Patent Application
20240286066
The present disclosure relates to bubble traps for use in removing gas bubbles from a liquid stream and, more particularly, to 3D printed bubble traps and methods of manufacture.
Bubble traps are commonly used on chromatograph machines for removing gas bubbles from the liquid stream being processed. Typical bubble traps have a cylindrical configuration that includes a top plate, an opposing bottom plate and a cylindrical sleeve that extends therebetween. The bubble trap bounds a cavity through which the liquid stream passes. Specifically, the bottom plate is commonly formed with an inlet for receiving the liquid stream and an outlet for removing the liquid stream. The top plate is commonly formed with a gas outlet. As the liquid stream enters the cavity of the bubble trap, the flow rate of the liquid stream slows allowing gas to escape from the liquid and collect within the cavity. Controlled removal of the collected gas can then be achieved through the gas outlet.
Although conventional bubble traps are effective for their intended purpose, they commonly have significant shortcomings. By way of example, many bubble traps are expensive to make and thus are designed to be reused. For example, the top and bottom plate are commonly made of metal while the sleeve extending therebetween is made of glass. The resulting bubble traps are thus expensive as a result of materials, manufacturing and assembly. Furthermore, reuse of the bubble traps requires cleaning and sterilization which can be expensive, time consuming and labor intensive. In addition, assembling the bubble traps from multiple parts increases the risk of leaking which can result in contamination of the fluid being processed. Forming the bubble trap from multiple parts also increases the formation of creases or cracks where the fluid can stagnate and contaminates can hide.
To avoid leaking or other failure of the bubble traps from elevated gas pressure within the cavity, the bubble traps are often over designed, thereby further increasing the cost while producing bulky and often unwieldy bubble traps. Other bubble traps have been formed from polymeric materials. However, these bubble traps are again typically made from multiple components that must be assembled together and thus suffer many of the above discussed problems.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art are bubble traps that solve one or more of the above discussed problems or shortcomings.
A first independent aspect of a bubble trap for removing gas bubbles from a liquid stream includes:
A second independent aspect of a bubble trap for removing gas bubbles from a liquid stream includes:
A third independent aspect of a bubble trap for removing gas bubbles from a liquid stream includes:
In one alternative exemplary embodiment, the interior surface of the upper body portion is concave.
In another exemplary embodiment, the first center point is disposed at an intersection between the axis and the first plane.
In another exemplary embodiment, a line segment extending along the axis from the first center point to the gas outlet port is longer than a line segment extending along the axis from the first center point to the liquid inlet port.
In another exemplary embodiment, a second plane passes through the axis in parallel alignment with the axis and orthogonal to the first plane, the second plane intersecting with the interior surface of the upper body portion so as to form a first curve along the intersection.
In another exemplary embodiment, the first curve is an arc having a second radius from a fixed second center point that is spaced apart from the first center point.
In another exemplary embodiment, the second radius has a length that is at least 1.2, 1.4, 1.6., 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 or 2.6 times longer than a length of the first radius.
In another exemplary embodiment, a second plane passes through the axis in parallel alignment with the axis so as to intersect with the interior surface of the upper body portion along a first arc and an opposing second arc extending from the first plane to the upper end, the first arc having a first radius extending from a first center point and the second arc having a second radius extending from a second center point, the first radius being equal to the second radius but the first center point being spaced apart from the second center point.
In another exemplary embodiment, the lower cavity portion is hemispherical.
In another exemplary embodiment, the body is formed as a single, integral, unitary member as opposed to two or more members connected together.
In another exemplary embodiment, the body, tubular spout, liquid inlet port, liquid outlet port, and gas outlet port are formed as a single, integral unitary member as opposed to two or more members connected together.
In another exemplary embodiment, the body, tubular spout, liquid inlet port, liquid outlet port, and gas outlet port are formed by 3D printing.
In another exemplary embodiment, the only communication with the cavity is through the liquid inlet port, liquid outlet port, or gas outlet port.
In another exemplary embodiment, the body can withstand a pressure with the cavity of at least 200 kPa, 250 kPa, 300 kPa, 350 kPa, 400 kPa, 450 kPa, or 500 kPa without failure of the body.
