breaking down gas bubble sizes.
  • the obvious problem with these aeration devices is the need for powering the motor. In large aquaculture ponds, this requires laying down long lines of electrical cables for multiple aeration devices located all around the pond area.
  • the present invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a device that decreases the size of gas bubbles in a pressurized source of liquid by allowing the liquid to flow through a cylindrical housing and around a series of radial structures contained within the housing that have a rotation axis with respect to the housing.
  • the flow of liquid causes the structures to rotate, and the rotating structures cause any gas bubbles in the liquid to be broken progressively into ever smaller bubbles.
  • the novelty and inventiveness of this invention lies in the specific arrangement of radial structures enclosed within a cylindrical housing through which the liquid flows, as well as the specific shapes, sizes and arrangement sequence of each structure.
  • This invention thus relates to a device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid, comprising: a first impeller having a rotation axis and comprising a hub from which a plurality of blades extends; a baffle plate positioned adjacent to said first impeller, said baffle plate rotationally fixed to said first impeller; a second impeller positioned adjacent to said baffle plate, said second impeller having a rotation axis and provided with a hub from which a plurality of blades extends, said second impeller rotationally fixed to said baffle plate; a tube radially enclosing said second impeller, said tube having a plurality of openings along its circumference, said tube rotationally fixed to said second impeller; a cylindrical housing comprising a front end plate, a rear end plate, and a containment ring radially enclosing said first impeller, baffle plate, second impeller and tube, said housing impermeable apart from at least one opening on the front end plate to receive a source of
  • the at least one front end plate opening is a plurality of openings radially spaced out along the front end plate that allow the liquid to enter the housing, and angled with respect to a flow direction of said liquid upstream of said front end plate.
  • the outlet is located axially center on said rear end plate, and said rear end plate is flush with distal ends of said second impeller and said tube.
  • the diameter of the first impeller is larger than the diameter of the baffle plate.
  • the diameter of the baffle plate is larger than the diameter of the tube.
  • a gap between an inner diameter of the tube and an outer diameter of the second impeller is most preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm, and preferably between 0.1 and 10 mm.
  • the circumferential diameter of the front end plate openings is smaller than the diameter of the first impeller.
  • a front end plate ring extends longitudinally from an outer circumference of the front end plate openings to the first impeller, so that the liquid is channeled from the openings to a radially central area of the first impeller.
  • Yet another embodiment is to have two of the above basic embodiments joined to each other in a mirrored fashion (called the “second embodiment” in the detailed description).
  • the basic embodiment above further comprises: a third impeller located downstream of the outlet and having a rotation axis and comprising a hub from which a plurality of blades extends; a second tube radially enclosing the third impeller, said second tube having a plurality of second tube openings along its circumference, and said second tube rotationally fixed to said third impeller; a second baffle plate positioned adjacent to said third impeller, said second baffle plate rotationally fixed to said third impeller; a fourth impeller positioned adjacent to said second baffle plate, said fourth impeller having a rotation axis and provided with a hub from which a plurality of blades extends, said fourth impeller rotationally fixed to said second baffle plate; a second housing comprising a second front end plate, a second rear end plate, and a second containment ring radially enclosing
  • This invention thus provides an elegant solution to the problem of reducing the size of gas bubbles in water or other liquids.
  • the device of this invention breaks down gas bubbles in a source of water to a very small size, measured in nanometers instead of micrometers, without the need for an electrical power source.
  • FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a device in a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a top view of a device in a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a front view of a device in a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a first impeller and baffle plate in a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a top view of a first impeller and baffle plate in a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a back view of a first impeller and baffle plate in a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional top view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional isometric view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a transparent view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional top view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional isometric view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional isometric view of a device in a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional top view of a device in a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS 1, 2 and 3 show different views of a first embodiment of the present invention (also called the “basic” embodiment above).
  • a hollow cylindrical housing (50) comprising a proximal front end plate (52) joined to a distal rear end plate (54) by a containment ring (56).
  • a series of radial structures including a first impeller (10), a baffle plate (20), a tube (40), and a second impeller (30).
