WO2013028165A2

WO2013028165A2 - Multiple whirl spray nozzle

Info

Publication number: WO2013028165A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/048605
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gordan WU; Liam WANG
Original assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
Priority date: 2011-08-22
Filing date: 2011-08-22
Publication date: 2013-02-28
Also published as: CN103826720A; KR20140056347A; WO2013028165A3; CN103826720B; CN103826720B8; KR101881188B1

Abstract

A spray nozzle assembly having a nozzle body with a central inlet passage and a pair of angled passages each communicating at an acute angle with the central passage. A vane is disposed within each angled passage with a whirl chamber being defined between the vane and a discharge orifice of the angled passage. Each vane is selectively designed for imparting vortical movement to a liquid flow stream passing through the vane and into the whirl chamber such that liquid discharged from the discharge orifice is in a predetermined conical spray pattern according to the individual vane design. The nozzle body may have two or more angled passages, each having a respective individually designed whirl imparting vane.

Description

MULTIPLE WHIRL SPRAY NOZZLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to spray nozzle assemblies, and more particularly, to a spray nozzle assembly adapted for more effectively directing a plurality of conical spray patterns for flue gas scrubbing, cooling, and other industrial processing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In gas scrubbing, for example, it is known to mount a plurality of spray nozzles onto a common liquid supply boom which direct conical spray patterns for removing pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, from the discharging flue gas. To maximize spray capabilities, while minimizing the number of nozzles that must be mounted and maintained on the liquid supply boom, dual whirl spray nozzles are known which impart double whirl spray patterns. It is known to direct liquid into such dual spray nozzles from a common inlet, with the liquid simultaneously entering respective swirl chambers of the spray nozzle in a tangential direction for imparting the swirl. A problem with such spray nozzles is that the vortexes of the swirling liquid sprays can cause a drilling effect on the nozzle body that reduces wear life of the nozzle. Tight control of spray droplet size and spray coverage also is required for efficient operation. Heretofore, such spray nozzles sometimes are ineffective in generating fine spray particles and spray patterns adapted for optimum efficiency in processing. Such nozzles also commonly require right angle installation on the liquid supply pipe or boom that increases resulting torque on the nozzle and the need for a more robust supply piping. Such nozzles also can be difficult to manufacture and are subject to the risk of clogging.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple whirl spray nozzle assembly adapted for discharging conical spray discharges for more effective and efficient usage in the removal of pollutants from discharging flue gases and other processing applications. [0004] Another object is to provide a multiple whirl spray nozzle assembly as

characterized above that is less susceptible to drilling effect wear from whirling liquid during usage.

[0005] A further object is to provide a spray nozzle assembly of the above kind which has a design that is easily adaptable for directing full cone or hollow cone spray discharges for particular spray applications. A related object is to provide such a nozzle assembly that has selectively designed whirl imparting vanes for producing difference conical spray patterns and liquid distributions from the multiple discharge orifices of the nozzle assembly.

[0006] Still another object is to provide such a spray nozzle assembly which is adapted for generating broader spray patterns effective for more efficient gas scrubbing and other processing applications.

[0007] Another object is to provide such a spray nozzle assembly that has liquid flow passages aligned for reducing torque on the liquid supply piping for the nozzle assembly.

[0008] Yet another object is a spray nozzle assembly of the foregoing type that is less susceptible to clogging.

[0009] Another further object is to provide a spray nozzle assembly of the above kind which is relatively simple in design and which is adapted for economical manufacture.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a multiple whirl spray nozzle assembly in accordance with the invention mounted on a liquid supply boom;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the spray nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a vortical section of the illustrated spray nozzle assembly taken in the plane of line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section of one of the vane inserts of the illustrated spray nozzle assembly, taken in the plane of the axial flow passage;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a transverse section taken in the plane of line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective of one of the vanes of the illustrated spray nozzle assembly;

[0017] FIG. 7 is an end view of a modified embodiment of the vane insert adapted for generating a full cone spray pattern; [0018] FIG. 8 is an end view of an alternative modified embodiment of the vane insert for generating a full cone spray pattern;

[0019] FIG. 9 is an end view of an alternative modified embodiment of the vane insert adapted for generating a hollow cone spray pattern;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective of an alternative embodiment of a spray nozzle assembly in accordance with the invention;

[0021] FIG. 1 1 is a side elevational view of the spray nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 10;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a vertical section of the spray nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 1 1 ;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective of another alternative embodiment of a spray nozzle assembly in accordance with the invention;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the spray nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 13; and

[0025] FIG 15 is a vertical section of the spray nozzle assembly shown in FIG. 14.

