Patent Publication Number: US-11649624-B1

Title: Effluent dispenser system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a dispensing system, more specifically, the present invention relates to an effluent dispensing system. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Generally, effluents from industries, such as desalination plants, are discharged into a water body such as a river or sea, via a conventional dispensing system  1  as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . In case the effluents are from de-salination plant, the effluents, particularly, the brine is saturated with salt. The conventional dispensing system  1  includes a discharge tube  2  and a pump  4 . The discharge tube  2  collects effluents from an effluent reservoir through a first open end  2   a  thereof and delivers the affluents to the water body “b” through a second open end  2   b  thereof. Generally, the second open end  2   b  of the discharge tube  2  is submerged in the water body “b”. The discharge tube  2  is connected to and in fluid communication with pump  4  via fluid lines  6  for facilitating flow of effluent from the effluent collector to the water body “b” through the discharge tube  2 . The effluent discharged from the discharge tube is saturated with impurities. 
     However, such configuration of the discharge tube  2  for disposing effluents into the water body “b” has several drawbacks associated therewith. For example, the effluents end up settling at the bottom of the water body unmixed/undiluted. Accordingly, the concentration of the impurities in the effluent being discharged remains high due to insufficient and improper mixing of the effluents with the water of the water body. “b” Such effluent with high impurity concentration is particularly harmful to the flora and fauna of the water body “b”. In case the effluents are from a desalination plant, the high salinity and depleted-dissolved oxygen content are harmful to the flora and fauna of the water body. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a dispensing system that ensures proper mixing of the effluents with water of the water body before discharging the same into the water body, thereby diluting the effluents to reduce harmful effects of the effluents. Further, there is a need for a dispensing system that does not require additional dedicated mixing or diluting sub-systems for diluting the effluents before discharging the effluents to the water body but achieves mixing of the effluent with water for diluting the effluent while dispensing the effluent into the water body. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an effluent dispenser system to include all advantages of the prior art and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system that obviates the drawbacks of the conventional dispensing system. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system that achieves dilution and mixing of a first fluid with a second fluid that is outside a tubular element before discharging the first fluid from the tubular element. Particularly, the dispensing system of the present invention achieves dilution of effluents and improved aeration, thereby significantly reducing harmful effects of the effluents due to effluents with a high concentration of impurities mixing with water of water bodies. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system that does not require additional dedicated mixing or diluting sub-system for diluting a fluid before discharging the fluid. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a dispenser system is provided that includes at least one main tubular element, at least one nozzle, and openings formed on the main tubular element. The at least one nozzle receives and injects a first fluid inside the main tubular element. The openings in conjunction with the nozzle configure fluid circulation between inside and outside the main tubular element. 
     Generally, the main tubular element is of uniform cross-section. 
     Alternatively, the main tubular element is converging in the direction of the flow of the first fluid. 
     Preferably, the at least one nozzle is centrally disposed inside the main tubular element. 
     Particularly, the at least one nozzle receives the first fluid from a pump. 
     Generally, the at least one nozzle is disposed proximally to the openings. 
     Specifically, the at least one nozzle is a converging nozzle. 
     Further, the dispensing system includes a rotameter along a fluid line connecting the pump to the at least one nozzle. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main tubular element includes a plurality of auxiliary tubular elements emanating therefrom and in fluid communication therewith to configure fluid circulation of the second fluid from outside the main tubular element to inside the main tubular element. 
     Preferably, at least one of the auxiliary tubular elements is axially converging towards the main tubular element. 
     Further, the auxiliary tubular elements are angularly spaced with respect to each other along the periphery of the main tubular element. 
     More specifically, the auxiliary tubular elements are diametrically opposite to each other. 
     Particularly, the auxiliary tubular elements are inclined at an angle with respect to the main tubular element. 
     Generally, at least one of the auxiliary tubular elements is forming an acute angle with the corresponding main tubular element. 
     Preferably, the main tubular element has a diameter “D” that is at least 4 times the diameter “d” of the auxiliary tubular element. 
     Preferably, a first main tubular element and a second main tubular element are of different diameters, the first main tubular element is co-axially arranged with respect to the second main tubular element and an annular space between the first and second main tubular elements may define the fluid circulation loops. 
     More specifically, a first free end of the first main tubular element is co-axially received within the second main tubular element to define annular space between the first and second main tubular elements that may define the fluid circulation loops. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the second main tubular element is at least  1 . 2  times the diameter of the first main tubular element. 
     Also is disclosed a method of dispensing a first fluid in a second fluid body. The method includes the steps of submerging a main tubular element in the second fluid body, introducing the first fluid inside the main tubular element and simultaneously increasing the velocity of the first fluid inside the main tubular element. The method further includes the step of circulating the second fluid from outside the main tubular element inside the main tubular element through the openings formed on the main tubular element by virtue of increased fluid velocity of the first fluid in the main tubular element. The method includes the step of egressing the first fluid from the main tubular element after mixing the first fluid with the second fluid inside the main tubular element. 