  • the first impeller (10) has a rotation axis along the central axis of the housing (50), with a hub (12) from which a plurality of impeller blades (14) extends radially outwards.
  • the baffle plate (20) is positioned flush with and adjacent to the first impeller (10), and is rotationally fixed to the first impeller (10).
  • the baffle plate (20) also has a rotation axis along the central axis of the housing (50).
  • the second impeller (30) is positioned flush with and adjacent to the baffle plate (20), and is rotationally fixed to the baffle plate (20).
  • the second impeller (30) has a hub (32) from which a plurality of impeller blades (34) extends radially outwards.
  • the tube (40) radially encloses the second impeller (30), with a radial space provided between an inner diameter of the tube (40) and a diameter of the second impeller (30).
  • This radial space, or gap, between the tube inner diameter and the second impeller is between 0.1mm and 10mm wide.
  • the tube (40) is provided with a plurality of openings (42) along its circumference to allow liquid to flow from the baffle plate (20) to the second impeller (30).
  • the rear end plate (54) is positioned flush with and adjacent to distal ends of the second impeller (30) and tube (40).
  • An inlet ring (51) is provided downstream of the front end plate (52), to channel the pressurized liquid towards the front end plate (52).
  • the front end plate (52) is provided with openings (522) that allow the ingress of liquid from the inlet ring (51) and into the housing (50).
  • the liquid then flows through a front end plate ring (524), though the housing (50) and out through an outlet (542) provided on the rear end plate (54).
  • the liquid then flows around the baffle plate (20), through the openings (42) in the tube (40), through the second impeller (30) and then out through the outlet (542).
  • the overall effect of the liquid flowing through the housing (50) is to cause the first impeller (10), baffle plate (20), second impeller (30) and tube (40) to rotate.
  • the rotation of these radial structures on a plane roughly perpendicular to the flow of the liquid causes gas bubbles in the liquid to break down to a smaller size.
  • FIGs 4, 5 and 6 show this first embodiment cross-sectioned just after the baffle plate (20), and show in clearer detail the first impeller (10) and baffle plate (20).
  • first impeller blades (14) that have a length that extends radially beyond the diameter of the baffle plate (20).
  • the first impeller blades (14) also have a width in the longitudinal direction of the housing, said width extending from a distal end of the front end plate ring (524) all the way up to the baffle plate (20).
  • the front end plate openings (522) of the front end plate (52) is also shown, sheltered at a distal end of the inlet ring (51).
  • Figures 7 and 8 show this first embodiment cross-sectioned midway along the tube (40), and show in clearer detail the second impeller (30) and tube (40) within the containment ring (56).
  • the second impeller blades (34) extending radially from a hub (32) and that have a length that falls just short of an inner diameter of the tube (40).
  • the tube (40) is provided with a plurality of openings (42) along its circumference to allow liquid to flow from the baffle plate (20) to the second impeller (30).
  • the second impeller blades (34) and tube (40) also have a width in the longitudinal direction of the housing, said width extending from a distal end of the baffle plate (20) all the way up to the rear end plate (not shown in these figures).
  • all radial structures including the first impeller (10), baffle plate (20), second impeller (30) and tube (40) share the same axial hub running through the central axis of the housing (50), so that they are all rotationally fixed with respect to each other.
  • Figures 9, 10 and 11 show this second embodiment of the present invention, which is the first embodiment doubled in a mirrored fashion and placed in fluid communication with each other.
  • first half of the device in this second embodiment is essentially the first embodiment and has been described above, we will now describe only the second half of this second embodiment, and how it is connected to the first half.
  • Figures 12 and 13 show a cross-sectional view showing only the second half of the second embodiment of this invention, which shows the structures more clearly.
  • FIG. 9 there is shown two hollow cylindrical housings fixed in line with each other, a housing (50) connected to a second housing (100).
  • the second housing (100) comprises a proximal second front end plate (102) joined to a distal second rear end plate (104) by a second containment ring (106).
  • a series of radial structures including a third impeller (60), second tube (70), second baffle plate (80) and fourth impeller (90).
  • the third impeller (60) has a rotation axis along the central axis of the second housing (100), with a hub (62) from which a plurality of impeller blades (64) extends radially outwards.