In another exemplary embodiment, a thickness of the body extending between the interior surface and the exterior surface is in a range between 1 mm and 6 mm with between 1 mm and 4 mm being more common.
In another exemplary embodiment, the upper body portion has a first thickness extending between the interior surface and the exterior surface thereof and the lower body portion a second thickness extending between the interior surface and the exterior surface thereof, the first thickness being the same as the second thickness.
In another exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface of the body has the same configuration as the interior surface of the body.
In another exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface of the body has an ovoid configuration with a single axis of symmetry.
In another exemplary embodiment, the body is transparent or translucent.
In another exemplary embodiment, the body is comprised of a polymer.
In another exemplary embodiment, the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port each comprise a tubular stem bounding a port.
In another exemplary embodiment, the axis passes through the liquid inlet port and
the gas outlet port.
In another exemplary embodiment, the axis passes through the gas outlet port and between the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port.
Another exemplary embodiment further includes a gas valve coupled to the gas outlet port.
In another exemplary embodiment, a proximity sensor is disposed on or adjacent to the exterior surface of the body.
In another exemplary embodiment, the channel of the tubular spout outwardly flares as it projects into the cavity.
In another exemplary embodiment, the channel of the tubular spout has a central longitudinal axis that is aligned with or extends parallel to the axis of the cavity of the body.
In another exemplary embodiment, the channel of the tubular spout has a central longitudinal axis that extends at an angle that is oblique to the axis of the cavity of the body.
In another exemplary embodiment, the axis of the channel of the tubular spout and the axis of the cavity of the body form an inside angle therebetween that is at 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, or 70°.
In another exemplary embodiment, the channel of the tubular spout faces outward toward the interior surface of the body and away from the axis of the cavity of the body.
In another exemplary embodiment, the tubular spout has an annular end face disposed within the cavity that encircles the channel.
In another exemplary embodiment, when the axis is vertically aligned, the annular end face is vertically spaced apart from the body by a distance of at least 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, or 5 cm.
In another exemplary embodiment, the tubular spout further comprises a skirt having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface that both radially, outwardly flare from the end face to the interior surface of the body.
In another exemplary embodiment, the tubular spout terminates at an annular end face disposed within the cavity and encircling the channel, the end face being disposed within a plane that intersects with the axis of the cavity of the body at an oblique angle.
In another exemplary embodiment, the liquid inlet port projects directly from the tubular spout and is spaced apart from the body.
In another exemplary embodiment, an annular locking sleeve projects from the body and encircles the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port.
In a fourth independent aspect, a bubble trap is provided for removing gas bubbles from a liquid stream, the bubble trap including:
In one exemplary embodiment, the channel of the tubular spout radially, outwardly flares along a length thereof.
In a fifth independent aspect, a method for manufacturing a bubble trap for removing gas bubbles from a liquid stream includes:
One alternative exemplary embodiment further includes:
In another exemplary embodiment, the lower body portion and the upper body portion are printed as a single continuous 3D printing process.
In another exemplary embodiment, the upper body portion is 3D printed without printing a support structure on the interior surface of the upper body portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, the upper body portion is 3D printed without printing a support structure on the exterior surface of the upper body portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, 3D printing the lower body portion further comprises 3D printing a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port on the lower body portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, 3D printing the lower body portion further comprises 3D printing a tubular spout on the interior surface of the lower body portion, the tubular spout encircling a channel that is in direct communication with the fluid inlet port.
In another exemplary embodiment, 3D printing the upper body portion further comprises 3D printing a gas outlet port on the upper body portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, a stereolithography (SLA) printer is used in 3D printing the lower body portion and the upper body portion.
It is appreciated that each of the features, elements, methods steps and other aspects set forth above or otherwise disclosed herein can be combined with each of the independent aspects set forth herein.
Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.
Before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularly exemplified apparatus, systems, methods, or process parameters that may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.
All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The term “comprising” which is synonymous with “including.” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a.” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “port” includes one, two, or more ports.
As used in the specification and appended claims, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right.” “up.” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “proximal,” “distal” and the like are used herein solely to indicate relative directions and are not otherwise intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.