     The step of introducing the first fluid inside the main tubular element and increasing the fluid velocity of the first fluid inside the main tubular element is achieved by injecting the first fluid inside the main tubular element through at least one nozzle. 
     This, together with the other aspects of the present invention, along with the other features describe the embodiments herein, and are pointed out with particularity in the claims to describe the present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic representation of a conventional dispensing system for discharging effluents into a body of water; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a schematic representation of a dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a schematic representation of a main tubular element of the dispensing system of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a schematic representation of a pair of main tubular elements in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a schematic representation of a main tubular element in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a block diagram depicting various steps involved in a method of dispensing a first fluid in a second fluid body. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 
     The terms, “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Although the present invention is explained within an example of a dispensing system for discharging effluent into a body of water, wherein the dispensing system includes at least one tubular element open at both ends and configured with openings for receiving water inside the tubular element. The tubular element receives at least one nozzle that injects the effluent inside the tubular element. The high-velocity effluent injected into the tubular element creates low pressure inside the tubular element due to “jet effect,” thereby causing fresh water from outside to enter inside the tubular element and mix with the effluent inside the tubular element and diluting the effluent inside tubular element before being discharged into the water body. However, such a dispensing system is also applicable in any applications, wherein it is required to mix fluids, particularly, the present invention is not limited to mixing effluent flowing inside a tube with other fluid flowing outside the tube before discharging the fluid from the tube. More specifically, the dispensing system is applicable in applications where it is required to enhance diffusion between fluids to dilute the fluid before discharge into a body of water. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , a schematic representation of a dispenser system  100  is illustrated. The dispenser system  100  is for discharging effluent into a water body “B”. The dispenser system  100  includes at least one main tubular element  10 , at least one nozzle  20 , and openings  30  formed on the main tubular element  10 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a schematic representation of the main tubular element  10 . Generally, the main tubular element  10  is open at both ends  10   a  and  10   b . The first open end  10   a  of the tubular element  10  permits passage of a fluid flow line  50  that supplies the effluent inside the main tubular element  10  through the nozzle  20  while the second end  10   b  discharges the effluent from the main tubular element  10  into the water body “B”. Further, the main tubular element  10  is of uniform cross-section. Alternatively, the main tubular element  10  is of converging cross-section in a direction of flow of a first fluid to increase the fluid velocity of the first fluid inside the main tubular element  10 . The tubular element  10  can be of any cross-section such as a square or circular cross-section. There may also be two main tubular elements  10  and  11  that are coaxially arranged with respect to each other as illustrated in  FIG.  4    and such configuration of the dispenser system  100  is described below. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the main tubular element  10 , particularly, whether the main tubular element  10  is of a single piece construction or of modular construction. 
     At least one nozzle  20  is disposed within the main tubular element  10 . Also, the nozzle  20  can be disposed outside the main tubular element  10  but capable of injecting the first fluid, effluent to be discharged in this case inside the main tubular element  10 . Generally, the nozzle  20  is centrally located with respect to the cross section of the main tubular element  10  and inside the main tubular element  10 . Alternatively, the nozzle  20  is eccentrically located with respect to the cross-section of the main tubule element  10 . Multiple nozzles are disposed along the length of the main tubular element  10 . The nozzle  20  receives effluent to be discharged into the water body “B” and injects the effluent inside the tubular element  10 . Generally, the nozzle  20  receives the effluent from pump  40 . However, other means can be used for increasing the head / energy of the effluent before injecting it through the nozzle  20 . With the pump  40  delivering effluent to the nozzle, the fluid velocity of the effluent injected by the nozzle  20  is increased. Generally, a rotameter  50  is disposed along a fluid line  60  connecting the pump  40  to the nozzle  20  for controlling the effluent flow to the nozzle  20 . Further, multiple nozzles  20  can be disposed at the same level inside the main tubular element  10  to inject the effluent inside the main tubular element  10 . The nozzle  20  is a converging nozzle. The high-velocity effluent injected by the nozzle  20  inside the main tubular element  10  creates low pressure inside the main tubular element  10  due to “jet effect,” thereby causing fresh water from outside to enter inside the main tubular element  10  through the openings  30  and mix with the effluent inside the main tubular element  10  to dilute the effluent inside tubular element  10  before being discharged into the water body. Such configuration provides improved dilution and aeration of the effluents, thereby mitigating the harmful effect of the effluent due to a high concentration of impurities by diluting the effluent. However, the present invention is not limited number and placement of the nozzles  20  disposed inside the main tubular element  10  as long as the nozzle is capable of injecting effluent inside the main tubular element  10  and creating low pressure inside the main tubular element  10 . 