  • the second tube (70) radially encloses the third impeller (60), with a radial space provided between an inner diameter of the second tube (70) and a diameter of the third impeller (60). This radial space, or gap, between the tube inner diameter and the second impeller is between 0.1mm and 10mm wide.
  • the second tube (70) is provided with a plurality of openings (72) along its circumference to allow liquid to flow from the third impeller (60), around the second baffle plate (80) and then to the fourth impeller (90).
  • the second baffle plate (80) is positioned flush with and adjacent to a distal end of the third impeller (60) and second tube (70), and is rotationally fixed to both the third impeller (60) and second tube (70).
  • the second baffle plate (80) also has a rotation axis along the central axis of the second housing (100).
  • the fourth impeller (90) is positioned flush with and adjacent to the second baffle plate (80), and is rotationally fixed to the second baffle plate (80).
  • the fourth impeller (90) has a hub (92) from which a plurality of impeller blades (94) extends radially outwards.
  • the second rear end plate (104) is positioned downstream of the fourth impeller (90).
  • a second rear end plate ring (1044) is provided between the fourth impeller (90) and the second rear end plate (104), to channel the pressurized liquid out towards the second rear end plate (104).
  • the second rear end plate (104) is provided with openings (1042) that allow the expelling of liquid from the second housing (100).
  • the liquid enters the second housing (100) via openings (1022) on the second front end plate (102), then flows through the third impeller (60), causing it to rotate, and then through the plurality of openings (72) on the second tube (70), around the second baffle plate (80), through the fourth impeller (90), through the second rear end plate ring (1044) out of the second housing (100) via the second rear end plate openings (1042), and then finally expelled through an outlet ring (101).
  • the overall effect of the liquid flowing through the second housing (100) is to cause the third impeller (60), second tube (70), second baffle plate (80) and fourth impeller (90) to rotate.
  • the rotation of these radial structures on a plane roughly perpendicular to the flow of the liquid causes gas bubbles in the liquid to break down to a smaller size.
  • all radial structures including the first impeller (10), baffle plate (20), second impeller (30), tube (40), third impeller (60), second tube (70), second baffle plate (80) and fourth impeller (90) share the same axial hub running through the central axis of both housing (50) and second housing (100), so that they are all rotationally fixed with respect to each other.
  • Second impeller (10) First impeller hub (12) First impeller blades (14) Baffle plate (20) Second impeller (30) Second impeller hub (32) Second impeller blades (34) Tube (40) Tube openings (42) Housing (50) Inlet ring (51) Front end plate (52) Front end plate openings (522) Front end plate ring (524) Rear end plate (54) Outlet (542) Containment ring (56) Third impeller (60) Third impeller hub (62) Third impeller blades (64) Second tube (70) Second tube openings (72) Second baffle plate (80) Fourth impeller (90) Fourth impeller hub (92) Fourth impeller blades (94) Second housing (100) Outlet ring (101) Second front end plate (102) Second inlet (1022) Second rear end plate (104) Second rear end plate openings (1042) Second rear end plate ring (1044) Second containment ring (106)

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Nanotechnology (AREA)
  • Mixers Of The Rotary Stirring Type (AREA)

Abstract

A device that decreases the size of gas bubbles in a pressurized source of liquid by allowing the liquid to flow through a cylindrical housing and around a series of structures contained within the housing that have a rotation axis with respect to the housing. The flow of liquid causes the structures to rotate, and the rotating structures cause any gas bubbles in the liquid to be broken progressively into ever smaller bubbles.

Description

Device For Reducing The Size Of Gas Bubbles In a Liquid
The present invention relates to a device that reduces the size of gas bubbles in a body of water or other liquid.
In the field of aquaculture, it is crucial to the health and wellbeing of the aquatic animals that they be provided with sufficient oxygen dissolved in the surrounding water. Traditionally, oxygen-containing gas bubbles are introduced into the water by some form of pump that draws atmospheric air into the water flow. This tends to introduce into the water gas bubbles that have a large diameter. It is known that smaller bubbles of gas do not rise to the surface as quickly as larger bubbles, and therefore tend to stay for a longer duration in the water. Smaller bubbles also create a more homogenous oxygenation of the water volume. Therefore, it is desirable to have as small a bubble size as possible, as this increases the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels of the water.