Where possible, like numbering of elements have been used in various figures. Furthermore, multiple instances of an element and or sub-elements of a parent element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. For example, two instances of a particular element “10” may be labeled as “10A” and “10B”. In that case, the element label may be used without an appended letter (e.g., “10”) to generally refer to all instances of the element or any one of the elements. Element labels including an appended letter (e.g., “10A”) can be used to refer to a specific instance of the element or to distinguish or draw attention to multiple uses of the element. Furthermore, an element label with an appended letter can be used to designate an alternative design, structure, function, implementation, and/or embodiment of an element. For example, two alternative exemplary embodiments of a particular element may be labeled as “10A” and “10B”. In that case, the element label may be used without an appended letter (e.g., “10”) to generally refer to all instances of the alternative embodiments or any one of the alternative embodiments.
Various aspects of the present devices and systems may be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, and/or “joined” are used to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, and/or “directly joined” to another component, there are no intervening elements present. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “connection,” “connected,” and the like do not necessarily imply direct contact between the two or more elements.
Various aspects of the present devices, systems, and methods may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the terms “exemplary,” “embodiment,” and “exemplary embodiment” mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as required or as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments disclosed herein.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Although a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present disclosure, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.
The present disclosure relates generally to bubble traps for use in removing gas bubbles from a liquid stream and, more particularly, to three dimensional (3D) printed gas bubble traps and methods of manufacture. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the bubble traps disclosed herein can be used in combination with a variety of different apparatus that process liquid streams and where it is desired to remove gas bubbles from such streams. By way of example, the disclosed gas bubble traps can be used in biological processes and equipment, including but not limited to with chromatography systems, bioreactors, homogenizers, cell culture systems and vessels, magnetic bead processing systems for cell therapy, fermenters, fluid management systems, mixers, storage containers and/or other equipment capable of producing, mixing, managing and storing biological reagents and end-products.
Depicted in
Turning to
In one exemplary embodiment, bubble trap 10 or body 12 thereof is configured so that it can be formed by 3D printing as a single, integral, unitary member as opposed to two or more members connected together. For reasons as will be discussed below in greater detail, to accomplish this objective, body 12 is formed having a unique configuration that is at least partially asymmetric. Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, body 12 can have an axis 30 that centrally extends through cavity 28 of body 12 between upper end 14 and lower end 16. Axis 30 can be a central longitudinal axis and, as discussed below in more detail, can be an axis of symmetry. That is, in one exemplary embodiment body 12 and/or cavity 28 can be symmetrical about axis 30. Although not required, in one exemplary embodiment, axis 30 centrally passes through liquid inlet port 18 at lower end 16 and through gas outlet port 22 at upper end 14. That is, ports 18 and 22 can be aligned at opposing end of body 12. In alternative exemplary embodiments, liquid inlet port 18 and/or gas outlet port 22 can be offset from axis 30 so that axis 30 passes through only one or neither of ports 18 and 22.
A first plane 32 can extend through body 12 orthogonal to axis 30 so as to divide body 12 into an upper body portion 36 that terminates at upper end 14 and a lower body portion 38 that terminates at lower end 16. First plane 32 can also divide cavity 28 into an upper cavity portion 40 disposed within upper body portion 36 and a lower cavity portion 42 disposed within the lower body portion 38. In this exemplary embodiment, upper body portion 36 and lower body portion 38 are not symmetrical about plane 32 and thus have different shapes. Likewise, upper cavity portion 40 and lower cavity portion 42 are not symmetrical about plane 32 and thus have different shapes.
In general terms, interior surface 24 of upper body portion 36 and lower body portion 38 each have a cup shaped configuration, e.g., a three-dimensional concave configuration. More specifically, in one exemplary embodiment interior surface 24 of lower body portion 38, which bounds lower cavity portion 42, has the configuration of a portion of a sphere. Thus, interior surface 24 of lower body portion 38 can have a constant radius R1 from a fixed center point 46. In one exemplary embodiment, center point 46 is located at the intersection between axis 30 and first plane 32 so that interior surface 24 of lower body portion 38 is hemispherical. In alternative exemplary embodiments, center point 46 may be disposed on axis 30 but be offset from first plane 32 so as to form a portion of a sphere that is less than hemispherical.