     The openings  30  may be formed on the main tubular element  10 . More specifically, the openings  30  in conjunction with the nozzle  20  enable fluid circulation between inside and outside the main tubular element  10 . The openings  30  enable fluid circulation loops for circulation of a second fluid, water from the body of water from outside the main tubular element  10  into the main tubular element  10 . Generally, the openings  30  are formed proximal to the position of the nozzle  20  inside the main tubular element  10 . Particularly, the nozzle  20  is positioned proximal to the position of the openings  30  formed on the first tubular element  10 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the main tubular element  10  includes a plurality of auxiliary tubular elements  12  emanating therefrom and in fluid communication therewith to configure fluid circulation loops for circulation of the fresh water into the main tubular element  10 . The auxiliary tubular elements  12  are either integrally formed with the main tubular element  10  or are separate from the main tubular element  10  and joined to the main tubular element  10  by any joining means such as bolted connection or any joining processes such as welding. Each of the auxiliary tubular elements  12  may have a diameter “d” substantially smaller compared to the diameter “D” of the main tubular element  10 . Specifically, the diameter “D” of the main tubular element  10  is at least 4 times the diameter “d” of the auxiliary tubes  20 . Such configuration of the auxiliary tubular element  12  with substantially small diameter than the main tubular element  10  improves the inflow of the water inside the auxiliary tubular element  12  due to capillary action, thereby resulting in an improved inflow of the water inside the main tubular element  10 . The auxiliary tubular elements  12  are angularly spaced with respect to each other along the periphery of the main tubular element  10 . The auxiliary tubular elements  12  may be located diametrically opposite to each other. Each of the auxiliary tubular elements  12  includes a first open end  12   a  for ingress of the water therein and a second open end  12   b  for egress of the water therefrom. The second open end  12   b  is aligned with corresponding opening  30  to configure fluid communication between the auxiliary tubular element  12  and the main tubular element  10  in a fluid-tight manner. Accordingly, the water egressing from the auxiliary tubular element  12  ingresses into the main tubular element  10  due to low pressure inside the main tubular element  10 . 
     Generally, the auxiliary tubular elements  12  are inclined at an angle with respect to the main tubular element  10  to facilitate inflow of the water from outside the main tubular element  10  to inside the main tubular element  10 . Specifically, at least one of the auxiliary tubular elements  12  is forming an acute angle with the corresponding main tubular element  10 . At least one of the auxiliary tubular elements  12  converges towards the main tubular element  10  along an axis thereof as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . More specifically, the diameter d 1  at the first open end  12   a  is comparatively more than the diameter d 2  at the second open end  12   b . Such a configuration of the auxiliary tubular elements  12  creates a venturi effect at the interface between the main tubular element  10  and the auxiliary tubular element  12  to further improve the inflow of the fresh water from outside the main tubular element  10  to inside the main tubular element  10 . However, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration, number, and placement of the auxiliary tubular elements  12  with respect to the main tubular element  10  as long as the auxiliary tubular elements are capable of supplying fresh water from outside the main tubular element  10  to inside the main tubular element  10 . 
     Instead of the openings  30  or the auxiliary tubular elements  12  formed on the main tubular element  10  for the circulation of the water from outside the main tubular element  10  to inside of the main tubular element  10 , two main tubular elements  10  and  11  can be arranged co-axially to each other. The first main tubular element  10  and the second main tubular element  11  are of different diameters. The first main tubular element  10  is co-axially arranged with respect to the second main tubular element  11  to define an annular space between the first and second main tubular elements  10  and  11 , wherein the annular space configures the fluid circulation loops. More specifically, the first main tubular element  10  being of comparatively smaller diameter D 1  than the diameter D 2  of the second main tubular element  11 , a first free end  10   a  of the first main tubular element  10  is co-axially received within the second main tubular element first end  11   a  to define annular space between the first and second main tubular elements  10  and  11  that enables the fluid circulation loops. Generally, the diameter D 2  shown at the second main tubular element second end ll b  of the second main tubular element is at least 1.2 times the diameter D 1  of the first main tubular element  10 . 
     Also is disclosed a method  200  of dispensing a first fluid in a second fluid body “B”.  FIG.  6    illustrates a block diagram depicting the various steps involved in the method  200  and the method  200  is to be understood with reference to the following description along with the  FIG.  6   . The method  200  includes the step  102  of submerging a main tubular element  10  in the second fluid body “B”, thereafter, the step  104  of introducing the first fluid inside the main tubular element  10  and simultaneously increasing the velocity of the first fluid inside the main tubular element  10 . The method  200  further includes the step  106  of circulating the second fluid from outside the main tubular element  10  inside the main tubular element  10  through the openings  30  formed on the main tubular element  10  by virtue of increased fluid velocity of the first fluid in the main tubular element  10 . The method  200  includes the step  108  of egressing the first fluid from the main tubular element  10  after mixing the first fluid with the second fluid inside the main tubular element  10 . The various steps of the method  200  are depicted by blocks in the flow diagram and any number of steps described as method blocks can be combined in any order or can be performed simultaneously to employ the method  200 , or an alternative method. Additionally, individual blocks may be added or deleted in the flow diagram depicting the method  200  without departing from the scope and ambit of the present invention. 
     The step  104  of introducing the first fluid inside the main tubular element  10  and increasing fluid velocity of the first fluid inside the main tubular element  10  is achieved by injecting the first fluid inside the main tubular element  10  through the at least one nozzle  20 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best use the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.