In one type of aeration device, oxygen-containing gas is fed into a pressurized flow of water. Gas bubbles then form in the water, which is then fed into a body of water used for aquaculture. In further improvements, various deflectors or baffles are placed along the flow of water to break up the gas bubbles into smaller sizes. These aeration devices are able to create bubble sizes in the region of micrometers in diameter. This is respectably small, and the bubbles are able to stay suspended in the water for around 45 seconds, which is significantly longer than bubbles created by more traditional devices. However, there is still room for further decreasing of gas bubble size and therefore improvement of DO levels of the water as well as the duration the DO levels are maintained for.
Some aeration devices use a motor to spin a baffle plate of other deflector mid-stream of the water flow, the spinning baffle plate breaking down gas bubble sizes. The obvious problem with these aeration devices is the need for powering the motor. In large aquaculture ponds, this requires laying down long lines of electrical cables for multiple aeration devices located all around the pond area.
What is needed in the art is a device that is able to decrease the size of gas bubbles in a source of liquid, such as water, preferably without the need for an electrical power source
The present invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a device that decreases the size of gas bubbles in a pressurized source of liquid by allowing the liquid to flow through a cylindrical housing and around a series of radial structures contained within the housing that have a rotation axis with respect to the housing. The flow of liquid causes the structures to rotate, and the rotating structures cause any gas bubbles in the liquid to be broken progressively into ever smaller bubbles.
The novelty and inventiveness of this invention lies in the specific arrangement of radial structures enclosed within a cylindrical housing through which the liquid flows, as well as the specific shapes, sizes and arrangement sequence of each structure. However, it can be imagined that there can be more than one of the devices described in the present invention arranged end to end with each other, forming a daisy chain of devices which improve on the objective of forming ever smaller gas bubbles in the liquid.
This invention thus relates to a device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid, comprising: a first impeller having a rotation axis and comprising a hub from which a plurality of blades extends; a baffle plate positioned adjacent to said first impeller, said baffle plate rotationally fixed to said first impeller; a second impeller positioned adjacent to said baffle plate, said second impeller having a rotation axis and provided with a hub from which a plurality of blades extends, said second impeller rotationally fixed to said baffle plate; a tube radially enclosing said second impeller, said tube having a plurality of openings along its circumference, said tube rotationally fixed to said second impeller; a cylindrical housing comprising a front end plate, a rear end plate, and a containment ring radially enclosing said first impeller, baffle plate, second impeller and tube, said housing impermeable apart from at least one opening on the front end plate to receive a source of liquid, and an outlet on said rear end plate to expel said liquid from said housing, wherein said liquid enters the housing via the openings and drives the first impeller, baffle plate, second impeller and tube to rotation, said liquid then passing through a radial space between said baffle plate and said containment ring, then flowing through said tube openings and into said second impeller, and finally exiting through said outlet.
In a preferred embodiment, the at least one front end plate opening is a plurality of openings radially spaced out along the front end plate that allow the liquid to enter the housing, and angled with respect to a flow direction of said liquid upstream of said front end plate. The outlet is located axially center on said rear end plate, and said rear end plate is flush with distal ends of said second impeller and said tube. The diameter of the first impeller is larger than the diameter of the baffle plate. The diameter of the baffle plate is larger than the diameter of the tube. A gap between an inner diameter of the tube and an outer diameter of the second impeller is most preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm, and preferably between 0.1 and 10 mm. The circumferential diameter of the front end plate openings is smaller than the diameter of the first impeller. A front end plate ring extends longitudinally from an outer circumference of the front end plate openings to the first impeller, so that the liquid is channeled from the openings to a radially central area of the first impeller.
The above describes the most basic embodiment (also called the “first embodiment” in the detailed description) of the device, having all the structures arranged in a specific sequence that is essential for the invention to work as intended. Multiple numbers of this basic embodiment can be daisy-chained with each other to produce even better results of decreasing gas bubble size in the liquid.