It is appreciated that bubble trap 10 and body 12 can have a variety of different sizes depending upon their desired application. However, in one exemplary embodiment, radius R1 has a value of at least or less than 4 cm, 6 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm or is in a range between any two of the foregoing values. Other values can also be used. Because of the configuration of interior surface 24 of lower body portion 38, lower cavity portion 42 has the configuration of a spherical dome bounded by first plane 32, i.e., lower cavity portion 42 forms a portion of a sphere cut off by first plane 32. Lower cavity portion 42 can be a hemisphere or less than a hemisphere.
In contrast to interior surface 24 of lower body portion 38 which is in the configuration of a portion of a sphere, interior surface 24 of upper body portion 36 does not have the configuration of a portion of a sphere and is not hemispherical. Likewise, interior surface 24 of upper body portion 36 does not have a constant radius from a fixed center point. Accordingly, upper cavity portion 40 is not hemispherical and does not form a spherical dome. Rather, upper cavity portion 40 bounded by interior surface 24 of upper body portion 36 is elongated along axis 30. More specifically, when measured from center point 46, i.e., the intersection of axis 30 and first plane 32, interior surface 24 of upper body portion 36 has a line segment LS to interior surface 24 that varies over interior surface 24. For example, line segment LS extending from center point 46 along axis 30 to a point P1 where axis 30 intersect with outlet port 22 or interior surface 24 has a length L1 that is longer than a line segment LS having a length L2 extending from center point 46 to a point P2 where first plane 32 intersects with interior surface 24. In some exemplary embodiments, the length L2 of line segment LS is equal to the length of R1. In one exemplary embodiment, length L1 of line segment LS is at least 1.2, 1.4, 1.6., 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 or 2.6 times longer than the length L2 of line segment LS or is in a range between any two of the foregoing values. Furthermore, as viewed in
Furthermore, with reference to
In view of the foregoing differences between upper body portion 36 and lower body portion 38 and thus the corresponding differences between upper cavity portion 40 and lower cavity portion 42, in one exemplary embodiment cavity 28 and/or body 12 has the configuration of an ovoid wherein axis 30 forms a single axis of symmetry. Benefits of the configuration of body 12 and cavity 28 as discussed above will be discussed below in greater detail.
Although not required, in one exemplary embodiment body 12 has a uniform or substantially uniform thickness extending between interior surface 24 and exterior surface 26. As a result, exterior surface 26 can have the same configuration as interior surface 24, as discussed above. For example, interior surface 23 and exterior surface 26 of body 12 can have the configuration of an ovoid wherein axis 30 forms a single axis of symmetry. Furthermore, exterior surface 26 of lower body portion 38 can have the configuration of a portion of a sphere, such as a hemisphere, while exterior surface 26 of upper body portion 36 is elongated and does not have the configuration of a portion of a sphere. In one exemplary embodiment, the thickness of body 12 between interior surface 24 and exterior surface 26, for both upper body portion 36 and lower body portion 38 is in a range between 1 mm and 6 mm with between 1 mm and 5 mm or between 1 mm and 4 mm being more common. The thickness for both upper body portion 36 and lower body portion 38 can be the same. Other thicknesses can be used depending on the application.
