Abstract:
A mist generating apparatus (100) is provided. The apparatus (100) has a longitudinal axis (L) and comprises first and second opposing surfaces (140,142) which define a transport fluid nozzle (150) between them. The apparatus (100) also has a working fluid passage (132) having an inlet (130) connectable to a supply of working fluid, and an outlet (160) on one of the first and second surfaces (140,142). The working fluid outlet (160) communicates with the transport fluid nozzle (150). The transport fluid nozzle (150) has a nozzle inlet (151) connectable to a supply of transport fluid, a nozzle outlet (155), and a throat portion (153) intermediate the nozzle inlet (151) and nozzle outlet (155). The nozzle throat (153) has a cross sectional area which is less than that of either the nozzle inlet (151) or the nozzle outlet (155). The transport fluid nozzle (150) projects radially from the longitudinal axis (L) such that the nozzle (150) defines a rotational angle of at least 5 degrees about the longitudinal axis (L). A method of generating a mist using the apparatus is also provided.
Abstract:
An apparatus for the removal of volatile elements from a process fluid is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one steam injector (30) adapted to inject steam into the process fluid and a stripping container (48) adapted to receive process fluid from the steam injector (30). A check valve (50) is located downstream of the stripping container (48) to maintain a predetermined pressure in the stripping container (48). A storage vessel (10) is provided downstream of the stripping container (48) and check valve (50) where the volatile elements separated from the fluid are drawn off. A method of removing the volatile elements from the process fluid is also provided. The apparatus and method of the present invention atomise the process fluid before drawing off the volatile elements, thereby improving the efficiency of the volatile removal process in a number of areas.
Abstract:
A method of demulsifying an emulsion is provided, the method comprising an initial step of supplying the emulsion to a fluid processor passage (14) having an inlet (16) and an outlet (18), wherein the cross sectional area of the passage (14) between the inlet (16) and outlet (18) does not reduce below the cross sectional area at the inlet (16).A transport fluid is supplied from a transport fluid source (60) to a transport fluid nozzle (34) which circumscribes the passage (14) and opens into the passage (14) intermediate the inlet (16) and the outlet (18). The transport fluid is accelerated through a throat (38) of the transport fluid nozzle (34), the throat (34) having a cross sectional area which is less than that of either the nozzle inlet (36) or nozzle outlet (40). The transport fluid is injected from the nozzle outlet (40) into the emulsion in the passage (14) such that the emulsion is atomised and a vapour-droplet regime is formed comprising a dispersed phase of emulsion droplets within a continuous vapour phase. At least some of the emulsion droplets are vaporised within the vapour-droplet regime and finally the vapour is condensed back to the liquid phase. An apparatus suitable for carrying out this method is also provided.
Abstract:
In a pumping system incorporating a fluid mover provided with a through passage (6) for a working fluid having an inlet (8) and an outlet (10) with an annular nozzle (4) let into the passage for the introduction of a transport fluid there is provided a pressure relief means (12) operable during start-up to facilitate the attainment of the desired pressure gradient across the pump.
Abstract:
A decontaminating system (100) comprising a decontaminant reservoir (152), a transport fluid source (160) and a mist generating apparatus (10). The mist generating apparatus (10) has a longitudinal axis and comprises a first fluid passage (38) having a first fluid inlet (18) in fluid communication with the decontaminant reservoir (152) and a first fluid outlet (84), and a second fluid passage (90) having a second fluid inlet (20) in fluid communication with the transport fluid source (160) and a second fluid outlet (94). The first passage (38) surrounds the second fluid passage (90) and the first and second outlets (84, 94) are oriented relative to one another such that they have an angle of incidence between (5) and (30) degrees. The second fluid passage (90) includesa throat portion (92) located between the second fluid inlet (20) and the second fluid outlet (94), the throat portion (92) having a smaller cross sectional area than that of either the second fluid inlet (20) or second fluid outlet (94).
Abstract:
An apparatus for the removal of volatile elements from a process fluid is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one steam injector (30) adapted to inject steam into the process fluid and a stripping container (48) adapted to receive process fluid from the steam injector (30). A check valve (50) is located downstream of the stripping container (48) to maintain a predetermined pressure in the stripping container (48). A storage vessel (10) is provided downstream of the stripping container (48) and check valve (50) where the volatile elements separated from the fluid are drawn off. A method of removing the volatile elements from the process fluid is also provided. The apparatus and method of the present invention atomise the process fluid before drawing off the volatile elements, thereby improving the efficiency of the volatile removal process in a number of areas.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to apparatus and method for generating a mist comprising a conduit having a mixing chamber and an exit; a working fluid inlet in fluid communication with said conduit; a transport nozzle in fluid communication . with the said conduit, the transport nozzle adapted to introduce a transport fluid into the mixing chamber; the transport nozzle having an angular orientation and internal geometry such that in use the transport fluid interacts with the working fluid introduced into the mixing chamber through the working fluid inlet to atomise and form a dispersed vapour/droplet flow regime, which is discharged as a mist comprising working fluid droplets, a substantial portion of the droplets having a size less than 20µm.
Abstract:
A fluid mover (1) includes a passage (3) of substantially constant cross section into which supersonic steam is injected through an annular nozzle (16) as a transport fluid to contact a working fluid, e.g. a liquid, to be treated, the passage further including a mixing chamber (3A) downstream of the steam injection where the mixture is accelerated upon the creation of a low pressure zone occasioned by the condensation of the steam, a dispersed droplet regime and a shock wave being generated downstream of the nozzle (16). A pseudo-convergent/divergent section is created and provides a flexible boundary in the absence of physical constraints to yield an improved performance by combining shear dispersion and/or disassociation with the effects of the shock wave. The fluid mover (1) may be used in a wide variety of applications for pumping, heating, mixing, disintegrating, classifying and separating among others.
Abstract:
Apparatus for generating thrust includes a steam nozzle (4) provided with a diffuser (6) encased within a secondary annular nozzle (10) which in use provides a shroud of air for emergent steam thereby to delay the implosion thereof upon contact with surrounding liquid, e.g . water, at a lower temperature.
Abstract:
An improved mist generating apparatus is provided, the apparatus having a longitudinal axis (L), and first and second opposing nozzle surfaces (100,102) which define a nozzle between them. A first process fluid passage (28) has an inlet connectable to a supply of process fluid, and a process fluid outlet (110) on one of the first and second nozzle surfaces (100,102) such that the process fluid outlet (110) opens into the nozzle. The nozzle has a nozzle inlet (104) connectable to a supply of driving fluid, a nozzle outlet (108), and a throat portion (106) intermediate the nozzle inlet (104) and nozzle outlet (108). The nozzle throat (106) has a cross sectional area which is less than that of both the nozzle inlet (104) and the nozzle outlet (108). The nozzle extends radially away from the longitudinal axis (L) such that the nozzle defines a rotational angle about the longitudinal axis (L). A centre line (CL) of the nozzle extends from the nozzle throat (106) to the nozzle outlet (108) at an angle of between 50 and 80 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis (L).