Yet another embodiment is to have two of the above basic embodiments joined to each other in a mirrored fashion (called the “second embodiment” in the detailed description). This is described here, where the basic embodiment above further comprises: a third impeller located downstream of the outlet and having a rotation axis and comprising a hub from which a plurality of blades extends; a second tube radially enclosing the third impeller, said second tube having a plurality of second tube openings along its circumference, and said second tube rotationally fixed to said third impeller; a second baffle plate positioned adjacent to said third impeller, said second baffle plate rotationally fixed to said third impeller; a fourth impeller positioned adjacent to said second baffle plate, said fourth impeller having a rotation axis and provided with a hub from which a plurality of blades extends, said fourth impeller rotationally fixed to said second baffle plate; a second housing comprising a second front end plate, a second rear end plate, and a second containment ring radially enclosing said third impeller, second tube, second baffle plate, and fourth impeller, said second housing impermeable apart from a second inlet on said second front end plate to receive said liquid, and at least one opening on said second rear end plate to expel said liquid from said second housing, wherein said liquid enters the second housing and drives said third impeller, second tube, second baffle plate, and fourth impeller to rotation, said liquid then passing from said third impeller through said plurality of second tube openings and a radial space between said second baffle plate and said second containment ring, then flowing through said fourth impeller, and finally exiting through said at least one opening. The second housing is an extension of the housing in the basic embodiment above. The first impeller, baffle plate, second impeller, tube, third impeller, second tube, second baffle plate and fourth impeller are rotatably fixed to each other.
This invention thus provides an elegant solution to the problem of reducing the size of gas bubbles in water or other liquids. The device of this invention breaks down gas bubbles in a source of water to a very small size, measured in nanometers instead of micrometers, without the need for an electrical power source.
Other objects and advantages will be more fully apparent from the following disclosure and appended claims.
Dissolved oxygen levels in a liquid are not sufficient.
Current aeration devices require electrical power to operate.
Increases dissolved oxygen levels in a liquid by reducing the size of gas bubbles in the liquid.
Uses the flow of liquid to power the device, and does not require any additional power input.
shows an isometric view of a device in a first embodiment of the present invention.
shows a top view of a device in a first embodiment of the present invention.
shows a front view of a device in a first embodiment of the present invention.
shows an isometric view of a first impeller and baffle plate in a first embodiment of the present invention.
shows a top view of a first impeller and baffle plate in a first embodiment of the present invention.
shows a back view of a first impeller and baffle plate in a first embodiment of the present invention.
shows a cross-sectional top view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
shows a cross-sectional isometric view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
shows a transparent view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
shows a cross-sectional top view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
shows a cross-sectional isometric view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
shows a cross-sectional isometric view of a device in a second embodiment of the present invention.
shows a cross-sectional top view of a device in a second embodiment of the present invention.
It should be noted that the following detailed description is directed to a device that decreases the size of gas bubbles in a pressurized source of liquid, and is not limited to any particular size or configuration but in fact a multitude of sizes and configurations within the general scope of the following description.
Figures 1, 2 and 3 show different views of a first embodiment of the present invention (also called the “basic” embodiment above). Referring to these figures, there is shown a hollow cylindrical housing (50) comprising a proximal front end plate (52) joined to a distal rear end plate (54) by a containment ring (56). Within this housing (50) is provided, from the proximal to distal end, a series of radial structures, including a first impeller (10), a baffle plate (20), a tube (40), and a second impeller (30). The first impeller (10) has a rotation axis along the central axis of the housing (50), with a hub (12) from which a plurality of impeller blades (14) extends radially outwards. The baffle plate (20) is positioned flush with and adjacent to the first impeller (10), and is rotationally fixed to the first impeller (10). The baffle plate (20) also has a rotation axis along the central axis of the housing (50). The second impeller (30) is positioned flush with and adjacent to the baffle plate (20), and is rotationally fixed to the baffle plate (20). The second impeller (30) has a hub (32) from which a plurality of impeller blades (34) extends radially outwards. The tube (40) radially encloses the second impeller (30), with a radial space provided between an inner diameter of the tube (40) and a diameter of the second impeller (30). This radial space, or gap, between the tube inner diameter and the second impeller is between 0.1mm and 10mm wide. The tube (40) is provided with a plurality of openings (42) along its circumference to allow liquid to flow from the baffle plate (20) to the second impeller (30). The rear end plate (54) is positioned flush with and adjacent to distal ends of the second impeller (30) and tube (40).
