US 4,569,804 AGranted

Large bubble flow generator-interface for liquid circulating device

AssigneeAtara Corporation

InventorDeclan S. Murphy

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Abstract

An improved apparatus is provided for creating circulation and heat transfer capability within a large body of fluid. The apparatus comprises a vertically extending stackpipe, and large bubble generator means for generating an upward current flow through the stackpipe. Improved efficiency in generating liquid flow is obtained by providing an inclined guide surface to gradually introduce a large bubble from the generator into the stackpipe through a lateral opening into the stackpipe. Most preferably, the cross-sectional area of the stackpipe is expanded beginning at about the level at which the bubble enters the stackpipe and extending to a level at or above the top of the lateral opening into the stackpipe. In this way, interference with the flow of liquid in the stackpipe is minimized and the efficiency of flow generation is maximized.

Claims18

Dependent claims

In apparatus for creating circulation within a body of liquid, the apparatus comprising a substantially linearly extending, open-ended stackpipe having a substantially constant nominal diameter ("D") and designed to be submerged in the liquid, the stackpipe having an upper discharge opening and a lower inlet opening and an intermediate lateral opening;

flow generating means comprising a large bubble generator in fluid flow connection with the interior of the stackpipe through the lateral opening in the stackpipe;
and means for delivering gas under pressure to the large bubble generator;
the improvement comprising an interface section surrounding the lateral opening and comprising an outwardly and downwardly extending guide surface, extending downwardly and outwardly from the top of the lateral opening at an angle of from about 25.degree. to about 50.degree. up from the vertical, and wherein the cross-section of the stackpipe is expanded beginning at about the level of the bottom edge of the lateral opening and extending upwardly a distance of at least about twice the nominal diameter of the stackpipe.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.