Continuing with
As more clearly shown in the cross-sectional view of
Tubular spout 60 also includes an annular skirt 74 having an interior surface 73 and an opposing exterior surface 75 that extend between a lower first end 76 and an opposing upper second end 78. Lower first end 76 of skirt 74 is secured to body 12 at lower end 16 so as to encircle an opening 84 passing between interior surface 24 and exterior surface 26 of body 12. Sleeve 68 and/or liquid inlet port 18 can pass out through opening 84. Upper second end 78 of skirt 74 projects into cavity 28 and is secured to second end 72 of sleeve 68. Although not required, in the depicted exemplary embodiment both interior surface 73 and exterior surface 75 of skirt 74 radially inwardly flare as they extend from first end 76 to second end 78. An annular slot 80 is bound between exterior surface 71 of sleeve 68 and interior surface 73 of skirt 74. In one exemplary embodiment, slot 80 has a V-shaped transverse cross section. As more clearly shown in
It is appreciated that ports 18, 20, and 22 can have a variety of different configurations and that they are designed so that a tube can be coupled thereto. With reference to
Ports 20 and 22 can have a configuration the same as or similar to liquid inlet port 18. For example, with reference to
Likewise, gas outlet port 22 can also comprise a tubular stem 88C that encircles a port opening 90C that communicates directly with cavity 28. A first end of stem 88C can connect directly to body 12 at upper end 14. An optional annular barb 91C encircles an opposing second end of stem 88C. Barb 91C can function to engage a flexible tube that is advanced over stem 88C so as to form a liquid tight seal therewith. An annular base 92C can optionally be formed radially outwardly projecting from the first end of stem 88C. Base 92C adds strength and stability to stem 88C and provides a flat face 94C against which the tube passing over stem 88C can be pushed for proper positioning and engagement. Again, alternatives discussed above with regard to port 18 are also applicable to port 22.
As previously discussed, in one exemplary embodiment bubble trap 10 or body 12 is specifically configured so that they can be formed by 3D printing as a single, integral, unitary member as opposed to two or more members connected together. By 3D printing bubble trap 10/body 12 as a unitary member, bubble trap 10/body 12 can be formed at minimal expense, with minimal labor and with a lower risk of leaking. For example, by configuring bubble trap 10 to be 3D printed as a unitary member, bubble trap 10 can be configured to use minimal material, thereby reducing cost, while simultaneously being designed to withstand desired pressure loads without leaking or failure. Furthermore, by forming bubble trap 10 as a unitary member, assembling or coupling together two or more parts of the bubble trap is eliminated. This simplifies production by eliminating labor for assembly and further minimizes the risk of leaking which most commonly occurs at the joint between the connected parts. In addition, the printed, unitary, bubble trap can be efficiently formed so as to eliminate or minimize creases or cracks (such as where parts are commonly joined together) where bacteria or other contaminates can reside which can contaminate the liquid flowing through the bubble trap. Still further, because the printed bubble traps are relatively inexpensive to make, they can be economically disposed of after a single use, thereby avoiding cleaning and sterilization. In addition to having functional properties, bubble trap 10 is designed having sleek esthetic properties so as to create a unique and pleasing appearance.
From one perspective, it could be desired to produce a bubble trap having a body with a spherical configuration. That is, in general, a spherical geometry is an optimal shape for a pressure vessel. Thus, a bubble trap formed having a spherical body could be optimally formed to minimize material cost. i.e., minimize wall thickness of the body, while maximizing pressure resistance. However, spherical configurations can be difficult to 3D print without adding a support structure within the sphere. For example, in one method of 3D printing a sphere, the sphere is printed from the bottom up. As the lower half of the sphere is being printed, the sphere does not have sufficient structural strength to be self-supporting during printing. As such, a support structure is concurrently printed on the exterior surface of the lower half of the sphere during formation. The support structure provides sufficient structural strength so that the lower hemisphere does not deform or fail during the printing process.
The same problem also occurs as the upper half of the sphere is being printed on the lower hemisphere. However, to support the upper hemisphere, the support structure needs to be concurrently printed on the interior surface of the upper hemisphere, i.e., within the cavity of the sphere. Once the completed sphere has cured, the support structure can be easily removed from the exterior surface of the lower hemisphere. However, it can be very difficult to remove the support structure formed within the cavity. With regard to the bubble trap, in theory, the support structure could be removed from the cavity through one of the ports formed on the body. However, this can be difficult and time consuming to achieve and produces a high risk that portions of the support structure may remain within the cavity. In turn, remnants of the support structure within the cavity could pass out through the liquid outlet port with the liquid being processed, thereby potentially damaging or interfering with operation of the equipment on which the bubble trap is being used and/or interfering with use of the liquid.