An inlet ring (51) is provided downstream of the front end plate (52), to channel the pressurized liquid towards the front end plate (52). The front end plate (52) is provided with openings (522) that allow the ingress of liquid from the inlet ring (51) and into the housing (50). The liquid then flows through a front end plate ring (524), though the housing (50) and out through an outlet (542) provided on the rear end plate (54). As the liquid flows through the housing (50), it flows through and engages with the first impeller (10), causing it to rotate. The liquid then flows around the baffle plate (20), through the openings (42) in the tube (40), through the second impeller (30) and then out through the outlet (542). The overall effect of the liquid flowing through the housing (50) is to cause the first impeller (10), baffle plate (20), second impeller (30) and tube (40) to rotate. The rotation of these radial structures on a plane roughly perpendicular to the flow of the liquid causes gas bubbles in the liquid to break down to a smaller size.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 show this first embodiment cross-sectioned just after the baffle plate (20), and show in clearer detail the first impeller (10) and baffle plate (20). Referring to these figures, there is shown the first impeller blades (14) that have a length that extends radially beyond the diameter of the baffle plate (20). The first impeller blades (14) also have a width in the longitudinal direction of the housing, said width extending from a distal end of the front end plate ring (524) all the way up to the baffle plate (20). The front end plate openings (522) of the front end plate (52) is also shown, sheltered at a distal end of the inlet ring (51).
Figures 7 and 8 show this first embodiment cross-sectioned midway along the tube (40), and show in clearer detail the second impeller (30) and tube (40) within the containment ring (56). Referring to these figures, there is shown the second impeller blades (34) extending radially from a hub (32) and that have a length that falls just short of an inner diameter of the tube (40). The tube (40) is provided with a plurality of openings (42) along its circumference to allow liquid to flow from the baffle plate (20) to the second impeller (30). The second impeller blades (34) and tube (40) also have a width in the longitudinal direction of the housing, said width extending from a distal end of the baffle plate (20) all the way up to the rear end plate (not shown in these figures).
In this first embodiment, all radial structures including the first impeller (10), baffle plate (20), second impeller (30) and tube (40) share the same axial hub running through the central axis of the housing (50), so that they are all rotationally fixed with respect to each other.
Figures 9, 10 and 11 show this second embodiment of the present invention, which is the first embodiment doubled in a mirrored fashion and placed in fluid communication with each other. As the first half of the device in this second embodiment is essentially the first embodiment and has been described above, we will now describe only the second half of this second embodiment, and how it is connected to the first half.
Figures 12 and 13 show a cross-sectional view showing only the second half of the second embodiment of this invention, which shows the structures more clearly.
Referring to Figures 9 through 13, there is shown two hollow cylindrical housings fixed in line with each other, a housing (50) connected to a second housing (100). The second housing (100) comprises a proximal second front end plate (102) joined to a distal second rear end plate (104) by a second containment ring (106). Within this second housing (100) is provided, from the proximal to distal end, a series of radial structures, including a third impeller (60), second tube (70), second baffle plate (80) and fourth impeller (90). The third impeller (60) has a rotation axis along the central axis of the second housing (100), with a hub (62) from which a plurality of impeller blades (64) extends radially outwards. The second tube (70) radially encloses the third impeller (60), with a radial space provided between an inner diameter of the second tube (70) and a diameter of the third impeller (60). This radial space, or gap, between the tube inner diameter and the second impeller is between 0.1mm and 10mm wide. The second tube (70) is provided with a plurality of openings (72) along its circumference to allow liquid to flow from the third impeller (60), around the second baffle plate (80) and then to the fourth impeller (90).