[0026] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown an illustrative spray nozzle assembly 10 in accordance with the invention mounted in depending fashion from a liquid supply boom 1 1 for directing a plurality of conical spray discharge patterns. It will be understood that the liquid supply boom 1 1 may supply slurry or other liquids from a liquid supply to a plurality of such nozzle assemblies 10 suspended from the boom for direction into discharging flue gases in a gas scrubbing system or for other processing applications.

[0028] The illustrated nozzle assembly 10 includes a nozzle body 15 having an inlet or upstream body portion 16 having a central liquid passageway 18 communicating with the liquid supply boom 1 1 and a pair of outwardly diverging downstream hollow body portions 19 that each define a respective outwardly angled passage 20 communicating with a respective discharge orifice 21. The discharge orifices 21 in this case are defined by a cylindrical passage section having an inwardly converging conical entry section 21a and an outwardly radiused terminal section 21b for directing a conical spray discharge. The hollow body portions 19 in this instance have cylindrical configurations with respective flow axes 24 oriented at an acute angle 0 with respect to each other and disposed in a common plane to a flow axis 25 of the central liquid passage 18. The upstream body portion 16 has inwardly angled side walls 26, as viewed in Figure 1, that transcend into the outer cylindrical side walls of the cylindrical body portions 19. The cylindrical body portions 19 in this case have respective inner side walls, as viewed in FIG. 3, that define an upstream V-shaped divider wall portion 28 for dividing the liquid flow stream from the central flow passage 18 into the respective cylindrical body portion passages 20.

[0029] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, each angled passage has a respective selectively designed vane insert for imparting swirling motion to liquid passing through the angled passages for direction from the discharge orifices in conical spray patterns with pre-determined flow characteristics for the particular spray application. In the illustrated embodiment, each angled flow passage 20 has a respective vane insert 30 telescopically housed within the flow passage 20. Each vane insert 30 in this instance is disposed in seated engagement with a counter bore 31 (FIG. 4) in the respective cylindrical body portion 15 for defining a downstream cylindrical whirl chamber 32 between the vane insert 30 and the discharge orifice 21. In the illustrated embodiment, each vane insert 30 defines a pair of helical passages 3 la,3 lb, for imparting swirling movement to the liquid as it is directed through the van insert 30. In this instance, one vane 30 is designed for imparting swirling movement to the liquid in one vortical direction, while the other vane 30 is designed for imparting swirling movement in an opposite vortical direction such that swirling actions of the discharging spray patterns from the angled passages tend to cancel each other out without undesirable influence on the flow of discharging flue gases.

[0030] Each illustrated vane insert 30 has a one-piece cast construction that includes four vane segments, 32a,32b, and 34a,34b, each disposed within a respective quadrant of the angled passage 20. The segments 32a,32b, are disposed in diametrically opposed quadrants adjacent an upstream end of the vane insert 30, and segments 34a,34b, are disposed in diametrically opposed quadrants adjacent a downstream end of the vane insert. The segments 32a,34a, furthermore, are disposed on one diametric longitudinal side of the passage 20, and the segments 32b,34b are disposed in an opposite diametric longitudinal side of the passage 20. In other words, the segments 32a,34a are separated from the segments 32b,34b by a diametric plane 33 passing through the longitudinal axis of the vane.

[0031] The upstream segments 32a,32b of each vane insert 30 are formed with substantially flat ramp surfaces 37a,37b and 36a,36b, respectively, on an upstream side thereof which, in conjunction with the cylindrical passage 20 of the nozzle body, define inlets to the respective flow passages 31 a,3 lb. The ramp surfaces 36a,36b, which are inclined in a downstream direction guide incoming liquid into the vane passages 31a,31b in a generally axial direction.

[0032] Each ramp surface 36a,36b extends to a respective concave, radiused surface 44a, 44b formed on upstream sides of the segments 34a,34b, which again are disposed in diametrically opposed relation to each other. For imparting tangential movement to the flow streams directed through the vane flow passage 31 a,3 lb, the concave surfaces 44a,44b have partial cylindrical configurations with their axes of curvature perpendicular to the vane axis and parallel to the planes of the respective upstream ramp surfaces 36a,36b. The concave surfaces 44a,44b preferably have a radius of about one-half the diameter of the vane.

