Patent ID: 8419378
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: F04F

Abstract:
1. A method of processing a working fluid, the method comprising the steps of: presenting a fluid mover to the working fluid, the fluid mover having a straight-through passage of substantially constant cross section; applying a substantially circumscribing stream of a transport fluid to the passage through an annular nozzle, the fluid mover further comprising a mixing chamber being formed within the passage downstream of the nozzle, wherein an internal wall of the passage upstream of the mixing chamber is provided with at least one groove that creates turbulence in the working fluid flow prior to any interaction between the working fluid and the transport fluid; atomising the working fluid to form a dispersed vapour and droplet flow regime with locally supersonic flow conditions; generating a supersonic condensation shock wave within the passage downstream of the nozzle by condensation of the transport fluid, wherein the nozzle internal geometry and the internal wall of the passage are so disposed and configured to optimise energy transfer between the transport fluid and working fluid, the position of the condensation shock wave remaining substantially constant under equilibrium flow; inducing flow of the working fluid through the passage from an inlet to an outlet thereof; and changing the position of the condensation shock wave to vary the working fluid discharge from the outlet.