The second baffle plate (80) is positioned flush with and adjacent to a distal end of the third impeller (60) and second tube (70), and is rotationally fixed to both the third impeller (60) and second tube (70). The second baffle plate (80) also has a rotation axis along the central axis of the second housing (100). The fourth impeller (90) is positioned flush with and adjacent to the second baffle plate (80), and is rotationally fixed to the second baffle plate (80). The fourth impeller (90) has a hub (92) from which a plurality of impeller blades (94) extends radially outwards. The second rear end plate (104) is positioned downstream of the fourth impeller (90). A second rear end plate ring (1044) is provided between the fourth impeller (90) and the second rear end plate (104), to channel the pressurized liquid out towards the second rear end plate (104). The second rear end plate (104) is provided with openings (1042) that allow the expelling of liquid from the second housing (100).
The liquid enters the second housing (100) via openings (1022) on the second front end plate (102), then flows through the third impeller (60), causing it to rotate, and then through the plurality of openings (72) on the second tube (70), around the second baffle plate (80), through the fourth impeller (90), through the second rear end plate ring (1044) out of the second housing (100) via the second rear end plate openings (1042), and then finally expelled through an outlet ring (101). The overall effect of the liquid flowing through the second housing (100) is to cause the third impeller (60), second tube (70), second baffle plate (80) and fourth impeller (90) to rotate. The rotation of these radial structures on a plane roughly perpendicular to the flow of the liquid causes gas bubbles in the liquid to break down to a smaller size.
In the second embodiment, all radial structures including the first impeller (10), baffle plate (20), second impeller (30), tube (40), third impeller (60), second tube (70), second baffle plate (80) and fourth impeller (90) share the same axial hub running through the central axis of both housing (50) and second housing (100), so that they are all rotationally fixed with respect to each other.
While several particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to embrace such changes, modifications, and areas of application that are within the scope of this invention.
First impeller (10)
First impeller hub (12)
First impeller blades (14)
Baffle plate (20)
Second impeller (30)
Second impeller hub (32)
Second impeller blades (34)
Tube (40)
Tube openings (42)
Housing (50)
Inlet ring (51)
Front end plate (52)
Front end plate openings (522)
Front end plate ring (524)
Rear end plate (54)
Outlet (542)
Containment ring (56)
Third impeller (60)
Third impeller hub (62)
Third impeller blades (64)
Second tube (70)
Second tube openings (72)
Second baffle plate (80)
Fourth impeller (90)
Fourth impeller hub (92)
Fourth impeller blades (94)
Second housing (100)
Outlet ring (101)
Second front end plate (102)
Second inlet (1022)
Second rear end plate (104)
Second rear end plate openings (1042)
Second rear end plate ring (1044)
Second containment ring (106)

Claims (10)

  1. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid, comprising:
    a first impeller (10) having a rotation axis and comprising a hub (12) from which a plurality of blades (14) extends;
    a baffle plate (20) positioned adjacent to said first impeller (10), said baffle plate (20) rotationally fixed to said first impeller (10);
    a second impeller (30) positioned adjacent to said baffle plate (20), said second impeller (30) having a rotation axis and provided with a hub (32) from which a plurality of blades (34) extends, said second impeller (30) rotationally fixed to said baffle plate (20);
    a tube (40) radially enclosing said second impeller (30), said tube (40) having a plurality of tube openings (42) along its circumference, said tube (40) rotationally fixed to said second impeller (30);
    a housing (50) comprising a front end plate (52), a rear end plate (54), and a containment ring (56) radially enclosing said first impeller (10), baffle plate (20), second impeller (30) and tube (40), said housing (50) impermeable apart from openings (522) on the front end plate (52) to receive a source of liquid, and an outlet (542) on said rear end plate (54) to expel said liquid from said housing (50)
    wherein said liquid enters the housing (50) via the openings (522) and drives said first impeller (10), baffle plate (20), second impeller (30) and tube (40) to rotation, said liquid then passing through a radial space between said baffle plate (20) and said containment ring (56), then flowing through said tube openings (42) and into said second impeller (30), and finally exiting through said outlet (542).
  2. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid according to claim 1, wherein said front end plate (52) comprises a plurality of front end plate openings (522) that allow said liquid to enter said housing (50).
  3. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of front end plate openings (522) are angled with respect to a flow direction of said liquid upstream of said front end plate (52).