To avoid the foregoing problems, exemplary bubble traps 10, as disclosed herein, are configured so as to eliminate the need to print a support structure withing cavity 28 but can still be optimized to minimize material cost while achieving desired pressure levels. For example, as previously discussed, lower body portion 38 of body 12 can be formed with interior surface 24 and exterior surface 26 thereof each having a hemispherical configuration (or a configuration of a portion of a sphere) with a substantially constant thickness extending therebetween. This configuration optimizes the production and pressure capacity for lower body portion 38, as discussed above. Bubble trap 10 can be 3D printed using different printing processes. In one exemplary embodiment, bubble trap 10 is printed using stereolithography (SLA) printing, i.e., using a stereolithography (SLA) printer. Bubble trap 10 can also be made using other types of 3D printing/printers.
With reference to
Ports 18 and 20 and spout 60 can also be designed to simplify and optimize production by of bubble trap 10 by 3D printing. For example, ports 18 and 20 are formed as simple, cylindrical structures. Spout 60 could be made with slot 80 (
As previously discussed, upper body portion 36 has a non-hemispherical, elongated configuration so as to be self-supporting during 3D printing and subsequent curing, thereby eliminating the need for a supporting structure to me concurrently printed or otherwise positioned or formed within cavity 28 or against interior surface 24. For example, as depicted in
Depending on the printing process used, once printing of bubble trap 10 with support structure 100 is completed, bubble trap 10 can be rinsed to remove unwanted resin and then cured. Curing is typically achieved by applying UV light either through the application of natural sunlight or through the use of a UV lamp, such as within an enclosed chamber. Depending on the stability of bubble trap 10 after initial printing, support structure 100 can be removed prior to or after the curing step. Support structure 100 can typically be removed manually without the required use of tools or instrument. However, various tools/instruments, such as pliers, can be used to remove support structure 100 from bubble trap 10 so as to produce a smooth, more finished, exterior surface 26. As previously discussed, no removal of a support structure from within cavity 28 is required and there is no risk of any remnant support structure being carried out from cavity 28 by fluid flowing therethrough.
In one exemplary embodiment, bubble trap 10 is made of a polymeric material, such as those commonly used in 3D printing. The polymer can be a medical grade polymer, such as one that can be sterilized by irradiation. In another exemplary embodiment, the polymer can be a transparent or translucent polymer so that the fluid level/fluid flow can be seen within bubble trap 10. For example, bubble trap 10 can be produced from BIOCLEAR. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the material can be opaque and alternative materials can be used.
Once fully formed and cured, bubble trap 10/body 12 can typically withstand a pressure within cavity 28 without leaking and/or failure of at least 200 kPa, 250 kPa, 300 kPa, 350 kPa, 400 kPa, 450 kPa, or 500 kPa or in a range between any two of the foregoing. In another exemplary embodiment, bubble trap 10/body 12 can typically withstand a pressure within cavity 28 without leaking and/or failure of at least 100 psi (689 kPa), 150 psi (1,034 kPa), 200 psi (1,379 kPa), 250 psi (1,724 kPa), 300 psi (2,068 kPa), or 400 psi (2,759 kPa) or in a range between any two of the foregoing. By varying the thickness of body 12, higher pressure values can also be reached.
Turning to
With reference to
The height level of top surface 120 and thus the resident time of the liquid within bubble trap 10 can be controlled in a variety of different ways. In one exemplary embodiment, a proximity sensor 122 is positioned adjacent bubble trap 10 so that it can detect the height level of top surface 120. Proximity sensor 122 and gas valve 116 can be electrically coupled to and controlled by a programmable central processing unit (CPU) 124. For example, based on signals generated by proximity sensor 122, CPU 124 determines when the height level of top surface 120 reaches a minimum desired height within cavity 28. CPU 124 then signals to gas valve 116 to temporarily open, thereby allowing a portion of the gas within cavity 28 to escape to the environment. As gas escapes to the environment, the pressure within cavity 28 decreases, thereby causing the height level of top surface 120 of the pooled liquid to rise. A predetermined quantity of gas is released so that the height level of top surface 120 is raised to a maximum desired height. The pressure is then permitted to gradually increase until the height level of top surface 120 again reaches the minimum desired height within cavity 28 and the process is then repeated. The maximum and minimum height level for top surface 120 during operation of bubble trap 10 are typically in a range between 80% and 20% of the height of cavity 28 with between 80% and 40% or between 80% and 60% of the height of cavity 28 being more common. Although bubble trap 10 can operate with the height level of top surface 120 being below end face 64 of spout 60, the height level of top surface 120 is typically above end face 64 of spout 60 during operation.
