Vortex devices with maximum efficiency nozzle

Abstract

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the apparatuses such as a vortex hydroseparator, a vortex vapor generator and a vortex catalytic generator are presented with the nozzle that serves as the exit port of a light liquid component separated from liquid mixture such as oil and water. A light liquid component moves in the nozzle with a “supersonic” velocity occupying a very small area of the nozzle (typically about 6-10% of a whole nozzle area). A rest of the nozzle is utilized for exit of satellite gases, or vapors of light fraction or fractions. Such a nozzle drastically reduces a flow turbulization in vortex chambers and increases the separation efficiency. The nozzle of the invention is utilized for a vortex hydroseparator, for a vortex vapor generator, or for a vortex catalytic generator, and also can be utilized for hydrocyclones.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for separation heavy and light components of a liquid mixture, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a vortex device comprising a cylindrical volume having a tangentially located input port and an exit port, wherein said vortex device further comprises a nozzle having a radius less than the radius of said cylindrical volume, wherein said nozzle is coaxial with the central axis of said cylindrical volume;    wherein said nozzle has a contracting-expanding shape;    (b) introducing said liquid mixture into said cylindrical volume through said input port at a velocity and pressure sufficient to create a stable vortex of said liquid mixture in said cylindrical volume; and    (c) removing said light component through said nozzle; and    (d) removing said heavy component through said exit port.    
     
     
         2 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said vortex device comprises multiple tangential input ports.  
     
     
         3 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said nozzle provides critical and supercritical flow for said light component.  
     
     
         4 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said nozzle provides for liquid flow of said light component without reflections and also provides for exit of satellite gases or vapors of light fraction or fractions.  
     
     
         5 . Vortex devices with geometrical dimensions and an exit nozzle for light liquid component, that for a maximum efficiency utilize the non-dimensional geometrical parameter A=R o r n /(nr in   2 ). where R o  is the vortex device radius, r n  is the nozzle radius, r in  is the radius of entering port, n is the number of entrance ports; for providing a maximum liquid flow without liquid shocks a parameter A≧2; and for most practical and efficient operations A should be in the range  10 ≦A≦30.