[0033] For enabling maximum free passage of solids through the vane passages 31 a,3 lb, the downstream or undersides of the segments 32a,32b which define the ramp surfaces 36a,36b are formed with concave, radiused surfaces 45a,45b. The concave surfaces 45a,45b are again partially cylindrical in form and preferably have the same radius as the concave surfaces 44a,44b with the axes of the curvature parallel to the axis of curvature in the concave surfaces 44a,44b. In the illustrated embodiment, the underside surfaces of the segments 34a,34b which define the concave surfaces 44a,44b are formed with flat ramp surfaces 51¾51^ similar to the lead in ramp surfaces 36a,36b of the segments 32a,32b, but oppositely inclined. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the design of the vane 30 will enable free passage of relatively large solids that may be in slurries or other liquid flow streams supplied to the nozzle assemblies.

[0034] In keeping with one embodiment of the invention, the spray nozzle assembly 10 is adapted for economical manufacture for selective spray applications. The nozzle body 15 and vane inserts 30 each may be individually molded from green silicon carbide and an appropriate binder, with the vane inserts 30 thereupon being assembled into the nozzle body 15 in the green state. Once assembled, the nozzle assembly may be debonded and sintered by techniques known in the art for driving off the binder and intimately and hermetically bonding the vane inserts within the nozzle body passages 20. [0035] In keeping with the invention, the vane inserts 30 further lend themselves to easy design modification for particular spray applications. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the segments 32a,34a and 34a,34b have transverse edges that define a straight line in the diametric plane 33 of the vane extending through the center of the vane. Such nozzle design has been found to generate a discharging full cone spray pattern with fine particles distributed throughout the conical pattern. To increase the particle distribution within the conical pattern, the radial edges of the segments 32a,34a, and 32b,34b may be recessed from the straight line by a small angle as depicted in FIG. 7 such that a gap 60 is defined between the segments 32a,34a, and 32b,34b. In a preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 7, one or both of the downstream segments 34a,34b, are formed with an angled recess to define the gap 60. In that case, the vanes 30 will direct a full cone spray pattern with a heavier distribution of particles throughout the pattern. Alternatively, a rectangular cut or opening 61 could be provided in the center part of the downstream vane segments for defining the gap, as depicted in FIG. 8. This cut preferably should be limited to no more than ¼ of the diameter of the vane in terms of length and width. On the other hand, by extending the circumferential width of the vane segments 34a,34b into partially overlying relation to each other, as depicted in FIG. 9, unexpectedly, a substantially hollow spray cone spray pattern can be generated by the vane insert 30 with little or no liquid particle distribution within the interior of the hollow cone. Hence, it can be seen that the design of the vane can be easily altered and

manufactured for particular spray applications. Indeed, one vane could be designed for generating a full cone spray discharge while, with minor modification, the other vane could be designed for generating a hollow cone spray pattern.

[0036] While in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the spray nozzle has dual oppositely directed spray discharges, alternatively, a spray nozzle may have a greater multiplicity of said liquid directing hollow body portions 15, such as shown in FIGS. 10-12 wherein the nozzle 10 includes three liquid discharging hollow body portions 15 communicating with a common central passage 18, and FIGS. 13-15 wherein the spray nozzle has four liquid discharging hollow body portions 15 communicating with a central passage 18. In each embodiment, the angled passages 20 defined by the hollow body portions 15 extend at an acute angle to the axis of the central passage 18 and includes a selectively-designed whirl imparting vane 30, as described above, for the particular spray application.

Claims

CLAIM(S):

1. A spray nozzle assembly comprising: a nozzle body having a central inlet passage for connection to a liquid supply and a pair of angled passages each communicating at an angle with the central passage, said angled passages each communicating with a respective discharge orifice, a vane disposed within each said angled passage, said each angled passage defining a whirl chamber between said vane and said discharge orifice, and said vanes being selectively designed for imparting vortical movement to a liquid flow stream passing through said vane and into said whirl chamber such that liquid is emitted from said discharge orifice in a predetermined conical spray pattern according to the individual vane design.

2. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 1 in which said angled passages each have a flow axis disposed at an acute angle to the flow axis of the central passage.

3. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 1 in which said central and angled passages each have flow axes disposed in a common plane.

4. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 1 in which said vanes each is a specifically designed vane insert, one of said vane inserts being mounted in a first of said angled passages for imparting a predetermined vortical movement of liquid passing through the vane and from the discharge orifice with which the first passage communicates, a second of said vanes being mounted in a second of said angled passages for imparting vortical movement of liquid passing through the vane and a conical spray pattern discharging from the discharge orifice with which the second passage communicates, and said conical spray pattern discharging from the discharge orifice with which the first passage communicates being different from the conical spray pattern discharging from the discharge orifice with which the second passage communicates.

5. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 3 in which said first vane generates vortical movement of liquid in one rotary direction and said second vane generates vortical movement of passing liquid in a direction opposite to that of said first vane.

6. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 4 in which said first vane generates vortical movement of liquid and a full cone spray discharge and said second vane generates vortical movement of liquid and a hollow cone spray pattern discharge.

7. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 1 in which each vane defines a pair of helical flow passages.

8. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 7 in which said vanes each including a pair of segments disposed in different quadrants of the respective passage, said segments of each vane defining an upstream entry ramp surface and a downstream concave surface such that a liquid flow stream passing through the vane is directed by the ramp surface in a downstream axial direction onto said concave surface which tangentially directs the liquid flow stream.

9. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 7 in which said vanes each include four segments disposed in respective quadrants of the angled passage within which the vane is mounted, two of said segments each defining an upstream ramp surface and two of said segments each defining a concave surface, said concave surfaces each being downstream of a respective one of said ramp surfaces such that a liquid flow stream passing through the vane is directed by the ramp surfaces in a downstream axial direction onto said concave surfaces which tangentially direct the liquid flow stream.

10. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 10 in which said ramp surfaces are flat.

1 1. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 9 in which each vane includes a pair of segments on one diametric side of the vane and a pair of segments on an opposite diametric side of the vane, each having aligned edges in a diametric plane of the segment extending through the center of the vane.

12. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 1 1 in which the pairs of segments have edges that define a gap in the diametric plane extending through the center of the vane for generating a full cone spray discharge pattern.

13. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 1 1 in which said pairs of segments that extend in overlying relation to each other for generating a hollow cone spray pattern of liquid directed through the vane.

14. A spray nozzle assembly comprising: a nozzle body having a central inlet passage for connection to a liquid supply and a pair of angled passages each communicating at an angle with the central passage, said angled passages each communicating with a respective discharge orifice, a vane disposed within each said angled passage, said each angled passage defining a whirl chamber between said vane and said discharge orifice, said vanes each defining a pair of helical flow passages and being selectively designed for imparting vortical movement to a liquid flow stream passing through said vane and into said whirl chamber such that liquid is emitted from said discharge orifice in a predetermined conical spray pattern according to the individual vane design, and said central and angled passages having axes disposed in a common plane.

15. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 14 in which said vanes each is a specifically designed vane insert, one of said vane inserts being mounted in a first of said angled passages for imparting a predetermined vortical movement of liquid passing through the vane and from the discharge orifice with which the first passage communicates, a second of said vanes being mounted in a second of said angled passages for imparting vortical movement of liquid passing through the vane and a conical spray pattern discharging from the discharge orifice with which the second passage communicates, and said conical spray pattern discharging from the discharge orifice with which the first passage communicates being different from the conical spray pattern discharging from the discharge orifice with which the second passage communicates.

16. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 14 in which one of said vanes generates a hollow cone spray pattern from the discharge orifice of the angled passage within which it is disposed and the other vane generates a full cone spray pattern from the discharge orifice of the angled passage within which it is mounted.

17. A spray nozzle assembly comprising: a nozzle body having a central inlet passage for connection to a liquid supply and at least three angled passages each communicating at an angle with the central passage, said angled passages each communicating with a respective discharge orifice, a vane disposed within each said angled passage, said each angled passage defining a whirl chamber between said vane and said discharge orifice, and said vanes being selectively designed for imparting vortical movement to a liquid flow stream passing through said vane and into said whirl chamber such that liquid is emitted from said discharge orifice in a predetermined conical spray pattern according to the individual vane design.

18. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 17 in which said angled passages each have a flow axis disposed at an acute angle to the flow axis of the central passage.

19. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 17 in which said vanes each define a pair of helical flow passages.