Depicted in
In general, bubble trap 10A can include body 12 having upper end 14 and opposing lower end 16. A liquid inlet port 18A and a liquid outlet port 20A can be disposed at lower end 16 of body 12 while gas outlet port 22 can be disposed at upper end 14 of body 12. As previously discussed, body 12 has interior surface 24 and opposing exterior surface 26 that both extend between upper end 14 and opposing lower end 16. Body 12 and particularly interior surface 24 thereof bound cavity 28 that extends between upper end 14 and opposing lower end 16. Each of liquid inlet port 18A, liquid outlet port 20A, and gas outlet port 22 are disposed so as to communicate with cavity 28. In contrast to bubble trap 10 where axis 30 passes through both gas outlet port 22 and liquid inlet port 18 (see
As with bubble trap 10, in one exemplary embodiment, bubble trap 10A and/or body 12 thereof are configured so that they can be formed by 3D printing as a single, integral, unitary member as opposed to two or more members connected together. As previously discussed, to enable the 3D printing of body 12, body 12 is formed having a unique configuration that is at least partially asymmetric. Again, all of the prior discussion with regard to the configuration, dimensions, method of formation, and alternatives of body 12, as previously discussed with regard to bubble trap 10, are also applicable to body 12 of bubble trap 10A and thus are not repeated.
As depicted in
Channel 62A radially, outwardly flares from a first end 70A that communicates with liquid inlet port 18A to an opposing second end 72A that terminates at end face 64A. As with channel 62 of bubble trap 10, the outward flaring of channel 62A both slows the liquid stream entering from liquid inlet port 18A to help gas bubbles escape and slows the liquid stream to help prevent any liquid from splashing or otherwise reaching gas outlet port 22. The flaring of channel 62A thus helps prevent any of the liquid stream from passing out through gas outlet port 22. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, it can be desirable to improve the mixing of the liquid stream as the liquid stream passes through the bubble trap. The angling of channel 62A, relative to channel 60 of bubble trap 10, helps direct the liquid stream more directly towards inside face 24 of body 12. This directing of the liquid stream helps improve mixing of the liquid stream by increasing the shear force applied to the liquid stream and increasing the turbulence of the liquid stream.
As shown in the
Turning to
An annular locking sleeve 132A projects from lower end 16 of body 12 so as to encircle liquid inlet port 18A and a liquid outlet port 20A. Locking sleeve 132A includes an annular sleeve body 134A projecting from lower end 16 of body 12 and one or more locking elements 136A formed on or projecting from sleeve body 134A. In the depicted embodiment, the one or more locking elements 136A comprises a pair of spaced apart flanges outwardly projecting from sleeve body 134A. The flanges can be used for mounting bubble trap 10A on a stand, such as through the use of a twist coupling or through the use of a clamp. Other locking elements such as tabs, threads, snap-fit connectors, bayonet connectors or the like can also be used.
Finally, returning to
Again, bubble trap 10A can be formed using 3D printing using the same methods and alternatives as previously discussed with regard to bubble trap 10. Likewise, bubble trap 10A can be used in the same way and with the same alternatives as previously discussed with regard to bubble trap 10. However, bubble trap 10A has increased mixing of the fluid stream and decreased chance of a portion of the fluid stream passing out through gas outlet port 22, relative to bubble trap 10.
Various alterations and/or modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, can be made to the illustrated exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and are to be considered within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. While a number of methods and components similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice embodiments of the present disclosure, only certain components and methods are described herein.
It will also be appreciated that systems, processes, and/or products according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other exemplary embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Accordingly, the various features of certain exemplary embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific exemplary embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other exemplary embodiments can also include said features without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, processes, products, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.
The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described exemplary embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. While certain exemplary s and details have been included herein and in the attached disclosure for purposes of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods, products, devices, and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure or of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/245,302, filed Sep. 17, 2021, which is incorporated herein by specific reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2022/076542 | 9/16/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63245302 | Sep 2021 | US |