  4. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid according to claim 1, wherein said outlet (542) is located axially center on said rear end plate (54), and said rear end plate (54) is flush with distal ends of said second impeller (30) and said tube (40).
  5. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid according to claim 1, wherein said diameter of said first impeller (10) is larger than said diameter of said baffle plate (20).
  6. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid according to claim 1, wherein said diameter of said baffle plate (20) is larger than said diameter of said tube (40).
  7. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid according to claim 1, wherein a gap between an inner diameter of the tube (40) and an outer diameter of the second impeller (30) is between 0.5 and 3 mm.
  8. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid according to claim 1, further comprising a front end plate ring (524) extending longitudinally from an outer circumference of the front end plate openings (522) to the first impeller (10).
  9. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid according to claim 1, further comprising:
    a third impeller (60) located downstream of said outlet (542) and having a rotation axis and comprising a hub (62) from which a plurality of blades (64) extends;
    a second tube (70) radially enclosing said third impeller (60), said second tube (70) having a plurality of second tube openings (72) along its circumference, said second tube (70) rotationally fixed to said third impeller (60);
    a second baffle plate (80) positioned adjacent to said third impeller (60), said second baffle plate (80) rotationally fixed to said third impeller (60);
    a fourth impeller (90) positioned adjacent to said second baffle plate (80), said fourth impeller (90) having a rotation axis and provided with a hub (92) from which a plurality of blades (94) extends, said fourth impeller (90) rotationally fixed to said second baffle plate (80);
    a second housing (100) comprising a second front end plate (102), a second rear end plate (104), and a second containment ring (106) radially enclosing said third impeller (60), second tube (70), second baffle plate (80), and fourth impeller (90), said second housing (100) impermeable apart from a second inlet (1022) on said second front end plate (102) to receive said liquid, and at least one opening (1042) on said second rear end plate (104) to expel said liquid from said second housing (100)
    wherein said liquid enters the second housing (100) and drives said third impeller (60), second tube (70), second baffle plate (80), and fourth impeller (90) to rotation, said liquid then passing from said third impeller (60) through said plurality of second tube openings (72) and a radial space between said second baffle plate (80) and said second containment ring (106), then flowing through said fourth impeller (90), and finally exiting through said at least one opening (1042).
  10. A device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a body of liquid according to claim 9, wherein said first impeller (10), baffle plate (20), second impeller (30), tube (40), third impeller (60), second tube (70), second baffle plate (80) and fourth impeller (90) are rotatably fixed to each other.
PCT/MY2022/050038 2022-05-24 2022-05-24 Device for reducing the size of gas bubbles in a liquid WO2023229451A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07327547A (en) * 1994-06-07 1995-12-19 Toshiyuki Takatsu Method for supplying oxygen-mixed water and apparatus therefor
KR100728300B1 (en) * 2006-07-14 2007-06-13 (주)에코데이 Apparatus for egitating chemicals of wastewater treatment
WO2018131714A1 (en) * 2017-01-16 2018-07-19 オオノ開發株式会社 Fluid mixing device, and method for producing mixed fluid using this mixing device
US20190344231A1 (en) * 2016-09-28 2019-11-14 Quartus Paulus Botha Nano-Bubble Generator and Method of Generating Nano-Bubbles
JP2020171914A (en) * 2019-04-08 2020-10-22 Ｓａｎｅｉ株式会社 Fine bubble generation device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07327547A (en) * 1994-06-07 1995-12-19 Toshiyuki Takatsu Method for supplying oxygen-mixed water and apparatus therefor
KR100728300B1 (en) * 2006-07-14 2007-06-13 (주)에코데이 Apparatus for egitating chemicals of wastewater treatment
US20190344231A1 (en) * 2016-09-28 2019-11-14 Quartus Paulus Botha Nano-Bubble Generator and Method of Generating Nano-Bubbles
WO2018131714A1 (en) * 2017-01-16 2018-07-19 オオノ開發株式会社 Fluid mixing device, and method for producing mixed fluid using this mixing device
JP2020171914A (en) * 2019-04-08 2020-10-22 Ｓａｎｅｉ株式会社 Fine bubble generation device

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